Just head west to the Sword Coast and then travel North as far as you can. You will find yourself in the harsh lands of Icewind Dale. Frost Giants and Barbarian tribes will be encountered should you brave the vast landscape of cold white. There are many others who make this region their home... the residents of the frigid Ten Towns, outcasts, refugees, and ne’re-do-wells, have survived here for hundreds of years among the crag cats, yetis and more than few reindeer.. eeking out a living through hunting, trapping, and fishing for knucklehead trout. They have seen devastating wars and bitter winters and still refused to migrate South. Some even make a good living as artists, carving the ivory-like bone of the Knucklehead trout as the realms-famous Scrimshanders.
Many have begun to reconsider in these recent days however. The weather has turned more bitter than any winter on record and there is quiet talk of a fearsome curse that has been laid on the Ten Towns. It is 1492 DR - The Year of Three Ships Sailing.
This PBP campaign will be somewhat different. We will be using a variation on the idea called Textplay. We have four different Writers/DMs who will be taking turns narrating the adventure of our PCs through Rime of the Frostmaiden.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Helena Introduction Part 1
“Brand-new members of the Luskar Deliverers, I am proud to announce that your first adventure is about to begin!” Speaking is Parcelmaster Lennart Bassk, leader of the Luskar Deliverers, Helena's new mercenary company. He is a half-orc with a broad and attractive physique, and dresses in a sharp suit. “We’ve been contacted by a number of people throughout Luskan, all of whom have deliveries bound for the north. Your fellows are currently outfitting a ship to take you northward, called the Icebreaker. I have assembled a map of this city, and a list of people with packages for you to find. Helena sighs, wondering just how she had sunk so low as to do delivery work. She was a scribe after all, not someone to carry packages from here to there. Times were tough though, and you had to take the work you could get. She tucked some mousey-brown hair behind an ear as she looked around, taking in the others of her new delivery band. She found it interesting the group was made up of all women. An elf stood a bit apart, with auburn hair, pointed ears, and wearing a rapier at her hip. She wore no armor, not even leathers, and there was a component pouch at her hip, marking her as a spellcaster of some sort. In contrast a longbow was slung over her shoulder, along with a quiver of arrows. The other two were both humans, one with dark chestnut hair and the other with raven-black hair. The chestnut-haired woman was clearly a cleric of some sort, wearing the symbol of Eldath, a waterfall plunging into a still pool. The raven-haired human wore leather armor and had both a rapier and a short bow. A quiver of arrows was slung over her shoulder with the bow, and she had a lute of all things at her hip. “They shall pay you well in advance, and you shall be paid again when your deliveries are completed. Be dressed in armor and hold weapons, my friends. Your journey will be dangerous, but even this city of Luskan is not a safe harbor. Be ready, and look to this map and list. Gather three of these packages; the rest shall be gathered and delivered to the Icebreaker by your friends. Safe travels, my friends.” The speaker continued, drawing Helena's eyes back to him. She took the map offered, glancing over it as she compared it to the list of names. She was aware when the other three women came in close, looking at the map with her. "Any of you know this city?" The elven woman asked, her voice musical. The other two humans looked at each other, clearly not locals. "I do." Helena said as she gave the three a glance. "We are not far from the Hosttower of the Arcane, which is where Maccath the Crimson seems to be located. I suggest heading there first, then we can decide where to go next." "Works for me." The follower of Eldath said. "By the way I am Kathrine." She offered her hand and Helena shook it. "Helena." Helena said in return. "I'm Nolla." The black-haired woman said with an easy smile. "I'm Leshanna." The elf with the auburn curls said with a shrug. "I'm good with going to this tower first." With that decided, Helena rolled up the map and led the way out to the street. She could actually see the Hosttower from here, and pointed it out as she headed in that direction. It was only a short walk to the base of the Hosttower of the Arcane, a tower that seemed to grow out of the ground like a crooked, skeletal tree. It looked just as organic as it did artificial. Standing at the entrance was a brutish-looking guard with an athlete’s build and wearing a leather skullcap. He glowered at them as they approach. "Excuse me, but we are here to see Maccath the Crimson." Kathrine spoke up, moving forward to smile at the guard. The guard gave her a once over, clearly hesitant. "Would it hurt to call her down?" Kathrine asked. "I mean, if she is expecting us she won't like it if you turn us away..."
Kathrine Persuasion roll: 16
"Fine, one moment." The guard said, stepping inside the tower. He returned with a grunt directed at the four of them. "Go on in, but watch yourself..." Helena, who had been in the tower before, strode forward, the others falling into step behind her. She moved to a small waiting area just inside the main doors, knowing they would not be allowed to move past that without an escort. It seemed they were expected though, as it was only a couple of minutes before Maccath came striding into the small waiting room. "Hello hello..." The short woman said as she nearly bounced with energy. "You are the delivery group then?" Helena saw the shorter woman take them in for a moment, then shrug. "Here is my package." She said then, pulling an iron box out of a pocket. The box had the feel of magic as Helena accepted it. "That contains a dragon artifact I want a friend of mine in Ten Towns to look into for me." Maccath explained her eyes on the box. "Make sure it gets there in one piece..." With that she handed over a bag of gold. "I have research to do, so please see yourself out." With that she bounced away almost as quicly as she had arrived. "Peppy one." Nolla commented with a grin, nodding to the others. "If the other two packages are this easy, we'll have time for a drink before we need to get back to the ship." "A drink sounds good to me." Leshanna said with an unamused grunt, her eyes on the door Maccath had disappeared through. "Who is next on the list?" Kathrine asked. Helena pulled the list out and looked at it. "A man named Rool, suppose to be at the Cutlas, which is a tavern not far from here." Helena said comparing the list and the map. She led the way back out of the tower, past the guard, and then turned onto the road. It was a bit longer of a walk to the Cutlass. Kathrine seemed interested in learning about them all, asking questions about their pasts. Nolla answered freely, while Leshanna was a bit more select in her answers. Helena, for her own part, was interested in learning about the others, so listened and answered questions when they were sent her way.
"Nice place..." Kathrine said sarcasticly as Helena led the way up towards the Cutlass. A dull, rusty, cutlass was hung above the door, and the sound of a rough crowd could be heard as they approached. "My sort of place." Nolla replied, giving Helena a wink. Leshanna just shrugged, her hand near the hilt of her rapier. The place was not overly busy at this time of day, but those inside were not Helena's usual crowd. She wrinkled her nose at the scent of stale beer and worse. The man they had come to find was quite obvious as they entered though. She saw the half-orc assassin they were searching for drunk out of his mind and sitting awkwardly on a barstool. He clutched a bottle of outrageously expensive-looking Shadowdale brandy to his chest, wrapped shoddily in cheap cloth. With a nod of her head, Helena directed the others towards the half-orc. "Who ye be then?" The man slurred out as they walked up, though he was clearly looking the four of them over, and not being too worried about them knowing he was checking them out. "We are from the Luskan Deliverers." Helena informed the man. "I believe you have a package you want delivered..." "Best test yer skills..." The half-orc drunkenly slurd, as he stumbled to his feet. As he does so he fumbles out his short sword.
"You have to be joking..." Leshanna snapped, drawing her own rapier and striking for the half-orc. To hit: 13 Damage: 12
"Hey, if he wants to dance, then let's show him how we dance..." Nolla says with a grin, her own rapier singing out as she too strikes at the assassin. To hit: 9 Damage: 5
Leshanna's strike drew blood from the assassin's thigh, while Nolla's was clumsy and, even a drunk assassin, had no trouble dodging it. "He is a paying customer." Helena reminds the two as she steps back. "Maybe this will cool him off a bit..." She says, as words of magic form on her lips. ray of frost To hit: 22 Damage: 7
Helena's blue ray of cold sent the half-orc assassin reeling backward, where he collapsed on the floor. He lay face-down on the floor and, with a grunt of effort, gave a pathetic thumbs-up as his parcel, the bottle of brandy, rolled towards Helena's feet. He groaned, “Check’s in the mail,” and passed out.
"Aren't we suppose to get money from him up front?" Nolla asked as Helena picked up the bottle. "He said check is in the mail, so I assume he sent money on already." Helena said with a shrug. "otherwise we'll have to come back and get his payment later." She shrugged again and headed towards the door. "Can't we take a moment for a drink?" Nolla asked as the black-haired woman glanced around. Helena noticed that no one had even glanced their way during the short fight. "Violence is not the answer to everything." Katherine said, gripping her holy symbol. "Got the job done, didn't it?" Leshanna asked, but Kathrine just gave her a solem look. All three followed Helena back out onto the street. "Ok, Nezznar, the Black Spider, is suppose to be at the lighthouse on the Open Shore." Helena said once they were out of the tavern, and she could look at the map and list once again. "Not the best area to be walking through, but it is still fairly early in the day." She glanced up, gaging it to be around midday now, so plenty of daylight left. "Lead on." Leshanna said. They moved out, the Open Shore docks was not that far from the Cutlass, just down a few streets and then through some less savory areas. "We have company..." Nolla said after a few blocks. Helena glanced around, but didn't see anything off. Then there was a crash, and a curse, from an alley just ahead. A moment later 4 thugs stepped out. They were a mix of elven, goblin, and human bandits, clearly looking to make some easy coin by robbing them.
Helena lifted a hand, a pinch of sand held in it. She spoke words of magic, the sand disappearing. Immediately the four bandits began to yawn as the magic took affect. sleep HD put to sleep: 29
Only one of the bandits fell to Helena's spell, but at least that was one out of the fight, she figured. "This is foolish." Katherine says to the bandits. "We are not commoners out for a walk, and no easy mark." She sighs as she sees they are not going to care about her words. She sends a brief prayer up to her goddess, calling down a blessing on Leshanna, Nolla, and herself. bless Leshanna steps forward and strikes at one of the thugs with her rapier. To hit: 20 Bless: 4 Damage: 10
Leshanna's blo strikes true, leaving the first of the thugs bleeding from his thigh. Nolla follows Leshanna in, striking at the same bandit. To hit: 7 Bless: 4 Damage: 7 plus 6 sneak attack.
Nolla finishes off the first thug, her own rapier taking him in the chest and out of the fight. With two of their members down in the first seconds of the fight, the two who remain standing share a look and turn to flee. They were after an easy mugging, not women that could use magic and weapons better than they themselves could. "Let them go." Helena called as Leshanna took a step after the two men. "We are not here to deal with the likes of them, but to get our delivery..." "Fine." Leshanna hissed out. "This one will live." Kathrine said, kneeling over the one Leshanna and Nolla had cut down. Kathrine laid a hand on the fellow, clearly bringing her divine powers to bear. spare the dying They left the still-slumbering thug there with his now just unconscious companion. Moving on they came to the lighthouse in only a few more minutes. As they approached Helena could see a figure standing near the top of the lighthouse. A dark elf gazed over the railing of the tall lighthouse, looking wistfully out at the sea as the north wind whipped his white hair around him. He held an ebon staff tipped with an effigy of a spider atop it, and clutched a parcel underneath his arm. "Looks like we have some stairs to climb." Nolla said as they moved closer to the tower. It was clear that the drow had spotted them, but he made no move to come down to them. When they reached the level, the drow was at, he still stood at the railing. "You have come to aid me in my time of greatest need." The drow said with a theatric sweep of a hand. He turned from the rail and glanced over the four women with a nod of approval. "Four hearty females, no one would suspect a thing of such as you." He holds out the package he had under his arm. "This is the package I need carried, with all haste and secrecy, to the area known as Ten Towns. Do you accept this responsibility?" "Our job is to deliver it." Helena said with a frown, stepping forward and taking the package. She caught Leshanna's grunt of annoyance at the man's overbearing attitude, but Helena just shrugged it off, she had dealt with worse in her time as a scribe in the city. "Very good." The drow said with a solem bow of his head. He tugged a purse of coins from his pocket and held it out with a flourish. "And here is the 5 gold apiece, that was to be paid at the start of this partnership." "Thank you." Helena said, taking the pouch as well and adding it to the one they had recieved at the Hosttower. "Now leave me, before we are seen together." The drow ordered, turning his back and looking back out to see. With a shrug Helena led the way down the stairs and back to street level. "Was he for real?" Leshanna asked when they were headed back towards the harbor. "A bit overly dramatic, but he did pay." Helena said, pulling out the coin purse and jingling it for Leshanna to hear. The rest of the walk back to their own ship was uneventful, and Kathrine started in with questions about their backgrounds once again. At the majestic Icebreaker Helena found they had sleeping quarters already prepared, and the ship looked like it could handle about anything thrown at it. No time was lost in getting the ship ready to shove off, and Nolla was disappointed as the chance to get a drink at a tavern was going to have to wait. There was not much to do, at least for Helena, aboard ship, so she settled down in her quarters to write out a bit of what had happened that day, keeping her journal up to date. Later that night Helena heard a splash in the water outside her cabin, like something being thrown overboard. Through the porthole in her room, she could just barely see a shape sinking into the water. She only caught a glimpse of it, but it could have been the size of a human body. In the corner of her vision, Helena saw a silhouette looking over the edge of the ship's deck, about ten feet above her porthole. The silhouette's head turned towards her porthole, and seemed to look directly at her. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it pulled away from the edge of the ship, disappearing from view.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thynetos's Introduction Part 1
Grumbling irritatedly to himself, 18-year-old Thynetos crouched with his back pressed up tightly against a large boulder. Loading the crossbow that was sitting on his lap, Thynetos mumbled to himself, "Why was I chosen for this? The gods could have picked any other person... but they had to pick me." Stealing a glance over his shoulder at the bandit camp, Thynetos cracks his neck and lets a bolt loose in the direction of the captain.
The bolt clips the captain on the shoulder and the captain looks visibly surprised to see an intruder. The captain shouts to his men "Get 'im boys!" and the four other bandits in the gang turn and charge towards the boulder where Thynetos was hiding with the captain close on their tails.
Thynetos whispers a quick prayer as he turns around and sprints back in the direction he came. Darting between trees and checking over his shoulder, he is able to keep a 30-foot distance between him and the bandits. As he makes a sharp turn to the left, he ducks into a large clearing and sprints headlong for the other side. As he makes it to the other side of the clearing he turns around with a grin on his face as he shouts across to them gleefully, "Look up!" Hovering above the cluster of bandits 50 feet in the air is a woman with long blonde hair tied back into a ponytail. Her eyes glow blue and almost seem to crackly with a mixture of divine and arcane energy. She points a single finger downwards at the bandits and a small red orb falls to the ground quickly. The bandits, surprised to see another person, look terrified of the red orb although it reaches the ground without incident. As the bandits look back up at the woman surprised, the last thing they see is her face curled into a smile as the orb explodes in a fiery display.
Fireball: 35 Dex Save (Bandit): 11 Dex Save (Captain): 14
The bandits managed to leap out of the way just in time, as does the captain. Unfortunately for them, the rolling flames catch up and the four bandits are burnt to a crisp. The captain manages to get away with singes on his armor and seeing his company obliterated, turns tail and runs. As the woman slowly lowers herself to the ground. Thynetos steps out of the trees and applauds his companion, "Well done Anastasia! I guess this means we accomplished our mission then?" Looking at him reproachfully, Anastasia replies, "No, our mission will be complete when-" she is cut off as an old man limps out of the other side of the forest carrying an unconscious and tied up bandit captain in his arms. "This who you're looking for?" he says with a wink, "Poor sod was trying to run away. Can't run that far when you are asleep though."
The party dragged the captain back to Neverwinter and after dumping him in a cell, they went to a tavern to celebrate. On the way to the tavern, they stopped in an alleyway and each turned away from each other to face the wall. Closing his eyes and concentrating on his divine patron, Thynetos projected his consciousness upwards to the heavens. His incorporeal form had left his weapons behind and he was now standing facing a tall, beautiful, and seemingly perfect entity. Towering over even the 6' 6'' form of Thynetos the angel smiled and spoke, "Well done my child. You have earned your celebration. Go forth and enjoy yourself. But do not forget your pledge. Should you let your vices get the better of you, I will have no choice but to cast you from our fold." Thynetos simply nodded and with that, his consciousness was sent back to the material plane where it rejoined his body. Looking to his left and right, he saw that both the elderly man and Anastasia had completed their rituals as well and were prepared to continue to the celebration.
Arriving in the tavern, Thynetos ordered drinks for each of them and they began the merrymaking. Regaling the other patrons with tales of the Divine Retribution, as they called themselves, they were awarded with applause at the end of each story and were even offered small amounts of coin at the conclusion of the retelling of their most recent escapade and solution to the city's bandit problem. As the night began to draw in, the old man took his leave of the younger, more spry adventurers and retired to his room. By this point, Thynetos had consumed more alcohol than should be able to be consumed by a normal person and he was just getting tipsy. His unusually high tolerance made it difficult for either the barkeep or his own party to warn him when he was getting dangerously drunk and Thynetos, never one to stop drinking, continued on. Much later that night, Thynetos, now completely wasted, began to make advances on Anastasia. Slurring his words and stumbling around the tavern, he followed the woman as she continued to politely decline him. In a drunken stupor, Thynetos placed his hands on Anastasia and with a fury befitting that of an angry owlbear, she glared at him and shouted, "You will never dare to touch me again! For this transgression you will be punished!" The entire tavern went silent as the air around Anastasia seemed to crackle with energy and the drunken Thynetos tumbles backwards terrified.
Feeling his intoxication wear off in an instant, Thynetos feels a familiar tugging in the back of his mind as his consciousness is once again ripped out of his body, this time with much more force than before. Landing on his knees in front of not one but two angelic figures, Thynetos's eyes widen as he recognizes one as his own patron, and the other as that of Anastasia. His patron looks disdainfully on the disgraced figure of Thynetos as he speaks, "You have failed us for the last time young Thynetos. Your services are no longer required of by the gods as you have let your vices surpass you for the last time. Let the rest of your life serve as a reminder to those who wish to serve the gods of the dangers of vice." As the voice finishes saying this Thynetos is thrust downwards again and his body jerks back to consciousness staring up at the face of Anastasia. She kicks him firmly in the groin causing him to double over in pain, but the tears that begin to stream from his eyes are not from the pain of the kick, but from an absence in his mind. The presence that he had been accustomed to since birth was gone, and as his vision faded to black from pain, the soul of Thynetos, once a bright, vivid white light found its first dark spot.
(OOC: Anastasia is the NPC introduced in this part. Feel free to use her in the story going forward, she is a LG Protector Aasimar Divine Soul Sorcerer.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Helena Introduction Part 2
The Icebreaker glided into the harbor of the town of Fireshear. This town’s many houses form a crescent around the harbor, and Helena could see several large public houses near the wharf. A dozen thin pillars of smoke rose from the far side of town as the ship approached — it’s clear even from this distance that a number of houses were burning. Standing at the railing, Helena held the package they were to deliver here. It was the one from the Black Spider, and was addressed to Griggle Duskloch in Fireshear. "Well, that looks like trouble." Nolla commented next to Helena and she had to agree. "Is the place under attack?" Kathrine asked from Helena's other side. "It is why we get paid the big bucks." Nolla said and Helena had to chuckle at that. "Let's get it over with." Leshanna said, striding over from where she had been standing near the central mast. They were all dressed in thick wollen jackets now, the temperature having fallen drasticly as the ship had traveled the one hundred miles north from Luskan. "Looks like our welcoming party." Kathrine said, drawing Helena's eyes to the dock ahead. The ship crew was already mooring the boat, and a blond woman, in a long green dress and wearing a gray wolf pelt around her shoulders, approached from one of the public houses. She stood on the dock and held her hand aloft in greeting. "Hail Icebreaker." The woman called out. "What is such a legendary ship as yours doing in my humble town?" "Well, we came to make a delivery." Helena called back, as the ship's captain seemed busy getting the crew organized, clearly having seen the smoke as well. "What befalls your town; we see the smoke rising to the East there..." "Strange elemental creatures have started to appear on that end of town." The woman said, glancing over her shoulder in that direction. "No one has been able to figure out just why, but we are working to evacuate the area for now." "What do you want to bet that our guy is located on that end of town?" Leshanna said with a sigh. "Would you know where we can find a Griggle Duskloch?" Helena asked, glancing at the parcel in her hand as she read the name. "The Eledrin there is correct." The woman on the dock said with a smirk. "He lives on the east side there, a reclusive eccentric who is always experimenting with magic to soup up his forge; he hasn’t evacuated the area yet, so may be in some trouble..." "And just who are you?" Helena asked the woman. "I am Kalannai Grayfur." The woman said with a short curtsy. "Speaker of Fireshear, and someone who lives, normally, in the Eastern section of town." "As I said, this is why they pay us the big bucks." Nolla says with a shrug. "I am sure the elementals have a good reason for what they are doing." Kathrine said with a frown. She glanced to Nolla. "And what big bucks would those be, I haven't recieved more than a few coins so far..." "Whatever their reasons, they are destroying people's homes and livlihoods." Kalannai said with a glance to Kathrine. She turned back to Helena then. "If you are going into the Eastern section of town, I'd be careful. Though, if you find a way to slow the advance of the elementals, I could make it worth your time, with a reward of 20 gold for you." After making their prepperations, Helena led the others off of the ship and into Fireshear. Both Helena's owl familiar, as well as Leshann'as own owl, flew off above them. The area closer to the docks was normal, people going about their every-day business from the looks of it. It wasn't until they reached the Eastern section of town that the smoke and dangers became of concern. As they were coming down a street Helena saw a group of 3 smallish elementals that looked like nothing but earth and fire combined. Small beads of molten rock ran down their forms, looking as if they were sweating lava. The three elementals were on a side street, but only a few feet from the intersection, and looked to be breathing fire onto the houses around, attempting to burn them down.
Magma Mephit initiative: 12 Helena initiative: 16 Kathrine initiative: 5 Leshanna initiative: 20 Nolla initiative: 21
Lifting a hand, Helena spoke words of magic, sending a blast of cold at one of the closest elementals. ray of frost To hit: r12 Damage: 10
Helena's blast hit the mephit, doing damage and getting its attention. Mephit1 breath recharge: 2 Mephit2 breath recharge: 2 Mephit3 breath recharge: 2
Mephit1 moves up and tries to claw Leshanna... To hit: 12 Damage: 4 slashing and 3 fire. Mephit2 moves up as well, and breathes a blast of fire over the group... DC 11 Dex save for half, or take 8 fire damage. Mephit3 flies up over mephit2's head, going in to attack Helena with its claws... To hit: 19 Damage: 4 slashing and 1 fire.
Leshanna casts shield to deflect the attack of the first mephit's claws. Helena Dex save: 23 Kathrine dex save: 18 Leshanna dex save: 20 Nolla dex save: 20 Helena takes the third mephit's attack head-on, unable to dodge at all. It does an extra 1 slashing and 3 fire, as it is a critical hit.
Helena falls under the combined fire breath and critical strike. Kathrine calls on her god, sending healing magic flowing into Helena. healing word Healing for: 5 HP. Nolla steps in to stand over Helena, striking at the mephit that breathed fire on them... To hit: 13 Damage: 9 and sneak damage: 2 Leshanna strikes back at the one facing her... As she does so a white streak plummits down from above, her owl flapping close to the mephit, distracting it for her attack. To hit: 21 Damage: 5
Helena, getting back to her feet, nods to Nolla as she raises a hand to send magical cold lancing out once more. She has her own owl follow the same tactic as Leshanna's, flying by to distract her target, then off again. To hit: 26 Damage: 11
Extra critical damage on the ray of frost: 7
Helena takes out the one that breathed fire on them before, her cold ray freezing some of the magma mephit solid, as it clunks to the ground and cracks apart.
Mephit1 attacks Leshanna again... To hit: 6 Damage: 4 slashing and 4 fire. Mephit3 strikes at Nolla... To hit: 10 Damage: 2 slashing and 1 fire.
Leshanna once more casts shield to deflect the mephit's attack. Nolla easily dodges the other mephit's strike. Kathrine calls to her goddess once more, this time waving her hands to include Nolla and Leshanna. She uses her Emboldening Bond ability, creating a bond between the two warriors. Leshanna strikes again at the mephit in front of her... To hit: 25 Bond bonus: 1 Damage: 11 Nolla strikes at the one near her... To hit: 8 Bond bonus: 3 Damage: 10 plus sneak damage of: 2
helena sends another blast of cold at the mephit fighting Leshanna, Sabastian, her barn owl familiar, flying by to distract the mephit once again... To hit: 9 Damage: 7
The mephit fighting Leshanna is taken out by the cold, again falling to the ground and cracking into shards. Mephit3 breath recharge: 4
Kathrine steps back, hoping she won't need to heal one of her companions again,b ut ready to do so if needed. Nolla strikes at the mephit again... To hit: 23 Bond bonus: 3 Damage: 5 Sneak of: 5 Leshanna turns and attacks the one fighting Nolla still... To hit: 15 bond bonus: 1 Damage: 10 Helena will send a blast of cold in, if the mephit is still up... To hit: 16 Damage: 12
Both Leshanna and Helena's aid is not needed it seems, as Nolla takes out the last of the magma mephits with her rapier, the molten body hitting the ground and sizzling against its frozen brethren's bodies.
As the last of the mephits hits the ground, it bursts into a spray of lava, that bursts out from it. DC 11 dex save for half, or take 7 fire damage. Helena and Kathrine are out of range of the burst. Leshanna save: 18 plus bond bonus of 2 Nolla save: 9 plus bond bonus of: 4
"Ok, those elementals are not kidding around." Nolla said, clearly trying to lighten the mood as both she and Leshanna were looking quite the worse for the battle. "Let's back off a bit and see about taking a short break." Kathrine suggests. "We won't even get to our destination at this rate..." "Agreed." Helena confirmed. They moved a couple blocks back from the danger zone and sat down on a bench at the edge of a small park. "Not sure we can take on many more of those." Leshanna said with a glance to Helena. Helena sighed and nodded. "We could try to go around them." She suggested. "That won't earn us the money from the Speaker though I think, but it could get us to our destination in one piece." "Maybe they are not all that dangerous." Nolla suggested. "Maybe the lava ones are more of a threat than others of their kind." "Could be." Helena agreed. "Only way to know would be to fight some more, and that might mean problems if it is not true."
(Short rest taken...)
After resting up a bit, Helena led the group onward again. Soon enough they found another of the elementals, this time four black ones that sent out clouds of smoke and ash. This battle was not as difficult, the four women taking down the four elementals without too much trouble, and only recieving minor injuries. Kathrine was not called on to do any more healing this time around. Continuing onward they soon found the furnace, where the Speaker had said it would be located. The three ice-like creatures that hung from the place's roof were a bit problematic though. As they could not sneak past them, they attacked. This time Kathrine was required to do some healing, as these ice-elementals were nearly as strong as the magma ones had been. Once the ice mephits were dispatched, Helena was able to pay more attention to the furnace itself. Smoke filled with strange blue and crimson sparks billowed from the smokestack of the furnace. Inside the smithy, Helena could see a stout dwarf with light gray skin and shock-white hair working a bellows and occasionally throwing small cups of colorful powder into the flames. "Griggle Duskloch?" Helena called out, but the dwarf didn't even bother to glance her way. "Hey, are you the famous smith and metal worker, Griggle Duskloch?" Kathrine calls out next, this time catching the dwarf's attention, as he glanced over. "What of it?" He asked, his dwarven accent evident. "Are you aware there are elementals burning down the neighborhood all around you?" Kathrine asked. "It is a sad situation." The dwarf said with a shrug. "But I cannot be expected to stop my work with every minor situation the town faces." He starts to turn back to his furnace. "We have a delivery, from Nezznar the Black Spider." Helena says quickly, catching the dwarf before he got immersed in his work once more. "From Nezznar you say..." The dwarf asks, his attention even more fully with the group then. "Well, what is my old pal up to these days? Give me his package, so I can take a look." He took the parcel as Helena offered it, tearing it open and quickly scanned the note inside. His eyebrows shot up as he read the coded letter, and then he shouted in excitement and slammed the note down on a table and began gathering new cups of alchemical powders. "What are yu doing now?" Nolla asked, clearly curious at the reaction. Helena was not sure she wished to know though. "The Black Spider sent me a formula for a new combination of elementally infused powders that he found in his travels—one that will produce a more stable reaction between the fabric of the Material Plane and the Elemental Planes, effectively keeping the elemental powers more focused and lowering the risk of extraplanar creatures tumbling into the Material Plane." The dwarf explained as he worked. When Griggle threw the elemental substances into the furnace and said a few mystical words, the furnace flared with violet flame and then cooled to a tiny white fire. Griggle hopped about joyously then and shouted the name of the Black Spider to the heavens. He placed a payment of 20 gp before them for delivering the letter, and also gave them a bonus of three bars of solid adamantine as a personal thanks. He said he was no blacksmith, but maybe they would find some use for them elsewhere in their journeys. He then returned to his work and Helena got the group out of there before they could get embroiled into anything else the crazy smith had in mind of trying next. Returning to the docks, they found Kalannai waiting for them. She had noticed the lessening of the elementals around the area, thanks to the ten they had dispensed with, so honored her deal to pay them 20 gold for the effort. Upon hearing that it was the dwarf who was responsible for the elementals, the Speaker looked saddened, but said the townsfolk would have to exile him, so as not to risk this happening again. as it was not their issue, Helena led her group back aboard the Icebreaker, planning to spend the night aboard the ship, prior to starting the overland portion of their delivery work the next morning.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thynetos's Introduction Part 2
A 38-year-old Thynetos pulls his greatsword out from the body of a dead merchant. Cleaning the blade with his shirt, he wipes the sweat from his brow with his arm and looks upon his handiwork. 5 merchants and 2 guards lay dead at his feet and the vault was wide open. Thynetos climbs inside and investigates his loot further. Finding multiple valuable gemstones, he quickly scoops them into a sack along with the 500 or so gold coins that were stored in the vault. Stepping out of the vault, Thynetos flips one of the guard's bodies with his foot and pulls a key off of a key ring on the guard's belt. Spinning the key on his finger, he swings the door open and breathes in the cool sea breeze in the city of Luskan.
After waking up in an alley-way 20 years prior, Thynetos had slowly deteriorated mentally. As the darkness in his soul began to expand, he spent less time thinking about what to do and more time just doing. This led Thynetos down a dark path and by the age of 30, Thynetos was a self-proclaimed bandit and murderer. The darkness in his soul was complete and as far as anyone could tell, there wasn't a glimmer of a hope that he could be redeemed. Having made his way north after being exiled from Neverwinter for theft, he left a swathe of terror and destruction in his wake.
As Thynetos stepped out of the shop, he slipped into an alleyway and sprinted down it, vaulting over the wall at the end and trotting into the forest where he finally slowed to a walk. Stopping to catch his breath for a second, a voice behind him says, "You weren't going to leave me hanging were you?" A wood elf in dark green studded leather steps out of the shadows of a tree nearby and looks at Thynetos with an eyebrow raised. Thynetos responds with a sigh, "No, my friend. This is a bounty that we split. You did your job, only half the guard was there." The elf chuckles and pulls the pouch off of Thynetos' belt in one fluid motion, "I should think so! I am after all, the greatest thief to ever live!" Pouring the coins out, the elf places all of gemstones (clearly worth more than the gold) in his own pouch and hands the gold back to Thynetos. Oblivious to the con, Thynetos takes the bag back and asks, "So what's the next mark?" "So eager to get hurt again?" The elf responds surprised, "Well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised after working with you so many times." The elf sighs and sits back up against a tree. "You need to learn to enjoy the spoils just as much as the hunt," the elf says patting the spot next to him on the tree. Thynetos grumbles a bit but decides to sit and the elf continues, "Although, I heard that there was a delegation from Mirabar that was supposed to be heading down this way in the next week. Politicians like that are always loaded. You in?" "How many of us?" Thynetos responds and the elf holds up four fingers. The elf replies as he lowers his fingers one by one, "You, me, Jacki, and Invictus." Thynetos seems calm throughout most of it, but at the last name, he jumps up and glares at the elf accusingly, "Overol. You know that I don't work with Invictus." Overol, looks around nervously and puts his hands up, "It's one job, you don't have to take it." he says and then quietly mumbles, "You'd be missing out though." Thynetos calms himself and plops himself back down next to the elf. "I'll take the job," he says, "but you better make damn sure that I get my cut." Overol smiles a sinister grin and looks to Thynetos with his hand extended, "This will be fun."
3 days pass uneventfully with Thynetos avoiding the law, before he gets a message from Overol to meet him in the forest that night. Arriving at the predetermined location, Thynetos is the first one there and he is sharpening his greatsword when a tiefling woman slips out of the shadows, her blue skin covered with darkened leather and her face partially obscured with long black hair that swept past two curling ram horns on the top of her head. "Hello dahling," she says with a Southern drawl, "It's been a while." "That it has." Thynetos grunts back to her. "Talkative as ever," she says sarcastically as she shines the skull on her crystal amulet. Around this time, Overol jogs up to the rest of the group and nods his head approvingly, "Nice, three of us are here... We are still waiting on Invictus then." As if called by the mention of his name, a massive figure steps up to the rest of the group. Wearing a dark red breastplate and carrying a massive maul on his back he growls in a deep voice that resonates like a bass drum, "I was waiting to ensure this wasn't a trap." As he says this he looks at Thynetos not so subtly. Thynetos stands up furiously, and Invictus steps up to him, both imposing figures standing at their full height of 6' 6'' and 6' 10'' respectively. A closer look reveals that although the skin under the breastplate and helmet are severely burned, the figure in the armor is indeed a human. Thynetos responds in as level a voice as he can manage "You don't deserve more than that, honorless scum." Invictus laughs a low but loud laugh before responding, "It's not my fault you didn't know how to count-", Invictus quips back and then reading the look on Thynetos's face, "Or that you still don't." Overol quickly steps between the two figures and the scene is so comical that Jacki releases a small giggle as she watches the 5' 2'' skinny elf try and break the two apart before they tear each other's throats out. "Hey guys! Calm down. You have one job to do," he says, "You'll both get paid," he says looking at Thynetos, "Nobody is stabbing the other in the back," he says looking at Invictus, "But let's just get this over with. Whaddya say?" Both of the behemoths grunt their affirmation and the group comes in to create their plan.
A voice rings in Thynetos's mind as he crouches behind a shrub off the side of the road. "Remember, no survivors." Overol's voice is doubtlessly ringing in the rest of the group's head too as he uses his psionic talent to communicate telepathically.
An hour passes.
Another hour passes.
As the third hour is coming to a close, the clomping of hooves approaches and the group ready themselves to spring from hiding. The carriage comes into view and it appears that there are 2 guards that are leading the carriage plus whatever nobles are inside.
Thynetos - (Move) 30 feet towards guards - (Bonus) Rage - (Action) Greatsword Attack: 15 Damage: 15 With a roar Thynetos charges forward and lets his rage consume him. With one powerful, blow, he knocks a guard off of its horse and also cleaves the guard's head off.
Overol - (Move) None - (Action) Psychic Blades Attack: 24 Damage: 7 - (Bonus) Psychic Blades Attack: 21 Damage: 7 Overol peeks out from his hiding spot before manifesting and hurling two glowing blue blades at the remaining guard. The first blade sinks into the guards arm and the guard lets out a horrifying screech as the blade seems to affect his mind as opposed to his body. The second blade is not able to penetrate the guards armor and doesn't seem to have an effect.
Invictus - (Move) 30 feet towards the guards - (Bonus) Shield of Faith - (Action) Maul Attack: 22 Damage: 16 Invictus's hammer swings wide as the guard lifts his shield to defend himself from the blow and the hammer is deflected. Thynetos glances over at his companion's missed attack and smiles a little at his failure. Invictus growls as he takes a defensive stance and waves his hands to create a faint red magical shield.
Jacki - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Ray of Sickness Attack: 23 Damage: 8 Jacki points her finger forward and a sickening green ray emerges and shoots forth to strike the remaining guard. The guard, however, proving to be resilient now that he is aware of the attackers deflects the magical attack as well.
Round 1:
Nobles - The nobles all notice that the carriage has stopped and three of them step outside of the carriage and upon seeing the attackers, they draw their rapiers and two of them attack Thynetos, while the last one approaches Invictus. (Against Thynetos) - Attack: 15 Damage: 9 (Against Thynetos) - Attack: 7 Damage: 5 (Against Invictus) - Attack: 9 Damage: 2 The first blade is the only one that manages to slip past Thynetos' defenses but the piercing weaponry barely scratches him. The second rapier is not able to penetrate his thick skin. The other noble thrusts forward against Invictus, but his terror his evident in his attack that pings off of the massive human's breastplate.
Thynetos - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Reckless Greatsword Attack: 18 Damage: 12 With reckless abandon, Thynetos throws himself at one of the nobles and swinging his greatsword over his head, manages to kill the noble entirely in one attack. However, he has left himself open to attacks from the other noble.
Overol - (Move) None - (Action) Psychic Blades Attack: 14 Damage: 7 - (Bonus) Psychic Blades Attack: 23 Damage: 5 Overol's first blade is once again deflected by the guard, but the second blade strikes the guard's exposed throat. As the blade disappears into psychic energy, the guard lets out a scream and clutches his head collapsing to the ground dead.
Invictus - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Maul (With Divine Smite) Attack: 18 Damage: 21 Seeing his original target fall to the ground dead from the psychic attack from Overol, Invictus turns to the noble in his face and swinging his maul in a circle, he infuses it with unholy energy that explodes when it makes contact with the noble's chest piece instantly killing the noble.
Jacki - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Ray of Sickness Attack: 15 Damage: 9 Releasing another sickly green ray, this time at the last noble that exited the carriage, the ray hits the noble causing the noble's skin to spread out in lesions before the noble begins to cough and collapses to the ground as the poison from the ray spreads through his body disabling his vital organs and causing him to die.
As the last noble outside collapses to the ground, the group convenes outside the carriage and sweeps the curtain to the carriage open. Expecting riches and gemstones, the group is stunned to see one remaining noble along with a young girl with blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
The noble is not paying attention to the group as they open the curtains and is instead focused on consoling the girl, so the rest of the group jumps into action.
Jacki - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Ray of Sickness Attack: 16 Damage: 8
The noble is stunned as Overol's first blade whizzes past his head, the second blade buries itself in his hand and the noble screams in agony as his mind begins to rend, Simultaneously Invictus's hammer crushes into the man's skull and Jacki's sickly green ray pierce the man's armor. The man, collapses to the floor dead from the three attacks. As this happens, the rest of the group looks to Thynetos, who is still just staring at the little girl. He hears Overol's voice in his head again, "No survivors." As he hears this, Invictus, Jacki, and Overol back up. Seemingly give Thynetos the opportunity to finish this job and end the girl's life.
Holding his sword at his side, blood dripping off of it, Thynetos stares at the girl, and is transported back 25 years, when he met a young woman with shock blonde hair and bright blue eyes. That woman took him to her school and taught him how to use his innate divinity. That woman mentored him and guided him through his most difficult times. That was what he had thrown away 20 years ago. As he stood there, staring at the young girl, his hardened brown eyes began to soften. The tension in his face began to relax. The fury that drove him to kill two innocent people dissipated. And the only thing that mattered was the girl in front of him. As he dropped his blade and knelt down in front of the girl, he began to talk to her, "It's going to be okay" he said trying to console her, "everything will be-"
Psychic Blades Attack: 22 Damage: 5
Cutting Thynetos off was a blue psychic blade that buried itself in the girl's neck. The girl let out a cry of pain and then her eyes closed and she fell to the ground falling asleep for the last time. Thynetos, held the girl for a moment before looking back to see his group looking at him quizzically. Tears now freely streaming from his face, Thynetos picked up the girl's limp body in one arm, and his bloody sword in the other and walked into the forest away from the rest of the group.
As Thynetos walked away from what would have probably been his biggest haul, his mind can only think about one thing. How could he have thrown away all of his life and never looked back? Thynetos walked until midnight, when he decided to stop and using his bare hands, dug a grave for the poor girl. After burying her body, Thynetos began to say prayers that rolled off of his tongue like a rusty wheel would spin. However, as Thynetos repeated himself, the prayers began to flow more easily, and although he could only remember two of them, he repeated them over and over again in front of the grave all the way until the sun rose the next morning. Exhausted, battle-worn, and mentally broken, Thynetos made a vow to himself that morning. He vowed that although the gods may have forsaken him, he would not forsake them. Whether or not they chose to recognize him, he would work as hard as he possibly could to win back his place in the hearts of the gods. With this vow, the blackened soul of Thynetos for the first time in 20 years, saw a glimmer of hope. It wasn't much, but it was something.
(OOC: There are three NPCs introduced in this part. Feel free to use any of them in the story going forward, Overol is a NE Wood Elf Soul Knife Rogue, Jacki is a NE Tiefling Necromancer Wizard, and Invictus is a LE Human Oathbreaker Paladin)
After a good night's rest aboard the Icebreaker, Helena and her companions said farewell to the crew of the Icebreaker and prepared to start out, cross-country, towards Hundelstone, where they were suppose to deliver Rool's package to a white dragonborn named Glarth Druma. As they disembarked from the ship though, Helena saw a pair of familiar faces: the duergar Griggle Duskloch, a smith who accidentally unleashed a swarm of mephits in Fireshear, and Kalannai Grayfur, the human community leader who helped the people of Fireshear withstand the chaos. Both raised a hand to them in greeting as Helena walked down the gangplank with her companions. These two working people of Fireshear wished to speak with them. Over the previous night, Griggle had confessed his involvement in the mephit crisis and apologized. Kalannai sentenced him to serve the community by donating several hours each day to create metal tools and materials to repair the damaged houses. Despite their initially hostile relationship, the two had commiserated over the dangers of living on the frontier and become sudden friends. Now, both Griggle and Kalannai were here to greet them and to ask a favor. “Hail, friends of Fireshear,” Kalannai said. “The people of this town are pleased to see you are well. Or I am, at any rate.” Griggle excitedly asked them to deliver a freshly smelted adamantine bar to the nearby town of Hundlestone, which is renowned for its master blacksmiths. He claimed his bar is twice as easy to work with as typically forged adamantine, and wanted to secure a trade deal in Hundelstone. He had a recipient in mind already, an old dwarf named Fallstaff Shorthelm, who had a reputation as a master adamantine craftsdwarf. He was willing to pay them 5 gp postage up front, and Kalannai promised a further 20 gp when they return to Fireshear from Icewind Dale. As the group was already planning on heading to Hundlestone, Helena saw no reason not to accept the oppertunity for a bit extra coin. They added the new bar to the three they already had and set out. Hundlestone was about 50 miles up the Ten Trail from Fireshear, between Fireshear and Bryn Shander. The weather was chilly, so the four women were bundled up in their cloaks, the two owls flitting through the sky ahead of them, scouting the way ahead for anything dangerous. Their first day of travel went by uneventfully, and they had a cold night's camping, the four bundled up together for warmth, a fire blazing nearby as they took turns keeping watch, and keeping that source of heat going. The second day also passed uneventfully, at least until they were about ten miles from their destination. Snowflakes began to fall within the hour, and grew thicker and thicker in the next few hours of travel until it was difficult for them to see even thirty feet ahead of them through the torrent of snowfall. Helena wanted the group to hurry along, so they could reach town before the weather grew any worse, but Kathrine was a voice of reason, forcing the group to take it slow. She called on her goddess to help guide them through the snow, and worked with Nolla to find the road ahead, making steady progress as they made sure the group did not get turned around in the blinding snowfall. After some time though the sound of battle could be heard ahead, and the group used that as their signpost, heading towards the sounds through the continuing snow. They emerged from the snowstorm into a wooded glade. Helena could faintly see a rustic cottage within this glade — but she could most definitely hear the sounds of bestial roars and battle cries. She could just barely see a huge man with a massive greatsword fending off a hulking, white-furred beast.
Helena sends a trio of magical darts at the yeti, moving a bit closer so she can see it more clearly, but not too close. magic missile Force damage: 11 The berserker strikes at the Yeti... To hit: 25 Damage: 9 Nolla shoots at the Yeti... To hit: 24 Damage: 12 The Yeti swipes at the Berserker twice... Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: 24 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 slashing damage plus 5 cold damage. Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: 15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 slashing damage plus 1 cold damage. It then uses Chilling Gaze on Helena. The yeti targets one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. If the target can see the yeti, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw against this magic or take 6 cold damage and then be paralyzed for 1 minute, unless it is immune to cold damage. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If the target’s saving throw is successful, or if the effect ends on it, the target is immune to the Chilling Gaze of all yetis (but not abominable yetis) for 1 hour. Helena con save: 12 plus bond bonus: 1
The berserker goes down under the two strikes from the Yeti, but Helena manages to resist the cold from the yeti's gaze. Leshanna rushes in, striking at the Yeti - her snowy owl distracting it, then Leshanna teleports away. booming blade To hit: 16 Damage: 7 misty step Kathrine calls on her goddess, sending healing magic to the downed berserker. healing word HP healed: 5 Kathrine then summons her goddess's spirit into herself, channel divinity - Balm of Peace, walking in near the berserker, and letting the light from her goddess heal more of his wounds... Kathrine then moves away from the yeti so not to be within reach of its claws. HP healed: 15 Helena sends another trio of magic missiles in to strike the yeti... Force damage: 10 The berserker grunts as he is brought back awake by the healing, pushing up to his feet to strike at the yeti again... To hit: 23 Damage: 14 "Fool, you should stay down." Nolla calls out. She sends another arrow zipping in at the yeti... To hit: 15 Damage: 9 plus sneak of: 1
The yeti falls to the attacks of the berserker and Nolla. Only then did Helena notice the second corpse, of another yeti, on the ground. Clearly the warrior had managed to take one of them down prior to the group's arrival. “This blizzard will kill you just as sure as the yetis if you stay out in it!” The burly man called. He waved them towards the cabin, clearly intent on getting them inside. Helena followed, not wishing to spend any more time out in this snow than she needed. The others were right behind her. His cabin was warm and surprisingly spacious, given its quaint appearance. He put a brass kettle over his fire and offered them a cup of warm mead to take the bite away. "Well, seems you came along in the nick of time..." The man said then, giving them a grin. "Have to say, being rescued by four beautiful women is sort of a dream come true for me..." He was a giant of a man, a dark-skinned, tidily shaven, black-haired man with huge muscles standing just shy of six-and-a-half feet tall. "I am Alvan Shorthelm, and it seems I am in your debt." He said, the smile fading as he gave them a bow of respect. "Any relation to one Fallstaff Shorthelm?" Helena asked, the name catching her interest. "Sure am, I am his adopted son." The man said with a frown. "Why you ask?" "We are with the Luscan Deliverers." Helena said, "And we have a package for your father." Alvan offered them warm furs and a place by the fire to wait out the night during the storm, and in the morning, he took them to his parents. When morning came, Alvan traveld with them northward for about an hour to Hundelstone. He was happy to chat, but his interests were mostly in day-to-day survival — things like trapping, exploring, and wilderness medicine. His one true passion seemed to be blacksmithing though. None of his topics were of interest to Helena herself. Nolla seemed to get along well with the man though, and Kathrine, as always, was full of questions for him. Hundelstone was a small town nestled up against the Spine of the World. Its homes were mostly small, one-story structures with steeply pitched rooves — save for the grand longhouse that belonged to the town’s elder. Most famous for its blacksmithing tradition, a shocking number of its buildings were forges and smithies, including the building that they were headed to. Falstaff Shorthelm was working in his smithy, and greeted them tersely as his adopted son introduced them. His eyes lit up when they mentioned Griggle’s adamantine, and he set to work on it right away. As a reward for aiding his son, he offered to take the other adamantine bars, that Griggle gave them as a reward, and craft them into weapons or armor. They decided some half-plate and a shield for Kathrine would be the best use of the three bars. The dwarf let them know the items would be ready the next morning. After getting direction to Glarth Druma's place, Helena led the other three through town and towards Glarth’s Abode. One of the group noticed a figure jumping from rooftop to rooftop behind them, shadowing them as they made their way through town. Upon noticing it had been spotted, the figure sent a small crossbow bolt towards them, missing badly then dropped out of sight. Helena talked Leshanna out of going to search for whomever it was, as they were nearing their destination, and Helena just wanted to get this job done. "This seems to be it..." Helena said as she walked up to their destination. The house they stood before was little more than a shack—some ten feet in all dimensions, with a high-raked roof and simple wooden walls. A wreath of pine branches bound in fishing line decorated the door, and it was the only decoration Helena could see around this humble dwelling. A pale dragonborn face peered out the window at her as they approached. "Who are you?" The dragonborn asked as he opened the door a moment later. His eyes darted back and forth constantly, and his appearance was as unkempt as the squalid abode he lived in. Yet, there was nevertheless a certain gaunt handsomeness to him. Helena explained their purpose, holding up the bottle Roll gave them to deliver. “Shadowdale brandy…” The dragonborn said, then he paused, clearly momentarily lost in a memory. “There’s only one person who would send this to me… did he send you…?” "If you mean Rool, then yes." Helena told him. The dragonborn's eyes closed, as if her words had confirmed it for him. “You’ll never take my love! Die!” A high-pitched voice shreeked then and Helena turned to see a strange creature rushing towards them. She identified it nearly at once, a were rat.
"Weapons won't hurt her..." Helena warned her companions, sending 3 darts of power at the wererat. magic missile Force damage: 7 Leshanna lifted a hand and another trio of darts flew to hit the wererat. Force damage: 11 "This is foolish." Kathrine called to the wererat. "It is Rool you need to speak with, if you want his love returned, not attacking this man." The wererat did not seem to care about Kathrine's words, lost in its crazed fury. Her and Nolla moved to block the door to the cottage. The wererat slashed twice at Leshanna with her short sword... To hit: 15 Damage: 6 To hit: 19 Damage: 8 Helena then knocked the wererat out, with another trio of magic missiles. The dragonborn was clearly impressed with their skill, but had to appologize, as he did not have the coin to pay the delivery fee. Instead he gave them a good luck charm for the journey ahead. This shiny stone was something he said he picked up from a man he killed in far-off Anauroch many years ago, and he told them it might help them — it might give the poor soul some rest if his charm was used for good, rather than helping a scared old dragonborn living at the edge of the world. Later they were able to identify the stone and found out it was a luckstone, which Nolla took as she was the best person to carry such an item. Needing to pass some time, they walked through the market stalls, and spent some time just shopping, before seeking out an inn for the night. They needed to wait for Kathrine's new armor to be done, prior to heading on towards Bryn Shander the next day.
[Scene] Dale-town of Good Mead. 1492 DR - The Year of Three Ships Sailing.
] You are sitting on a frozen log next to a large black-haired human with a large axe who reeks of rotting meat and sweet mead. The sun never appeared this morning and all of Ten Towns is shrouded in dim light and icy fog. You are watching 3 other black-haired humans slip and slide around in a slick battle arena made from ice. Blood freezes to the ice underneath them as they attack each other with sword and axe. One of the men seems to have found a way to use the slick surface to his advantage and he sweeps the legs out from under one of his opponents who falls hard on the red ice. The move proved too risky however, because the 3rd opponent was ready for such an event and drives the top quarter of his blade into the Reghedmens back, under and behind his shoulder blade. Using the leverage of the weight of the skewered man, he spins around and plunges a dagger into the fallen tribesman.
] The human sitting next to you leaps up and screams something in Reghedjic and throws his axe into the air. A great horn sounds and the two bodies are pulled from the arena. Minutes later, the black-haired barbarian is called into the battle ground along with two others.
] Jeradav "My axe is telling me she's hungry!"
] As the Reghedmen yells across the ice at his two opponents, the horn sounds again. The three contestants charge into the center and steel clangs. A barbarian woman sits down next to you on the log to watch the contest.
] Elarilka "The Fray Games are moving quick this year. Seems we have half the contestants we had last year. Not many outsiders such as yourself white-lady."
Dawndra] I smile at the barbarian woman without making eye contact. "Seems so."
] Elarilka "I saw you fight in The Stones Throwdown day before. You barely took a scratch. Where is that mighty spear of yours today?"
Dawndra] "Not far. It is never far."
] The smelly axe-wielder has crippled one opponent and seems to be playing with the second. He is taunting the man with boisterous words in Reghedjic, which you can sort of piece together because the language shares much with your native Illuskan.
] Elarilka "My name is Elarilka."
] The woman shifts a large chain from one hand to another and then reaches out to shake arms with you.
Dawndra] I pretend not to notice the gesture, keeping my arms folded within my fur robe. but I offer eye contact and share my name. "I am Dawndra... Dawndra Norlandr. Well met Elarilka."
] Elarilka "Looks like Jeradav will be in the running again this year. He already has two troll skulls hanging in his tent. He looking for a third this year."
Dawndra ]] The mention of a trolls head stirs a recent memory. I was sitting with Teacher Rriandl discussing my next lessons. She suggested testing my martial skill at this year's Frozenfar Fray Games in Icewind Dale. It seemed so far away at the time. She was explaining how the 3rd and final round involved hunting down a frost troll. "What do I know of hunting Trolls?" I remember asking myself silently. Rriandl had been among the winners of the competition several years before and assured me I was ready to compete in the games. "It would mean leaving home for a long time." she told me. I never saw myself leaving Song Moon Temple… of journeying beyond the Starspire Mountains. I had been with my teachers only a tenyear. "I still have so much to learn." I remember telling her. Her only response was that smile of hers.
] The horn blows. Jeradav is indeed standing. He turns towards you and you can see large gash has split his face in two, but he continues yelling some victory chant in his native tongue, blood spraying from his mouth. You hear your name called to stand for the next battle.
Dawndra] I remove my shoes and then stand up to my full height, nearly seven and a half feet. I loosen the draw of my fur robes and let them drop around my feet. Except for a strip of cloth around my hips, my body is entirely exposed to the icy cold. The fine white fur that covers my skin is rippling with the energy of the moment. I step into the Ice Pit and reach behind my head to pull the hairpin. Long white hair falls over my shoulders and flows lightly in the tundra air. I let my weight sink into my legs… into my feet, into the ground beneath me. Rooting… just as I had been taught.
] Across the ice pit to your right is an extra stocky Dwarf with some kind of warhammer spinning in his hands. Across to your left is a Redhedman from the Elk Tribe judging by the helmet he wears. The long sword lowered in his hands points to the center of the small arena. You happen to notice the Dwarf and the Barbarian quickly exchange a glance. The horn blows again. Both opponents begin skating across the ice focused on you.
Dawndra] I sense they pre-arranged some attack plan. Looking at the two, I decide to start my attack with the Dwarf… something about his way tells me he is the greater threat.
Dawndra] I sink into my spear stance and hold the hairpin in my back hand, pointed at the Dwarf. As soon as he slides within range of my spear, I will it to full size and thrust towards the mass of my attacker.
(1d20 Attack 19 + 7 = 26 ) (1d8 Dmg 7 + 5 = 12 )
] Your Ice Pike expands suddenly to its full length of 8 feet. You jab into the chest of the attacking Dwarf, piercing just above his heart. The forward progress of his upper body stops suddenly but his feet keep sliding forward. He falls on his back, prone.
Dawndra] Using the leverage of the spear in his chest, I vault forward onto the Dwarf [Flurry of Blows].
] The tip of your needle sharp spear drives through the Dwarf and anchors into the ice underneath as you vault yourself over his prone body. You land with a crushing knee to his head and follow-up with a hammer blow to his sternum. The body beneath you twitches twice and spurt of blood coats your spear.
[()] ] The onrushing barbarian skids towards where you were standing before pole-vaulting onto the Dwarf. He Attempts a wild swing but he has no footing and misses entirely. He watches as the red fountain erupts from the chest of the Dwarf and worry flashes across his face. The attending crowd gasps and then cheers the barefooted, nearly naked white woman.
Dawndra] As I remove my Ice Pike from the corpse, I use the slippery ground and leverage from the embedded pike to slide slowly backwards away from my remaining foe - seeking eye contact with him. I find my root and raise my spear tip in his direction. (Dodge action)
[()] ] The human takes advantage of the presented pause and grabs a small pouch that hangs around his neck. He lifts it to his nose and draws a quick deep inward snort, inhaling whatever substance the pouch contains. The previous sign of worry vanishes, replaced with red frenzy. He leans into a skating motion and launches his longsword attack. You are prepared however and redirect his swing with a flick of your spear [Sharp Defender Attack of Opportunity]
Dawndra] I sweep his sword and with a small lunge attempt to sink my long needle into his flesh.
] Your attack of opportunity is successful and you draw blood from 8 feet away.
Dawndra] I give the human a lusty smile. "You don't have to be dead my sexy friend. The sideline will only claim your pride. Give it up and we shall drink as mates tonight." As I taunt him, I position myself with the corpse of the Dwarf between us. I again root down with my bare feet as much as possible on the slick red battle surface, raise my spear tip and await his next action. (Dodge action)
[()] ] The artificial frenzy overwhelms the barbarian and he charges. He attempts to leap over the dead Dwarf but miscalculates the maneuver and slides on his knees, his sword thrust short and impudent. (Attack of Opportunity)
Dawndra] "I much prefer ale over blood, but blood it shall be." I drive my ice pike into my clumsy opponent.
] Two quick stabs and the battle round is over. The horn blows. Elk Tribe members in attendance all make a gasping groan as their tribe fellow chokes up a splash of blood and collapses face-first. Many others are cheering you on however.
Dawndra] I will my ice pike down to a hairpin. Standing over the fallen as they begin to pull their corpses from the arena, I spin my long hair into loose knot and clasp it with the needle. I return to my seat and don my shoes and robes then sit for the next battle.
[Close Scene]
[Tabletalk] Each of the four Writer/DMs here are using a somewhat different style and format. I find this ideal and will hopefully give me a chance to learn and improve. It should also keep the storytelling fresh as we journey through Rime of the Frostmaiden.
The above sample should be fairly clear, but in case a reference is required…
]This is narrated by the DM [()] This is the DM rolling dice behind the screen - I do not show these rolls - thought I might make some exceptions, like crits... ] NPC "La la, la lala la - this is an NPC speaking"
PC] this is the PC narrating and "speaking in game" PC]] This is the PC flashing back in time, perhaps even breaking the 4th wall, to tell some of their own backstory (1d20 Stealth 10 + 5 = 15 ) This is a PC Stealth check roll (1d20 Attack 16 + 7 = 23 ) This is a PC attack roll. The PC will narrate their actions and any feats/spells used to attack (2d20a Attack 6 + 7 = 13 ) This is a PC attack roll with Advantage (1d8 Dmg 1 +8 = 9 ) This is a pc damage roll, showing target resulting HP.
While other Writer/DMs may prefer using chat-based dice rolls, I recently got some nifty new dice and grand new dice tower… I will be using them for my segments. Besides, I also prefer writing in OneNote rather than chat boxes. I will be giving up some of the features there for my preferences. Hope no one minds the difference.
The next morning they stopped long enough to pick up the adamantine armor and shield from the smith, then started the treck towards Bryn Shander. Hundelstone faded into the distance behind them as they made their way north on the Ten Trail. The folk in Hundelstone told Helena that they would have a four-day journey ahead of them, if they didn’t lose too much time to bad weather. The road stretched out before her, the sky gray with clouds and the ground white with snow.
Just past midday, they came across a smashed cart at the side of the road. Two sets of tracks led away from the cart into a grove of snow-covered fir trees.
"Not a good sign." Nolla said with a smirk. "Barely half-a-day on our travel to Bryn Shander and already have something concerning happening."
"We have to check it out." Kathrine pointed out.
"Of course." Helena agreed, sighing inwardly as she glanced around. Looking over the cart itself, Helena saw it was a simple wooden carriage large enough to carry four people — or fewer, if it’s filled with cargo or supplies. She also found a tattered letter in the cart which read: “To be delivered: 100 gold pieces for moneychangers in Bryn Shander.” She read it out loud to the others.
"Bandits then." Leshanna said with a glance around, emerald eyes narrowing as she gripped the pomel of her rapier.
"Tracks over here." Nolla said, drawing attention to tracks that led away from the cart.
They followed the tracks for about half a mile, before coming upon a grisly scene at their terminus. The carcasses of a half-elf man and a horse were both frozen and half-eaten by scavengers. Wolf prints could be seen in the snow. The man was still-clutching an iron lockbox. They looked through the man's pockets, but could find no key. Nolla, with Kathrine's goddess's aid, was able to open the box with her lockpicks though. Inside the lockbox, as expected, were 100 gold pieces minted in Waterdeep.
Putting the coins in their packs, and leaving the lockbox behind, the four of them traveled back to the road. They continued on their way, making good time until they made camp that night. The next day was uneventful, other than the endless cold, as they continued the treck northward. It was not until the third day that they found another cause for concern.
They had traveled all day without interruption. Night was falling, and the time to make camp was fast approaching. Suddenly, their peaceful day of travel was interrupted by a whistle of wind and a bestial roar. A javelin tore through the air and a massive, saber-toothed tiger leaped into their midst.
Nolla draws her rapier and strikes at the large feline near-at-hand... She misses though.
Katherine uses her bond ability, creating a bond between Leshanna and Nolla.
The sabertooth claws at Nolla, but misses. A javelin flies in at Leshanna, tossed from an ogre standing atop a cliff off of the road. It misses Leshanna, but just barely.
Leshanna flanks the sabertooth with Nolla, striking at it with her rapier... She drives her rapier into its shoudler, making the beast snarl in pain.
Helena sends 3 darts of power lancing up to strike the ogre.
Nolla strikes at the feline once more... Hitting it with her rapier and leaving it bloody.
Kathrine tries to take a swing at the large cat with her mace, trying to do non-lethal damage... She connects, but does only minimal damage, the cat barely noticing the blow.
The saber-toothed tiger slashes at Nolla again, but slips on the ice, stumbling and missing badly. Another javelin sails in at Leshanna, from the ogre. She has to raise a shield of force, casting the Shield spell, to deflect the missile.
Leshanna strikes at the feline again, leaving a bloody wound in it's pelt, where her rapier drove in once more.
Helena pelted the ogre with another trio of magical darts, knocking it back on its heels.
Nolla, flanking the saber-toothed tiger with Leshanna, drives her own rapier in as the cat turns towards the beautiful auburn-haired elf, driving a deep wound into the feline's unprotected side.
Kathrine looks up to the ogre above and says, "Halt!" Her word is infused with the power of her goddess. command
The saber-toothed tiger again slashes at Nolla, and misses yet again. The ogre stares down, transfixed by the power of Kathrine's command, and cannot move.
Leshanna, with tears running down her cheeks, stabs at the large cat once more... piercing its side and drawing forth more blood. "Don't kill it..." She says, glancing over at Nolla.
Helena switches her spells and sends a blast of blue energy at the ogre. ray of frost Hitting and coating the ogre with a layer of ice, slowing them down.
Nolla gives Leshanna a nod, then tries to attack the tiger again, trying for non-lethal damage... She connects, knocking the saber-toothed tiger out, but not killing it.
Kathrine casts bless on her companions, calling to her goddess for aid, as the ogre roars in anger, the ogre drawing forth her greatsword.
The ogre leaps down from the cliff, greatsword in her hand, as she moves towards the group, clearly enraged at the defeat of her saber-toothed tiger. Due to the ray of frost hampering her movements, she reaches the group, but cannot attack.
With an angry glare, Leshanna strikes at the ogre... She drives her rapier into the ogre female's thigh, doing some minor damage.
Helena sends another blast of cold striking the ogre, frosting its skin once more and slowing its motions.
Nolla moves to flank the ogre with Leshanna, striking at the giant-kin with her own rapier... She manages to hit, but doesn't find as good of a spot as she would have liked, only doing minor damage.
Kathrine stays back, ready to heal if needed, but unwilling to attack the ogre. The ogre, howling in rage, strikes at Nolla, slicing the pretty raven-haired thief across the side, an dleaving her barely standing, clutching the wound.
Leshanna, taking advantage of the ogre's distraction, drives ehr own rapier deep into the ogre's belly, injuring the giant-kinn greatly with a critical blow.
Helena sends another blast of magic mmissiles at the ogre, hoping to finish it off quickly. It is not enough though as the ogre wobbles on her feet, but does not go down.
Nolla, gritting her teeth with the pain of the wound, strikes at the ogre as well. As she pulls her rapier out of the ogre's side, the ogre slumps to the ground, dead.
Kathrine moves in to tend Nolla's wounds, her body glowing with the power of her goddess and both Nolla and the tiger's wounds healing as she nears them.
After the battle the four women set up camp right there, starting a fire and settling in. The cat was not very happy when it woke up, but Leshanna managed to keep it from attacking, and the two seemed to get along fairly well once they had time to get to know each other. The rest of that night was peaceful, though cold.
Late the following day they approached the first village in Ten Towns, and their destination, Bryn Shander. The walls of Bryn Shander, southernmost and largest of the Ten-Towns, loomed over them. The fortified trading post was the gateway to Icewind Dale, and it stood atop a desolate, windswept hill. Guards atop the walls gazed at them, but Helena could barely make out their expressions underneath their masks and fur-lined caps. They opened the gates and wave them in nonetheless.
After getting directions to Kelvin’s Comfort, they headed through the town and were soon standing in the tavern. The innkeep was less than pleased when they asked for Raggamel the Renegade, clearly not certain of their intentions. Kathrine took over though, and was able to talk the man into taking them to this Raggamel's room.
At his room, Helena informed him they were from the Luskan Deliverers, and brought out the strange lockbox they had been given by Maccath. Raggamel was cautious, but good-natured and seemed interested in visitors. He was fascinated by the special lockbox — and laughed loudly with surprise when he touched it and found that it sprung open. He lowered his voice and told them that it must have been enchanted to open at his touch, and mused that Maccath must have sneakily gotten his fingerprint when they last saw each other. His expression was a murky mix of wonder, friendly joy, and mild concern when he said this.
Inside the box was a dragon skull about the size of an adult cat’s skull, made from white gold. Raggamel puzzled over it for a moment; he then pulled a chain out from inside his tunic, a small golden tooth on the end of the chain. He delicately plucked the tiny tooth from the necklace with his large fingers and slid it into an opening in the mouth. The skull began to hum and vibrate in his hands, and then leaped into the air and levitated in place. Two tiny pinpricks of white flame glowed in the skull’s eye sockets — and then its mouth opened and a raspy voice emerged.
“Hey, what’s the big idea, fussin’ around with my chompers like that? I’ll have you know I’m a mighty and fearsome… oh. Oh boy. I’m just a floatin’ skull now, huh?”
It took them a bit of time to get the skull's history, but it seemed This skull was Kaledarnethira (or “Kal,” for short), an ancient white dragon whose spirit was somehow trapped in this golden sculpture after she was killed by adventurers some two thousand years ago. The skull found its way into the treasure hoard of the Oyaviggaton dragon lair. Now reawakened and “defanged” of her once-mighty physical and magical powers, Kal has the power and disposition of a grumpy housecat. Her skull can levitate up to 30 feet off the ground and can float through the air at a speed of 40 feet, but she is otherwise a noncombatant. She is incredibly knowledgeable about her former stomping grounds of Icewind Dale, but her knowledge is some two thousand years out of date.
Raggamel laughed at the emergence of this feisty, indolent dragon spirit. He recommended that the characters take her with them while they travel through Icewind Dale. “She’s got a bad temper, but who doesn’t this far north?” he quips. He simply warns them to keep her safe until they get back to Luskan. “Maccath still wants to see her returned safely, and she can be a real terror when someone comes between her and her dragons.”
“Steady, boy...” the northerner whispered, as he crouched down next to his young gray-skinned companion. “That’s it.... take your time... watch your aim... take slow breaths... wait for your moment, then release.”
Holding the string fully tensioned on his short bow, Ang flipped away a stray lock of white hair as he sighted down his arrow, and followed the line with his eyes out towards the bull elk that stood grazing on small patches of snow-free lichen in the broad alpine valley about 75 feet away. They’d seen one yesterday, but something had spooked the animal before Ang had a chance to get close enough for a good shot.
However, it wasn’t his approach that spooked the elf. Over the past few weeks, with much practice, and heavily tutelage from Gerund, Ang’s tracking and hunting skills had improve dramatically. Combined with his natural nimbleness, the light gray skinned half elf had gotten much better at sneaking up on his prey. And his archery skills had improved as well.
When he first left Luskan, almost two months ago, Ang could barely hit an ogre-sized target from 40 feet away. Now, on an average day, he could fell a snowshoe hare from that same distance. With time to remain still and line up a steady aim, he could sometimes hit one from nearly twice that far.
Of course he’d never actually seen a real ogre, but there were plenty of other potential targets that roamed the vast landscapes of the Spine of the World, like orcs. This seemingly endless chain of jagged peaks, granite towers and ice-covered spires was crawling with them, as well as plenty of other dangerous creatures that were much better dealt with from bow range than up close with a blade.
The intense, grueling and often bloody cacophony of fighting someone up close was never Ang’s preferred way of dealing with conflict, even during his younger days on the streets and alleyways of Neverwinter. Sure, he’d had plenty of altercations that could have ended with someone being stabbed, were it not for Ang’s quick wits, smooth tongue and impeccable flair for persuasion and flattery.
He’d even escaped an altercation with a small posse of bandits not a day out of Luskan by lying and convincing them that he was merely a scout for a drow patrol that was camped nearby.
“Let me go and I’ll steer them away from you. Rob me, and I’ll make sure they’ll find you. Kill me and they won’t rest until you’re all slaughtered, since I’m the prized nephew of the captain of our little band. You may have heard of him, Zhiver the Cleaver.” Naturally, they had not, but it was hardly a gamble worth taking for a few ragged highway robbers.
Of course, flattery and deception rarely work on the ravenous humanoids and feral beasts that roam The Savage Frontier, as he quickly found out, when, nearly six tendays ago, he found himself surrounded by a small orc war band. The brutes quickly surrounded and overpowered Ang, chained him up and hauled him off to their camp.
For all the time that Ang had eluded danger and possible death, the half drow, (technically quarter drow, his mother was half drow,) suddenly found himself in an entirely new world of danger and despair. Abused and starved for days at the orc camp, Ang nearly succumbed to their torture, until one evening, the camp was ambushed and the orcs were all slaughtered by what Ang figured was an entire troupe of rangers.
He soon found out that the ambush was carried out by a single man; a sturdy, but surprisingly quick-footed human in his late 40s named Gerund, who seemed to be everywhere at once. Firing arrow after arrow, then stealthily moving to a new location to repeat the attack, he confused and quickly overcame the entire band without even being seen.
After cutting Ang free, the man carried him off and nursed him back to full strength. Although he was immensely grateful to his rescuer, Ang was nonetheless skeptical of his intentions, until the man opened up and confessed that he had once loved a silver skinned half drow woman in his younger days.
Not usually one to trust strangers, Ang nonetheless found himself suppressing his natural instincts to lie and take advantage of this man’s overt kindness, and instead looked towards Gerund as a father figure, since his own father had been imprisoned for thievery when Ang was but a lad.
The two quickly formed a mentor-apprenctice relationship, if not at least somewhat of a father-son type bond, and Gerund, who was a highly skilled man of the wild, taught Ang the ways of stealth, archery, how to strike quickly and evade enemies, even at close range, and how to survive in the wilderness. Through this time, Ang, who was raised in a dirty, crowded quarter of the big city, found himself fascinated by the wide open beauty and awe inspiring wonder of nature. In that way, a vital part of his ancient elvish heratige was awakened, and he quickly grew to love the outdoors.
In the following weeks, the pair developed a deep bond as they traveled throughout the foothills and higher valleys of The Spine together, hunting, foraging, defending themselves against wolves and other predatory creatures, and on more than a few occasions, ambushing small bands of orcs and goblins.
Nature was the furthest thing from his mind when Ang fled Luskan. It was the second time he’d found himself on he run, the first time being when he had to leave Neverwinter. It meant that his past had finally caught up with him, and that fact presented a rude awakening for someone who had managed to live his entire life in the gray area that lies between the the law and the criminal underground.
Growing up on the streets of Neverwinter, Ang was only five when his father was hauled off by the city guard for thievery. He was never seen again. His mother did the best she could with him and his four siblings, but inevitably, Ang turned to crime. Sure, like any street thief, he stole whenever on opportunity presented itself, and he certainly liked to collect fancy rings, but it was his skills as a charlatan that got him by the most.
Combined with his quick wits, a flair for being able to read and persuade others, and the fact that his slightly unique, but plainly pleasant facial features, pale gray skin, white hair and aquamarine colored eyes, Ang thrived on being able to influence others with his pleasant demeanor, get what he wanted, and then quickly be forgotten by his marks.
Such was the benefit of being a half elf. There were enough of them in the city that one could easily be confused for another, especially by ignorant, well-to-do humans, who were his ideal mark. Ang made his way through live on an endless series of quick cons, disguises, mistaken identities, and his likable charisma. People usually believed whatever he was trying to pull on them, and the kinds of favors or rewards involved were never so grand so that he would make an impression.
Unfortunately, Ang eventually made an impression on the local thieves’ guild. They were none too pleased with his solo antics, and pressured him to join numerous times. He flirted with the idea numerous times, especially after falling in love with Ellia, a quick fingered, dagger-wielding thief, prolific guild member, and often a bad influence, but he resisted, being perfectly happy with his freewheeling life and no obligations.
The head of the guild grew impatient with the young half elf, and threatened to drive him out of the city if he did not join… or worse. Fearing for his life and safety, and the safety of Ellia, Ang decided to leave Neverwinter, but not before pulling on last con to give him some more for the road.
Unfortunately, it went sour. Breaking his own rules and aiming for a much larger reward than his usual motive allowed, Ang suddenly found himself on the run from both the city watch and the noble’s own mercenary guards. He fled his home city and made his way to Luskan. Apparently, word travels fast, and as luck would have it, it wasn’t in Luskan very long before he was recognized.
Forced to flee, and realizing that he needed to get further way, he set his sights for the remote region of Icewind Dale. Never mind that he knew virtually nothing about that part of northern Faerun. Never mind that he had little wilderness experience to make such a journey. Never mind that he didn’t even like the cold, and liked snow even less, nonetheless, Ang set out from Luskan and began walking north along the windswept Northern Means trail.
As the young half elf sighted down his arrow towards the grazing elk, he found his mind drifting back to that day. It seemed like an entire lifetime ago, and in some ways it was, given that the transformation he’d undergone since he left home. Gerund had taught him so much, and his eyes had opened to an entirely new world of possibilities, even though he had no idea where they might lead.
In addition, Ang could barely remember the last time he lied or tied to con anyone. His companionship with Gerund had been nothing but a period of complete and total honesty and integrity. Besides, it’s not like one could pursued the deer to get close enough to your bow with words, or fool the wolves with a disguise. Survival out here in the unforgiving wilderness depend on skills and smarts, not how well you can sweet talk your way out of a situation.
In a way, Ang found it odd that in this vastly different episode, there was never any need for the behaviors that had formed the entire foundation of his entire life. In his mind, he knew that he could easily revert to those habits again if the need arose, but in his heart, he wondered if he even wanted to go back to who he was before. Gerund had shown him that he no longer needed them to survive, at least not in the wild. It remained to be seen whether he would need them in Icewind Dale.
At the very least, Ang begun to realize that like his newfound hunting survival skills, his charisma was nothing more than a tool to get through certain situations when required. It didn’t have to define him, though. At least he hoped it wouldn’t, and he hoped it wouldn’t get him into trouble again. However, old habits die hard.
“He ain’t gonna stand still forever, boy. Wait too long you’ll lose the shot,” Gerund said in a low voice as Ang signed his bow.
“I know, friend. I just want to admire him for a bit longer…”
“You’re ready to head down to the Dale now, aren’t ya?” Gerund asked. “I’ll go with ya as far as Bryn Shander, but I won’t stay. One night is all. I want to get some more huntin’ done on the south side of the Spine before the elk migration.”
Three days later, dressed in thick furs to ward off the perpetually biting chill of the far north, the pair plodded down the snow-covered Ten Trail into Bryn Shander, arriving just as the twilight was casting its last glow of pink light on the snowy landscape, and enjoyed their first mugs of ale in weeks. The next morning, the two men bid each other farewell, both of them trying holding back the emotional importance of their parting.
“I know we’ll cross paths again, boy. In the meantime, remember what I taught ya. And don’t get too close to them orcs. They’re bad for yer health.” He lets out a hearty chuckle, tugs on his thick red beard, turns around and begins making fresh tracks back up the Ten Trail.
“Farewell, friend,” Ang says quietly. “I hope so…”
[Scene] Good Mead Dale. The dark icy fog has dropped to the ground revealing a brilliant white aurora dancing across the skies to the North and East. Only 15 contestants remain standing after the days "games". The Frozenfar Fray Games contest is sponsored by the Tribe of the Bear once a year, and primarily features members of the various Reghedmen Tribes but is open to any contestant. Cost to enter the games is 100 Gold, which goes entirely to the winners pot. There are 3 rounds: 01) The Stones Throwdown - Located in the Ten Towns - Dougan's Hole, this battle takes place within the Stones of Thruun. Any may enter, losers must leave. 02) The Ice Pit Riot - Located in Ten Towns - Good Mead. The fighting arena is a large-sized hole dug into the frozen ground filled with water routed from the Redwaters. The battle requires that three enter the ice pit, only one leaves standing. Battles continue until all contestants fight at least one battle. The surface of the battleground is kept treacherously slick. Only winners of the Stone Throwdown may enter. Winners move on to the next round, losers leave. 03) The Frost Troll Head-Roll - Located anywhere along the northern slopes of the Spine. Remaining contestants must track and battle a Frost Troll while surviving the potentially murderous ploys of the other contestants. Any returning to Easthaven with a fresh Trolls head within a tenday will share the reward pot. Any not returning likely never will.
] Round three starts after a day of rest tomorrow. Along with the other contestants, you have been alloted a space to sleep in the Mead Hall, though it will still be some time before anyone is able to sleep. The hall is filled with the ruckus of drinking locals and the contestants of the Fray Games. Tomorrow night you will have better accommodations in Easthaven and the troll hunt will start from there at sunrise, if there is one.
Dawndra] I find a quiet spot behind the Mead Hall to perform my meditation practices. I take the Rider Stance and drawing long deep breaths of the night air. I allow myself time to marvel at the white display adorning the night sky. After an hour of stance training, I begin the Whispering Claw form that I practiced every night in the Song Moon Temple.
] As you are practicing behind the Mead Hall, the barbarian woman who sat next to you earlier comes around the corner of the building.
] Elarilka"There you be! I've been looking for you. When I found you nowhere in the Mead Hall, I said to myself I said, 'Where would a white-lady be this time 'a night?' Few brave the night air these recent days but look wheres I find you. At least you got your clothings on. That was quite a thing today, fighting naked as you please. Never seen such a thing, and surely not in the ice pits."
Dawndra] "Hello Elarilka." I cease my meditative forms and move on to spear forms. "I am in the middle of my practice. Hope you don't mind that I continue."
] Elarilka "No no, course not. Watching you fight today… I'm not surprised you would rather be practicing than drinking... Oh my! Look at that! The Rora's are pure white tonight aren't they. Usually they have so many colors. Never seen em pure white… what could it mean? Hey maybe they knows you? A white lady under white Roras - got to mean something yeah?"
Dawndra] "No idea…" I step back and draw in… "what it might…" Half spin into crouch…"mean." I thrust the spear forward with my legs driving. "Nothing to do with me I'm sure". I turn to make eye contact with her.
] The barbarian woman looks like she stopped a charging Auroch with her face. Her features are mis-shapened with bruises but still somehow able to pull off her goofy grin. You watched her battle today after your own victory. She was impressive fighting with the heavy chain that currently wraps her shoulders.
Dawndra] "I've not ever seen anyone use a chain the way you did today. You deserved your victory. What an unassuming weapon, yet it flowed like water in your hands. Your opponents were caught in constant surprise. I could learn much from your technique Elarilka."
] Elarilka"Thank you Dawndra. I was just grateful I did not have to contend with your spear today. That actually opens to the reason I was looking for you. Can we talk about the next round? The Troll hunt? Preferably somewhere… indoors? This cold is bitter to me… and I live north of the Spine."
Dawndra] "This is my first time this far north. The cold here… it feels good against my skin. It feels like it is energizing me. But yes, too long exposed would probably kill me as any other. Let us find a corner in the Mead Hall to talk."
] The two of you go inside, grab some drink, then sit near the back on large fur-covered pillows. The room noisy with laughter and cheers and boisterous curses. A bard plays a stringed instrument quietly by the fire.
] Elarilka"So about the Frost Troll Head-Roll… I had thought to just ask you what tactic you planned on using but that would be rude. Instead… let me share the tactics I am aware of. Few ever go against an Ice Troll alone. They are mighty and difficult to separate from sources of water."
Dawndra] "Why would you need to separate them from water?"
] Elarilka"It is how Frost Trolls regenerate. They stay close to pools where they can completely submerge themselves if damaged, but snow or ice will allow them to heal most injuries we can inflict. Fire helps, but again - they stay close to water. Most contestants will bring acid as well - it will halt the Trolls ability to close up a gash or even regrow an arm. You won't find any acid anywhere North of the Spine now though… been sold out for some time."
Dawndra] "I had heard they were difficult to kill but is it true their arms grow back? Really?"
] Elarilka"Really truly - and in the midst of battle too. In years past, the most common tactic has been to group up against a single troll. If it is defeated, then the group fights among themselves to determine the victor. Whoever brings a troll head back to Easthaven wins a share of the prize - that is… one head, one winner. There have also been groups unwilling to fight each other over the prize, so they fight together until they have killed enough Trolls for one a piece."
Dawndra] "I can imagine another tactic… lie in wait for those returning with a Trolls head and take it from them."
] Elarilka"Yes, I'm sure it has been done but most of the Reghedmen would not return with a Trolls head they had no part in killing - honor means something here in Icewind Dale. Still - you are correct about it being technically within the rules of the round so we will need to be on watch for when returning. So I am proposing, if you had not guessed, that you and I hunt as a group. I have not seen a better fighter and I sense I can trust you. I would earn your trust if possible. We will need two heads. I figure… if we can kill one, we should be able to kill another."
Dawndra] "One may be plenty. I am here to prove my martial skill. I am only proving it to myself however. I care not for the trophy or the glory, though the gold would be useful. Perhaps you and I should team. If successful, you can return with the head and take the glory of the win but split the gold with me."
] Elarilka"Among the tribes, the glory is the very reason for the games. Besides, even if we brought two heads, the pot would still be that much more divided, so one or two, the gold would be close to the same. I see no downside to us being one for the final round."
[Scene] Good Mead. Morning. The Mead Hall occupants stirred to life early, considering how much alcohol was put to use the night before. Some contestants are already packing up to catch a sled to Easthaven, where the final round of the Frozenfar Fray Games will kick off.
] You and Elarilka both slept where you had sat and talked about tactics. Your pack remains tied to your leg and seems undisturbed.
Dawndra] "Daybreak be good Elarilka. Hope you slept well enough. I will be ready to depart once I've completed my morning practice. Please give me an hour?" I go outside behind the Mead Hall for standing meditation.
] The fog has returned to shroud the village and with it a dim light as if twilight was refusing to make way for daybreak. You feel your strength ready itself as you meditate. You also notice a strange tug, almost as if your hairpin was not with you. The pull seems to be from North of where you are in Good Mead.
Dawndra] Curious about the sensation, I pull my hairpin from my hair and let it rest in my hand.
] The hairpin itself seems to feel the pull to the North. As you hold it in the flat of your hand, it turns… needle point wanting the same direction you sense calling. Moments later, the sensation vanishes as if it never was. Elarilka finds you.
] Elarilka"Ready to travel? There is a sled with room for us preparing to leave."
Dawndra] "Indeed, let us be on our way to Easthaven."
] You climb onto the back of an open sled pulled by two axe-beaks. There is one other passenger and the sled driver - an older human male covered in multiple layers of fur and leather. The passenger is a human boy, too young and too small to be a contestant. He has his arms wrapped around a large leather bag that he keeps on his lap. The distance between towns is only 10 miles but moments after pulling out from Good Mead, you see nothing but gray mist and have no idea which way you are traveling. An hour passes, then two. Conditions have worsened to a near-blizzard and sharp snow nearly stings you as it hits the outside of your robes. The axe-beaks are complaining with odd squelching sounds, but they keep pulling into the onslaught of snow.
] Elarilka"We should have been there by now. And… This wind should be at our backs, strange to see such force coming from the East."
Dawndra] "I can't make up from down out here. Driver! Are we lost?"
] The sled driver does not hear you. Or at least, gives no sign he has. Through the whipping ice, you hear the frost-piercing howl of wolves.
] Elarilka"Look - to left side. Are those trees? There is no forest near Easthaven. The closest forest is just South of Bryn Shandar. Driver! Where are you taking us?"
] You do not hear the driver say "Where I was paid to, miss." In the confusion of the moment, neither you nor the Barbarian woman notice the young boy reach into his bag and pull out a large container. As your back is turned to him, he removes the lid and dumps the thick red contents over your head and then splashes the last bit onto Elarilka. The boy quickly abandons the sled and disappears into the sideways snow before you can even taste the blood that is running down your face and back.
Dawndra] "Blood! We've been set up! This is a trap!"
] The sled driver looks around to see the boy has gone and after a final whip to the axe-beaks to drive them faster, he also leaps off into the white storm.
Dawndra] "He jumped too! Quick, try to grab the reigns!" [()] ] She attempts to regain control of the runaway axe-beaks but fails. Minutes later you see just a hint of a white shadow racing to cross in front of your path. A moment later the world somersaults around you as something bulldozes though the two axe-beaks. The sled flips and spins and crashes. [()] ] You are thrown into the snow some 10 feet away but Elarilka has been trapped under the sled. You can see the axe-beak blood sprayed into the snow around the sled but see nothing else.
Dawndra] "Elarilka! We are beset! Can you stand?!" I pull my hairpin and expand it to spear length. I take a ready stance against the unknown.
] You think you hear over the blasting wind a faint 'no', but you can see the sled lifting slightly. You rightly assume that she has been trapped underneath it and is trying to free herself. Before you can say or do anything further, white Winter Wolves charge you from 3 directions. [()] ] The first two wolves successfully sink sharp icy teeth into your flesh before disappearing back into the snow. A 3rd attack is brushed away.
Dawndra] I know I don't stand a chance alone. I need to help Elarilka free first. I go push against the flipped cart to allow her to get free. (1d20 Athletics Check 20 +4 = 24 ) Dawndra] I ready myself (Patient Defense - Dodge as bonus action) for the next wave of attacks.
] A Winter Wolf charges you straight and misses, giving you the opportunity to return an attack.
Dawndra] I try to spear the beast. (Reaction) (1d20 Attack 18 +7 = 25 ) (1d8 Dmg 6 +5 = 11 )
] A second attack targets Elarilka and she yells out in pain. The 3rd Winter Wolf comes at you from behind, digging teeth into your shoulder, trying to rip away your flesh. It releases you but before ducking back into the camouflage of the storm, it releases a foul Cold Breath attack. Both you and Elarilka are within its range. Con Save DC 11. [()]
Dawndra] (1d20 Con Save 14 +1 = 15 )
] You feel your energy drain to an emptiness you never thought possible. [()] Elarilka damages one of the attackers and it lets out a chilling cry.
Dawndra] I feel as if I may have only one more attack. I go after the wolf I can see being hit by Elarilka. (2d20a Attack 9 + 7 = 16 ) (1d8 Dmg 7 + 5 = 12)
] With the last ounce of your available energy, you drive an attack from your legs. Your spear enters into the head cavity of the Winter Wolf and it dies with an abrupt yelp. You hear the two others howl in the white. Before you can ready for another incoming attack, several large flaming torches fly in and land a semi-circle around you. Before you make sense of what you see, white fades to black and you fall unconscious.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Thynetos's Introduction Part 3
A 40-year-old Thynetos closes his eyes as he drifts off to sleep. As he begins to dream, he imagines himself walking up a stairway, making the arduous trek back to the heavens where the angels await him with open arms. He is solely focused on putting one foot in front of the other as he makes this climb. He is halfway up the stairs when his dream begins to shift and he is in a large forest. Looking around, he recognizes this forest and looking over his shoulder he sees the grave that he dug two years ago, when he made a vow to himself to change. Falling to his knees, Thynetos bows his head in a solemn, silent prayer. As Thynetos opens his eyes after offering a prayer, he is in an entirely different environment. In an alleyway of a city, Thynetos climbs to his feet and peeks out into the considerably warmer Neverwinter streets. Seeing the sun beginning to rise, he steps out of the alleyway only to leap back into the shadows as he sees a pair exit the building next to him. They appear to be in conversation and Thynetos recognizes them immediately. Stepping back into the alleyway, however, he is met with a stunning sight.
A form he hadn't seen for the last 22 years, Thynetos looked up to see his divine patron looking down upon him once again. Not smiling, his patron isn't outwardly angry either, although none of this registers for a shocked Thynetos. The angel begins to speak with a booming voice as the streets of Neverwinter melt away and Thynetos was back on the featureless plane that he met with his patron on. "You are redeeming yourself. We have observed your actions in the past two years and we are... impressed." The angel's face hardens as it continues, "Do not mistake this for a redemption. You are still fallen and always will be. However, we see that the light is coming back, and we- I wanted to offer you a second chance." The angel snaps its fingers and a grey bag appears in his hands. Holding the bag out, the angel begins speaking again, "Take this as a show of our acknowledgement of your progress and do not let this make you complacent. Your vices are still strong and you must not succumb again." As Thynetos returns to his original dream of a seemingly endless stairway, the angels voice says one last thing as it fades away, "There is great good to be done in the Ten Towns of Icewind Dale if you seek true redemption."
The next morning, Thynetos awakens and squeezed in his hand is a grey bag. Reaching into the bag, Thynetos feels around and pulls out three balls of fuzz. Putting the fuzzballs down onto the ground, he releases them and steps away to finish getting ready.
7 ; 8 ; 5
As the fuzzballs hit the ground, they turn into a Panther, a Dire Wolf, and a Giant Badger. Surprised, Thynetos leaps backwards and grasps for his sword. Holding his sword in front of him, he pauses as he realizes that these creatures are seemingly friendly towards him. Deciding to assume the best, he gives one a mental command and sure enough, the beast follows the command.
With his three newfound companions, Thynetos sets out for the Ten-Towns to hopefully do some good. Unfortunately, by the time that Thynetos arrived in the Ten-Towns his party had shrunk from 4 to 2 as both the panther and the giant badger had succumbed to roving bandits that chose to prey on the small group (the bandits fared much worse). As an exhausted Thynetos and Moira, his wolf, made their way into the first of the Ten-Towns, they quickly made their way to the nearest inn and booked a room and crashed nearly instantly, knowing that the next morning would pose its own set of challenges. As Thynetos fell asleep, his soul had transitioned once again and what was once just a speck of light had grown to stand a fighting chance against the darkness. The fight was long from over, but there was no doubt that this would be a fight worth watching.
(OOC: There are no NPCs introduced in this section (I cut out a good bit of it for expediency))
(OOC: I rolled much higher than I was expecting on the Bag of Tricks and I ended up getting 3 beasts that were good at combat and I didn't want the beasts to just dominate the combat by themselves so I improvised.)
Dawndra woke slowly, opening her eyes and finding herself laying in a warm bed. The roomw as small, with a cozy fire going in the fireplace along one wall. She lay there for a long moment, taking inventory of her body, accessing how much her wounds had healed. There was still soreness, but the worst of the injuries seemed fairly well-healed. Sitting up she checked to be sure the hair pin was still in place, her clothes having been removed, and bandages placed over the worste of her wounds. She removed the bandages, finding mostly-healed skin under them, but the wounds looked raw still.
"You shouldn't be removing those..." A voice said as the door opened and a young human woman saw what she was doing. The female wore a holy symbol around her neck, a golden sun. Dawndra recognized it as the symbol of the sun god, Amaunator.
"Where am I?" Dawndra asked. She stood up, twisting and flexing, making sure her movement would not be impeded by the injuries.
"You are in the house of The Morning Lord, in Bryn Shander." The young woman said, moving to the door. She nodded to a pile of clothes in her arms. "We have mended and cleaned your things..." She set the items down just inside the door, then turned and moved away quickly. Dawndra figured she was off to get someone of more importance in the place. She picked up her clothes and got dressed.
It was not long before another human female came striding briskly into the room. She introduced herself as Mishann, priest of Amaunator. Dawdra quickly learned what had befallen herself and her barbarian companion. The SHERIFF, a human named Markham Southwell, happened to be out that direction with a few of his scouts, when they heard the fighting. They quickly had gone to investigate, and had managed to drive off the winter wolves before they could claim their prizes. Finding both Dawndra and Elarilka unconscious, they had brought them back to Bryn Shander and to the House of the Morning Lord. When Dawndra asked about Elarilka, she learned that the barbarian had already left, traveling towards East Haven on her own. Dawndra was pointed towards a local tavern called The Northlook, as a place to get lodging and some food.
Thynetos and Ang
Having arrived in the hilltop stronghold town of Bryn Shander, you were both pointed towards the same tavern and inn, The Northlook. Each of you have noticed the strangeness of the fact the sun no longer rose in Icewind Dale, and you heard many rumors about this as you spent time in the common room of the tavern...
"In Easthaven, they caught an evil wizard who killed some adventurers. The town militia plans to burn the wizard at the stake. I hear the captain of the guard is looking for adventurers to help with another task that may or may not be related." Came from an old veteran warrior as he sat drinking from his pint of ale.
"In Termalaine, Speaker Masthew has closed one of the town’s lucrative gem mines. Apparently, a gang of kobolds crept into the mine and endangered some miners. Anyone who clears out the mine can expect to be well compensated." The young serving woman said as she brought Thynetos's a glass of water; he had chosen not to drink ale for now.
Helena
Helena sat at her desk, studying the parcel sitting there for some time. She thought it a bit ironic that a new Luskan Deliverer had shown up at her door with the item, when it was that very same company that had brought her to this area a couple years back. She looked around her small office, taking in the bookshelves filled with books, the desk with its writing supplies, and the parcel, still sitting there unopened.
"Open it already." A golden skull said as it hovered up and behind her shoulder. "You know what is in it already after all..."
"Very well." Helena said, glancing over her shoulder at the floating golden skull. "I worry more about what she is going to ask us to do next, more than what is in the box, you know that..."
With a sigh Helena reached for the package. She pulled the parcel towards her, then opened it. As expected the familiar iron box sat inside the parcil. it was identical to the one they had delivered to Bryn Shander those two years previous. Thinking of that brought back her concerns of those she had traveled with previously. Leshanna and Nolla were still in the area, as far as Helena knew anyway. Leshanna had befriended a saber-toothed tiger on the journey to Bryn Shander 2 years ago, and she and Nolla had become more than friends in the time since. They had started working with a man named Raggamel the Renegade, who was the very one they had delivered the similar lockbox to 2 years previous. Helena had not heard from them since the darkness had fallen on Icewind Dale, the sun no longer rising. She was concerned for her friends, as she knew them likely to be trying to find out why the sun no longer rose. Their fourth companion, Kathrine, was long gone from the area, having returned South, not liking the cold, and wishing to find a place that she could have a chance at passing along her goddess's dictates of peace; Icewind Dale was not likely to listen to talks of peace, as every day was a battle for survival up here.
"Open it already." The skull snapped, vibrating with excitement.
Helena smiled and did so. The box opening at the meerest touch of her finger. It would not open to anyone else, she knew this, and she wondered just how the wizard at the other end had gotten her fingerprint when she had barely even spoken to the short woman all those months ago. Inside the box was what was expected. A large pouch containing her stipen, the money her patron paid her to continue her work up here in Icewind Dale. There was a large tome, titled 'History of Icewind Dale' by some sage or another. She laid that on the table, but it was soon floating away, as the skull grabbed it and headed away with the item. Helena watched the two fly off, then glanced back to the box. Inside was still the item she worried over, a letter. Knowing she didn't really have a reason to put it off any longer, she lifted out the letter. Greetings, Thank you for the latest installment on Kaledarnethira's memories. I truly appreciate the work you do to transcribe her knowledge into texts for me. It saves me so much of my valuable time. I have included a tome on the histiry of the region of Icewind Dale, as she requested. Please include her feedback on this tome with your next installment of her biography. The next item needs to be of some secrecy... A few of my fellows have traveled to your area, and are looking for a lost Netherese enclave. Do not feel beholden to aid them in any fashion, but please send me anything you can learn about a possible Netherese floating city called Ythryn, from Kaledarnethira. I will make it worth your time, and, if Kaledarnethira does not know of the place, then I would very much like it if you could journey forth and see what you can find out about it yourself. Sincerely, Maccath the Crimson
Helena sighed. She had known there would be something her patron would wish done. She glanced over her shoulder, to where the golden skull had disappeared. She would have to ask the dragon spirit if it knew anything about a placed called Ythryn. She really hoped it did, as she doubted if she could keep up this cozy work much longer if it did not. She would have to leave her cozy home, and travel out into the cold lands to find out about this place, if the dragon did not know of it. She knew her questions to Kal would have to wait, as the dragon would be excited to read the history she had just recieved.
Helena tossed the letter in her hearth, the parchment turning to ash in a moment. She knew her patron wouldn't have wished it to get into the wrong hands, and had committed it to memory already, what was worth remembering anyway. With a sigh she stood up, knowing Kal would be at it for some time, and wishing to get out of the house for a bit. She put on her woolen cloak and mittens, then strode out into the darkened streets of Bryn Shander. The Northlook was not far away, so she made for it, planning on having a couple drinks as she listened to any new gossip going around the streets.
Foaming Mugs
The Mission
Later that evening Helena was sitting at a table with 3 others, when some frostbitten dwarves walked over. The three she was sitting with were an assorted group. There was a half-elf man with grayish skin, a human-looking man with troubled eyes, and a strange bear-like woman with white hair done up with a hairpin. The human man and the woman were both quite large, the woman clearly the bigger of the two though. Each was bigger than most others Helena had seen, other than a few of the Barbarian tribesmen that sometimes passed through. The group at her table were quiet, not speaking much, and watching the crowd more than each other. Three stocky figures bundled in cold weather garb stumbled toward them. They had snowshoes slung over their backs and ice picks fastened to their belts, and two of them had thick beards. The third held up a gloved hand and said, through a thick wool scarf in a raspy voice, “Well met! I’m Hruna, and these are my friends, Korux and Storn. We need help, and you look capable.” "Capable?" The gray-skinned elf asked with a raised eyebrow. Helena had not learned his name yet, but he seemed the more talkative of the group she had been sitting with. The half-elf's eyes moved to their two companions, both quite a bit larger than most others in the room. "I'd say those two are quite capable, but not sure what you are wishing of us, or what you are wishing to exchange for such services."
“We’re the survivors of a group of dwarves tasked with delivering a sled of iron ingots to Bryn Shander. A yeti surprised us and killed a member of our group. The rest of us fled as the yeti tore Oobok limb from limb. Now we need someone to go back and get the sled for us. As payment, we offer each of you a gemstone worth fifty gold pieces. The friendship of the dwarves of Icewind Dale can also be a boon in these harsh times. You’ll need snowshoes to make the trip in good time.” The dwarf said in response. "Fifty gold pieces is indeed a decent reward." The gray-skinned half-elf said with a glance to Helena, and the other two at their table.
Helena had to consider things quickly. She had no real desire to go out and deal with whatever was going on here, but, if she was going to need to find out more about this lost city, her patron wanted information on, then she needed people willing to accompany her. She had no idea where Leshanna and nolla were now, so this might be her best chance. "Agreed." She said with a nod. "Where can we find you good dwarfs once we are returned with the sled?"
"Blackiron Blades." The dwarf said with a nod to her fellow dwarfs. They filed out, heading back out into the snow falling softly outside. "A missing sled doesn't seem like that needful of a task." The man with the haunted eyes said once the dwarfs had left. "Seems like a large reward for such a minor task..."
"Hopefully it is as uninteresting as you make it sound." Helena said with a nod to the man. "The less interesting the better, in my opinion."
"If this yeti is near, then there could be much worthy in this." The strange white-haired woman said, her own eyes on the door the dwarfs had left through. "I say we make all speed to see if we can hunt down this beast..."
"Hunting down the yeti is not what we are getting paid for though." The gray-skinned half-elf said. "If it is there we can deal with it, but I see no reason to seek after trouble, especially when it is not what is being asked of us."
"Well it is still early enough in the day..." Helena said with a glance to the others around the table. "We could stop in at Blackiron Blades, and get some snowshoes for those of us who need them, then be on the road."
Blizzard
It was agreed, so the four of them headed out. Helena learned that the gray-skinned half-elf was named Ang, the haunted-looking one named Thynetos, and the white-haired female was Dawndra. At Blackiron Blades they purchased snowshoes, and then started along the path towards Kelvin’s Cairn. Helena sent Sabastian, her snowy owl, flying ahead, to keep an eye on the path. The only signs of anyone passing this way were a few tracks that led towards town, Helena assumed those were the dwarfs who hired them, but was not a tracker of any sort, so wasn't going to worry over it too much.
"Looks like no one but the dwarfs passed by here recently." Ang said, from his spot at the front of the group, where he was scanning the snow as they walked. "Those tracks are definitely the dwarfs we met, and nothing else looks to have passed by.
Helena smiled to herself; she had to remember that she was not alone out here, these others probably had skills she did not. The big man, named Thynetos, was walking to the rear of their group, then herself, the large white-haired woman - Dawndra - ahead of Helena, with Ang leading the way with his tracking skills.
Helena was the first to be warned of the approaching danger, Sabastian, flying above them, had seen it first. A swirling mass of snow blowing down off of the mountain ahead, and heading in their direction. "Blizzard." Helena warned the others, though it was clear they were already noticing it as she spoke. The wind was fierce, sending the wall of snow towards them faster than one would believe possible.
"We can't travel in that!" Ang shouted over the rising wind. "We need to find cover, of some sort, and wait it out!"
"Is only little storm." Dawndra said with a frown ahead at the oncoming blizzard. "No problem to keep moving through."
"Maybe if you are half polar bear, maybe." Thynetos said with a glance to the white-haired Dawndra. "For the rest of us, getting lost in that might mean our deaths."
Knowing they did not have much time, Helena had Sabastian do a quick circle, scanning for any sort of shelter that might be out there. They found a few large boulders, a bit off of the main road, but not too far off of it. The snow hit before they made it there, but, with the group working together, they managed to get there through the fierce winds and driving snow.
The next several hours were uncomfortable, to say the least. The four of them huddled together, even Dawndra sharing what she could of her warmth, to help those less accustomed to the bitter cold and powerful winds. Conversation was at a minimum, since it required shouting to be heard over the wind. Sabastian had to be sent to his sanctum, the winds too fierce for the owl to stay with Helena. By the time the storm blew past them, massive drifts curled around the boulder they had sheltered behind, making walls of white around the small group. "Well that will make tracking more difficult." Ang said as Helena watched him shake snow off of himself. Helena sent Sabastian up to do a quick look around, but all that was reported back was a solid white landscape as far as the owl could see. "We know to head towards Kelvin’s Cairn, so we can use that as our landmark." Helena suggested nodding to the mountain ahead of them. "The road was not far off from our shelter, so we can hope to locate the sled still."
They trudged along, scanning the white expanses for any sign of what they had come to seek. It was a couple hours of travel still, before they spotted it. Sabastian, Ang, and Dawndra all noticed it about the same time.
Oobok’s Remains
They crested a snow-covered ridge and saw a frozen, dismembered corpse in the gully in front of them. Snow covered some of the gory bits, but the headless torso and severed limbs were visible. They saw tracks in the snow all around the corpse, and the telltale grooves in the snow left behind by a sled that had been hauled away. "Is he dead?" helena asked, eyeing the bloody remains. "Stupid question, he has no head..." She turned away, unable to look at the gore.
The others seemed to not have Helena's issue. All three of them moved in, clearly unconcerned by the bloody mess. Thynetos and Dawndra moved to the body, easily able to tell the head was no where to be found, and it looked like some beast had feasted on the dwarf's belly. As they looked over the body, Ang studied the tracks in the snow. He was easily able to tell they were made in the past hour, and none of them belonged to what had killed the dwarf, or the dwarf himself. They were obviously made after the blizzard had passed by.
"Goblins is my guess." Ang informed the others as Helena finally managed to get closer to the three of them. She found she only had to keep from looking at the body directly. "They headed off that way, and look to be pulling the sled with them..." He gestured off in the direction the sled tracks went.
"Goblins no great contest." Dawndra said, glaring around the area as if she could make the yeti appear. She stood as if planted in one spot, her posture and pose perfect, every muscle in tune with every other.
"We were hired to get the sled, remember." Helena prompted. She nodded in the direction Ang had indicated. "The sled went that way, so I think we should follow."
There was little discussion on the matter. Even Dawndra, despite her wishes to fight some glorious beast, agreed they needed to locate and reclaim the sled. Helena sent her owl flying ahead of them, as they followed the trail through the snow.< br />
Goblins
They traveled some distance off of the path they had been following to reach the sled's location. Sabastian ranged ahead, looking for any signs of those they sought. Eventually the owl saw figures ahead. The creatures they had been following appeared to truly be goblins, based on their stature. All six of them groaned, grunted, and cursed loudly as they hauled the bulky sled toward what appeared to be a twenty-foot-tall wagon parked in the snow. Harnessed to this conveyance were two roaring polar bears that didn’t look happy. Helena quickly filled the others in on what the owl had spotted, the four of them doubling their efforts to catch the sled before it reached the wagon. When they came into sight of it themselves, Helena estimated they were about 250 feet from the wagon, with the sled almost midway between them and the wagon.
"So do we rush them or talk?" Thynetos asked.
For some reason all of them looked to Helena as they asked. Thynetos even giving her a raised eyebrow.
"I think talk." Helena said, a bit uncomfortable at being the decision-maker. "They have not done anything, we know of, and could easily just be out here seeking whatever they can scrounge out of the wastelands."
"If that is so, we might just be able to make a deal here..." Ang said thoughtfully. "What do we have for extra rations, and maybe a blanket or two?"
They quickly gathered several rations, and 3 winter blankets, and Ang took those and led the way towards the goblin wagon. They arrived just as the goblins hauling the wagon reached it.
"Hail mighty goblins." Ang called, though Helena was sure the goblins had spotted them by now. One stood atop the wagon, a hawk on her shoulder and holding a lit torch up.
"See you." The goblin atop the wagon called. "What want?"
"To make a trade." Ang called back. "We saw this nice sled your servants were hauling, and thought it would be nice to have such a sled. He brought out half of the rations they had gathered, and two of the blankets, laying them out before him. "We are willing to trade you warm blankets and food, for the sled, which looks heavy and needing of some repairs..."
"Why no we take?" The goblin boss asked. "We mighty goblins..."
"I'd like to see you try it..." Thynetos growled, gripping the hilt of his weapon. Dawndra stood there stoic and motionless, but just her impressive size was imposing enough. It did not take the goblins, who began to speak together in their own language, to come to an agreement. They ended up throwing in the other half of the food they had already decided to trade, plus the other blanket. Helena had to admire Ang's ability to bargain with the goblins.
A short while later Thynetos and Dawndra were pulling the sled, as the four of them headed back towards the town.
Conclusion
Three hundred iron ingots were wrapped in thick burlap and tightly secured to the sled with leather straps. Each ingot weighed 2 pounds and was stamped with the foaming mug symbol of the Battlehammer clan.
Once the ingots were returned to Hruna and then delivered to Blackiron Blades in Bryn Shander, The group received their promised rewards, including a 10 percent discount on goods they buy at the shop afterward.
Having gained the favor of Garn and his sister Elza who run the shop, and having traded in the reward gemstones for coin at the Blackiron Blades, a tough proposition for Ang, who has a special fondness for beautiful, precious stones, everyone now finds themselves 50gp richer. In the end, simple economic need won out, and Ang reluctantly let it go. He didn’t second guess his decision, though, being unable to remember the last time he had this much money in his pocket.
“What say we go spend some of this hard earned coin on drinks to celebrate our success, and hot food to warm our bellies?” Ang says to the group. (Changing to color "Teal" for Ang, as he and Helena's colors were too close. “I for one would love nothing more than to be out of the cold for at least a night and bring some feeling back to my toes.”
Leaving the Blades shop, the four adventurers turn and shuffle back up the snow-covered main street that leads towards the North Gate and the Northlook Tavern, which lies just inside the gate. The town walls do little to shield the biting wind that whips down the long, straight row and stings any small bit of exposed skin. Fortunately, thick cloaks, scarves, hats, mitts and plenty of fur and wool ward off most of the chill.
Being a relatively large town of over 1,000 people, there is enough foot traffic to pack down the snow, so even in the steady wind, it’s an easy walk over to Bry Shander’s busiest and rowdiest tavern. Once inside, the cold is immediately dispensed by the warmth of a steady burning hearth and the many bodies inside. As it was last time you were here, the place seems like a gathering place for adventurers and other rugged types.
Quickly finding an open table, the group sits down, sheds thick outer layers and orders up a round of ale (hot cider for Thynetos) and hot bowls of mutton strew and crusty bread. Finally relaxing after a rather taxing day spent out in the elements, everyone’s guard comes down a little bit.
“Those hours we spent hunkered down in the blizzard were not my favorites in recent memory, and I for one would especially thank Dawanda here for sharing her seemingly endless supply of body heat,” Ang says, raising his mug. Helena and Thynetos follow the gesture.
The white haired Arktikos women responds with a bit of a smile, if not a little bit of humility.
“Helene, it is a good thing that you and I are small enough to fit right in the crook of her shoulders, for I don’t know what we would have done were we not stuffed between her and Thynetos,” Ang says with a wink. "It would have been considerably more miserable. However, something tells me that was not the last time we will find ourselves in that situation again if we are to continue adventuring together in this bitter corner of the world. At least we know we can survive being caught out in a storm like that.”
Helena adds, “It does seem that we have skills that complement each other quite well. Ang’s skills at persuasion allowed us to avoid what could have been a rather bloody battle. And of course, without you two (Thynetos and Dawanda), hauling six hundred pounds of iron all the way back on the sled would not even been possible.”
Thynetos adds, “I think that Dawanda is a little disappointed that that she didn’t get to crack some goblin skulls. Come to think of it, can’t say that I wouldn’t have enjoyed ridding the world of a few more goblins, but perhaps you are right. As we saw today, surviving up here often means preserving your strength for the right battle, whether it be a goblin or a whiteout blizzard.”
The four adventures continued to relax and appreciate the warmth of the tavern, and it’s quickly learned that the rhythm of life for everyone in the far north revolves around bouts of extreme exertion outside in the bitter, hand-numbing cold, biting wind and relentlessly driving snow, balanced by those very welcome comforts of warmth inside as you gather around other bodies. Even the dim orange glow of the fire and torches inside the tavern are a stark contrast to the cool blue twilight that borders the long hours of darkness here in Icewind Dale.
There’s quite a bustle of activity here inside The Northlook this evening. At times, it gets rather rowdy, with drinking contests, the regular bragging and heckling between between the rough and tumble patrons and the occasional fight that is usually over right after it begins. In the corner, a trio of dwarven musicians play a steady stream of northern folk songs, with one belting out heavily accented (and slurred) lyrics, one beating on a drum and the third pulling the bow on his fiddle.
Above the hearth, there’s a large plaque upon which is mounted a battle-scarred knucklehead trout, who’s name is apparently Ol’ Bitey. Ang can’t help but hear the story of Ol’ Bitey, and after a bit of cajoling from one of the patrons, he hears the story from a large, bearded man between pulls of his huge mug of ale.
“Ol’ Bitey here… ‘e pulled many a fishermen into the icy depths o’ Maer Dauldron ‘fore he finally met ‘is match and was caught by a couple o’ folks. They brought it here to be cooked. But Scramsax, the owner here, ended up buyin’ it off ‘em and ‘e had it stuffed instead. Go on… have a look!” The man prods.
Ang’s curiosity peaked, he steps forward to inspect Ol’ Bitey more closely. When he gets within a few feet, the stuffed fish suddenly twitches and snaps at the half elf. Surprised, Ang quickly pulls away, while the bearded man lets out a loud guffaw, spilling his beer in the process.
A minute later, the fish comes to life again and sings a short verse:
“There’s a place I like to go
Farther up the river’s flow;
Where it is, I do not know;
Must be under all that snow.”
“It appears that Ol’ Bitey is enchanted!” The half elf exclaims!
“Yea… story is that some prankster wizard cast a spell on Ol’ Bitey few years past.”
“Well, good on ye for luring me into that one, man!” Ang smiles as he takes a sip from his own mug.
Cold-Hearted Killer
As the group sips their ale, it seems as if the tavern is abuzz with news about a series of recent killings. Before the murders, the only question on everyone’s mind was, “Will summer ever return to Icewind Dale?” Now the question is, “Will I be the killer’s next victim?” Nothing breeds fear and paranoia like a murderer with no face.
Three cold-blooded murders have been committed in the past month: a halfling trapper in Easthaven, a human shipbuilder in Targos, and, three days ago, a dwarf glassblower in Bryn Shander. Each victim was found with a dagger of ice through the heart.
What’s the connection? The drunken lot huddled in the tavern offers no credible ideas, but sitting apart from the group is an elderly shield dwarf with a nasty scar across her nose who looks like she has something worth knowing. She’s been smoking her pipe and eyeing you ever since you walked in.
At one point, she hops down from her chair and struts over the table and introduces herself.
“Yer the group that went off lookin’ for Oobok and retrieved that sled full o’ iron for them folks who run the Blackiron Blades. I’m Hlin. Hlin Trollbane.”
“Well met, indeed. I am Ang, and my companions are Helena, Thynetos and Dawanda. And yes, it was we who recovered the iron. Not an easy task by any measure, but we got it done. What’s your interest in us?”
“Good to meet you folks. Well, I could use some help from a group like you. You mighta heard about the recent murders been happening ‘round here. Well, nobody seems to want to investigate… not even the Council of Speakers, so I been taking it on myself to see what I can find out.”
“At this point, I got one suspect, and I need some help takin him down. You interested in that kinda work?”
“Sounds like you’re looking for some bounty hunters.” Thynetos answers. “Yea, I think we can handle that kind of work.”
“Man I’m lookin’ for is Sephek Kaltro and he works for a small traveling merchant company called Torg’s, owned and operated by a shady dwarf named Torrga Icevein. In other words, Sephek gets around. He’s charming. Makes friends easily. He’s also Torrga’s bodyguard, so I’m guessing he’s good with a blade.”
“His victims come from the only three towns that sacrifice people to the Frostmaiden on nights of the new moon. This is what passes for civilized behavior in Icewind Dale. Maybe the victims found a way to keep their names out of the drawings and Sephek found out they were cheating, so he killed them. Maybe, just maybe, Sephek is doing the Frostmaiden’s work.”
“Anyway, I followed Torg’s for a tenday as it moved from town to town. Quite the devious little enterprise, but that’s not my concern. What struck me is how comfortable Sephek Kaltro looked in this weather. No coat, no scarf, no gloves. It was like the cold couldn’t touch him. Kiss of the Frostmaiden, indeed.”
“I will pay you a hundred gold pieces to apprehend Sephek Kaltro, ascertain his guilt, and deal with him, preferably without involving the authorities. When the job is done, return to me to collect your money.”
“This sounds like important work indeed, Hlin, but we got 50 gold each for receiving 600 pounds of iron from a rather menacing crew of goblins and their pet polar bears. Seems like hunting a murderer should command a slightly higher price,"
(Ang Persuasion Check: 12+5 = 17)
Hlin regards the half elf with a slightly impatient expression. “I hear ya, but that’s my offer. You in or do I go find some other crew who’s willing to take my money?”
“Now now… I think we can accommodate your budget, right?" Ang says looking towards his companions.
“It may be less at first, but it’s still 25 gold each, and it will add to our reputation. That could pay off in the long run, and I for one would feel good about saving further people from sacrifice. You are right, Hlin, that is hardly civilized behavior, even here in the far north.” Helena says.
“I’m in. If good deeds need doing, you will have my sword,” Thynetos says.
"It sounds like a challenge worth undertaking. I’m in,” says Dawanda
“Very well. I’m too old for this kind a work myself anymore, so your help will be much appreciated.”
Hlin explains that certain settlements (Bryn Shander, Easthaven, and Targos) are making humanoid sacrifices to Auril, holding lotteries to determine who gets sacrificed on nights of the new moon
The desperate people of Ten-Towns, hoping to appease Auril so that summer can return to Icewind Dale, make sacrifices to the Frostmaiden on nights of the new moon. This is a new practice that started a little over a year ago, when it became clear that Auril was angry and summer would not be returning anytime soon. The town speakers (see the “Council of Speakers” sidebar) have unanimously agreed to honor these practices, which they consider necessary evils, but would end them in a heartbeat if Auril were to be appeased or dealt with in some other way.
The nature of the sacrifices varies from town to town, but usually takes one of three forms:
Humanoid. Bryn Shander, Easthaven, and Targos hold lotteries the afternoon before the new moon. The unlucky person whose name is drawn is sacrificed at nightfall. The ill-fated soul is stripped bare and either tied to a post or sent into the tundra to die. Accusations of rigged lotteries are common but usually not acted upon.
Food. Smaller towns that can’t afford to give up people give up their food instead. A day’s catch of knucklehead trout is strung up on wooden racks a mile outside town, to be claimed by yeti and other creatures that embody Auril’s wrath.
Warmth. Towns that can’t bring themselves to give up their people or their food forsake warmth for a night. No fires are lit between dusk and dawn, forcing locals to share body heat for warmth. Anyone who dares to light a fire is savagely beaten.
“If my theory is true and it is indeed Sephek who’s killing the Ten-Towners who cheat their way out of being sacrificed to Auril, then it’s likely that the Frostmaiden will use him to kill again.”
“I don’t know if Sephek is acting alone or has the support of Torrga Icevein, so I think ye should isolate Sephek and dispose of him quietly, if such action is called for. First thing first, you’re gonna have to find out where Torg’s is.”
“Very well. We shall begin at first light… er… tomorrow morning.”
At the end of the evening, when the food and conversation dies down, the four tired adventurers retire upstairs to their rented rooms at The Northlook, and everyone enjoys a very much needed rest under piles of heavy wool blankets and quilts sewn from small animal skins sewn together.
(Ok, I'll pass the baton on here. The next person can continue with The Cold Hearted Killer Quest.)
[Scene] Last night you received a paid mission to hunt down whoever is killing local townsfolk. You spent the night in rented rooms at the Northlook tavern and inn. Morning arrives, not by light but by noise as you hear other guests making their way down for morning mead and cooked eggs. The four of you gather around a table and order the same.
Helena] I look around for any obvious eavesdroppers or busybodies looking our way
(1d20 Perception 12 +3 = 15 Success)
] Everyone in the tavern seems engaged in their own conversations. None seem to have any interest in your group.
Helena] I speak quietly just in case… "I was thinking last night about what the possible motive would be for these killings. I came up with three possibilities worth our consideration. First… this killer may just like the killing - but in that case the victims would likely be more random. Secondly, the killer may be killing on behalf of Auril. This would make sense if indeed all of the victims were buying their way out of the sacrifice lottery. Plus, the death by ice dagger in the heart seems like a big fat clue pointing to the Frostmaiden herself. There is a third possibility however, which I thought might inform our actions." I lean in closer and with a lower voice… "It is possible that the townsfolk themselves are behind the murders. Maybe they discovered some of their own were cheating the lottery and decided on retribution by paid madman."
Dawndra] "Funny you should say this… I was thinking last night that maybe these folks that got themselves killed were in fact deserving of it. Maybe we should not be in any hurry to stop the killer, if you know what I mean."
Ang] "The pay is pretty light as well.. But we did say we would take the job."
Dawndra] "I'm not suggesting we break contract or anything… just that great haste to save such lives seems undue."
Thynetos] "So Helena, how do you think this 3rd possibility would change our course of action."
Helena] "We discussed last night that this undertaking might give us a good reputation with the ten towns… it is possible it might do exactly the opposite. I suggest we keep our goals to ourselves and we find a way to hunt this fellow without asking too many questions of the locals. If they get a hint that we are investigating…"
Ang] "Agreed. We should go about this one in a muffle. What puzzles my thinking is how the victims went about getting excluded from the lottery. I might assume that someone else picked up a nice sum of gold to make it happen for them."
Thynetos] "And how, I wonder, is the killer discovering their targets, yes? Perhaps we should look-see who is running these lotteries. They may in fact be the next victims."
Dawndra] "Were I the killer… the fool paying for injustice would be my first concern… but the fool getting paid for it would surely be my second."
Ang] "And what might you say about the fools getting paid to clean up the whole mess I wonder."
Dawndra] "I would hate to see any innocents suffer by side-damage, but death seems a way of life here north of the Spine. Justice is a funny thing where gold has weight. I remember Teacher Kolmna demonstrating with her stories how justice always wears many faces. "It is difficult to trust any of them, and a little coin makes it impossible", I recall her saying."
Helena] "Dawndra makes a good point. If there is gold changing being exchanged, our next actions would be manifest. Last night I thought we would have to discover the trade route of Torg's and then beat them to their next visit… but if we can find where the gold went, we can just call the killer to us."
Ang] "Were we a bit sly about things… we need not even know who got paid… we only need the killer to know. A rumor of fictional someone taking a purse to fix the next lottery should be plenty."
Thynetos] "I feel like you were meant to have that idea Ang. And I feel like you are smarter than first impressions might have implied. "
Ang] "Well there is being smart and there is being artful with the sneak. Besides, it is deeply poor form to show your hand before you know who it is you are showing it to…"
Helena] "Before we decide on any course of action, let us step back a moment and consider what we know, and what we are only assuming…
We know three people have been killed and found with a dagger of ice through their heart.
We know the killings have only happened, so far, in towns which hold a lottery to determine who will be sacrificed Auril on the new moon.
We know that the latest killing was here in Bryn Shandar only 3 days ago.
What else do we know?"
Thynetos] "We know it is damn cold out there!"
Helena] "Yes, unnaturally so… right? This may be precisely the reason why this situation has occurred. We can only assume that the Ten Towns are correct in believing that Auril is in fact behind the unnatural conditions, and if she is… we can only assume the towns sacrifices are actually appeasing Auril. We don't know if things would be far worse without them… but we do know it is damn cold. What else do we know?"
Ang] "We know from Hiln that Sephek seems unnaturally comfortable in the damned cold. This could be the result of magic or something else… maybe even special protection granted by Auril herself. This could mean we have gotten in over our heads. I don't think any of us possess the strength to go up against a god.
Dawndra] "That would indeed be a challenge I feel far from ready for. Speaking of in over our heads, I was considering another scenario worth mentioning… Torgga Icevein is a "shady character" according to Hiln. This means picking a fight with Sephek probably means going against the entirety of Torg's group. We would be wise to seek to separate him from the group."
Helena] "Some things we are only assuming still… We assume that Hiln Trollbane is correct in her belief that Sephek Kaltro is the most likely suspect. We assume the victims somehow cheated the lottery. How can we confirm what are we assuming?"
Thynetos] "We can catch Sephek in the act - that would confirm the suspicion. Then we could simply ask him why he is killing. No serial killer worth a salt-lick would miss the opportunity to monologue their evil plan to an audience right?"
Ang] "If that be case Thynetos…. And I don't think I need to express my doubts about it… Maybe we catch up with Sephek before he tries to kill again, and simply ask… like you say…
Dawndra] "Teacher Llyronin would tell us… "Give the madman a stage, he will do the rest". I think I finally just understood what he was meaning."
Helena] "So we agree, we hunt this Sephek character down and give him opportunity to confess."
Dawndra] "Preferably isolated him from his company, then give him this opportunity."
Ang] "Agreed."
Helena] "So now… what do we not know but need to?"
Ang] "We know the Torg merchant company routes through all of the Ten Towns regularly but we don't know that route."
Helena] "Yes, we would need to know that. Surely someone here in Bryn Shander will be able to tell us. Let's split up and ask around town. Be mindful of our earlier concern - don't share the real reason why we want to know."
Thynetos] "Brilliant! I've room for one more mead… then shall we be on our way?"
] The four of you leave the Northlook and split up to ask around for the Torg route. Each of you spend an hour seeking the information.
Helena]
(1d20 Investigation 19 +6 = 25 )
Ang]
(1d20 Investigation 12 +2 = 14 )
Dawndra]
(1d20 Investigation 14 +0 = 14 )
Thynetos]
(1d20 Investigation Nat 1 -1 = 0 )
] Helena - You skillfully query several of the townsfolk and after less than an hour, you discover another merchant that knows the Torg route and shares it with… for a price of course.. A single gold piece.
Ang and Dawndra - You waste an hour asking for the route info - but both of you get only strange looks from the locals and none seem all that interested in chatting with you on this bitter morning.
Thynetos - you had one too many meads for breakfast and your tongue fell to its loosening. In the course of asking around, you let too much slip in a conversation with scrimshander - even mentioning some of the suspicions around Torgga's Bodyguard being, not only the ice dagger killer, but also that he may in league with the Frostmaiden herself.
[Tabletalk] I hope I did not take too much liberty with any of your characters here. I let Helena led the strategy conversation simple because she has the highest intelligence. I let on that maybe Thynetos likes his cups a bit much... a fallen Aasimar probably would I might think... but maybe it was a one time thing. The Nat 1 was a legit roll... it just seemed fun to blame a critical fail on the alcohol :)
@The_Mathemagician - here be the baton... the story is in your capable hands
Helena, Ang, and Dawndra had been waiting at the Northlook for the last half-hour. The barbarian was late they were each beginning to suspect that it had something to do with the alcohol that he had liberally consumed earlier that morning.
For the last hour, Thynetos had been sharing the information that the group had agreed to keep secret with almost every citizen of Bryn Shander. It was only after he divulged their secrets for the third time that he finally began to come to his senses, but by that point, it was too late, and half of the town was probably aware of their hunch. Even then, the only thing that brought Thynetos back to his senses was seeing Moira who had managed to chew through the rope that Thynetos had tied around her before they had even left to find the iron ingots and had only survived the cold through some divine luck. Seeing the wolf reminded him of his promise to his patron and his drive to get back to earn back his place among the Aasimar and shook him out of his drunken stupor.
Angel's Reaction: 3
It is also through sheer luck that Thynetos's angel is not paying attention or at the very least has chosen to let this one transgression pass. Whispering a prayer of thanks, Thynetos returns slowly and shamefully to the group, with Moira in tow.
"Hey there! We thought you got lost. And who is this beautiful creature?" Ang says cheerfully oblivious to the look on Thynetos's face.
Dawndra frowns as she can tell that something is wrong and inquires curtly, "What's wrong. Did you find anything?"
Knowing that lying will only make things worse, Thynetos sighs as he places a hand on the scruff of Moira's neck, "This is Moira, I left her tied up outside the inn before we left to retrieve the sled. It's a miracle she survived." He says not really wanting to reveal too much about her nature. "But there is something else I need to tell you." He takes a deep breath before he continues, "I made a mistake. I allowed too much information to slip and there is no doubt that the authorities know of our suspicions, if not Torgga herself." He pauses for a moment to allow what he said to sink in before the onslaught of responses.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Helena shouts furious that their entire plan was now jeopardized.
"This complicates things..." Dawndra muses as she absently tugs on her hairpin.
"I suppose that explains the sudden shift in attitude," Ang says as he looks around the town that is suddenly quiet.
Coming to her senses Helena begins to think aloud, "I suppose there is nothing we can do about this fool and the information that he so graciously volunteered to everyone in town," she says glaring at Thynetos, "but fortunately, I was able to ascertain where Torgga is and it is not here. She is currently in Good Mead which means if we hurry we might be able to beat the information to her and perhaps we will still have the element of surprise, although if it is indeed the people of the Ten-Towns that are hiring the killer, then our reputation is shot and there is little we can do about it now."
Ang nods his head in agreement as Thynetos keeps his face down in shame. Dawndra speaks up, "I suppose it is decided then, we must head to Good Mead. I believe travel is 6 hours from here so we had best leave soon."
As the group embarks out of Bryn Shander, Thynetos pulls Dawndra to the back of the group and whispers to her quietly, "I cannot afford mistakes like this, and neither can the group. I do not do well with alcohol and I ask that the next time we encounter it, you keep me from drinking, even if it means physically restraining me."
"I suppose that is alright, although you must learn to master your own body eventually," Dawndra replies thoughtfully.
Thynetos grunts his appreciation and nods to Dawndra's advice although he is a bit confused by how one 'masters their body.'
With this, the group of four (plus a wolf) set out for the town of Good Mead, to confront Sephek Kaltro and hopefully bring an end to the killings in the Ten-Towns. As for whether that is a good thing, that remains to be seen.
(OOC: I know this is a quick one, but I had the time to spare this evening and so I went ahead and wrote this up, I am going to pass the baton along at this point because I am going to be pretty busy next week wrapping up all of my college applications (going forward my posts will probably be more substantial). I realized after I reread all of your posts that Moira was absent and so I came up with a logical reason for why that might be and wrote her back in. I took some liberty with your character's reactions to Thynetos's transgression, but I figured Helena would be most critical since it was her plan to keep the information a secret originally.)
The hour was just past noon by the time the four adventures passed out of the gates of Bryn Shander and began walking along the Eastway as they being their journey to Good Mead. Of course with the entire region being locked in continual darkness, the only visible indication of the hours is the fact that the horizon begins to glow with a faint yellow brightness in the middle of the day.
However, as you’ve all learned by now, this slight display of twilight is but a tease, since the sun won’t make an appearance. It will come within a few degrees of the horizon, during which time the sky will take on the faint twilight look, before the darkness quickly returns.
It’s still a hard reality to grasp, even for Helena, who has spent the most time here and has grown accustomed to the utter and complete lack of daylight. Everyone misses the sun, but no one bothers to talk about it, for what would it accomplish besides adding weariness to your hearts.
The bitter cold causes the snow to squeak and crunch beneath your snowshoes as you walk east on the relatively wide track of packed down pathway. There is enough traffic along the “roads” that run between towns to keep them fairly well groomed, at least until the next blizzard blows through and dumps a foot to two, or five feet of snow and increases the difficulty of travel by tenfold.
You have learned to stay on these paths, and not only because they offer the most direct and well traveled way between the different settlements up here. Leave the beaten track and travel becomes much more difficult in the deep snow, even with snowshoes. Step off the path with no snowshoes and you’ll suddenly find yourself waist or chest deep in unconsolidated powder, which makes it ten times harder to make any progress.
Fortunately, there are wooden triads made from cut logs at regular intervals along the trail that act as trail markers in the event the path itself gets covered by snow or blown in by drifts. Much of the time you’re passing over frozen tundra and through black spruce forests that are dotted with scatterings of miniature pine trees, most of them no taller than four or five feet. A few times you cross frozen lakes and occasionally find yourselves walking across sections of bare ice.
A few dogsled teams pass you on the trail, the dogs padding silently on the path with their paws, as the mushers wave thick mittened hands and nod bundled up faces that are hidden beneath thick scarves and fur hats and hoods. The dog teams often look warily at Thynetos’s wolf as they pass, but no confrontations occur.
There’s little conversation during the first couple of hours, partly because it’s hard to be understood with everyone’s face covered. Everyone keeps their eyes peeled at regular intervals, but even looking around proves to be a bit more awkward when trying to snowshoe while wearing such thick layers of clothing. As you’re learning, pretty much anything and everything you try to do is more difficult and much more awkward in the extreme cold.
At times, Ang wanders ahead a bit to scout, although it’s almost a symbolic move, since the wide open terrain offers the same views to everyone. Nonetheless, the half elf finds himself “scouting” at regular intervals.
[DM stealth rolls] d20+7
18 +7 = 25
14 +7 = 21
After about four monotonous, frigid hours on the trail, Ang (right nows he’s about 50 feet out front) suddenly stops and freezes. You see him gazing off to the right, but then an instant later, you see something moving in the snow about thirty feet off to the left of him.
He doesn’t seem to see it… you barely do, before the two large tiger-sized, alabaster furred cats are upon him. In a flurry of flying snow, they leap out of the drift and pounce on the half elf. At the last moment, he spins around and scrambles to defend himself.
The first cat dives onto Ang and swats him with a powerful rake of its sharp, clawed paw, tearing a bloody gash along his left side. The force of the blow nearly knocks him down, but Ang fights with all of his strength and balance to remain on his feet. He lets out a high pitched cry of pain and twists his body to avoid being hit by the second cat, who barrels in with its own attack.
Initiative
Ang: 22
Crag cat 2: 18
Crag cat 1: 14
Dawandra: 9
Helena: 9
Thynetos: 8
Moira: 4
Round 1
Instantly, Ang pedals to the side and quickly sprints away from the two cats, falling back 15 feet towards the rest of the group. (Skirmisher Reaction). He then draws one of the daggers at his hip and whips it at the first crag cat that attacked him.
Attack: 18 + 6 = 24, Dmg: 4 + 4 = 8
Barely wasting time to watch his weapon spin through the air and sink blade first into the cat’s shoulder, Ang sprints (Cunning/Bonus action Dash), fleet footed over the snow, all the way back towards the rest of the group, before stopping next to Thynetos.
“I didn’t even see ‘em...” Ang says, swearing and panting, obviously hurting from his wounds, and a bit out of breath.
Apparently surprised at how quickly their seemingly easy prey escaped, the two cats wheel around and stare at the group, their backs arched and white fur bristling up off their backs. They don’t immediately approach, instead they remain in a predatory position.
Dawandra looks at the two cats with an uneasy feeling. They are a bit too far away to mount an effective aggressive reaction without over extending and putting herself alone in a very dangerous position. However, she is not one to shy away from battle, so letting out a battle cry, the tall, white haired woman charges forward to engage with the two cats. (1 ki point to dash)
“I trust you will all have my back if I cannot scare them away.” she says before rushing forward.
When she gets within striking distance, (50 foot move) she lashes out with a powerful blow, aimed at the already injured cat. Her bare fist slams into the animals’s nose and draws blood and a yowl of surprise and pain from the cat.
Attack: 11 + 6 = 18. Dmg: 2 + 4 = 8
“Ang, are you ok?!!!!” Helene yells at her injured half elf companion. “You are luck to be alive!”
She’s not exactly sure if a “cold” spell will be very effective against creatures of the north… a revelation that perhaps she should learn some new spells… but that’s all she has to go with.
Speaking a few brief arcane words, she points at the injured cat and sends forth a thin ray of icy cold frost from her fingers. She is right, it seems to have very little effect on the best. (1 hp damage.)
A second later, Thynetos pulls forth his great sword and begins charging forward towards the two cats (Dash move to end right next to Dawandra), racing a bit awkwardly over the loose snow on the trail. As he does so, he shouts to Moira, “Go get ‘em, girl!!!"
The wolf launches forwards and bounds with much more agility of the snow, quickly passing her master and slamming into the second, uninjured cat, tearing through the creature’s fur and hide with her ferociously strong jaws.
Round 2
Behind them, Ang answers Helena, as he unslings his bow and nocks an arrow to the string. “I will live… they surprised me, but I was able to get out of there. If we can convince them that we are not an easy meal, then we should be able to drive them away.”
Taking time to establish a very steady aim (Steady Aim bonus action), Ang sights down his bow at the cat who had swatted him so fiercely and nearly knocked him to the ground.
Releasing the string, he drops the cat with his single shot.
The second cat, who you guess is probably the mate of the cat that is now dead turns tail and leaps away, bounding off through the snow. Dawandra manages a swift roundhouse kick to the fleeing animal’s backside before it gets away, but a few seconds later, the cat is now 80 feet away from the battle and its dead mate.
Lowering his bow, Ang says, “The are crag cats. Powerful predators, and as you just saw, very hard to spot in the snow. I doubt that one will return, but we should keep our eyes peeled for more, especially if we should every find ourselves spending the night out, for I am sure they are quite prevalent up here in the north.”
] The four of you have travelled from Bryn Shander to the town of Good Mead after learning it was the current location of Torg's trading caravan. You are searching for the suspected killer Sephek Kaltro who works for Torgga Icevein. You have been searching through the small town looking for the sleds of Torg's trading caravan. You were told they fly flags with a gold wolf's paw on a black field. As you near the backside of the Mead Hall, you hear 3 men arguing.
] Walton Trigelr ("Trig"): "Well you are just going to have to pummel me then aren't ya! Cuz I got no mead to pay your damned shakedown now do I!? That mauradin giant made off with my stores! You know he killed Kendrick in the process… Why don't you go shakedown the rotted verbeeg for your mead - maybe you might earn some of the so-called 'protection fees' you've been getting from me!"
] Dawndra - you recognized the voice as 'Trig', the human barkeep of the Mead Hall from when you were staying here a few days past. One of the other men does in fact pummel Trig, knocking him back and over a stack of crates.
Dawndra] Without thinking, I rush towards the attackers and direct a leaping side-kick into the back of the one who hit Trig.
(2d20a Attack 19 + 6 = 25 / Dmg 3 +4 = 7 )
Dawndra] "Leave him be!" I shout.
] There is a loud crack as Dawndra's full weight drives her foot into the bandits spine. He falls forward, toppling over Trig and the broken crates. He falls prone.
Thynetos] "Here we go…"
[Initiatives]
Thynetos
20 +2 = 22
Helena
17 + 3 = 20
Dawndra
16 +4 = 20
Bandit1
14 +1 = 15
Bandit2
12 +1 = 13
Ang
02 +4 = 6
Thynetos] I draw my greatsword and attack the other man. "Malefactor! Behold my blade!"
(1d20 Attack 7 +6 = 13 / Dmg 5 +4 = 9 )
] There is a spout of blood as Thynetos blade meets shoulder flesh through a coat of fur. The bandits sword arm falls limp.
Helena] "Ouch! That looks like it hurts. Let me put some ice on it for you."
(1d20 Ray of Frost 9 +6 = 15 / Dmg 6 )
] A beam of bluish white light drills into the bandit. There is just a hint of a scream before his vocal cords seize and his body falls backwards onto frozen ground.
Dawndra] Angry still, I pull my hairpin and expand the ice pike to full length as I step towards the prone bandit. I attempt to drive the needle point through him and deep into the frozen ground itself.
(2d20a Attack 11 +7 = 18 / Dmg 2 +5)
] The prone body of the bandit jerks as the spear slides through him, fatally piercing a lung and splitting spinal bones. The barkeep scrambles to his feet. Fear slowly fades from his face as he realizes you do not intend to kill him as well.
] Trig "It appears I owe you a gratitude I cannot possibly repay. I just wish Torrga was here for you to deal with as well… She is just to hire more muggers to carry on her extortion. Oh… and if she finds out these died here… my troubles will be spire-sized overnight. Help me hide the bodies?"
Ang] "Did you say Torrga? From Torg's Trading Caravan?"
] Trig "Yes, that is her - smarmy kack of a dwarf. She's been outright stealing my mead for over a year now… Everytime she comes through town. Claims to be "protecting" me - but it's only from her own thugs."
Ang] "We are actually here looking for Torg's. Would you know where they are today?"
] Trig "Not sure where Torrga is right now. Two more of her hired sticks are inside the hall drinking on the house."
Helena] "What about her bodyguard, Sephek? Is he here or with her?"
] Trig "That creepy fellow with ice in his eyes? Yeah, he came in with the other four but didn't hang around long. No idea where he went off to."
Dawndra] "Trig… right before they assaulted you, I heard you saying a giant had helped himself to your stores? Can you tell us more about what happened?"
] Trig "A Verbeeg giant just walked into the Mead Hall and helped himself to all of our barrels mead. Kendrick, our Speaker, made the mistake of confronting the beast and got 'imself squashed for all his bravery. Our town depends on mead for our living. We earn decent coin selling to the Tentowns. And… Seeing as how we can't use fuel for heat… blasted Auril… I mean to say… "blessed Auril… Blessed maiden I said... Well we only have mead to keep us from feeling the freeze. Last two nights since that giant dung-hole stole our mead stores have been beyond miserable. Say… I'm sure the whole town would pitch in for a pot of reward if some adventurers such as yourselves could bring back whatever is left of our mead. It will be weeks before we can brew up enough to replace it."
Helena] "We have a prior commitment keeping us… but should that finalize soon, we will consider your request."
[Tabletalk] The_Mathemagician - the story-baton is passed to you
The Frozenfar...
Just head west to the Sword Coast and then travel North as far as you can. You will find yourself in the harsh lands of Icewind Dale. Frost Giants and Barbarian tribes will be encountered should you brave the vast landscape of cold white. There are many others who make this region their home... the residents of the frigid Ten Towns, outcasts, refugees, and ne’re-do-wells, have survived here for hundreds of years among the crag cats, yetis and more than few reindeer.. eeking out a living through hunting, trapping, and fishing for knucklehead trout. They have seen devastating wars and bitter winters and still refused to migrate South. Some even make a good living as artists, carving the ivory-like bone of the Knucklehead trout as the realms-famous Scrimshanders.
Many have begun to reconsider in these recent days however. The weather has turned more bitter than any winter on record and there is quiet talk of a fearsome curse that has been laid on the Ten Towns. It is 1492 DR - The Year of Three Ships Sailing.
This PBP campaign will be somewhat different. We will be using a variation on the idea called Textplay. We have four different Writers/DMs who will be taking turns narrating the adventure of our PCs through Rime of the Frostmaiden.
Helena Introduction Part 1
“Brand-new members of the Luskar Deliverers, I am proud to announce that your first adventure is about to begin!” Speaking is Parcelmaster Lennart Bassk, leader of the Luskar Deliverers, Helena's new mercenary company. He is a half-orc with a broad and attractive physique, and dresses in a sharp suit. “We’ve been contacted by a number of people throughout Luskan, all of whom have deliveries bound for the north. Your fellows are currently outfitting a ship to take you northward, called the Icebreaker. I have assembled a map of this city, and a list of people with packages for you to find.
Helena sighs, wondering just how she had sunk so low as to do delivery work. She was a scribe after all, not someone to carry packages from here to there. Times were tough though, and you had to take the work you could get. She tucked some mousey-brown hair behind an ear as she looked around, taking in the others of her new delivery band. She found it interesting the group was made up of all women. An elf stood a bit apart, with auburn hair, pointed ears, and wearing a rapier at her hip. She wore no armor, not even leathers, and there was a component pouch at her hip, marking her as a spellcaster of some sort. In contrast a longbow was slung over her shoulder, along with a quiver of arrows. The other two were both humans, one with dark chestnut hair and the other with raven-black hair. The chestnut-haired woman was clearly a cleric of some sort, wearing the symbol of Eldath, a waterfall plunging into a still pool. The raven-haired human wore leather armor and had both a rapier and a short bow. A quiver of arrows was slung over her shoulder with the bow, and she had a lute of all things at her hip.
“They shall pay you well in advance, and you shall be paid again when your deliveries are completed. Be dressed in armor and hold weapons, my friends. Your journey will be dangerous, but even this city of Luskan is not a safe harbor. Be ready, and look to this map and list. Gather three of these packages; the rest shall be gathered and delivered to the Icebreaker by your friends. Safe travels, my friends.” The speaker continued, drawing Helena's eyes back to him. She took the map offered, glancing over it as she compared it to the list of names. She was aware when the other three women came in close, looking at the map with her.
"Any of you know this city?" The elven woman asked, her voice musical. The other two humans looked at each other, clearly not locals.
"I do." Helena said as she gave the three a glance. "We are not far from the Hosttower of the Arcane, which is where Maccath the Crimson seems to be located. I suggest heading there first, then we can decide where to go next."
"Works for me." The follower of Eldath said. "By the way I am Kathrine." She offered her hand and Helena shook it.
"Helena." Helena said in return.
"I'm Nolla." The black-haired woman said with an easy smile.
"I'm Leshanna." The elf with the auburn curls said with a shrug. "I'm good with going to this tower first."
With that decided, Helena rolled up the map and led the way out to the street. She could actually see the Hosttower from here, and pointed it out as she headed in that direction. It was only a short walk to the base of the Hosttower of the Arcane, a tower that seemed to grow out of the ground like a crooked, skeletal tree. It looked just as organic as it did artificial. Standing at the entrance was a brutish-looking guard with an athlete’s build and wearing a leather skullcap. He glowered at them as they approach.
"Excuse me, but we are here to see Maccath the Crimson." Kathrine spoke up, moving forward to smile at the guard. The guard gave her a once over, clearly hesitant. "Would it hurt to call her down?" Kathrine asked. "I mean, if she is expecting us she won't like it if you turn us away..."
Kathrine Persuasion roll: 16
"Fine, one moment." The guard said, stepping inside the tower. He returned with a grunt directed at the four of them. "Go on in, but watch yourself..."
Helena, who had been in the tower before, strode forward, the others falling into step behind her. She moved to a small waiting area just inside the main doors, knowing they would not be allowed to move past that without an escort. It seemed they were expected though, as it was only a couple of minutes before Maccath came striding into the small waiting room.
"Hello hello..." The short woman said as she nearly bounced with energy. "You are the delivery group then?" Helena saw the shorter woman take them in for a moment, then shrug. "Here is my package." She said then, pulling an iron box out of a pocket. The box had the feel of magic as Helena accepted it. "That contains a dragon artifact I want a friend of mine in Ten Towns to look into for me." Maccath explained her eyes on the box. "Make sure it gets there in one piece..." With that she handed over a bag of gold. "I have research to do, so please see yourself out." With that she bounced away almost as quicly as she had arrived.
"Peppy one." Nolla commented with a grin, nodding to the others. "If the other two packages are this easy, we'll have time for a drink before we need to get back to the ship."
"A drink sounds good to me." Leshanna said with an unamused grunt, her eyes on the door Maccath had disappeared through.
"Who is next on the list?" Kathrine asked. Helena pulled the list out and looked at it.
"A man named Rool, suppose to be at the Cutlas, which is a tavern not far from here." Helena said comparing the list and the map. She led the way back out of the tower, past the guard, and then turned onto the road. It was a bit longer of a walk to the Cutlass. Kathrine seemed interested in learning about them all, asking questions about their pasts. Nolla answered freely, while Leshanna was a bit more select in her answers. Helena, for her own part, was interested in learning about the others, so listened and answered questions when they were sent her way.
"Nice place..." Kathrine said sarcasticly as Helena led the way up towards the Cutlass. A dull, rusty, cutlass was hung above the door, and the sound of a rough crowd could be heard as they approached.
"My sort of place." Nolla replied, giving Helena a wink. Leshanna just shrugged, her hand near the hilt of her rapier.
The place was not overly busy at this time of day, but those inside were not Helena's usual crowd. She wrinkled her nose at the scent of stale beer and worse. The man they had come to find was quite obvious as they entered though. She saw the half-orc assassin they were searching for drunk out of his mind and sitting awkwardly on a barstool. He clutched a bottle of outrageously expensive-looking Shadowdale brandy to his chest, wrapped shoddily in cheap cloth. With a nod of her head, Helena directed the others towards the half-orc.
"Who ye be then?" The man slurred out as they walked up, though he was clearly looking the four of them over, and not being too worried about them knowing he was checking them out.
"We are from the Luskan Deliverers." Helena informed the man. "I believe you have a package you want delivered..."
"Best test yer skills..." The half-orc drunkenly slurd, as he stumbled to his feet. As he does so he fumbles out his short sword.
Rool initiative: 19
Helena initiative: 19
Kathrine initiative: 16
Leshanna initiative: 10
Nolla initiative: 8
"You have to be joking..." Leshanna snapped, drawing her own rapier and striking for the half-orc.
To hit: 13 Damage: 12
"Hey, if he wants to dance, then let's show him how we dance..." Nolla says with a grin, her own rapier singing out as she too strikes at the assassin.
To hit: 9 Damage: 5
Leshanna's strike drew blood from the assassin's thigh, while Nolla's was clumsy and, even a drunk assassin, had no trouble dodging it.
"He is a paying customer." Helena reminds the two as she steps back. "Maybe this will cool him off a bit..." She says, as words of magic form on her lips.
ray of frost
To hit: 22 Damage: 7
Helena's blue ray of cold sent the half-orc assassin reeling backward, where he collapsed on the floor. He lay face-down on the floor and, with a grunt of effort, gave a pathetic thumbs-up as his parcel, the bottle of brandy, rolled towards Helena's feet. He groaned, “Check’s in the mail,” and passed out.
"Aren't we suppose to get money from him up front?" Nolla asked as Helena picked up the bottle.
"He said check is in the mail, so I assume he sent money on already." Helena said with a shrug. "otherwise we'll have to come back and get his payment later." She shrugged again and headed towards the door.
"Can't we take a moment for a drink?" Nolla asked as the black-haired woman glanced around. Helena noticed that no one had even glanced their way during the short fight.
"Violence is not the answer to everything." Katherine said, gripping her holy symbol.
"Got the job done, didn't it?" Leshanna asked, but Kathrine just gave her a solem look. All three followed Helena back out onto the street.
"Ok, Nezznar, the Black Spider, is suppose to be at the lighthouse on the Open Shore." Helena said once they were out of the tavern, and she could look at the map and list once again. "Not the best area to be walking through, but it is still fairly early in the day." She glanced up, gaging it to be around midday now, so plenty of daylight left.
"Lead on." Leshanna said. They moved out, the Open Shore docks was not that far from the Cutlass, just down a few streets and then through some less savory areas.
"We have company..." Nolla said after a few blocks. Helena glanced around, but didn't see anything off. Then there was a crash, and a curse, from an alley just ahead. A moment later 4 thugs stepped out. They were a mix of elven, goblin, and human bandits, clearly looking to make some easy coin by robbing them.
Bandit initiative: 2
Helena initiative: 10
Kathrine initiative: 9
Leshanna initiative: 17
Nolla initiative: 10
Helena lifted a hand, a pinch of sand held in it. She spoke words of magic, the sand disappearing. Immediately the four bandits began to yawn as the magic took affect.
sleep
HD put to sleep: 29
Only one of the bandits fell to Helena's spell, but at least that was one out of the fight, she figured.
"This is foolish." Katherine says to the bandits. "We are not commoners out for a walk, and no easy mark." She sighs as she sees they are not going to care about her words. She sends a brief prayer up to her goddess, calling down a blessing on Leshanna, Nolla, and herself.
bless
Leshanna steps forward and strikes at one of the thugs with her rapier.
To hit: 20 Bless: 4 Damage: 10
Leshanna's blo strikes true, leaving the first of the thugs bleeding from his thigh.
Nolla follows Leshanna in, striking at the same bandit.
To hit: 7 Bless: 4 Damage: 7 plus 6 sneak attack.
Nolla finishes off the first thug, her own rapier taking him in the chest and out of the fight. With two of their members down in the first seconds of the fight, the two who remain standing share a look and turn to flee. They were after an easy mugging, not women that could use magic and weapons better than they themselves could.
"Let them go." Helena called as Leshanna took a step after the two men. "We are not here to deal with the likes of them, but to get our delivery..."
"Fine." Leshanna hissed out.
"This one will live." Kathrine said, kneeling over the one Leshanna and Nolla had cut down. Kathrine laid a hand on the fellow, clearly bringing her divine powers to bear.
spare the dying
They left the still-slumbering thug there with his now just unconscious companion. Moving on they came to the lighthouse in only a few more minutes. As they approached Helena could see a figure standing near the top of the lighthouse. A dark elf gazed over the railing of the tall lighthouse, looking wistfully out at the sea as the north wind whipped his white hair around him. He held an ebon staff tipped with an effigy of a spider atop it, and clutched a parcel underneath his arm.
"Looks like we have some stairs to climb." Nolla said as they moved closer to the tower. It was clear that the drow had spotted them, but he made no move to come down to them. When they reached the level, the drow was at, he still stood at the railing.
"You have come to aid me in my time of greatest need." The drow said with a theatric sweep of a hand. He turned from the rail and glanced over the four women with a nod of approval. "Four hearty females, no one would suspect a thing of such as you." He holds out the package he had under his arm. "This is the package I need carried, with all haste and secrecy, to the area known as Ten Towns. Do you accept this responsibility?"
"Our job is to deliver it." Helena said with a frown, stepping forward and taking the package. She caught Leshanna's grunt of annoyance at the man's overbearing attitude, but Helena just shrugged it off, she had dealt with worse in her time as a scribe in the city.
"Very good." The drow said with a solem bow of his head. He tugged a purse of coins from his pocket and held it out with a flourish. "And here is the 5 gold apiece, that was to be paid at the start of this partnership."
"Thank you." Helena said, taking the pouch as well and adding it to the one they had recieved at the Hosttower.
"Now leave me, before we are seen together." The drow ordered, turning his back and looking back out to see. With a shrug Helena led the way down the stairs and back to street level.
"Was he for real?" Leshanna asked when they were headed back towards the harbor.
"A bit overly dramatic, but he did pay." Helena said, pulling out the coin purse and jingling it for Leshanna to hear. The rest of the walk back to their own ship was uneventful, and Kathrine started in with questions about their backgrounds once again.
At the majestic Icebreaker Helena found they had sleeping quarters already prepared, and the ship looked like it could handle about anything thrown at it. No time was lost in getting the ship ready to shove off, and Nolla was disappointed as the chance to get a drink at a tavern was going to have to wait. There was not much to do, at least for Helena, aboard ship, so she settled down in her quarters to write out a bit of what had happened that day, keeping her journal up to date.
Later that night Helena heard a splash in the water outside her cabin, like something being thrown overboard. Through the porthole in her room, she could just barely see a shape sinking into the water. She only caught a glimpse of it, but it could have been the size of a human body. In the corner of her vision, Helena saw a silhouette looking over the edge of the ship's deck, about ten feet above her porthole. The silhouette's head turned towards her porthole, and seemed to look directly at her. Then, just as quickly as it appeared, it pulled away from the edge of the ship, disappearing from view.
Thynetos's Introduction Part 1
Grumbling irritatedly to himself, 18-year-old Thynetos crouched with his back pressed up tightly against a large boulder. Loading the crossbow that was sitting on his lap, Thynetos mumbled to himself, "Why was I chosen for this? The gods could have picked any other person... but they had to pick me." Stealing a glance over his shoulder at the bandit camp, Thynetos cracks his neck and lets a bolt loose in the direction of the captain.
Surprise Round:
Thynetos - Light Crossbow Attack: Attack: 10 Damage: 9
The bolt clips the captain on the shoulder and the captain looks visibly surprised to see an intruder. The captain shouts to his men "Get 'im boys!" and the four other bandits in the gang turn and charge towards the boulder where Thynetos was hiding with the captain close on their tails.
Thynetos whispers a quick prayer as he turns around and sprints back in the direction he came. Darting between trees and checking over his shoulder, he is able to keep a 30-foot distance between him and the bandits. As he makes a sharp turn to the left, he ducks into a large clearing and sprints headlong for the other side. As he makes it to the other side of the clearing he turns around with a grin on his face as he shouts across to them gleefully, "Look up!" Hovering above the cluster of bandits 50 feet in the air is a woman with long blonde hair tied back into a ponytail. Her eyes glow blue and almost seem to crackly with a mixture of divine and arcane energy. She points a single finger downwards at the bandits and a small red orb falls to the ground quickly. The bandits, surprised to see another person, look terrified of the red orb although it reaches the ground without incident. As the bandits look back up at the woman surprised, the last thing they see is her face curled into a smile as the orb explodes in a fiery display.
Fireball: 35
Dex Save (Bandit): 11
Dex Save (Captain): 14
The bandits managed to leap out of the way just in time, as does the captain. Unfortunately for them, the rolling flames catch up and the four bandits are burnt to a crisp. The captain manages to get away with singes on his armor and seeing his company obliterated, turns tail and runs. As the woman slowly lowers herself to the ground. Thynetos steps out of the trees and applauds his companion, "Well done Anastasia! I guess this means we accomplished our mission then?" Looking at him reproachfully, Anastasia replies, "No, our mission will be complete when-" she is cut off as an old man limps out of the other side of the forest carrying an unconscious and tied up bandit captain in his arms. "This who you're looking for?" he says with a wink, "Poor sod was trying to run away. Can't run that far when you are asleep though."
The party dragged the captain back to Neverwinter and after dumping him in a cell, they went to a tavern to celebrate. On the way to the tavern, they stopped in an alleyway and each turned away from each other to face the wall. Closing his eyes and concentrating on his divine patron, Thynetos projected his consciousness upwards to the heavens. His incorporeal form had left his weapons behind and he was now standing facing a tall, beautiful, and seemingly perfect entity. Towering over even the 6' 6'' form of Thynetos the angel smiled and spoke, "Well done my child. You have earned your celebration. Go forth and enjoy yourself. But do not forget your pledge. Should you let your vices get the better of you, I will have no choice but to cast you from our fold." Thynetos simply nodded and with that, his consciousness was sent back to the material plane where it rejoined his body. Looking to his left and right, he saw that both the elderly man and Anastasia had completed their rituals as well and were prepared to continue to the celebration.
Arriving in the tavern, Thynetos ordered drinks for each of them and they began the merrymaking. Regaling the other patrons with tales of the Divine Retribution, as they called themselves, they were awarded with applause at the end of each story and were even offered small amounts of coin at the conclusion of the retelling of their most recent escapade and solution to the city's bandit problem. As the night began to draw in, the old man took his leave of the younger, more spry adventurers and retired to his room. By this point, Thynetos had consumed more alcohol than should be able to be consumed by a normal person and he was just getting tipsy. His unusually high tolerance made it difficult for either the barkeep or his own party to warn him when he was getting dangerously drunk and Thynetos, never one to stop drinking, continued on. Much later that night, Thynetos, now completely wasted, began to make advances on Anastasia. Slurring his words and stumbling around the tavern, he followed the woman as she continued to politely decline him. In a drunken stupor, Thynetos placed his hands on Anastasia and with a fury befitting that of an angry owlbear, she glared at him and shouted, "You will never dare to touch me again! For this transgression you will be punished!" The entire tavern went silent as the air around Anastasia seemed to crackle with energy and the drunken Thynetos tumbles backwards terrified.
Feeling his intoxication wear off in an instant, Thynetos feels a familiar tugging in the back of his mind as his consciousness is once again ripped out of his body, this time with much more force than before. Landing on his knees in front of not one but two angelic figures, Thynetos's eyes widen as he recognizes one as his own patron, and the other as that of Anastasia. His patron looks disdainfully on the disgraced figure of Thynetos as he speaks, "You have failed us for the last time young Thynetos. Your services are no longer required of by the gods as you have let your vices surpass you for the last time. Let the rest of your life serve as a reminder to those who wish to serve the gods of the dangers of vice." As the voice finishes saying this Thynetos is thrust downwards again and his body jerks back to consciousness staring up at the face of Anastasia. She kicks him firmly in the groin causing him to double over in pain, but the tears that begin to stream from his eyes are not from the pain of the kick, but from an absence in his mind. The presence that he had been accustomed to since birth was gone, and as his vision faded to black from pain, the soul of Thynetos, once a bright, vivid white light found its first dark spot.
(OOC: Anastasia is the NPC introduced in this part. Feel free to use her in the story going forward, she is a LG Protector Aasimar Divine Soul Sorcerer.)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Helena Introduction Part 2
The Icebreaker glided into the harbor of the town of Fireshear. This town’s many houses form a crescent around the harbor, and Helena could see several large public houses near the wharf. A dozen thin pillars of smoke rose from the far side of town as the ship approached — it’s clear even from this distance that a number of houses were burning. Standing at the railing, Helena held the package they were to deliver here. It was the one from the Black Spider, and was addressed to Griggle Duskloch in Fireshear.
"Well, that looks like trouble." Nolla commented next to Helena and she had to agree.
"Is the place under attack?" Kathrine asked from Helena's other side.
"It is why we get paid the big bucks." Nolla said and Helena had to chuckle at that.
"Let's get it over with." Leshanna said, striding over from where she had been standing near the central mast. They were all dressed in thick wollen jackets now, the temperature having fallen drasticly as the ship had traveled the one hundred miles north from Luskan.
"Looks like our welcoming party." Kathrine said, drawing Helena's eyes to the dock ahead. The ship crew was already mooring the boat, and a blond woman, in a long green dress and wearing a gray wolf pelt around her shoulders, approached from one of the public houses. She stood on the dock and held her hand aloft in greeting.
"Hail Icebreaker." The woman called out. "What is such a legendary ship as yours doing in my humble town?"
"Well, we came to make a delivery." Helena called back, as the ship's captain seemed busy getting the crew organized, clearly having seen the smoke as well. "What befalls your town; we see the smoke rising to the East there..."
"Strange elemental creatures have started to appear on that end of town." The woman said, glancing over her shoulder in that direction. "No one has been able to figure out just why, but we are working to evacuate the area for now."
"What do you want to bet that our guy is located on that end of town?" Leshanna said with a sigh.
"Would you know where we can find a Griggle Duskloch?" Helena asked, glancing at the parcel in her hand as she read the name.
"The Eledrin there is correct." The woman on the dock said with a smirk. "He lives on the east side there, a reclusive eccentric who is always experimenting with magic to soup up his forge; he hasn’t evacuated the area yet, so may be in some trouble..."
"And just who are you?" Helena asked the woman.
"I am Kalannai Grayfur." The woman said with a short curtsy. "Speaker of Fireshear, and someone who lives, normally, in the Eastern section of town."
"As I said, this is why they pay us the big bucks." Nolla says with a shrug.
"I am sure the elementals have a good reason for what they are doing." Kathrine said with a frown. She glanced to Nolla. "And what big bucks would those be, I haven't recieved more than a few coins so far..."
"Whatever their reasons, they are destroying people's homes and livlihoods." Kalannai said with a glance to Kathrine. She turned back to Helena then. "If you are going into the Eastern section of town, I'd be careful. Though, if you find a way to slow the advance of the elementals, I could make it worth your time, with a reward of 20 gold for you."
After making their prepperations, Helena led the others off of the ship and into Fireshear. Both Helena's owl familiar, as well as Leshann'as own owl, flew off above them. The area closer to the docks was normal, people going about their every-day business from the looks of it. It wasn't until they reached the Eastern section of town that the smoke and dangers became of concern. As they were coming down a street Helena saw a group of 3 smallish elementals that looked like nothing but earth and fire combined. Small beads of molten rock ran down their forms, looking as if they were sweating lava. The three elementals were on a side street, but only a few feet from the intersection, and looked to be breathing fire onto the houses around, attempting to burn them down.
Magma Mephit initiative: 12
Helena initiative: 16
Kathrine initiative: 5
Leshanna initiative: 20
Nolla initiative: 21
Lifting a hand, Helena spoke words of magic, sending a blast of cold at one of the closest elementals.
ray of frost
To hit: r12 Damage: 10
Helena's blast hit the mephit, doing damage and getting its attention.
Mephit1 breath recharge: 2
Mephit2 breath recharge: 2
Mephit3 breath recharge: 2
Mephit1 moves up and tries to claw Leshanna...
To hit: 12 Damage: 4 slashing and 3 fire.
Mephit2 moves up as well, and breathes a blast of fire over the group...
DC 11 Dex save for half, or take 8 fire damage.
Mephit3 flies up over mephit2's head, going in to attack Helena with its claws...
To hit: 19 Damage: 4 slashing and 1 fire.
Leshanna casts shield to deflect the attack of the first mephit's claws.
Helena Dex save: 23
Kathrine dex save: 18
Leshanna dex save: 20
Nolla dex save: 20
Helena takes the third mephit's attack head-on, unable to dodge at all. It does an extra 1 slashing and 3 fire, as it is a critical hit.
Helena falls under the combined fire breath and critical strike.
Kathrine calls on her god, sending healing magic flowing into Helena.
healing word
Healing for: 5 HP.
Nolla steps in to stand over Helena, striking at the mephit that breathed fire on them...
To hit: 13 Damage: 9 and sneak damage: 2
Leshanna strikes back at the one facing her... As she does so a white streak plummits down from above, her owl flapping close to the mephit, distracting it for her attack.
To hit: 21 Damage: 5
Helena, getting back to her feet, nods to Nolla as she raises a hand to send magical cold lancing out once more. She has her own owl follow the same tactic as Leshanna's, flying by to distract her target, then off again.
To hit: 26 Damage: 11
Extra critical damage on the ray of frost: 7
Helena takes out the one that breathed fire on them before, her cold ray freezing some of the magma mephit solid, as it clunks to the ground and cracks apart.
Mephit1 breath recharge: 3
Mephit3 breath recharge: 2
Mephit1 attacks Leshanna again...
To hit: 6 Damage: 4 slashing and 4 fire.
Mephit3 strikes at Nolla...
To hit: 10 Damage: 2 slashing and 1 fire.
Leshanna once more casts shield to deflect the mephit's attack. Nolla easily dodges the other mephit's strike.
Kathrine calls to her goddess once more, this time waving her hands to include Nolla and Leshanna. She uses her Emboldening Bond ability, creating a bond between the two warriors.
Leshanna strikes again at the mephit in front of her...
To hit: 25 Bond bonus: 1 Damage: 11
Nolla strikes at the one near her...
To hit: 8 Bond bonus: 3 Damage: 10 plus sneak damage of: 2
helena sends another blast of cold at the mephit fighting Leshanna, Sabastian, her barn owl familiar, flying by to distract the mephit once again...
To hit: 9 Damage: 7
The mephit fighting Leshanna is taken out by the cold, again falling to the ground and cracking into shards.
Mephit3 breath recharge: 4
Kathrine steps back, hoping she won't need to heal one of her companions again,b ut ready to do so if needed.
Nolla strikes at the mephit again...
To hit: 23 Bond bonus: 3 Damage: 5 Sneak of: 5
Leshanna turns and attacks the one fighting Nolla still...
To hit: 15 bond bonus: 1 Damage: 10
Helena will send a blast of cold in, if the mephit is still up...
To hit: 16 Damage: 12
Both Leshanna and Helena's aid is not needed it seems, as Nolla takes out the last of the magma mephits with her rapier, the molten body hitting the ground and sizzling against its frozen brethren's bodies.
As the last of the mephits hits the ground, it bursts into a spray of lava, that bursts out from it.
DC 11 dex save for half, or take 7 fire damage.
Helena and Kathrine are out of range of the burst.
Leshanna save: 18 plus bond bonus of 2
Nolla save: 9 plus bond bonus of: 4
"Ok, those elementals are not kidding around." Nolla said, clearly trying to lighten the mood as both she and Leshanna were looking quite the worse for the battle.
"Let's back off a bit and see about taking a short break." Kathrine suggests. "We won't even get to our destination at this rate..."
"Agreed." Helena confirmed. They moved a couple blocks back from the danger zone and sat down on a bench at the edge of a small park.
"Not sure we can take on many more of those." Leshanna said with a glance to Helena. Helena sighed and nodded.
"We could try to go around them." She suggested. "That won't earn us the money from the Speaker though I think, but it could get us to our destination in one piece."
"Maybe they are not all that dangerous." Nolla suggested. "Maybe the lava ones are more of a threat than others of their kind."
"Could be." Helena agreed. "Only way to know would be to fight some more, and that might mean problems if it is not true."
(Short rest taken...)
After resting up a bit, Helena led the group onward again. Soon enough they found another of the elementals, this time four black ones that sent out clouds of smoke and ash. This battle was not as difficult, the four women taking down the four elementals without too much trouble, and only recieving minor injuries. Kathrine was not called on to do any more healing this time around.
Continuing onward they soon found the furnace, where the Speaker had said it would be located. The three ice-like creatures that hung from the place's roof were a bit problematic though. As they could not sneak past them, they attacked. This time Kathrine was required to do some healing, as these ice-elementals were nearly as strong as the magma ones had been. Once the ice mephits were dispatched, Helena was able to pay more attention to the furnace itself. Smoke filled with strange blue and crimson sparks billowed from the smokestack of the furnace. Inside the smithy, Helena could see a stout dwarf with light gray skin and shock-white hair working a bellows and occasionally throwing small cups of colorful powder into the flames.
"Griggle Duskloch?" Helena called out, but the dwarf didn't even bother to glance her way.
"Hey, are you the famous smith and metal worker, Griggle Duskloch?" Kathrine calls out next, this time catching the dwarf's attention, as he glanced over.
"What of it?" He asked, his dwarven accent evident.
"Are you aware there are elementals burning down the neighborhood all around you?" Kathrine asked.
"It is a sad situation." The dwarf said with a shrug. "But I cannot be expected to stop my work with every minor situation the town faces." He starts to turn back to his furnace.
"We have a delivery, from Nezznar the Black Spider." Helena says quickly, catching the dwarf before he got immersed in his work once more.
"From Nezznar you say..." The dwarf asks, his attention even more fully with the group then. "Well, what is my old pal up to these days? Give me his package, so I can take a look." He took the parcel as Helena offered it, tearing it open and quickly scanned the note inside. His eyebrows shot up as he read the coded letter, and then he shouted in excitement and slammed the note down on a table and began gathering new cups of alchemical powders.
"What are yu doing now?" Nolla asked, clearly curious at the reaction. Helena was not sure she wished to know though.
"The Black Spider sent me a formula for a new combination of elementally infused powders that he found in his travels—one that will produce a more stable reaction between the fabric of the Material Plane and the Elemental Planes, effectively keeping the elemental powers more focused and lowering the risk of extraplanar creatures tumbling into the Material Plane." The dwarf explained as he worked. When Griggle threw the elemental substances into the furnace and said a few mystical words, the furnace flared with violet flame and then cooled to a tiny white fire. Griggle hopped about joyously then and shouted the name of the Black Spider to the heavens. He placed a payment of 20 gp before them for delivering the letter, and also gave them a bonus of three bars of solid adamantine as a personal thanks. He said he was no blacksmith, but maybe they would find some use for them elsewhere in their journeys. He then returned to his work and Helena got the group out of there before they could get embroiled into anything else the crazy smith had in mind of trying next.
Returning to the docks, they found Kalannai waiting for them. She had noticed the lessening of the elementals around the area, thanks to the ten they had dispensed with, so honored her deal to pay them 20 gold for the effort. Upon hearing that it was the dwarf who was responsible for the elementals, the Speaker looked saddened, but said the townsfolk would have to exile him, so as not to risk this happening again. as it was not their issue, Helena led her group back aboard the Icebreaker, planning to spend the night aboard the ship, prior to starting the overland portion of their delivery work the next morning.
Thynetos's Introduction Part 2
A 38-year-old Thynetos pulls his greatsword out from the body of a dead merchant. Cleaning the blade with his shirt, he wipes the sweat from his brow with his arm and looks upon his handiwork. 5 merchants and 2 guards lay dead at his feet and the vault was wide open. Thynetos climbs inside and investigates his loot further. Finding multiple valuable gemstones, he quickly scoops them into a sack along with the 500 or so gold coins that were stored in the vault. Stepping out of the vault, Thynetos flips one of the guard's bodies with his foot and pulls a key off of a key ring on the guard's belt. Spinning the key on his finger, he swings the door open and breathes in the cool sea breeze in the city of Luskan.
After waking up in an alley-way 20 years prior, Thynetos had slowly deteriorated mentally. As the darkness in his soul began to expand, he spent less time thinking about what to do and more time just doing. This led Thynetos down a dark path and by the age of 30, Thynetos was a self-proclaimed bandit and murderer. The darkness in his soul was complete and as far as anyone could tell, there wasn't a glimmer of a hope that he could be redeemed. Having made his way north after being exiled from Neverwinter for theft, he left a swathe of terror and destruction in his wake.
As Thynetos stepped out of the shop, he slipped into an alleyway and sprinted down it, vaulting over the wall at the end and trotting into the forest where he finally slowed to a walk. Stopping to catch his breath for a second, a voice behind him says, "You weren't going to leave me hanging were you?" A wood elf in dark green studded leather steps out of the shadows of a tree nearby and looks at Thynetos with an eyebrow raised. Thynetos responds with a sigh, "No, my friend. This is a bounty that we split. You did your job, only half the guard was there." The elf chuckles and pulls the pouch off of Thynetos' belt in one fluid motion, "I should think so! I am after all, the greatest thief to ever live!" Pouring the coins out, the elf places all of gemstones (clearly worth more than the gold) in his own pouch and hands the gold back to Thynetos. Oblivious to the con, Thynetos takes the bag back and asks, "So what's the next mark?" "So eager to get hurt again?" The elf responds surprised, "Well, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised after working with you so many times." The elf sighs and sits back up against a tree. "You need to learn to enjoy the spoils just as much as the hunt," the elf says patting the spot next to him on the tree. Thynetos grumbles a bit but decides to sit and the elf continues, "Although, I heard that there was a delegation from Mirabar that was supposed to be heading down this way in the next week. Politicians like that are always loaded. You in?" "How many of us?" Thynetos responds and the elf holds up four fingers. The elf replies as he lowers his fingers one by one, "You, me, Jacki, and Invictus." Thynetos seems calm throughout most of it, but at the last name, he jumps up and glares at the elf accusingly, "Overol. You know that I don't work with Invictus." Overol, looks around nervously and puts his hands up, "It's one job, you don't have to take it." he says and then quietly mumbles, "You'd be missing out though." Thynetos calms himself and plops himself back down next to the elf. "I'll take the job," he says, "but you better make damn sure that I get my cut." Overol smiles a sinister grin and looks to Thynetos with his hand extended, "This will be fun."
3 days pass uneventfully with Thynetos avoiding the law, before he gets a message from Overol to meet him in the forest that night. Arriving at the predetermined location, Thynetos is the first one there and he is sharpening his greatsword when a tiefling woman slips out of the shadows, her blue skin covered with darkened leather and her face partially obscured with long black hair that swept past two curling ram horns on the top of her head. "Hello dahling," she says with a Southern drawl, "It's been a while." "That it has." Thynetos grunts back to her. "Talkative as ever," she says sarcastically as she shines the skull on her crystal amulet. Around this time, Overol jogs up to the rest of the group and nods his head approvingly, "Nice, three of us are here... We are still waiting on Invictus then." As if called by the mention of his name, a massive figure steps up to the rest of the group. Wearing a dark red breastplate and carrying a massive maul on his back he growls in a deep voice that resonates like a bass drum, "I was waiting to ensure this wasn't a trap." As he says this he looks at Thynetos not so subtly. Thynetos stands up furiously, and Invictus steps up to him, both imposing figures standing at their full height of 6' 6'' and 6' 10'' respectively. A closer look reveals that although the skin under the breastplate and helmet are severely burned, the figure in the armor is indeed a human. Thynetos responds in as level a voice as he can manage "You don't deserve more than that, honorless scum." Invictus laughs a low but loud laugh before responding, "It's not my fault you didn't know how to count-", Invictus quips back and then reading the look on Thynetos's face, "Or that you still don't." Overol quickly steps between the two figures and the scene is so comical that Jacki releases a small giggle as she watches the 5' 2'' skinny elf try and break the two apart before they tear each other's throats out. "Hey guys! Calm down. You have one job to do," he says, "You'll both get paid," he says looking at Thynetos, "Nobody is stabbing the other in the back," he says looking at Invictus, "But let's just get this over with. Whaddya say?" Both of the behemoths grunt their affirmation and the group comes in to create their plan.
A voice rings in Thynetos's mind as he crouches behind a shrub off the side of the road. "Remember, no survivors." Overol's voice is doubtlessly ringing in the rest of the group's head too as he uses his psionic talent to communicate telepathically.
An hour passes.
Another hour passes.
As the third hour is coming to a close, the clomping of hooves approaches and the group ready themselves to spring from hiding. The carriage comes into view and it appears that there are 2 guards that are leading the carriage plus whatever nobles are inside.
Initiative:
Thynetos: 11
Overol: 5
Jacki: 21
Invictus: 17
Guards: 13
Nobles: 17
Surprise Round:
Thynetos - (Move) 30 feet towards guards - (Bonus) Rage - (Action) Greatsword Attack: 15 Damage: 15
With a roar Thynetos charges forward and lets his rage consume him. With one powerful, blow, he knocks a guard off of its horse and also cleaves the guard's head off.
Overol - (Move) None - (Action) Psychic Blades Attack: 24 Damage: 7 - (Bonus) Psychic Blades Attack: 21 Damage: 7
Overol peeks out from his hiding spot before manifesting and hurling two glowing blue blades at the remaining guard. The first blade sinks into the guards arm and the guard lets out a horrifying screech as the blade seems to affect his mind as opposed to his body. The second blade is not able to penetrate the guards armor and doesn't seem to have an effect.
Invictus - (Move) 30 feet towards the guards - (Bonus) Shield of Faith - (Action) Maul Attack: 22 Damage: 16
Invictus's hammer swings wide as the guard lifts his shield to defend himself from the blow and the hammer is deflected. Thynetos glances over at his companion's missed attack and smiles a little at his failure. Invictus growls as he takes a defensive stance and waves his hands to create a faint red magical shield.
Jacki - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Ray of Sickness Attack: 23 Damage: 8
Jacki points her finger forward and a sickening green ray emerges and shoots forth to strike the remaining guard. The guard, however, proving to be resilient now that he is aware of the attackers deflects the magical attack as well.
Round 1:
Nobles - The nobles all notice that the carriage has stopped and three of them step outside of the carriage and upon seeing the attackers, they draw their rapiers and two of them attack Thynetos, while the last one approaches Invictus.
(Against Thynetos) - Attack: 15 Damage: 9
(Against Thynetos) - Attack: 7 Damage: 5
(Against Invictus) - Attack: 9 Damage: 2
The first blade is the only one that manages to slip past Thynetos' defenses but the piercing weaponry barely scratches him. The second rapier is not able to penetrate his thick skin. The other noble thrusts forward against Invictus, but his terror his evident in his attack that pings off of the massive human's breastplate.
Thynetos - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Reckless Greatsword Attack: 18 Damage: 12
With reckless abandon, Thynetos throws himself at one of the nobles and swinging his greatsword over his head, manages to kill the noble entirely in one attack. However, he has left himself open to attacks from the other noble.
Overol - (Move) None - (Action) Psychic Blades Attack: 14 Damage: 7 - (Bonus) Psychic Blades Attack: 23 Damage: 5
Overol's first blade is once again deflected by the guard, but the second blade strikes the guard's exposed throat. As the blade disappears into psychic energy, the guard lets out a scream and clutches his head collapsing to the ground dead.
Invictus - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Maul (With Divine Smite) Attack: 18 Damage: 21
Seeing his original target fall to the ground dead from the psychic attack from Overol, Invictus turns to the noble in his face and swinging his maul in a circle, he infuses it with unholy energy that explodes when it makes contact with the noble's chest piece instantly killing the noble.
Jacki - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Ray of Sickness Attack: 15 Damage: 9
Releasing another sickly green ray, this time at the last noble that exited the carriage, the ray hits the noble causing the noble's skin to spread out in lesions before the noble begins to cough and collapses to the ground as the poison from the ray spreads through his body disabling his vital organs and causing him to die.
As the last noble outside collapses to the ground, the group convenes outside the carriage and sweeps the curtain to the carriage open. Expecting riches and gemstones, the group is stunned to see one remaining noble along with a young girl with blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
The noble is not paying attention to the group as they open the curtains and is instead focused on consoling the girl, so the rest of the group jumps into action.
Surprise Round:
Overol - (Move) None - (Action) Psychic Blades Attack: 12 Damage: 8 - (Bonus) Psychic Blades Attack: 16 Damage: 8
Invictus - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Maul Attack: 10 Damage: 10
Jacki - (Move) None - (Bonus) None - (Action) Ray of Sickness Attack: 16 Damage: 8
The noble is stunned as Overol's first blade whizzes past his head, the second blade buries itself in his hand and the noble screams in agony as his mind begins to rend, Simultaneously Invictus's hammer crushes into the man's skull and Jacki's sickly green ray pierce the man's armor. The man, collapses to the floor dead from the three attacks. As this happens, the rest of the group looks to Thynetos, who is still just staring at the little girl. He hears Overol's voice in his head again, "No survivors." As he hears this, Invictus, Jacki, and Overol back up. Seemingly give Thynetos the opportunity to finish this job and end the girl's life.
Holding his sword at his side, blood dripping off of it, Thynetos stares at the girl, and is transported back 25 years, when he met a young woman with shock blonde hair and bright blue eyes. That woman took him to her school and taught him how to use his innate divinity. That woman mentored him and guided him through his most difficult times. That was what he had thrown away 20 years ago. As he stood there, staring at the young girl, his hardened brown eyes began to soften. The tension in his face began to relax. The fury that drove him to kill two innocent people dissipated. And the only thing that mattered was the girl in front of him. As he dropped his blade and knelt down in front of the girl, he began to talk to her, "It's going to be okay" he said trying to console her, "everything will be-"
Psychic Blades Attack: 22 Damage: 5
Cutting Thynetos off was a blue psychic blade that buried itself in the girl's neck. The girl let out a cry of pain and then her eyes closed and she fell to the ground falling asleep for the last time. Thynetos, held the girl for a moment before looking back to see his group looking at him quizzically. Tears now freely streaming from his face, Thynetos picked up the girl's limp body in one arm, and his bloody sword in the other and walked into the forest away from the rest of the group.
As Thynetos walked away from what would have probably been his biggest haul, his mind can only think about one thing. How could he have thrown away all of his life and never looked back? Thynetos walked until midnight, when he decided to stop and using his bare hands, dug a grave for the poor girl. After burying her body, Thynetos began to say prayers that rolled off of his tongue like a rusty wheel would spin. However, as Thynetos repeated himself, the prayers began to flow more easily, and although he could only remember two of them, he repeated them over and over again in front of the grave all the way until the sun rose the next morning. Exhausted, battle-worn, and mentally broken, Thynetos made a vow to himself that morning. He vowed that although the gods may have forsaken him, he would not forsake them. Whether or not they chose to recognize him, he would work as hard as he possibly could to win back his place in the hearts of the gods. With this vow, the blackened soul of Thynetos for the first time in 20 years, saw a glimmer of hope. It wasn't much, but it was something.
(OOC: There are three NPCs introduced in this part. Feel free to use any of them in the story going forward, Overol is a NE Wood Elf Soul Knife Rogue, Jacki is a NE Tiefling Necromancer Wizard, and Invictus is a LE Human Oathbreaker Paladin)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Helena Part 3
After a good night's rest aboard the Icebreaker, Helena and her companions said farewell to the crew of the Icebreaker and prepared to start out, cross-country, towards Hundelstone, where they were suppose to deliver Rool's package to a white dragonborn named Glarth Druma. As they disembarked from the ship though, Helena saw a pair of familiar faces: the duergar Griggle Duskloch, a smith who accidentally unleashed a swarm of mephits in Fireshear, and Kalannai Grayfur, the human community leader who helped the people of Fireshear withstand the chaos. Both raised a hand to them in greeting as Helena walked down the gangplank with her companions. These two working people of Fireshear wished to speak with them. Over the previous night, Griggle had confessed his involvement in the mephit crisis and apologized. Kalannai sentenced him to serve the community by donating several hours each day to create metal tools and materials to repair the damaged houses. Despite their initially hostile relationship, the two had commiserated over the dangers of living on the frontier and become sudden friends. Now, both Griggle and Kalannai were here to greet them and to ask a favor.
“Hail, friends of Fireshear,” Kalannai said. “The people of this town are pleased to see you are well. Or I am, at any rate.”
Griggle excitedly asked them to deliver a freshly smelted adamantine bar to the nearby town of Hundlestone, which is renowned for its master blacksmiths. He claimed his bar is twice as easy to work with as typically forged adamantine, and wanted to secure a trade deal in Hundelstone. He had a recipient in mind already, an old dwarf named Fallstaff Shorthelm, who had a reputation as a master adamantine craftsdwarf. He was willing to pay them 5 gp postage up front, and Kalannai promised a further 20 gp when they return to Fireshear from Icewind Dale. As the group was already planning on heading to Hundlestone, Helena saw no reason not to accept the oppertunity for a bit extra coin. They added the new bar to the three they already had and set out.
Hundlestone was about 50 miles up the Ten Trail from Fireshear, between Fireshear and Bryn Shander. The weather was chilly, so the four women were bundled up in their cloaks, the two owls flitting through the sky ahead of them, scouting the way ahead for anything dangerous. Their first day of travel went by uneventfully, and they had a cold night's camping, the four bundled up together for warmth, a fire blazing nearby as they took turns keeping watch, and keeping that source of heat going. The second day also passed uneventfully, at least until they were about ten miles from their destination.
Snowflakes began to fall within the hour, and grew thicker and thicker in the next few hours of travel until it was difficult for them to see even thirty feet ahead of them through the torrent of snowfall. Helena wanted the group to hurry along, so they could reach town before the weather grew any worse, but Kathrine was a voice of reason, forcing the group to take it slow. She called on her goddess to help guide them through the snow, and worked with Nolla to find the road ahead, making steady progress as they made sure the group did not get turned around in the blinding snowfall. After some time though the sound of battle could be heard ahead, and the group used that as their signpost, heading towards the sounds through the continuing snow. They emerged from the snowstorm into a wooded glade. Helena could faintly see a rustic cottage within this glade — but she could most definitely hear the sounds of bestial roars and battle cries. She could just barely see a huge man with a massive greatsword fending off a hulking, white-furred beast.
Yeti initiative: 7
berserker initiative: 7
Helena initiative: 12
Kathrine initiative: 14
Leshanna initiative: 22
Nolla initiative: 20
Helena sends a trio of magical darts at the yeti, moving a bit closer so she can see it more clearly, but not too close.
magic missile
Force damage: 11
The berserker strikes at the Yeti...
To hit: 25 Damage: 9
Nolla shoots at the Yeti...
To hit: 24 Damage: 12
The Yeti swipes at the Berserker twice...
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: 24 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 slashing damage plus 5 cold damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: 15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 slashing damage plus 1 cold damage.
It then uses Chilling Gaze on Helena. The yeti targets one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. If the target can see the yeti, the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw against this magic or take 6 cold damage and then be paralyzed for 1 minute, unless it is immune to cold damage. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If the target’s saving throw is successful, or if the effect ends on it, the target is immune to the Chilling Gaze of all yetis (but not abominable yetis) for 1 hour.
Helena con save: 12 plus bond bonus: 1
The berserker goes down under the two strikes from the Yeti, but Helena manages to resist the cold from the yeti's gaze.
Leshanna rushes in, striking at the Yeti - her snowy owl distracting it, then Leshanna teleports away.
booming blade
To hit: 16 Damage: 7
misty step
Kathrine calls on her goddess, sending healing magic to the downed berserker.
healing word
HP healed: 5
Kathrine then summons her goddess's spirit into herself, channel divinity - Balm of Peace, walking in near the berserker, and letting the light from her goddess heal more of his wounds... Kathrine then moves away from the yeti so not to be within reach of its claws.
HP healed: 15
Helena sends another trio of magic missiles in to strike the yeti...
Force damage: 10
The berserker grunts as he is brought back awake by the healing, pushing up to his feet to strike at the yeti again...
To hit: 23 Damage: 14
"Fool, you should stay down." Nolla calls out. She sends another arrow zipping in at the yeti...
To hit: 15 Damage: 9 plus sneak of: 1
The yeti falls to the attacks of the berserker and Nolla. Only then did Helena notice the second corpse, of another yeti, on the ground. Clearly the warrior had managed to take one of them down prior to the group's arrival.
“This blizzard will kill you just as sure as the yetis if you stay out in it!” The burly man called. He waved them towards the cabin, clearly intent on getting them inside. Helena followed, not wishing to spend any more time out in this snow than she needed. The others were right behind her. His cabin was warm and surprisingly spacious, given its quaint appearance. He put a brass kettle over his fire and offered them a cup of warm mead to take the bite away.
"Well, seems you came along in the nick of time..." The man said then, giving them a grin. "Have to say, being rescued by four beautiful women is sort of a dream come true for me..." He was a giant of a man, a dark-skinned, tidily shaven, black-haired man with huge muscles standing just shy of six-and-a-half feet tall. "I am Alvan Shorthelm, and it seems I am in your debt." He said, the smile fading as he gave them a bow of respect.
"Any relation to one Fallstaff Shorthelm?" Helena asked, the name catching her interest.
"Sure am, I am his adopted son." The man said with a frown. "Why you ask?"
"We are with the Luscan Deliverers." Helena said, "And we have a package for your father."
Alvan offered them warm furs and a place by the fire to wait out the night during the storm, and in the morning, he took them to his parents.
When morning came, Alvan traveld with them northward for about an hour to Hundelstone. He was happy to chat, but his interests were mostly in day-to-day survival — things like trapping, exploring, and wilderness medicine. His one true passion seemed to be blacksmithing though. None of his topics were of interest to Helena herself. Nolla seemed to get along well with the man though, and Kathrine, as always, was full of questions for him.
Hundelstone was a small town nestled up against the Spine of the World. Its homes were mostly small, one-story structures with steeply pitched rooves — save for the grand longhouse that belonged to the town’s elder. Most famous for its blacksmithing tradition, a shocking number of its buildings were forges and smithies, including the building that they were headed to.
Falstaff Shorthelm was working in his smithy, and greeted them tersely as his adopted son introduced them. His eyes lit up when they mentioned Griggle’s adamantine, and he set to work on it right away. As a reward for aiding his son, he offered to take the other adamantine bars, that Griggle gave them as a reward, and craft them into weapons or armor. They decided some half-plate and a shield for Kathrine would be the best use of the three bars. The dwarf let them know the items would be ready the next morning.
After getting direction to Glarth Druma's place, Helena led the other three through town and towards Glarth’s Abode. One of the group noticed a figure jumping from rooftop to rooftop behind them, shadowing them as they made their way through town. Upon noticing it had been spotted, the figure sent a small crossbow bolt towards them, missing badly then dropped out of sight. Helena talked Leshanna out of going to search for whomever it was, as they were nearing their destination, and Helena just wanted to get this job done.
"This seems to be it..." Helena said as she walked up to their destination. The house they stood before was little more than a shack—some ten feet in all dimensions, with a high-raked roof and simple wooden walls. A wreath of pine branches bound in fishing line decorated the door, and it was the only decoration Helena could see around this humble dwelling. A pale dragonborn face peered out the window at her as they approached.
"Who are you?" The dragonborn asked as he opened the door a moment later. His eyes darted back and forth constantly, and his appearance was as unkempt as the squalid abode he lived in. Yet, there was nevertheless a certain gaunt handsomeness to him. Helena explained their purpose, holding up the bottle Roll gave them to deliver. “Shadowdale brandy…” The dragonborn said, then he paused, clearly momentarily lost in a memory. “There’s only one person who would send this to me… did he send you…?”
"If you mean Rool, then yes." Helena told him. The dragonborn's eyes closed, as if her words had confirmed it for him.
“You’ll never take my love! Die!” A high-pitched voice shreeked then and Helena turned to see a strange creature rushing towards them. She identified it nearly at once, a were rat.
Wererat initiative: 22
Helena initiative: 12
Kathrine initiative: 10
Leshanna initiative: 7
Nolla initiative: 12
"Weapons won't hurt her..." Helena warned her companions, sending 3 darts of power at the wererat.
magic missile
Force damage: 7
Leshanna lifted a hand and another trio of darts flew to hit the wererat.
Force damage: 11
"This is foolish." Kathrine called to the wererat. "It is Rool you need to speak with, if you want his love returned, not attacking this man." The wererat did not seem to care about Kathrine's words, lost in its crazed fury. Her and Nolla moved to block the door to the cottage.
The wererat slashed twice at Leshanna with her short sword...
To hit: 15 Damage: 6
To hit: 19 Damage: 8
Helena then knocked the wererat out, with another trio of magic missiles.
The dragonborn was clearly impressed with their skill, but had to appologize, as he did not have the coin to pay the delivery fee. Instead he gave them a good luck charm for the journey ahead. This shiny stone was something he said he picked up from a man he killed in far-off Anauroch many years ago, and he told them it might help them — it might give the poor soul some rest if his charm was used for good, rather than helping a scared old dragonborn living at the edge of the world. Later they were able to identify the stone and found out it was a luckstone, which Nolla took as she was the best person to carry such an item.
Needing to pass some time, they walked through the market stalls, and spent some time just shopping, before seeking out an inn for the night. They needed to wait for Kathrine's new armor to be done, prior to heading on towards Bryn Shander the next day.
Dawndra Norlandr - Introduction Part One
[Scene] Dale-town of Good Mead. 1492 DR - The Year of Three Ships Sailing.
] You are sitting on a frozen log next to a large black-haired human with a large axe who reeks of rotting meat and sweet mead. The sun never appeared this morning and all of Ten Towns is shrouded in dim light and icy fog. You are watching 3 other black-haired humans slip and slide around in a slick battle arena made from ice. Blood freezes to the ice underneath them as they attack each other with sword and axe. One of the men seems to have found a way to use the slick surface to his advantage and he sweeps the legs out from under one of his opponents who falls hard on the red ice. The move proved too risky however, because the 3rd opponent was ready for such an event and drives the top quarter of his blade into the Reghedmens back, under and behind his shoulder blade. Using the leverage of the weight of the skewered man, he spins around and plunges a dagger into the fallen tribesman.
] The human sitting next to you leaps up and screams something in Reghedjic and throws his axe into the air. A great horn sounds and the two bodies are pulled from the arena. Minutes later, the black-haired barbarian is called into the battle ground along with two others.
] Jeradav "My axe is telling me she's hungry!"
] As the Reghedmen yells across the ice at his two opponents, the horn sounds again. The three contestants charge into the center and steel clangs. A barbarian woman sits down next to you on the log to watch the contest.
] Elarilka "The Fray Games are moving quick this year. Seems we have half the contestants we had last year. Not many outsiders such as yourself white-lady."
Dawndra] I smile at the barbarian woman without making eye contact. "Seems so."
] Elarilka "I saw you fight in The Stones Throwdown day before. You barely took a scratch. Where is that mighty spear of yours today?"
Dawndra] "Not far. It is never far."
] The smelly axe-wielder has crippled one opponent and seems to be playing with the second. He is taunting the man with boisterous words in Reghedjic, which you can sort of piece together because the language shares much with your native Illuskan.
] Elarilka "My name is Elarilka."
] The woman shifts a large chain from one hand to another and then reaches out to shake arms with you.
Dawndra] I pretend not to notice the gesture, keeping my arms folded within my fur robe. but I offer eye contact and share my name. "I am Dawndra... Dawndra Norlandr. Well met Elarilka."
] Elarilka "Looks like Jeradav will be in the running again this year. He already has two troll skulls hanging in his tent. He looking for a third this year."
Dawndra ]] The mention of a trolls head stirs a recent memory. I was sitting with Teacher Rriandl discussing my next lessons. She suggested testing my martial skill at this year's Frozenfar Fray Games in Icewind Dale. It seemed so far away at the time. She was explaining how the 3rd and final round involved hunting down a frost troll. "What do I know of hunting Trolls?" I remember asking myself silently. Rriandl had been among the winners of the competition several years before and assured me I was ready to compete in the games. "It would mean leaving home for a long time." she told me. I never saw myself leaving Song Moon Temple… of journeying beyond the Starspire Mountains. I had been with my teachers only a tenyear. "I still have so much to learn." I remember telling her. Her only response was that smile of hers.
] The horn blows. Jeradav is indeed standing. He turns towards you and you can see large gash has split his face in two, but he continues yelling some victory chant in his native tongue, blood spraying from his mouth. You hear your name called to stand for the next battle.
Dawndra] I remove my shoes and then stand up to my full height, nearly seven and a half feet. I loosen the draw of my fur robes and let them drop around my feet. Except for a strip of cloth around my hips, my body is entirely exposed to the icy cold. The fine white fur that covers my skin is rippling with the energy of the moment. I step into the Ice Pit and reach behind my head to pull the hairpin. Long white hair falls over my shoulders and flows lightly in the tundra air. I let my weight sink into my legs… into my feet, into the ground beneath me. Rooting… just as I had been taught.
] Across the ice pit to your right is an extra stocky Dwarf with some kind of warhammer spinning in his hands. Across to your left is a Redhedman from the Elk Tribe judging by the helmet he wears. The long sword lowered in his hands points to the center of the small arena. You happen to notice the Dwarf and the Barbarian quickly exchange a glance. The horn blows again. Both opponents begin skating across the ice focused on you.
Dawndra] I sense they pre-arranged some attack plan. Looking at the two, I decide to start my attack with the Dwarf… something about his way tells me he is the greater threat.
[Init Rolls]
Elk Tribe Reghedmen 4
Dwarf 12
Dawndra 14 +3 = 17
Dawndra] I sink into my spear stance and hold the hairpin in my back hand, pointed at the Dwarf. As soon as he slides within range of my spear, I will it to full size and thrust towards the mass of my attacker.
(1d20 Attack 19 + 7 = 26 )
(1d8 Dmg 7 + 5 = 12 )
] Your Ice Pike expands suddenly to its full length of 8 feet. You jab into the chest of the attacking Dwarf, piercing just above his heart. The forward progress of his upper body stops suddenly but his feet keep sliding forward. He falls on his back, prone.
Dawndra] Using the leverage of the spear in his chest, I vault forward onto the Dwarf [Flurry of Blows].
(2d20a Attack 15 + 6 = 21 )
(2d20a Attack 11 + 6 = 17 )
(2d4 Dmg 3 + 2 + 4 + 4 = 13 )
(2d4 Flurry of Frostbite 2 + 4 = 6 - Death )
] The tip of your needle sharp spear drives through the Dwarf and anchors into the ice underneath as you vault yourself over his prone body. You land with a crushing knee to his head and follow-up with a hammer blow to his sternum. The body beneath you twitches twice and spurt of blood coats your spear.
[()]
] The onrushing barbarian skids towards where you were standing before pole-vaulting onto the Dwarf. He Attempts a wild swing but he has no footing and misses entirely. He watches as the red fountain erupts from the chest of the Dwarf and worry flashes across his face. The attending crowd gasps and then cheers the barefooted, nearly naked white woman.
Dawndra] As I remove my Ice Pike from the corpse, I use the slippery ground and leverage from the embedded pike to slide slowly backwards away from my remaining foe - seeking eye contact with him. I find my root and raise my spear tip in his direction. (Dodge action)
[()]
] The human takes advantage of the presented pause and grabs a small pouch that hangs around his neck. He lifts it to his nose and draws a quick deep inward snort, inhaling whatever substance the pouch contains. The previous sign of worry vanishes, replaced with red frenzy. He leans into a skating motion and launches his longsword attack. You are prepared however and redirect his swing with a flick of your spear [Sharp Defender Attack of Opportunity]
Dawndra] I sweep his sword and with a small lunge attempt to sink my long needle into his flesh.
(1d20 Opportunity Attack 16 + 7 = 23 )
(1d8 Dmg 2 + 7 = 9 )
] Your attack of opportunity is successful and you draw blood from 8 feet away.
Dawndra] I give the human a lusty smile. "You don't have to be dead my sexy friend. The sideline will only claim your pride. Give it up and we shall drink as mates tonight." As I taunt him, I position myself with the corpse of the Dwarf between us. I again root down with my bare feet as much as possible on the slick red battle surface, raise my spear tip and await his next action. (Dodge action)
[()]
] The artificial frenzy overwhelms the barbarian and he charges. He attempts to leap over the dead Dwarf but miscalculates the maneuver and slides on his knees, his sword thrust short and impudent. (Attack of Opportunity)
Dawndra] "I much prefer ale over blood, but blood it shall be." I drive my ice pike into my clumsy opponent.
(2d20a Opportunity Attack 12 + 7 = 19 )
(1d8 Dmg 1 +8 = 9 )
(2d20a Attack 15 +7 = 22 )
(1d8 Dmg 7 +7 = 14 )
] Two quick stabs and the battle round is over. The horn blows. Elk Tribe members in attendance all make a gasping groan as their tribe fellow chokes up a splash of blood and collapses face-first. Many others are cheering you on however.
Dawndra] I will my ice pike down to a hairpin. Standing over the fallen as they begin to pull their corpses from the arena, I spin my long hair into loose knot and clasp it with the needle. I return to my seat and don my shoes and robes then sit for the next battle.
[Close Scene]
[Tabletalk] Each of the four Writer/DMs here are using a somewhat different style and format. I find this ideal and will hopefully give me a chance to learn and improve. It should also keep the storytelling fresh as we journey through Rime of the Frostmaiden.
The above sample should be fairly clear, but in case a reference is required…
]This is narrated by the DM
[()] This is the DM rolling dice behind the screen - I do not show these rolls - thought I might make some exceptions, like crits...
] NPC "La la, la lala la - this is an NPC speaking"
PC] this is the PC narrating and "speaking in game"
PC]] This is the PC flashing back in time, perhaps even breaking the 4th wall, to tell some of their own backstory
(1d20 Stealth 10 + 5 = 15 ) This is a PC Stealth check roll
(1d20 Attack 16 + 7 = 23 ) This is a PC attack roll. The PC will narrate their actions and any feats/spells used to attack
(2d20a Attack 6 + 7 = 13 ) This is a PC attack roll with Advantage
(1d8 Dmg 1 +8 = 9 ) This is a pc damage roll, showing target resulting HP.
While other Writer/DMs may prefer using chat-based dice rolls, I recently got some nifty new dice and grand new dice tower… I will be using them for my segments. Besides, I also prefer writing in OneNote rather than chat boxes. I will be giving up some of the features there for my preferences. Hope no one minds the difference.
[Close Tabletalk]
Helena Part 4
The next morning they stopped long enough to pick up the adamantine armor and shield from the smith, then started the treck towards Bryn Shander. Hundelstone faded into the distance behind them as they made their way north on the Ten Trail. The folk in Hundelstone told Helena that they would have a four-day journey ahead of them, if they didn’t lose too much time to bad weather. The road stretched out before her, the sky gray with clouds and the ground white with snow.
Just past midday, they came across a smashed cart at the side of the road. Two sets of tracks led away from the cart into a grove of snow-covered fir trees.
"Not a good sign." Nolla said with a smirk. "Barely half-a-day on our travel to Bryn Shander and already have something concerning happening."
"We have to check it out." Kathrine pointed out.
"Of course." Helena agreed, sighing inwardly as she glanced around. Looking over the cart itself, Helena saw it was a simple wooden carriage large enough to carry four people — or fewer, if it’s filled with cargo or supplies. She also found a tattered letter in the cart which read: “To be delivered: 100 gold pieces for moneychangers in Bryn Shander.” She read it out loud to the others.
"Bandits then." Leshanna said with a glance around, emerald eyes narrowing as she gripped the pomel of her rapier.
"Tracks over here." Nolla said, drawing attention to tracks that led away from the cart.
They followed the tracks for about half a mile, before coming upon a grisly scene at their terminus. The carcasses of a half-elf man and a horse were both frozen and half-eaten by scavengers. Wolf prints could be seen in the snow. The man was still-clutching an iron lockbox. They looked through the man's pockets, but could find no key. Nolla, with Kathrine's goddess's aid, was able to open the box with her lockpicks though. Inside the lockbox, as expected, were 100 gold pieces minted in Waterdeep.
Putting the coins in their packs, and leaving the lockbox behind, the four of them traveled back to the road. They continued on their way, making good time until they made camp that night. The next day was uneventful, other than the endless cold, as they continued the treck northward. It was not until the third day that they found another cause for concern.
They had traveled all day without interruption. Night was falling, and the time to make camp was fast approaching. Suddenly, their peaceful day of travel was interrupted by a whistle of wind and a bestial roar. A javelin tore through the air and a massive, saber-toothed tiger leaped into their midst.
Nolla draws her rapier and strikes at the large feline near-at-hand... She misses though.
Katherine uses her bond ability, creating a bond between Leshanna and Nolla.
The sabertooth claws at Nolla, but misses. A javelin flies in at Leshanna, tossed from an ogre standing atop a cliff off of the road. It misses Leshanna, but just barely.
Leshanna flanks the sabertooth with Nolla, striking at it with her rapier... She drives her rapier into its shoudler, making the beast snarl in pain.
Helena sends 3 darts of power lancing up to strike the ogre.
Nolla strikes at the feline once more... Hitting it with her rapier and leaving it bloody.
Kathrine tries to take a swing at the large cat with her mace, trying to do non-lethal damage... She connects, but does only minimal damage, the cat barely noticing the blow.
The saber-toothed tiger slashes at Nolla again, but slips on the ice, stumbling and missing badly. Another javelin sails in at Leshanna, from the ogre. She has to raise a shield of force, casting the Shield spell, to deflect the missile.
Leshanna strikes at the feline again, leaving a bloody wound in it's pelt, where her rapier drove in once more.
Helena pelted the ogre with another trio of magical darts, knocking it back on its heels.
Nolla, flanking the saber-toothed tiger with Leshanna, drives her own rapier in as the cat turns towards the beautiful auburn-haired elf, driving a deep wound into the feline's unprotected side.
Kathrine looks up to the ogre above and says, "Halt!" Her word is infused with the power of her goddess. command
The saber-toothed tiger again slashes at Nolla, and misses yet again. The ogre stares down, transfixed by the power of Kathrine's command, and cannot move.
Leshanna, with tears running down her cheeks, stabs at the large cat once more... piercing its side and drawing forth more blood. "Don't kill it..." She says, glancing over at Nolla.
Helena switches her spells and sends a blast of blue energy at the ogre. ray of frost Hitting and coating the ogre with a layer of ice, slowing them down.
Nolla gives Leshanna a nod, then tries to attack the tiger again, trying for non-lethal damage... She connects, knocking the saber-toothed tiger out, but not killing it.
Kathrine casts bless on her companions, calling to her goddess for aid, as the ogre roars in anger, the ogre drawing forth her greatsword.
The ogre leaps down from the cliff, greatsword in her hand, as she moves towards the group, clearly enraged at the defeat of her saber-toothed tiger. Due to the ray of frost hampering her movements, she reaches the group, but cannot attack.
With an angry glare, Leshanna strikes at the ogre... She drives her rapier into the ogre female's thigh, doing some minor damage.
Helena sends another blast of cold striking the ogre, frosting its skin once more and slowing its motions.
Nolla moves to flank the ogre with Leshanna, striking at the giant-kin with her own rapier... She manages to hit, but doesn't find as good of a spot as she would have liked, only doing minor damage.
Kathrine stays back, ready to heal if needed, but unwilling to attack the ogre.
The ogre, howling in rage, strikes at Nolla, slicing the pretty raven-haired thief across the side, an dleaving her barely standing, clutching the wound.
Leshanna, taking advantage of the ogre's distraction, drives ehr own rapier deep into the ogre's belly, injuring the giant-kinn greatly with a critical blow.
Helena sends another blast of magic mmissiles at the ogre, hoping to finish it off quickly. It is not enough though as the ogre wobbles on her feet, but does not go down.
Nolla, gritting her teeth with the pain of the wound, strikes at the ogre as well. As she pulls her rapier out of the ogre's side, the ogre slumps to the ground, dead.
Kathrine moves in to tend Nolla's wounds, her body glowing with the power of her goddess and both Nolla and the tiger's wounds healing as she nears them.
After the battle the four women set up camp right there, starting a fire and settling in. The cat was not very happy when it woke up, but Leshanna managed to keep it from attacking, and the two seemed to get along fairly well once they had time to get to know each other. The rest of that night was peaceful, though cold.
Late the following day they approached the first village in Ten Towns, and their destination, Bryn Shander. The walls of Bryn Shander, southernmost and largest of the Ten-Towns, loomed over them. The fortified trading post was the gateway to Icewind Dale, and it stood atop a desolate, windswept hill. Guards atop the walls gazed at them, but Helena could barely make out their expressions underneath their masks and fur-lined caps. They opened the gates and wave them in nonetheless.
After getting directions to Kelvin’s Comfort, they headed through the town and were soon standing in the tavern. The innkeep was less than pleased when they asked for Raggamel the Renegade, clearly not certain of their intentions. Kathrine took over though, and was able to talk the man into taking them to this Raggamel's room.
At his room, Helena informed him they were from the Luskan Deliverers, and brought out the strange lockbox they had been given by Maccath. Raggamel was cautious, but good-natured and seemed interested in visitors. He was fascinated by the special lockbox — and laughed loudly with surprise when he touched it and found that it sprung open. He lowered his voice and told them that it must have been enchanted to open at his touch, and mused that Maccath must have sneakily gotten his fingerprint when they last saw each other. His expression was a murky mix of wonder, friendly joy, and mild concern when he said this.
Inside the box was a dragon skull about the size of an adult cat’s skull, made from white gold. Raggamel puzzled over it for a moment; he then pulled a chain out from inside his tunic, a small golden tooth on the end of the chain. He delicately plucked the tiny tooth from the necklace with his large fingers and slid it into an opening in the mouth. The skull began to hum and vibrate in his hands, and then leaped into the air and levitated in place. Two tiny pinpricks of white flame glowed in the skull’s eye sockets — and then its mouth opened and a raspy voice emerged.
“Hey, what’s the big idea, fussin’ around with my chompers like that? I’ll have you know I’m a mighty and fearsome… oh. Oh boy. I’m just a floatin’ skull now, huh?”
It took them a bit of time to get the skull's history, but it seemed This skull was Kaledarnethira (or “Kal,” for short), an ancient white dragon whose spirit was somehow trapped in this golden sculpture after she was killed by adventurers some two thousand years ago. The skull found its way into the treasure hoard of the Oyaviggaton dragon lair. Now reawakened and “defanged” of her once-mighty physical and magical powers, Kal has the power and disposition of a grumpy housecat. Her skull can levitate up to 30 feet off the ground and can float through the air at a speed of 40 feet, but she is otherwise a noncombatant. She is incredibly knowledgeable about her former stomping grounds of Icewind Dale, but her knowledge is some two thousand years out of date.
Raggamel laughed at the emergence of this feisty, indolent dragon spirit. He recommended that the characters take her with them while they travel through Icewind Dale. “She’s got a bad temper, but who doesn’t this far north?” he quips. He simply warns them to keep her safe until they get back to Luskan. “Maccath still wants to see her returned safely, and she can be a real terror when someone comes between her and her dragons.”
Ang Introduction, Part 1
“Steady, boy...” the northerner whispered, as he crouched down next to his young gray-skinned companion. “That’s it.... take your time... watch your aim... take slow breaths... wait for your moment, then release.”
Holding the string fully tensioned on his short bow, Ang flipped away a stray lock of white hair as he sighted down his arrow, and followed the line with his eyes out towards the bull elk that stood grazing on small patches of snow-free lichen in the broad alpine valley about 75 feet away. They’d seen one yesterday, but something had spooked the animal before Ang had a chance to get close enough for a good shot.
However, it wasn’t his approach that spooked the elf. Over the past few weeks, with much practice, and heavily tutelage from Gerund, Ang’s tracking and hunting skills had improve dramatically. Combined with his natural nimbleness, the light gray skinned half elf had gotten much better at sneaking up on his prey. And his archery skills had improved as well.
When he first left Luskan, almost two months ago, Ang could barely hit an ogre-sized target from 40 feet away. Now, on an average day, he could fell a snowshoe hare from that same distance. With time to remain still and line up a steady aim, he could sometimes hit one from nearly twice that far.
Of course he’d never actually seen a real ogre, but there were plenty of other potential targets that roamed the vast landscapes of the Spine of the World, like orcs. This seemingly endless chain of jagged peaks, granite towers and ice-covered spires was crawling with them, as well as plenty of other dangerous creatures that were much better dealt with from bow range than up close with a blade.
The intense, grueling and often bloody cacophony of fighting someone up close was never Ang’s preferred way of dealing with conflict, even during his younger days on the streets and alleyways of Neverwinter. Sure, he’d had plenty of altercations that could have ended with someone being stabbed, were it not for Ang’s quick wits, smooth tongue and impeccable flair for persuasion and flattery.
He’d even escaped an altercation with a small posse of bandits not a day out of Luskan by lying and convincing them that he was merely a scout for a drow patrol that was camped nearby.
“Let me go and I’ll steer them away from you. Rob me, and I’ll make sure they’ll find you. Kill me and they won’t rest until you’re all slaughtered, since I’m the prized nephew of the captain of our little band. You may have heard of him, Zhiver the Cleaver.” Naturally, they had not, but it was hardly a gamble worth taking for a few ragged highway robbers.
Of course, flattery and deception rarely work on the ravenous humanoids and feral beasts that roam The Savage Frontier, as he quickly found out, when, nearly six tendays ago, he found himself surrounded by a small orc war band. The brutes quickly surrounded and overpowered Ang, chained him up and hauled him off to their camp.
For all the time that Ang had eluded danger and possible death, the half drow, (technically quarter drow, his mother was half drow,) suddenly found himself in an entirely new world of danger and despair. Abused and starved for days at the orc camp, Ang nearly succumbed to their torture, until one evening, the camp was ambushed and the orcs were all slaughtered by what Ang figured was an entire troupe of rangers.
He soon found out that the ambush was carried out by a single man; a sturdy, but surprisingly quick-footed human in his late 40s named Gerund, who seemed to be everywhere at once. Firing arrow after arrow, then stealthily moving to a new location to repeat the attack, he confused and quickly overcame the entire band without even being seen.
After cutting Ang free, the man carried him off and nursed him back to full strength. Although he was immensely grateful to his rescuer, Ang was nonetheless skeptical of his intentions, until the man opened up and confessed that he had once loved a silver skinned half drow woman in his younger days.
Not usually one to trust strangers, Ang nonetheless found himself suppressing his natural instincts to lie and take advantage of this man’s overt kindness, and instead looked towards Gerund as a father figure, since his own father had been imprisoned for thievery when Ang was but a lad.
The two quickly formed a mentor-apprenctice relationship, if not at least somewhat of a father-son type bond, and Gerund, who was a highly skilled man of the wild, taught Ang the ways of stealth, archery, how to strike quickly and evade enemies, even at close range, and how to survive in the wilderness. Through this time, Ang, who was raised in a dirty, crowded quarter of the big city, found himself fascinated by the wide open beauty and awe inspiring wonder of nature. In that way, a vital part of his ancient elvish heratige was awakened, and he quickly grew to love the outdoors.
In the following weeks, the pair developed a deep bond as they traveled throughout the foothills and higher valleys of The Spine together, hunting, foraging, defending themselves against wolves and other predatory creatures, and on more than a few occasions, ambushing small bands of orcs and goblins.
Ang Introduction, Part 2
Nature was the furthest thing from his mind when Ang fled Luskan. It was the second time he’d found himself on he run, the first time being when he had to leave Neverwinter. It meant that his past had finally caught up with him, and that fact presented a rude awakening for someone who had managed to live his entire life in the gray area that lies between the the law and the criminal underground.
Growing up on the streets of Neverwinter, Ang was only five when his father was hauled off by the city guard for thievery. He was never seen again. His mother did the best she could with him and his four siblings, but inevitably, Ang turned to crime. Sure, like any street thief, he stole whenever on opportunity presented itself, and he certainly liked to collect fancy rings, but it was his skills as a charlatan that got him by the most.
Combined with his quick wits, a flair for being able to read and persuade others, and the fact that his slightly unique, but plainly pleasant facial features, pale gray skin, white hair and aquamarine colored eyes, Ang thrived on being able to influence others with his pleasant demeanor, get what he wanted, and then quickly be forgotten by his marks.
Such was the benefit of being a half elf. There were enough of them in the city that one could easily be confused for another, especially by ignorant, well-to-do humans, who were his ideal mark. Ang made his way through live on an endless series of quick cons, disguises, mistaken identities, and his likable charisma. People usually believed whatever he was trying to pull on them, and the kinds of favors or rewards involved were never so grand so that he would make an impression.
Unfortunately, Ang eventually made an impression on the local thieves’ guild. They were none too pleased with his solo antics, and pressured him to join numerous times. He flirted with the idea numerous times, especially after falling in love with Ellia, a quick fingered, dagger-wielding thief, prolific guild member, and often a bad influence, but he resisted, being perfectly happy with his freewheeling life and no obligations.
The head of the guild grew impatient with the young half elf, and threatened to drive him out of the city if he did not join… or worse. Fearing for his life and safety, and the safety of Ellia, Ang decided to leave Neverwinter, but not before pulling on last con to give him some more for the road.
Unfortunately, it went sour. Breaking his own rules and aiming for a much larger reward than his usual motive allowed, Ang suddenly found himself on the run from both the city watch and the noble’s own mercenary guards. He fled his home city and made his way to Luskan. Apparently, word travels fast, and as luck would have it, it wasn’t in Luskan very long before he was recognized.
Forced to flee, and realizing that he needed to get further way, he set his sights for the remote region of Icewind Dale. Never mind that he knew virtually nothing about that part of northern Faerun. Never mind that he had little wilderness experience to make such a journey. Never mind that he didn’t even like the cold, and liked snow even less, nonetheless, Ang set out from Luskan and began walking north along the windswept Northern Means trail.
Ang Introduction, Part 3
As the young half elf sighted down his arrow towards the grazing elk, he found his mind drifting back to that day. It seemed like an entire lifetime ago, and in some ways it was, given that the transformation he’d undergone since he left home. Gerund had taught him so much, and his eyes had opened to an entirely new world of possibilities, even though he had no idea where they might lead.
In addition, Ang could barely remember the last time he lied or tied to con anyone. His companionship with Gerund had been nothing but a period of complete and total honesty and integrity. Besides, it’s not like one could pursued the deer to get close enough to your bow with words, or fool the wolves with a disguise. Survival out here in the unforgiving wilderness depend on skills and smarts, not how well you can sweet talk your way out of a situation.
In a way, Ang found it odd that in this vastly different episode, there was never any need for the behaviors that had formed the entire foundation of his entire life. In his mind, he knew that he could easily revert to those habits again if the need arose, but in his heart, he wondered if he even wanted to go back to who he was before. Gerund had shown him that he no longer needed them to survive, at least not in the wild. It remained to be seen whether he would need them in Icewind Dale.
At the very least, Ang begun to realize that like his newfound hunting survival skills, his charisma was nothing more than a tool to get through certain situations when required. It didn’t have to define him, though. At least he hoped it wouldn’t, and he hoped it wouldn’t get him into trouble again. However, old habits die hard.
“He ain’t gonna stand still forever, boy. Wait too long you’ll lose the shot,” Gerund said in a low voice as Ang signed his bow.
“I know, friend. I just want to admire him for a bit longer…”
“You’re ready to head down to the Dale now, aren’t ya?” Gerund asked. “I’ll go with ya as far as Bryn Shander, but I won’t stay. One night is all. I want to get some more huntin’ done on the south side of the Spine before the elk migration.”
Three days later, dressed in thick furs to ward off the perpetually biting chill of the far north, the pair plodded down the snow-covered Ten Trail into Bryn Shander, arriving just as the twilight was casting its last glow of pink light on the snowy landscape, and enjoyed their first mugs of ale in weeks. The next morning, the two men bid each other farewell, both of them trying holding back the emotional importance of their parting.
“I know we’ll cross paths again, boy. In the meantime, remember what I taught ya. And don’t get too close to them orcs. They’re bad for yer health.” He lets out a hearty chuckle, tugs on his thick red beard, turns around and begins making fresh tracks back up the Ten Trail.
“Farewell, friend,” Ang says quietly. “I hope so…”
Dawndra Norlandr Introduction Scene Two
[Scene] Good Mead Dale. The dark icy fog has dropped to the ground revealing a brilliant white aurora dancing across the skies to the North and East. Only 15 contestants remain standing after the days "games". The Frozenfar Fray Games contest is sponsored by the Tribe of the Bear once a year, and primarily features members of the various Reghedmen Tribes but is open to any contestant. Cost to enter the games is 100 Gold, which goes entirely to the winners pot.
There are 3 rounds:
01) The Stones Throwdown - Located in the Ten Towns - Dougan's Hole, this battle takes place within the Stones of Thruun. Any may enter, losers must leave.
02) The Ice Pit Riot - Located in Ten Towns - Good Mead. The fighting arena is a large-sized hole dug into the frozen ground filled with water routed from the Redwaters. The battle requires that three enter the ice pit, only one leaves standing. Battles continue until all contestants fight at least one battle. The surface of the battleground is kept treacherously slick. Only winners of the Stone Throwdown may enter. Winners move on to the next round, losers leave.
03) The Frost Troll Head-Roll - Located anywhere along the northern slopes of the Spine. Remaining contestants must track and battle a Frost Troll while surviving the potentially murderous ploys of the other contestants. Any returning to Easthaven with a fresh Trolls head within a tenday will share the reward pot. Any not returning likely never will.
] Round three starts after a day of rest tomorrow. Along with the other contestants, you have been alloted a space to sleep in the Mead Hall, though it will still be some time before anyone is able to sleep. The hall is filled with the ruckus of drinking locals and the contestants of the Fray Games. Tomorrow night you will have better accommodations in Easthaven and the troll hunt will start from there at sunrise, if there is one.
Dawndra] I find a quiet spot behind the Mead Hall to perform my meditation practices. I take the Rider Stance and drawing long deep breaths of the night air. I allow myself time to marvel at the white display adorning the night sky. After an hour of stance training, I begin the Whispering Claw form that I practiced every night in the Song Moon Temple.
] As you are practicing behind the Mead Hall, the barbarian woman who sat next to you earlier comes around the corner of the building.
] Elarilka "There you be! I've been looking for you. When I found you nowhere in the Mead Hall, I said to myself I said, 'Where would a white-lady be this time 'a night?' Few brave the night air these recent days but look wheres I find you. At least you got your clothings on. That was quite a thing today, fighting naked as you please. Never seen such a thing, and surely not in the ice pits."
Dawndra] "Hello Elarilka." I cease my meditative forms and move on to spear forms. "I am in the middle of my practice. Hope you don't mind that I continue."
] Elarilka "No no, course not. Watching you fight today… I'm not surprised you would rather be practicing than drinking... Oh my! Look at that! The Rora's are pure white tonight aren't they. Usually they have so many colors. Never seen em pure white… what could it mean? Hey maybe they knows you? A white lady under white Roras - got to mean something yeah?"
Dawndra] "No idea…" I step back and draw in… "what it might…" Half spin into crouch…"mean." I thrust the spear forward with my legs driving. "Nothing to do with me I'm sure". I turn to make eye contact with her.
] The barbarian woman looks like she stopped a charging Auroch with her face. Her features are mis-shapened with bruises but still somehow able to pull off her goofy grin. You watched her battle today after your own victory. She was impressive fighting with the heavy chain that currently wraps her shoulders.
Dawndra] "I've not ever seen anyone use a chain the way you did today. You deserved your victory. What an unassuming weapon, yet it flowed like water in your hands. Your opponents were caught in constant surprise. I could learn much from your technique Elarilka."
] Elarilka "Thank you Dawndra. I was just grateful I did not have to contend with your spear today. That actually opens to the reason I was looking for you. Can we talk about the next round? The Troll hunt? Preferably somewhere… indoors? This cold is bitter to me… and I live north of the Spine."
Dawndra] "This is my first time this far north. The cold here… it feels good against my skin. It feels like it is energizing me. But yes, too long exposed would probably kill me as any other. Let us find a corner in the Mead Hall to talk."
] The two of you go inside, grab some drink, then sit near the back on large fur-covered pillows. The room noisy with laughter and cheers and boisterous curses. A bard plays a stringed instrument quietly by the fire.
] Elarilka "So about the Frost Troll Head-Roll… I had thought to just ask you what tactic you planned on using but that would be rude. Instead… let me share the tactics I am aware of. Few ever go against an Ice Troll alone. They are mighty and difficult to separate from sources of water."
Dawndra] "Why would you need to separate them from water?"
] Elarilka "It is how Frost Trolls regenerate. They stay close to pools where they can completely submerge themselves if damaged, but snow or ice will allow them to heal most injuries we can inflict. Fire helps, but again - they stay close to water. Most contestants will bring acid as well - it will halt the Trolls ability to close up a gash or even regrow an arm. You won't find any acid anywhere North of the Spine now though… been sold out for some time."
Dawndra] "I had heard they were difficult to kill but is it true their arms grow back? Really?"
] Elarilka "Really truly - and in the midst of battle too. In years past, the most common tactic has been to group up against a single troll. If it is defeated, then the group fights among themselves to determine the victor. Whoever brings a troll head back to Easthaven wins a share of the prize - that is… one head, one winner. There have also been groups unwilling to fight each other over the prize, so they fight together until they have killed enough Trolls for one a piece."
Dawndra] "I can imagine another tactic… lie in wait for those returning with a Trolls head and take it from them."
] Elarilka "Yes, I'm sure it has been done but most of the Reghedmen would not return with a Trolls head they had no part in killing - honor means something here in Icewind Dale. Still - you are correct about it being technically within the rules of the round so we will need to be on watch for when returning. So I am proposing, if you had not guessed, that you and I hunt as a group. I have not seen a better fighter and I sense I can trust you. I would earn your trust if possible. We will need two heads. I figure… if we can kill one, we should be able to kill another."
Dawndra] "One may be plenty. I am here to prove my martial skill. I am only proving it to myself however. I care not for the trophy or the glory, though the gold would be useful. Perhaps you and I should team. If successful, you can return with the head and take the glory of the win but split the gold with me."
] Elarilka "Among the tribes, the glory is the very reason for the games. Besides, even if we brought two heads, the pot would still be that much more divided, so one or two, the gold would be close to the same. I see no downside to us being one for the final round."
Dawndra] "Nor do I, Elarilka… nor do I."
Dawndra Norlandr Introduction Part Three
[Scene] Good Mead. Morning. The Mead Hall occupants stirred to life early, considering how much alcohol was put to use the night before. Some contestants are already packing up to catch a sled to Easthaven, where the final round of the Frozenfar Fray Games will kick off.
] You and Elarilka both slept where you had sat and talked about tactics. Your pack remains tied to your leg and seems undisturbed.
Dawndra] "Daybreak be good Elarilka. Hope you slept well enough. I will be ready to depart once I've completed my morning practice. Please give me an hour?" I go outside behind the Mead Hall for standing meditation.
] The fog has returned to shroud the village and with it a dim light as if twilight was refusing to make way for daybreak. You feel your strength ready itself as you meditate. You also notice a strange tug, almost as if your hairpin was not with you. The pull seems to be from North of where you are in Good Mead.
Dawndra] Curious about the sensation, I pull my hairpin from my hair and let it rest in my hand.
] The hairpin itself seems to feel the pull to the North. As you hold it in the flat of your hand, it turns… needle point wanting the same direction you sense calling. Moments later, the sensation vanishes as if it never was. Elarilka finds you.
] Elarilka "Ready to travel? There is a sled with room for us preparing to leave."
Dawndra] "Indeed, let us be on our way to Easthaven."
] You climb onto the back of an open sled pulled by two axe-beaks. There is one other passenger and the sled driver - an older human male covered in multiple layers of fur and leather. The passenger is a human boy, too young and too small to be a contestant. He has his arms wrapped around a large leather bag that he keeps on his lap. The distance between towns is only 10 miles but moments after pulling out from Good Mead, you see nothing but gray mist and have no idea which way you are traveling. An hour passes, then two. Conditions have worsened to a near-blizzard and sharp snow nearly stings you as it hits the outside of your robes. The axe-beaks are complaining with odd squelching sounds, but they keep pulling into the onslaught of snow.
] Elarilka "We should have been there by now. And… This wind should be at our backs, strange to see such force coming from the East."
Dawndra] "I can't make up from down out here. Driver! Are we lost?"
] The sled driver does not hear you. Or at least, gives no sign he has. Through the whipping ice, you hear the frost-piercing howl of wolves.
] Elarilka "Look - to left side. Are those trees? There is no forest near Easthaven. The closest forest is just South of Bryn Shandar. Driver! Where are you taking us?"
] You do not hear the driver say "Where I was paid to, miss." In the confusion of the moment, neither you nor the Barbarian woman notice the young boy reach into his bag and pull out a large container. As your back is turned to him, he removes the lid and dumps the thick red contents over your head and then splashes the last bit onto Elarilka. The boy quickly abandons the sled and disappears into the sideways snow before you can even taste the blood that is running down your face and back.
Dawndra] "Blood! We've been set up! This is a trap!"
] The sled driver looks around to see the boy has gone and after a final whip to the axe-beaks to drive them faster, he also leaps off into the white storm.
Dawndra] "He jumped too! Quick, try to grab the reigns!"
[()]
] She attempts to regain control of the runaway axe-beaks but fails. Minutes later you see just a hint of a white shadow racing to cross in front of your path. A moment later the world somersaults around you as something bulldozes though the two axe-beaks. The sled flips and spins and crashes.
[()]
] You are thrown into the snow some 10 feet away but Elarilka has been trapped under the sled. You can see the axe-beak blood sprayed into the snow around the sled but see nothing else.
Dawndra] "Elarilka! We are beset! Can you stand?!" I pull my hairpin and expand it to spear length. I take a ready stance against the unknown.
] You think you hear over the blasting wind a faint 'no', but you can see the sled lifting slightly. You rightly assume that she has been trapped underneath it and is trying to free herself. Before you can say or do anything further, white Winter Wolves charge you from 3 directions.
[()]
] The first two wolves successfully sink sharp icy teeth into your flesh before disappearing back into the snow. A 3rd attack is brushed away.
Dawndra] I know I don't stand a chance alone. I need to help Elarilka free first. I go push against the flipped cart to allow her to get free.
(1d20 Athletics Check 20 +4 = 24 )
Dawndra] I ready myself (Patient Defense - Dodge as bonus action) for the next wave of attacks.
] A Winter Wolf charges you straight and misses, giving you the opportunity to return an attack.
Dawndra] I try to spear the beast. (Reaction)
(1d20 Attack 18 +7 = 25 )
(1d8 Dmg 6 +5 = 11 )
] A second attack targets Elarilka and she yells out in pain. The 3rd Winter Wolf comes at you from behind, digging teeth into your shoulder, trying to rip away your flesh. It releases you but before ducking back into the camouflage of the storm, it releases a foul Cold Breath attack. Both you and Elarilka are within its range. Con Save DC 11.
[()]
Dawndra]
(1d20 Con Save 14 +1 = 15 )
] You feel your energy drain to an emptiness you never thought possible. [()] Elarilka damages one of the attackers and it lets out a chilling cry.
Dawndra] I feel as if I may have only one more attack. I go after the wolf I can see being hit by Elarilka.
(2d20a Attack 9 + 7 = 16 )
(1d8 Dmg 7 + 5 = 12)
] With the last ounce of your available energy, you drive an attack from your legs. Your spear enters into the head cavity of the Winter Wolf and it dies with an abrupt yelp. You hear the two others howl in the white. Before you can ready for another incoming attack, several large flaming torches fly in and land a semi-circle around you. Before you make sense of what you see, white fades to black and you fall unconscious.
[End scene]
Thynetos's Introduction Part 3
A 40-year-old Thynetos closes his eyes as he drifts off to sleep. As he begins to dream, he imagines himself walking up a stairway, making the arduous trek back to the heavens where the angels await him with open arms. He is solely focused on putting one foot in front of the other as he makes this climb. He is halfway up the stairs when his dream begins to shift and he is in a large forest. Looking around, he recognizes this forest and looking over his shoulder he sees the grave that he dug two years ago, when he made a vow to himself to change. Falling to his knees, Thynetos bows his head in a solemn, silent prayer. As Thynetos opens his eyes after offering a prayer, he is in an entirely different environment. In an alleyway of a city, Thynetos climbs to his feet and peeks out into the considerably warmer Neverwinter streets. Seeing the sun beginning to rise, he steps out of the alleyway only to leap back into the shadows as he sees a pair exit the building next to him. They appear to be in conversation and Thynetos recognizes them immediately. Stepping back into the alleyway, however, he is met with a stunning sight.
A form he hadn't seen for the last 22 years, Thynetos looked up to see his divine patron looking down upon him once again. Not smiling, his patron isn't outwardly angry either, although none of this registers for a shocked Thynetos. The angel begins to speak with a booming voice as the streets of Neverwinter melt away and Thynetos was back on the featureless plane that he met with his patron on. "You are redeeming yourself. We have observed your actions in the past two years and we are... impressed." The angel's face hardens as it continues, "Do not mistake this for a redemption. You are still fallen and always will be. However, we see that the light is coming back, and we- I wanted to offer you a second chance." The angel snaps its fingers and a grey bag appears in his hands. Holding the bag out, the angel begins speaking again, "Take this as a show of our acknowledgement of your progress and do not let this make you complacent. Your vices are still strong and you must not succumb again." As Thynetos returns to his original dream of a seemingly endless stairway, the angels voice says one last thing as it fades away, "There is great good to be done in the Ten Towns of Icewind Dale if you seek true redemption."
The next morning, Thynetos awakens and squeezed in his hand is a grey bag. Reaching into the bag, Thynetos feels around and pulls out three balls of fuzz. Putting the fuzzballs down onto the ground, he releases them and steps away to finish getting ready.
7 ; 8 ; 5
As the fuzzballs hit the ground, they turn into a Panther, a Dire Wolf, and a Giant Badger. Surprised, Thynetos leaps backwards and grasps for his sword. Holding his sword in front of him, he pauses as he realizes that these creatures are seemingly friendly towards him. Deciding to assume the best, he gives one a mental command and sure enough, the beast follows the command.
With his three newfound companions, Thynetos sets out for the Ten-Towns to hopefully do some good. Unfortunately, by the time that Thynetos arrived in the Ten-Towns his party had shrunk from 4 to 2 as both the panther and the giant badger had succumbed to roving bandits that chose to prey on the small group (the bandits fared much worse). As an exhausted Thynetos and Moira, his wolf, made their way into the first of the Ten-Towns, they quickly made their way to the nearest inn and booked a room and crashed nearly instantly, knowing that the next morning would pose its own set of challenges. As Thynetos fell asleep, his soul had transitioned once again and what was once just a speck of light had grown to stand a fighting chance against the darkness. The fight was long from over, but there was no doubt that this would be a fight worth watching.
(OOC: There are no NPCs introduced in this section (I cut out a good bit of it for expediency))
(OOC: I rolled much higher than I was expecting on the Bag of Tricks and I ended up getting 3 beasts that were good at combat and I didn't want the beasts to just dominate the combat by themselves so I improvised.)
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
The Northlook
Dawndra
Dawndra woke slowly, opening her eyes and finding herself laying in a warm bed. The roomw as small, with a cozy fire going in the fireplace along one wall. She lay there for a long moment, taking inventory of her body, accessing how much her wounds had healed. There was still soreness, but the worst of the injuries seemed fairly well-healed. Sitting up she checked to be sure the hair pin was still in place, her clothes having been removed, and bandages placed over the worste of her wounds. She removed the bandages, finding mostly-healed skin under them, but the wounds looked raw still.
"You shouldn't be removing those..." A voice said as the door opened and a young human woman saw what she was doing. The female wore a holy symbol around her neck, a golden sun. Dawndra recognized it as the symbol of the sun god, Amaunator.
"Where am I?" Dawndra asked. She stood up, twisting and flexing, making sure her movement would not be impeded by the injuries.
"You are in the house of The Morning Lord, in Bryn Shander." The young woman said, moving to the door. She nodded to a pile of clothes in her arms. "We have mended and cleaned your things..." She set the items down just inside the door, then turned and moved away quickly. Dawndra figured she was off to get someone of more importance in the place. She picked up her clothes and got dressed.
It was not long before another human female came striding briskly into the room. She introduced herself as Mishann, priest of Amaunator. Dawdra quickly learned what had befallen herself and her barbarian companion. The SHERIFF, a human named Markham Southwell, happened to be out that direction with a few of his scouts, when they heard the fighting. They quickly had gone to investigate, and had managed to drive off the winter wolves before they could claim their prizes. Finding both Dawndra and Elarilka unconscious, they had brought them back to Bryn Shander and to the House of the Morning Lord. When Dawndra asked about Elarilka, she learned that the barbarian had already left, traveling towards East Haven on her own. Dawndra was pointed towards a local tavern called The Northlook, as a place to get lodging and some food.
Thynetos and Ang
Having arrived in the hilltop stronghold town of Bryn Shander, you were both pointed towards the same tavern and inn, The Northlook. Each of you have noticed the strangeness of the fact the sun no longer rose in Icewind Dale, and you heard many rumors about this as you spent time in the common room of the tavern...
"In Easthaven, they caught an evil wizard who killed some adventurers. The town militia plans to burn the wizard at the stake. I hear the captain of the guard is looking for adventurers to help with another task that may or may not be related." Came from an old veteran warrior as he sat drinking from his pint of ale.
"In Termalaine, Speaker Masthew has closed one of the town’s lucrative gem mines. Apparently, a gang of kobolds crept into the mine and endangered some miners. Anyone who clears out the mine can expect to be well compensated." The young serving woman said as she brought Thynetos's a glass of water; he had chosen not to drink ale for now.
Helena
Helena sat at her desk, studying the parcel sitting there for some time. She thought it a bit ironic that a new Luskan Deliverer had shown up at her door with the item, when it was that very same company that had brought her to this area a couple years back. She looked around her small office, taking in the bookshelves filled with books, the desk with its writing supplies, and the parcel, still sitting there unopened.
"Open it already." A golden skull said as it hovered up and behind her shoulder. "You know what is in it already after all..."
"Very well." Helena said, glancing over her shoulder at the floating golden skull. "I worry more about what she is going to ask us to do next, more than what is in the box, you know that..."
With a sigh Helena reached for the package. She pulled the parcel towards her, then opened it. As expected the familiar iron box sat inside the parcil. it was identical to the one they had delivered to Bryn Shander those two years previous. Thinking of that brought back her concerns of those she had traveled with previously. Leshanna and Nolla were still in the area, as far as Helena knew anyway. Leshanna had befriended a saber-toothed tiger on the journey to Bryn Shander 2 years ago, and she and Nolla had become more than friends in the time since. They had started working with a man named Raggamel the Renegade, who was the very one they had delivered the similar lockbox to 2 years previous. Helena had not heard from them since the darkness had fallen on Icewind Dale, the sun no longer rising. She was concerned for her friends, as she knew them likely to be trying to find out why the sun no longer rose. Their fourth companion, Kathrine, was long gone from the area, having returned South, not liking the cold, and wishing to find a place that she could have a chance at passing along her goddess's dictates of peace; Icewind Dale was not likely to listen to talks of peace, as every day was a battle for survival up here.
"Open it already." The skull snapped, vibrating with excitement.
Helena smiled and did so. The box opening at the meerest touch of her finger. It would not open to anyone else, she knew this, and she wondered just how the wizard at the other end had gotten her fingerprint when she had barely even spoken to the short woman all those months ago. Inside the box was what was expected. A large pouch containing her stipen, the money her patron paid her to continue her work up here in Icewind Dale. There was a large tome, titled 'History of Icewind Dale' by some sage or another. She laid that on the table, but it was soon floating away, as the skull grabbed it and headed away with the item. Helena watched the two fly off, then glanced back to the box. Inside was still the item she worried over, a letter. Knowing she didn't really have a reason to put it off any longer, she lifted out the letter. Greetings,
Thank you for the latest installment on Kaledarnethira's memories. I truly appreciate the work you do to transcribe her knowledge into texts for me. It saves me so much of my valuable time.
I have included a tome on the histiry of the region of Icewind Dale, as she requested. Please include her feedback on this tome with your next installment of her biography.
The next item needs to be of some secrecy... A few of my fellows have traveled to your area, and are looking for a lost Netherese enclave. Do not feel beholden to aid them in any fashion, but please send me anything you can learn about a possible Netherese floating city called Ythryn, from Kaledarnethira. I will make it worth your time, and, if Kaledarnethira does not know of the place, then I would very much like it if you could journey forth and see what you can find out about it yourself.
Sincerely,
Maccath the Crimson
Helena sighed. She had known there would be something her patron would wish done. She glanced over her shoulder, to where the golden skull had disappeared. She would have to ask the dragon spirit if it knew anything about a placed called Ythryn. She really hoped it did, as she doubted if she could keep up this cozy work much longer if it did not. She would have to leave her cozy home, and travel out into the cold lands to find out about this place, if the dragon did not know of it. She knew her questions to Kal would have to wait, as the dragon would be excited to read the history she had just recieved.
Helena tossed the letter in her hearth, the parchment turning to ash in a moment. She knew her patron wouldn't have wished it to get into the wrong hands, and had committed it to memory already, what was worth remembering anyway. With a sigh she stood up, knowing Kal would be at it for some time, and wishing to get out of the house for a bit. She put on her woolen cloak and mittens, then strode out into the darkened streets of Bryn Shander. The Northlook was not far away, so she made for it, planning on having a couple drinks as she listened to any new gossip going around the streets.
Foaming Mugs
The Mission
Later that evening Helena was sitting at a table with 3 others, when some frostbitten dwarves walked over. The three she was sitting with were an assorted group. There was a half-elf man with grayish skin, a human-looking man with troubled eyes, and a strange bear-like woman with white hair done up with a hairpin. The human man and the woman were both quite large, the woman clearly the bigger of the two though. Each was bigger than most others Helena had seen, other than a few of the Barbarian tribesmen that sometimes passed through. The group at her table were quiet, not speaking much, and watching the crowd more than each other. Three stocky figures bundled in cold weather garb stumbled toward them. They had snowshoes slung over their backs and ice picks fastened to their belts, and two of them had thick beards. The third held up a gloved hand and said, through a thick wool scarf in a raspy voice, “Well met! I’m Hruna, and these are my friends, Korux and Storn. We need help, and you look capable.” "Capable?" The gray-skinned elf asked with a raised eyebrow. Helena had not learned his name yet, but he seemed the more talkative of the group she had been sitting with. The half-elf's eyes moved to their two companions, both quite a bit larger than most others in the room. "I'd say those two are quite capable, but not sure what you are wishing of us, or what you are wishing to exchange for such services."
“We’re the survivors of a group of dwarves tasked with delivering a sled of iron ingots to Bryn Shander. A yeti surprised us and killed a member of our group. The rest of us fled as the yeti tore Oobok limb from limb. Now we need someone to go back and get the sled for us. As payment, we offer each of you a gemstone worth fifty gold pieces. The friendship of the dwarves of Icewind Dale can also be a boon in these harsh times. You’ll need snowshoes to make the trip in good time.” The dwarf said in response. "Fifty gold pieces is indeed a decent reward." The gray-skinned half-elf said with a glance to Helena, and the other two at their table.
Helena had to consider things quickly. She had no real desire to go out and deal with whatever was going on here, but, if she was going to need to find out more about this lost city, her patron wanted information on, then she needed people willing to accompany her. She had no idea where Leshanna and nolla were now, so this might be her best chance. "Agreed." She said with a nod. "Where can we find you good dwarfs once we are returned with the sled?"
"Blackiron Blades." The dwarf said with a nod to her fellow dwarfs. They filed out, heading back out into the snow falling softly outside. "A missing sled doesn't seem like that needful of a task." The man with the haunted eyes said once the dwarfs had left. "Seems like a large reward for such a minor task..."
"Hopefully it is as uninteresting as you make it sound." Helena said with a nod to the man. "The less interesting the better, in my opinion."
"If this yeti is near, then there could be much worthy in this." The strange white-haired woman said, her own eyes on the door the dwarfs had left through. "I say we make all speed to see if we can hunt down this beast..."
"Hunting down the yeti is not what we are getting paid for though." The gray-skinned half-elf said. "If it is there we can deal with it, but I see no reason to seek after trouble, especially when it is not what is being asked of us."
"Well it is still early enough in the day..." Helena said with a glance to the others around the table. "We could stop in at Blackiron Blades, and get some snowshoes for those of us who need them, then be on the road."
Blizzard
It was agreed, so the four of them headed out. Helena learned that the gray-skinned half-elf was named Ang, the haunted-looking one named Thynetos, and the white-haired female was Dawndra. At Blackiron Blades they purchased snowshoes, and then started along the path towards Kelvin’s Cairn. Helena sent Sabastian, her snowy owl, flying ahead, to keep an eye on the path. The only signs of anyone passing this way were a few tracks that led towards town, Helena assumed those were the dwarfs who hired them, but was not a tracker of any sort, so wasn't going to worry over it too much.
"Looks like no one but the dwarfs passed by here recently." Ang said, from his spot at the front of the group, where he was scanning the snow as they walked. "Those tracks are definitely the dwarfs we met, and nothing else looks to have passed by.
Helena smiled to herself; she had to remember that she was not alone out here, these others probably had skills she did not. The big man, named Thynetos, was walking to the rear of their group, then herself, the large white-haired woman - Dawndra - ahead of Helena, with Ang leading the way with his tracking skills.
Helena was the first to be warned of the approaching danger, Sabastian, flying above them, had seen it first. A swirling mass of snow blowing down off of the mountain ahead, and heading in their direction. "Blizzard." Helena warned the others, though it was clear they were already noticing it as she spoke. The wind was fierce, sending the wall of snow towards them faster than one would believe possible.
"We can't travel in that!" Ang shouted over the rising wind. "We need to find cover, of some sort, and wait it out!"
"Is only little storm." Dawndra said with a frown ahead at the oncoming blizzard. "No problem to keep moving through."
"Maybe if you are half polar bear, maybe." Thynetos said with a glance to the white-haired Dawndra. "For the rest of us, getting lost in that might mean our deaths."
Knowing they did not have much time, Helena had Sabastian do a quick circle, scanning for any sort of shelter that might be out there. They found a few large boulders, a bit off of the main road, but not too far off of it. The snow hit before they made it there, but, with the group working together, they managed to get there through the fierce winds and driving snow.
The next several hours were uncomfortable, to say the least. The four of them huddled together, even Dawndra sharing what she could of her warmth, to help those less accustomed to the bitter cold and powerful winds. Conversation was at a minimum, since it required shouting to be heard over the wind. Sabastian had to be sent to his sanctum, the winds too fierce for the owl to stay with Helena. By the time the storm blew past them, massive drifts curled around the boulder they had sheltered behind, making walls of white around the small group. "Well that will make tracking more difficult." Ang said as Helena watched him shake snow off of himself. Helena sent Sabastian up to do a quick look around, but all that was reported back was a solid white landscape as far as the owl could see. "We know to head towards Kelvin’s Cairn, so we can use that as our landmark." Helena suggested nodding to the mountain ahead of them. "The road was not far off from our shelter, so we can hope to locate the sled still."
They trudged along, scanning the white expanses for any sign of what they had come to seek. It was a couple hours of travel still, before they spotted it. Sabastian, Ang, and Dawndra all noticed it about the same time.
Oobok’s Remains
They crested a snow-covered ridge and saw a frozen, dismembered corpse in the gully in front of them. Snow covered some of the gory bits, but the headless torso and severed limbs were visible. They saw tracks in the snow all around the corpse, and the telltale grooves in the snow left behind by a sled that had been hauled away. "Is he dead?" helena asked, eyeing the bloody remains. "Stupid question, he has no head..." She turned away, unable to look at the gore.
The others seemed to not have Helena's issue. All three of them moved in, clearly unconcerned by the bloody mess. Thynetos and Dawndra moved to the body, easily able to tell the head was no where to be found, and it looked like some beast had feasted on the dwarf's belly. As they looked over the body, Ang studied the tracks in the snow. He was easily able to tell they were made in the past hour, and none of them belonged to what had killed the dwarf, or the dwarf himself. They were obviously made after the blizzard had passed by.
"Goblins is my guess." Ang informed the others as Helena finally managed to get closer to the three of them. She found she only had to keep from looking at the body directly. "They headed off that way, and look to be pulling the sled with them..." He gestured off in the direction the sled tracks went.
"Goblins no great contest." Dawndra said, glaring around the area as if she could make the yeti appear. She stood as if planted in one spot, her posture and pose perfect, every muscle in tune with every other.
"We were hired to get the sled, remember." Helena prompted. She nodded in the direction Ang had indicated. "The sled went that way, so I think we should follow."
There was little discussion on the matter. Even Dawndra, despite her wishes to fight some glorious beast, agreed they needed to locate and reclaim the sled. Helena sent her owl flying ahead of them, as they followed the trail through the snow.< br />
Goblins
They traveled some distance off of the path they had been following to reach the sled's location. Sabastian ranged ahead, looking for any signs of those they sought. Eventually the owl saw figures ahead. The creatures they had been following appeared to truly be goblins, based on their stature. All six of them groaned, grunted, and cursed loudly as they hauled the bulky sled toward what appeared to be a twenty-foot-tall wagon parked in the snow. Harnessed to this conveyance were two roaring polar bears that didn’t look happy. Helena quickly filled the others in on what the owl had spotted, the four of them doubling their efforts to catch the sled before it reached the wagon. When they came into sight of it themselves, Helena estimated they were about 250 feet from the wagon, with the sled almost midway between them and the wagon.
"So do we rush them or talk?" Thynetos asked.
For some reason all of them looked to Helena as they asked. Thynetos even giving her a raised eyebrow.
"I think talk." Helena said, a bit uncomfortable at being the decision-maker. "They have not done anything, we know of, and could easily just be out here seeking whatever they can scrounge out of the wastelands."
"If that is so, we might just be able to make a deal here..." Ang said thoughtfully. "What do we have for extra rations, and maybe a blanket or two?"
They quickly gathered several rations, and 3 winter blankets, and Ang took those and led the way towards the goblin wagon. They arrived just as the goblins hauling the wagon reached it.
"Hail mighty goblins." Ang called, though Helena was sure the goblins had spotted them by now. One stood atop the wagon, a hawk on her shoulder and holding a lit torch up.
"See you." The goblin atop the wagon called. "What want?"
"To make a trade." Ang called back. "We saw this nice sled your servants were hauling, and thought it would be nice to have such a sled. He brought out half of the rations they had gathered, and two of the blankets, laying them out before him. "We are willing to trade you warm blankets and food, for the sled, which looks heavy and needing of some repairs..."
"Why no we take?" The goblin boss asked. "We mighty goblins..."
"I'd like to see you try it..." Thynetos growled, gripping the hilt of his weapon. Dawndra stood there stoic and motionless, but just her impressive size was imposing enough. It did not take the goblins, who began to speak together in their own language, to come to an agreement. They ended up throwing in the other half of the food they had already decided to trade, plus the other blanket. Helena had to admire Ang's ability to bargain with the goblins.
A short while later Thynetos and Dawndra were pulling the sled, as the four of them headed back towards the town.
Conclusion
Three hundred iron ingots were wrapped in thick burlap and tightly secured to the sled with leather straps. Each ingot weighed 2 pounds and was stamped with the foaming mug symbol of the Battlehammer clan.
Once the ingots were returned to Hruna and then delivered to Blackiron Blades in Bryn Shander, The group received their promised rewards, including a 10 percent discount on goods they buy at the shop afterward.
Back to The Northlook
Having gained the favor of Garn and his sister Elza who run the shop, and having traded in the reward gemstones for coin at the Blackiron Blades, a tough proposition for Ang, who has a special fondness for beautiful, precious stones, everyone now finds themselves 50gp richer. In the end, simple economic need won out, and Ang reluctantly let it go. He didn’t second guess his decision, though, being unable to remember the last time he had this much money in his pocket.
“What say we go spend some of this hard earned coin on drinks to celebrate our success, and hot food to warm our bellies?” Ang says to the group. (Changing to color "Teal" for Ang, as he and Helena's colors were too close. “I for one would love nothing more than to be out of the cold for at least a night and bring some feeling back to my toes.”
Leaving the Blades shop, the four adventurers turn and shuffle back up the snow-covered main street that leads towards the North Gate and the Northlook Tavern, which lies just inside the gate. The town walls do little to shield the biting wind that whips down the long, straight row and stings any small bit of exposed skin. Fortunately, thick cloaks, scarves, hats, mitts and plenty of fur and wool ward off most of the chill.
Being a relatively large town of over 1,000 people, there is enough foot traffic to pack down the snow, so even in the steady wind, it’s an easy walk over to Bry Shander’s busiest and rowdiest tavern. Once inside, the cold is immediately dispensed by the warmth of a steady burning hearth and the many bodies inside. As it was last time you were here, the place seems like a gathering place for adventurers and other rugged types.
Quickly finding an open table, the group sits down, sheds thick outer layers and orders up a round of ale (hot cider for Thynetos) and hot bowls of mutton strew and crusty bread. Finally relaxing after a rather taxing day spent out in the elements, everyone’s guard comes down a little bit.
“Those hours we spent hunkered down in the blizzard were not my favorites in recent memory, and I for one would especially thank Dawanda here for sharing her seemingly endless supply of body heat,” Ang says, raising his mug. Helena and Thynetos follow the gesture.
The white haired Arktikos women responds with a bit of a smile, if not a little bit of humility.
“Helene, it is a good thing that you and I are small enough to fit right in the crook of her shoulders, for I don’t know what we would have done were we not stuffed between her and Thynetos,” Ang says with a wink. "It would have been considerably more miserable. However, something tells me that was not the last time we will find ourselves in that situation again if we are to continue adventuring together in this bitter corner of the world. At least we know we can survive being caught out in a storm like that.”
Helena adds, “It does seem that we have skills that complement each other quite well. Ang’s skills at persuasion allowed us to avoid what could have been a rather bloody battle. And of course, without you two (Thynetos and Dawanda), hauling six hundred pounds of iron all the way back on the sled would not even been possible.”
Thynetos adds, “I think that Dawanda is a little disappointed that that she didn’t get to crack some goblin skulls. Come to think of it, can’t say that I wouldn’t have enjoyed ridding the world of a few more goblins, but perhaps you are right. As we saw today, surviving up here often means preserving your strength for the right battle, whether it be a goblin or a whiteout blizzard.”
The four adventures continued to relax and appreciate the warmth of the tavern, and it’s quickly learned that the rhythm of life for everyone in the far north revolves around bouts of extreme exertion outside in the bitter, hand-numbing cold, biting wind and relentlessly driving snow, balanced by those very welcome comforts of warmth inside as you gather around other bodies. Even the dim orange glow of the fire and torches inside the tavern are a stark contrast to the cool blue twilight that borders the long hours of darkness here in Icewind Dale.
There’s quite a bustle of activity here inside The Northlook this evening. At times, it gets rather rowdy, with drinking contests, the regular bragging and heckling between between the rough and tumble patrons and the occasional fight that is usually over right after it begins. In the corner, a trio of dwarven musicians play a steady stream of northern folk songs, with one belting out heavily accented (and slurred) lyrics, one beating on a drum and the third pulling the bow on his fiddle.
Above the hearth, there’s a large plaque upon which is mounted a battle-scarred knucklehead trout, who’s name is apparently Ol’ Bitey. Ang can’t help but hear the story of Ol’ Bitey, and after a bit of cajoling from one of the patrons, he hears the story from a large, bearded man between pulls of his huge mug of ale.
“Ol’ Bitey here… ‘e pulled many a fishermen into the icy depths o’ Maer Dauldron ‘fore he finally met ‘is match and was caught by a couple o’ folks. They brought it here to be cooked. But Scramsax, the owner here, ended up buyin’ it off ‘em and ‘e had it stuffed instead. Go on… have a look!” The man prods.
Ang’s curiosity peaked, he steps forward to inspect Ol’ Bitey more closely. When he gets within a few feet, the stuffed fish suddenly twitches and snaps at the half elf. Surprised, Ang quickly pulls away, while the bearded man lets out a loud guffaw, spilling his beer in the process.
A minute later, the fish comes to life again and sings a short verse:
“There’s a place I like to go
Farther up the river’s flow;
Where it is, I do not know;
Must be under all that snow.”
“It appears that Ol’ Bitey is enchanted!” The half elf exclaims!
“Yea… story is that some prankster wizard cast a spell on Ol’ Bitey few years past.”
“Well, good on ye for luring me into that one, man!” Ang smiles as he takes a sip from his own mug.
Cold-Hearted Killer
As the group sips their ale, it seems as if the tavern is abuzz with news about a series of recent killings. Before the murders, the only question on everyone’s mind was, “Will summer ever return to Icewind Dale?” Now the question is, “Will I be the killer’s next victim?” Nothing breeds fear and paranoia like a murderer with no face.
Three cold-blooded murders have been committed in the past month: a halfling trapper in Easthaven, a human shipbuilder in Targos, and, three days ago, a dwarf glassblower in Bryn Shander. Each victim was found with a dagger of ice through the heart.
What’s the connection? The drunken lot huddled in the tavern offers no credible ideas, but sitting apart from the group is an elderly shield dwarf with a nasty scar across her nose who looks like she has something worth knowing. She’s been smoking her pipe and eyeing you ever since you walked in.
At one point, she hops down from her chair and struts over the table and introduces herself.
“Yer the group that went off lookin’ for Oobok and retrieved that sled full o’ iron for them folks who run the Blackiron Blades. I’m Hlin. Hlin Trollbane.”
“Well met, indeed. I am Ang, and my companions are Helena, Thynetos and Dawanda. And yes, it was we who recovered the iron. Not an easy task by any measure, but we got it done. What’s your interest in us?”
“Good to meet you folks. Well, I could use some help from a group like you. You mighta heard about the recent murders been happening ‘round here. Well, nobody seems to want to investigate… not even the Council of Speakers, so I been taking it on myself to see what I can find out.”
“At this point, I got one suspect, and I need some help takin him down. You interested in that kinda work?”
“Sounds like you’re looking for some bounty hunters.” Thynetos answers. “Yea, I think we can handle that kind of work.”
“Man I’m lookin’ for is Sephek Kaltro and he works for a small traveling merchant company called Torg’s, owned and operated by a shady dwarf named Torrga Icevein. In other words, Sephek gets around. He’s charming. Makes friends easily. He’s also Torrga’s bodyguard, so I’m guessing he’s good with a blade.”
“His victims come from the only three towns that sacrifice people to the Frostmaiden on nights of the new moon. This is what passes for civilized behavior in Icewind Dale. Maybe the victims found a way to keep their names out of the drawings and Sephek found out they were cheating, so he killed them. Maybe, just maybe, Sephek is doing the Frostmaiden’s work.”
“Anyway, I followed Torg’s for a tenday as it moved from town to town. Quite the devious little enterprise, but that’s not my concern. What struck me is how comfortable Sephek Kaltro looked in this weather. No coat, no scarf, no gloves. It was like the cold couldn’t touch him. Kiss of the Frostmaiden, indeed.”
“I will pay you a hundred gold pieces to apprehend Sephek Kaltro, ascertain his guilt, and deal with him, preferably without involving the authorities. When the job is done, return to me to collect your money.”
“This sounds like important work indeed, Hlin, but we got 50 gold each for receiving 600 pounds of iron from a rather menacing crew of goblins and their pet polar bears. Seems like hunting a murderer should command a slightly higher price,"
(Ang Persuasion Check: 12+5 = 17)
Hlin regards the half elf with a slightly impatient expression. “I hear ya, but that’s my offer. You in or do I go find some other crew who’s willing to take my money?”
“Now now… I think we can accommodate your budget, right?" Ang says looking towards his companions.
“It may be less at first, but it’s still 25 gold each, and it will add to our reputation. That could pay off in the long run, and I for one would feel good about saving further people from sacrifice. You are right, Hlin, that is hardly civilized behavior, even here in the far north.” Helena says.
“I’m in. If good deeds need doing, you will have my sword,” Thynetos says.
"It sounds like a challenge worth undertaking. I’m in,” says Dawanda
“Very well. I’m too old for this kind a work myself anymore, so your help will be much appreciated.”
Hlin explains that certain settlements (Bryn Shander, Easthaven, and Targos) are making humanoid sacrifices to Auril, holding lotteries to determine who gets sacrificed on nights of the new moon
The desperate people of Ten-Towns, hoping to appease Auril so that summer can return to Icewind Dale, make sacrifices to the Frostmaiden on nights of the new moon. This is a new practice that started a little over a year ago, when it became clear that Auril was angry and summer would not be returning anytime soon. The town speakers (see the “Council of Speakers” sidebar) have unanimously agreed to honor these practices, which they consider necessary evils, but would end them in a heartbeat if Auril were to be appeased or dealt with in some other way.
The nature of the sacrifices varies from town to town, but usually takes one of three forms:
Humanoid. Bryn Shander, Easthaven, and Targos hold lotteries the afternoon before the new moon. The unlucky person whose name is drawn is sacrificed at nightfall. The ill-fated soul is stripped bare and either tied to a post or sent into the tundra to die. Accusations of rigged lotteries are common but usually not acted upon.
Food. Smaller towns that can’t afford to give up people give up their food instead. A day’s catch of knucklehead trout is strung up on wooden racks a mile outside town, to be claimed by yeti and other creatures that embody Auril’s wrath.
Warmth. Towns that can’t bring themselves to give up their people or their food forsake warmth for a night. No fires are lit between dusk and dawn, forcing locals to share body heat for warmth. Anyone who dares to light a fire is savagely beaten.
“If my theory is true and it is indeed Sephek who’s killing the Ten-Towners who cheat their way out of being sacrificed to Auril, then it’s likely that the Frostmaiden will use him to kill again.”
“I don’t know if Sephek is acting alone or has the support of Torrga Icevein, so I think ye should isolate Sephek and dispose of him quietly, if such action is called for. First thing first, you’re gonna have to find out where Torg’s is.”
“Very well. We shall begin at first light… er… tomorrow morning.”
At the end of the evening, when the food and conversation dies down, the four tired adventurers retire upstairs to their rented rooms at The Northlook, and everyone enjoys a very much needed rest under piles of heavy wool blankets and quilts sewn from small animal skins sewn together.
(Ok, I'll pass the baton on here. The next person can continue with The Cold Hearted Killer Quest.)
Morning at The Northlook
[Scene] Last night you received a paid mission to hunt down whoever is killing local townsfolk. You spent the night in rented rooms at the Northlook tavern and inn. Morning arrives, not by light but by noise as you hear other guests making their way down for morning mead and cooked eggs. The four of you gather around a table and order the same.
Helena] I look around for any obvious eavesdroppers or busybodies looking our way
(1d20 Perception 12 +3 = 15 Success)
] Everyone in the tavern seems engaged in their own conversations. None seem to have any interest in your group.
Helena] I speak quietly just in case… "I was thinking last night about what the possible motive would be for these killings. I came up with three possibilities worth our consideration. First… this killer may just like the killing - but in that case the victims would likely be more random. Secondly, the killer may be killing on behalf of Auril. This would make sense if indeed all of the victims were buying their way out of the sacrifice lottery. Plus, the death by ice dagger in the heart seems like a big fat clue pointing to the Frostmaiden herself. There is a third possibility however, which I thought might inform our actions." I lean in closer and with a lower voice… "It is possible that the townsfolk themselves are behind the murders. Maybe they discovered some of their own were cheating the lottery and decided on retribution by paid madman."
Dawndra] "Funny you should say this… I was thinking last night that maybe these folks that got themselves killed were in fact deserving of it. Maybe we should not be in any hurry to stop the killer, if you know what I mean."
Ang] "The pay is pretty light as well.. But we did say we would take the job."
Dawndra] "I'm not suggesting we break contract or anything… just that great haste to save such lives seems undue."
Thynetos] "So Helena, how do you think this 3rd possibility would change our course of action."
Helena] "We discussed last night that this undertaking might give us a good reputation with the ten towns… it is possible it might do exactly the opposite. I suggest we keep our goals to ourselves and we find a way to hunt this fellow without asking too many questions of the locals. If they get a hint that we are investigating…"
Ang] "Agreed. We should go about this one in a muffle. What puzzles my thinking is how the victims went about getting excluded from the lottery. I might assume that someone else picked up a nice sum of gold to make it happen for them."
Thynetos] "And how, I wonder, is the killer discovering their targets, yes? Perhaps we should look-see who is running these lotteries. They may in fact be the next victims."
Dawndra] "Were I the killer… the fool paying for injustice would be my first concern… but the fool getting paid for it would surely be my second."
Ang] "And what might you say about the fools getting paid to clean up the whole mess I wonder."
Dawndra] "I would hate to see any innocents suffer by side-damage, but death seems a way of life here north of the Spine. Justice is a funny thing where gold has weight. I remember Teacher Kolmna demonstrating with her stories how justice always wears many faces. "It is difficult to trust any of them, and a little coin makes it impossible", I recall her saying."
Helena] "Dawndra makes a good point. If there is gold changing being exchanged, our next actions would be manifest. Last night I thought we would have to discover the trade route of Torg's and then beat them to their next visit… but if we can find where the gold went, we can just call the killer to us."
Ang] "Were we a bit sly about things… we need not even know who got paid… we only need the killer to know. A rumor of fictional someone taking a purse to fix the next lottery should be plenty."
Thynetos] "I feel like you were meant to have that idea Ang. And I feel like you are smarter than first impressions might have implied. "
Ang] "Well there is being smart and there is being artful with the sneak. Besides, it is deeply poor form to show your hand before you know who it is you are showing it to…"
Helena] "Before we decide on any course of action, let us step back a moment and consider what we know, and what we are only assuming…
We know three people have been killed and found with a dagger of ice through their heart.
We know the killings have only happened, so far, in towns which hold a lottery to determine who will be sacrificed Auril on the new moon.
We know that the latest killing was here in Bryn Shandar only 3 days ago.
What else do we know?"
Thynetos] "We know it is damn cold out there!"
Helena] "Yes, unnaturally so… right? This may be precisely the reason why this situation has occurred. We can only assume that the Ten Towns are correct in believing that Auril is in fact behind the unnatural conditions, and if she is… we can only assume the towns sacrifices are actually appeasing Auril. We don't know if things would be far worse without them… but we do know it is damn cold. What else do we know?"
Ang] "We know from Hiln that Sephek seems unnaturally comfortable in the damned cold. This could be the result of magic or something else… maybe even special protection granted by Auril herself. This could mean we have gotten in over our heads. I don't think any of us possess the strength to go up against a god.
Dawndra] "That would indeed be a challenge I feel far from ready for. Speaking of in over our heads, I was considering another scenario worth mentioning… Torgga Icevein is a "shady character" according to Hiln. This means picking a fight with Sephek probably means going against the entirety of Torg's group. We would be wise to seek to separate him from the group."
Helena] "Some things we are only assuming still… We assume that Hiln Trollbane is correct in her belief that Sephek Kaltro is the most likely suspect. We assume the victims somehow cheated the lottery. How can we confirm what are we assuming?"
Thynetos] "We can catch Sephek in the act - that would confirm the suspicion. Then we could simply ask him why he is killing. No serial killer worth a salt-lick would miss the opportunity to monologue their evil plan to an audience right?"
Ang] "If that be case Thynetos…. And I don't think I need to express my doubts about it… Maybe we catch up with Sephek before he tries to kill again, and simply ask… like you say…
Dawndra] "Teacher Llyronin would tell us… "Give the madman a stage, he will do the rest". I think I finally just understood what he was meaning."
Helena] "So we agree, we hunt this Sephek character down and give him opportunity to confess."
Dawndra] "Preferably isolated him from his company, then give him this opportunity."
Ang] "Agreed."
Helena] "So now… what do we not know but need to?"
Ang] "We know the Torg merchant company routes through all of the Ten Towns regularly but we don't know that route."
Helena] "Yes, we would need to know that. Surely someone here in Bryn Shander will be able to tell us. Let's split up and ask around town. Be mindful of our earlier concern - don't share the real reason why we want to know."
Thynetos] "Brilliant! I've room for one more mead… then shall we be on our way?"
] The four of you leave the Northlook and split up to ask around for the Torg route. Each of you spend an hour seeking the information.
Helena]
(1d20 Investigation 19 +6 = 25 )
Ang]
(1d20 Investigation 12 +2 = 14 )
Dawndra]
(1d20 Investigation 14 +0 = 14 )
Thynetos]
(1d20 Investigation Nat 1 -1 = 0 )
] Helena - You skillfully query several of the townsfolk and after less than an hour, you discover another merchant that knows the Torg route and shares it with… for a price of course.. A single gold piece.
Ang and Dawndra - You waste an hour asking for the route info - but both of you get only strange looks from the locals and none seem all that interested in chatting with you on this bitter morning.
Thynetos - you had one too many meads for breakfast and your tongue fell to its loosening. In the course of asking around, you let too much slip in a conversation with scrimshander - even mentioning some of the suspicions around Torgga's Bodyguard being, not only the ice dagger killer, but also that he may in league with the Frostmaiden herself.
[Tabletalk]
I hope I did not take too much liberty with any of your characters here. I let Helena led the strategy conversation simple because she has the highest intelligence. I let on that maybe Thynetos likes his cups a bit much... a fallen Aasimar probably would I might think... but maybe it was a one time thing. The Nat 1 was a legit roll... it just seemed fun to blame a critical fail on the alcohol :)
@The_Mathemagician - here be the baton... the story is in your capable hands
Ramifications
Torrga Location: 7 (Good Mead)
Helena, Ang, and Dawndra had been waiting at the Northlook for the last half-hour. The barbarian was late they were each beginning to suspect that it had something to do with the alcohol that he had liberally consumed earlier that morning.
For the last hour, Thynetos had been sharing the information that the group had agreed to keep secret with almost every citizen of Bryn Shander. It was only after he divulged their secrets for the third time that he finally began to come to his senses, but by that point, it was too late, and half of the town was probably aware of their hunch. Even then, the only thing that brought Thynetos back to his senses was seeing Moira who had managed to chew through the rope that Thynetos had tied around her before they had even left to find the iron ingots and had only survived the cold through some divine luck. Seeing the wolf reminded him of his promise to his patron and his drive to get back to earn back his place among the Aasimar and shook him out of his drunken stupor.
Angel's Reaction: 3
It is also through sheer luck that Thynetos's angel is not paying attention or at the very least has chosen to let this one transgression pass. Whispering a prayer of thanks, Thynetos returns slowly and shamefully to the group, with Moira in tow.
Ang Insight: 16
Dawndra Insight: 9
Helena Insight: 4
"Hey there! We thought you got lost. And who is this beautiful creature?" Ang says cheerfully oblivious to the look on Thynetos's face.
Dawndra frowns as she can tell that something is wrong and inquires curtly, "What's wrong. Did you find anything?"
Knowing that lying will only make things worse, Thynetos sighs as he places a hand on the scruff of Moira's neck, "This is Moira, I left her tied up outside the inn before we left to retrieve the sled. It's a miracle she survived." He says not really wanting to reveal too much about her nature. "But there is something else I need to tell you." He takes a deep breath before he continues, "I made a mistake. I allowed too much information to slip and there is no doubt that the authorities know of our suspicions, if not Torgga herself." He pauses for a moment to allow what he said to sink in before the onslaught of responses.
"YOU DID WHAT?!" Helena shouts furious that their entire plan was now jeopardized.
"This complicates things..." Dawndra muses as she absently tugs on her hairpin.
"I suppose that explains the sudden shift in attitude," Ang says as he looks around the town that is suddenly quiet.
Coming to her senses Helena begins to think aloud, "I suppose there is nothing we can do about this fool and the information that he so graciously volunteered to everyone in town," she says glaring at Thynetos, "but fortunately, I was able to ascertain where Torgga is and it is not here. She is currently in Good Mead which means if we hurry we might be able to beat the information to her and perhaps we will still have the element of surprise, although if it is indeed the people of the Ten-Towns that are hiring the killer, then our reputation is shot and there is little we can do about it now."
Ang nods his head in agreement as Thynetos keeps his face down in shame. Dawndra speaks up, "I suppose it is decided then, we must head to Good Mead. I believe travel is 6 hours from here so we had best leave soon."
As the group embarks out of Bryn Shander, Thynetos pulls Dawndra to the back of the group and whispers to her quietly, "I cannot afford mistakes like this, and neither can the group. I do not do well with alcohol and I ask that the next time we encounter it, you keep me from drinking, even if it means physically restraining me."
"I suppose that is alright, although you must learn to master your own body eventually," Dawndra replies thoughtfully.
Thynetos grunts his appreciation and nods to Dawndra's advice although he is a bit confused by how one 'masters their body.'
With this, the group of four (plus a wolf) set out for the town of Good Mead, to confront Sephek Kaltro and hopefully bring an end to the killings in the Ten-Towns. As for whether that is a good thing, that remains to be seen.
(OOC: I know this is a quick one, but I had the time to spare this evening and so I went ahead and wrote this up, I am going to pass the baton along at this point because I am going to be pretty busy next week wrapping up all of my college applications (going forward my posts will probably be more substantial). I realized after I reread all of your posts that Moira was absent and so I came up with a logical reason for why that might be and wrote her back in. I took some liberty with your character's reactions to Thynetos's transgression, but I figured Helena would be most critical since it was her plan to keep the information a secret originally.)
@DragonDenn; the story is all yours!
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Cold Hearted Killer - The Trail to Good Mead
The hour was just past noon by the time the four adventures passed out of the gates of Bryn Shander and began walking along the Eastway as they being their journey to Good Mead. Of course with the entire region being locked in continual darkness, the only visible indication of the hours is the fact that the horizon begins to glow with a faint yellow brightness in the middle of the day.
However, as you’ve all learned by now, this slight display of twilight is but a tease, since the sun won’t make an appearance. It will come within a few degrees of the horizon, during which time the sky will take on the faint twilight look, before the darkness quickly returns.
It’s still a hard reality to grasp, even for Helena, who has spent the most time here and has grown accustomed to the utter and complete lack of daylight. Everyone misses the sun, but no one bothers to talk about it, for what would it accomplish besides adding weariness to your hearts.
The bitter cold causes the snow to squeak and crunch beneath your snowshoes as you walk east on the relatively wide track of packed down pathway. There is enough traffic along the “roads” that run between towns to keep them fairly well groomed, at least until the next blizzard blows through and dumps a foot to two, or five feet of snow and increases the difficulty of travel by tenfold.
You have learned to stay on these paths, and not only because they offer the most direct and well traveled way between the different settlements up here. Leave the beaten track and travel becomes much more difficult in the deep snow, even with snowshoes. Step off the path with no snowshoes and you’ll suddenly find yourself waist or chest deep in unconsolidated powder, which makes it ten times harder to make any progress.
Fortunately, there are wooden triads made from cut logs at regular intervals along the trail that act as trail markers in the event the path itself gets covered by snow or blown in by drifts. Much of the time you’re passing over frozen tundra and through black spruce forests that are dotted with scatterings of miniature pine trees, most of them no taller than four or five feet. A few times you cross frozen lakes and occasionally find yourselves walking across sections of bare ice.
A few dogsled teams pass you on the trail, the dogs padding silently on the path with their paws, as the mushers wave thick mittened hands and nod bundled up faces that are hidden beneath thick scarves and fur hats and hoods. The dog teams often look warily at Thynetos’s wolf as they pass, but no confrontations occur.
There’s little conversation during the first couple of hours, partly because it’s hard to be understood with everyone’s face covered. Everyone keeps their eyes peeled at regular intervals, but even looking around proves to be a bit more awkward when trying to snowshoe while wearing such thick layers of clothing. As you’re learning, pretty much anything and everything you try to do is more difficult and much more awkward in the extreme cold.
At times, Ang wanders ahead a bit to scout, although it’s almost a symbolic move, since the wide open terrain offers the same views to everyone. Nonetheless, the half elf finds himself “scouting” at regular intervals.
[DM stealth rolls] d20+7
18 +7 = 25
14 +7 = 21
After about four monotonous, frigid hours on the trail, Ang (right nows he’s about 50 feet out front) suddenly stops and freezes. You see him gazing off to the right, but then an instant later, you see something moving in the snow about thirty feet off to the left of him.
He doesn’t seem to see it… you barely do, before the two large tiger-sized, alabaster furred cats are upon him. In a flurry of flying snow, they leap out of the drift and pounce on the half elf. At the last moment, he spins around and scrambles to defend himself.
Crag cat 1 attack: 20 + 5 = 25 (critical) Damage (3 + 4) + 3 = 10
Crag cat 2 attack: 7 + 5 = 12
Ang STR save against DC13: 13 + 0 = 13
The first cat dives onto Ang and swats him with a powerful rake of its sharp, clawed paw, tearing a bloody gash along his left side. The force of the blow nearly knocks him down, but Ang fights with all of his strength and balance to remain on his feet. He lets out a high pitched cry of pain and twists his body to avoid being hit by the second cat, who barrels in with its own attack.
Initiative
Ang: 22
Crag cat 2: 18
Crag cat 1: 14
Dawandra: 9
Helena: 9
Thynetos: 8
Moira: 4
Round 1
Instantly, Ang pedals to the side and quickly sprints away from the two cats, falling back 15 feet towards the rest of the group. (Skirmisher Reaction). He then draws one of the daggers at his hip and whips it at the first crag cat that attacked him.
Attack: 18 + 6 = 24, Dmg: 4 + 4 = 8
Barely wasting time to watch his weapon spin through the air and sink blade first into the cat’s shoulder, Ang sprints (Cunning/Bonus action Dash), fleet footed over the snow, all the way back towards the rest of the group, before stopping next to Thynetos.
“I didn’t even see ‘em...” Ang says, swearing and panting, obviously hurting from his wounds, and a bit out of breath.
Apparently surprised at how quickly their seemingly easy prey escaped, the two cats wheel around and stare at the group, their backs arched and white fur bristling up off their backs. They don’t immediately approach, instead they remain in a predatory position.
Dawandra looks at the two cats with an uneasy feeling. They are a bit too far away to mount an effective aggressive reaction without over extending and putting herself alone in a very dangerous position. However, she is not one to shy away from battle, so letting out a battle cry, the tall, white haired woman charges forward to engage with the two cats. (1 ki point to dash)
“I trust you will all have my back if I cannot scare them away.” she says before rushing forward.
When she gets within striking distance, (50 foot move) she lashes out with a powerful blow, aimed at the already injured cat. Her bare fist slams into the animals’s nose and draws blood and a yowl of surprise and pain from the cat.
Attack: 11 + 6 = 18. Dmg: 2 + 4 = 8
“Ang, are you ok?!!!!” Helene yells at her injured half elf companion. “You are luck to be alive!”
She’s not exactly sure if a “cold” spell will be very effective against creatures of the north… a revelation that perhaps she should learn some new spells… but that’s all she has to go with.
Speaking a few brief arcane words, she points at the injured cat and sends forth a thin ray of icy cold frost from her fingers. She is right, it seems to have very little effect on the best. (1 hp damage.)
A second later, Thynetos pulls forth his great sword and begins charging forward towards the two cats (Dash move to end right next to Dawandra), racing a bit awkwardly over the loose snow on the trail. As he does so, he shouts to Moira, “Go get ‘em, girl!!!"
The wolf launches forwards and bounds with much more agility of the snow, quickly passing her master and slamming into the second, uninjured cat, tearing through the creature’s fur and hide with her ferociously strong jaws.
Round 2
Behind them, Ang answers Helena, as he unslings his bow and nocks an arrow to the string. “I will live… they surprised me, but I was able to get out of there. If we can convince them that we are not an easy meal, then we should be able to drive them away.”
Taking time to establish a very steady aim (Steady Aim bonus action), Ang sights down his bow at the cat who had swatted him so fiercely and nearly knocked him to the ground.
Attack: 15 + 6 = 21. Dmg: 11, including sneak attack damage.
Releasing the string, he drops the cat with his single shot.
The second cat, who you guess is probably the mate of the cat that is now dead turns tail and leaps away, bounding off through the snow. Dawandra manages a swift roundhouse kick to the fleeing animal’s backside before it gets away, but a few seconds later, the cat is now 80 feet away from the battle and its dead mate.
Lowering his bow, Ang says, “The are crag cats. Powerful predators, and as you just saw, very hard to spot in the snow. I doubt that one will return, but we should keep our eyes peeled for more, especially if we should every find ourselves spending the night out, for I am sure they are quite prevalent up here in the north.”
(Ok, passing the baton along. Caed, you're up!)
Catching Up with Torg's Trading Caravan
[SCENE] Eleasis. Mid-day. Dale-town of Good Mead.
] The four of you have travelled from Bryn Shander to the town of Good Mead after learning it was the current location of Torg's trading caravan. You are searching for the suspected killer Sephek Kaltro who works for Torgga Icevein. You have been searching through the small town looking for the sleds of Torg's trading caravan. You were told they fly flags with a gold wolf's paw on a black field. As you near the backside of the Mead Hall, you hear 3 men arguing.
] Walton Trigelr ("Trig"): "Well you are just going to have to pummel me then aren't ya! Cuz I got no mead to pay your damned shakedown now do I!? That mauradin giant made off with my stores! You know he killed Kendrick in the process… Why don't you go shakedown the rotted verbeeg for your mead - maybe you might earn some of the so-called 'protection fees' you've been getting from me!"
] Dawndra - you recognized the voice as 'Trig', the human barkeep of the Mead Hall from when you were staying here a few days past. One of the other men does in fact pummel Trig, knocking him back and over a stack of crates.
Dawndra] Without thinking, I rush towards the attackers and direct a leaping side-kick into the back of the one who hit Trig.
(2d20a Attack 19 + 6 = 25 / Dmg 3 +4 = 7 )
Dawndra] "Leave him be!" I shout.
] There is a loud crack as Dawndra's full weight drives her foot into the bandits spine. He falls forward, toppling over Trig and the broken crates. He falls prone.
Thynetos] "Here we go…"
[Initiatives]
Thynetos
20 +2 = 22
Helena
17 + 3 = 20
Dawndra
16 +4 = 20
Bandit1
14 +1 = 15
Bandit2
12 +1 = 13
Ang
02 +4 = 6
Thynetos] I draw my greatsword and attack the other man. "Malefactor! Behold my blade!"
(1d20 Attack 7 +6 = 13 / Dmg 5 +4 = 9 )
] There is a spout of blood as Thynetos blade meets shoulder flesh through a coat of fur. The bandits sword arm falls limp.
Helena] "Ouch! That looks like it hurts. Let me put some ice on it for you."
(1d20 Ray of Frost 9 +6 = 15 / Dmg 6 )
] A beam of bluish white light drills into the bandit. There is just a hint of a scream before his vocal cords seize and his body falls backwards onto frozen ground.
Dawndra] Angry still, I pull my hairpin and expand the ice pike to full length as I step towards the prone bandit. I attempt to drive the needle point through him and deep into the frozen ground itself.
(2d20a Attack 11 +7 = 18 / Dmg 2 +5)
] The prone body of the bandit jerks as the spear slides through him, fatally piercing a lung and splitting spinal bones. The barkeep scrambles to his feet. Fear slowly fades from his face as he realizes you do not intend to kill him as well.
] Trig "It appears I owe you a gratitude I cannot possibly repay. I just wish Torrga was here for you to deal with as well… She is just to hire more muggers to carry on her extortion. Oh… and if she finds out these died here… my troubles will be spire-sized overnight. Help me hide the bodies?"
Ang] "Did you say Torrga? From Torg's Trading Caravan?"
] Trig "Yes, that is her - smarmy kack of a dwarf. She's been outright stealing my mead for over a year now… Everytime she comes through town. Claims to be "protecting" me - but it's only from her own thugs."
Ang] "We are actually here looking for Torg's. Would you know where they are today?"
] Trig "Not sure where Torrga is right now. Two more of her hired sticks are inside the hall drinking on the house."
Helena] "What about her bodyguard, Sephek? Is he here or with her?"
] Trig "That creepy fellow with ice in his eyes? Yeah, he came in with the other four but didn't hang around long. No idea where he went off to."
Dawndra] "Trig… right before they assaulted you, I heard you saying a giant had helped himself to your stores? Can you tell us more about what happened?"
] Trig "A Verbeeg giant just walked into the Mead Hall and helped himself to all of our barrels mead. Kendrick, our Speaker, made the mistake of confronting the beast and got 'imself squashed for all his bravery. Our town depends on mead for our living. We earn decent coin selling to the Tentowns. And… Seeing as how we can't use fuel for heat… blasted Auril… I mean to say… "blessed Auril… Blessed maiden I said... Well we only have mead to keep us from feeling the freeze. Last two nights since that giant dung-hole stole our mead stores have been beyond miserable. Say… I'm sure the whole town would pitch in for a pot of reward if some adventurers such as yourselves could bring back whatever is left of our mead. It will be weeks before we can brew up enough to replace it."
Helena] "We have a prior commitment keeping us… but should that finalize soon, we will consider your request."
[Tabletalk]
The_Mathemagician - the story-baton is passed to you