Welcome to Yeet or Be Yeeted.  The Adventure will soon begin...

Welcome to a Wildemount Adventure.  Together, you will learn about the Frozen Sick.

Something is killing people in Palebank Village, and if you don’t stop it, you and your loved ones could be next.

You're situated in the biting North region—the bleak arctic realms of the Greying Wildlands and Eiselcross.  You're drawn immediately into the drama of death in this isolated settlement.  Snow gently falls from the sky and wind bites your cheeks as you stand in the graveyard of Palebank Village, a fishing outpost of Uthodurn that is home to several hundred dwarves and elves. The sun is low in the sky, sinking behind the fresh grave of Urgon Wenth, an old dwarf who caught a curse or disease that turned him into an ice statue. The townsfolk have gathered to pay their final respects to Urgon’s frozen remains.

((As part of your characters’ backstories, you can decide whether or not you knew Urgon, or whether you’ve come to the funeral simply to show respect for a  community member.))

A gruff voice speaks softly from behind. “Thank you for attending Urgon’s service.” You turn and meet the gaze of Elro Aldataur, a weathered elf, retired ranger, and the leader of the village. “I’m sorry to speak of dark tidings under such circumstances, but I believe that Palebank Village might be in danger, and I’m hoping you can help us."

"Whatever happened to this dwarf," Sanjay says, "it was unnatural. I would be honored to do whatever I can to help. Did Urgon have any enemies?"

Sanjay is about 6' tall, with tan skin and long brown hair with orange steaks all throughout it. He's wearing fur-lined hide armor to keep warm in the cold North. He has green eyes, and there's something about him today has an animalistic quality to him, but it's not immediately identifiable as to why. He speaks with an accent as if Common isn't his first language.

Elro turns to Sanjay.  "Thank you, any and all assistance is appreciated."

"Enemies?" he repeats the question.  "Not that I'm presently aware of, no.  He was gone for some time however, I suppose something could've happened while he was away for a year.  You said his death was unnatural.  You saw him before he died?"

Senine is standing nearby, and looks over as she hears the Elf mention that the town is in danger. She approaches them as the strange, feral looking man speaks. She's of a similar height, standing just under 6', broad shouldered and muscular, with the tusks and grey-green skin typical of a half-orc. A nasty scar runs across the bridge of her nose, and her dark hair is pulled back into a ponytail that shows off the tattoos inked into the clean shaven sides of her head. Her armor, and the shield held in her left hand, is colored in dark crimson and silver, the colors of the Righteous Brand, and a well used morningstar hangs from her belt.

"No," Sanjay says. "I didn't see him before he died. I didn't know him, but to be frozen like that seems unnatural. I'm not from this part of Wildemount, so it might just be my ignorance, but to be frozen like that seems unnatural."

((When I read that "The townsfolk have gathered to pay their final respects to Urgon’s frozen remains" it made me think that he had been frozen into a statue. I obviously could have been imagining that wrong. Lol))

"You are correct.  Even in these frozen lands it is not something we've ever seen.  Elro's eyes shift to an approaching half-orc, then back to Sanjay.  "Are you traveling alone?  I can give you further details, but there's much I need to announce in a proper public setting, and at this moment is not the time."

Elro looks around, and in a quieter voice says, "The problem is, we thought this was an isolated incident.  However... there's been another that's showing similar symptoms.  I tried to speak with her but... she seemed upset.  We need help figuring out what this affliction is before anyone else dies.  I may have to ask the townspeople to cease contact with one another for some time."

"I have been traveling alone, yes, but I'm not opposed to being a team player. Now, as far as this second person showing symptoms, was she a friend of Urgon's?"

Senine clears her throat as she walks up to the two, posture stiff and formal. "Hate ta intrude, I'm new in town m'self, but you sayin' this fella turned to ice from a sickness?" Her voice is calm, with a bit of a natural growl to it.

"That's what it seems."  says Elro, looking at Senine. "Though I admit, it could be something more sinister.  Poison, magic...  The thing is, we had the village’s priests of Moradin and Corellon use every spell they could muster to attempt to heal Urgon, but nothing they tried could stop it or cure him. He battled the affliction for weeks, until his ever-slowing body eventually turned to ice.  I believe it must be an illness because there were symptoms, but mostly because it seems to be spreading.  Slowly at least, but all the same.  Poison doesn't do that."

Salem's interest was peaked as she overheard the group talking to one another. She hesitated before making the decision to walk over to the 3 strangers. She paid attention to what the weathered elf was saying over the clomp of her hooves.

The Tiefling had smooth, red skin and black freckles that seemed to sparkle in the light with small glowing white eyes. She had short, fluffy, black hair that was tied into two loose buns behind her large horns. She was about 5'5, she seemed frail but the clothes seemed to add weight to her person. As she walked she could feel the breeze from her long forest-green cloak swaying behind her.

Sanjay looks a little surprised to hear this news. It sounds so odd to him. "So this woman showing symptoms, how long has she had it? How much longer does she have?"

"Hnn," She growls a bit at that. "A poison might spread, if it's in a source of food or water that's used by many, but if yer healers couldn't fix it, who knows." She raises a fist to her chest. "I was only planning to pass through, but if things are as you say, I would offer m'self to aid you." She then puts her hand forward in greeting, looking at the two men. "Senine Bonecutter, pleasure to make yer acquaintances."

Elro is mildly curious at the third arrival, and before continuing so as to answer Sanjay, he turns to the newcomer.  "Hello.  Are you also interested in assisting us?"

Sanjay reaches back out to shake her hand, looking Senine in the eyes, and says, "Sanjay, of Bisaft Isle. Good to meet you."

Senine nods sharply to Sanjay, turning toward the approaching Tiefling as Elro addresses her.

Salem looks the elf up and down before smiling, "Of course.." she thought to herself for a moment before taking a glance at the others, "There wouldn't happen to be a.. reward, would there?" 

"If you agree to help us, and are successful, I will give you 35gp each."  Elro nods to each of them in turn.  "Forgive me, but if this is an illness I'd rather not shake hands.  The woman afflicted is named Tulgi.  She is a bit mistrustful of any authority figure, and she won't speak with me.  She lives in a cabin up the way.  I only noticed her symptoms yesterday, but by the look of her I'd say she doesn't have terribly long. You can start with her, or you can visit Urgon's cabin.   Do you have any further questions?"

Sanjay shakes his head "no" in response to whether or not he has any questions. "We'll need to check both Urgon's cabin and Tulgi's. Considering she's still alive, it might be best to go speak with her."

Senine grunts in agreement at Sanjay's assessment, eyeing the Tiefling a bit, before throwing a hand out to her as well. "M'name is Senine Bonecutter. If you're to be joining us, might we get yer name."