I started a new thread.

A day is spent on essentials. Calli, for her part, offers good advice to the group, including pig fat that will protect against frostbite. While the smell is gamy, it proves to be sage council.

OOC: The party pretty much has what it needs in terms of mundane equipment. Anything else would have to come from the Beldame, though she's given a great deal thus far. Her underlings have been hard at work in effort to brew a few more potions of healing (total 4 healing, 2 extra healing.

OOCx2 - the map is up. You can take a look at it. Very basic, but does the job. I meant to make it color, but that didn't work out. You should get the jist of it - if not, holler at me and I'll be sure to give you a wise assed answer.

For whatever reason, I'm excited to see how this plays out.

Couple quick ooc questions: was there supposed to be a key or legend with the map and what was the map supposed to represent? Nothing is really labeled so not sure where to start.

I did that on purpose - as you get closer I'll provide the party with information that will lead you in the right direction. Its gonna be kind of a race type of atmosphere, quick melees, ambushes, etc. I'll tell you this, it should be a lot fun. My one concern is that I'm flying out to visit relatives next week. I will have my computer with me, though, so I think I'll  have time each day to post. I'll begin the first segment tomorrow with a long post.

There's almost a festive air about the Beldame's demesne as the party makes ready for departure. She spends a bit of private time with Olaf, seeking his word that he'll come back safely. For her part, Calli checks and rechecks her gear, a ritual that she's used to great effect throughout her career in the frozen wastes. Elora flutters around Kal, excited for the next great adventure. Agrax and Pious share quiet talk. Finally, the Beldame approaches.

"Well, here we are," she said. "I wish that I could be with you during this great race, but my time grows short, and all of you have much to accomplish still. Be wary, take care of each other and come back safe."

A crowd of townsfolk follow the heroes to the top of the ridge. There they call out well wishes and safe travels. There's a feeling of hope among townsfolks, but soon enough the party reaches the lip of the ridge and disappears down the other side.

There's a feeling among the party that lends itself to deja vu. It feels like you've walked this path before. And you have. Some of you are impatient (Elora), Some are stoic (Olaf and Calli). Some are quiet, putting one foot in front of the other (Agrax).

Occasional wisps of smoke flavor the air from the Beldame's settlement, but soon those fade as you travel north. Off in the distance you can hear the wild cat's growl, and other beastly calls, but thus far nothing impedes your march. Night comes soon enough. Olaf takes first watch, Calli last. It's up to the rest of you which watch you want to take.

ooc: I will be rolling one random encounter per day using a d20. 20 means an encounter.

Kal will take the middle. He's said little, lost in thought, wondering why it was always thus, shrouded in mystery, occluded, hidden, but he held Elora's hand and moved forward purposefully. He stated his preference and rose, bedding down for a few  hours before watch....

Day 2 dawns clear, a bright but cold sky greets you. A rabbit in its winter fur skitters away quickly, for the safety of its lair. Calli looks as if she might take a shot, but lowers her bow and laughs. "A lucky rabbit," she said. Olaf grins and nods.

For the most part you all are comfortable in the current environs - the landmarks are still familiar, the tracks are easily seen. The party chews on jerky as they walk, their eyes alert to danger.

When night falls, it falls quickly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:37, Fri 04 June 2021.

Day 3:

The party wakes to find Olaf and Calli absent from the encampment. There's a note fixed to one of the tents that indicates their intent to survey the surrounds. Agrax climbs atop a small rise and keeps an eye out for the two rangers. She seems a bit disconcerted and stands and waits for their return.

When they do return, Agrax gives both an earful.

"Don't split up the party!"

It was a simple sentence, but filled with anger. Calli shrugged, but Olaf had the grace to be a bit embarrassed.

"You're right Agrax," he said with a nod toward the gnoll tracker. "We'll be sure to let everyone know when next we scout."

Calli laughs, but it's a warm laugh. "I'll keep that in mind, tracker!" she said.

Mollified, Agrax descended the rise and made her way to the cookfire. After spooning a bowl of stew, Agrax asked, "Well, did you see anything?"

Olaf grunted. "Nay, nothing of importance. Truth told, we've determined that following the prior path that led us northward will not take us to where we need to go. Calli and I feel strongly that we need to veer to the northwest instead of true north. There is a risk involved  - if we are wrong we could lose days. If we are correct, we will have a great advantage. I'd like all of you to share your thoughts on this."

As the party ruminates, the DM rolls the dice.

Day 4: Another quiet day dawns. There is a sense of solitude on the march as the party pushes onward.

Day five: hot springs dot the landscape, shooting up scalding spouts of super-heated mist.

Olaf calls to Calli and the rest of the party: "Be vigilant. There are creatures that find comfort roiling in the springs."

Almost as soon as the warning is given, than a huge, wormlike creature bursts from beneath the water of the springs.

"Remorhaz!" Olaf cries out.

ooc: Should be a good scrap.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Wed 09 June 2021.