Once Thane had mentioned it, Arnan realized that Eillie had sounded more than a little odd for at least part of the time that she had been speaking.

Well, what can you expect? She's a magicker, right? A good portion of those people don't seem right in the head to begin with -- or at least, not normal. Mayhaps it comes from bein' too smart for their own good. Has 'em thinkin' about things that don't even come to mind for normal folks.

That said, they can be very damned handy in a battle. I can put up with Ellie bein' a little off-kilter as long as she puts her magicks to good use when the time is right.

Ellie's face scrunched up for a moment at Thane's words and the insinuation behind them, as if she had to think about it for a second. It did seem strange, she thought; it wasn't like her normally to be so ominous. Or atleast it didn't used to be.

Finally it seemed as if she had come to some sort of answer; "It's what... I would do?" she said, though it sounded more like a question than a statement. Then she suddenly spoke up again, as if from that other perspective again; "It is not so difficult, after all, to subjugate a people so removed from the rest of civilization when you have access to magicks and afflictions to temper the resolve of key individuals. Turning the right ones into Wererats, or vampires or undead or charmed thralls it does not matter, would ensure a swift and decisive victory after all. There is little they could do when they are so terribly isolated and must wait seasons for any sort of help; and when that time does come there will be no one left to cry for aid; only the subjugated and the dead."

Ellie ended rather abruptly once again, and shook her head suddenly, standing up from the table and nearly knocking over her drink as she did. "You know, theoretically I mean. We must think like the enemy if we have any chance to best them, right? Anyways, I'm feeling rather tired all of a sudden so like I am going to turn in; like I said before, I'll trust any judgement that is made and join you all in the morn."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:30, Tue 24 Jan 2017.

Dal looked at the others and shrugged.  SHE heard her goddess voice in her head all the time and knew that sometimes the Gods spoke through their vessels.  "Don't forget that there are clerics here and for those of higher rank they do have some abilities that can affect undead, etc.  We all do what we can to stop the tide of evil but like all things, you cannot eliminate all evil just as you cannot eliminate all good.  You can just do what you can WHEN you can and continue the fight.  I do it with my goddess help as well as with friends <looks around the table> who fight by my side.  NOW which way are we going to go or are we going to spin our wheels a bit more?"

Dalgura smiled when she said spinning wheels but she really did think that everybody had given their viewpoint and now it was time to make a decision.

Kira's attention on Ellie was much like a cat watching a mouse hole, though instead of expecting a mouse to come out something much worse.  She'd encountered a few people growing up in Luskan who demonstrated more than one personality and usually one of them was rather violent.

Unconsciously she rubbed her arm, remembering how it had hurt when Old Matt had grabbed her and broke it in one of his fits.  Yet Ellie had fought with them and had even trusted them to show that she was different so she was inclined to think the woman was in control of the other part, whatever that part might be.

"My vote's still with Hengar and I'll be heading out with him in the morning.  Thane if you got more of that tea stuff for him ... or maybe I'll see if he'll go to that priestess ..." she muttered the last phrase.  "Guess we'll need to see how he's feeling in the morning," she said as she polished off the warm cider and hefted her bag, preparing to go back to the Hooked Knucklehead.

"I think, Gura, the prevailing sentiment is that while the townsfolk's needs may be legitimate, the Reghed tribe's concerns are more pressing. Its time like this I wish there were two of me. Sadly the world will only ever be graced by one," Morgrim said with a wink.

"Lets put this issue to rest and get some sleep. I'm sure it will all look much more muddled in the morning."

"Maybe after a good night's sleep, going to help the Elksmen will seem like a better idea," Thane replied to the wearied Ellie.  He still had reservations about her concerning the two-voices thing but decided to give her the benefit of the doubt as a potential trustworthy companion.  He smiled weakly at her.  "Rest well!"

Giving his attention over to the others at the table, he nodded with the finality of a decision made.  "I am going to leave, too.  I have a...patient?...to watch over.  And my gear needs some care.  'People and equipment before rest!', my bo'sun always told me.  Good advice, methinks."

Thane stood up and gave the gathered adventurers a slight bow at the waist as a gesture of farewell, then he took his leave and returned to the Hooked Knucklehead.

OOC: Thane will check on Hengar (make sure he is resting soundly) then will clean his flail, oil his armor, check his herbalist's supplies to make sure he can make more of the immune-boosting tea, and then will go to sleep.

In reply to Thane Harkensen (msg # 236):

Arnan wished Ellie and the two Dwarves a good night's rest, and made ready to leave with Thane and Kira to walk over to the Hooked Knucklehead. He was mindful of Dalgura's suggestion that Helgar's safety was still in question, and Arnan supposed that was true.

After all, we have no idea how organized those who are working against the Elks and the Ten Towners might be, nor how bold they might be willing to be in order to accomplish their goals. Or, mayhaps 'tis little more than smoke and shadows, and tales told in the dark to frighten the weak-minded amongst us. Time will tell.

Addressing Thane and Kira as they slogged through the snow and mud that passed for streets in Bryn Shander, Arnan remarked "In the morning, help me remember to ask Hengar about the hunting during his journey to this place. I am certain that some amongst our party are not especially trail-wise. So, before we leave we will need to decide whether it seems likely that Hengar and I will be able to keep the party provided with sufficient game to meet our needs, or whether our group will need to lay in a supply of trail rations before we depart."

"Mayhaps all amongst our group maintain a supply of trail rations when they travel -- I know that I do this time of year, in case I find myself snowed in at some point and am unable to hunt. But I do not know everyone else's situation. "
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

Kira had it in mind to sleep between Hengar and the fire, his large bulk likely hiding her presence from a distance.  She was typically a light sleeper and anyone approaching to try to hurt him might find themselves peeling the urchin off their head and shoulders.  Some people had guard dogs but guard cats were better, quiet until all nails were dug into cheeks and jowls.  The imagery in her mind brought a half-smile as she trudged along with Arnan and Thane.

Arnan's voice broke her out of her reverie and she nodded in acknowledgement.  "I was planning on some rations as well as maybe some dried fruit.  Maybe you strong guys can lug a few potatoes and carrots around too.  We could roast 'em with some fresh meat if there's any to be had," she suggested.  Even though she usually kept some scraps here and there in various pockets, she knew it wouldn't be enough for the trip.

Ellie had left the table first, and wandered off to the Hooked Knucklehead. She needed a private room because of her 'condition' and it was the only place to offer such. She had originally meant to ask Kira if the girl would like to share a room, since it was safer for two young girls like them to stay together and the archer hadn't reacted poorly to Ellie's revealed appearance... but after Ellie's performance during their talks, she felt absolutely mortified and figured nobody would want to be alone with her for quite some time.

It was a fair enough of a conclusion, and one the newfound warlock was becoming used to.

So, she secured a room to herself and asked the keep to bring her breakfast that she could partake in her room early in the morning. Once alone she did away with all the coverings once more, glad to be free again, though the chill in her room had her thinking otherwise momentarily. The drafty room had her wishing for a moment that she knew some sort of spell to warm her; but she didn't. Not anymore. All of her new magic was cold and... discomforting.

So instead she settled for burying herself in layer after layer upon the bed; adding her own travel blankets to those provided with the room.

It was going to be a long, cold, and lonely night.

But not entirely alone. She was never entirely alone.

The party retires for the evening and agrees to meet up in the morning at Market Square before departing Bryn Shander with Hengar. The dwarves find accommodations at Geldenstag's Rest and the others remain at the Hooked Knucklehead.

Thoughts racing through their minds, each member eventually drifts off to sleep. It has been quite a day to cap off what proved to be a long, hard journey to even arrive at this remote corner of the Realms.

For those staying at the Hooked Knucklehead, the night proves uneventful. The common room remains quite warm, however the private rooms live up to their reputation as being quite drafty and cold. Miserable conditions really, but a roof is better than none by a hair.

Dalgura and Morgrim are startled from sleep later that evening, perhaps just before midnight by the cries outside their window. Moving to the window to get a better look at what is causing the commotion, the pair see a nearby warehouse engulfed in a strange green alchemical fire. Several concerned citizens do their best to fight the fire, but it is too far gone to do much but watch in amazement at the spectacle. Fortunately none of the surrounding buildings are in any danger of catching fire, as the flames seem entirely concentrated on that one building.

Perhaps Dalgura and Morgrim go out into the night to lend their aid, or gather information, but even if they take no action, the inn is abuzz by morning with talk of the fire. Apparently it was Dunavan's warehouse that burned to the ground overnight, the contents of which lie in a smoking ruin for charred timber and ash by morning's first light.

And morning comes quite early, a thin band of light on the horizon that rises only slightly this time of year. Soon, light will not come at all to Icewind Dale, but for now, the region still had a shard of fleeting light.

At the Hooked Knucklhead, Hengar is up early and seems to be in good health and eager to head out. He thanks Thane for the medicinal tea and the others for agreeing to accompany him.

OOC: If you guys want to do any roleplay without Hengar's presence, we can arrange for that as well. I just don't want to force action without giving you an opportunity to share the warehouse information. Otherwise, we can assume you share the information and decide to depart Bryn Shander with Hengar.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 240):

Arnan was generally a light sleeper, and it had served him well on more than one occasion. And the fact that their foes -- whoever that might be -- might still try to disrupt the Elksman's mission by attacking him led to an especially fitful night's sleep for the scout.

And so it was that Hengar had not been up and moving for too long when Arnan became aware of it, and the scout was soon up and preparing for the day's march. Pretty soon he moved over next to Hengar and quietly asked the man the question that he had thought of last night.

"Hengar, how was the hunting during your trip to this place? Do you suppose that you and I will be able to keep the others supplied with game, or should I advise everyone to stock up on field rations before we leave Bryn Shander?"

"That might delay our departure a little, since, if anyone needs to buy rations, they will have to wait for the shops to open. But that would be better than running short of food on the march."

"Gura! Fire!" Morgrim cried in the middle of the night, shaking his sister awake. Throwing his direwolf cloak across his shoulders the dwarven druid raced outside to see what aid he could offer. When it became apparent that there was little he could do to quell the flames Morgrim instead directed his attention to the crowd, scanning their faces with care to see if any of the onlookers were acting out of sorts for the situation at hand.

15:41, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

* * * * *

Morgrim had slept fitfully upon his return to the Northlook and he picked at his breakfast with disinterest while he listened to the rampant speculation on the common room floor.

Dunavan's warehouse. That couldn't have been a coincidence.

Rising from the table he tugged his cowl down over his head to protect himself against the cold and headed out into the early morning light, what little there was.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 242):

"Wha?  Fire?  Whe!  Dalgura jumped up and ran to the window after noticing that they weren't on fire."

She was silent as she watched it burn.  She knew that there wasn't anything she could do except offer up any prayers in case lives had been lost in the fire.  It took her a bit to fall back to sleep.

Morning came all too soon and after her morning prayers, she wrapped up as warmly as she could and set out to see where her brother was headed.

Seeing Dalgura rise to follow, Morgrim smiled and held the door open. "We should pay a visit to Mithann and then quickly find the others," he explained.

Hengar says he brought enough dried food with him to last one week and never had to hunt while making the journey from the Elk Tribe Camp to Bryn Shander. "Hopefully we won't need to hunt along the way. If we do, it means our journey has been badly delayed."

Hengar says each man and woman should carry enough food to last one week. "That should be enough," he says with conviction.

Mithann's shrine is a short walk from the Hooked Knucklehead or Market Square and the party easily sees her outside the shrine at first light, paying her morning devotionals to the rising sun. She stands with palms faced outward, soaking in the first rays, while chanting a beautiful hymn. Finishing her prayer, she turns to face those whom approach her.

"Good morning and well met again," she offers in greeting. Despite last night's events, her face still retains an element of bright eyed optimism. Like the rest of the town, she is aware of the warehouse fire and concerned about its portents, but her faith is strong enough to ward away any doubts she might have that good and righteousness will prevail.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:09, Tue 31 Jan 2017.

"I wish I could say it was a good morning, but I'm not so certain," Morgrim confided. "Dunavan's Wares burned to the ground last night, and it weren't no natural fire either. I can't help but fear that Slim and the other Luskan rats are moving against your Harper friend. Has he made contact with you at all?" the dwarf asked worriedly.

Kira was up as soon as Hengar and the others started to stir, taking her belongings and finding a place for a quick bath and change of clothes.  She would then catch up with anyone eating breakfast and tuck away as much as she possibly could, listening to the conversation around and shaking her head when she heard Dunavan's burned down.  While she was determined to help Hengar and his people, there was still a twinge of worry for the good people in town.

Pieces of meat were tucked away as was a few small fruits, things that could stay against her body and not freeze on the trip.  When she met up with Hengar and Arnan again, she inquired about food as they had talked about the night before.  Finding out Hengar's thoughts on the matter, she chewed her lip pensively for a moment.  "Should be try to get a pack mule or something to carry food?" she asked.  "Or would that just slow us down or probably bring beasties to us?"

In reply to Kira (msg # 248):

Arnan nodded at Hengar's reply to his question. "That makes sense. I'll pass that message along to the others. It may delay our departure a little if anyone needs to wait for the shops to open in order to stock up on rations. The caravan-master took care of feeding everyone on the trip up from Luskan, and I'm not sure that everyone who is planning on accompanying you has a ready supply of rations available."

When Kira spoke of a pack animal, Arnan nodded again. "That's a good idea," he said. "I carry my rations with me, but a week's supply can be a little heavy for some. Plus, it gives us considerable carrying capacity, for whatever happens betwixt the leaving and the returning."

Turning to Hengar, he asked, "Any objections? I suspect that if you are by yourself you would prefer to travel light and fast, but with a group we will be moving at the speed of our slowest person, any way."

OOC: I haven't had Arnan (IC) comment on the fire at the warehouse, since I had the impression that Dalgura and Morgrim are with Mithann at the moment. :)

Dal watched and listened to Mithann's morning ritual, unconsciously comparing how she did her rituals to how Dal did hers. She did enjoy listening to her voice and smiled.  "My brother might not consider it a good morning but I shall wish one to you anyway.  I was sorry I couldn't help more with the fire but I trust that you will help with the healing.  Your service this morning was indeed beautiful and much needed after the darkness of the night.  When did you say your friend was to contact with you again?"

Mithann's cheery demeanor darkens and she whispers, "It is true this morning has been darkened by last night's happenings..." She then relates the fact Dunavan came to her late last night and said the Harper contact, Aarun, is supposed to meet Dunavan tonight to take possession of the weapons."Last night's fire was no coincidence," Mithann adds.

She then says Dunavan is looking to hire adventurers to protect his other warehouse until such time as Aarun comes for the silver weapons later tonight. Apparently Dunavan has asked Mithann to seek trustworthy mercenaries to stand guard at the warehouse tonight to ensure Aarun gets the precious cargo. Dunavan is offering 50 gold pieces as payment.

"I know you folks are about to set out, but the people of Bryn Shander could use your help if you are able to delay."

"Pack animals such as mules are ill-suited to journeys across the tundra in the event the weather is not favorable. They may end up slaughtered on the trail for meat, or worse, draw predators to us."

Hengar says he will not object if the party wishes to bring their pack animals on the trail, but he wants to set out for the camp as soon as possible. "Already I have tarried here longer than I had hoped. Each moment spent here, my clan is at the Ice Witch's mercy."

"Should you need time to secure supplies, perhaps I can go ahead without you and you can follow behind," he suggests.

"I sent word to him yesterday, after your caravan pulled into town, and asked Aarun to meet with a hunter, Algonell," she responds. She further explains she believes the hunter had encountered the same thugs Aarun had been seeking and thought the meeting would provide good leads. She also sent word ahead that the caravan had arrived and the cargo was secure in Dunavan's warehouse.

In reply to Hengar Aensvaard (msg # 252):

Kira nodded when he mentioned the possibility of having to slaughter the pack animal, or that it would lure things to them which she had already stated.  It seemed Hengar was determined to leave sooner rather than later so she set her pack down and scrounged through it quickly, finally giving a bob of her head.  "I've got enough trail bars to last a week and I'm pretty used to going without," she stated.  "I can head out with him now if you and the others need to wait.  Maybe we can mark the trail and you can catch up to us, maybe even by tonight if we stop and make camp a little early," she suggested.

In reply to Kira (msg # 254):

Thane had been silent up until this point.  It appeared he had not slept very well, if the hint of dark half-circles under his eyes were any indication.  "I have enough rations to last a week for me in my pack," he said.  Looking at Hengar, he shifted the topic of the conversation.
"How many is your Tribe?  More than the number of folk in this village, or less?"