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Through Whitecap Pass.

Posted by DM VisceriFor group 0
DM Visceri
GM, 454 posts
the Heavyhanded
the Bringer of Loot
Tue 4 Dec 2012
at 08:40
  • msg #1

Through Whitecap Pass

When Delana had said that the land between Theranin and Azul Irkul was barren, she seemed to have been making an understatement. Almost as soon as they had made it past the edge of the agricultural lands of the city, truly a miracle seeing the state of the rest of the area, the ground was covered with a thick and unrelenting permafrost and the only things that grew were hardened, dry, and bristly knee-high shrubs and even those were sparse. Against all common sense, the further south the group traveled, the colder the air seemed to get, their breath visible in the air the entire day, not to mention the nights which had become so frigid, the group had taken to sleeping in tight formation in their bedrolls to conserve body heat.

It had been a day and a half since they had departed Theranin and the mountains that had always looks so far off in the distance had finally made their way to the forefront, the giant twin peaks stretching up into the cloud cover and out of sight, forming Whitecap Pass between the two of them. Of course, it wasn't that simple. There was the fact that the pass itself was higher up the mountain. There was the fact that the path had a large chasm on one side of it, the sheer face of the mountain on the other. And there was the fact, of course, that the path was hardly wide enough for Gren to stand on without falling into said chasm. Oh, and the lovely weather they had been having for the past week seemed to decide that it was high time that it let it's polar opposite butt in for a change; whipping winds, blinding snow, and a drastic drop in the already frozen temperature.

So when the group had found themselves with a rare part of the pass that seemed to lead off into a plain of snow somewhere and offered some unquestionably solid ground, they took the time to rest and make camp to regain both their footing and their wits. Making a fire was out of the question with the wind acting up so violently and the salted pork they had was cold but, luckily, the preservation had kept it from crystalizing. The bread and fruit, however, fared a little less well but were still edible for the time being. It's during this break that something whispers over the howling wind, just barely making itself audible off in the distant snow plain to their east. As the group looks out in that direction, their vision severely limited, they believe they see a vaguely humanoid shape for a moment roughly a hundred feet away before the blizzard blocks their vision. When it clears again, the shape is gone.
Gren Boarshead
player, 226 posts
Half-Ogre
Sorcerer
Tue 4 Dec 2012
at 20:24
  • msg #2

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Gren huddled under the ceremonial blue cloak that was a gift for stopping Arudal's plans.  He also seemed to be wearing just about every piece of clothing he owned in order to stave of the cold.  "Did you folks see that?" he asked peering off into the distance.  "I could have sworn I just saw someone or something over that way," he said pointing off to the east.  Was it a lost traveler like themselves?  A dwarf?  Or something all-together more sinister?  Gren's Ogre tribe had tales of tall, powerfull, hair-covered, ape-like men they called Hor'veti that lived in the snowcovered mountains.  "I don't suppose any of you can track?"
Kassadria
player, 56 posts
Tiefling
Melee Fighter
Tue 4 Dec 2012
at 21:14
  • msg #3

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Kassadria did not fare well in such weather. Her infernal ancestors tended to prefer... warmer climates, and she was no different. Why did I agree to come along... she thought, even her mental voice stuttering as she shivered. At least he didn't come, too. Always look for the silver lining. She's too busy trying to keep herself warm to notice the figure that Gren pointed out, but when he does point it out she looks up. "I can but... do we have to?"
Strange
player, 93 posts
"That's strange..."
Gargoyle Rogue
Wed 5 Dec 2012
at 08:57
  • msg #4

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Strange seems less than surprised at seeing visions and hearing whispers.  He has never actually been out of Theranin and so this was all new to him.  For all he knew this was the sort of thing that happened all the time out here.  When Gren asked for volunteers to track the figure, however, he was able to make a more informed judgment, "I am no tracker.. hmm.. and my presence might complicate things should you discover someone.  Go if you must.. hmm.. I will come to look for you if you do not return in.. hmm.. 15 minutes."
Gren Boarshead
player, 227 posts
Half-Ogre
Sorcerer
Wed 5 Dec 2012
at 15:36
  • msg #5

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

"Bah! To the Abyss with that idea.  I'm not going to chase shadows or will-o-wisps through a blizzard.  We're likely to get lost, fall off a cliff, or plummet through the ice.  If there is someone out there let them find us.  They are probably better equipped for this weather than we are anyways."  Gren pulls his hood down lower to try and block the wind from his face.
DM Visceri
GM, 463 posts
the Heavyhanded
the Bringer of Loot
Sat 8 Dec 2012
at 02:27
  • msg #6

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

With the group hesitant to approach what could be a trap, they simply sit and wait, watching the spot where the figure disappeared from as the blizzard howls on until sitting still begins to numb the extremities and frost begins to collect on any skin exposed to the elements. Just as they are about to get up and move to keep from freezing in place, further behind the watched spot, another form can be seen through the snow, moving toward them. Keeping quiet, even though the blizzard drowns out most of the noise anyway, and staying low, the group watches as the figure approaches where the other disappeared and, upon arriving at the spot, seems to look around in confusion, eyes finally settling in the group's direction. As the figure moves closer, it coalesces into the shape of a lithe woman, heavily wrapped in cold-weather clothing, until she stops a few paces away.



(OOC: Welcome Lyria!)
Lyria
player, 7 posts
Sat 8 Dec 2012
at 08:20
  • msg #7

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Niffa chirped noisily as she climbed up the front of Lyria's dress, her white, furry head peeking out from the neckline.

"I know, I know," Lyria cooed softly while she squinted through the snow that clung to her eyelashes. They had been out longer than usual and the weasel was bound to be bored by now, if not hungry.

While warmth was not a problem, thanks to her companion, food was another matter altogether. For three days now they have been stranded, trapped by the relentless whirlwind of snow, and the bush of berries they found days ago have been completely depleted. So, today, Lyria had to go further to find other sustenance.

Not wanting to resort to the rations she had brought from Theranin until the situation dictated otherwise, she had been relentless in her search and went further than what was agreed. It seemed that luck was not by her side that day and she decided to return before her tracks are completely covered by the falling snow.

However, just as she was about to turn back to their shelter, Lyria fancied that she saw a shadow in the not-too-far distance, moving closer towards her, just as a lock of hair whipped, painfully, across her eyes. Tucking the loose strand behind her ears, she realised that she could no longer see the shadow. Worried that there might be another, lost in the midst of this snowbound field, she ignored the low gurgling sound Niffa made and trudged her way carefully onwards.

Unfortunately, her vision, or sense of direction, must have failed her, for as she approached the spot where she thought she had seen the figure, she found naught but, literally, thin air. "Hrmph."

She scratched her head for a moment, staring at the smooth ground until a nip on her chest reminded her there were more pressing matter at hand, such as the fact that a certain critter is now extremely hungry. "Okay, little one," Lyria whispered as she looked down into a pair of beady eyes, glowing in annoyance, "We're going back now."

Disappointed at how the day turned out, Lyria sighed in resignation only to look up and see even more shadows. She blinked and rubbed her eyes a few times to make sure that she was not hallucinating but this time the shadows remained.

Perhaps she misjudged the distance, Lyria mused as she continued on. The shadows grew as she went closer and, eventually, she could make out four distinct figures. Closer inspection showed three humanoid - one gargantuan and easily towered over the group, two around her size - and one strange creature with wings. Unnerved by their seemingly lack of movement, Lyria waved as she continued to walk closer.

"Hey," she called out, as loudly as her dry throat let her. "Are you guys alright?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:18, Sat 08 Dec 2012.
Lorelei
player, 103 posts
Exploring the world
one step at a time.
Sat 8 Dec 2012
at 21:15
  • msg #8

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Lorelei curled up in the shelter besides Kassadria just taking her time breathing in steady deep breaths, her clothes were warm enough but she wished she had brought Furs or the like along to be sure despite their bulky size. Thankfully at least they had found a shelter, and she was content to rest for the moment while they had nothing better to do. She had been fairly quiet during the trip so far, as was her norm, but didn't seem to be sad about it. In fact she was eager to see more of the world around her.

Finally though someone actually came out of the blizzard and called out to them. Lorelei was a bit surprised someone was wandering a blizzard in the first place. She figured her voice wouldn't carry well, but she did raise her arm to wave Idly to Lyria to show she had been heard.
Gren Boarshead
player, 228 posts
Half-Ogre
Sorcerer
Sat 8 Dec 2012
at 22:58
  • msg #9

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Gren's hand instinctively went for a javelin, but then he paused.  The voice of the stranger was female and she was small in size, human perhaps.  Human women were totally different than Ogre women.  He doubted she was a threat, but he had a spell in mind just in case.

"Come closer and be well met.  Well...as well met as one could in this acursed weather.  I am Gren Boarshead," he introduced in his deep base voice.

~Have a hut nearby.  Have a hut nearby...~ he hoped wishfully.  With the snow coming down, landmarks were hard to make out.  Gren had no idea how far away they were from their destination.
Lyria
player, 15 posts
Sun 9 Dec 2012
at 07:22
  • msg #10

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

As one of the figures waved back, Lyria hastened her step. That they group had not responded back in words worried her slightly until she heard the half-orgre bellowed.

Gren Boarshead. Although Lyria continued on towards the group, the name hung uncomfortably in her mind. The event over the past week came flooding back. The ceremony of the Holy Day of the Inheritor, Degrin's exposure of the Thieves Guild, the capture of Vyncent Lacio and the feast and celebration that followed. Lyria had always been good with names, especially when the name was connected to a memorable face. Or figure, as the case may be.

Lyria cursed inwardly. She was sure no one would come and follow in this blizzard. Who in their right mind would travel through the Whitecap Pass in such weather unless they have no other choice? Just underneath her chin, Niffa trilled her concern before making her way down the inside of her shirt. Good girl, Lyria thought. She'd need the weasel alive if she was to protect herself.

Despite her misgivings, her smile did not waver as she stood in front of the group, appraising each one of them silently. The blue of the ceremonial cloak peeked through the snow that covered their shoulder and back, confirming her suspicion. For a moment, she considered giving them false name until she realised that her companion could easily give her away. Why does it matter? she tried to calm herself, In this weather, even if you are captured, they will be lucky to be able to make their way back to Theranin. Also, there is always a possibility that they do not even know.

Swallowing hard and praying that her voice did not crack, Lyria called out in reply above the howling wind. "Well met, Gren Boarshead. My name is Lyria. This weather is accursed indeed. You are lucky to have made it out this far. My companion and I have found a shelter not too far away. You are most welcomed to it. However, we better move now before this blizzard wipe away my footprints and any hope I have of making my way back!"

Lyria would stand a moment to wait for the group to gather their belongings and follow her. However, should they choose not to move, Lyria would turn around and trekked back towards the shelter regardless. She wasn't lying when she expressed her fear of losing her way.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:29, Sun 09 Dec 2012.
Strange
player, 96 posts
"That's strange..."
Gargoyle Rogue
Sun 9 Dec 2012
at 15:29
  • msg #11

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

As the ghostly figure approached through the driving snow Strange hadn't made any move to meet it, nor had he called out any greeting.  In fact he did quite the opposite, he froze in place, his normally glowing eyes dulling to blank stone.  It was a sort of instinct with gargoyles though it works much better in a city where someone could mistake you for a statue.  Out in the wilderness among a group of travelers.. not so much.  When the figure reveals itself to be a young woman, shortly followed by the back-and-forth with Gren he calms down some, relaxing to a less statuesque state, and waits to follow the lead of his companions.

Hmm..
Gren Boarshead
player, 230 posts
Half-Ogre
Sorcerer
Sun 9 Dec 2012
at 20:11
  • msg #12

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Gren's paranoia was easily dismissed with the promise of shelter from the blizzard.  "Lead the way Lyria," he said with a sweeping wave of his arm.  "A few hours out of this wind and in front of the warmth of a fire would do us well."

The girl seemed to be infested with weasels.  Gren knew several recipes for weasel, but said nothing.  It was almost as if the girl treated the furry one as a pet; and eating your host's pet was considered rude in human society.
Kassadria
player, 65 posts
Tiefling
Melee Fighter
Sun 9 Dec 2012
at 23:42
  • msg #13

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Kassadria was probably too cold to think logically, and although her instincts told her to remain cautious and she had a hand near to her rapier's hilt, the promise of shelter from the extreme cold seemed to be worth the risk. They would probably survive without it, for a time, but if this blizzard continued their journey may be severely inhibited.

Not to mention that she was pretty sure she couldn't feel her claws anymore, though she had wrapped them up tight in cloth, and her tail was shivering like mad beneath her cloak. So, as Gren started to move off she followed on, staying close to the giant as he was difficult to lose sight of. She didn't say anything though, mostly because her teeth were chattering too much...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:43, Sun 09 Dec 2012.
Lorelei
player, 108 posts
Exploring the world
one step at a time.
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 00:03
  • msg #14

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Lorelei quietly followed the others shivering a bit as she went. Some might think she was being quiet as normal for no special reason, or perhaps she had nothing to say. But right now she really wished her throat hadn't been damaged, because she wanted to bitch like nobody's business. The frigid air ached her tender throat going down and she vaguely swore she would either avoid more extreme temperatures or find some magical garment that ignored them. This was ridiculous.

Of course she didn't say any of it as she moved to keep face. The girl merely had a sour look on her face as she shivered and kept her head slightly down to prevent her throat from being exposed.
DM Visceri
GM, 479 posts
the Heavyhanded
the Bringer of Loot
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 01:42
  • msg #15

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

It takes a good ten minutes of trudging through the snow and retracing almost vanished tracks to make it back to the place that Lyria has been taking shelter in but upon seeing it, the group's collective spirits raise at the sight. Standing before them against the side of the mountain is a large stone fortress. Though it has seen better days and lies obviously abandoned with parts of it in ruin and disrepair, a good portion of it seems to remain whole. As she leads everyone through the rubble that was once the perimeter wall and in through the miraculously in-tact heavy oaken doors, just the lack of the howling wind seems to warm the skin considerably. While no tapestries or insignias remain in this long forgotten stronghold to claim ownership, there is a character about it that perhaps speaks of masonry not crafted by human hands.

After skirting the edge of a room whose roof has long since collapsed, forming a large snowdrift in the center of the room, Lyria leads the group through another of the few remaining doors into a sizable room that radiates a most welcome heat though no source is visible. The room plays host only to one man, though a sight to be sure. Dressed in clothes, or the lack thereof, that speak of impending death from the blizzard outside, one might question the man's sanity if it were not for a few peculiarities about him. While humans bearing the darker skin of the south were not unfamiliar to anyone, the pureness of his charcoal skin is almost unnatural in nature and when matched with the intensity of the burning orange eyes set into his head, the image of a roaring flame springs unbidden into the front of the mind. Meeting Lyria's gaze, and subsequently the rest of the group as they enter, he perks up from his state of apparent boredom from his solitary confinement.

(OOC: ...aaaaaand welcome Tevlin!)
Tevlin
player, 28 posts
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 02:25
  • msg #16

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

"Took you long enough to get back." The man said in a bass rumble, contrasting his words with a broad grin that seemed to light up the room even more than his luminescent eyes.

Tevlin rose after speaking, unfolding to his full height, several inches over six feet.  "And you brought guests!"  He looked at Lyria and frowned.  "A fire, then?  You look wretched and miserable from the cold."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Mon 10 Dec 2012.
Strange
player, 98 posts
"That's strange..."
Gargoyle Rogue
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 02:51
  • msg #17

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

What the man said was true enough even for Strange.  It had taken several days longer for the chill to settle to his core than it had for the fleshier members of his group.  Unfortunately the reverse would prove true as well and it would take several hours in this warm room for even his rough stony skin to no longer feel frozen to the touch.  The moment he came within sight of some sort of civilization he felt less inclined towards distrust of these new people.  He idly wondered if the wilderness would haunt him so all the way to the city of Architects as he peered about the room looking for any stable ledges or projections that might make a good perch.  Heck, even a mantle would do for the time being.
Lyria
player, 24 posts
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 02:55
  • msg #18

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Lyria could not have expect a better reaction than what the group gave. Her smile widened, she turned around and motioned the group to follow as she focused on the track ahead, the only mar on the white expanse.

Sensing her change of mood, Niffa decided to climb back out and onto her shoulder, followed by a remark to be careful. Tilting her head slightly, she looked back in silence at the trail of creatures that followed, eliciting a soft chuckle from Lyria. "Now, now. You know it's rude to stare."

The chiding ignored, the white weasel remained thus throughout the journey until, suddenly, she raised her muzzle. Sniffing the air for a moment, she turned and plain jumped on the snow before bolting towards the fortress they've called home over the past few days.

"Wait!" Lyria called out as she, too, broke into a run. Luckily, the thick snow hampered the creature's movement enough that Lyria managed to catch it just as Niffa reached the perimeter wall. More scolding followed as Lyria picked up the struggling weasel with unfair ease that came from being a considerably larger creature. Niffa could do little but gurgle as Lyria led the group through the abandoned building.

As they finally entered the room where Tevlin had waited patiently, Lyria could not help but respond with a grin of her own, although hers was decidedly more apologetic. "Yes, sorry about the wait. And fire would be very much appreciated! Looks like I've found us more mouth to feed but no food to feed them." She grimaced at the end of that sentence, their predicament finally sinking into her mind.

Releasing the complaining critter carefully on the ground, Lyria walked towards a corner where her pack was stashed and rummaged through her belongings. After a moment, she took out the trail rations she had brought from Theranin. 10 packs and there were 6 of them. Maybe if she was to eat only half of hers, they could last for two more nights. Then, hopefully, this infernal blizzard will finally stop.

Niffa, however, had no such concern. Once freed, she scampered off into a seemingly hidden burrow, smelling dinner in the air.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Mon 10 Dec 2012.
Tevlin
player, 31 posts
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 03:05
  • msg #19

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Tevlin smiled, walking over to a bundle at the back of the room and collecting some sticks.  Fire was something of a hobby to him and to those that knew him, this came as no great surprise.  He arranged the gathered sticks in a pit at the center of the room, one that had clearly been previously used for this purpose.  Ringing them around a single stick in the center, he tucked some shavings and scraps of paper in between the bases of the sticks, then played with the rockets which formed a circle around the pit.

Kneeling with his back to the newcomers, they couldn't see what he did next but a moment later, the fire sprang to life, igniting the tinder quickly, the lapping flames eventually beginning to light some of the larger sticks.  Tevlin turned back to face the new arrivals.

"There; it's not much, but it should help restore some of the feeling and movement in your frozen bodies.  C'mon over and thaw out." He said, waving them over.
Kassadria
player, 68 posts
Tiefling
Melee Fighter
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 19:19
  • msg #20

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Kassadria's cloak hid her form for the most part, with the hood low enough to hide her horns from sight, and her skin cold enough to look almost pale enough to be human-coloured. Nonetheless, she shied away from the sight of these new people, as was her instinct. But at the same time, she was eager to get close to the fire that the almost-naked man had made. She didn't know how he survived in this cold with so little protection, but perhaps his apparent affinity with fire had something to do with it. At the mention of food, she too reached into her pack to retrieve a ration of her own, a light oatmeal biscuit (almost frozen solid) that she started to nibble on quietly.

"Thanks," she said quietly to the man who had set up the fire, hoping her shivering voice would allow it. Of course her gratitude extended to the woman who had led them here, though her words may not have reached her. This felt strange for her... she'd never experienced this kind of situation amongst others. Always, in the cold, she had been alone. She was grateful for the change of pace recently, though it had been sort of forced upon her. Not that she minded... this group seemed to be involved in some rather interesting happenings that, now that she was involved, wanted to see through to the end...

But for now, her main objective was in returning feeling to her extremities.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:19, Mon 10 Dec 2012.
Gren Boarshead
player, 237 posts
Half-Ogre
Sorcerer
Mon 10 Dec 2012
at 19:40
  • msg #21

Re: Through Whitecap Pass

Gren moved towards the fire and sat down.  He held his large hands out towards the flame.  Looking around the room at the strangers' meager belongings he remarked, "It doesn't look as if you've lived here long.  You are lucky to find such a spot before the blizzard hit.  We thank you both for taking us in.  I am Gren Boarshead."  He waited to see what information about themselves they would volunteer, before he started asking more questions.  He fished around in his own backpack and set a large chunk of fatty salted pork atop a frozen slice of hard bread on a hot rock near the fire.  He seemed to lose himself as he stared, watching the fat defrost, glisten, then melt into the warming slice of bread.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Mon 10 Dec 2012.
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