Frozen Temple - Heroic Quest

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

A prospector, employed by the Heart to find adventures for its members, has come across a rather intriguing find. A recent avalanche in the northern range of the Knockskull Mountains has exposed the side of what looks to be a temple or castle made out of ice. Though the prospector hasn’t seen the structure himself first hand accounts have stated that various obstacles, including the weather, location, local animals and even what some have called supernatural occurrences, stand before adventurers and what lies within the frozen building. In addition, other companies and groups have also heard of avalanche and the potential for riches so the Heart won’t be the only group intent on exploring the unknown depths.

Given the lack of information and the dangerous location of the temple the Heart’s resources can only teleport any members to Northness. From Northness it is approximately a week long trip, by horse, to the base of the mountains. A makeshift camp has slowly formed from those that have survived the trip though it is said the numbers there fluctuate constantly as adventures go in search around the temple.


Quest: Frozen Temple

Quest Level: 4 - Heroic Level

Restrictions: Proper attire to combat frigid temperatures is required. Whether it is equipped clothing designed to combat such cold weather, equipment with extreme elements/weather/situation enchants or spells with similar effects as the aforementioned enchants it doesn’t matter but it must exist. Any character who is RPed taking part in this quest without one of the above (or some other OH acceptable means) will take a 15HP per day penalty.

Setting: A recent blizzard has swept through the air, laying nearly a foot of new snow over any tracks or paths leading toward the base camp. While the snow has stopped and the clouds have pretty much disappeared strong and bone chilling winds still sweep across the barren sea of white between Northness and the camp. In the evenings the temperatures drop even further, though some may find the idea hard to believe. No changes in the weather will occur between now (the time of this post) and April 12th. Remember, it will take 7 days by horse so RP accordingly (magic, alternate body forms, special transportation, etc. can be used of course). Another blizzard, with deathly cold, will sweep in from the coast starting 4/13.

To Participate: Simply respond to this post with your character arriving in Northness, making their preparations and then heading towards the camp. Another fun fact about this quest: it doesn't have to be done as a group (unless you want). By this I mean even if one character shows up, the quest will continue. If two players want to do the mission together then they can post their characters working together (separate posts of course). Heck, even after everyone makes it to the camp, if all the characters decide to group up that is fine as well (or continue going separately is also ok). I hope you enjoy!

[badger]

Badger had spent the better part of the last sevenday with her nose in a book. She had taken note of the posted situation up in the Knockskull Mountains and it had set her curiosity ablaze, her scalp itching and toes twitching as she thought of all the possibilities that could lay therein: the adventure, the gold, the honeycakes! Besides, her last knockabout had involved some kind of fire .. creature .. thing. She wasn't entirely sure on the species, only that it had burned when it was touched until she was shielded by an ally .. possibly the dragon .. it was hard to recall the fine details that came about in the blaze of heat and berserker fury. But the nature of the fire beast meant that trundling off into the frozen tundra would appear to be an appropriate elemental opposite: and in the very least ensured she would not get cooked!

But yes.

While capable of shedding her comely halfling shape for a form more hirsute in nature, after asking around the Enclave she learned that the grizzly bear or badger shapes that she favoured weren't well suited for the types of temperature drops found in Northness .. and regrettably, her brand of shapeshifting required a degree of study of the creature she intended to mimic. Up close and personal study. Nature red in tooth and claw kind of study. Usually followed by a lot of frantic running, tree climbing, or generally being mauled to death. Which was fine for stuck up house cats, cheeky pine martens and the occasional air headed sparrow but where in Sarkotos was she going to find a snow bear? When presenting her minor issue to Gwynethorialestra (Gwyn to those not gifted with Olympic level gymnastic tongues) she had suggested that instead of relying upon the more mundane shapeshifting, that Badger should instead tap into her innate spell casting abilities .. which meant studying. Lots of studying. And practice. And muddying up Sherry's cold storage with dirty boots. And more running. That cook sure could move fast.

The end result was worth the mental and physical aggravation, beneath Gwyn's guiding hand Badger had mastered a small enchantment capable of protecting her from the frigid elements of Northness. It would only last about a day before needing to be renewed at Badger's current level of aptitude, but until then it would mean that while she should still wear warm winter clothes in the event the spell failed for whatever reason, she wouldn't succumb to frostbite or any other subarctic nasties short of an icicle speared through her head or suffocating under an avalanche or mauled by a snow bear or drowning in a frozen lake or ..

Why did she want to go again?

It was only after all this preparation that she found herself standing in front of the Port Authority trussed up in the warmest clothes the Enclave could smother her with, a pack on her back carrying mundane supplies and a fervent wish that she didn't fall into a pit of ice. After convincing the Authority that she really was here on the business of the Obsidian Heart she was finally allowed to fall victim to the teleportation spell that would shift her bodily from Sarkotos to Northness. It was a strange sensation and one that she did not much fancy repeating, the center of her stomach gripped by an unseen hand and twisted painfully, forcing the rest of her body to follow lest they become separated .. but perhaps what was even worse was the landing: eyes that had been previously screwed tightly shut snapping open as a cold wet substance assailed her exposed face resulting in a long string of curse words that would surely have gotten her lynched in other parts of the world. Teeth chattering violently she focused her attention on the spell Gwyn had taught her, calling up the Tree of Life and allowing a brief connection to be made so that she could take advantage of the cycle, pulling power from its depths and using it to chase the chill from her bones and the incredible discomfort from her exposed skin. Soon the snowflakes that had rested on her face melted away and her teeth stopped chattering, the shivers that had begun to wrack her body gradually fading as her core temperature rose from its sudden drop.

Opening her eyes, she was momentarily oblivious to the large fluffy white tail that had sprouted from the seat of her breeches and the pointed ears that were smothered beneath the hood of her coat .. her scalp felt weird with the additions but she didn't pay any mind to the sensation: instead taking a look around the place she had been teleported to and regain her bearings. It was as she had expected: a small town that frankly looked miserable .. but it was a start! Pulling her hood further down her face and hefting her pack confidently, the swaddled halfling strode through the town. If she found anyone out and about this day she would stop and ask them for directions to the nearest hostler – ignoring their incongruous glances at her swishing fluffy tail – before setting off and making the haggle. She wasn't particularly comfortable on a horse, but she also didn't have a shape that was currently built for speed – and her only flying shape was likely to be buffeted about by freezing winds! And so the intelligent course of action was to buy a small pony that was well equipped for the cold temperatures – assisted by a direct application of her spell – and was probably more capable than herself of navigating the snow and ice that was already on the ground.

For the next seven days Badger spent her time trudging along Alzorc, shielding her eyes from the glare of the sun against the snow and trying not to get too terribly lost. Each evening she would recast her spells so as to not run the risk of the spell failing during the night, and would take shelter as best she could – with each morning beginning in much the same fashion of a spell casting, as satisfying a breakfast as she could manage on her trail rations, and saddling up on a grumpy halfling sized pony and wincing over her sore protesting bum. Provided she didn't run into any complications, she would arrive at the camp within the allotted time frame none the worse for wear though perhaps in a mood as foul as the ponies!

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

It would seem that the adventures were either running late or simply weren't planning on showing up. Either way those that had recently left (by the time of this post) would see dark clouds still some ways off. Though it would be difficult to discern from their current distance the clouds were actually just above the mountains where the temple had been uncovered (if desired roll 1D20 Spot Check to see whether or not your character notes the location of the clouds above the mountains. DC 18 needed for success).

Adventurers, merchants and smiths weren't the only types that were known to flock to a new destination for challenge and riches. Thieves, cutthroats and more also circled like vultures waiting for a perfect opportunity. As such several groups who had managed to make their way to Northness were causing some trouble for the less powerful of individuals drawn to the temple. 

As such, and let's be honest, a creature half the size of a human, riding on the back of a pony with a fluffy tail sticking out it's backside and cute wittle fluffy ears pressed beneath a hood would definitely seemed to be an easy target. The tail, ears and hood are on the creature on the pony.

So let's see what happens to dear, little, cute and fuzzy Badger shall we? 1D100 will be rolled with the score determining the situation. See below for said options and their accompanying rolls. This post is specifically for the Badger character.

1 - 25: Badger's cute wittle presence is not only noticed, it is noticed in such a way that in a second four scruffy men will burst from the snow with a "HAAAH! CAUGHT YA FUZZY!" You will not be able to get past them safely so you can either get down and start to fight or you can use other means as well.

26 - 50: Badger's swishing tail of fuzzy goodness is the focus as her presence isn't noticed until after she has managed to get by the group. A second roll of 1D20 + quickness will be needed to determine whether or not Badger and her pony outrun the bad guys. DC 17 is needed. If caught see situation for a roll of 1 - 25.

51 - 75: Same situation as for a roll of 26 - 50, however, the DC is now 14 instead of 17.

76 - 100: Badger's presence, however hard this may be to believe, goes unnoticed and she continues on her way. Due to a lack of interruptions Badger will make it to the camp before the weather turns bad. She will notice several tents of sturdier material near the center, acting as an inn and then smaller random tents around it which would be those of adventures and others, both still alive and having not been seen for some time.

1215571021d100
1d100

[badger]

To say that she was surprised was an understatement: for the last few days her routine had been uneventful and painfully repetitive (much to the complaints of her rump, all of which duly noted but there wasn't much she could do about that as the hostler had neglected to add the extra padding she had paid for) - and so once she realised she had just managed to nip past a group of four scallywags she nearly fell off her pony in shock. Nearly. Somehow, she found it within herself to keep her balance: and turning back to look over her shoulder, she couldn't resist giving her tail a sharp flick from side to side, hand reaching up with a finger to tug at her bottom eyelid as her tongue was shoved out as far as it could go. And that was pretty damn far!

"Nyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh! Eat my snowdust bigears!"

Righting her position she gave her pony a light smack on the rump in encouragement, leaning down low to decrease wind resistance .. not that she gave much, being short and all.

"Come on glitterfoot, lets hoof it!"

And off they (hopefully) went!

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(( +12 quick ))

1-20

[badger]

Just don't make bandits like they used to. Once she was sure they were in relative safety she did that thing where you slow down a running horse without breaking your neck, and gave the pony now dubbed 'Glitterfoot' a quick rub behind the ears: though a proper thank you would be forthcoming in as many carrots or barley or whatever that she could steal later on. But moving on .. She spied the tents growing in the distance and the sight lifted her spirits, the halfling bouncing in her saddle as well as she was able at the prospect of having something nice to eat for a change!

Grinning from ear to ear, she clambered down from Glitterfoot once they reached the ring of tents, taking the pony and wandering up to what was serving as the Inn, bright eyes staring all over the place and trying to look at everything at once.

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Badger

If she had high expectations of a friendly place, or even one of wonders, she would sadly let down. Suspicious eyes looked upon the weird looking creature as Badger walked "into" the town of tents; suspicions of "what will it try to take" and "I wonder how easy it would be to take from it" and a myriad of thoughts in between. The inside of the tent was definitely warmer than outside, though no one would be walking around in light clothing. Given it's nature the inside of the tents had been reinforced with beams to help fight against the howling winds that the lands were known for. In the center was the massive fire and the spoke escaped from an opening at the very top of the tent. Despite it's concept of an inn no "rooms" or even "beds" were available. A fresh supply of wood, by fresh meaning it was hauled in from Northness two days before and had thus far survived any major raids from the scavengers and adventurers outside. No official presence to keep the peace seemed to be present so it said much that any wood still remained. Pieces could be purchased for a price, as could semi-decent food and watered down drink.

A couple of hours of light remained and several "open" spots between existing tents existed in the various rings surrounding the inn/tavern. To try and pitch the tent at night would prove to be near impossible, though if desired it would be interesting to watch. North of the cluster of tents a small pathway can be seen disappearing behind several massive boulders. If one were to look closely they would see several rows of marks on the one closest to the path, each mark representing those who hadn't returned (if desired roll a spot check of 1D20 to see the notches from the location around the tavern, a DC of 18 is needed).

[badger]

She felt the disappointment well up from her stomach as she began to take in the view of the tentscape: Alzorc was so different from the verdant, virescent, virile forests that surrounded the Enclave of her homeland that she had been hoping to find at least something interesting to take her mind off of things. Friendly banter. Good food. Gullible locals. Better food. Better drink. But from the appearance of it this camp came up short on every point. No matter. The feeling was squashed before it had the chance to take the shine from her eyes; the small woman lifting a hand and waving it at anyone who looked in her direction.

"'Ey there! How's it going? Nice teh meet yeh. Wonderful weather we're havin! Hope to see yeh around the watering hole later! Nice boots mate!"

Whether they glanced at her with animosity, loathing or apathy she didn't give a flying fig: her grin widened all the same as she lead Glitterfoot to what looked like an available pitch and hunkered down. A small tent pilfered from the Obsidian Heart's stalls was erected in the dying light - she wasn't particularly good at it but even a ramshackle tent was better than sleeping in the snow, because for all the good her spell did her with the temperature it didn't keep out the damp. Fortunately, if she faffed around with the tents myriad of components too long she was perfectly capable of seeing in the dark and probably wouldn't notice until someone bumped into her.

Despite her outwardly boisterous attitude she was mildly concerned that some particularly daft beggar would try to cave her skull in during the night, steal her pony, equipment and rations: but she had a plan for that, a plan that had her giggling to herself as she erected the tent and put the finishing touches on the structure: namely, a few druidic symbols that would be drawn on the canvas and in the snow in a circle around it. It amounted to nothing more than the letters of the alphabet, but unless the various looters around here were druids themselves they wouldn't know that! She hoped it would be a suitable deterrent.

That wasn't all her plan though. That would be revealed to the first idiot who thought to invade her home in the middle of the night.

Job done, she'd take another look around the campsite, particularly what served as the tavern on the offchance they had anything good squirreled away - and maybe she'd take note of those markers?

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1-20

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Responding To Badger


Alas, her trick would possibly be tested. Before it was, however, her little gaze upon the inn and it's various smaller tents around would reveal that three smaller tents were seemingly in use more than the others. However, she would be unable to see those leaving and returning clearly to discern anything in their arms or lack there of (If Badger decides to explore the tents further please let me know which of the three she does by using "Left, Center, Right").

If she happened to catch the wind just right or perhaps if she trained her big fluffy ears to one side she may hear the start of what could possibly test her skills that night. If not then she wouldn't have time to prepare. Then again, knowing Badger she could read a sign "DANGER AFTER THE NEXT STEP" and completely ignore it (as far as the DM goes, I hope she does in the future ).

Perform a Listen Check and use the below to determine the result.

0 - 10: La de da the world is perfect and she hears nothing unusual.

11 - 15: Hmm, she thought she heard something but isn't sure. Could just be the weather.

16 - 18: That doesn't sound usual. Perhaps anyway, never been in this type of environment before. Bad feeling.

19+: OH &$%#! It's about to hit the fan! That sound never means anything good! OH HONEYCAKES!

[Kythin Steelfang]

'[Note: Using this username until Maereth's is approved]


Whether he bothered to legitimatize his relationship with the Obsidian Heart as anything more than business handed his way by a third-party or not, Maereth still sought out the adventure' for the potential benefits for himself. Nothing else about it mattered unless it ended with an advantage gained! At the very least coin would transfer hands upon success.. if he were lucky enough to survive.. and how could he not? And so he set out for Port Union after changing into gear [Adventurer's Outfit] more fitting for travel towards northern territories of Tenebrus. 

Accepting the teleportation to the region known as Northness, it was the travel that found mounted upon the back of a horse that filled the Arcanist with all sorts of irritable thoughts. Something made all the worse each time he found the need to stop in order to fix some minor imperfection.. his own, the horse, even the environment. Almost inevitably this prolonged the journey to his destination.. if other would-be adventurers had come along.. it would be a little too late to the entrapment that was the end of the week-long journey, making the recent purchases of magical rations and flask all the more wise in hindsight. 

How much further was this thrice-damned camp? Judging by the distances displayed on the map hardly provided a thorough assessment without looking over the details once.. and then subsquent times in order to etch it so deeply into his mind the odds of forgetting were lessened.. at least marginally with each look over. Why exactly had he not simply taken the time to perfect the Blood Walk and divine the location of the camp in order to teleport himself there.. complete with a little suffering from whichever individual on-site was unlucky enough to be the creature the hypothetical spell would eject him, quite bloodied, from. Considering such made Maereth smile.. just in time for the Imp hiding away within the warmth of the Szarkai's close to pop his head out to look over the head of the horse. 

" Tis a terrible view, Cutter. Nothing but horse-head and frozen water for.. oh.. is that it? " 

[badger]

"Mmm what's all this then .. "

She had noticed the degree of activity with the three smaller tents and so it seemed only fitting that she should check it out, making a badger-line for the one on the far left with the intent to check them all out in an orderly left to right fashion! As she did so, tufted ears twitched within the hood and hopefully the wind was carrying sound to their fluffy depths.

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1-20

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Maereth

The timing in which they left and took to travel in general was unfortunate for Maereth, for several reasons... but mainly because the situation was also unfortunate for his minion which would, based on past experiences, make life much more miserable for Maereth. The storm that had been anticipated the previous week rolled in with violent force halfway through Maereth's trip toward the camp. It was mainly because of the anticipated storm that he didn't have to worry about any thieves as Badger had. Though perhaps they would have been preferred over the howling winds, stinging cold and whatever comments the minion had for it's master.

Sadly a cold night might not be all that Maereth had to deal with. Even though the mounts of the area had been bred to withstand the cold of their homeland they weren't invincible. There was a chance that Maereth's chosen mount might not survive the storm. If that were the case the trip might become even longer still.

Roll an Endurance Check to see if the mount survives. For the sake of this quest simply use the endurance of whatever mount Maereth would likely purchase - an actual purchase isn't required though, consider it handled by OH. Please use the following link to determine the type of mount and it's endurance stats: obsidianheartrpg.proboards.com/post/2106/thread).

0 - 12: The mount ends up freezing to death and Maereth either has to turn back to get another or continue on. Both situations require travel by foot.

13 - 15: Horse survives but comes up lame due to the freezing temperatures injuring some muscles. Even more time passes before arriving but arrive by mount they will!

16+: Chosen a mighty and sound mount Maereth has! It was one cold night but by darn he survived and hopefully without too much commentary from the minion. However, if there was such commentary the snow (us) would love to hear it!

Regardless of the outcomes above, Maereth would arrive at least three days after the events of what are about to happen at the camp with Badger.

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Badger

Remember those looks that were described earlier as Badger entered the camp? Well those were nothing to the look she received and gave when she checked that particular tent first. Quite honestly unless she was faster than a speeding bullet she probably didn't have time to check the other two. See the first one she checked happened to be outhouse and when she looked inside she was hit with some not so pleasant smells (which explains her face) as well as the yowls of rage from the dirty man currently using the services typically provided by an outhouse (which explains the face she just witnessed). It would take him a couple of seconds to right his clothing but he was already reaching for a shovel with one hand.

Of course, it was during this exchange in pleasantries that the sound that Badger didn't hear clearly earlier became unmistakable; inhuman howls of hunger and rage. From the mouth of the path mentioned before three hulking beasts came lumbering forward, their bodies nearly four times as tall as a human male. They were wide and grotesquely fat, and from their bodies unused arms and legs could be seen protruding. For the sake of this quest they will be referred to as Frozen Grotesques. The other part of this lovely equation was the near solid wall of white that came screeching down the mountains as a whole after the arrival of the beasts. This would be the beginning of the storm that would hit Maereth three days later. Now, much like it would be then, snow and biting wind swirled everywhere.

Here and now though the storm added to the confusion, death and mayhem. Unless Badger decided to take on one or all of the Frozen Grotesques herself she had a chance to avoid any confrontation at all. If her luck ran out that is. Her size, tent size and pony size did come to her aid in the grand scheme of things. The three monsters weren't very smart, pieced together from various bodies and then brought to life with some sort of magic they simply wished to kill and feast upon flesh!


Oh yes, another 1D100 roll to see what happens to everyone's favorite little hobbit! The score will determine the situation based on the below options.


1 - 25: GET IN MY BELLY! If it could speak that is what it would say.... It was probably closer to grrggmmmmrrraaaagggrrreeeeee!!!!!!!!! Either way glitterfoot becomes dinner, Badger's tent is crushed in the ensuing (but quick) confrontation with said pony and Badger is face to face..... well face to knee.... with one of the other friendly huggers and must decide what to do.


26 - 50: Poor glitterfoot isn't having a good night, unless being dinner counts as a good thing. Either way the pony is omnomed but the tent survives! Badger is still locking eyes with a kneecap and must decide what to do.


51 - 75: Glitterfoot escapes in a panic, disappearing into the storm but is alive for now (we'll come back to Glitterfoot if this happens). The tent survives and Badger's presence is noticed in some way by one of the Frozen Grotesques but it isn't confirmed. Roll a Stealth Check to see if Badger gets away unseen. DC 17 or higher is needed. If the Stealth Check fails she will be staring at a kneecap.


76 - 100: PRAISE BE TO THE HONEYCAKES! WE LOVE THOSE HONEYCAKES! Pony, tent and Badger escape unnoticed! A few other tents and people do as well, but most, including the inn, is destroyed. Dozens of bodies, including one with his pants half down his legs and carrying a shovel, dot the white landscape, the red of their blood standing out in contrast. This damage is of course seen the next morning, a few hours after the screams stopped and the monsters lumber back up the mountain trail. 

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 1d100

[Maereth Selakiir]

The winds were much more troublesome than mere thieves.. though both would , and in the case of the wind did.. , earn quite the string of euphemisns that may or may not have insulted many an elementally linked deity - probably not the best thing to do when in the middle of a storm such as this one! Sonne certainly shut his trap after the first chilling wind to the gob.

" Gah! Its like Pandemonium out here! "

If there were any other comparison possible Maereth would have preferred it to a screaming example of a fiendish plane. None of the unpleasantness kept Maereth from seeking to move forward of course.. anything impractical at least. Which certainly did bring up the subject of his selecting of steed.. the Rumerian Courser [ End 7 ]  purchased by the Obsidian Heart for his use - and with his not being a proper member of that organization.. he figured he'd wind up paying if anything happened that required he animate the damned beast.

Maereth meant to reach his destination one way or another.. it'd be a lot more comfortable on horseback than trudging through snow to be sure.

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1-20

[badger]

"Ugh what is that smell .. Why .. oh. Um. Hi. No. NO NO NO PLEASE DON'T GET U-"

Pushing back and away from the tent as quickly as her little legs could carry her, she skidded in the snow and landed on her rump: tail swishing through the sludge as she pushed at the ground with her boots and propelled herself backwards. As the person caught with his pants down advanced from the tent with weapon in hand, she held up mittened hands in an entreating gesture, trying to keep her eyes locked on the 'weapon' so she could dodge it should he decide to bring it down on her head.

"SORRY! So sorry .. really should be a sign .. what, that sign? That one there? Oh. Hah. Had no idea .. Unintentional .. Just put the shovel down and yeh won't get hu-"

Whatever else she planned to say was drowned out by that godsawful noise, her voice then catching in her throat as she turned her head to look and felt her stomach doing flipflops. Good thing she was already near the privy. She sat there with her mouth hanging open and eyes wide and staring giving the biggest of dinner plates a run for their money, and would have probably been smushed into the landscape if her body hadn't had a speedy conference with her survival mechanisms and took over while her brain was busy flatlining. White fur broke out over her skin and she shrank to about the size of her own foot .. the tiniest widdle snow white bunny that you ever did see blending in nicely with the surrounding landscape .. and leaving tiny dark pellets behind its fwuffy tail. The carnage was over before she had time to process it, before her nose had even twitched three times or her whiskers had even finished forming. It had really been dumb luck - something Badger had in abundance - that meant neither her nor Glitterfoot were crushed or chomped, but chances are if she succeeded in sleeping tonight she'd be having some serious nightmares.

It was only when the massive grotesques had left that the bunny finally broke out of its stupor, glancing around worriedly as dark smears had now appeared across the formerly white landscape. She stared off in the direction where they left but she made no move to follow them .. yes she was the most fearless, the bravest, aggressive and strongest halfling that had ever halfed, but even she could see that she'd have her act cut out for her if she engaged something approximately eight times her size - and three of them to boot! As a paw ran over her whiskers in reflex, she acknowledged that they were nothing natural that she had ever seen: and with this thinking the fur melted from her little body as she returned to her usual - albeit pointy eared and fluffy tailed - self, popping the finger out of her nose as she looked around again and said to the wind.

"By Wyre's rosy cheeked ass .. what the hell is going on here?!"

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Maereth

(Quick note, I didn't take into account reanimation, if Maereth has this ability, and chooses to use it, walking by foot isn't necessary lol.)

Well it looks like Glitterfoot (Badger's Pony) was getting.... or taking all of the luck in this adventure! Perhaps reanimated courser might have a few undead things to say to Glitterfoot if they ever met up muzzle to muzzle! For now though the courser would slowly collapse to the ground after pushing through the snow storm for about two hours or so. It had frozen to death and after trying to get up one last time the faithful beast of burden would exhale a final steamy breath and slip away to the eternally green pastures of moist grass waiting for it in the afterlife. 

The wind seemed to take offense to the words chosen by Maereth, or at least that is what chance seemed to suggest. There seemed to be more gusts of wind aimed at the pocket where the minion was hiding, trying to smack it around. Or it would seem so anyway. Imp slapping anyone?

Regardless of any possible humor from the perceived session of imp smack down Maereth still had to make a decision on whether or not he was going back, continuing on and in what way. The storm was not near blinding but several feet away was certainly indiscernible. Furthermore the tracks behind them were rapidly filling with new snow and ice, steadily erasing their earlier travels.

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Badger

It would seem that Maereth wasn't the only one that had to make a decision. Approximately a half dozen people had survived the night's previous attack, as had about three horses not including glitterfoot. Caravans had been coming out to supply the "camp" every two weeks or so, weather permitting of course. The last supply trip had been a couple of days before Badger arrived. Actually, depending upon how Maereth does he may be arriving just as the next caravan does.

There is enough unspoiled food and supplies to feed five people for a week and a half. Considering the halflings eating needs we'll say that there is enough to feed four people for a week and a half. That of course doesn't include drastic measures such as eating the remaining horses (including glitterfoot), hobbit stew or cannibalism. 

Badger had a few options, actually she had dozens really. She could follow the Frozen Grotesques and try to get some answers, taking her gear and glitterfoot with her. She could do the same as just mentioned but risk leaving everything behind at the camp. She could try to steal some food, hunker down and wait to see if anyone else arrived to lend a hand. She could head back to Northness to regroup or send word to the heart. Hell she could turn into a bunny again and lay little black dots all the way home for that matter.

Use the appropriate Check Rolls depending on what decisions are made. IE: If she chooses to investigate use a Stealth Check. A DC of 15 or higher is needed to remain hidden if she goes on her own. If she takes her gear and glitterfoot it becomes a DC of 18. If she decides to steal food from the rubble at any point a Stealth, Thievery, Bluff, Intimidate or Diplomacy Check would be needed - as appropriate - with a DC of 15 or higher. If she decides to hide her supplies and Glitterfoot a Hide Check with a DC of 18 is needed to make sure no one finds them while she is searching.

A check isn't required if she takes her fuzzy little.... tail... back to Northness.

[Maereth Selakiir]

There must certainly have been folk who would react quite poorly to their mount dying before reaching their destination. Those poor, unforunate souls did not possess the will , and very likely the intelligence, to reanimate the physical form of the newly desceased beast of burden.



Maereth wasted no time is dismounting from the dying or already dead horse without a name. Retrieving his seax knife from its hiding place between layers he gave the beast a shove or two. This most certainly was the most trying part.. pushing the Courser onto its side in order to get at the heart. Forunately giving the diabolical spirits access to the beast's body only required opening up the path to the heart. The enviroment around them was simply much too cold to be digging around in a horse to cut out the heart!



Naturally settling into the necessary somantic and verbal components took much less labor. Maereth cared little for Sonne's apparent discomfort with just how much the winds were buffeting the little fiend about. It'd prove easier to focus on the matter at hand - guiding an assortment of hellish spirits into the fresh, if freezing, corpse.


With so much of the freezing winds focusing in on the hiding place of the imp, the imp dug his way in deeper into the warmth of the adventurer's outfit the Szarkai wore to protect against those winds. Luckily for Maereth those winds kept Sonne's trap quite shut. Leaving Maereth watch his newly re-animated corpse of a steed eject the heart of the beast as a quickly rotting lump of flesh. The rest would likely be preserved by the cold.. leaving no further reason not to return to the journey to the camp.. now that the undead Courser was rising to its hooves again! 


[ Skill: Animate Dead ]

[badger]

Her hood fell back as a hand was used to scratch at the bristles of new growth along the sides of her scalp, the muddy grey lengths of hair that crested the center had been tied back in a crude messy braid that started at her hairline and ended somewhere past her shoulder blades currently swaddled underneath cloth and hide. It was this braid that she pulled out and tugged as she weighed her options: her first instinct was to flip up her middle fingers, smack her arse and take Glitterfoot off into the wild white yonder, sod the rest of these meatbags. But there was a faint growling at her right shoulder, a miniature ghostly bear voicing its objections to her gut ideas - and as she turned her head to casually glance at the left .. another bear a mirror of the first, also snarling at her? What the hell? Didn't normal people get a devil with their angel? Where was hers? Was that blood in their fur ..

"Tch .. pike it Durumu, I'm going .. "

Grumbling to herself she trundled towards any screams she could distinguish over the mob, and focusing on what little she had been taught she offered healing to whomever needed it [Druid skill: Healing Affinity] whether they liked it or not, even if it meant picking up a rock and infusing it with healing energies before aggressively lobbing it at a reluctant target .. a cut between the eyes was a better deal than a mangled leg wasn't it? A small series of leaves sprouted along her hair whenever she administered healing, adding another strange look with the now fully visible furry ears so it wouldn't be surprising if her efforts were rebuffed.

If the survivors were physically - if not mentally - sound, she would instead skirt over to Glitterfoot and pat her on the nose.

"Sorry, I've gotta go do something. You run this camp till I get back, yeh?"

Turning, she raised her voice so she could be heard.

"And if I find out anyone has either stolen, neglected, or even eaten my pony - I'll kill you. Eat you. Digest you. And then shit you back out on your surviving families!"

Her words ended in a low growl as her physical shape distorted into that of the massive dire bear she took for combat, eyes shining red as she delivered her promise.

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[ intimidate roll in case you wanted it, using it instead of hiding, and +5 intimidate skill ]

Rapidly shrinking back to her halfling shape, she gave Glitterfoot another pat on the nose before gathering up her belongings - leaving the tent behind as it would only slow her down more: if she needed to sleep she could just renew her spells and take a bear shape for the night. Huffing a breath, she looked in the direction the hulking beasts had left in and then suddenly .. shrank, and a tiny white mouse slipped off into the distance far faster than any natural mouse had any reason to move.

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[ stealth roll. druid skill: Skittering Sneak, +5 stealth, +12 quickness ]

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[badger]

(( Forgot to add to the post, and didn't wanna edit/repost in case it interfered with the rolls - but Badger owns the magical item Everlasting Rations that can feed one medium sized creature for one day .. which means its just enough for Badger, being small and greedy! So she didn't take any food supplies with her. Oh, and if you think it isn't enough, she also has the Live of the Land druid skill which lets you find food and water wherever, though finding less than the skills maximum which is yourself and two others, would make sense as she's in unfamiliar territory. So yeah: she hasn't eaten the poor poor camp out of house and home :3 ))

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Maereth

Well that whole solution was, without a doubt, convenient and helpful. Maereth would arrive at the camp, or what remained of it, the morning after (a day) Badger went off to follow the Frozen Grotesques. Whether or not he saw her upon his arrival would be determined by her decisions made the previous 24 hours (of which haven't been made yet). 

However, even if she hadn't returned yet a tent far smaller than any others and a small pony would be visible among the remains of tents, food and people alike. So far the situation hadn't degraded too much and while there were paranoid glances sent toward Maereth as he arrived some would call out to him, "are other's coming?!" The few that hadn't had the ability to claim any of the remaining horses and had thus far not become desperate enough to cross the halfling even offered gold for safe passage back to Northness.

If Maereth asked what happened he would be given the general idea; three massive monsters came howling into the camp and left it as it is seen now. However the bodies no longer laid haphazardly where they had fallen but had instead been piled and covered by a piece of torn tent. If Badger had returned she could also further explain, if the two got along well enough, as well as what she had seen in her exploration.

Otherwise the path still remained, the food stores had been poached but some still remained and of course there was Badger's tent and pony.

Use the appropriate Check Rolls, if needed, depending on what decisions are made. Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, etc will all require a DC of 15 or higher to succeed. 

Heck he could even stand to make some profit by ferrying the survivors back to Northness!

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Badger

Though Badger would probably never understand, even if she made a scary face, it was still a scary face stuck on a child's body. Translation; not very scary at all. Regardless, given her acts of kindness in healing those still alive and the fact of what happened the previous night still being fresh on their minds no actions would be taken for at least a day or so.

However, her stealth skills were much more impressive then her intimidation abilities. Though she is lucky all of the resident carnivores of the smaller variety had high tailed it out of the area from the previous night's activities. Because frankly, even if she was speedy Gogonzolous she was a plump little morsel of mousey goodness!

It would take about four hours of following the three sets of massive tracks before something strange happened; the three sets of big massive tracks soon became three sets of smaller tracks. An hour or so later she may smell a camp fire in the distance (Smell Check, DC15 or higher to smell from a distance. If failed she won't smell it until she is right next to the boulder hiding the small camp of five people).

Everyone was in the process of eating, as if they were very hungry, and weren't speaking at first. Soon though their conversation would begin, "did you see their faces Marv? You almost want to feel sorry for them!" A response from a man across the fire came to Badger's ears, "like hell! That just means more treasure for us!" Another added in shortly after, "there had better be treasure for all of these damn cold nights!" A deeper voice, one of command, spoke up at that, "there is treasure and we will have it! We just have to make sure we keep those fools at the base of the path occupied." Everyone responded with a chorus of "yes!" before another phrase was added, "that magic of yours sure is interesting Dickinson!"

What to do, what to do?

[badger]

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[ Scent skill, if that helps any ]
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[Maereth Selakiir]

Arriving at his destination put on display exactly what he expected of those who would take up this sort of work. How long he could bother with providing these folk aid was anyones guess. But the Szarkai would indeed bother with asking about what had happened to the camp. Lacking a means of conjuring food, wasn't that kind of Arcanist!, there presented a few possibilities of what to do ..and if it could benefit him.

" Doubtful. "

A rather simple and pessimistic answer for whoever decided to call out. Still he dismounted his newly undead steed. The offerings of gold for passage back to Northness did garner his attention of course. He could always do with more gold... and his undead Courser was quite immune to the chill of the storm.

" Do the lot of you have a food supply? Otherwise.. " He'd motion off to one or two of the horses. " You have options for a meal.. and it will hardly rob you of the necessary horses.

There still remained the matter of the monsters that had come into camp. Who knew if they would come back.. and while he could certainly take the lot of them back towards civilisation.. if other adventurers remained.. [ spellcaster's quirk: Misled - sometimes acts opposite of his alignment. ]

" Have any others arrived? Gone after those monsters you lot spoke of? If there are others I will wait.. certainly enough time for food to be gathered and snow to be melted for water. " Even if that food happened to be horsemeat. Although the offer was perhaps an unspoken one.. giving them time to gather food and the like supported offering a means back to Northness, no?

Maereth wasn't the diplomatic sort though.. " How much the lot of you offering for the journey back to civilisation? "

[Deleted]

      Oh! This sounded horrible. The dragon spoke to Maria about this Ice Castle. She had no idea who had gone or who might go. There seemed to be no organization to this trip! No client paying gold, no true benefits. Had the Heart fallen on hard times?
The dragon could look scary and, of course, could fly. With his unusual magicks, maybe he could help any who went on this foolish endeavor. It would be nice to see who might still bearound and any that were new, as well. Building up his reputation in the Order, with the newer blood, would be of great benefit too. But what of his store? Well, hopefully any coming for a spell to be cast, or object to be made, could await his return.His assistant could continue the basic training of the horses the local stables brought him, broken before arrival. It was very simple, the initial training: holding a rider and not throwing them, moving on various commands and of course, stopping when urged to do so.
      So it was decided. The dragon would go to give aid to any who he felt deserving of it, collect gold and strange objects, and to see if he could find any strange, rare objects to bring back. Sounded just like most of the times he aided the Heart, except no guaranteed payment from a hiring client.
      Okay, the dragon had his jewelry on and assorted gear attached to his body. The one object protected him from the cold(2 Ring of Cold Immunity: This thin silver ring is shot through with veins of ice blue forming what looks like the peaks of craggy mountains. It feels slightly cold to the touch, and when it is worn, it bestows Cold Immunity to the wearer. (Gemstone is aquamarine set in white gold) ), which he had for his icemail, and that made him think... maybe he would return with a cache of blue iced weapons and armour. Or possibly find the materials to make some himself. His mind was going along the idea of icy arrows, that would strike with a burst of flame. Dancing to a sword of ice. Oh, the things he could make! But first, he needed to pack food and waterskins. His mule would remain home for now, since a spell could easily bring it to him if needed. With gear assembled he went to the inn. Outside, they had a meal for him waiting and two barrels of mead. Also, there was a barrel of oil, a bag of wooden torches and a tinderbox. Maria was generous with her supplies. He told Maria he was going, then ate and drank. Once finished, he placed the torches and tinderbox in his backpack of holding in his gear, then he lifted up the barrel of oil in one hand and the barrel of mead in the other and headed for the Port Union.


      Stepping through to Northness, he felt a change in the air pressure. He talked to all who would speak to him, gathering information, asking if any others had arrived and said they were going to the ice castle, or newcomers needing mounts for a cold journey, people looking for supplies to get to the camp. Yes, he would get directions and more information before proceeding. The dragon looked big and scary. Hopefully few would flee in terror from hois presence, and fewer still would attack.

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Reply to Badger

(I just realized that OH doesn't have a Scent Check listed. My apologies for the confusion. Despite the low roll given she is currently in mouse form and has without a doubt smell smoke before - as much as she eats how could she not ;p - consider the smoke from the fire having been noted before she got very close.)

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Response to Garthog

No, there wasn't any major organization at this time. It was more of a fact finding adventure with chance of finding some treasure. Depending on what was found by those, from the heart or associate with the heart, who went to explore and look about a full blown heart quest may be formed. Either way, for now, it was simply for those who were interested in poking around in unknown areas of their world and seeing what poked back (if anything).

While dragons, good and bad, were somewhat common in the lands of Alzorc those looking for trouble generally didn't waltz in through a portal. They more likely would come hurling down from the sky after setting half of the town on fire. As such, while some people were nervous at the sudden arrival of the beast and one or two guards lowered their spears before thinking better of the situation, there wasn't any mass battle nor hysteria. Well, except for several children who were arguing among themselves about whether to run or use the dragon as a ice gym (play on words for jungle gym).

Dozens upon dozens of strange looking people had come through over the last several weeks. Some were well known adventurers, others not so much, some were looking for easy gold, others still were offering services to those who may return from their trip with new found riches. Neither Badger nor Maereth had earned enough fame or infamy to be recognized by reputation alone outside of Navahla or the surrounding areas. As such only general information about strange looking people could be given.

The general direction that the adventurers and supply caravans had headed was pointed out by several people to the dragon. After all, regardless of affiliation, Northness had an opportunity to make much gold from the current situation.

If physical travel (flying or walking) is desired then the adventure for Garthog will begin as soon as he sets out (there may be an event halfway through his trip so please take that into account when you are RPing the traveling). If magic is used, such as the spells sent to me for review, then please perform the following steps. Given the amount of land between Northness and the mountains, only the general direction of the camp being provided and the fact that two thirds of the camp has been destroyed there will need to be a Spell DC check. After RPing the use of the spell (again if you decide to) roll a 1D20 DC check (add your intelligence to the roll instead of willpower) to see if the spell finds the camp. The score the check needs to meet is your Spell DC. Feel free to repeat the process as much as possible if the DC isn't met. I'll respond with the setting and situation once the spell and search is successful.

[badger]

¡Ándale, ¡ándale! The little mouse skipped from one pile of snow to the next as it followed the tracks of the beasts, its own capabilities meaning that it left no easily followed tracks behind it [Trackless Step skill] unlike its predecessors who seemed to be unconcerned about covering their path! And who could blame them: disgusting creatures four times the size of a regular human male, no one would want to tangle with that, least of all a teensy mousie! At least, not yet.

When the tracks she had been following began to shrink, she tilted her tiny head and backtracked a few minutes in order to determine whether or not she had missed something .. nope .. same tracks. Shrugging, she continued to follow them until she caught the faint smell of smoke on the wind: it was then that she'd proceed with caution, sniffing along and moving as slowly and quietly as she dared until she came across the boulder that shielded the camp itself. Creeping along the edge, she would get as close as she dared and listened in on the conversation as it was occuring .. and with each word her little mousie body would puff up, fur sticking out in all directions as she grew angrier and angrier until she nearly exploded!

"Right .. little shits .. so that's what yer playing at eh?"

As she hadn't cast her Forced Empathy spell before leaving the camp, the vocalisation came out as nothing more than a whisker and ear twitch and would not give away her position. For now however, she would hunker down while peering around the corner, taking her time to look at the individuals in the camp. But more specifically, she wanted to know which one was Dickinson. That one, she wanted to deal with.

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(( tossing in a hide check there, as she's staying in place for a minute until she can sniff out Dickinson. +12 quick, +5 skittering sneak ))

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[Deleted]

      While talking to the various people, the dragon stuck a talon in the mead barrels top and started drinking. He had heard talk of "Supply caravans". So, off he went to talk to who ever might be sending these caravans. After all, supplies to send costs money, and a destination must be in mind. His plan was to get a better idea of the camps location and description (let me know if this gives me a bonus to the roll).
      Next, the dragon used a spell, "Home Calling", to get his favorite nut. A black cloud appeared near the dragons' head. His head went into the cloud, but instead of appearing on the other side of the thin cloud, it looked like the head was gone. Any watching might even believe the head became invisible. After GarThog looked through the cloud he had found where he had put his favorite nut, his Mawa Nut! So, the head was withdrawn from the cloud, making it appear that the head became visible again. His hand went into the cloud next, pulling out of it his Mawa nut, then... the cloud faded away.
      14143467651-20Following getting the nut needed, the dragon would smile, hold up the Mawa Nut, wave his other hand over it (placing the barrel of oil beside him) and repeat the description of the camp that he was given. (If need be it will be repeated until) clouds appeared in the crystal of the Mawa nut. Slowly the image changed as the view drifted down through the clouds. Soon, the whiteness of the snow was seen and then... (spell "I see it").

(+2 Int)

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[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

(Just a quick note; I'll be responding to all posts by tomorrow night. I had to work this weekend and am a little behind on some things but I should be all caught up by tomorrow evening. I apologize for the delay!)

[Rhyldrin Ken'rae]

Reply to Maereth

The survivors looked to one another before answering carefully about having enough food. In fact they did, but it was for them. Several jingled their pouches of gold, while others offered various weapons or items that could be turned in for gold later (if gold is chosen it will be considered part of the overall gold earned for the quest. Otherwise you can play him accepting payment by way of items instead to get some extra weapons or armor at the end). 

To his question about anyone else, it was mentioned that a strange looking creature, walking on two legs but with ears, a bushy tail and a foul mouth had disappeared up the trail to try and figure out where the monsters had come from. She hadn't returned, at least up to that point, as anyone could tell. They did point to the small tent and small pony that had been left alone thus far. The fake writing in the snow, around the tent, would also still be slightly visible. "It has been about a day since it went up the path." Some would point to the mouth of the mountain path for emphasis to what they were saying.