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The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town’s soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead.
As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman’s escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
Everyone says the weather is unseasonably cold for midsummer—it even snowed in the Border Wood! Most suspect magic is involved, and some fear Qadiran agents played a role in it.
Old Man Dansby claims that someone keeps stealing from his fields. His farm lies closest to the Border Wood, where half his crops have died from an icy frost and the rest have been carried off.
A farmer’s son took ill a few days ago after falling through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy said he spotted a white stag in the forest—and heard it talking—then tried to follow it.
A group of rangers in the Border Wood called the High Sentinels usually keep bandit activity curbed. They’re doing a poor job if brigands could attack a well-armed caravan and abduct Lady Argentea.
Locals say a hunter named Dryden Kepp claimed he saw a giant white weasel on the High Ridge in the forest. No one believed him so he went back to trap it and prove them wrong.
Two weeks ago, Lady Argentea Malassene traveled past Heldren on her way from Oppara to Zimar to meet her betrothed. Rumor has it the two didn’t get along and Lady Argentea caused a scandal by calling off the engagement and returning home.
Karyne had spent time since arriving in town and before heading into the inn asking about. She had found, often, that her appearance would sooth fears or incite them, especially with everyone assuming she was a witch due to her heritage.
Llyr’s shoulders slump as he hears his name being called out by the courier. Damn, so close the room. Calistria forgive me. he thinks as he turns to the lovely lass he was going to assist in her prayers. ”Sorry luv, but it seems duty calls.” he sighs as he slips his arm from hers. Noting the others who get called, he realizes he’s had almost no interaction with any of them, other than the odd man-girl bard, and even then very briefly. This should be interesting to say the least. Most of them seem less armored than me, so this’ll go really good or really badly.
Exiting the bar, he pulls the thin hood of his summer cloak up over his head, a chill running down his spine as the chilly wind gusts around him. I know they’ve been saying the weather’s been a bit off lately, but this is getting down right cold! Checking his weapons and gear as he goes, he keeps a wary eye out for any possible thugs that might try ambushing them.
As Llyr passes by Grimkell, he gets a friendly tap in the back. Still waiting, Grimkell looks at Lex as she is getting ready to leave. Hummm, adventure awaits I can feel it in my soul. This will be the perfect test for you, young lady.
Lex has no idea why she's being called on, but the young woman steps out of the tavern amidst a slew of others - including to both her delight and dismay, Grimkell. Buttoning up her fur-trimmed coat and putting the hat back on her head, she goes and follows the courier, her staff tapping at the cold dirt with each step.
Elxurian steps outside, seeing the others and enjoying the warm climate. One, two, three, four, five with me, so who else is not here yet?
She looks at the door, waiting for the last one while strapping her sword sheath back in place.
Nev finishes paying for his drink, steps out, and takes a look around. The wind dies down, but his cloak continues fluttering.
Elxurian looks around and sees there's not much else to do. She examines the party for a second, before speaking in a normal-toned voice.
"So, it seems we need to rescue lady Argentea, and the sooner the better. Are you all coming? I would suggest we start by meeting Argentea's bodyguard, so we knew where to start looking and what to expect once there, what do you think?"
Although she tries to put the party together, you don't feel like she is inspiring you very much to do it.
"Great. Guess I'm off to save a lady," Lex sighs. She's removed her coat and hat, stuffing them into her pack with her spare set, leaving her in just a trim chain shirt with a cotton one underneath to prevent chafing. The staff wielding magus heads in the direction of the woods, hoping that whatever trail is there won't need an expert tracker to follow.
"I don't suppose anyone here learned how to hunt, did they?" She asks the eclectic group, scanning their faces.
Just as Lex asks her question, a group of about half a dozen people walk up to you. One lady speaks to all of you in a kind but shaking voice. She seems to be the spokesperson for the group.
"We are the village Elders of Heldren. My name is Ionnia Teppen, the leader of our group. I'm sure you have all heard the rumors circulating around our town."
She glares at the huntsman who swiftly makes his exit. She the continues, more hushed. "Sadly, these rumors are true. There is a pocket of unearthly winter weather that has recently appeared in the Border Wood. And just recently, a rider named Yuln Oerstag, who was escorting a noble lady, has come to our town badly injured and telling us of vicious attacks of strange wintery creatures and bandits. The noble woman, Lady Argentea, was carried away. The rider says he is the only to survive, not knowing the noble woman's condition"
She pauses, the nervous look in her eyes is mirrored by the rest of the council. "All of us are greatly concerned about these stories. We are not far from the Border Wood, and we do not want our people to be hurt or terrorized by unearthly things. We ask for your help."
Grimkell walks to the head of the group, passing by Karyne, he makes a sign for her to follow.
"Village elders, I present you Karyne Morozov. Of noble descent, she as all the strenght of character and diplomacy to lead heroes to investigate such mysteries. I myself will gladly follow here and see how she succeeds! Yet, having only met the others a short time ago, I cannot vouch for their will to follow" Saying this, he looks at Lex.
Grimkell steps back and makes a sign from Karyne toward the ground, as if saying: "Take the lead." There is something slighlty off in the skalds attitude, even though he does not look threatened by the Jadwiga, it is surprising that he would present her as the leader.
She nods to Grim, very familiar with being introduced, she was not fully prepared for this, but she use it to appear as elegant as she can, stepping forward, she drops the hood to reveal her hair and really, her skin as well, the light blue hue to it marking her very close to Baba Yaga, "It seems that you have found a willing group, at the very least, to assist you. Iz this zomething you have had troubles with in zhe past? Distant past perhaps? Or iz this zomething new?" To those not of nobility, she is dressed very well, silks and trim, very simple jewelry, but all of it is in reds with amber accents to match her very out of place eyes.
Standing back, he softly says to Lex:I am a hunter. No worries in the woods.
Nev steps forward. "I, of course, am willing to assist as well. Do you mind if we speak with this bodyguard? Perhaps tend his wounds if need be? Any information he can provide would - I'm sure - be most helpful on our search for the Lady."
Llyr sits back as the discussion commences, watching as everyone else leaps forward to volunteer their services. "I'd like to talk to the guard as well, BEFORE I volunteer what very well may be my life for a cause I know nothing about. I'd also keep any noble birth right stuff quiet for now Karyne Morozov, we've seen what these bandits do to nobles, and it wouldn't do to have to rescue two noble women from their clutches." Shifting his weight slightly, brow furrowed, he continues. "Also, wintery creature in southern Taldor in the middle of summer with a pocket of unearthly cold... There is probably a bit more going on than a basic kidnapping and ransom, which is what MOST bandits do to kidnapped nobles."
Lex just glowers again at Grimkell, still simmering from his comments before in the tavern. She'd show him she was no housewife, that was for sure. There were two others besides her as well that would probably show the Ulfen bard his errors. The Jadwiga woman reminded her vaguely of someone she did not want to be reminded of, and the more heavily armed woman in the scale mail - what was her name?
"This guy has a point," She speaks up, pointing over at the half-elf. "But we also might be pressed for time. If they were usual bandits they'd probably ransom her off, but under these unusual circumstances who knows what they're doing to her. Show us this guard so he can tell us where to go."
Ionnia nods solemnly. "Follow me." She nods to the rest of the council and they disperse, leaving her alone to show you the way. "He is at the Willowbark Apothecary, just a bit this way. Elder Safander has been doing his best in treating him."
When you arrive, Elder Safander comes to introduce himself at the door of the apothecary. "Hello, Im the village priest, Elder Safander. The survivor is resting but will have company. Despite all I've done, he still has a long way to go." His voice sounds sad. "This way."
He leads you to a room where the bodyguard lay recovering. Wrapped in bandages, Yuln Oerstag's nose, fingers, and toes have taken on a black hue from serious frostbite, and he is still heavily wounded. He sits up a bit when you enter, letting out a groan.
"So you're who they've found to rescue Lady Argentea?" he sighs, this more of guilt and shame than pain. “Would that I could go with you. My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Argentea away.”
Llyr listens as the frostbite ulfen speaks, lost in his own thoughts What manner of cold could do that to an ulfen! We are born of the cold and hardship, but this man looks like he's a Taldan whelp seeing snow for the first time. "Can you elaborate on these enemies? A particular fighting style? If we are to rescue your ward, anything you can tell us about those we might face would help."
The Ulfen man looks at Llyr. "“We thought they were just bandits at first—outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.”
Nev steps closer, his hand glowing with a faint golden light. "They must have been worthy opponents indeed to defeat men as mighty as you and your companions. I would know more of these winter-touched fey, but first, if you're willing, I can attempt to relieve some of the pain of your wounds."
"Yes, my father has mentioned them in passing, but I never wished to see them myself." he says with a chuckle, "I should have paid more attention to how to fight them. Any idea why they would want your ward?"
He shakes his head at the offering. "Don't waste your healing on me, young man. I'll recover in time. As for the Winter Touched, they're fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man’s forearm. But don’t be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter.”
Turning to face Llyr one more time he shakes his head. “I don’t know. But if one of the White Witches took her, no good shall come of it. The winter-touched do nothing without the leave of those who placed the ice in their hearts. If they’re here, it’s because a White Witch sent them. And much worse will follow. as to how to kill em; cold iron and burning flame. Both burn them, and both are weapons they fear. If you'd like, you may take my cold iron longsword. It should prove handy against these wicked creatures." He motions with his hand to the table behind the group, where his sword lay in its scabbard.
Llyr looks to the where the injured man points, but shakes his head in the negative, "I can't speak for the others, but I am not very skilled with the long sword or burning flame." looking to the others in the group, he adds "I have no more questions, do any of you?" One look at this man answered far more than I could have asked. A mighty kinsman laid low by bandits and fae.
The young magus sighs as they get some useful info on the culprits - cold iron and fire. Why didn't she have any fire spells in her book? Oh, that's right - because she never wanted to risk burning down her father's caravan. She grabs the guard's longsword, giving it a look, before handing it over to Elxurian.
"Call me crazy, but you look like the only one here who actually knows how to swing something like this - which doesn't really say much about our chances, does it?" She grumbles. Maybe she should have taken her father's offer to show her how to use more martial weapons, but she wanted to focus more on the staff.
"I don't suppose there's a weapons shop around here with cold iron weapons for sale? I'd prefer to be more useful than a target." Considering the lightness of her purse, she probably would have to due without any.
"Anything else? Or can we get going now? Don't want them whisking her off elsewhere before we can catch up..."
Lifting her hand, she creates a flame in her hand. "Well, I did not expect to zee the touch of my kin zhis far away. It was why I left, to take a break from the politics and zheir...games. That zaid, I am in."
Closing her hand, a touch a smoke comes from her hand as she closes it, then closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "I need to find who zhey are working for and I can find out why."
The Priest chimes in. "There is a blacksmith not far from here that sells cold iron daggers and the like, if you wish to buy one. I would suggest you also buy things to help you on your journey. As time is of the essence, you will do no good to the noble woman if you all die."
As the priest is talking to Lex, The Ulden man speaks to Karyne. His eyes widen at the fire produced in her hand, and he begins to explain what he knows. "Winter touched... Fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man’s forearm. But don’t be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter.” He rubs his nose, though he cannot feel it. It is more of a subconscious act. "Though I know you probably knew that, saying you are from there." He lays down ans stares at the ceiling. “I don’t know why they took the Lady... But if one of the White Witches took her, no good shall come of it. The winter-touched do nothing without the leave of those who placed the ice in their hearts. If they’re here, it’s because a White Witch sent them. And much worse will follow.”
As the Ulfen was speaking, no compassion showed on Grimkell's face, perphaps only disappointment.
"You might not know why your lady was kidnapped, but I am sure that you can tell us more about the noblewoman. Why was she travelling here? What are the lands that she own? Any information could help us better understand her ennemies."
Elxurian who was listening and trying to absorb it all, nods to Lex and takes the sword. She partially unsheathes it, taking a look at the color and the edge, to assure it's not regular steel. She starts to put the sword strapped at her back, but beside her Greatsword there was already a ton of equipment, including a full backpack, with a bedroll over it, and some dry logs strapped to the bottom of the backpack. A small axe and a warhammer were strapped at her belt, and one scrolls was visible coming from her inside her adventurer vest, that she was wearing over a scale mail. She looks to the others, raising the sword in her hand chest high, as if checking if no one wanted to use it in her place. Seeing Grimkell's movement, she delivers it to the elf with a childish smile and addresses the ill guard:
"Thank you sir..." - she waits until the man has said his name and proceeds - "It will be put to good use, and once we return with lady Argentea I will return it to you. Literally winter-touched by then. Could you give us details about your convoy numbers and the things you were carrying? That may give us a hint of what were they after, if the kidnapping happens to be a coincidence..."
Seeing Elxurian's filled backpack, the total lack of space on her back, Grimkell moved to take the sword.
In answer to the woman's question, the bard answers:
"Grimkell the Lorekeeper, son of Ogmundr. Thank you"
Turning toward the wounded ulfen. "Do not worry, your sword will be returned, your dishonour washed by the blood of the fey who dared attack your lady. Here is mine, it has already seem blood, so it shall strike true anyone who might come for you."
The skald proceeds to untie his own scabbard and longsword to replace them with Yuln's weapon.
The magus sets out to make her preparations - considering the lack of coin that she has (Just had to have her chain shirt...), she opts for a simple short spear with a cold iron tip, checking the balance before paying the two gold coins for the weapon. It wasn't her staff, but it would do.
As she had nothing else to purchase, the auburn haired woman tracks down Karyne. "...I have something to ask you," She says, keeping her new spear handy. "Have you ever met a Jadwiga named Anastasia Abelone?" It was a long shot, but she might as well ask.
"You might not know why your lady was kidnapped, but I am sure that you can tell us more about the noblewoman. Why was she travelling here? What are the lands that she own? Any information could help us better understand her ennemies.""She was only passing through to get to her home. She owns land there. Like many noble Taldan's, she is a bit, shall we say, proud..." He looks around, like he is afriad someone might be listening. "She could have made enemies, but I dont know why she would have here."
"It will be put to good use, and once we return with lady Argentea I will return it to you. Literally winter-touched by then. Could you give us details about your convoy numbers and the things you were carrying? That may give us a hint of what were they after, if the kidnapping happens to be a coincidence..."
"There was an entire protection detail, including me there were about 6 of us, our Lady makes 7. We were carrying gifts from another noble with hopes of getting a small portion of her land. Furs, nice fabrics, nd the like. I was the only one to survive out of the protection detail. I knew that I had to get out and get help... A decision I will struggle with my entire life." He looks down. He sighs, obviously tired. "I have told you all I know, now I must rest. Please, prepare for your journey for it will be a difficult, cold one." With that he closes his eyes and quickly passes out, obviously tired from the conversation.
Patting him gently on his head, Karyne looks to the rest, "I will be ready to leave as zoon as you are. Zhe trail muzt not get too...cold." As she steps away, she looks to Lex:
"Let's just pick something fast at the blacksmith and get going. I have supplies for myself for about one week, if we need to use that much time."
As the group leaves the injured man, Llyr works his way over to the Mayor, "I suppose asking about a reward won't have much weight when 5 of 6 have already agreed to assist, would it? May we at least have a writ for a discount with the shops as we prepare to save your town?" Regardless of the Mayors response, Llyr will head over to the general store and the blacksmith before being ready. At the general store he'll ask about cold weather clothing, snow shoes, and a tent. At the blacksmith he'll inquire about a cold iron light mace.
I'll buy a Cold Iron Javelin, just in case (no ranged weapons...)
Nev looks at his new companions. "So. To Borders Wood then?"
As everyone goes to get supplies, Grimkell stayed with Ioanna and Llyr. As the man asks for money, the skall speaks:
"I think that if you wait for fame to come first, you will see gold flowing by itself without asking."
Turning to face the mayor.
"Just before we leave, do you have any idea where the High Sentinels headquarters are found? It is truly strange that they would not be protecting the roads and we might need to visit them."
Having heard the answer, Grimkell walks into the town square. On his way, he tries to remember what the region of the Border Wood is like. What was in those woods? ... And why did I leave my snowshoes in the mountain cabin...
Finally, he heads toward a store to buy snowshoes.
Once the group assembles, Grimkell asks: "I know lady Morozov and Lex's name, but how are the rest of you named? As you have already heard, I am Grimkell, son of Ogmundr, a Lorekeeper."
A bit of pride can be sensed in his voice.
Hey GM Lady, does Karyne know anything?
"I suppose asking about a reward won't have much weight when 5 of 6 have already agreed to assist, would it? May we at least have a writ for a discount with the shops as we prepare to save your town?"
She thinks about it for a moment, then finds some parchment and an inkpen. When she comes back she hands it to you. "This is the best I can offer. We are a small village, so our monetary prowess mirrors that. 10% should suffice?"
"Just before we leave, do you have any idea where the High Sentinels headquarters are found? It is truly strange that they would not be protecting the roads and we might need to visit them."
"All I know is that they are somewhere in the Border wood. They dont come into town often, but if they're having difficulties, something must be terribly wrong..."
After the Mayor answers Grimkell's question, Elxurian adds in:
"And to whom do these Sentinels own allegiance to? They do their job just for the prestige or there is someone actually paying them?"
_______
Later, to the group, Elxurian adds:
"Nice to meet you Grimkell, and Morozov, and Lex. I'm Elxurian, a Paladin dedicated to Iomedae, trained in the capital."
"And to whom do these Sentinels own allegiance to? They do their job just for the prestige or there is someone actually paying them?"
"They are payed by Taldor to keep Qadira away... But thats not needed anymore, really, so they've gotten lax, or so Ive heard."
"I guess we can be on our way, then. Anything else you want to do?"
"Honestly, Lex, I know little to nozhing of her, save that she was with zhe White Witches and disappeared. Beyond that, I have nozhing to give you." She sighs unable to help the woman more, then moves to the door to head out with the rest of the group, then pauses and turns, looking to the priest. "Elder Zafander, iz zhere somewhere I might be able to change?"
It takes her a few minutes, but she catches up with the rest of the group, wearing heavy furs and boots, a leather riding skirt with pants beneath to keep her legs warm, she still holds to her reds, now wearing ermine fur to line it.
Llyr cocks an eyebrow at Grimkell's comment before thanking the Mayor for the 10% discount. After his little shopping spree, Llyr returns to the group decked out in far warmer clothing and with a new mace upon his belt. "Well, if there are bandits working out of the woods these High Sentinels are sworn to protect, perhaps we should pay them a visit as well. A kidnapping of a noble in their woods does not bode well for their reputation."
Nev gives a courtly bow to the group. "Good morrow to you all. For those who don't know me, I'm Lord Morvinus, but please call me Nev. It's more fitting, currently. In the interest of full disclosure, yes, the rumors are true. They did gift me with the ability to strengthen my allies and do some simple healing, though. I can also hold my own in a fight if need be."
Llyr listens as Nev introduces himself, trying to compare facial features between him and Karyne. Not brother/sister, maybe cousins? Odd that they don't seem to show any familiarity or affection to each other. Since the group seems to be in a sharing moment, Llyr adds "My name is Llyr Thadewynn, but most people call me Llyr the Lush on my affection for the drink. As for my skills... shall we say I have learned how to do what must be done to survive when no one wants you around. Show me a foe that is distracted, and I'll show you one that hasn't much longer to fight us."