Prologue:

A long limbed figure appeared as if from thin air in the frozen wastes of the far north of Nehwon. Wrapped head to toe in ceremonial bindings, with a stout quarterstaff inscribed with holy sigils in his hands, he looked around for his enemies. For the moment, he felt no intrusion on his id. For the moment. But his pursuers were relentless.

Following his senses, he made his way north. He did not Know why. He just followed the summons. Across his back was a bundle wrapped in cloth. Even in this, the cloth had ceremonial significance. It seemed an extra bit of protection against whatever was wrapped inside the the bundle.

With grim purpose, he took a step, then another until he built up momentum toward a small stead in the frozen outback of the arid north.

After a night of sleep, Kalmus wakes early to find Elora burrowed against his chest. She is softly snoring, an adorable little sound, and he smiles. Then he takes a moment to blink away the cobwebs, and decides to let her sleep.

He is tired. Diving into the freezing water has left a mark. He considers traveling today, but he doesn't have the heart for it. Another day won't hurt; they certainly have enough coin on hand to handle any expenses. Just as he closes his eyes for another hour of sleep, a small voice says, "I'm hungry."

Kal groaned, "Bide a while, dear. The cold and fighting left me a bit tired. You then drained all else. Hold me a bit and we'll break fast together later." He steals as much sleep as she'll let him before pulling on his clothes and trudging down to eat. Spying Agrax and Pious, he said, "I think we need a day. I'm beat from yesterday. Need to eat, drink, recover and I'm fine staying here at Whiskey Jack's for another day.

"Tell me your thoughts on the trip. Where do we go next? Seems we avoid the undead fella with all possible means so we don't die, so we need some sort of destination, no?"

"Well, dying would not be my preference," Elora replied. Then she giggled and pulled the cover over her and Kal and snuggled closer. "I'm sorry you got so cold, Kal. That was a nasty troll. I didn't know they could be made of ice. I'm game to stay another day or two - for all the nasty rumors, the Beldame isn't so bad after all. I don't think she'll mind either. As for the undead creep, we'll probably have to deal with him once we go south, but I'm more concerned about that ghool. I think she's not the power in the old mansion. I get the sense that there's something hidden in the lower levels that commands her. Keep that in the back of your mind when we start moving southward again."

ooc: ghool instead of ghoul. That will allow us to differentiate between the two.

Eventually both of you rouse yourselves enough to get some breakfast. Pious is working on his second breakfast. Across the table Agrax sits, already finished with her breakfast. She wears an amused grin as she watches the portly priest put away several servings of food. Both look up as the two of you come down from your rooms.

Agrax acknowledges your arrival with a nod; asks, "I take it we're no leaving today, so what's on the agenda?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Mon 31 Aug 2020.

"Rest, my friend. Rest. We've earned it. Let's repair, resupply and restock and wander south in a day or two. Is there something we need to address before hitting the road? I have dragged you two around for weeks now without complaint, if we need to talk, let's do that as well."

Kal sat stiffly and waved at the girl to bring him some breakfast and Elora as well. Once served, he ate slowly, savoring every bite and every second, gods knew that they would be back in the elements soon.

With a smile and some flair, the waitress calls back an order for a ration of bacon, eggs, toast, steak, all piled high with a blend of the freshest of yellow cheeses. Somewhere in there they are able to get some kaf, and Elora orders goat's milk as well.

It is a pleasing feast and soon everyone is filled to the very brim. "I might need another nap," Elora notes, while Agrax nods and adds, "Yes, we're definitely not going anywhere today."

As you all sip the last remnants of kaf, the Beldame arrives. "Fat and happy, I hope?" she asked. With smiles all around, Kalmus and the rest nod assent.

"Good. I'm glad, though I hate to break up the morning meal. But I think I have an issue that needs exploring." Crows feet deepen around her eyes; there's something bothering her. At last she said, "Late last night, I felt a stirring in the firmament. Something is coming, and it is heading north toward the polar cap. I don't know what it is, but I do know it's powerful. Furthermore, I think that whatever 'it' is, it is running from something else even more powerful. I know I tasked you already. I don't say this lightly, however. I need your help." A moment later Olaf comes in. "Horses are ready love."

Kal groaned. Full, warm, with an armful of Elora, he wanted nothing better than to go back to bed, get a few more hours' sleep with her and then drink a bottle of wine and eat half the afternoon.

Fate was a fickle and cruel bitch.

He realized what she had said and asked, "Wait, 'through the cap'? What does that mean?"

The Beldame sighs and shakes her head.

"I am not sure," she replied. "I was dream-walking late last night through the astral plane. I saw a figure in the distance. Ever wary of other wanderers of the planes, I cautiously approached. He hailed me, but I did not understand. Then, suddenly, he looked behind him. Something startled him. Somehow he used the power of my silver cord to bring him into our version of the Prime Plane.

"When I turned back, I saw four figures with silver cords shining greater than mine, also using bits of matter to accelerate in my direction. Sensing danger, I snuffed my silver cord and returned to normal sleep. I woke immediately, then went to the men's cloister and woke Olaf.

"Now I am here speaking to you. I've managed to locate the individual within a 20 mile radius of our stead. Olaf is a tracker of rare renown. If we can find this person, we can figure out what to do next."

Kal looked from face to disappointed face. "He could be hurt, he could be ill-dressed for the weather, maybe it's best we join the search.

"How do we do this? Follow Olaf or do you want us to branch out? Agrax is a great tracker, I'm sure she'll sense something wrong if we get near the creature."

"We stay together," Olaf said. It is the first time he's taken command like that and all of you are somewhat surprised.

The Beldame adds, "That wasn't a monster, it was a sentient being. Perhaps not of this world, but there is a will there, and an awareness. Are you coming, then?"
This message was last updated by the player at 20:23, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

Kal rose with a groan and nodded,  headed back to get geared up for the trip. Once dressed, he checked to see that everyone was ready and nodded that he was ready to the Beldame.

There are mounts for everyone, including a huge destrier for Pious. All the horses are hardy northern stock; within 10 minutes you've exited the stead and started the journey north.

"I've a bit of lodestone that I've ensorcelled," the Beldame said once they reached the wilds to the north. "I caught enough of the aura so that I can follow pretty closely. He - or she - it wasn't fully clear - is about a day ahead of us. He has a minor enchantment that's cloaking him from normal folk. Without the lodestone we would have a much more difficult time of things."

She pauses, then adds, "Of the others...I do not know, but be on your guard!"

After an hour riding, Elora starts to get bored. She's a bit petulant, she was hoping for a nice snuggle and some love play. Instead she's stuck on horse in the middle of the tundra. Offering winsome sighs and rolling eyes, she seems a bit put out.

Kal moved along, following the lead of the Beldame and her men, noticed Elora's unrest. He said, "Fret not, dear. We will take a few days to make love and drink wine soon. I think after this, we head south and find a nice inn to stop for a few days and recover from the cold and grim.

"No better way to do that then making love all day and all night, eh?"

"I suppose," she said. "And cake? Can I have some cake, too?"

Without turning her back, the Beldame said, "I was wondering when the fairy in you would come out." She laughed and said, "I promise we'll finish this as swiftly as possible, dear. I feel the same about my beau, even after all these years. But, I need you to stay on point. Can you do that?"

"Yes, ma'am," she said.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

Kal can't help but laugh at the exchange. He looked at Elora apologetically and said, "Cake indeed. We will eat a whole cake for we will need the energy."

Olaf scouts ahead as the Beldame follows with the rest of you. Eventually Agrax offers to help the ranger. When he agrees, he is surprised to find the gnoll would rather run ahead of Olaf, on point. At first Olaf's reticent, but he notes her speed and graceful lope; soon enough he comes to appreciate the extra set of eyes.

As the first day closes, you all are tired, but relieved that you haven't come across any predators or fell beings. As you make camp, Olaf brings forth sturdy canvass tents and fleece blankets. He helps each of you set up, then begins to pass out trail rations. "No fire," he said. "You should be warm enough in the tents if you partner up. That won't be an issue for most of us, how about you, priest?"

"That won't be an issue," growled Agrax. "He's got almost as much fur as I do. We'll stay warm."

6 watchstanders on a 2-2-2 rotation of 4 hours each. Approximately 6pm to 6am. The night passes on without incident and the next day dawns bright and clear...and cold.

Before starting the next morning, Olaf informs you that the Beldame walked in the dreamscape of the astral plane again after her watch, so they would be leaving a bit later than planned. It seems the target is further out than she initially thought...and that said target is pushing his endurance further than any human might hope to.

Olaf then mentions that the Beldame knows of a teleport circle the better portion of the day's journey - she believes that they can make up the difference once she reaches the circle.

"We will be leaving the moment she wakes, so let's get everything ready. It's gonna be a long day."

The Beldame seems weary, but thanks Olaf for the strong, hot tea that will buttress her strength. Then all of you ride. It is another long day, but again fortune is kind as you encounter nothing worse than herd animals off the distance. After another 12 hours you reach the circle, numb and exhausted but mostly none the worse for wear. Before going to bed the Beldame makes clear: Once we are in the circle do not move. I would hate for you to fly off in a different direction than the rest of us."