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.