"There he goes again. I guess there's no helping it." Seeing that the gnome has taken the cloak on her shoulders the magus takes out the white furry cloak and adjusts it on his shoulders.
He then turns to Bazikian and puts an arm on his shoulders. "I know we had our differences and though I might not fully grasp your motivation, the trail leads us to a place you cannot go half-hearted. Though the chances are very slim I hope we meet again. May the god of butterflies watch over you."
Grim just grunts as his way of wishing the Desnan fair travels.
...and then there was only one Nisse...
Porablum moves through the snow and gives Bazikian a hug. "I know we haven't known each other very long, but it was really great meeting you! May Desna guide your footsteps and grant you starry skies."
Too busy to have heard the words of his one and only real friend, Brominate prepares himself for the journey through the portal.
Brominate is at his usual spot far away from the rest of the party when Bazikian leaves. The little gnome looks over at the rogue but for some reason decides not to pursue the man. for once the small cleric has no more words to speak. with a small tear in his eye he walks away.
Brominate examines the portal closer. it does not rotate or offer views from multiple angles. it looks like a circular doorway fixed in one place, leading to a single destination. viewing the portal from the back or the sides only shows a swirling grey cloud.
Out loud, but to himself since no one else is nearby, the rogue says "...okay. Pass through this rupture in reality to enter a Hostile territory; Infiltrate the queen's castle where the magical chicken-legged hut of Baba frickin' YaGa is on public display; Enter said hut with a dead man's cloak; Travel to Baba Yaga's other harbingers...or even the witch herself...and tell her that Elvanna, her 100+ year-old daughter, is acting like a rebellious teenager... yeah easy."
As the gnome leaves, Easlis turns the other way, towards the now visible portal and makes his way through the snow near it. He tries to recall any information about such portals, on how they operate or be temporarily or fully disabled before committing to any haste action.
"Looks like we just step through." He shrugs. "Follow me!" Grimgisli steps through the portal and tries to move into some form of cover, even as he scans the area for immediate hostiles.
You take point and I got your backside.
Hjorleaf follows through the portal.
Porablum walks through the portal after Hjorleaf, finding the snow easier going today than the day before. Anyone who walked through after her would notice that, despite still being waist deep in the snow, she isn't leaving any kind of trail behind her. Once through, she looks about, trying to get a feel for the terrain and looking for the witch's forces.
"Oh-wai..pfft-... okay then. Here we go. C'mon Zeke! Let's go."
Sure that his friend is behind him, Brominate also heads through the portal, bundling his winter blanket tight around him.
the group walk together through the portal. there is very little that changes from one step to the next, but it is enough to know you are in a different place. the air is even colder than it was around the portal. the trees are similar but unfamiliar varieties.
looking over your shoulder the portal is still there and seems stable as far as you can tell. you can still see the icicle ring that stood around the portal on your side.
You don't know a lot about this portal, but it seems to be anchored to 2 specific points allowing instant travel between the two without needing to input coordinates or know a trigger word or key. the locations would need to be tied together in some way, and the portal would be held open by a specific person or artifact.
as you step out, you arrive in the late afternoon, on a clear day. in the distance you can see a massive icicle with multiple points rising above the trees to the west. to the east you can see faint lines of smoke, likely from a cluster of chimneys.
and just 100 feet ro so from you, you see a group of 5 humans (or at least humanoids) in a fight with a large green Mantis
Without hesitation, Brominate immediately heads towards the fray, his blades drawn. If possible, he'll make his way to get behind the mantis.
"C'mon y'all, let's do this!"
Porablum nods. "Come on, everyone, let's save the people!" She begins slogging her way through the snow towards the fight - slowly, anyway.
the mantis slashes out at one of the men around it, drawing some blood but the man is still standing.
The party may act
You are less than 100 feet away. visibility is actually pretty clear here, but the ground is covered by snow, making all squares rough terrain.
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Grimgisli HP: 14/23 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Porablum HP: 9/18 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
Easlis: HP: 11/23 - AC: 16/11/15 Status:
Brominate HP: 11/26 - AC: 17/14/13 Status:
Hjorleaf HP: 11/22 - AC: 15/11/14 Status:NPCS:
Mantis: HP ?? | AC: ?? | statues:
Yellow ranger: HP ?? | AC: ?? | statues:
Red ranger: HP ?? | AC: ?? | statues:
Blue ranger: HP ?? | AC: ?? | statues:
Pink ranger: HP -6 | AC: ?? | statues:
leader: HP ?? | AC: ?? | statues:
Porablum stumbles a step forward through the snow, drawing her crossbow as she does, and firing a bolt from it.
"Before anybody rushes into ..." Easlis started to speak but pauses when he sees Brominate and Porablum already drawing their weapons and jumping in to help the humans. He then sighs and shakes his head.
"That was like one full minute of not making our presence known. I am out of arrows and won't be running through one hundred feet of snow just to squash a bug."
Easlis tuns towards the portal as if looking for something and with his back towards the fight, the half-elf casts a spell.
In a whisper more to himself:
"Why are we always sticking our nose where it doesn't belong. No good has ever come of it."
"Might have been nice to know which side is which first . . .. Still, interesting trophy, that giant bug."
Grimgisli inches forward before loosing his nocked arrow.
Hjorleaf covers his face as it shakes back and forth.
Enemy territory...open ground...slow moving...What could go wrong with any of that.
the ranger next to the mantis swings a sword at it
the others all fire bows at the creature
one of them, a woman, shouts out orders to the others as she draws her own bow and fires
two arrows find their mark, along with one from Grim.
The mantis lashes out at the soldier closest to it
the man falls to the ground and the mantis moves towards 2 of the bowmen
The party may act
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Grimgisli HP: 14/23 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Porablum HP: 15/24 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
Easlis: HP: 11/23 - AC: 16/11/15 Status:
Brominate HP: 11/26 - AC: 17/14/13 Status:
Hjorleaf HP: 11/22 - AC: 15/11/14 Status:NPCS:
Mantis: HP -21 | AC: >16 | status:
Yellow ranger: HP ?? | AC: ?? | status:
Red ranger: HP ?? | AC: ?? | status:
Blue ranger: HP ?? | AC: ?? | status:
Pink ranger: HP -16 | AC: ?? | status: bleeding out
leader: HP ?? | AC: ?? | status:
Brominate approaches ever closer to the creature. He'll look at the bowmen nearby, nodding at anyone looking his way. The type of nod that suggests, "Hello. I see you're fighting a giant bug that probably isn't from this super cold region. I am here as your ally to assist in bringing it down."
He then looks with grim determination at the giant insect.
Seriously, why is this here? Did it come here through the portal too? There's no way it's indigenous to this area...
Once finishing casting his spell the half-elf looks around the area and while waiting for the spell to gain in strength he takes a couple of steps towards Grimgisli. He draws the longbow then addresses the ranger:
"Not a bad shoot. With so many people aiming for the same target it sure feels like an archery contest. Aghhh... Would you mind sharing arrows? I, seem to have misplaced mine."
Grim says nothing in reply to Easlis. He adjusts his stance, slightly, making the quiver a little easier to reach, but the judgement is very loud.
Porablum reloaded her crossbow, took aim, and fired at the mantis again.
the mantis is hit again by Grim, as the rest of the group isn't able to do much to the mantis this time.
the two rangers close to the mantis draw swords and move to attack the mantis. it reaches out to slash at the one who had to move in
it isn't able to break through the sturdy armor of the ranger
the two men swing longswords at the beast
the woman fires her bow again
her arrow drops the giant bug, and it lays twitching slightly. the humans gather around it and make sure it is dead.
End combat, what do you do now?
Stowing his daggers, Brominate approaches the group casually, but carefully.
*In Skald*:"Nicely done. But hurry, we should check on your injured comrade!"
He gestures to them and heads towards the fallen bowmen. Introductions could wait.
*Skald*: "I'm not that learned in the healing arts. Are any of you? If not, I know someone who is."
In common, he adds, "Plum! C'mere!"
Porablum stows her crossbow, then begins making her way through the snow. The sight must look quite comical to the outside observer, the child-sized gnome wearing the much-too-big-for-her black furry cloak, yellow hat, red gloves, and blue hair, stumbling through snow up to her waist. After many long seconds she finally reaches the fallen person and reaches out a hand, channeling a spell to keep him from dying.
Hjorleaf continues to shake his head at the utter lake of common sense that he is seeing in these southerners.
The large man looks on as the group is spread out over a large area with too many unknown factors at play. He turns back to look at Grim who is only a few dozen feet behind him and walks back to the Ulfen ranger.
Hjorleaf speaks in a respectful tone.
He needs to be reigned in or he will get someone killed. If the Nisse continues to follow him...she very well might be the one to suffer for his actions.
Still holding to the bow in one hand, Easlis comes closer to Hjorleaf and speaks quietly:
"I don't know Hjorleaf, she seems to have handled herself well until now. I would say it was quite unreasonable well, given how unfocused she seems to be.
And Brom, he seems to be living on the edge. I swear one of this days he would find himself on one that is too sharp for his skills.
Anyway, it would be better if we should stick with Skald until we can figure out what their intentions are. Oh, and it might be risky if they know we came from the portal."
The female ranger tends to the fallen man. by the time Porablum gets there, the man is stable and recovering, though still unconscious.
the woman replies to brominate in Skald.
"Thank you for your help. I don't know what this creature was, I have never seen it's like around here before, and I know this area quite well. it is lucky that you found us when you did.
If I may ask, though, who are you people? you are not well equipped for this area, but we are in the middle of nowhere. how did you survive long enough to wander here on foot without better clothing? There is a storm coming, you should be getting to shelter not wandering the woods and helping random strangers!
The woman pauses from the conversation for a moment and speaks with ehr men. they move quickly to start setting up a camp, and you notice the afternoon sun is heading down to the horizon.
We will not make it back to Waldsby before sundown. and with the storm coming it would be dangerous to be outside. do you have tents? if not we have spares. you are welcome to join us for the evening.
*in Skald* "Your hospitality is greatly appreciated! I don't believe we're well enough equipped to weather a storm. My friends and I shall assist you in setting up camp and, once a fire has taken the chill out of my bones, we can discuss what brought us here.
For now, though...call me Brom."
In Skald, naturally. "These need the camp, and possibly some trade. Like this monster, we came here through a portal being used by corrupt fey to push this unnatural winter to other parts of the world. The longer version can be told after we get them warm."
Looking to Hjorleaf, he continues. "This random group of strangers were brought together for a quick mercenary contract. Didn't need a leader for that light work. Probably need one now, though. Different problem entirely. One doesn't plan well enough to carry arrows. Another is impulsive enough he spends more time away from the group than with it. The little one shows surprising promise, but seems to be driven too much by hope. You want the job? I can work to keep them alive in the cold easily enough. Longer we go, the more of my time's going to be spent on trying to keep them fed, though."
The half-elf's jaw dropped upon hearing what Grimgisli had to say and felt he couldn't find the right words in Skald to interject and give an alternate explanation.
And one just gave very valuable information to an armed group of strangers that just finished butchering the last thing that came through the portal. At least he hadn't pointed which one was which.
*in Skald*
"Master Grimgisli, let us not be too hasty on this matter. We have not yet been acquainted with these fine fellows and we're already placing our burdens on their backs as well.
As if noticing the rough looking men and their leader for the first time Easlis extended his arm.
"Easlis Taer at your service. We would probably be needing some arrows as well if you have some for sale of course."
Porablum has no idea what anyone is saying as they speak the tongue of the northerners. She can just tell that no one seems to be angry or attacking anyone else, so things looked like they were okay. She just looks to the others, then says to Easlis in Taldane, "What's everyone saying? Are they pointing us in the direction of whatever is keeping the portal open, or where we have to go in order to find the thing we're looking for?" Porablum very carefully does not mention Baba Yaga, her Hut, or anything else that might be involved in their quest, since she didn't know if that would have a good reaction or not.
in Skald again:
"A portal you say? That is strange. The witches are opening portals to other lands.. that's not a good sign.
You should be careful around here, the witches control everything. the ruling family, the Jadwiga, are the absolute authority and are generally above the law. it would probably be safer for you if you refrain from telling people that you arrived here by magical means. you are lucky you found us and not an agent of the Jadwiga.
My name is Nadya Petska. I am a hunter and trader from the town of Waldsby. I have very little supplies right now, as we just finished delivering supplies to the Pale Tower, but I do believe we can help you with arrows at least. if you come with us to Waldsby you will find any supplies and equipment you might need.
*in Skald* "Thanks for the tip, Lady Petska. We are indebted to you for your kindness and helpfulness. I must say I appreciate it-" Brominate abruptly stops, looks around, then speaks to no one in particular in Common, "Uh...anybody seen Zeke?"
This random group of strangers were brought together for a quick mercenary contract. Didn't need a leader for that light work. Probably need one now, though. Different problem entirely. One doesn't plan well enough to carry arrows. Another is impulsive enough he spends more time away from the group than with it. The little one shows surprising promise, but seems to be driven too much by hope. You want the job? I can work to keep them alive in the cold easily enough. Longer we go, the more of my time's going to be spent on trying to keep them fed, though."
I am not against taking point or taking second...but...this is the north and a pack must work together to survive. The pack and fixing this portal problem should come first. Any lone wolves will be left behind...That being said whomever does take charge should be from the north. It will help on many fronts. Just being able to speak the language is not going to cut it.
Following the others as they shuffle through the snow towards the humans.
Keeping a grip on his ax as he lets his eyes roam from one person to the next.
When The women introduces herself, the large human gives a simple answer
Need to still be careful about who we meet...nut sure if we should trust them or not
Hjorleaf...
"What is it with these Ulfren, as soon as we reached their native land they start urging for northern leadership. As if we haven't managed well enough as we were until now." Easlis complained loudly in Common, feeling more at ease knowing that the rangers they've just met did not seem connected with Jadwiga.
The half-elf tries to explain the current situation to Porablum
"They're offering to take us to their town where we can resupply and hopefully get a good night sleep. Oh, and they're recommending that we should not speak about the portals unless we are prepared to face trouble."
Easlis postponed as much as he could answering Brom's question but seeing that no one wanted to tackle sensitive the subject he put his hands in his pockets and staring down he responded:
"Soon after you left, Zeke shared with us that he felt like his path and the one we are on would not intersect. I think he would have loved to say his farewell to you as well but... I'm sure he's doing just fine about now, probably halfway to Heldren already. Taking care of Ol'Dusty and all the people in the town."
In Taldane: "Hold. I seem to remember that we need to close the portal we came through. Something about finding an anchor on this side? We should seek this anchor before we have to spend time hunting for where we came through, yes? Can one of you look for magic? Find the portal, maybe something it is attached to, somehow?"
Porablum looks confused at Easlis' initial outburst. Who cared who was in charge? Brom probably shouldn't have said as much as he did, but these people seemed nice. Listening to his explanation, a look of understanding passes over the gnome's face. "Oh, that's so nice of them. You should tell them thank you on my behalf. I don't speak the language. If we're going to be up here for a while, I should fix that, huh? Could you teach me Skald?"
Nadya brings over 2 medium-sized tents in bundles to you. if none of you pick them up and start raising them, she will call over two of her companions to assist you. one of the men starts a fire, and the last one walks off into the woods with his bow.
hearing some of your discussion, Nadya addresses the group in common. her accent is thick, but her words are clear and she is obviously quite fluent.
"Oh, pardon me. I didn't realize not all of you spoke Skald. I just assumed, since you were up north and you started speaking in our tongue that it was your preferred language. my men don't speak much common, but I can speak it well enough.
"You seek to close the portals? be careful, setting yourselves against the witches will be dangerous. if you are looking for the witch responsible for this area, and likely the portal you came through, she lives in the Pale Tower. you can see it there to the West, that tall icicle structure. the lady of the tower is a dangerous and cruel woman.
Nadya speaks of the lady with particular dislike in her voice. you surmise she has some very personal reason to hate the witch
Seeing that the representative of the rangers can speak Taldane, Easlis sticks with it:
"While you guys were busy fighting the creature I took the liberty of searching the area next to the portal for magic, but I've not felt anything except for the portal of course.
So the Pale tower witch must be the one who's holding this gate open. She is certainly very skilled, maintaining a link over such a large distance is no small feat. We MUST have a word with her.
Turning to Porablum he ponders his answer for some seconds before replying: Very well, I shall teach you dreadful language for the sake of the mission. But, in exchange... you'll have to unravel the mysteries of the language you've used before entering the portal. It sounded familiar yet I could swear I have not heard it used in any town I was in."
"Thank you so much, Nadya. Your help is greatly appreciated."
As Easlis responds, she nods and says, "Okay. It's a deal. The language is what my mama called angel speak. Desna blessed me with the ability to speak it when she gave me the gifts and sent me signs that I should travel from home. Unfortunately, when I get stressed out, it's the only language I can speak and understand. That's especially true when fighting things, apparently." Porablum frowned. This would make coordinating with her new friends very difficult, she realized.
Porablum helps Hjorleaf and Grimgisli set up the tents.
hearing Easlis' explanation of Bazikian, Brominate offers no response. He remains silent and stays silent as he and one of Nadya's men begin setting up the tents.
He pulls out of himself when his ears twitch at Nadya's words. They seemed like they could be important words, so he listened to her instead.
"What is it with these Ulfren, as soon as we reached their native land they start urging for northern leadership. As if we haven't managed well enough as we were until now."
Hjorleaf starts to laugh as Easlis makes his boast.
In Skald:Sure, you can lead. This will be fun. I will enjoy a southern's take on northern hospitality. At that, he laughs some more and move on to set up the tents. As the large man goes about his duties, he speaks back to the half elf while looking off to the East...Just some advice...well, a lot of advice from a person who lives...in the area. Never turn down a drink, food, or the wants of any women. Be wary of your magic, most people up here do not trust magic that is not of there own...and most importantly...take our advice. Always. I do not think your delicate southern bones could handle being a thrall.
Skald: "Your hospitality is far more than we deserve, and warmly accepted. We will see what our companions can add to the meal to come."
Grimgisli starts clearing a depression in the snow to put the tents in, going all the way to the ground itself if the snow's loose enough to do so. The tents, once erected, get snow thrown back in around the sides, but not the front, back, or top, to both help hold the tent in place and provide insulation.
He avoids interrupting the dominance games, but once a reasonable chance to break in exists, in Taldane he says simply "Figure out what you have with you that you can add to the meal they are hunting for you right now. If you have nothing to contribute, I will have to share all of our fresh meat." He nods at Nadya, knowing she understands his comment (assuming she hears it) and wanting to reassure her that the group would do what they should.
the group settles in quickly, grim taking the lead on getting camp set up properly to withstand the coming storm. Nadya's men point out a few spots that Grim missed and help tend the fire
the man who left previously comes back with five rabbits and begins prepping them.
while camp is being set up, you see a new person approaching the camp. it is a female wearing a bright blue dress under a white hooded cloak. her skin is a pale blue, and she has two horns above her ears. her legs have an extra join below the knee and end in hooves.
She is a forlarren, a rare species that results from the union of a nymph and a fiend. they are almost always female but are usually unable to have children of their own. they are often considered evil because of their fiendish side, and those that don't choose to give in to their evil nature spend most of their lives fighting it.
she greets the gathered group in Skald:
Hello there! My travels have taken me further than planned today and I do not have adequate shelter for this storm. could I join your fires tonight? I can offer some food and song She holds up a small harp that she is carrying.
Nadya seems just a little bit hesitant, but smiles and replies that the newcomer is welcome to join them.
as she enters the camp she looks over each of you and asks in skald:
What an interesting group. you don't look much more prepared for the cold than I am! where are you from?
before you can answer, Nadya breaks in, also in Skald
My name is Nadya, I am a ranger out of Waldsby. these fine people are relatives visiting from another town.
What do you do? do you play along with Nadya? if you do, make a bluff check, and I'll give bonuses based on RP