The Dragon, along with the Werebear, were not to be seen again. At least not this evening.

A narrow, beaten path was found sometime after Farwalker, Mallory, Rhydd, and Torgrim had trekked through the frozen barrens, Chwinga in stow. The welcome road likely lead from Termalaine to Bryn Shander — a path far less tread than its eastern and western brethren. In the clear of night, with vision unhindered by blustering blizzards, Bryn Shander could be gleaned, perched majestically atop its cold, lonely, and wind-lashed hill. There were no other towns in Icewind Dale as brash in its position. Or disposition, as its returning visitors would know. While nowhere near as large, Bryn Shander bore the markings of a metropolis akin to the larger settlements along The Sword Coast, and carried itself as such. Much thanks to the firm rule of its Speaker — and head of the Council of Speakers — Duvessa Shane.

While Dannika and Moyrah would have entered through the south-western gate, it was now most sensible to enter Bryn Shander through the North Gate. The town's walls comprised two concentric rings of upright wooden poles, the gap between them filled with dirt and rubble, and, on the planks layered atop, armed guards patrolled the perimeter. And unlike the gates of Targos had been the days prior, these hinged, heavy doors remained closed and shut.

As Farwalker, Mallory, Rhydd, and Torgrim approached the gate, a blinding light from a bullseye lantern shone upon them. The features of the person, stationed up high by the rampart provided by the poles rising above the wall, was impossible to discern. As were their numbers. "Humans! And a . . . Goliath?" a woman — the person behind the lantern — called out.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Mon 10 Jan 2022.

The long trudge back to civilization - or what meager efforts passed for it so far north - was both a delight and a struggle.  Mallory didn't dare place her lantern back up for fear of drawing attention to them as they went, but it was thankfully bright enough by moonlight alone to travel without too much worry.  A slow, plodding, weary pace.  After what they'd just been through there was no joy to help lift one's heels higher than necessary on that long march, even with a tiny new companion in tow.  Astre spent his time either in the air to scout for the party as they went or, whenever he did swoop back down to rest a bit, atop Farwalker's shoulder rather than Mallory's so long as he wasn't batted away.  He may have been a troublemaker but it seemed the Tressym had genuine concern for the towering woman's ordeal, for what good worried chirps and paw-kneading reassurances could offer her.

When Bryn Shander finally came into view Mallory heaved a relieved sigh as a cloud of vapor.  She'd kept her own and the men's boots toasty the whole trek but her minor magics couldn't compete with the rapidly plummeting evening temperatures or the biting wind.  Bryn Shander's sloped roofs of thatch and tar, the scrimshaw accents, the roads packed by bootfall rather than laid stone... honestly, it was a glorified junk heap that had a lot of nerve daring to call itself a 'city' by her experiences.  Which said a lot about how it still stood high above places like Targos in terms of its quality of living.  But it was vastly superior to the frozen wilderness and left Mallory mildly annoyed with her own diminished standards at just how much her spirits rose as they approached the gates.

"Travelers from Targos!  Two of our company arrived earlier today, but we were separated from them on the road here!" the young noble called out in return to what she could only expect was a guard.  She couldn't see past the glare of a directed lantern's spotlight and raised a hand to shield her eyes a bit to try and squint beyond it.  "Let us in, please!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:57, Mon 10 Jan 2022.

Rhydd was usually hunkered down when out in the Wilds at this time of night -- at least when winter conditions prevailed -- but he told himself to just keep quiet  . . . and to keep putting one boot in front of the other.

He was glad to have Astre flying high overwatch -- he knew that the feline's eyes were much sharper than his, and he wanted plenty of warning if that big White Dragon decided to come looking for another snack.

It was a bedraggled little group that reached their destination, and Rhydd stood quiet whilest Lady Mallory spoke to the town guards on duty up on the walls of Bryn Shander. He reckoned that the noblewoman had a way with words that he could never hope to rival, so his first inclination was to leave the talking to her.

After a moment, however, a thought occurred to the outdoorsman. Rhydd supposed that standing watch exposed to the winds high on the walls on such a cold night must be a miserable assignment. So he cupped his hands around his mouth and called up to the sentries "This one right here is a wizardess."

"Let us in, and she'll warm up your toes for you."

Out of the side of his mouth, he whispered to Mallory "You *can* do that, right? I mean, I know that you *can*, but you still have some magicks left, right?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

Being volunteered for a service when the gate guards were, presumably, already duty-bound to let them in to begin with had Mallory give Rhydd a look of consternation.  "I mean, yes, but only if there's just a few of them... I can only manage two or three at a time."  It was only natural that one unfamiliar with spellcasting wouldn't know its limitations, but the dawning realization that Rhydd had just offered to lose his own warmed-up boots was bound to be a heavy one.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:18, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

"Humans! And a . . . Goliath?"

Torgrim raised a finger in objection, but quickly put it back into the comfort of his coat. No reason to offer up too many identifiers this soon, especially before giving the wanted posters in the square a once-over. Not every syndicate apostate would end up with a prize on their head, but experience had taught him that they did make opportune scapegoats.

"Loosing the heated boots would be inconvenient, but I'll trade it for a drink at Kelvin's any day. That said, I'd rather have both."

The light swung out of sight. A moment later, the gates creaked open, and the lantern once more greeted the new arrivals. "Welcome," its wielder said, breath puffing through her scarf. Like the guards still stationed up on the wall, she carried a shortsword at her hip, and wore packed leather armor with an insulating layer of fur on top. Her sharp, blue eyes and cheeks, flush from being exposed to the cold, peeked out from behind her hood. "It gets awfully cold out here. Never mind us – find yourself warmth. If you're looking for a place to stay, The Northlook lies just beyond the gates." She gestured inward to a nearby building. A sign depicting a lone mountain hung above its entrance. "But if you want easier company, I suggest heading to The Hooked Knucklehead near the town square or Geldenstag's Rest by the East Gate . . .  though I would suggest The Northlook," she continued after another look at Farwalker. "As for the rest of your company, I'm afraid no one else has left or entered through here today."

---

Rhydd would likely be very familiar with the layout of Bryn Shander and where to find its establishments. Mallory and Torgrim would have some recollection, as I believe they've both visited in the past. Farwalker would be the only one new here. As such, I'll whip up some information detailing important locations so that you have an easier time deciding where to head. I'll probably post that in the "Setting Information" thread later tonight.

"As for the rest of your company, I'm afraid no one else has left or entered through here today."

Torgrim was taken aback. As trying as it had been to reach Bryn Shander, missing it entirely seemed nigh-on-impossible.

"Are you certain? No mean looking half-orcs or bookish elves? The latter may have been prone to chatter your ears of about "Chwingas?"" Torgrim made sure to keep his own hood up to keep up the appearance of a wanderer every bit as human as the ranger alongside him.

"Not through these gates, no," the guard shook her head. "I've been on patrol since morning. No one's come through. Though I could check with the other guards if you wish?"

In reply to DM Bears (msg # 8):

"Aye, that would be very helpful -- thank you," Rhydd replied to the sentry's offer.

"There were some others in our group who should have reached town before us. If they have not, well . . ." he let that hang in the air for a moment without finishing his sentence.

"But if you are supposed to stay here at your post, I could walk around and make the inquiries."

Mallory heaved a deep, grateful sigh as the gates lurched open for them and was all too quick to hurry inside.  True, stepping beyond the barrier was no warmer than being outside it, but it certainly made her feel better all the same!  She danced a bit in place and rubbed her arms beneath her cloak to try and keep her warmth while the others prodded on the whereabouts of their companions.

"Given the route we were originally on, they would have come in from the southwestern gate, most likely." the young noble supplied as she raised a palm.  Though she had to fight to keep her hands from shaking due to the shivers, she still managed a familiar flourish that conjured up small illusions into the air above her fingertips.  Somewhat shimmery portraits of Dannika and Moyrah, for the sake of the guard's knowledge.  "We can search ourselves as well, but I imagine they would've headed for the most immediate or affordable Inn nearest their entry.  Which would that be?"

"Hmm. If they came from Targos, they should have arrived here." The guard leaned closer and pondered the faintly fluttering visuals, holding her lantern up to illuminate the already luminous figures. It didn't help. "Can't say I know them."

"Magicks, eh? No one's been through, no," another guard stationed just beside the flanking watchtower, having overheard the conversation, said as he approached, observing Mallory's illusion with interest. He was a scruffy man, and spoke with a raspy voice. "Ain't too busy these days. If they arrived with a caravan, it's a good idea to check the Southwest Gate."

"I agree," the female guard concurred. "The nearest inn would be The Knucklehead, though Kelvin's Comfort – a tavern – is nearer."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:41, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

"Kelvin's Comfort would be our best bet then..." Mallory pondered aloud with a look to her companions for their consent.  She was only passingly familiar with Bryn Shander's finer details but knew well enough of the central tavern.  If nothing else, it would certainly be the easiest place to gather information since folk from all ends of the city would congregate there.  If it really came down to it, there was always the city stable house; their companions would have needed to put her Axe Beak up for the night, so it was possible someone there could yield more information as well.

"Oh, this may be a long shot, but have either of you seen this gentleman in recent weeks?  He's a merchant named Andaj Hukkush, who was supposed to be doing business among the Ten Towns recently.  I was told he planned to establish an office here, but he may have moved on since then."  With another swirl of her fingers the illusions shifted to display a middle-aged looking Tabaxi; rather placid and sleepy in expression, with such fluff about his face that it gave him the look of a mustache.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:46, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

For his part, Rhydd had spent some nights -- both long and short, depending upon the season -- in Bryn Shander, and knew a bit about most of the town's taverns and tap-rooms.

Kelvin's Comfort was certainly a good choice, but The Northlook's tap-room was much closer to their present location, if mayhap a bit dicier in terms of its patrons. Then again, Kelvin's Comfort was better known to people who had only a superficial knowledge of the town and was closer to the Southwest Gate, which had just been mentioned by the sentries as a likely entry-point for a caravan.

There was also Goldenstag's Rest, run by the gray-haired busybody named Myrtle Something -Or-The-Other. It was a little out of the way, off the direct route from the Southwest Gate, but Myrtle was the sort who was sure to have her finger in lots of pies here in Bryn Shander.

The archer kept his own counsel for the moment, waiting to hear how the sentries would respond to Lady Mallory's inquiry about one Andaj Hukkush, merchant by trade.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Wed 12 Jan 2022.

"Him I know," the male guard answered. "Hard to miss a Tabaxi in these parts. Funny though . . . he's the second I've seen since Highharvestide. Aye, he left through here. A Tenday ago? Maybe more. Friendly fellow. Said he was headed for Targos."

"I know him too," the female guard added. "He did business with the Dwarves, and some of the caravan masters, but when I think on it, I'm not sure what he trades in. He did tend to dine in Kelvin's Comfort, I recall."

Another long sigh heaved out.  "We just came from Targos and he hasn't been there lately, it seems.  I swear, I'm going to trail him all throughout the Ten-Towns only to find him right back where we started by the end of it all." Mallory had a knack for telling the future but desperately hoped she'd be wrong in that particular case.  Hopefully her business-minded uncle would just be in the next town over, or might even return to Bryn Shander while they were still in town themselves.

Mallory was about to just pack it all away and say her goodbyes to the guards, but a thought crossed her mind first.  For a moment she mulled it over in her head but then decided there was no harm in merely asking.  "One more thing, if you please?"  Another illusion was conjured up as she presented the image of two men stood in her palm; that of Sephek Kaltro in his two known appearances.  "Have you seen either of these men around?  They've been about the Ten-Towns of late and were last seen in Targos just yesterday.  Town Speaker Naerth is looking for information on their whereabouts."

The man stepped closer for a more thorough look. "Nay, can't say I-"

"Sephek Kaltro," the woman interrupted, pointing to Kaltro as he appeared after he had left Three Flags Sailing. "From Easthaven. Bodyguard of Torrga. If he's been in town, your best bet would be to talk to Scramsax at The Northlook." For a brief moment, and while it could have been happenchance, it appeared her eyes traveled to meet Torgrim's before returning back to Mallory's. "Why does Town Speaker Naerth inquire about this man? Does he suspect any illegal activities?"

---

17:20, Today: DM Bears rolled 28 using 2d20 with rolls of 17,11.  Do the guards know of Sephek Kaltro? Success on 15 or higher. Woman first.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:39, Thu 13 Jan 2022.

In the moment the guard looked to Torgrim, so too did Mallory's gaze follow her line of sight and then bounce to Astre with a more focused, unspoken intent.  The Tressym fixed the guard under scrutiny, as cats were so often wont to do.  From atop his perch on Farlwaker's shoulder he kept wary of subtle tells that only a beast's senses were keen and varied enough to catch.  Mallory herself, on the other hand, considered the guard's tone and bearing as she drew a breath to reply...

---

Insight Check w/Advantage via Help Action before Mallory answers the question.  She wants to get a read on the guard's mood; does she seem defensive, or angry, or such?

Mallory Bonheur rolled 17 using 1d20+1

---

Mallory's Insight Check (w/ Advantage from Astre) [17]: The guard's tone was neither aggressive nor defensive. Rather, it was merely confident. Vigilant. A band of strangers — of strange composition, no less — inquiring about a shady individual on behalf of a Town Speaker was unusual, and she was intending to do her job and pry.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:02, Thu 13 Jan 2022.

"I couldn't say for certain.  The Speaker is a rather guarded fellow when it comes to his intentions, but he does seem to want to improve Targos' standing at the very least." Mallory certainly had no doubt of that, though she knew full well Naerth had his own ends in mind when it came to uplifting Targos.  Still, if he could improve the lives of the citizenry in the process...

She wasn't about to leave the guard hanging, however, especially since that might spark suspicion on them in the process.  Rather she stepped a bit closer to lower her voice in a conspiratorial hush, though it wasn't as if the others couldn't readily hear her all the same.  "Though, if one is to believe the gossip-- " she glanced about, as if there were somehow eavesdroppers to be wary of "-- there were whispers of murder in Targos the other day, with these two gentlemen leaving town rather precisely before the victims were discovered.  Seems only natural the Town Speaker might find that suspect and wish to hear if these two had an alibi."

The guard remained stoic, nodding along attentively as Mallory laid out her explanation. "Linked to the murders in Easthaven?"

---

Torgrim Insight into the guard's glance [14]: Mallory was in the process of making sure this guard would report Torgrim's arrival to her superiors, along with everyone else's currently present. Likely, the guard was taking in everyone's visual, not just Torgrim's, so that she could deliver descriptions. The extra look at him in particular could be chalked up to the fact that he was making sure his hood was properly obscuring some of his more noteworthy features.

But it wasn't possible to entirely rule out that the guard had recognized him. She had, after all, recognized Sephek Kaltro, who had also spent a considerable amount of time in Easthaven. Though Kaltro was always much less subtle in his movements, especially considering he had no reason to be, since, to Torgrim's knowledge, he was not a murderer in the times before The Frostmaiden.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:05, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

Deception: [4] vs. Female Guard, [13] vs. Male Guard.  One failure, one success.
The more attentive of the two guards could get an immediate read on Mallory's manner, especially since the strange woman wasn't being all that subtle to begin with.  She was playing dumb and obviously knew more about the Town Speaker's interest in the manhunt than stated so far.  Her overall presentation is not malicious though; she's simply holding back information rather than trying to outright deceive.

The other guard, meanwhile, would likely just see her as the nosy gossip she presented herself to be.  Some rich out-of-towner who was having fun slumming around with a bunch of hired local grunts as her bodyguards, sticking her nose into local affairs like it was just a game.  Tourists...

---

The mention of Easthaven got an expression of further piqued interest from Mallory.  "That does seem to be the case.  I'd heard there had been murders there recently but don't know any of the specifics myself." True enough, in that particular case; Naerth hadn't seen fit to address the grisly details.  Mallory leaned nearer still with all the bearing of a bored rich girl offered some bit of juicy gossip behind a friend's back.  "Why, what have you heard?"

It was right about then that a stiff breeze off the snow made the noble choke on her own words and reel back with a grimace, quick to gather her cloak around herself that much tighter.  She'd gotten so wrapped up in the immediate distraction of investigation that she'd momentarily forgotten she and her company were, in fact, freezing their collective ass off.  "Ech, damn this abominable cold..." she afforded a look to her companions, then back to the guards.  "On second thought, we should get to cover before it gets any later.  Though I'd like to continue this conversation if you'd come find me later at Kelvin's Comfort after your shift ends?  I'll buy you both a hot meal and drink for your time.  Miss...?" There hadn't been proper introductions and she let that blank invitation hang for the guard to fill or refuse to offer their names.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:56, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

"Signy," the woman filled in. The male guard stood with folded arms and chin buried in his neck, remaining silent.

"My apologies, we've kept you long." The now named guard stepped aside with a smile and indicated the road ahead. "Find yourselves warmth. Although, first, if you would, your names?" She looked around, making it clear she meant everyone, not just the noblewoman, as she removed her glove and produced a notebook and a stylus from a pocket.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

"Mallory--" the noble began to introduce herself, only for Astre to give a loud meow from his spot over with Farwalker "--and his name is Astre."

While the others handled their own introductions, Mallory offered a congenial smile on the side - particularly to the other guard who seemed grumpy all a sudden - and once again raised a gesture with fingers curled just so.  A faint, mirage-like shimmer coursed about her fingertips and across the cloaks of each of the two guards.  Just like that they'd begin to feel a fair bit cozier as their cloaks grew comfortably warm in outright defiance of the cold around them.  A boon for the guards but a bane for herself and Rhydd; their boots promptly lost the warming charm they'd been enjoying that entire trek.

---

Mallory casts Prestidigitation on the guards' cloaks to warm them for the next hour.  Torgrim's boots remain warmed as well, but Mallory and Rhydd lose their usage.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

"Mallory . . ." the guard wrote, then paused for a moment, lingering on the winged feline. ". . . and Astre."

The other guard, having seen Mallory's tell-tale signs of casting and while still saying nothing, looked to his coat questioningly as he felt it heat to a pleasant temperature. "Hmph," he snickered mostly to himself. "Magicks." The effect did not seem entirely amiss on his disposition.

Signy shimmied her shoulders, trying out her warmer cloak. "Oh, thank you," she offered. Whatever surprise the spell might have induced in her was quickly reconciled with the fact that the noblewoman — Mallory — had just put on a theater of mirages for them all.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:03, Fri 14 Jan 2022.