26 Eleint
Location: Bryn Shander to Targos to Termalaine

Arnan, Kira, and Thane elect to depart Bryn Shander with Hengar, bidding farewell to the companions they befriended on the caravan up from Luskan. Hengar suggests, barring any major delays, it should take about three days to reach his tribe's camp, which lies some 20 miles north of Kelvin's Cairn.

Light flurries swirl about the adventurers as they make their way north from Bryn Shander, following a worn track to the town of Targos, the only other walled town in all of Ten Towns. Targos rises from the southern banks of Maer Dualdon, the smallest of the three lakes which yield all the regions wealth. It only takes a couple of hours to reach Targos and Maer Dualdon, but rather than heading into the town, Hengar leads the party on a trail along the lake's southeast banks. From this vantage point, the group spies a large fleet of fishing vessels on the lake, most of these belonging to Targos, which boasts the biggest fleet in all Ten Towns.

Hengar keeps a brisk pace and reaches the picturesque village of Termalaine at nightfall, which unfurls from the banks of Maer Dualdon in long, broad avenues dotted with trees. Though daylight fades quickly as the group strolls into the village, the party cannot help but notice that many buildings feature intricate braid-work carved into their wood frames and doors, while scrimshaw ornaments and windchimes hang in their windows.

Hengar suggests the party find accomodations at The Eastside, the only inn in town.

"An honest man named Clyde and his servant Marta will see to our needs. This will be the last civilization we will see before striking out across the tundra tomorrow," he says.

The skies overhead have grown more leaden as the hours have passed and the winds have begun to pick up. Daylight is now but the faintest of slivers on the horizon. Travel was easy today, tomorrow will likely prove to be much more challenging once the conveniences of a marked trail are lost.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:25, Wed 15 Feb 2017.

Thane handled the trek to Termalaine just as he had handled the caravan journey from Luskan to Bryn Shander.  No complaints, walking or trudging steadily toward the destination.  However, he was a bit more vocal in this much smaller group than either Arnan or Kira recalled him being in the previous journey.

"So, Hengar," he asked in a particularly talkative moment when the trail was slightly easier than it had been.  "Why'd you come by yourself to Bryn Shander?  Didn't you say you'd come against the wishes of your tribe?  I wonder if they're gonna be mad with you when you get back, with us coming with you.  Unless maybe you have some special standing with your people?  I don't know much about your folk, just hearsay I guess, but I heard enough to respect 'em.  I just hope we don't cause any trouble is all."

He kept up that kind of exploratory banter most of the way, indicating that he was highly curious about what kind of people the Tribe of the Elk really were.

When the group reached Termalaine, Thane acceded to Hengar's suggestion.  "I'm right famished again!" he exclaimed, obviously looking forward to a hot meal.  His tone indicated he wasn't looking forward to the hot-food deprivations of the tundra journey coming up in the morning.

"Right, then.  Onwards to The Eastside?"

Arnan functioned as an outlier during the foursome's trek to Termalaine, primarily moving from flank to flank, but also spending some time trailing along behind the others, so he had little opportunity to to speak with any of his traveling companions.

Once the little group reached the village, he asked, "So, Hengar -- since we will be heading out across the tundra tomorrow, have you had an opportunity to consider Thane's earlier question about our purchasing tents for the more . . . challenging portion of the trip?"

Kira also wasn't one to complain and there were even times they would note her looking around with a smile on her face.  Now and then they'd also spot her catching snowflakes on her tongue.  In spite of a youthful demeanor, she kept a sharp eye out for any trouble as she carefully tread along the path.

When they reached the town, her eyes lit up again as she looked at the windchimes and other intricate things on the houses.  Thane's exclamation about being famished brought a chuckle from the petite woman.  "I had some fruit I'da shared," she said to the big man, holding out an apple.

Arnan asked again about tents and she chewed on her bottom lip, a thoughtful expression forming.  "I've been thinking about that a bit.  We could dig down a way into the snow.  It would at least break the wind but it would still be cold, even if we bunched up together."

"A fire would help but there might not be enough wood or other things to use.  A tent would trap our body heat so if we can get one, it would probably be best.  I was also thinking we might need snowshoes so we don't have plow our way through which would wear us out quickly."

She paused then, her fingers on the ivory scrimshaw pendant.  "We might also want to use rope to tie ourselves to each other.  That way if the snow is blowing hard we won't lose each other and if someone slips or falls into a hole we can pull them out."

Hengar reflects on Thane's question for several moments before offering a guarded response.

"There are some among my tribe who wish to stick to the old ways of self-reliance, free from the influence of the world of those who dwell behind walls. Very powerful, influential people. Elders. Our Shaman"

"For them, there is no challenge in which allies are needed. Even the deeds of heroes like Wulfgar Dragonsbane, the Elk King who slew the dragon Icingdeath, and along with elf, dwarf and halfling companions saved Ten Towns from the army of Akar Kessell at the Battle of Icewind Dale...these, in the minds of many of my kin, give strength to their resolve to stick to the old ways of self-reliance and loyalty to clan alone."

Pausing a moment, "I came with the blessing of my King, Jarund Elkhart, so any ill will would be misplaced. King Elkhardt is a just king and his word is respected. You will not be harmed by my kin, on this I vow."

Hengar then says he had hoped to bring allies with magical ability back to his people, but understands the others did not wish to come and is happy for those who did.

On the subject of tents and other travel provisions, Hengar suggests he has all the supplies they will need to cross the tundra. "But, you may bring spares, if you wish."

OOC: We can assume you all have appropriate gear for crossing the tundra (i.e., snow shoes, wool socks and gloves, blankets, etc. You may annotate your character sheets with whatever you think you need.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:16, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

In reply to Hengar Aensvaard (msg # 5):

"Mayhaps none of your people will raise their hands agains us, but it sounds as if not everyone will be all that pleased to see us," Arnan replied to Hengar's comments, flashing a rueful smile that let the barbarian know that he understood how difficult it must have been for a prideful people to ask for aid from those who looked down their noses as those who lived as the Tribe of the Elk did.

"But good-hearted allies such as we three can be of real assistance in a time of great danger, and hopefully your people will come to realize that. Speaking for myself, I shall try to be mindful of the concerns of those who do not exactly welcome us with open arms, so as not to wound their pride any more than was already done by going outside the tribe to request aid."

"It was good that this was discussed beforehand, so that I do not unknowlingly step on any toes by my actions when we reach your winter camp."

"And from a more practical standpoint, 'tis good to know that you have the winter-gear that we might need. As you well know, those who do not respect Nature -- and who are not prepared for Her worst, especially this time of year -- oft pay a heavy price. Losing fingers and toes to the cold might be the least of our worries."

The party has little difficulty securing accomodations and a warm meal at the Eastside. As it turns out, they are the only foreign guests at the small inn and Clyde and his young servant girl, Marta, are delighted for their patronage. A small clientel of locals dines with the adventurers, these folk are friendly, good-natured and quite welcoming of the adventurers. Each seems to be genuinely interested in the adventurers and, if allowed, pass the evening chatting with each in turn.

From the locals, the party learns of no love lost between the people of Targos and Termalaine. To hear the locals tell it, the fishermen of Targos are quite rude and can be counted on to: cross lines, obstruct movement across the water, scare promising fish schools away and steal catches!

Interjecting in this airing of grievances, Clyde, the inn's proprietor, asks the adventurers if they happened to come across any of the strange new ore he has heard about. "Some braggart from Lonelywood came through about a week ago saying he picked some of this black ice up in Bryn Shander. Sounds to me like a hoax, but you never know..."

In reply to Hengar Aensvaard (msg # 5):

"I don't intend to make trouble with your people," Thane said in echo of Arnan's sentiments about tribal relations.  "And it is good you have plenty of cold weather supplies.  Perhaps one more tent would be good, since we are of mixed company," he continued with a nod of the head towards Kira.  He stewed on Hengar's other thoughts while they made way towards the Eastside.  The tribal shaman being so set against outside assistance might prove to be a lingering problem.

Inside, Thane greatly enjoyed the warmth of the physical setting as well as that of the people.  He ate with gusto and listened to their tales about the locale with interest.  He even shared some similar tales from Luskan and news from the coast which the Termalainians probably did not know about.

"Yeah, we heard about that black ice on our way up here," he volunteered.  "We traveled with a female dwarf who's kin are up in Kelvin's Cairn.  Apparently they've found a vein of it.  What's so special about the stuff, I wonder?"

Clyde shrugs his shoulders while shaking his head from side to side, "I don't know, but those who've seen and held the stuff get a far off look in their eyes when they talk about it."

"Like Gold fever. And there aint be much gold come from Kelvin's Cairn."

Kira gave Thane a bemused but almost irritated glance.  "You wanna make me a little icicle?" she asked him with a jaunty tone.  "The whole point of trapping body heat is to keep warm … I'm not gonna put out much all on my own.  Don't think of me as a girl.  Not like I'm gonna get nekkid on a frozen tundra," she quipped.

While sitting near the fireplace in the tavern, she happily chatted with people and told what little she knew of current events elsewhere.  She thank them for the news (aka gossip) they gave.  When talked turned to the black ice, she let the others talk though she was listening intently.  She'd touched quite a few shinies in her life but nothing made her act the way this man said people did who have touched the stone or gem or whatever the substance.

In reply to Kira (msg # 10):

"I dunno," Arnan replied to Kira's remarks with a straight face, "I have heard it said on good authority that if there is a girl present, sleeping naked in with her in the same sleeping bag is the very best way to preserve body heat."

"Just sayin'."

"That's just downright odd," Thane opined by way of reply to Clyde.  "Seems to me that's some stuff I wouldn't want to touch with a ten-foot pole, if it means I'd be losing my mind to go get me more and more of it," he added with a smirk.  Maybe it was a Luskan figure of speech?

Then he laughed with mirth at Kira's comment about turning into an icicle and Arnan's quick-witted retort.  "You're gonna have to do that with her," he rejoined, eyeing Arnan with playful accusation, "'cause I sure as scurvy won't be climbin' into no sleepy-sack butt naked with you!"

"You all seem like very nice folk," he complimented Clyde and his daughter.  "Even to a Luskaner like me.  You been having any trouble with Luskan folk lately?  Folks in Bryn Shander are dealing with some ruffians from down there, got themselves a protection racket going or somesuch nonsense.  Causin' quite a stir if I understand it right.  Idiot scum."

Clyde says not many outsiders end up in Termalaine, so news from other towns is hard to come by and locals are appreciative of whatever they can get.

"Can't say that I have had any issue with Luskans, but then again, I haven't really been looking for it either!" he says with a smile. He then states he appreciates the heads up and will be on the look-out should any Luskan thugs makes their way to Termalaine, "as unlikely as that may be."

Though he never comes outright and says it, the party does piece together through their interactions that the serving girl is probably not Clyde's daughter. She always refers to him as "Mister Clyde", "Master" or "Sir" and never any paternal endearment.

Kira's lips twitched as Arnan made his statement and then she dissolved into a snicker with Thane's response, turning her gaze to Thane.  "Well there goes my sweet dreams," she snarked, eyes sparkling with mischief.  Both guys received a sassy wink.  Poor Hengar.  Saddled with nonmagicky lewd outsiders, she thought to herself.

When they were speaking to Clyde, she nodded along with the information they passed on about Bryn Shander.  "Not all of us from Luskan are bad but yeah, there's a batch from there makin' things mad for the folk," she stated, feeling a need to defend herself and Thane.  Of course there was a time she wouldn't have been able to defend herself.

After dinner, Clyde asks if he can be of any additional service, before asking his servant-girl to show the adventurers to their rooms.

OOC: If any of you wish to purchase supplies, we can take care of it here. Clyde knows everyone in town and can scrounge together PHB supplies (at cost), if there's anything you want. Otherwise we will assume your characters turn in and advance their story one day :)

OOC:

Can someone refresh my memory as to how much the PCs were paid when the caravan made it to Bryn Shander and the guards were mustered out? I kinda-sorta remember that it was 50 gp, but I didn't add it to Arnan's Character Sheet at the time. Thanks!

OOC: Yes, 50 gp

"Given we'll be tromping across the open tundra," Thane observed to Clyde, "I'll be wanting to get a couple things.  No offense to Hengar, but a spare tent would be handy, as would a light bolt-flinger and a case of bolts for it.  Other than that, I think my gear is up to the task, goodman."

OOC: So a 2-person tent, a light crossbow, and a case of 20 bolts ought to run (2 + 25 + 1 + 1 = 29 gp).

"A tent could be a life-saver if we are caught out in the open when the weather turns bad -- which it sometimes does this time of year," Arnan agreed with Thane's assessment.

Turning to Clyde, he said "I'll take a two man . . . err, person . . . tent also. Plus, an extra 20 arrows, if your bowyer-fletcher knows his business. I prefer gray goose feathers for the fletching, if they are available."

---

OOC:

So . . . two GP for the tent, and one GP for the extra arrows. My recollection is that the English longbow-men who won at Agincourt and Crecy preferred gray goose feathers for the fletching on their arrows, so who is Arnan to quibble with the choice of such professionals? Admittedly, however, I have no idea as to the preferences of Odysseus and Telemachus. :)

I don't see winter clothing listed separately in the PHB, so I'm going to assume that Arnan already has clothing available that is appropriate for the conditions. After all, Bermuda shorts don't cut it around Ten Towns. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Wed 22 Feb 2017.

Kira chewed on her lip, considering all her belongings.  "I'm not nearly as strong as you guys so me trying to carry a tent won't work.  I'd just end up on my back like a turtle," she commented.  "I need more arrows as well, though, and I'll take a couple loaves of bread and two chunks each of meat and cheese," she requested of Clyde.  "Oh ... an extra blanket too," she added.  Drawing out three gold pieces, she knew it was a little over the price but she figured a little tip wouldn't hurt.

---

1 gp Arrows (20)
5 sp Blanket
4 cp Bread (2)
2 sp Cheese (2)
6 sp Meat (2)

Clyde takes down a list of the items the adventurers wish to procure and says he should have all on hand by tomorrow morning. He then hands the list to Marta and sends her out to fetch the items.

Eventually, the party turns in for the night for what might be their last night's rest under a solid roof and walls for at least a couple of days. The trek through Bremen's Run begins tomorrow, then the northward journey across the tundra north of Kelvin's Cairn.

***

Date: Eleint 27
Location: The Village of Termalaine

The adventurers wake early in the morning to a snowy morning. Snow flies sideways, swept by the wind, promising a hard day of travel ahead. Hengar is up before the rest, eager to depart soonest. Per arrangement, Clyde and Marta are up early as well with the requested provisions on hand and a warm meal before the party departs. Eventually, the group settles affairs, says their farewells and departs the Eastside. Clyde and Marta watch from the doorstep as the quartet disappears in the swirling snow...

Hengar takes the lead, as he knows the way best, and he asks Arnan to take the rear, to keep Kira and Thane from getting lost of separated. Following Bremen's Run proves to not be very difficult, as it is a relkatively flat stretch of land adjacent to a stretch of forest known as Lonelywood, the last stand of trees before one crosses miles and miles of endless tundra.

Were it not for the weather conditions, snowy and windy, travel across Bremen's Run might not be very difficult. But it proves to be quite so and the adventurers are forced to take frequent breaks in the lee of the nearby trees. Still, it only takes about 3 hours to clear Bremen's Run, veering northward toward the Shaengarne River. Here, away from the windbreak of the forest, the party is assaulted by the frigid gale blowing off the Reghed Glacier. Nothing could have prepared the party for this. All travel prior to this point might as well been a walk in the park, up ahead, lies the main course.

Hengar urges the party forward, encouraging each member to dig deep to put as many miles as possible under their legs. Visibility worsens as the day progresses and there are many stretches where the party must simply stumble forward in white-out conditions following the tracks of the person in front of them. At one point, Hengar produces a rope and has each member take hold of it, just to be sure nobody gets lost.

Hengar slows down to allow everyone to gather on his position. "We. Must. Push. On. Not. Far. Now." he shouts over the howling wind, his hair flying wildly about his face.

Pulling everyone closely into a huddle, he further relays his people have a sod hollow hunting lodge about a mile or so distant. They will camp there for the night, outside the elements. "But we need to make it before nightfall," he adds with a sense of urgency. "Otherwise you may well get to use those brand new tents," he says with a smile.

OOC: Can everyone make an Athletics or Survival check (DC 10) please.

Thanking Clyde and Marta for their assistance, Kira packed everything away in her backpack though she tried to arrange it so it was a little insulated.  When the guys were ready, she fell in line behind Hengar and Thane.  During the worst parts, she stayed in their tracks which made it not as much work for her shorter legs.

When Hengar brought out the rope, she looped it around her forearm and held fast with her double gloved hand.  She'd layered her socks and clothing and made sure the scarf was snug around her head and face with her hood pulled up over.  Even with the precautions, she found the buffeting winds to be a bit breathtaking now and then.

She was always a bit on the stubborn side so she wasn't about to let the snow and wind get the better of her, especially when surrounded by big hearty men.  She dug in and trudged onward, occasionally popping a bit of fruit or dried meat in her mouth.  "C'mon guys … a hunting lodge sounds a lot less drafty than a tent!"

---

09:22, Today: Kira rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Survival Check.  WHEW!

Arnan nodded his consent when Hengar asked him to bring up the rear to keep Kira and Thane from getting disoriented and wandering off-track. He had not been over the precise path that Hengar chose, but he knew the general area well. It's good for everyone to get used to the cold and the blowing snow whilst the Lonelywood helps to break the wind a little, he thought to himself as the group left Termalaine. The trek will only get worse once we hit the open ground.

And it did get worse -- much worse. Arnan himself was somewhat steeled to the bone-chilling conditions, having traveled over many regions of the north in all sorts of weather. He kept a close eye on Kira and was pleased to see that she had prepared well for the conditions, and was seemingly holding up well.

Arnan did not remove his hood or the scarf that protected his face when Hengar halted the group and spoke of a hunting lodge that was used by his people that was fairly close to their current position.

He nodded at Kira's conclusion and muttered "Aye, much better," although, with his voice muffled by his scarf and the howling of the gusting winds, he wasn't certain whether his companions could actually hear his words.

Arnan glanced over at Thane to see how the man from Luskan was holding up under the buffeting of the wind and snow, and the frigid conditions.

---

OOC:

18:44, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 21 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 17. Survival Check (DC 10). Success!
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:13, Fri 24 Feb 2017.

The cold and snow and wind didn't seem to pose a challenge to Thane, who seemed as impervious to to it as if he were made of stone and not flesh.  The big man kept up the pace handily along the Lonelywood, and when the blowing snow got so bad that Hengar handed back a rope, Thane trusted in their guide and did not complain.

But as the day wore on towards nightfall, Thane started to tire.  Perhaps it was the weight of everything he was carrying.  Perhaps it was the truly difficult weather taking a mental toll.  But when Hangar called out about the sod shelter somewhere off in the indeterminable distance ahead, Thane ground to a halt and rested his palms on his knees.

"I don't know how much father I can go!" he cried out plaintively into the howling wind.  "My legs feel like boiled potatoes and my back is about to give out from carrying this load!  I want to go on, I just don't feel I can make it much farther..."

---

OOC:  07:45, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Athletics Check (DC10). Fail

Arnan had seen exhaustion creep in and take people by surprise before. Every now and then, it had even happened to him.

And you couldn't always count on it happening to the smaller or less muscular people, either. Sometimes smaller people had a wiry strength about them that gave them a toughness that was somewhat unexpected in a smaller frame. Or, mayhaps the stronger folks are prone to overestimating what they can do -- or, they underestimate the weather, and don't conserve their strength as effectively as smaller people.

Turning to Hengar, Arnan raised his voice and shouted into the gusting winds, "We -- you and me -- need to lighten his load." He remembered Kira's concerns about overloading herself with a tent, and he thought her wise not to overdo the weight that she was carrying.

Then, leaning over and putting his face close to Thane's, he yelled, "It's not much further, and Hengar and I will lighten the load for you. Trust me -- you'll feel lots better once you can get off of your feet, and out of the wind and snow. Come on, now -- with a lighter load it'll just be putting one foot in front of the other . . . you can do this."

Arnan manages to coax hidden vigor out of Thane, urging the warrior to tap into deep reserves to push forward. The wind and snow seem to conspire against their forward progress, but Hengar blazes an aggressive pace and keeps the party on task to reach their intended destination. And not a moment too soon, for all in the party are thoughly exhausted upon reaching the frost heave.

Consisting of little more than an upward swell of frozen turf in a sea of white pierced with shocks of sedge and stubborn shrubs puncturing the snow, striated pockets in the heave form cavities in the frozen soil. These, Hengar suggests, are the 'hunter's lodge' Arnan alluded to earlier. Hengar resisted correcting Arnan at the time, but can't help but smile now as he leads the group to the 'lodge'.

Still, these pockets are large enough to line with hides and blankets and cover with the same, to effect a reasonably warm lean-to with little effort. Hengar examines the frost heave and kneels down to examine a disturbing sight: polar bear scat.

He lifts the scat up in his hand, holds it close to his nose and then turns to his companions.

"Not good. These are recent," he says.

He glances about perhaps hoping to see something in the fading twilight. Seeing nothing but swirling snow he adds, "A great bear kurking about will make for fitful sleep."

In reply to Hengar Aensvaard (msg # 26):

Arnan felt a little sorry for Kira and Thane when the group reached the shelter that Hengar had mentioned. It wasn't a building -- which was what Arnan had been expecting -- although it did provide at least a little relief from the wind and the blowing snow. And although Arnan himself was accustomed to roughing it when out in the field, he suspected that Thane and Kira were both city folk, who might well have a more difficult time adjusting to the hardships of their journey.

He nodded when Hengar gave voice to his concerns about the snow-bear. "Very dangerous, especially if it has suffered poor luck in its hunting, due to the weather. Hunger will make it even more aggressive than it might normally be."

Kira stood there with hands on her hips, a definite pout forming on her lips.  Her mind had pictured something similar but better than what was before them.  "It's been a long time since I slept under a bridge in the dead of winter with just a raggedy blanket for cover," she said absently, her eyes unfocused as she remembered part of her past that was none too pleasant.

"We could use the tends for a bit more windbreak," she suggested after she shook her head to clear those old cobwebs.  Then there was a 'better thee than me' scrunching of her nose as Hengar sniffed the bear poop and declared them to be fairly fresh.  "Figure it's had bad luck if it's come around a place where humans hang out now and then," she stated flatly.

"I know it's not much, but I got those two chunks of meat.  Figured it'd be a good snack for us or use it in case of emergency … which pretty much includes bears that might see me as those little bits of food you get before the main course," she said with a jab of her thumb toward Thane.  "So watches for sure, maybe Thane on last watch," she said to give the tired man a chance for some good rest.

In reply to Hengar Aensvaard (msg # 26):

Thane somehow managed to make it to the sod hollows.  Perhaps it was the encouragement from his fellows, or the literal sharing of a load, whatever it was he could not have said.  But the dumb-founded look on his face was clear as day.  "That's it?!?" he panted tiredly into the inhospitable wind and snow and cold.  His upper lip curled in an involuntary show of distaste and he looked hard at Hengar.

"You'll have to show me how to rig up my spare blanket to cover the opening," he added, more thoughtfully as the practicality of the situation asserted itself.  "You say this will be good enough shelter, I won't doubt you.  Wouldn't be the worst place I ever tried to sleep, just the coldest I guess."

When Hengar discovered fresh evidence of a lurking bear, Thane shook his head in near disbelief.  "Are any of these hollows big enough for all of us together?  Safety in staying together may be worth cramped conditions?"

Thane was not a wilderness type although he was used to enduring hardship, present difficulties notwithstanding.  "I'd think we should do our best to avoid getting the bear's attention.  Does this kind of weather make it harder for it to smell us?  I hear that bears have a very strong sense of smell..."

"None will be large enough for all to sleep together, but we will sleep two per heave. To keep warm through the night," he says matter of factly. "The tents will do little but keep the wind from cutting through our bones. Our sleeping skins will ensure we do not freeze. This, I promise."

To the other point, "The bear poses a problem. Maybe Arnan and I can set a trap to dissuade any easy attacks in the night, guard or not."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:11, Sun 26 Feb 2017.

Arnan nodded at Hengar's suggestion. "Aye, I'm actually carrying a heavy hunting trap in my gear," the outdoorsman remarked.

"It won't stop a bear altogether, but the sound of it going off -- not to mention the bear's roar of pain -- will give us some warning if the beast tries to make a meal of us in the dark. Plus, it'll slow it down considerably."

"Hengar, if you will help me decide on the best place to set the trap, we can do that right now, whilst we still have some light to work with."

"Why'nt you two go do that, and I'll stand watch here while you go," Thane offered helpfully.  Now that rest was at hand, he seemed to have recovered some of his can-do attitude and motivation.

He looked at Kira and gestured towards one of the heaves.  "If you want to get a head start preparing your shelter, now would be a good time for it.  You get the pick of the litter, I 'magine, seeing how there's three of us men and only one of you ladyfolk.  Not that picking a bunk-mate in conditions like this means anything more than a bucket o' swill being thrown overboard.  But if you do pick me, I'll try my best not to snore or pass wind too much," he said with a stiff grin.  The frigid air was so bad that it numbed the face and made speech and expressions all the more difficult.  "Leastways, if something bad does happen, I'd likewise do my best to stay between you and whatever comes a-knocking, or make 'em pay for having a swipe at you."

---

OOC:Thane will pull watch while the others go about their tasks.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Mon 27 Feb 2017.

Hengar shifts his pack off his back and nods in agreement to Arnan's suggestion.

Nodding at Thane, "Eyes open. Ears alert." With this he trudges off to join Arnan. Together, the two men locate a suitable spot to lay the trap. If anything, the trap will serve to divert a wild animal's attention through the promise of easy food and an early warning alarm.

It takes Arnan and Hengar about an hour to complete the task, during which time, Thane and Kira do their best to prepare the frost heave for occupancy. Kira manages to find a relatively large pocket, large enough for the four adventurers to occupy together and still have room for their gear! Hengar seems quite pleased with this discovery and he commends her on the find:

"Good! The Gods and Ancestors must take a shine to you. It is a boon, this," he says while gesturing at the modest lodge. "Let us hope their boon lasts to the morning and into tomorrow..."

"Well done," Arnan complimented Kira's work. "I've made do with lots worse in a pinch -- as I daresay we all have, as Thane says."

"Clearly, you will make some man a fine wife and home-maker some day," he teased her.

Glancing around at everyone, he continued, "Obviously, we'll need to set a schedule for the evening's watches, although with this overcast it may be difficult to keep track of the passage of time."

"I don't have any strong preferences as to which watch I take, so I'll be happy to take whatever is left over after everyone else has told their choice. Truth be told, I'm oft-times traveling alone, so just having other people around to keep watch for part of the night is a real boon for me."

Kira had snorted with amusement but appreciated Thane's proclamation to be a good bunk mate.  "As long as you don't steal my blankets, I don't care about the rest.  I'll be too tired to notice if you do it or even if I do," she quipped.  She instructed Arnan and Hengar to leave most of their gear there, that she would take care of it so they wouldn't be so encumbered trying to make the trap and once they were on their way she set about looking at the heaves.

She was already feeling pretty good about finding one spot for them all, had taken time to hang the tents over the entrance to block more wind.  Their gear could hold the bottoms down and serve double duty of a little blockade to give them time to respond if necessary.  When the two came back and praised her, she positively glowed with happiness.  They were all tired but they should be able to be pretty comfortable.  Her nose had crinkled a little when Arnan teased her, and she shook her head at him.  "I dunno about the homemaker part.  Never had a home before.  The wifey part though ..." she trailed off, giving a one-shouldered shrug and smug grin.

"Whoever's got the best night vision should take a middle watch.  If there's enough moonlight, I should be okay no matter which shift I get."  Pulling out a bit of fruit that wasn't quite frozen since it had been closer to her body, she handed it to Thane.  "Figure you can go ahead and hunker down first.  We'll wake you when it's your turn," she promised, concerned more with making sure he got plenty of rest given how things had affected him more so than the rest of them.

"Are you sure?" Thane asked, considering whether to object to being told to lay down and rest.  He must have decided to let the matter drop, however.  "Hmm," he mumbled, rolling his shoulders to drop his backpack.  "Fine by me, then.  A good sleep can do the body wonders.  I'm sleeping in my armor, though, never know if that bear is going to come calling."

Thane made ready to take his rest, although he wasn't so focused on that to the exclusion of the others.  He helped as needed to get the heave entrance properly covered with tent-tarps before laying out his own bedding and then finding a spot where he could relieve his bladder.  When it seemed proper to do so, he lay down and very quickly fell asleep, wrapped up in his woolen blanket.

The party settles into their frost heave for the night. It's a world away from the comforts of the Hooked Knucklehead or The Eastside, but the adventurers are glad for at least having a relatively warm and dry hollow to hunker down for the night. Surprisingly, it remains quite warm and aside from the low ceiling, is reasonably comfortable accommodations. Apparently Hengar knows his stuff!

Sometime after turning in it stops snowing and the skies begin to scatter out. And the temperature drops like a rock! A very cold rock. Fortunately, the party is snug in their heave and largely insulated from the ravages of the freeze.

At some point toward dawn but still quite dark outside, during Kira's watch, the rogue hears what unmistakably sounds like a pack of wolves nearby. The wolves are yapping and it sounds like they are drawing closer...
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:26, Fri 03 Mar 2017.

Kira rustles her companions awake in the event they need to take action to defend themselves against a pack of wolves...

OOC: DM post to keep game moving.

In reply to Kira (msg # 38):

Arnan came awake quickly when Kira shook him and whispered her warning. He was sleeping in his armor, but he set about stringing his bow -- he generally unstrung it whilst he was sleeping in these sorts of conditions, the better to protect the tightly-strung gut against the cold and dampness.

"Not really enough room to fight in here," he said in a low voice.

"I'm going outside. Mayhaps I can get an idea as to how close they are, and whether they are closing in on us."

OOC:

Shane, is it still blizzard-y outside, or have the winds died down with the night-fall? Do I need to make any rolls for Arnan in order for him to judge how far away the wolves are, and whether they are closing in on the group's location? Thanks.

Arnan slips outside the heave into the stark, cold night. The blizzard has subsided, leaving behind dark skies streaked with the fluorescent veil of Mytsra's weave. The hunter listens for a time trying to pin down the wolves location and distance and he eventually judges them to be about 1/2 mile to the northwest. Perhaps near the frozen river. Their periodic howls do not appear to be drawing nearer.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 40):

After a short while Arnan crawled back into the group's snow-hole on his hands and knees, his breath clouding the air in front of him.

"Good news," he told the others, "at least for the time being."

"I judge the wolves to be about half a mile from us, and they did not appear to be closing the distance."

"Of course, we may attract their attention once we come out of our hidey-hole and are on the move again."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Thu 09 Mar 2017.

Kira looked rather contrite and mumbled an apology.  "Sorry for waking you ... not quite used to animals and wide open spaces," she said softly.  "Try to go back to sleep," she added sheepishly and went back to her watch.

In reply to Kira (msg # 42):

"You did the right thing," Arnan was quick to assure Kira. "Hearing noises is unsettling at night, when you don't have your eyes to aid you -- not unless whatever you are hearing is very close by."

"Even given the fact that I have been sleeping out of doors for years now, I had to go outside and listen for a bit before I was comfortable that I knew what was going on. There is no way you could have judged such things from down here in this burrow."

"You did the right thing by awakening me. Always err on the side of caution, if you are on watch and are uncertain about something."

"Anything to worry about?" Thane asked when Arnan returned to the frost heave.  The big man had strapped on his shield and was prepared to defend the entry.  "Seemed like you were outside before I really came to," he went on. "Something about wolves?"

Clearly Thane was still shaking the cobwebs from his head but at least he seemed rested and none the worse for wear given his near-exhaustion earlier.  "Don't know if I'll really be able to go back to sleep, so if you'll give me a few moments for my noggin' to clear up, I'll spell you, Kira," he offered.  "It is my turn next, isn't it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Fri 10 Mar 2017.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 44):

Arnan was pleased to see that Thane was geared-up and ready for battle, if need be. "Aye, there's some wolves out there," he replied to the man-at-arms. "You can probably hear 'em singin' their song, if you listen."

"But as near as I can tell, they are a ways off -- say, about half a mile, or thereabouts -- and they don't seem to be coming in our direction."

He left it to Kira and Thane to discuss who would stand watch until it was time to get up. He took a moment to rub down the cord of his bow with beeswax to help protect it against the damp, then unstrung his bow and stored the cord in his belt-pouch.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Fri 10 Mar 2017.

Hengar's assessment of the situation matches Arnan's and he comments, "You did well to wake us. Though the wolves are at some distance, they could be upon us in no time. With the queer behavior we have seen among other animals of late, there is no reason to preserve beauty rest when so much could be at risk."

The barbarian shifts about in the heave and recommends everyone get some more rest. "We will leave before the sun has climbed over the horizon and another long day of travel ahead."

28 Eleint to 30 Eleint

Eventually, everyone drifts back to sleep and morning comes strong and bitter. While everyone remained warm within the heave, stepping outside, muscle and tendon react violently to the chill. Nothing a little physical activity wont fix though and in short order, the camp is broke down and the party is marching under a brilliant green and yellow streaked sky.

After the relative excitement of the first day's travel, the next few days pass uneventfully and are characterized by mile after mile of unbroken tundra under clear skies and still weather. It is cold to be sure, but other than that, good marching conditions. Save for a few large ravens on the second day, the party sees no animal life whatsoever and the wolves are not heard again after that first night.

Late on the third day, the party arrives at the Reghed Camp. The camp consists of a ring of large round tents made with deerskin and supported by beams of wood. The largest tents are at the center, these housing the king and other important members of the tribe: its shaman, its most honored hunter, its greatest warrior, and the like. These large tents are surrounded by smaller tents housing the rest of the tribe. Additionally a ring of campfires surrounds each tent, where warriors of the tribe sleep in the open, protected from the cold by the flames and a mountain of thick fur blankets.

Hengar is obviously relieved to have made it back to his camp, his mission not a complete failure, as he was able to secure the assistance of three adventurers. The Reghed people eye the adventurers suspiciously and their approach is met with a chorus of hushed whispers and curious glances.

Several tribemen approach Hengar and the party and relay recent tidings. Apparently the Bear Tribe raided the camp several days ago, shortly after Hengar departed for Ten Towns. Several Elk warriors were slain and prisoners were taken by the Bear tribe warriors as tribute to the Frostmaiden. The Frostmaiden has turned Bear against Elk.

"A small group of warriors prepares now to follow the raiders. Reclaim our people! Slay the Bear Warriors! Defeat the Frostmaiden!" a tribeswoman puts in.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:11, Wed 28 June 2017.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 47):

Arnan was pleased with how the remainder of their trek to the winter camp of the Elk Tribe had passed. There was no trouble from predatory animals, and the weather seemed to be on its best behavior. He had been concerned that the party might get hit by a howling blizzard when they were out on the trackless tundra, but his fears had proven to be unfounded -- this time.

He was proud of the way that Kira and Thane had borne up under the exposure to the cold -- the wind-driven cold that one encountered at this time of year out on the flat terrain of the northern tundra was different than the sort of cold that one saw -- or, rather felt -- inside Ten Towns' walled villages and buildings, as he well knew.

The scout smiled a thin smile when the foursome first glimpsed the Reghed barbarians' camp, but his expression soon turned serious when he heard the news of the raid by the Bear Tribe.

He turned to Hengar and asked quietly, "Would your people welcome our assistance in rescuing the hostages, or does the honor of the Elks' Tribe require that this be something that your own warriors must do?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:28, Fri 10 Mar 2017.

Hengar nods and says, "Your assistance was why I braved the trek, alone, to Ten Towns. My people will accept your offer on good faith. Good faith borne by the fact you even agreed to come in the first place, friends."

He looks about the camp, his eyes eventually settling on the large tents near the center of the camp. "Besides, if the Bear Tribe has now aligned with the Icewitch, the Elk will need all the help they can get. Even the most foolish and stubborn among my kin will recognize this truth."

He looks to each party member in turn, "We should seek audience with King Jarund..." He further explains that he will handle introductions, but once those formalities are completed, each member will be expected to give an accounting to King Jarund about their family or kinship, something personal. This is an Elk custom upon making new alliances, especially when dealing with its leaders.

"Speak true and clear," he says, "and you have nothing to worry about.

OOC: I have awarded each of you 50 XP for the trek to the Elk Tribe Camp and updated the XO thread accordingly.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 49):

Arnan nodded when Hengar had finished speaking. "I'm ready to go and speak with King Jarund."

"Although," he added, pausing for an instant, "Kira may need a moment to see to her hair."

This last quip was delivered with a straight face and an expression of profound innocence.

Thane eyed the tribal camp with open curiosity.  The way it was arranged showed simple wisdom and Thane found that he admired the  toughness and resolve of the Elksmen to live in such a way in these dangerous conditions.  He took in the layout of the camp and thought upon it from a soldierly perspective.  He had no idea what sort of tactics these wild men used or preferred.

"Why do these other tribes not get along with yours?  Life out here has to be hard enough without infighting," he asked Hengar, his words riding out upon a plume of vapor.  Maybe it was a foolish question but it was honest nonetheless.  Maybe it betrayed that Thane ascribed to the common "myth" about barbarian tribes being noble savages that only made war with outsiders.

"I'm very interested to meet your King and elders," he went on.  "Maybe it's like being called to meet one of the High Captains of Luskan?" he mused.  "Or maybe not.  Those men like flatterers, braggarts, and people who spin entertaining tales.  But plain truth, you say?  This will be different then."

"In lean times, strife. In plenty, peace," he replies simply. "But these latest aggressions are beyond the pale and can only be attributed to the taint of the Icewitch," he adds with more introspection.



"Yes. Plain truth. Lies only sway the minds of liars."

Kira had visibly brightened when the others weren't upset she'd woken them, a feeling of acceptance and respect making her feel better even if the frigid temperatures could make her an icicle.  It had boosted her in ways they might not understand but deep inside there was a spark that was growing bigger, keeping her heart warm like she'd never known and making her push harder to continue being a good contributor to the group.

When they reached the tribe she didn't seem bothered by the stares and whispers.  That was something she was quite used to and for a while she remained quiet while letting the men do the talking though she did look like she might interrupt when Arnan questioned their welcome to help save their people.  It was Arnan's quip about her hair that broke her silence, a tiny raspberry blowing but when he looked away she was quick to draw back the hood and run her fingers through her hair then replace the hood carefully.

Hengar and Thane spoke of truth and lies, something the former theif knew a little too much about and she nodded in agreement with Hengar.  "We've done nothing wrong and came to help.  Truth, while not always easy, is the best route," she stated.  "Let's not keep the king waiting, shall we?" she added, hoping to get out of the cold for just a little while and perhaps enjoy a little warm drink.  Adventure was still within her but the inner waif was hoping for a little creature comforts before they went haring off after those taken.

Hengar nods in agreement and urges his companions forward, deeper into the heart of the Elk campsite. Hengar leads the group to the inner circle of tents, toward a large central tent flanked by several alert and tense Elk warriors. Hengar is leading outsiders directly to the King and it is clear to even the least perceptive this is a cause for some concern. With a few words, Hengar diffuses the situation and assures his kinsmen there is no cause for alarm.

Hengar requests and receives permission to appear before King Jarund Elkhart. Pushing aside the tent flaps, the party is led into a large, well apportioned tent. Near its center, the party sees a towering barbarian whose deeply tanned skin and mane of auburn hair bespeak a life utterly removed from the comforts of civilization.

The Elk King's sternly scrutinizes the adventurers as they assemble before his inner guard. Hengar briefly announces his presence and pays the proper customs and courtesies before stating, "King Jarund, these noble men and woman have come from Ten Towns, offering their aid in our fight against the Ice Witch and The Tribe of the Bear, asking nothing in return. They will each speak for themselves, in turn."

Hengar nods to his new companions, prompting them to make their introductions.

Kira was standing there quiet and respectful while Hengar introduced them, sort of, and there was an awkward moment of silence after.  She looked at the men and internally groaned that it seemed they were abiding by the 'ladies first' rule.  She took one step forward and bowed with hands out and palms up to show she had no intention of being aggressive.

"My name is Kira, an orphan grown up in Luskan though my mother was from these parts," she began and touched the ivory pendant, her eyes unfocusing for a moment.  "She died when I was very young and I have spent my life surviving as best I can.  I'm good with bow and sword, taught some by others but mostly by my own determination and practice."

She stepped back then, leaving it up to the guys which would speak next and last.  She kept her demeanor and expression open and honest, waiting for the others to speak and then would be willing to answer anything else.  If they weren't accepted, she knew Arnan would be able to help them find their way back though she would feel bad leaving Hengar who had risked so much for his tribe.

Arnan waited until Kira had finished telling of herself, then cleared his throat and stepped forward. He met the Elk King's stare and held it for a while, then nodded a greeting and said "I am Arnan, of the Aldwynne family."

"I was told that I was born in Waterdeep, where my father was a minor noble. At some point he apparently crossed a powerful man, an evil man, and fled the city, taking our family -- my mother, younger sister, and myself -- with him. Somewhere along the road to Neverwinter my family was set upon after making camp for the evening, attacked by men whom my father's enemy had sent in pursuit of him."

"I was out hunting, and knew nothing of the attack until I returned to the campsite. My mother and father were slain -- they had both drawn weapons and tried to defend themselves. I found my sister a short ways from the camp -- dead, with an arrow in her back. Seemingly she had fled, and had been shot down to prevent her from escaping. Otherwise . . ." here Arnan paused for a moment and glanced over at Kira, his expression a careful mask of neutrality. After a moment the scout turned his gaze back to King Jarund and he continued with his introduction."Otherwise, I feel certain that the attackers would have taken her captive and sold her to those who ill-use young women."

"Afterwards, I drifted north along the Northern Means, and settled in the area of Ten Towns. I am a hunter, a trapper, a scout, and a guide -- I am accustomed to being out in the wilds by myself. I sometimes aid rangers in their struggle against the Orcs and other threats, but I am not one of them."

"In battle I favor the bow, but can give a good account of myself with the sword if need be."

Thane listened to first Kira and then Arnan speak up.  While they spoke, he reflected on his life and tried to decide what to say about himself.  He had heard small parts of each of their stories during the caravan trip from Luskan to Bryn Shander, but still, he learned some new things.  Especially from Arnan.

"Ahem," he cleared his throat when it was obviously his turn to speak up.  He stepped forwards and set his shield and flail at his feet between himself and King Jarund.  He even gave a slight bow at the waist as a gesture of respect.

"I am Thane Harkensen, a soldier from Luskan," he began.  "My father is a scribe, a man of books and writings, and his father before him was a successful sheepsman who sold things made of wool to Luskan and other nearby cities.  Because I am not suited to being a scribe like my father, or brothers," he paused a moment, then gestured at his shield and flail, "I was given over to the service of Ship Rethnor before my eighth birthday to be apprenticed as a squire-at-arms.  I survived.  Indeed, I prospered and over the years was accepted to be a soldier myself."

Thane paused again, obviously weighing something in his mind.  He must have decided in favor of the thought, for he nodded to himself and continued.  "I am not like most men from Rethnor.  I care a great deal about my fellow soldiers, and because of this and other things about me, my Captain had me trained in medicine and traditional healing methods.  They made me a warrior medic, even though I am not like a warrior priest because I have no gift for magic.  I am on...leave...from my soldierly duties right now.  My Captain assigned me to be a caravan guard and since the caravan I travelled with is wintering in Bryn Shander, I am free to chart my own course until the spring thaws."

Thane glanced meaningfully at Hengar, a glance filled with respect and regret.  "Once I learned of the troubles of your people from Hengar, I chose to volunteer to help in any way I can.  I only know rumors about your people and your ways, and learning truth about you was an opportunity that I liked very much.  My shield, weapon, mind, and abilities are at your disposal, mighty King, until my original duty calls on me again."

King Jarund listens intently to each adventurer's tale, noting not only their words, but their body language in the process. He appears satisfied with each, nodding with acceptance of each new fact. Storytelling is central to the Reghed's way of life. Their traditions are handed down from generation to generation through the spoken word and this skill, the ability to tell one's tale, is regarded nearly as highly as skill at arms.

When each has finished their tale, the Elk King responds, "I judge you each to speak well and true. I see Hengar has chosen well to seek your aid. For this, you have the thanks of my people..."

The King's tone becomes more somber now, "You may have already heard about our troubles, but just last night, new trouble has come to our people..."

King Jarund proceeds to tell the adventurers what they have already heard from others in the camp, about the Bear Tribe attack. He explains that he is readying a group of warriors to follow the raiders and rescue their prisoners before they are sacrificed to Auril, the Frostmaiden.

"We would be indebted should you accompany our warriors, as many are still wounded from the Bear Tribe attack and we can spare few for the journey," he says.

He further explains the expedition will be led by Folnor Hagbarthe, the Elk Tribe's best tracker. They currently have a band of a dozen Elk Tribe warriors, though they would gladly accept Arnan, Kira and Thane's assistance.

"What say you?" the King asks.

"As much as I an not in a rush to get down to fighting, I'm looking forward to helping your people," Thane replied, again with a slight bow.  "I've only heard rumors about how you of the Elk fight and make war, so being able to see it first hand is like a dream for my warrior heart."

Thane fell silent, perhaps to give the others a chance to speak up as well.  When he had another opportunity to speak, he did so.  "You mentioned that you have some wounded warriors.  I would like to help them, perhaps speed their healing, if you are willing for me to use my mundane healing arts, that is, milord," he proposed politely.

Kira listened to her companions' tales and while Arnan gave her a neutral look, the knowing glint of tears in her eyes proved she knew far too well what likely had happened.  She was no delicate courtly flower but someone who'd lived on the streets and saw and endured some of the nastier parts of life.  In that glance she tried to express her sorrow and support.

Thane's wording and the hesitation when saying he was on leave led her to think something truly horrific had happened but she would not press, not now and not later.  He also received a chin-up and look of compassion and support, her respect for both men having raised even higher proportions.  She had not been quite as forthcoming but was truthful and earnest.

Once that was all done, they waited to see what the king would say and it seemed they had pleased him enough.  His question if they would help retrieve their tribe members was met with an emphatic bob of her head.  "I came to help and will do my best to bring back those who were taken," she stated, thinking she might even learn a bit of tracking along the way.

Arnan was a little surprised to see the understanding and compassionate look on Kira's face after he had finished with his telling -- after all, it was not like they were longtime companions. In that one glance, however, she mayhaps revealed a glimpse of her own nature, which had heretofore been hidden underneath a shell of competency and a street-smart attitude. Arnan was not the sort of man to wear his own heart on his sleeve -- the North and its many travails tended to encourage a hard-edged stoicism in a man -- but he gave her a long gaze and a nod in return.

Once the other two had spoken their assent to aiding the Elk Tribe's warriors in their response to the attack by the Bear Tribe, Arnan turned to King Jarund. "I have previously pledged to Hengar to do my best to aid the Elk Tribe in their time of troubles. For the Ice Witch is a formidable foe, one whose aggression must be met with a stout response by both your people and ours, lest she grow emboldened and powerful by her victories over those who were forced to stand alone against her. I wish that others of my people had the wisdom to realize that 'tis better to stand with the Elk Tribe as allies, now, instead of facing the Ice witch and those who do her bidding later, alone."

Arnan paused, having put more effort into his own words than was usual for him, in recognition of his hosts' high regard for the telling of tales and stout-hearted speech -- for he had heard tell of such things from some of the local rangers.

Perhaps reverting to his more natural form of direct, to-the-point speaking, he looked directly into King Jarund's eyes and said simply "'Twould be my honor to aid your warriors in their efforts."

Having pledged their support to the King of the Tribe of Elk, the party prepares themselves for a continued march across the open tundra. The tribe's best tracker, Folnor Hagbarthe, has already assembled at the head of a group of a dozen Elk Tribe warriors. The party is already weary from their journey to the Elk Tribe camp and now has little opportunity for respite, as the group is ready to set out at once. It will take every measure of their strength and endurance to continue this grueling pace.

Folnor shouts over the howling wind to address the group.

"The Bear Tribe warriors fled east. We must move quickly for we have already lost time to them." Glancing at the horizon he comments, "They may have taken our people to Evermelt, if so, they will have the advantage when we approach..."

The party later learns about Evermelt, either through Hengar or Folnor himself. Evermelt is a sacred site to the Reghed tribes, an oasis of warmth in the midst of the frozen desert. Here, hot springs bubble up at the foot of the Reghed Glacier. The party may also hear talk of Icingdeath, a white dragon who once laired beneath the springs. Of course, Icingdeath was slain about a century ago, but the memory of the dread wyrm has not faded amongst the people of Icewind Dale.

"But that was long ago," Hengar cuts in as the party treks across the snow-covered tundra.

OOC: Can I get Survival checks please (DC15)

The adventurers arrive and depart the Elk Tribe camp with very little time to rest. Shuffled in from the cold only to be shuffled out again, but this time without the benefit of day's light to guide their steps. Their muscles weary and sore, the party files out into the cold and dark, a shadow in a long procession of fur and the glint of metal beneath Selune's tears and Mystra's verdant Weave.

Kira and Arnan struggle to keep up with Folnor's aggressive pace and have to be urged forward at several moments. For his part, Thane has less difficulty. Perhaps his years as a soldier have prepared him for forced marches. In any event, he stoicly marches forward, providing assistance to his companions now and again. Hengar, if he is feeling similar effects, says little of them, and instead participates in the folk songs of his people. These, solemn hymns, give additional motivation to Kira and Thane to push through their discomfort.

Hoiur after hour the march continues until one day blends into the next, night to early morning and still no rest for the weary. Eventually, Folnor affords the party an opportunity to rest. "We will stop for a couple of hours. After that, our pace will quicken so that we can come upon Evermelt before dawn's first light. Those who can, should remain awake, giving those who need rest an opportunity to sleep..."

Folnor says he will keep watch and he gains one other man who will assist him. The rest of the Elk warriors waste no time begging off to sleep.

OOC: Who wants to attempt to keep watch and who will take the opportunity to sleep? Everyone is tired, though Kira and Arnan especially so. You may all sleep if you wish, but I want to give you an opportunity to attempt to stay awake if you wish.

Thane trudged along with determination.  Perhaps it was the promise of a warm spot in all this cold that spurred him on.  When he saw that Arnan and Kira both were flagging from the effort required to keep going, he dropped back and plodded with them.  "Just a bit further, you can do it!" he encouraged, or "Just keep stepping, you can do that, just keep stepping!" he exhorted.  Inwardly he was amazed at the fortitude and hardiness of these Elksmen!

Finally they stopped for a short rest, and without delay or hesitation after Folnor made his pronouncement, Thane gathered Kira and Arnan together.  "You two rest.  I'll not have any complaints or backtalk from you either," he said firmly.  It was evident from his expressions that he was concerned with their wellbeing after such a tough, grueling march.  "I'm feeling pretty good right now, may as well stay up and see this thing through to the end.  I can rest when the fighting is done."

And honestly, I am getting used to having little rest anyways... he thought grimly.

Sensing that his companions were perhaps a bit muddled of mind, he helped them both arrange a comfy resting spot and used their blankets or spare bedding materials as cover to keep them warm.  Once his friends were settled he walked over to stand near Folnor.

"I feel pretty good, good enough to stand watch with you and your man," he offered.  "Do you have a plan for how we're going to attack the party from the Tribe of the Bear?"  This was probably Thane's first opportunity to start learning how these "wild men" went about making war and he was genuinely curious.

Arnan felt the fatigue coming on, and knew it for what it was. He judged himself to be reasonably tough, and acclimated to the harsh conditions of the North, but he understood that living in these parts was a constant struggle against nature. These days he won more often than not, but he understood that sometimes nature -- and the North -- would prove to be stronger than he was.

It might have been different if the scout had been able to set his own pace, for he would have known to take short breaks and rest every now and again, so as to regain some of his energy. But Folnor set a grueling pace, and Arnan could not really fault the man, not with some of his people being held by their enemies.

Although he kept his expression neutral, Arnan was glad when Folnor eventually called for a halt. Seemingly Thane had learned how to pace himself during the trek to the Elk Tribe's winter camp, for the man-at-arms had clearly held up better than Arnan himself had.

Arnan did not protest when Thane suggested that he and Kira sleep -- or, at least lie down and rest -- during the halt. He was not concerned about looking weak, for the wise man knew that the North sometimes got the better of even the strongest people .  . . it was a simple fact of life up here. And he was enough of a realist to understand that in order to be at his best when it was time to do battle, he needed to rest.

Turning to Kira, he asked, "Need any help getting settled in?"

Kira had done so well before but the forced march was making her resolve to act the tough girl falter.  Still she set her jaw, gritting her teeth as others encouraged her to keep going.  She could not be seen as weak, especially since she was female.  It was something that had been engrained into her from the time she lost her mother.

She had endured the elements before though it had never been this bad.  Still, she knew hardship and refused to give up … not that she could because she was freeze to death quickly.  One foot after the other she continued until finally Folnor called for a short break, eliciting a groan of gratitude from the petite street urchin.

"I'll gladly take a little cat nap," she said with a nod to Thane and turned to Arnan who likewise wasn't afraid to rest right then.  "Just throw your stuff down and curl up with me for warmth," she said a little wearily, wanting to waste no time.  Indeed once bedding was arranged, she curled up much like a cat and was fast asleep.

Arnan and Kira elect to take up the offer to sleep. A wise move for both indeed. It's not that Thane is not tired--he is. But the soldier is faring considerably better than his companions and feel no overwhelming desire to sleep just yet.

Once the rest of the group has turned in, Thane approaches Folnor...



Folnor thanks Thane for the assistance and states, "Yes. Something of a plan..."
The Elk tracker then states he hopes to approach Evermelt as quietly as possible. There, he suspects the Bear Tribe is encamped at an ancestral campsite along the northwest shore of a sacred pool atop a glacial moraine. There is adequate cover up the moraine, but they will need to proceed slowly to avoid setting off loose stones and the like. These are likely to trigger any scouts or guards the Bear Tribe has posted in expectation of a counter-strike.

Folnor continues, "Of course we must get there in one piece first. We have been lucky so far to not encounter the Ice Witch...or any of her beasts..."

He then tells Thane about his encounter with the Ice Witch when his hunting party was attacked by a pack of wild beasts. The Elk tracker looks quite fearful as he continues, "I shot the witch straight through her wretched heart. She should have died on the spot..."

After Folnor fought off the beasts he searched the battleground to find the Witch, confident she would be found, slain. Yet there was no trace of her body after the fight, nor any blood when the snow should have been stained crimson from the arrow shot to the heart. "Very unnatural this bond with Auril..." he says in a low tone.

He further stresses that the Tribe of the Bear usually haunts the far north, at the shores of the Sea of Moving Ice, so their presence in Evermelt is strange.

Thane continued to talk with Folnor.  Throughout the tallking he kept moving in various ways, swaying side to side or shifting his weight between his feet, a practice long-ago learned as a way to ward off the cold.  He knew full well how easy it was to lose body heat, and cold body parts go numb making travel that much harder.  Being tired and travel-worn, he desperately wanted to keep what warmth he still had.

"There seems to be a lot of strangenesses going on up here," he said quietly, rolling his shoulders.  "Do you suppose we'll get answers from the men of the Bear, assuming any live to tell us their tales?" he asked.

After the answer, he turned his attention back to Folnor's battle plan.  Thane was no tactical genius.  One could kindly say that he simply didn't have the mind for it, but his years as a soldier certainly gave him a measure of basic battle knowledge.  A few questions and observations sprang to mind and so he chose to give them voice.

"I understand the need to be quiet.  My two companions ought to be able to do just that.  Me, though," he grunted, a muffled half-laugh issuing forth, "I'm a bit armored up to be stealthy.  But I'll do my best.  Maybe I should stay towards the back and quickly rush forward when the battle is joined?"

He let Folnor chew on that for a moment or two, then pressed on with his other thoughts.  "I didn't look too closely at how your men are kitted out to fight.  Not my concern, really, what gear their totin', but you should know that my companions both favor the bow, to fight from a distance.  Do you have many archers among your warriors?  Or do you prefer to get up close and personal?  That's the kind of fighting I prefer, face to face, with a good man on my right and on my left.  Usually works out better for me and them that way."

Anyone with even minimal military (or militia) experience would recognize the kind of soldier Thane was.  The kind that was willing to take orders but also had enough experience (or rank) to be able to offer up his opinions for consideration.  His tone was relaxed and businesslike, possessing a talk-amongst-equals quality.

He gestured at his relatively new crossbow and gave out a muffled half-laugh again.  "I got that just in case something jumps us while we're traveling.  All this snow makes closing the distance a bit hard, so's I figured a good bolt-flinger would come in handy.  I do prefer my flail and shield, and I'm much the better with them, too," he finished, patting his weapon with soldierly affection.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:52, Wed 19 Apr 2017.

"If they are defeated in battle, they are duty-bound to speak their hearts. Doing otherwise is a dishonor to their ancestors," Folnor explains. He goes on to say he expects the Bear Tribe to fight hard to prevent a loss and as a result, he expects it to be a hard battle. The Elk and Bear were not exactly on great terms before this outrage.



Folnor says they may get some assistance in the matter from the wind, which blows off the glacier and may mask any noise Thane might make on approach. "But yes, your reasoning seems sound," he says reassuringly.



The Elk warriors are all similarly outfitted; all wear some variation of hide or leather armor and carry both melee and missile weapon. All are proficient in both and the tribesmen seem to make little distinction between the two, using whichever is expedient at the time. Most have spears, axes or swords for primary melee weapons and more than a few have bows while the others rely on javelins for ranged weapons.




Flnor examines the crossbow with a certain degree os admiration and smiles. "It looks to be a well-made weapon and will serve you well should it need to be fired. But hopefully you will be able to show your prowess up close and personal, should it come to that."

As for himself, Folnor says he prefers to use the spear as a weapon due to its simplicity and versatility: can be used for both melee and ranged attacks, one or two handed, with or without a spear, easy to craft and maintain, etc.

"But all weapons are created equal in the hands of the skilled," he offers in reflection.

Highharvestide

After a few hours, Filnor asks Arnan to help wake their sleeping companions. It was far too short to be considered proper sleep, but a few hours of rest is enough to shake the tiredness off and the group is ready to set out again in short order.

It is now a few hours before dawn and Filnor keeps a steady and demanding pace, climbing higher up toward the glacial rift which gives this region its name. Howling winds blow past the adventurers as they climb the moraine, ever closer to camground known as Evermelt. Here, the Elk Tracker expects the Tribe of the Bear to be found and none too willing to ransom prisoners. The Elk Warriors are all mentally prepared for what will surely be a hard-fought battle. Arnan, Kira and Thane should be prepared too, both Hengar and Filnor comment, because one battle is enjoined it is likely their Bear enemies will draw no distinction between Elk and Outsiders.

Still, Hengar cautions the adventurers that is unlikely the Bear Tribe will fight to the death. There are rules to battle and there is no dishonor to the taking of slaves in lieu of eliminating one's foes. The Bear Tribe are still Reghedsman after all.

OOC: We fly out to South Carolina on Saturday. The next week or so is likely to be a little hectic and I probably won't have much time to post. We arrive on Sunday, sign our house lease on Monday, pick up keys Tuesday, pick up our car on Wednesday and are likely having household goods delivered on Thursday or Friday. And then the unpacking begins...

At any rate, we are getting ready to enter a pretty big battle scene and I need to hold off on starting the battle until my house situation is settled, etc. I think everything should be mostly settled by 8 May, but we'll see. I am hopeful at least.

At any rate, thanks for the continued patience :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:15, Wed 28 June 2017.

Filnor leads the large group through the stillness of early dawn, climbing higher up the loose stones of the glacial moraine. The moraine consists of a wide valley between two sheets of ice rising to either side. It is a steady climb made more challenging by the unsure footing of ascending on a bed of differently sized stones.

Up ahead, about a half mile distant, Filnor stops to point an area of steam rising near the top of the glacial moraine. This, he claims comes from the sacred pool, a hot spring at the base of Evermelt. There is an encampment along the sacred pools northern banks, and this is where he expects the Bear Tribe to have taken their prisoners.

"From here on out, we must move forward quietly, for they are sure to have scouts along the way..."

There are larger boulders here or there within the moraine, so it is possible to sneak up the ascent without being seen. The larger issue is dislodging stones as one climbs up the uneven bed.

OOC: Everyone please make a Stealth check (DC 15)

Having taken full advantage of the nap, Kira found her limbs to not be sluggish and working quite well as she quietly moved along with the group.

---

08:09, Today: Kira rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.

"Your men are well equipped," Thane noted in response to Folnor.  It seemed to him that the men of the Elk fought like skirmishers.  He doubted they would do anything like form orderly ranks and attack like his company had done back in Luskan.  An opportunity to learn - that seemed plain enough.

When talk turned to how the men of the Bear would behave in battle, Thane drew some comfort in the fact that they would not fight to the death.  "It's good that our foe will see if the tides of battle turn against them, and surrender before being slaughtered.  What about us?  Should the worst happen, and the Bear gains the advantage, what should we do?  Honestly, I am not used to fighting a foe that is willing to surrender.  Undead and Drow don't do things like that."  He considered the point for a moment.  "Drunken sailors and back-alley thugs do, however.  Well, they try to run when things don't go their way," he added, chuckling through a frozen-faced smirk.

Then it was time to move, and Thane donned his pack, strapped in his shield, and made sure his flail was ready.  His crossbow was lashed to the side of his pack.  He doubted he would need it, unless things really didn't go according to plan.  He found the ascent up the scree, dodging from behind one boulder to another and then another was a bit of invigorating fun.

---

22:19, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17 using 1d20.  Stealth. Success vs DC15

used to solitary hunting and trapping forays, Arnan had trained himself to sleep whenever the opportunity presented itself, even if it was in fits and starts. So the chance to sleep the whole night through whilst others stood watch was a real luxury to the archer.

He was sound asleep when Filnor nudged him awake and asked him to help awaken their sleeping companions, but he came awake quickly and felt quite refreshed after a full night's slumber.

He nodded as Filnor explained that the Bear Tribe warriors would not likely fight to the death if the tides of battle turned against them. Although he had not spent long periods of time amongst the barbarians, he had heard a bit here and there from other outdoorsmen, and was not surprised by what Filnor told them.

Arnan again nodded silently when the time came to climb over the scree and loose debris, and Filnor cautioned everyone to move quietly. The scout took extra time, placing each foot carefully. The winds would help cover the sound of any unusual noise, he well knew, but the sound of a snapped branch might well alert the sentries that the Bear Tribe would certainly have placed outside their main camp.

He was a little surprised that Kira seemed as light-footed as he was, and even Thane, whom Arnan took to be a bit heavy-footed, did quite well in his stealthy approach.

---

OOC: 19:56, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19. Stealth Check (DC 15). Success.

The Elk tribesmen and adventurers move up the scree without dislogding much, if any, loose stones. Even Thane, in heavy armor, acquits himself well, much to the admiration of the tribesmen he travels alongside.

After some time, Filnor motions to the group to halt. Up ahead, atop the summit near what certainly must be the hot springs, the party sees the glow of campfires. Filnor passes silently through the line, eventually drawing near the adventurers and Hengar.

"We are close now," he says. "Three sentries up ahead..." He then points to a location off to the side of the scree trail, about 60 feet distant.

Turning their attention to this point, the party sees that the trail continues north toward the campsite, now about 100 feet distant. A sharp low cliff rises from the west side of the trail and the trail drops away to a scree field to the east. Atop the cliff, rising about 20 feet above the trail, three Bear tribesmen huddle behind a stone cairn, their backs presently turned to the adventurers. Not very good sentries really, but there nonetheless.

Passing beneath the sentries without being heard might prove difficult, but not totally out of the question. Of course there could be other options as well...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Sat 13 May 2017.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 75):

So far, so good, Arnan thought to himself as the group climbed towards the Bear Tribe's camp.

He halted and pursed his lips thoughtfully when he saw the three sentries that Filnor had mentioned, all standing atop a low cliff that rose alongside the trail. They didn't look to be overly alert at the moment, but Arnan knew that could change in a hurry if they detected movement or suspicious noises below them.

Lowering his voice, he asked the tribal leader, "Could be a little tricky. How do you want to handle this?"

Filnor alternates his gaze between the lookout point and his companions before finally settling on the latter. "I take it you and Kira have some skill climbing. Could you silently climb to the ledge? You too, Thane, if you think you can manage."

Hengar agrees to climb with Arnan and Kira if Thane does not think he is able. The goal will be to reach the ledge, quickly take out the sentries, while the rest of the Elk tribesmen advance silently to the encampment further up the trail. The three climbers should be able to follow a parallel trail to the encampment, meeting up with the others if all goes well.

"Speaking for myself," Arnan replied, "I can make the climb."

"Whether I can do so quietly enough so as to avoid notice," he added, "I cannot say."

"Also, taking out three sentries without any of them being able to raise a cry . . .  it can be done, but the odds would have obviously been much better if we had only one to deal with. Two arrows and a crossbow bolt or javelin hitting a single man will almost surely cut him down, but spread over three targets . . . I think it not unlikely that someone will live long enough to raise the alarm."

"We shall certainly do our best, but you and your people should be ready to charge in quickly if these watchers cannot be eliminated quietly. We will follow as soon as those standing watch have been dealt with."

OOC:

Shane, what sort of distance are we looking at if the attackers simply stay in the shadows on the ground and wait to see if the advancing Elk tribesmen are noticed, then try to take out the sentries with ranged attacks before they raise the alarm if they appear to have noticed something suspicious?

Thanks! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Sun 14 May 2017.

"That'a a good idea," Thane chimed in.  "Trying to sneak past 'em would only let them have at our backs when the fighting breaks out."

He thought for a moment, and considered the course of climbing up and assaulting the sentries as quietly as possible.  "Reckon I can make that climb.  Wouldn't be the first time I had to do somethin' like it.  But perhaps I should go last, as I don't want to make noise and alert the sentries right away," he suggested.

Since the situation seemed to be decided upon, Thane took a moment to attach his shield to his backpack and then made sure his throwing axes were available but secure.

OOC: if I understand your question correctly, the range would be about 100 feet to attack the Bear tribe sentries at range. They also have cover up there as well, so ranged attacks would be at disadvantage.

Kira was quiet while the others discussed things, her eyes taking in the three huddled men and the surroundings.  Her nose twitched and she chewed at her bottom lip as she considered things, then tipped her head to the side.  "I've done stuff like this before but it was in the city and not snow up to my arse.  There's too much distance for my smaller bow plus there's enough stuff even sneaking up behind that'll complicate trying to shoot them so I'd say go in close with blades.  I figure even sneaking from big rock to big rock at least one of them's gonna cry out an alert before we can take them down but it's still worth a shot," she said with a lopsided grin, definitely game to give it a try.

Hengar nods in agreement and adds, "I will join you while the rest move quietly further up the trail."

Their discussion of options complete, the party agrees to have Arnan, Kira, Thane and Hengar climb up to take out the Bear Tribe sentries. Filnor will lead the rest of the Bear Tribe warriors into the encampment.

"Ready when you are," Hengar says while loosening his fur cloak to give him more maneuverability.

OOC: Please make an Athletics or Stealth check (DC 15).

Arnan nodded silently in response to the Elk Tribesman, thinking that the less said (out loud) in this situation, the better.

He took a moment to decide upon what seemed to be a good route up the cliff, one that was more shadowed than some of the other, more exposed paths.

The scout proceeded carefully, taking particular care not to dislodge any loose stones during his ascent.

---

OOC:

12:16, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12. Stealth Check (DC 15). Success!

"Okay, the four of us then?  Sounds good," Thane observed with a nod of his head.  He waited for someone else to go first, in this case Arnan, and then attempted the climb after him.

It seemed easy at first, but then his right foot slipped and he had to scramble to keep from sliding downwards!  He went still as quickly as he could, but he feared the damage had been done...

---

OOC:
14:38, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Athletics Check DC15. FAIL

Like Arnan, Kira eyed the area a bit before beginning her treak.  It might not have been as smooth as she would have liked but she felt she was making a decent enough show for the bigger boys.

---

09:01, Today: Kira rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.

Arnan, Hengar and Kira silently navigate their way up the scrabbly hill with ease, expertly selecting just the right footing with each step. Thane is having a much more difficult go and is much less sure of his footing. He accidentally dislodges a rather large stone and it begins to tumble down the hillside, directly toward Kira!

If allowed to continue downward, the stone will likely make quite a ruckus as it dislodges others along the way...

OOC: Kira may either attempt a DC 15 Athletics check to attempt to stop the large rock from rolling down the hill or let it continue to fall.

The party has made it about halfway up the slope toward the lookouts.

Sometimes being small and female made Kira do stupid things ... like trying to stop a big rock headed straight for her.  Still she had hoped there would be some divine intervention and they wouldn't alert the trio that death was trying to sneak up on them.  Maybe that intervention would at least allow her to survive her folly.

---

13:47, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d20.  Athletics.

Kira reaches out to attempt to stop a rather large rock from continuing its downward trajectory down the scree-strewn slope but is unable to react quickly enough. The large rock gathers momentum and crashes down the hill, dislodging other stones along the way.

The resultant noise causes the Bear tribe sentries atop their lookout to take note.

"What's that?" Arnan and Kira hear one of the Bear tribesman harsh-whisper.

There is little time to react before sentinels are looking over the edge. The adventurers are about 25 feet distant from the lookout. The only cover is various sized rocks and a few dead, scrabby grasses poking up from the snow-covered rocks.

"Damned cracky ice!" Thane cursed under his breath, irritated at the twist of fate that aroused the attentions of the Bear clan sentries.  Clearly there was only scant cover available, and Thane wasn't one for sneaking around.  There was really only one thing to do.

Charge!

Thane willed his tired legs into swift action, driving one after another downwards like Gnomish steam pistons to make the remaining ascent as quickly as possible....

---

OOC: 21:50, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Athletics Check (DC15) to rush the guards. Success!

If allowed, Thane will draw his flail as part of his movement.

Arnan glanced quickly in the direction of the sentries up above them, and concluded Not much of a shot from this angle.

Deciding not to take a shot with his bow, he did his best to keep up with Thane, who was easily moving up the steep incline, but the scout quickly fell behind the stocky Luskan.

OOC:

20:43, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 13 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 10. Athletics Check: DC 15.

20:44, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 9. Luck-Die Roll.

Athletics Check Roll: 13 Fails.

Notes: Arnan has used one of his three Luck Die Rolls.

A string of expletives erupted from the small woman as she saw the three looking down at them and the guys took off after them.  Trying to keep up wasn't going to happen so she paused to draw her sword so she could attack once she got there.

OOC: Dang die roller keeps biting me.  Failed with a total of 10.

Thane and Hengar charge up the slope ahead Kira and Arnan, both of whom struggle to gain their footing on the icy scree. Still, the scout and rogue are not too far behind and should be able to join their companions in short order.

Thane and Hengar reach a line of chest-high stones just in time to see two Bear tribe sentries pop their head above cover, each eager to make out the source of the noise below. Both are surprised to see two warriors staring them down, weapons at the ready!

It's all either can do to stumble backward and call out in alarm to their other companions, standing beyond the wall of stones.




OOC: PCs are up. Thane and Hengar are in position to make melee attacks now. Two tribesmen have cover, so attacks will be at Disadvantage, unless the PCs make a DC10 Athletics check to vault over the rocks as part of their move/attack action.

Kira and Arnan are about 20 feet or so further down the slope.

Bear Tribe Sentinels
AC: 12
HP: 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/12    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Kira      14   09/09    0      NA
Thane     18   13/13    0      NA

"Bollocks!" Arnan hissed, swearing under his breath as Thane and Hengar moved up the steep slope and disappeared over the rim of the cliff. A moment later cries of alarm could be heard, and Arnan judged that the sentries were well aware of their danger.

Arnan redoubled his efforts to quickly join Thane and Hengar, and this time he was able to find better footing and move quickly up-slope.

"Good footing o'er this way," he called out to Kira, hoping to make her climb a little easier.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak to Kira.

Action: Dash, in order to cover the last 20 feet of the climb at "normal" speed: 20:19, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 21 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 18. Athletics Check re: Fast-Climb. Success!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Fri 02 June 2017.

Kira wasn't having nearly as much luck as the men and later would blame all the heavy padding from layering against the cold.

---

20:59, Today: Kira rolled 3 using 1d20.  Athletics.  Needless to say I myself an letting out a string of expletives!  I am so dang sick of this die roller f-ing me over.

Thane suppressed a growl as the Bear clan sentries showed themselves behind the wall of stones.  Thane had nothing against them personally, no reason to attack or kill them other than the fact he had promised to help the Tribe of the Elk. Still, Thane did not slow his advance.

He vaulted easily over the low wall and landed with a crunch of stones and snow.  He took advantage of the surprised look and slow reaction of the nearest sentry to ready his shield, and then he swung his flail at the Bear man.  Perhaps it was his lack of real reason to be killing the man, or it could be a simple twist of battle fate, but his flail arced in a deadly but powerless arc that fell just inches short of striking true.

---

OOC:
14:49, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Althletics Check DC10 to hop over wall. Success
14:50, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 8,6 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Thane Flail vs Bear sentry AC12.  Miss

Hengar overhead swings his axe at one of the Bear tribesmen standing on the other side of the rocks. It's a powerful blow and enough to knock the man back a bit, but not quite enough to topple him altogether.

Thane is now in midst of the four Bear tribesmen, one of which is still smarting from the Hengar's axe blow and somewhat out of sorts.

It's a scramble for weapons at hand as Thane vaults over the wall and lunges--and misses--at a burly man beneath a heavy fur cloak. The man wheels to the side just in time to avoid the blow, drawing a short blade in the process which he quickly jabs forward. The thrust penetrates Thane's exposed left, a sudden jolt of pain wracking through the fighter.

Thane recovers just in time to ward off another attack by another Bear tribesmen.

A third man comes to the aid of his stunned companion at the wall, slashing his hand axe at Hengar, striking the Elk tribesmen in the process.

Meanwhile, down below, the Elk Tribesmen have hastened their loping steps toward the Bear tribe camp, hopeful to still be able to get the drop on unsuspecting foes. The longer the battle atop the lookout post continues, the slimmer these prospects...




OOC: Thane and Hengar took 6 points of damage. Thane is in melee contact with two tribesmen. The other two are manning the wall and engaged with Hengar.

Arnan is now at the rock wall. Kira is still some distance down the slope.


Bear Tribe Sentinels
AC: 12
HP: 3/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/12    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Kira      14   09/09    0      NA
Thane     18   07/13    0      NA


PCs are UP!!!

"Unnnh!" Thane grunted as the barbarian's sword-thrust bit into his flesh.  He grimaced and steeled himself for a longer fight than expected.  He and his fellows had arrived in disarray even though the Bear sentries had been quickly engaged.

Now that the melee had been started, Thane adopted his usual fighting stance of shield side forward, flail side back.  He sidled towards Hengar and the wounded sentry.

"Stay close!" he hissed at Hengar, hoping the man would understand that it was better to fight side by side than separated.  Then he struck out at the wounded Bear tribesman.

---

OOC:
15:55, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 15,4 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Flail vs Sentry AC12. Hit for 4 damage

Thane will use his fighting style of 'Protection' for the benefit of Hengar, assuming the man fights side by side with him.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:12, Sat 03 June 2017.

Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . Arnan silently told himself, standing by the stone wall with a nocked arrow, holding his breath as he waited for a clear shot.

Thane and Hengar had gone over the wall and were now engaged in close combat with the sentries. After a moment Thane smashed a wounded Bear tribesman with his flail, killing him. Perhaps a little intimidated by seeing his fellow-tribesman fall, one of the sentries stood still for a moment, staring at the Luskan.

That little bit of hesitation was all that Arnan needed. He shot the arrow that he had been holding ready, and was pleased to see it sink into the sentry's side.

---

OOC:

Object Interaction: Ready bow (and arrow).

Action: 21:17, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 23 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 16. Ranged Attack vs. Sentry (AC 12). Hit!

21:18, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 5. Damage (Arrow).

Move: None.

Notes: It looks to me like Thane and Hengar, working together, have killed one of the sentries. Arnan will put his arrow into one of the unwounded Bear tribesmen.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Sun 04 June 2017.

With extra determination, Kira tried to make that last bit of distance and near the wall leaped to try to clear it and get herself into the thick of things.

---

18:43, Today: Kira rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Acrobatics.
That should at least get her over the wall if she was close enough, if not let me know.  If she did and can actually attack, let me know and I will edit this post.  Now that I've seen Wonder Woman, I'm hoping Kira can pull off a nice stunt.  :P

---

Oh you have GOT to be kidding me!!!  *kicks die roller and sets it on fire*


13:45, Today: Kira rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Attack.  Yes ... a Nat 1 to attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Fri 09 June 2017.

Thane brings his flail to action against one of the Bear tribesmen, sundering the man to his knees as the Luskan fighter wades into battle. Hengar nods his approval at Thane's prowess and attempts to replicate the feat with his own weapon, but his rival deftly parries the blow.

Meanwhile, Arnan fires into the fray, placing an arrow into the side of one of the men. The tribesman shouts out in pain and glances down at his hip. Grabbing the arrow, he breaks off the shaft and looks up in surprise as a spry woman suddently comes vaulting over the wall, weapons at the ready. He dodges aside just in time to avoid meeting his end.

The battle atop the outlook is in full force now. Thane and Hengar are each facing off against a Bear tribsemen, their conflict illuminated by the warm glow of a low fire and the dancing jade-streak sky.

The Bear tribesman recognizes a rival tribe member, Hengar, and shouts out a few choice insults. "You dishonor your people, bringing City Folk to fight your battles. You shame your ancestors, Cutahna," the last word unfamiliar to the party, but undoubtedly unkind in meaning.

With this, the Bear tribesman brings his axe to bear, landing a vicious hits which knocks Hengar to the ground. Hengar hits hard and doesn't stir when he hits the ground. This elicits a great cheer from the three remaining tribesmen.

For his part, Thane defends against the other man's advances, but he too suffers a few glancing blows.




OOC: Hengar took 10 points of damage and is unconscious/dying. Thane took 6 points of damage. Thane and Kira are now in melee contact with three tribesmen. Arnan is on the other side of the wall.

Bear Tribe Sentinels
AC: 12
HP: 0/11, 3/11, 11/11, 11/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/12    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Kira      14   09/09    0      NA
Thane     18   07/13    0      NA


Hengar -16

PCs are UP!!!

Seeing Hengar go down and Thane taking nasty damage too, Kira aimed at the closest Bearman.  "You are shameful ... Cutahna," Kira snarled the insult back as she made a wicked jab with her rapier, finding a gap in the hide armor.

---

18:13, Today: Kira rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Attack.
18:14, Today: Kira rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  Damage.

Edit: 18:31, Today: Kira rolled 3 using 1d6.  Flanking.  So total of 10 points. Almost takes one out in one stab ... WOOHOO!


Not sure if she's flanking with Thane but if she is, let me know and I'll roll an extra d6 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Sun 11 June 2017.

Thane grimaced as Hengar was cut down by a loudmouthed sentry.  Told him to stay close, maybe he'll listen next time, he thought to himself.  There was no time, or enough allies on hand, to stop fighting to tend the man's wounds on the spot.  Hengar would have to rely on his natural toughness for a short while until this battle was won.

Speaking of...

"You talk too much!" Thane chastised the man who had just struck Hengar down.  He grunted with the effort of lashing out with his flail, connecting with the wounded sentry's weak side.

---

OOC:
Move: Enter melee with Sentry #2

Action:  00:24, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 13,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Flail vs Hengar's Sentry AC12. Hit for 9 damage

Other Thane will apply his "Protection" to Kira, assuming she is close enough to benefit from it (but if she is flanking, probably not)

Arnan frowned when he saw Hengar go down, but both Kira and Thane were after their men like terriers. Kira was lightning-quick with her blade, wounding her man grievously, and Thane put down the wounded sentry who had downed Hengar.

Although he was tempted to put an arrow into the unwounded sentry, Arnan decided to finish off the man whom Kira had hurt near unto death -- that would leave them with one final foe to face. At first he thought that his shot had missed when his lead foot slipped a little on the ice underfoot, but as luck would have it the sentry moved at the last moment in a desperate attempt to avoid Kira's blade and stepped right into the path of the arrow, which easily penetrated his armor.

---

OOC:

Action: 09:41, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1. Ranged Attack v. Kira's Foe (AC 12).

09:42, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19. Luck Die Re-Roll.

Final Attack Roll: 26. Hit!

09:42, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 7 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 4. Damage (Longbow).

Move: None

Notes: Thanks for all the kind words over in the OOC thread (and that hug, Kira). :)

I decided to go for the kill on the sentry that Kira had wounded, which will leave us with one foe to face next round.

Arnan has expended two of his three Luck Points (that natural 1 on the first roll just *had* to go!).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Mon 12 June 2017.

A flurry of blows are exchanged atop the rocky outcrop, the adventurers fighting valiantly against the Bear tribe sentinels. Kira gains the advantage on her foe and, with Arnan's assistance, drops her foe. To her left, Thane fights off two foes, casting one aside as he wades into the other. All but one sentinel remain now.

Meanwhile, further down, in the encampment, the Elk warriors have just enjoined battle and the sound of combat echoes through the air.



OOC: Thane and Kira are now in melee contact with one tribesmen. Arnan is on the other side of the wall.

Bear Tribe Sentinels
AC: 12
HP: 0/11, 0/11, 0/11, 11/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/12    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Kira      14   09/09    0      NA
Thane     18   07/13    0      NA


Hengar (-16; Successes: 1, Fails: 2)

PCs are UP!!!


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:37, Mon 12 June 2017.

"HELP HENGAR!" Kira called out to Thane as she took a swipe at the last sentry, biting off an expletive as she found only air due to worrying about the big tribesman.

---

18:57, Today: Kira rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Attack.  ... here we go again ...

The plaintive cry from Kira caused Thane to cast his eyes down for a look.  Hengar was turning that color of gray that a man gets who's losing too much blood too quickly.  The man had no more time, literally.

Thane knelt at Hengar's side and doffed both weapon and shield, a simple matter of letting go their handles and letting the heavy implements fall onto the stony-snowy ground.  His knee planted in the midst of a blood flow, but Thane didn't notice that.  While Kira distracted the lone remaining sentry, Thane dug into the large leather pouch at his waist and pulled out some cloth and a small oil-paper pouchlet.  He roughly rolled Hengar over so that his worst wound was apparent, then tore open the oil-paper pouchlet and dribbled the contents, a salty-looking powder, into the axe wound.  Then he stuffed the clean cloth into and onto the wound, and looped the loosed ends of the bandage round and round the man's torso with expert quickness so that it would not easily fall off.

Done, he lightly slapped Hengar on the cheek to rouse him.  "Wake up, northman!  There's fight left in you yet!"

---

OOC: I think that Thane would need both hands free to do this sort of thing.

Move: None, really, just kneel and drop shield and weapon.

Interact with object: retrieve items from the healer's kit at his waist

Action: Expend one use of the Healer's Kit to treat Hengar, restoring 1d6+4 (plus his max hit dice) of hit points to the man.

21:42, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 7 using 1d6+4.  Heal Hengar. Heal 7 + Max Hit Dice hit points to Hengar and revive him to consciousness.

One left, Arnan thought to himself. Kira went right at the surviving sentry, calling out to Thane to help Hengar. The Luskan soon busied himself with that task.

Arnan nocked another arrow and held the bow flexed and ready to shoot as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

Soon enough Arnan had a clear shot, and he put the arrow right where he wanted to -- in the sentry's midsection. The man huffed in pain, and fell where he stood.

---

OOC:

Action: 22:09, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20. Ranged Attack v. Sentry (AC 12). Critical Hit!

22:11, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 9 using 2d8+3 with rolls of 5,1. Damage (Critical Hit).

Move: None.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Wed 14 June 2017.

Thane leaps into action to triage Hengar's wounds, working quickly to revive bandage his wounds. Fortunately, his wounds aren't so severe as to present too much difficulty and the combat medic has little issues bringing the barbarian back into the fold.

Meanwhile, the battle continues. Kira has distracted the lone remaining Bear tribesman and manages to keep him at bay. Seizing the opportunity, Arnan looses an arrow and strikes the barbarian where he stands. The man glances down at the arrow protruding from his chest, utters a curse, and drops to ground to stir no more.

Hengar regains consciousness a moment later and glances confusedly around the battlefield, his vision finally settling on Thane.

"Thank you," he offers simply.

The adventurers successfully dispatched the sentinels and without giving them too much opportunity to alert the warriors within the campsite. Elk warriors now stream through the village, eager to exact revenge for their rivals' transgressions.

.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 109):

"Welcome back," Arnan said to Hengar with a smile, as soon as the last sentry had fallen.

Glancing around at Kira and Thane, he added, "And well-done. I think that we managed to cut them down without too much of an alarm being raised."

The scout pursed his lips thoughtfully, and he looked at the blood on Thane's chain mail. "Do you need a moment to tend to your own wounds before we move on? I don't know a great deal about any of that, but mayhaps if I watch you I can learn a little something."

Kira saw the arrow in the Bear's chest and grinned at him.  "That's what ya get … Cutahna," she said and gave a little fingery wave as he fell to the ground.  Then she turned and dashed over to where the guys were, staring down at Hengar with a lopsided grin.  "He couldn't stay way.  We're too much fun," she quipped.

Even though she was being jovial, she had truly been worried and now she looked at Thane as well and the smile faded quickly.  "Yeah, I can help wash off a wound and do some ugly attempts at wrapping but other than that I'd need lessons too.  Wouldn't be a bad thing really, maybe after we get outta this mess," she stated rather thoughtfully.  There had been loads of times she'd wished she could tend her own wounds.

Thane offers a hand to assist Hengar in standing up from where he had fallen.  "You're welcome," he said with a wince, his own wound now causing him some pain and discomfort.  "We won the day here.  Sounds like your people are fighting the rest of the Bear-men now," he added, taking note of the din of battle further upslope.

Arnan's words distracted Thane from further comment, instead bringing his focus back to his own wound.  "I think you can be of help," he admitted.  "Stab wounds are hard to treat by yourself," he added.  Then looking at Kira, he shook his head.  "You can watch.  Not sure what you'll learn.  No need for three sets of hands, but I'm glad for the offer."

Thane reached into his medical pouch and withdrew another section of bandage and a different sort of small wrapped bundle.  He gave Arnan some simple instructions.  "I'm going to put this thing in my mouth to warm it a bit.  Then I'll lift my chainmail and shirt so you can see the wound.  Take the little bundle out of my mouth and squeeze the innards into the blade hole, then wrap the bandage around me and tie it fairly tight.  You got it?"

---

OOC: Assuming Arnan "gets it", Thane will execute his part of the plan and endure having the thick herbal salve pressed into a live wound and being wrapped.

22:04, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 10 using 1d6+5.  Thane Heal Self (with help).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Sat 17 June 2017.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 112):

"Got it," Arnan replied with a nod. He glanced about on ground until he found a fairly thick stick, and handed it to Thane. "Don't know how well you tolerate pain. Some folks like to have something to bit down upon when people start poking around in their raw wounds."

He kept talking as he followed Thane's instructions -- not because he was a naturally talkative person, for all the time that he spent by himself in the wilds made him normally a little taciturn. But he reasoned that a little chatter might help take Thane's mind off of the pain that he must be feeling.

"Wonder if there's any bear grease in this salve that we're using?" he pondered aloud. "The reason that I ask is that there's this ranger I know . . . why, he swears by the stuff."

"Says that it will fix all manner of problems -- from a tight wagon-axle to keeping no-see-ums away from your bare flesh to taking care of any wound short of losing a limb or such-like."

Arnan glanced over at Kira and grinned. "He even said that if you put some in your hair and slicked it down whenever you went into town, you'd be a sure hit with the lasses. Haven't tried it yet myself, though . . . well, with the lasses, I mean. I can tell you that it does do a good job of keeping the no-see-ums off of you."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:07, Sat 17 June 2017.

While atop the rocky outlook, the party quickly attends to their wounds while the remainder of their allies stream into the Bear Tribe's encampment a bit further up the trail. The Elk tribe warriors gain surprise against their foes, thanks to the adventurers' taking out the sentries before the alarm can be raised, giving them a distinct advantage in the battle along the Sacred Pool.

The party manages to join the battle shortly after it begins and they lend their talents to the fray. In the end, the Elk tribe and adventurers are victorious, besting easily more than their number in foes, among them Wolvig Barundson, the tribe's nominal chieftain.

When the battle is finished, numerous injured warriors on both sides lie in various states of distress and consciousness through the camspite, the snow stained red from their wounds. Curiously, the camp has no sign of the Elk Tribe prisoners in any of the tents or lean-tos huddled along the banks of the Sacred Pool.

Arnan ought out Hengar after the last of the Bear tribesmen had either fallen in battle or surrendered to their attackers. Although he did not see it, he supposed that some of their foes might have retreated when the result of the battle became evident to all, for he realized that it was difficult for any one man to glimpse everything during the confusion of a battle involving this many people.

And if any of the Bear tribesman had retreated, was it possible that they took the prisoners with them? Arnan did not know, but he supposed that it might indeed be possible -- or, mayhaps the prisoners had been sent elsewhere before the attack.

The scout sought out Hengar, stepping over and around the fallen, both wounded and dead.  "Congratulations on your people's victory," he told the big barbarian.

"However, I have as of yet caught no glimpse of the prisoners whom we came to rescue. What of you -- have you seen them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Sun 18 June 2017.

"Never had a guy refuse my hands on him before," Kira replied to Thane with a slight smirk and then looked from Thane to Arnan, back and forth several times and one eyebrow rose as the smirk grew wider.  There were rumors of sailors and she started to wonder if Thane was perhaps one who enjoyed the touch of another such as himself, though she didn't think Arnan was turned that way which made her grin at him even more impish.  "Be gentle with him, Arnan," she teased as they spoke of pain and biting on things.

So she took a moment to sit on a dead Bear tribesman who was still a lot warmer than the snow-covered ground and watched as they tended to Thane's wound.  Even with the jests and knowing looks, she was still quite observant on the process until Arnan began talking about the uses of bear fat.  At first it was all reasonable type things and then he spoke of slicking back hair to make the lasses swoon and again there was a delicate snort.  "Might look nice for a bit but ultimately it's just gonna leave a lass' hands all in a mess that isn't so easy to wash off.  Nothin' wrong with some wild clean hair," she retorted.

Standing up she started picking over the dead bodies to see if there was anything that might be of value and when the patching up was done, she followed them to the other battle and joined into the fray, continuing to taunt the enemy with their own bad-sounding word.  When it was over she too wasn't thrilled that the prisoners were not there, looking around and frowning formidably for one so tiny compared to the rest of them.  "We could ask the survivors where the captured Elk were taken," she suggested with a slightly sinister tone.  "Trackers could also look quickly about to see if there are any tracks leading away."

"Don't need no stick," Thane grunted as the cold air bit into the stab wound.  "Just press it in and be done with it," he said through gritted teeth.  He looked away as Teldrin did what was asked of him, managing to stifle any signs of pain except a deep groan at the end before Arnan did the bandaging.

Thane shook his head at Kira, getting the sense that she was both teasing and perhaps even slightly offended or put off.  "Not about refusal, darlin', more about who could get the job done best," he said through a slight wheeze.  Thane jabbed a thumb at Arnan.  "Him being a woodsman, he's likely had to deal with some real nasty stuff.  I'm right sure he wouldn'ta paused a wink at doing what needed done," he explained.  He patted his side gingerly once he lowered his shirt and chainmail.  "You can help later.  I'm going to have to change this bandage a couple times daily until the wound closes up.  Real hard to do that on yourself.  Cloggin' a wound is about force and strength, changin' a bandage is more about finesse."  He favored her with a pained smirk.  "You look to be all about finesse, I reckon."

Thane chatted with Arnan and Kira a bit more after the larger battle was concluded.  "Those gooey packets've got molasses and whiskey boiled together, and herbs added in once the mix cools down a bit," he answered the archers earlier question.  "Makes a good plug, almost like glue, and the alcohol is supposed to keep infection down so the herbs can do their work.  At least that's what the herbsman told me, and I took him at his word.  They seem to get the job done, though," he explained.

Thane was just as mystified by the lack of the Elk prisoners as anyone else.  But, there were wounded from both sides to tend and he made that his top priority.  He left the investigation of that mystery to his fellows.

---

OOC: Thane will tend the wounds of the survivors, using minimal resources unless the warrior in question is likely to succumb to the cold weather without bona fide healing (down to 1 or 2 hit points).  When that's the case, he'll expend a use from his healing kits on the warrior in question.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Mon 19 June 2017.

While investigating the Bear camp, Kira discovers a pile of furs and necklaces of Elk tribe manufacture sitting by the edge of the Sacred Pool. Cursory interrogation of the captive Bear tribesmen indicates the Elk prisoners were stripped of their belongings before being dragged into a waterfall cavern. A wounded Bear tribesmen adds in, "Bjami Tengervaald will offer them as sacrifice to the Ice Witch, Chosen of Auril! In Icingdeath's lair no less!" The man's eyes are distant and fearful.

Following the man's outstretched finger, the party casts their vision to a dark cave at the eastern end of the Sacred Pool. There, a narrow chute descends from the shimmery turquoise-hued pool into darkness. This is the entrance to the waterfall cavern the man just described. A narrow trail follows the pool's northern banks to the chute and tunnel.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 118):

Arnan stood off to the side, watching and listening. Once the intended fate of the Elk Tribe captives became clear, he sought out Hengar.

"It seems clear that there is still work to be done," he remarked to the big barbarian, nodding his head towards the cave opening at the eastern end of the Sacred Pool.

"Does the Elk Tribe's honor require that your own tribesmen undertake the rescue of the captives, or do you still desire the involvement of Kira, Thane and myself?"

---

OOC:

I confess that I (OOC) have forgotten what the reference to "Icingdeath" means. Is this a reference to the Ice Witch?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:47, Tue 20 June 2017.

OOC: Icingdeath is the name of a legendary dragon that once terrorized Icewindale, about a century or so ago. Any native of this land would know that much.

A History check might reveal more :)

Kira hadn’t been offended at first but as Thane tried to explain how Arnan was better suited for the task that her, she rolled her eyes as she inspected the bodies.  "Yeah, like I haven't seen wounds and dead bodies, gore and all sorts of nasty stuff before growin' up in the alleys of Luskan," she snorted.  Sure she was more of a finesse type but she wasn't the kind of woman to swoon at the sight of blood or having to stick her fingers in a wound.

She wanted to sulk but there hadn't been time and then she was looking toward a cave where supposedly the Elk survivors were to be turned over for sacrifice.  She was just about to go traipsing off when Arnan asked about honor and who could go in search of their people.  It was enough to keep her from barging on in, trying to scout ahead while the others tended to things.  Honor was actually something quite important to the little vagabond.

OOC:

Or, maybe not . . .  22:24, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3. History Check re: Icingdeath.

Hmmm . . . "Icingdeath"  =  dying from licking too much of the cake icing off the spoon, maybe? My Mom always did tell me that it was bad for me to eat to much of the stuff . . .

Arnan knows the name Icingdeath belongs to a long dead dragon who terrorized the people of Icewinddale. It happened long before he was born though, something occasionally old timers talk about hearing from their parents or even grand-parents.

Thane attends to the wounded tribesmen scattered throughout the camspite, doing his part to ensure nobody succumbs to their wounds. It's not exactly difficult to find ways to die in these harsh environs. Everyone deserves a fighting chance, even your enemies.

The captured Bear tribesmen offer no resistance and are relatively cooperative, if not dejected by their defeat. To a man, they all relay the same tale: the raid on the Elk Tribe was intended to gather sacrificial victims to sate the Ice Witch's demands.

Hengar regards Arnan for a moment and says, "If you still offer your aid, our people would be glad of it."

Filnor too echoes Hengar's sentiments.

Many of the Elk Warriors were wounded in the battle and though Thane and others have done their best to patch them up, some are not really able to continue onward and require rest. If the Bear Tribe survivors are to believed, time is of the essence, each fleeting moment drawing the Elk captives closer to their end.

In reply to Hengar Aensvaard (msg # 124):

Aran nodded in response to Hengar. "I am not the sort to quit whilst a task is only half-done," he said, with an easy smile.

"And from what I have seen of Kira and Thane, they are solid folk, and I suspect that they feel the same way as I do -- although I certainly would not wish to speak for them."

Filnor and Hengar gladly accept the adventurers' pledge of assistance. A third tribesman, Wenigwulf will round out the group delving into Icingdeath's lair. The rest of the party is either too injured to continue or needed to attend the wounded back at the campsite.

Six total venture forward: Arnan, Filnor, Hengar, Kira, Thane and Wenigwulf.

Passing along the narrow trail on the north banks of the Sacred Pool, the party eventually comes to a narrow chute leading into the icy glacier. A stream of water descends into the chute from the pool, the sound of a waterfall can be heard somewhere in the darkness below.

The chute is about 10 feet wide at its origin point, however it appears to widen as it descends into the glacier. Ice-covered rocky ground can be seen here or there along either side of the stream, offering the possibility of navigating without entering the water, but it will be quite challenging.

"We'd best be moving quick after these other bearsmen," Thane opined.  He looked at the path ahead, puzzled, then gestured at the left side.  'I'm willing to lead the way down that side, probably best to stay out of the water, though - the streamy part may be real slippery," he offered cautiously.

Kira had already been heading toward the cave so of course was more than willing to continue with the Elk tribesmen.  As they came to the narrowing, she chewed pensively on her bottom lip as Thane suggested going along one side.  "We can give it a try but I figure one ore more of us'll end up in the water anyway with all the ice patches," she stated with a small shrug of her shoulders.

"I don't like the looks of that waterfall down-slope," Arnan muttered. "Slipping and going over that . . . I'd just as soon not have to find out the hard way what's at the bottom of it."

"I suggest that we tie ourselves together with a rope. That way if only a few of us slip, the others may be able to bow up and keep them from going over the edge."

The party rigs up a safety line by driving steel spikes into the chute's ice wall at regular intervals and knotting a rope between the spike's eyelets. As it turns out, the edges are not that deep and can be walked along, but the going is not easy as the uneven ground is quite slick and the current is strong in the few spots where it dips deeply back into the water.

Still, the rope does make the task easier...

OOC: Everyone please make a DC 10 STR check to successfully navigate the chute.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 130):

Once the safety line was in place, Arnan felt relatively confident about moving down the rim of the ice-chute without losing his footing. After all, he had been blessed with a good sense of balance, and he had the rope to aid him.

"I'll lead off, and if I make it, you all can follow along the same path that I use," he suggested.

Just to show how the gods use us all as playthings, the scout had not taken more than ten steps before his lead foot hit a patch of especially slick ice and slid out from under him. Luckily the safety line held firm, and enabled him to regain his balance instead of sliding down the chute and over the waterfall at the far end . . .

---

OOC:

11:37, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3. Acrobatics Check: Maintain Footing on Ice.

11:38, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13. Luck Die Re-Roll. Success.

Notes: Arnan has now expended his three Luck Points. He will need a long rest in order for them to refresh.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:07, Sun 02 July 2017.

More than happy that they were making a safety line, Kira placed herself somewhere in the middle and figured if she did slip one of the big guys might manage to keep her up by the scruff.  When Arnan slipped, she sucked in a quick breath which was let out in a puff of steam as he recovered.  "Don't you dare do that again," she teasingly chastised lightly, obviously relieved that it was so far so good as she nimbly made her way along.

---

10:58, Today: Kira rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Acrobatics.

Thane was going to lead the group, but once Arnan suggested the idea of a safety line and offered to lead the way, he nodded his head in agreement.  "You lead, I'll take trail," he proposed, and assumed the last place in line.  He tied the line securely through his leather belt and waited for the time to come for him to start moving.

"I sure hope none of the Elksmen went crashing down that slippy-slide," he said with a tentative frown, then started walking as the line grew taut from the others moving on.  Or tried to walk, anyway, for as he shifted his weight forward to take his first step, his plant foot gave way and he flopped onto his side like a poorly balanced sack of potatoes!

---

18:29, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  STR check (DC10).  Natural 1 - Fail with gusto!
This message was last edited by the player at 22:43, Sun 02 July 2017.

The party traverses down the chute taking care to avoid being swept into the icy water. Everything is going well until Thane looses his footing and grip on the rope. The fighter plummets into the water and gets swept up into the swift current, straight toward the falls ahead!

Perhaps Kira and Arnan have one opportunity to grab their companion before he is carried away to uncertain and likely, unhealthy doom...

OOC: Arnan and Kira may make a DEX check to try to grab Thane as he floats away! DC15

Hearing the thud and splash from behind, Kira instinctively reached out in hopes of grabbing whoever it was and managed to make contact.  "Oh no you don't Big Guy ... no having fun without us," she said lightly though it was evident from her expression he'd managed to scare her just a little.

---

03:14, Today: Kira rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Dex.  WOOHOO!

Arnan heard the noise of somebody going into the water behind him, but he didn't know who it was until he turned and saw that it was Thane. He made ready to grab the Luskan as he barreled past down the water-chute, but before Thane made it down the line to him, Kira had already grabbed him with the sure-handed swiftness of a bear readying his dinner by grabbing a passing trout.

"Nicely done!" Arnan called back to Kira, grinning at her.

Now we've got another issue, though, the scout thought to himself. Getting wet in these conditions is not a good thing. Thane is really going to feel the cold now, much more so than before.

---

OOC:

Great grab, Kira! :)

Just guessing, but I'm thinking that the medieval version of "hypothermia" was something like "freeze your ass off". :)

Despite one misstep and a timely catch by Kira, the party navigates the chute and tunnel, eventually arriving at a wider area of the tunnel that drops into a cascade over a shelf of ice, plunging into a high, domed ice cave hung with jagged icicles. The drop over the cascade is easily 50 feet or more, the floor strewn with sharp ice spikes, like stalagmites formed as water drips from the ceiling high above. In some places, tall columns of ice join the floor and ceiling in crystalline structures that scatter what little sunlight filters through the ice roof above.

A group of Bear tribesmen is somewhere within the ice structures below, their torches casting strange shadows on the icy walls. The Bear tribesmen are chanting loudly, apparently unaware of the adventurers presence higher up in the ice cave. Keen eyed party members might catch a brief glimpse, through a thin ice wall, of naked Elk tribe prisoners lashed to icy stalagmites scattered around the cavern.

OOC: The party needs to figure out a way to get down the waterfall cavern. No enemies are visible at the moment, but the party hears them somewhere within the icy cavern.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 137):

Arnan shook his head as he glanced down at the cavern floor that was strewn with ice-spikes. "Makes that grab of yours look even better, Kira," he remarked.

"Can't spare the time it would take to carve steps -- hand-holds and feet-holds -- to help us get down," he mused.

"How the Hells did the Bear tribesmen get down there, with all those prisoners in tow? There must be some way to get down there from up here."

"I'll look for tracks, which will tell us how they got down. Failing that, we need to find something to tie off a rope off to, so that we can use it to get down."

---

OOC:

11:59, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 7 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 3. Perception Check re: Getting to the Cave Floor.

D'oh! Or, maybe we should just jump!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:45, Wed 05 July 2017.

Kira looked down and blanched a little, nodding in agreement that catching Thane had definitely been quite fortuitous.  Like Arnan, she was trying to look around to see if there was a better way down but was obviously not looking in the right places.  "I'd say we try to get a rope secured and squirrel our way down 'cause I'm not seein' any better way right now," she said quietly yet with obvious frustration.

---

14:30, Today: Kira rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  Perception to see if there's any other way down.
The Bear Tribe put their mojo on the area!  *grrrrr*

Arnan and Kira are unable to locate any alternate routes to get down to the cavern floor, though it does seem incredulous the Bear tribesmen climbed down the icy waterfall with prisoners in tow. For his part, Hengar too comes up empty-handed in his search. Given more time, the party could surely discover the answer, but a few high-pitched cries of terror from down below lend urgency to the situation. Some terrible fate will befall the captive Elk tribesmen if the adventurers tarry too long.

Hengar eventually becomes impatient and cuts in, "We need to move out at once. Climb if we must!" he says while retrieving a coil of rope and looking for a spot to secure it.

A few moments later, he tosses the rope over the edge and watches it unfurl near the bottom of the ice cavern.

"I'll go first," he says before taking off.

OOC: Athletics check (DC10)

Thane came up out of the water sputtering and gasping for breath.  "Twice-damned ice!" he groused.  "My thanks!" he said to Kira through chattering teeth.  Once the group reached the apparent end of the trail, Thane shuddered at seeing what his fate would have been if Kris or someone else had not saved him from the water's chilly embrace.

"How the devil'd they get down there?" he asked the same thing everyone else was wondering.  He heartily agreed to the hasty expedient of using a rope and climbing down, and followed right behind Hengar.  'Let's go get your brethren!"

---

04:21, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Athletics check (DC10).  Success!

They had fought a few times together now and traveled a good ways so Kira gave Thane a lopsided grin.  "You're welcome.  Can't be losing my friends or then I'll be all pouty and grouchy," she replied to him.  She felt a bit better when neither Arnan or Hengar found another way, as far as confidence in herself went.  Hearing the cries of the Elk though certainly didn't make her feel good at all.  "Time's a-wastin'," she growled and after a decent bit of space began her own descent.

---

11:25, Today: Kira rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Acrobatics.  Thank goodness for that extra bit!

Arnan was irritated with himself for not being able to spot the path down to the cavern floor that he knew had to be there. Nonetheless, he realized that Hengar was right when the Elk tribesman called off the search and announced that they would climb down a rope in order to reach the lower level that the prisoners and their captors were on.

The archer awaited his turn to use the rope, then made the climb down without incident.

---

OOC:

14:16, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17. Athletics Check to Climb Down Rope (DC 10) Success!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Wed 05 July 2017.

The party successfully descends the icy waterfall, eventually arriving safely on the ice cavern's expansive floor. Sheets of ice and irregularly spaced ice stalagmites and stalctites abstract and refract the party's view of the greater cavern, but once situated on ground level they can spot a group of fur-wearing tribesmen in the distance. The group is gathered around a large ice column, chanting.

Hengar comments that the chanters are definitely Bear tribesmen and he motions for the party to draw closer. Picking their way across the frosted cavern, the group gets a better view, albeit still through the prism of ice, of the Bear tribesmen. There appear to be six in total, one hulking male armed with a great axe and the others, females wielding pairs of long, curved knives.

The women armed with the knives are dressed in the pelt of bears, almost as though they are wearing nothing more than a bear rug over their naked forms.

OOC: The party is still quite some distance away and will need to make stealth checks if they plan to arrive undetected. Missile fire is not possible through the maze of ice that one muct navigate to reach the Bear tribesmen.

"I'm ready," Arnan replied to Hengar. "We need to get closer before they start using those knives on your people."

The scout began picking his way across the floor of the cavern. He did his best to move quietly, but he kept stepping on loose ice that crunched underfoot . . .

---

OOC:

20:03, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6. Stealth Check.

Eh, maybe all will be well if the DC is 10. :)

Kira's countenance was grim and she wished she could start making pincushions of the Bear people but instead she made sure she had her up-close-and-personal weapons drawn as she skimmed along the floor.  She wasn't as sure-footed as she usually was but she normally wasn't treading along icy paths either.

---

21:28, Today: Kira rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.  I certainly hope DC was 10.  Otherwise Kira isn't much quieter.  :P

Thane motioned with a sharp upward jab of his head, chin jutting forward.  It was clear he was keen to get into battle as quickly as possible for the sake of the Elk captives.  Pausing only long enough to ensure flail and shield were ready, he advanced with as much stealth as he could muster.

---

11:58, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 10 using 1d20.  Stealth Check.

Arnan, Hengar, Kira and Thane stalk through the maze of magnificent natural ice structures, making their way toward the chanting Bear tribesmen gathered around a large pillar preparing for a sacrificial rite: their offerings, Elk tribe prisoners lashed to icy stalagmites scattered around the pillar. The prisoners are stripped of their furs and appear half dead from exposure.

A muscular Bear tribe shaman armed with a great axe leads a chorus of five female Bear Tribe Furies--women of the tribe dressed as animal spirits who aid the shaman in his rituals. The Furies are armed with pairs of deadly, long curving knives.

The adventurers draw to within 40 feet of the assembled Bear Tribesmen, their presence thus far undetected; however any further advances will be without the benefit of any cover and the chance of discovery is quite great.

The Shaman and Furies continue their chant, professing their zealous devotion to Auril the Frostmaiden. Their collective chants echo and reverbate throughout the ice cavern.

OOC: I am going to award Inspiration to all players. I have not been good about remembering to do so, and it is definitely warranted :)

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 22/22

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP: 11, 11, 11, 11, 11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   16/16    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA



This message was last edited by the GM at 22:46, Sun 09 July 2017.

Kira was silently fuming once they reached the end of their own cove and were able to better see the condition of the Elk tribe captives, mostly for how they had been treated but a part toward herself for being stupid and drawing her sword.  Gingerly she put it back in place and drew her bow then set an arrow to be ready to fire when the others were ready to attack, having gauged the distance and knowing she'd likely do just as well or better firing from the cover.  She didn't dare speak, not even a whisper but she set her sight on the Shaman.

---

20:58, Today: Kira rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
21:00, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow vs Shaman.
21:01, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  Ouch.  >.<  *bleep*
21:01, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6.  Sneak if applicable.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 148):

Arnan judged that he, at least, should not move any closer. He was well within range with his bow, and any further advance would be over open ice, which would most likely result in his being spotted.

As Kira had already done, he nocked an arrow and nodded to his companions that he was ready. When the others either attacked with ranged weapons or advanced to close the range, he would let fly. Arnan considered the Bear Tribe shaman to be the primary threat, so he planned to try and put an arrow into him.

If we can kill the leader, mayhaps the others will lose heart, he thought to himself.

---

OOC:

Action: Readied Ranged Attack: 22:38, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8. Ranged Attack v. Shaman (AC 14). Hit!

22:38, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 4 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 1. Damage (Longbow).

Yeesh. The Damage dice surely didn't do either Kira or Arnan any favors.

Move: Arnan will move behind whatever cover is available (more out of longstanding habit than anything else).

22:41, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Sat 08 July 2017.

Unable to cover the distance to the Bear Tribe Shaman and his Furies, and not wanting to yield the advantage of getting the drop on his enemies, Hengar charges forward about half the distance and hurls a hand axe at the Shaman.

It's a solid hit and combined with Arnan and Kira's previous arrows, is almost enough to take out the Bear Tribe leader!

Hengar cries out the ear-shattering battle cry of his people, a loud multi-tone call beginning with a low frequency “growl” and progressing to a high pitched “scream” that he holds for several seconds.

Arnan recognizes this as an Elk call. To the others, it's just an eery haunting screech.


OOC: Hit for 7 points of damage.

Thane charges alongside Hengar and also throws a hand axe at the shaman; however his aim is less than precise and flies well wide of its target. Thane then draws his sword and prepares to engage in close combat.

OOC: DM post to keep game moving.

The party concentrates its attacks on the Shaman, hoping to neutralize the spellcaster before he gets a chance to work his primal magic. Two arrows and a hand axe later, Bjami the Shaman is wounded, but already worked into a fervor from performing his sacrifical rites to Auril and driven onward to defeat the trespassers.

Sensing his life essence draining away, the Shaman exhorts Auril to grant him the vitality needed to defeat those who would deny her vengeance. Raising his arms, he casts a healing spell on himself and is bathed in a blue nimbus. Now with more vigor, he shouts at his assembled Furies, "Strike down the Unfaithful! Deliver our foes to Auril on this day!"

The three Furies closest to Hengar and Thane approach their foes, dual blades in hand, slashing and thrusting as they draw near. The Furies are skilled with their weapons, but the opening moments of battle are largely characterized by feints and parries on both sides. Two Furies square off against Hengar and the third engages Thane.

Hengar is hit several times, his blood spilling on the icy floor. For his part, Thane wards away his foe's advances.

The remaining two Furies spot Arnan and Kira standing some distance away and both race forward while drawing javelins. Drawing to within 20 feet, both hurl their javelins at the two archers...

A javelin strikes a plinth of ice to the left of Kira and a javelin strikes Arnan in the side, penetrating through his armor!

Bjami shouts encouragement to his Furies and continues chanting to his dark goddess...


OOC: Bjami cast cure wounds (2nd) healing 17 points of damage. Three Furies are engaged in melee with Hengar and Thane. The other two hurled javelins at Arnan and Kira. Arnan took 8 points of damage. Hengar took 11.

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 20/22

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP:
#1: 11/11 (Hengar)
#2: 11/11 (Hengar)
#3: 11/11 (Thane)
#4: 5/11 (approaching Kira)
#5: 0/11 (approaching Arnan)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   11/22    0      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA


PCs are UP!!!


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Mon 10 July 2017.

The furies were closing fast and even though she wanted to help Arnan, she knew she couldn't ignore the wild woman barreling toward her.  Letting off another arrow at the woman, she then dropped the bow and drew her sword knowing she'd not get another shot off before she was on her.

---

19:24, Today: Kira rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow vs Fury.
19:25, Today: Kira rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  Shortbow Ouch.

Hengar wields his spear with wide sweeping arcs in an effort to keep the two Furies at distance, but the tribal warrior is having a difficult time, as both are skilled warriors in their own right. Sensing an opportunity, Hengar thrusts his spear at one, but she easily swats the spear aside with one of her curved blades.

Hengar grunts in frustration but remains calm. He cannot afford to lose his head here, faced off against two dangerous foes.

That man is going to be trouble, Arnan thought to himself as he saw the big Bear Tribesman begin the tell-tale motions of spell-casting. The scout's worries were confirmed when nearly all of the shaman's wounds ceased bleeding after the flash of blue light.

Unfortunately Arnan spent a little too long watching the shaman, and not enough time paying attention to the female who was closing fast, and who skewered him with one of her javelins.

Arnan grunted in pain, then went to work with his bow. He nocked and shot, first one and then a second arrow in rapid succession, using a smooth, well-practiced motion. Both of them hit the female who was charging towards him, and she went down in the jumbled disarray of one who is unexpectedly claimed in mid-stride by Death.

---

OOC:

Action: 12:21, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18. Ranged Attack v. Fury (AC 11). Hit!

12:22, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 3. Damage (Longbow).

Bonus Action (Action Surge): 12:23, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 5. Action Surge Attack v. Fury (AC 11). Hit!

12:23, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 9 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 6. Damage (Longbow).

Total Damage: 15

Move: None.

Note: This expends Arnan's Fighter-class Action Surge, which will refresh after a short or a long rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Mon 10 July 2017.

"Stay close, Hengar!" Thane cried out as the Elksman got skewered by the pair of furies facing him.  Thane, for his part, sidled as close to him as possible and engaged his own fury with, well, fury.  He lashed out twice in quick succession with his flail, the heavy spiked ball smashing flesh and dealing terrible wounds with each strike.

The blows proved to be too much for the warrior woman and she toppled where she stood.  He sneered at the fury next to her, one of the two faced off against Hengar. "You're next, Princess," he taunted the woman, hoping to rattle her or draw her attention to himself.

---

OOC:

Action:  18:13, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 22,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Melee Attack vs Fury 3 (AC 12) (Flail).
Hit for 10 damage

Bonus Action:  18:16, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 21,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Action Surge: Melee Attack vs Fury 3 (AC12) (Flail).
Hit for 11 damage - Fury 3 down for the count

Other: 18:25, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Intimidation Check: Fury 2.  Met DC15 CR - he want to rattle Fury 2 or get her to attack him instead of Hengar this round

Fighting Style: Protector in play to benefit Hengar - all attacks against him next round will suffer disadvantage due to Thane's shielding prowess.

Note: Thane has now used his Action Surge ability, and may not be able to do so again until he rests.

Two Furies now lie lifeless on the ice, sacrificial pawns in Auril's gambit, but the rest fight on, eager to deliver victims to their cruel godesses altar.

One Fury falls on Kira, her twin blades slashing and jabbing at the rogue, one finiding brief purchase and ripping through the rogue's tunic.

Thane's cutting words draw the ire of another, giving Hengar a moment of reprieve. The crazed woman slashes at Thane but is no match for the fighter's martial prowess.

The other continues her dangerous dance with Hengar, and despite Thane's best effort to protect the wounded tribesman, she manages to find purchase again.

The Shaman dramatically finishes his chanting and gyrations and calls forth a spectral bear, appearing directly in front of Thane! The ghostly bear growls and lunges at the warrior, biting into his leg with a satisfying crunch.


OOC: Shaman cast Spiritual Weapon (Bear) and placed it on Thane. Thane took 3 points of damage from the Bear. Hengar took 6. Kira took 2 points of damage.

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 20/22
Cast Spiritual Weapon against Thane.

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP:
#1: 11/11 (Hengar)
#2: 11/11 (Thane)
#3: 0/11 (Thane)
#4: 5/11 (approaching Kira)
#5: 0/11 (approaching Arnan)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   5/22    0      NA
Kira      14   13/15    1      NA
Thane     18   19/22    1      NA


PCs are UP!!!

When the female warrior who was charging towards him went down with two of his arrows sticking in her, Arnan shifted his attention to the battlefield as a whole. A quick glance told him that Hengar was the most sorely beset of the attackers, and he aimed his arrow at the female warrior who was squared off against him.

Arnan nocked an arrow and waited until he had a clear shot at his target, then he buried his arrow up to the fletching in the Bear Tribeswoman's neck. She was flung backwards by the force of the impact, and lay still where she hit the ground.

---

OOC:

Action: 23:54, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20. Ranged Attack v. Fury#1 (AC 12). Critical Hit!

23:55, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 17 using 2d8+3 with rolls of 6,8. Critical Hit Damage (Longbow).

Move: None.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Tue 11 July 2017.

"What bloody beast is this?!?" Thane exclaimed with incredulous wonder.  The glowing apparition seemed the stuff of nightmares, and he doubted his meager flail would be of much use against it.  He hoped his shield would be able to keep it at bay long enough for his fellows to deal with the shaman, and then it maybe would go away.  Until then, he would focus on flesh-and-blood targets.

He smashed his Fury opponent across the hip with his flail, nearly knocking her from her feet.  "Hmm, I guess you're only good at carving up unarmed and naked foes!" he needled her again.

---

OOC:
Action:  10:57, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 22,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Melee vs Fury 2 (AC12) (Flail). Hit for 10 damage.
Fighting Style: Protection applied to Hengar (attacks against him suffer disadvantage).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Tue 11 July 2017.

The sting from the sword finding a bit of flesh made Kira growl and then her own rapier slid easily into the Fury and pierced vital organs.  Not even looking at the downed woman, she grabbed up her bow and moved behind one of the ice columns in hopes to hide.

---

11:10, Today: Kira rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Rapier vs Fury.
11:11, Today: Kira rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  Piercing Fury.
11:16, Today: Kira rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Stealth to Hide.  Meh ... might not work.

Hengar had been ready to plunge his spear deep into the blade-wielding woman in front of him, but his intent is thwarted by one of Arnan's well-placed arrows. He looks over his shoulder and gives his thanks for the assist and turns his attention to the wounded Fury engaged with Thane. The Elk warrior drives his spear into his foe, dropping her where she stands.

OOC: Hit for 7

The adventurers make quick work of the Five Furies, but the crazed Bear Tribe Shaman seems undeterred by his conspirators demise. He chants loudly, calling on Auril's wrath to smite those who would deny her embrace.

Throwing himself into a mindless frenzy, he charges at Hengar while the Bear spirit squares off against Thane. The Shaman shouts, "Cover the land in the icy grip of the Frostmaiden!" Tendrils of crackling blue energy leap from the Shaman's fingers at Hengar, but the Elk tribe warrior dodges away just in time.

The spectral bear lunges at Thane but is unable to find purchase.


OOC: Shaman cast Spiritual Weapon (Bear) and placed it on Thane.

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 0/22
Cast Spiritual Weapon against Thane.

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP:
#1: 0/11
#2: 0/11
#3: 0/11
#4: 0/11
#5: 0/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    0      NA
Kira      14   13/15    1      NA
Thane     18   19/22    1      NA


PCs are UP!!!


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Thu 13 July 2017.

Well . . . the odds are certainly better, now, Arnan thought to himself as he saw that all of the female warriors had been struck down, leaving only the Bear Tribe shaman. Clearly, however, the man was extremely dangerous -- just as Arnan had already concluded.

Seemingly inspired by a fire-in-the-belly aggression born of fanatacism, the shaman threw himself at Hengar in spite of the unfavorable odds, even as the magicked bear that he had created lunged at Thane.

Arnan aimed an arrow at the shaman, and frowned as he felt his lead foot slip on some wet ice just as he loosed the shaft. He felt certain that the attack would miss. However, at the last instant the Bear Tribesman stepped out of the way of a weapon-strike by Hengar, and moved directly into the path of the arrow.

---

OOC:

Action: 19:24, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1. Ranged Attack v. Shaman (AC 12).

19:25, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20. Inspiration Attack v. Shaman. Critical Hit!

19:26, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 2d8+3 with rolls of 2,7. Critical Hit Damage (Longbow).

Move: None.

Note: This expends Arnan's Inspiration. However, going from a 1 to a 20 on an Attack roll against an enemy Boss was Inspiration well-spent, in my opinion! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Tue 11 July 2017.

Peeking around from her icy post, Kira saw the shaman engage Hengar and hoping that was distracting enough that she was hidden let loose an arrow at the enraged Shaman.

---

20:01, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow vs Shaman.
20:02, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  Damage.
20:03, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6.  Sneak Damage if she is considered hidden from Shaman.

If allowed the sneak, that should take the crazy man down.  *fingers crossed*

"Heh-haha!" Thane flashed a wolfish grin of thanks at Hengar when the man took down the last of the Fury women, and he let out another cry of exultation as he warded off the spectral bear.  His wolfish grin turned into a determined sneer at the Shaman as the Bears' man started to sprout arrows.

"I prefer my maidens warm, how 'bout you pay this Frostmaiden a visit for me?" he suggested wryly, then smashed the man with his flail to help seal his fate.

---

OOC:
Action: 23:19, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 22,7 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Melee Attack vs Shaman (AC12) (Flail).
Hit for 7 damage

OOC:

Well, I think that the shaman is well and truly dead this time (we'd have had him early on if Kira and I hadn't both rolled crap for damage in the 1st round).

Kira, I think that you are entitled to your Sneak Attack damage regardless of whether your Hide Check was successful, given the fact that Hengar (and maybe Thane, too) were within 5 feet of the shaman (at least that's the way I read the rogue's Sneak Attack write-up). :)

The adventurers team up against the Bear Tribe Shaman, punishing the man with a barrage of attacks. Their combined might proves too great and the shaman succumbs to his wounds, collapsing in a broken heap on the icy ground.

Hengar wastes little time celebrating the victory and turns his attention to the captured members of his tribe. Releasing the captured members of the Elk Tribe proves to be a comple affair, the larger challenge is seeing to their welfare. All are in terrible shape. Those few who are able to speak coherently in their present state inform the adventurers that the Ice Witch lurks in the room beyond and that one of their own tribe members'--Soren Arnsfirth--was already taken there by the Bear Tribe Shaman, Bjami, as the witch's first victim.

While Hengar went to release the prisoners, Kira immediately went to the fallen Bear tribe members and unceremoniously yanked off their pelts.  "We need to get them warmer and these will help.  Maybe put 'em together, skin to skin and cover them while we take care of the witch?" she suggested, a hint of a smirk forming as she remembered a certain conversation like that happening before though under much nicer circumstances.

Hengar nods while gathering the bear pelts off the fallen, eventually bundling his tribesmen with these.

"These men need warmth, food, and drink," he affirmed Kira's thoughts, and he himself pitched in to get the men huddled together and cloaked with the scavenged furs.  He dug through his pack and gave the men what was left of his rations and his water skin.

"It isn't much, but eat all you can," he encouraged the men.  He jerked a thumb towards Arnan.  "He's a hunter, if there's game around here, maybe we can all have some fresh meat for the journey home.  But I think we have somethin' else to deal with first," he continued before shifting his attention to Hengar.

"You're a tough man, but maybe you should stick to this when we go against that Ice Maiden," he said quietly while holding forth his crossbow and quiver of bolts.  "I can't do anything for your new wounds unless we rest.  Does your man have enough time for that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Thu 13 July 2017.

OOC:

Waiting to hear Hengar's answer re: available time to see whether Arnan should use short-rest healing or a Fighter's Second Wind to heal himself. :)

Hengar recommends everyone take a short rest before moving on, "Let's gird ourselves for what is to come," he says solemnly.

OOC: Short rest makes sense. Give everyone an opportunity to spend hit dice to heal up before moving forward. Hengar heals 17 on his short rest, so he's back up to full hp/
This message was last edited by the player at 23:28, Thu 13 July 2017.

In reply to Hengar Aensvaard (msg # 173):

Arnan nodded in response to Hengar's suggestion of a short rest, and moved over to the side to tend to his wound. The Bear Tribeswoman's javelin had caught him right on the hip, and he could feel it every time he took a step.

After cleaning the wound and applying a herbal mixture recommended by a local druid, he felt considerably better.

---

OOC:

19:54, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 5 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 3. Healing (Short Rest).

"Okay," Thane replied, equally solemnly.  The fact that Hengar was willing to take a rest now bode poorly for the chance that his fellow, Soren Arnsfirth, was yet among the living.

"I'll look after these other men.  Maybe I can do somethin' to help them," he promised, and moved off to tend to the nearly frozen, half dead Elksmen.  While he looked after their health, by warming them, feeding them, checking for battle wounds, etc, he also softly pressed them for information about the plans of the Ice Maiden and what the Shaman was trying to do with them.

---

OOC:
Action: Take Short Rest and Heal Self (Expend 1 hit dice)
  - 10:11, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 1d10+2.  Short Rest Healing.  Restored to 22 hit points
Action: Medicine Check to see after the welfare of the hypothermic Elksmen:
  - 10:13, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Medicine Check (help the frozen Elksmen). Natural 20!  That's gotta be worth something...

Also: Maybe someone (Kira) would take the time to check the dead for belongings of note or information?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Sat 15 July 2017.

Kira had taken out her own rations and the bedroll and blanket to add to the pelts they'd gathered to help warm the Elk tribesmen, knowing it wasn't much but certainly better than nothing.  She only had a small wound, something she didn't bring up and ignored for the most part, but was ready to go when Hengar suggested a few moments to rest.

Her mouth opened and she took a breath but then stopped, no protest spewing forth though in her mind she was thinking they might have time to save the one that had been taken.  It was his friend though and she would abide by his decision.  Plus she knew the others needed a bit of tending to for more grievous wounds than the little scratch on her side.

While they tended to that, she did look over the bodies though didn't expect to find much since they were naked.  Once she'd done that, she started searching the area around them to see if they'd stowed anything away.  If they had, then there would be that much more they could use to help the Elk get warm again.

---

13:06, Today: Kira rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Perception - looking for stuff.  At least she got decent rolls for combat.  :/

The adventurers quickly attend to the needs of the Elk Tribe prisoners, ensuring each is in no imminent danger of succumbing to exposure to the elements. The brief respite also allows the party to catch a breath, bandage wounds and briefly search the cavern for treasure (none is found) before pressing on, deeper into the waterfall cavern.

A few of the more lucid Elk Tribesmen point toward a wide tunnel leading away from the large cavern and say the Bear Tribesmen led Soren Arnsfirth off that way. A few moments later, the group marches off toward the wide tunnel.

Hengar appears quite nervous as the party draws deeper into the ice lair. At one point, he comments briefly on the history of the enormous ice cave as being the lair of the white dragon, Ingeloakastimizilian, which the barbarians called Icingdeath. Hengar says the dragon was slain by the Elk Tribe hero Wulfgar over a century ago, but the tone in his voice and the slow, careful manner he marches forward suggests he half-expects the terrible wyrm to appear around the next corner.

The tunnel gradually widens even more, opening into a massive, sprawling ice cavern teeming with natural ice spires extending from the floor and dripping from the ceiling, which rises so high above it disappears in muted darkness. Near the center of the ice cavern, some distance away, the party sees a familiar sight, The Ice Witch stands next to the bones of the dragon Icingdeath. Before her, the Elk Tribe warrior Soren is begging and pleading with the Ice Witch, his wavering voice echoing through the cavern...

"I beg you, daughter of mine, accept my life as sacrifice to appease Auril...but let the others go! Spare them! Hedrun...please, I ask of you!"

Neither the Ice Witch or Soren appear to be aware of the adventurers entrance, though they are some distance away yet.

Kira traipsed along with the others, listening to the tale of the dragon being killed long ago but seeing the trepidation in Hengar's gait makes her wonder too.  Still she was too intent on finding the Ice Witch and when they finally reached a point they could hear what was going on, she drew her bow and an arrow.  Not really waiting for the others, she tried to move from ice pillar to ice pillar as quietly as possible in order to get close enough to take a shot.  The thought came too late that they should have taken a bear pelt or two to get a couple even closer but they were here now and would do as best they could.

---

14:06, Today: Kira rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.
The die roller seems a bit pissy today ... :/

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 177):

This Wulfgar must have been a mighty warrior indeed to slay a legengary Dragon such as Icingdeath, Arnan thought to himself as Hengar told his tale in hushed tones. The scout found it a little difficult to believe that a single warrior could slay a Dragon, and wondered that if the tale had grown in the telling over the years, as those things often do. But even if Wulfgar had help, having the courage and skill to take down a Dragon is a feat worthy of bards' songs and tales, he concluded.

Once the foursome had entered the large ice cavern, Arnan was more than a little surprised to hear the captured Elk Tribesman, one Soren Arnsfirth, referring to the Ice Witch as his daughter. What's this? Arnan wondered.

Is she truly his daughter? And if so, will he stand with her or with us if we attack her? Might not blood prove to be a stronger bond than tribal loyalty?

'Twas an interesting question, but not one that Arnan could ponder o'erlong. Kira was already on the move, creeping closer to Soren and the Ice Witch on little cat's feet, and Arnan followed her lead.

---

OOC:

12:23, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 21 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 16. Stealth Check.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Sun 16 July 2017.

Thane walked down the icy passages, alert but not as anxiously as Hengar.  It reminded him of a similar pursuit down a rocky tunnel back near Luskan when he and his company were chasing down a handful of Drow marauders.  The memory threatened to put him in a foul mood.

When the party arrived at the larger chamber, Thane felt an unusual sense of relief that the Elksman, Soren Arnsfirth, still lived.  His face broke into a weak grin.  While his companions sought shelter of cover, Thane stopped still and whispered to Hengar.

"What's going on here?  You know this Ice Maiden?!?" he asked with obvious surprise.

Sighing, Hengar responds, "Y..yes. I guess so. Though I did not know it until now."

Pausing to look Thane in the eyes, a steady look, he continues, "That is Soren's daughter, Hedrun. She was recently exiled from our tribe...after she killed Olaf, the son of my tribe's shaman. I...we...believed her dead, as she had the same fate as I had...in Bryn Shander."

In reply to Hengar (msg # 181):

Thane met Hengar's firm gaze with a solid one of his own.  His brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to understand what was at play here.

"This is a family squabble, then?  I don't know how this is my fight anymore if this is just a family problem," he whispered in response.  The wheels of his mind were rather slow to turn at times, and this was one of them.  He puckered his mouth and bit on his lower lip.

Then an idea must have struck, a bit of family wisdom perhaps, and the pucker drew sideways as he lifted his eyes towards the pair of barbarians beyond, the father and the daughter.

"That man needs our help.  So does the girl, even if she don't know it.  Let's move before she decides to kill her dad," he said, a bit louder, and then Thane started advancing toward the arguing pair of barbarians.  He felt he needed to distract the girl from her target, and perhaps even distract the father from the daughter, if only for a moment.

"I DON'T THINK AURIL IS GOING TO HEAR YOU DOWN HERE," Thane shouted loudly enough for his voice to carry to Hedrun and Soren.  "Leastways, when I tried calling over and over and over again to Tempus while inside caverns like this, HE didn't hear ME none," he continued, less loudly.

"So you're the Ice Maiden?  The one setting Bear and Elk against each other?  That's a very sad thing to do, not family-like at all," he finished, having drawn closer by half the distance to the pair, and stopped.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Sun 16 July 2017.

Arnan and Kira advance forward, both seeking cover as they draw closer to the Ice Witch and Soren Arnfirth. Soren continues to plead with his daughter, begging for her mercy toward the other prisoners, whom he has no way of knowing have already been liberated.

A bit further behind Arnan and Kira, Thane questions Hengar about the familial connection. The Elk Tribe warrior appears confused over these turn of events, but he does his best to explain to Thane's satisfaction.

Taking matters into his own hands to solve the issue, Thane calls out loudly in the great ice cavern, his voice echoing over Soren's pleas. This draws Father and Daughter's attention, both turn their heads toward Thane.

The daughter, the Ice Witch, visibly becomes enraged and a cold wind begins to whip around the cavern.

"Witness the power of Auril has granted her Chosen, and taste Winter's Fury!" she cries, as the ice-encrusted bones of the long-dead dragon shudder to life!

The girl's father, Soren, screams out in terror as the dragon lurches forward. Scrabbling on four, the man grasps for the hem of his daughter's robe and continues to beg for her mercy. The Ice Witch regards him with a cold, malicious stare, her mouth twisted into a wicked smile...



Hedrun Arnsfirth, "The Ice Witch"
AC: 14
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (19/19)]

Skeletal White Dragon (Icingdeath)
AC: 14
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (51/51)
]

PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   17/20    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    0      NA
Kira      14   13/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA


OOC: PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:08, Sun 16 July 2017.

Hengar stammers in disbelief at this latest discovery. Never in his wildest nightmares would he have imagined the Ice Witch, to be be none other than Soren's daughter, Hedrun. This, coupled with the appearance of Icingdeath, albeit in skeletal form, and the Ice Witch's proclamation as being The Chosen of Auril, causes the Elk Tribe warrior's mind to reel.

Hengar draws his axe and warily advances toward the Ice Witch and the skeletal dragon. Calling out, he says, "Hedrun...don't do this!"

Kira was an orphan and even though she knew this was the man's daughter, she was a very real threat to not only him but everyone else and that meant only one thing.  She had to be taken down.  Ignoring the bones of the dragon reanimating for now, she let fly an arrow straight at the woman who seemed to be making it rise again.

---

18:55, Today: Kira rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow vs Ice Witch.  CRIT!!
18:56, Today: Kira rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 1,6.  Shortbow Dam/Crit.
18:56, Today: Kira rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Sneak if applicable.
Total damage possible 12.  O.o ... dang low damage dice.

Arnan wasn't sure whether they were talking or fighting. Kira had obviously come down on the fighting side of the ledger, whilst Thane and Hengar were talking.

Taking a deep breath, Arnan nocked an arrow and waited for the Ice Witch's reaction. He would put another arrow into her if she reacted aggressively -- and truth be told, if he  were playing the odds, that is how he would place his bet after Kira's attack -- or if Thane tipped the balance away from continued diplomacy.

---

OOC:

Action: 22:50, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 19 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 12. Readied Attack (Longbow).

22:51, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 3. Damage (If Applicable).
This message was last edited by the player at 03:26, Mon 17 July 2017.

Hedrun's reaction was not what Thane was hoping for.  A swell of emotion surged within him, a complex mix of sadness, loss, bitterness, and disappointment.  Whatever hope there was for a "good" resolution of the situation between Father and Daughter, and between Elk and Bear, that hope was disappearing as quickly as the arrows that were flying to pierce the Ice Witch.

"No!" Thane yelled out, his subconscious rebelling at the idea of the shedding of blood which had meaning and that would only lead to loss for one side or the other.

"You're making a big mistake!  Look around you, we are here, and all your other men are not!  You're not going to win this!" he cried out, trying to make Hedrun see that by all appearances her side was on the losing one, revived skeletal dragon or not.

Thane meanwhile had swapped weapons, transferring his flail in his shield hand and the drawing forth a hand axe.  He was fully ready to throw the axe at her if she did not stop her hostile actions.

---

OOC:
Bonus: Intimidate: 09:44, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  Intimidate Check: Hedrun stand down. Probably not going to cut it.

Move: Swap Weapons (move fail to shield hand, grab hand axe)

Readied Action: Throw Axe at Hedrun - 09:53, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 42 using 2d20+5 with rolls of 20,17.  Readied Ranged Attack (Hand Axe) (AC14).

     If Thane is within 20', then he hits with a natural 20 for a Critical Hit:
09:55, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 10 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 2,5.  Damage IF critical hit.

     Otherwise the throw is at Disadvantage and he still hits with a natural 17 (+5 = 22)
     09:56, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 5 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 2.  Damage if not critical hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:06, Mon 17 July 2017.

Kira looses an arrow as soon as she is able, striking the Ice Witch in the chest, chipping shards of her ice armor away in the process.

The Ice Witch cries out in anguish and then summons a sleet storm that falls all around the adventurers, dousing the party in icy rain and sleet. As soon as the ice begins to fall, Arnan looses an arrow and Thane throws a hand axe at long range in hopes of striking Hedrun down. She is struck again, both times, her ice armor continuing to absorb some of the damage.

The immediate area around the adventurers is now heavily obscured in sleet, anmy exposed flames doused and the ground covered with slick ice. The area around the adventurers has turned into a skating rink and it takes some degree of skill to even remain standing, let alone think of effectively taking up arms against the Ice Witch and skeletal dragon.

Speaking of which, the huge skeletal dragon charges at Arnan, completely unphased by the icy ground. The dragon claws and bites, sinking its fangs into and through the warrior's armor.

The Ice Witch cackles as she watches the ice fall all around the adventurers.



OOC: Arnan takes 11 points of damage. All PCs must make DEX saving throws (DC13) or they fall prone. Additionally, any addiitonal move or attacks within the ice sleet area must also be preceded by a DEX save (DC13), or else the character falls prone. The ice sleet area of effect is a 40 foot radius, centered on the adventurers. It will take a double move to get outside of the spell's area of effect.

The dragon is a huge creature and is currently in melee with Arnan.

Hedrun Arnsfirth, "The Ice Witch"
AC: 14
HP: -23/?? [Private to GM: (8/19)]

Skeletal White Dragon (Icingdeath)
AC: 14
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (51/51)
]

PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    0      NA
Kira      14   13/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA


OOC: PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:18, Tue 18 July 2017.

Hengar is unable to keep his feet underneath him and slips and falls to the ground. Sliding around on the ice, the Elk Tribe warrior struggles to regain his footing, but eventually manages to stand up and begins moving, uneasily, toward Arnan.

Arnan cried out in pain as the skeletal Dragon's massive jaws snapped shut on him. Luckily, however, the huge creature did not hold him in the grip of his jaws, and Arnan was left standing on his feet.

Well, for a short moment any way. Then his feet slipped out from under him, and he went down with a thud. Fueled by desperation, he shifted his bow to his right hand and quickly gripped his shield with his left. Then he struggled to his feet, knowing that to lie prone whilst within range of Icingdeath's jaws would likely be the death of him.

Arnan felt a surge as his reserves of energy kicked in. He doubted his abilty to outrun Icingdeath on the slick footing, for he had seen how easily the huge monster had moved across the ice -- whilst he himself had difficulty even standing up.

"Flee!" he called out to his allies and companions. "I'll keep Icingdeath busy for as long as I can."

Next, he concentrated on watching the skeletal Dragon's head, doing his best to anticipate the creature's next strike so that he avoid it . . .

---

OOC:

23:19, Yesterday: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5. Acrobatics Check (DC 13). Failure.

Note: Arnan loses his balance and falls prone.

Move Action: 11:16, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15. Acrobatics Check (To Stand Up From Prone). Success!

Notes: Standing up from prone consumes half of a Move Action. Meh, it's not like Arnan is going anywhere any way. I kinda assumed the same DC for the standing-up Check but even if it was a little higher, a 20 should do the trick.

Object Interaction: Ready shield (Arnan's AC is now 16).

Action: Dodge. Icingdeath's next Attack is at a Disadvantage.

Bonus Action: Second Wind. Arnan regains 6 Hit Points (he is now at 12 of 20 -- I forgot to edit the info above his Portrait before posting).

Free Action: Speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Tue 18 July 2017.

Oh how she wanted to tear apart this witch covered in ice!  She heard Arnan's yell of pain but when he tried to tell them to flee, she just couldn't let go of her focus to do so.  When she felt herself slipping on the ice, she used that momentum to slide herself closer to the Ice Witch in hopes of getting close enough to engage and hopefully distract her from the others so they could take care of the skeletal dragon.

---

22:43, Yesterday: Kira rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Dex.
12:50, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20.  Athletics.  Trying to get close to Ice Witch.

Thane looked on in amazed wonder as the Ice Witch caused a massive amount of slushy, slick water to inundate the area where he and his companions were fighting.  His mind reeled with the notion that maybe she indeed held the upper hand, with all attacks against her having little discernible effect.  Added to that was the sight of the huge skeletal dragon tromping easily across the slickness and chomping down hard on Arnan, and his other companions falling down where they stood only to scrabble for purchase.

For his part, he was able to keep his feet.  Perhaps it was the scene unfolding before him triggering some dark memories and darker emotions that caused him to be so still as to avoid falling over by dint of his own weight.

Arnan's plight drew all of Thane's attention.


The very idea of abandoning Arnan, or any of his other companions, was putridly toxic to his state of mind.  "The hells I'm leaving!" he roared.  His eyes took on a desperate, crazed look, as he started to move towards Arnan.  He churned his legs, pumping them like he had done when racing through the deep snows on the journey here, and he almost overbalanced right away.  But he recovered quickly, his reinforced boots finding purchase and he raced to melee against the dragon at Arnan's side.

"I'm not losing any else!  Not here, not today, or by Tempus, I too shall fall!" he ranted with the conviction of a haunted man as he closed the distance and swung his flail against the dragon's skeletal jowls in a show of invigorating effort.

---

OOC:
Compulsory DEX Save: 21:33, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Dex Check (DC13). Success

Action: Double Move to reach Arnan on difficult ground
Try #1: 21:41, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Athletics Check (DC15) to move on the slick ground. Failure
Try #2: 21:42, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Use Inspiration to re-roll the Athletics Check (DC15). Success

Bonus: Ready Flail

Action Surge: Attack
21:42, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  Melee vs Icingdeath (AC14) (Flail). Hit!
21:43, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 3.  Bludgeoning Damage vs Icingdeath. 6 damage

Free Action: Rant and Rave

Note: Based on my understanding of the relevant rules (Opportunity Attacks, PHB p. 195), Thane's actions should not cause an attack of opportunity.  Thane does not "leave" Icingdeath's reach, which is the condition which triggers OAs.  He instead is closing to melee range.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Wed 19 July 2017.

Thane skids his way into the fray, taking a solid whack at the undead dragon as he draws to within striking distance. The dragon coils around and flicks its tail at Thane in an effort to trip the fighter, but Thane jumps over the tail at precisely the right moment and gets in position for his next attack. The dragon cranes its neck around and roars, clawing at Arnan, but he blocks the attack with his shield.

Meanwhile, the Ice Witch continues to chant, this time conjuring three ice darts that materialize from her outstretched palm. The ice darts jet across the cavern, one bound for Arnan, Kira and Thane. Arnan sees it just in time to get his shield up again, an explosion of ice chips falling to either side of it. An ice dart sails over Thane's head, though close enough he feels the chills. Kira, still struggling to maintain her balance on the precarious ice, can do little to avoid the ice dart bound for her. It strikes her solidly, chilling her to the bone and making her feel quite sluggish.

The Ice Witch's form appears quite ragged now. Either her display of magic power or the combined damage she has taken from the adventurers' missile attacks is taking its toll on her. In any event, her jerky movements and cracked ice armor suggest she has been heavily damaged. Not that Arnan or Thane notice it, as they both have their hands full fighting a dragon. Kira however senses something is not quite right about the Ice Witch.

For his part, her father has taken cover beneath an ice stalagmite and continues to wail in agony upon seeing the monster his daughter has become...



OOC: Kira is hit for 7 points of damage and her speed is reduced by 15 feet this next round.
Any move or attacks within the ice sleet area must also be preceded by a DEX save (DC13), or else the character falls prone. The ice sleet area of effect is a 40 foot radius, centered on the adventurers. It will take a double move to get outside of the spell's area of effect.

The dragon is a huge creature and is currently in melee with Arnan and Thane. The Ice Witch is near the far end of the cavern, separated from the adventurers by the sheet of ice and the skeletal white dragon.

Hedrun Arnsfirth, "The Ice Witch"
AC: 14
HP: -23/?? [Private to GM: (8/19)]

Skeletal White Dragon (Icingdeath)
AC: 14
HP: -6/?? [Private to GM: (45/51)
]

PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    0      NA
Kira      14    6/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA


OOC: PCs are UP!

Hengar continues to slide every which way on the ice. Clearly frustrated by his lack of progress, the Elk Tribe warrior curses aloud in his native tongue though with all the physical exertion it comes out sounding like little more than a rutting bull.

"Cover up, Arnan!  Cover up!" Thane shouted at the archer, affirming what the man was already doing.  The huge skeletal dragon was quite the intimidating foe, and from past experience Thane knew how tough bones were against swords and arrows, the very kinds of weapons that Arnan favored.  Better for him to protect himself than be exposed to attack for little effect against the dragon, Thane reasoned.

Thane drew his flail backwards to line up another strike when his boots slipped out from under him!  He hit the slick ground on his side and immediately scrabbled around to get up, but he could find no purchase.  He lashed out with his flail in frustration but his attack lacked the strength needed to land a solid blow.

---

Actions and Dice Rolls:
Compulsory DEX check: 10:14, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7. Fail - fall down!

Move Action: Attempt to stand up (Acrobatics) 10:48, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 7 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 5. Fail - stays prone

Attack from Prone: 10:49, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 2d20+5 with rolls of 9,4. Miss!

No possible way to dodge the ice dagger as she was sliding toward the Ice Witch, Kira gritted her teeth and then let out a snarl of pain as it hit and she skidded onto an uncovered patch of ground.  It took everything she had to stand but she did and pulled back another arrow.  She had to take her down and hoped it would stop the skeletal dragon too, the desperation to help her friends pulsing strong with every beat of her heart.

---

11:03, Today: Kira rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Shortbow vs Ice Witch.
11:03, Today: Kira rolled 8 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 5.  Shortbow Pain.

In a way it was heartwarming that both Thane and Kira had stayed to fight -- with the Luskan coming to Arnan's aid even as Kira closed with the Ice Witch. But at the same time, Arnan hated that his efforts to occupy the skeletal Dragon's attention and keep it busy attacking him would be for naught -- for he did not see any way that he and his companions could overcome both Icingdeath and a wizardess who could wield the immense power required to breath life into the long-dead legendary Dragon.

These thoughts flashed through Arnan's head in an instant and then were gone, pushed aside by the need to devote his full attention to dodging or blocking Icingdeath's attacks.

Luckily this time the scout was able to maintain his footing, and he peered up at the Ice-Dragon's massive head, trying to anticipate the monster's next attack . . .

---

OOC:

15:09, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13. Stand Up/Fall Down Check (DC 13). Stand Up!

Action: Dodge [Disadvantage to Icingdeath's Attack(s)].

Move: None.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Wed 19 July 2017.

After skidding to a stop and calmly drawing and releasing an arrow bound straight for the Ice Witch's heart, Kira watches as it flies true to its mark. The arrow pierces the Chosen of Auril's armor, causing her, it, to begin crumble into a pile of whirling snow. In response, the skeletal dragon jerkily lopes forward, the magic force animating the wyrm's remains fleeing with the Ice Witch's essence. Then, the skeletal dragon is unable to lift its own bones and it collapses right in front of Arnan and Thane, showering the warriors with a spray of ice and bone shards!

The wind that had been whipping through the cavern eventually subsides in a single gust emanating from the pile of snow where the Ice Witch once stood. On the wind the adventurers hear the Ice Witch's laughter as if from afar:

"The form you have defeated is a mere vessel for my power--as hollow as your victory this day! Soon I will send forth another, and if you destroy that, another, until all of Icewind Dale knows the terrible wrath of my mistress!"

Soren looks at the pile of snow in disbelief, his face wracked in pain and grief. Hengar, finally able to stand upright, cautiously approaches Kira and places a hand on her shoulder. The warrior grasps it firmly for a moment and then whispers, "That was a mighty fine shot, Kira of the South!"

Thane had lost track of the wider battle.  Down on the slick, cold stone floor he couldn't see much beyond the unnaturally animated bones of Icingdeath towering threateningly over him.  When the bones suddenly shuddered and collapsed into a shower of broken icy bits, Thane momentarily flopped onto his back from the great efforts required of him over the past days.

Only when the wind had calmed and the ghostly, far-away voice of the Ice Witch had spoken did Thane rise to his feet, moving slowly lest he fall down again.

He gave Arnan a pleased thumbs-up and then hazarded the few strides to where Kira and Hengar stood.

"What the hells just happened?" he murmured, obviously taken aback by the sudden and obviously magical ending to the formerly pitched battle.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Thu 20 July 2017.

Kira listened to the taunting voice, frowning as she looked at the pile of snow that been the image of the poor man's daughter but her thoughts were broken when she felt the hand on her shoulder.  Looking up at Hengar, she gave him a half-smile.  "I may have been raised in the south but my mother was from somewhere around here," she replied.

Then Thane joined them and she gave him another of those half-smiles, partly relief and partly a bit of sadness considering everything.  "Kill the mage and the magic dies, something someone told me a long time ago.  I don't know if that was really his daughter or a construct of some type but at least she's not being used anymore," she said with genuine apology.

She looked at Arnan and he seemed better than he had been, a definite look of relief starting to creep up in her features.  They all needed a good bit of rest and she craved a long hot soak even more now.  "I would suggest we destroy those bones so they can't be used against anyone again," she added with a tip of her head to the now inert dragon remains.

Arnan stared in open-mouthed amazement as the walking bones that comprised Icingdeath first shivered, and then collapsed with a great crash and shower of snow and ice at Thane's and his feet . . . well, since Thane was prone at the time, it may have been his head. A glance over to where Kira and the Ice Witch were battling told the tale -- for now there was no more Ice Witch, only a whispery gust that told of her ire.

Arnan's shoulders sagged, and he suddenly felt very tired. His wounds pained him a little, but he felt that this way something different than the usual wounds of battle -- those he had suffered before, without feeling like this. Mayhaps, he thought, 'twas the fact that I had looked Death in the eye, and had come to accept that He would claim me on this day. I was to be the rear-guard as Kira and Thane fled an unwinnable battle, buying them sufficient time to make their escape.

But now . . . here I still am, and Death is nowhere to be seen. I had steeled myself for something that did not come to pass . . . 'tis difficult to explain, but I feel drained and bereft of energy.

Walking slowly over to where Thane and Kira stood with Hengar, Arnan barely had enough strength to smile a thin smile. "Thank you," he said to Thane, "for rushing to my aid."

"And I congratulate the both of you for having the good sense to ignore my advice to flee. Your stubbornness in the face of long odds has given us a great victory."

---

OOC:

Kira to Arnan: "Oh, why don't you quit your whining and just man-up, already? I'm hurt worse than you are, and you don't see me moping around and dragging ass!" :)

Kira looked at Arnan and snorted lightly.  "Like we'd ever leave you behind," she mock-scoffed and then impulsively hugged him, then Thane, and even Hengar though he impish smile had faded and there was a return of the pained expression.  "We're a team ... right?  Though right now I think I need a healer," she said with a frustrated sigh.

---

OOC:  Even Kira knows this is not the time to poke at raw wounds, physical and literal.  :P

"I don't leave battle-brothers to die," Thane replied to Arnan.  There was an absolute seriousness to his tone that likely gave the experienced archer cause for mental pause.  Thane grasped and shook Arnan's shoulder firmly, then turned to give his attention back to the greater group.

"Let me tend to your wounds, and then I'm all for gettin' out of this dreary place," he suggested.  Pulling out his diminishing healing kit, he selected some bandaging and salves which he applied to Kira and Arnan.

"Your wounds should close up nicely," he told them both. "Just be glad Icindeath's bones were so old that they'd not be carryin' diseases.  Real animal bites can get very nasty very fast, what with how foul animal slobber can be," he advised Arnan in particular.

---

Expend two uses of his healing kits to tend to Kira and Arnan.
13:57, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 12,11 using 1d6+6,1d6+6 with rolls of 6,5.  Heal: Kira, Arnan.  Both Kira and Arnan are restored to full hit points.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Fri 21 July 2017.

The battle is over. All that remains of the Ice Witch is a little pile of snow that drifts along the floor, carried aloft by a gentle breeze funneling through the ice cavern. The bones of Icingdeath now lie inert on the floor, and thankfully so. Had Kira not defeated the Ice Witch's simulacrum, the dragon would have undoubtedly tore the party apart. Fortunately that did not come to pass.

Hengar takes stock of Icingdeath's lair, perhaps imagining what it must have been like when the legendary hero, Wulfgar, bested the white dragon in melee combat. Hengar examines its remains more closely and marvels at its dessicated flesh frozen to its bones. The great icicle that Wulfgar used to stab its heart is still lodged in the creature's ribs.

Looking about the great cavern, the party notices glints of metal buried beneath sheets of ice, perhaps remnants of Icingdeath's hoard encased in a century's worth of freeze and thaw, though mostly the former.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 204):

"Thanks, that feels better," Arnan told Thane after the Luskan had opened up his healing kit and tended to the archer's wounds.

"That is quite useful," Arnan continued, nodding his head at the healing kit. "I am certainly willing to pay to help replenish your healer's supplies."

Before leaving the cavern, Arnan caught sight of the glint of metal situated in what might well be Icingdeath's Dragon-Horde. "Most of the great Dragon's treasures are probably buried under a century's worth of ice. But we should look about. After nearly killing us, 'twould be a measure of justice if Icingdeath gives up a share of his hoard to us."

Thane nodded at Arnan while eyeing the glint of metal buried under the ice.  "You're welcome, and I reckon you're right," he replied.  "If someone had a hammer and some metal spikes, maybe we could chisel something valuable out of there."

Thane shrugged.  "I don't have anything like that in my pack, but if someone else did I'd be willing to labor at it for a while," he continued earnestly.  "Leastways, if we have the time for it," he added, glancing at Hengar and Soren.

"Your men are saved, Hengar.  I'd say it's been a good days work.  Turned out better than I thought it might," he admitted to the warrior.  Then he focused on the older man present.  "But what about you, mister Soren?  We've not met.  I'm Thane Harkensen, Hengar here asked me and my companions to help him and the folk of the Elk in their struggle against the Ice Witch.  Who apparently is your daughter?  There's a history to be told about that, I'm sure," he introduced himself and gently probed for information.

Hengar nods in agreement and grabs Thane's shoulder in a friendly gesture, "Yes. It has. My people are indebted to you and yours. Your willingness to risk your lives to lend aid to the People of the Elk should go a long way toward winning hearts and minds. As in days of old..." he says, his voice trailing away in a far-off and distant tone, as though imagining days gone by and stories he heard as a child.

Returning to the moment, he adds in a less hopeful tone, "But old traditions and ways of thinking linger long..." 

Hengar is a bit of an anomaly among his kin. Like others, he grew up hearing tales of Wulfgar Dragonsbane, the Elk King who slew the dragon Icingdeath, and along with his outsider companions: a dwarf warrior, his adopted human daughter, a halfling rogue and a dark elf exile, saved Ten Towns from the army of Akar Kessell at the Battle of Icewind Dale. To hear his fellow tribes tell it, Wulfgar's glorious victories validated the xenphobic and fiercely indpendent way of life. The king's loyalty to the tribes, his trust in his own strength to win through adversity, and the restless wanderings of his late career all spoke to the virtues that Hengar had been taught since he was a boy.

But Hengar took a different lesson from these tales. Where other speak of Wulfgar's loyalty in rejecting his fellows. Hengar has never understood the aloofness between Reghed tribes and the people of Ten Towns. Adventuring with these fine companions these past few days has only reaffirmed his belief that strength comes through cultivating relationships beyond the warmth of one's own fire.

"But yes, today was a good day," he adds with a measure of optimism. A whole new world had opened before Hengar's eyes and he was reluctant to leave it behind.

Soren looks up from the pile of snow where the simulacrum of his daughter had once stood, his sky-blue eyes puffy and rimmed brilliant red. The man seems a bit at a loss for words, unable to make his mouth work. In his palms, a handful of snow and ice which he stares forlornly at.

"I tried to help her," he whispers more to himself than any other. "Why did he turn his back on her? Why did he banish her...she could have been helped...had he only tried..."

Soren eventually looks up and visually acknowledges Thane and the others, albeit briefly, before returning his attention to the little pile of snow he now cradles in the palm of his hands.

Soren seems either unable or unwilling to speak any further.

Hengar eventually approaches Thane and relates what he knows of Hedrun's tale. Olaf, the Elk Tribe Shaman's son, had been romantically linked to Hedrun, apparently against the Shaman's wishes. Hedrun possessed strange powers from an early age and she was widely thought to be bewitched by demons. Hedrun froze Olaf and the boy's father, Mjenir, brought his son's body before King Jarund as proof of the danger Hedrun posed to the tribe. Mjenir lobbied for Hedrun to be banished from the tribe and King Jarund ordered her banishment shortly thereafter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:46, Fri 21 July 2017.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 208):

"A better day for some of us than for others, I suspect," Arnan said quietly as he glanced over at Soren, as the man held the snow where his daughter's magicked image (at least that was what Arnan supposed it had been -- admittedly he had a poor understanding of such things) had stood.

"The Ice Witch is truly his daughter?" he asked Hengar.

"I find it difficult to believe that she would have sacrificed her own father. Would she have gone through with it, do you suppose?"

---

OOC:

Rob, Arnan would mention to Thane that he has a hammer and shovel (for dealing with snow and ice shards), but no pitons/metal spikes (unfortunately).

Thane heard the tale as Hengar spoke it, but chose to be silent about it.  He simple nodded his head in understanding.  The ways of the barbarian tribes were not his ways, certainly not Luskan ways, and he didn't want to give Soren any offense by offering an 'outsider' opinion.

So he turned his attention to Kira.  "I didn't see the killing blow, but according to Hengar it was one of your arrows that ended the battle?" he asked.  "Well done!  You may have saved all our lives!" he congratulated her in warm sincerity.  "I've never faced someone with such difficult magics as that slick storm or being able to make that long-dead pile of dragon bones stand up and fight again," he pursed his lips and gestured at the jumbled mess of bones and dessicated sinews.  A twinkle lit his eyes at a sensed opportunity.

"So, you ever have dreams of plundering a dragon's hoard?  Now's you're chance..." he teased, curious if the brave rogue was a resourceful one as well.

It was cold as a lich's tit but Kira endured as Thane tended the wound in her flank area, sighing with relief as she covered up and nodded to him.  "Thanks for that … hurt like hell and I'll pitch in to replenish your kit too," she said as she stretched a little, testing the wound and nodding more with satisfaction.  It had been sheer determination that kept her from grumbling and whining, that and years of squalor making her quite thankful for her lot in life now.

While Thane went about asking the history of Hedrun from Soren, she decided to stay away from that topic because her thoughts on the matter wouldn't make the poor man feel any better.  She'd almost gave a resounding yes when he asked if she really would have sacrificed her father, knowing how family didn't mean a thing when greed or lust or any of the less savory traits reared their ugly heads.  Instead her eyes showed her sadness and regret that she'd had to destroy anything that looked like her for his sake.

In spite of everything, Thane's praise lightened her mood but she gave a shrug of her small shoulders.  "I noticed there was something off and figured if I just kept shooting it'd crumble, hoped I was right that destroying it would stop Old Bones there," she said with a point to the dragon.  "Kind of embarrassing sliding around like that but I managed to use it to my advantage … couldn't let you guys down."

"As for checking out a hoard, you bet your sweet tookus I plan to try to get to some," she added with a big grin.  "I also intend to take a few teeth and vertebrae.  Gimme a hammer and I can use a dagger to try to chip away unless we try to melt some of the ice.  While I'm doing that maybe some of the still mobile guys can crush up the bones, make sure she or anyone else can ever use it again."  She was definitely focused on that happening, not liking how it had wounded Arnan with just one chomp.

Using what tools they have available: hand axes, hammers and shovels, the adventurers begin chipping away at a promising section of ice where the glint of metal is clearly seen.

The task is certainly not easy, but after several minutes of sweat-inducing work, the party has unearthed a small cache of Icingdeath's treasure for their efforts. Given more time, proper tools, and more than a few hours of rest between extreme physical exertion, the party could likely find more. As it is however, everyone is hungry, tired and cold, so thoughts turn to those pursuits.

The adventurers conclude their search of Icingdeath's Lair and then help the Elk Tribe prisoners return to the camp at Evermelt. With the Tribe of the Bear scattered, Filnor says he intends to send for the rest of his tribe and to move the Elk tribe to Evermelt, where its members may find refuge from the winter storms and the beasts of the tundra.

The party spends the next couple of days recuperating at Evermelt, where they enjoy the cooking and hospitality of the Elk Tribe people and take many long soaks in the warm turquoise waters of the sacred pool at the foot of the Reghed Glacier. Eventually, King Jarund arrives at the head of his people, a long line of Elk tribesmen eager to be reunited with their loved ones.

There is great feasting that night, wherein King Jarund proclaims the heroes honorary members of the Elk Tribe. Finally, King Jarund says the heroes are free to claim Icingdeath's treasures as their own, though he does say the treasure they unearthed was likely offerings of the Bear Tribe and not Icingdeath's original hoard, as that was plundered generations ago.

Finally, for his part, Hengar offers to accompany the adventurers back to Bryn Shander, and perhaps on their future adventures as well as he is quite eager to see the winder world beyond the confines of his tribe.


OOC: the party found a silver bracer worth 90 gp, 50 gp, a gem worth 100 gp, 400 cp, a necklace of ivory and gold worth 100 gp, and a potion of healing

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 212):

When the three adventurers were all named honorary members of the Tribe of the Elk during the great fest following the rescue of the captives, Arnan rose to his feet and called out in a strong voice, "I am honored to be counted among the Elks' warriors , King Jarund." He was not sure of the proper formalities, but he did not bow, nor even incline his head; for he reckoned that the Reghed barbarians had little use for the fawning obeisance that was oft indulged in by their supposedly more civilized neighbors when addressing those in positions of power.

Arnan was not sure whether Kira and Thane realized the honor that they had just received, but he certainly did. Once he put his mind to it, he could not think of anyone who had been thusly honored within the lifetime of men then living. Well, Humans, any way -- the Dwarves and especially the Elves were another matter entirely, of course.

After the night's feasting was over and done, Arnan spent a great deal of time luxuriating in the warm waters of the pool at the foot of the glacier. He had never before had the opportunity to spend time in hot springs, and he found that the experience melted away his desire to do anything other than to sit and soak, leaving him feeling sinfully slothful.

"Better than coupling," he playfully announced to Kira at one point. "Well . . . almost," he added with a chuckle.

When Hengar broached the subject of returning to Bryn Shander -- and mayhaps even further afield -- with the threesome, Arnan was quick to welcome the barbarian. "This is wonderful news!" he exclaimed with a smile. "Now, we will be both Sword-Brothers as well as Elk-Brothers!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Sun 23 July 2017.

The honorary Elk Tribe members spend a few days rest and recuperating at Evermelt, but each knows the return trip across the tundra is just around the corner. The lure of civilization and news from afar is strong when one has grown accustomed to the taste. The Reghed people, for the most part, have no such instincts. They are content to live the way their ancestors had and want for nothing beyond those simple things.

But Arnan, Kira and Thane, while honorary tribe members, have an internal drive that cannot be satisfied wintering over at the foot of a glacier, waiting for the spring thaw to come. Theirs is not a hunter and gatherer cycle and soon the desire to be at motion compels each to think of what comes next?

That matter is simple: the return trip to Bryn Shander, where they might meet up with Dalgura and Morgrim. With King Jarund's blessing and an ample larder of provisions, the quartet departs Evermelt a couple days later, trekking southward towards Bryn Shander.

Hengar leads the party along the roughly the same route they covered the first time, though only Arnan is aware of such things. To Kira and Thane, the land they cover is merely featureless tundra and little more. Fortunately, their journey back to civilization proves largely uneventful and several days later see the familiar walls of Bryn Shander looming ahead in the distance...