"I have on traveled these elands for a short time. Only a few weeks...maybe a month. Since the...difficulties began, I find it difficult to perfectly gauge the time. I am originally from much further south. I am of Athkatla, and my parents are of Taerloon. To say that I am not used to the cold would be an understatement. And what of you? Do you call the Spine your home?" she replied to Stormheart with a friendly smile.

Stormheart mouthed the words she said, 'Athkatla' and 'Taerloon', testing them out, clearly not familiar with them except maybe in passing.

He smiled at the woman and nodded. "Aye, this is my home. I am from the same tribe as Farwalker, in the mountains." He let out a chuckle. "I admit, having lived here all my life, I do not notice the cold that much." He leaned in to stage whisper, "being a goliath doesn't hurt, either." He winked at her and leaned away again.

The smile faded. "Though...even I have noticed that it is getting colder than is usual." He shook his head. "It is part of what is causing issues among the animals." He let out a small sigh but seemed to perk back up, or pretend, once more. "But hopefully we can help out at least some, maybe in bigger ways soon as well."

"I do hope our actions make some difference here..." Khulekani nodded in agreement, voice trailing off near the end as her attentions turned more inwards.

"But I am a woman of faith. Even if we cannot personally overcome the evils that beset these frozen lands, the forces of goodness will eventually overcome this. I truly believe that good overcomes evil in the end. It only waits for people of conscience to make it so," she continued, looking back up at the Goliath.

"But perhaps it is not the right time of day to speak of the greater fate of the Realms," she chuckled, shaking the musings away.

Stormheart looked slightly surprised at the woman as he listened to her. "Ah, excellent! I, too, am...well not a woman of faith," He smiled and chuckled, "but of faith. I am a Cleric." He tapped the holy symbol around his neck. "Of Manethak, the Wise Hunter!"

He clenched one fist. "I feel we shall do great things together and then celebrate mightily!"

Back out in the wilderness . . .

---

A trek like this in times like these was taxing. The snow was deep and snowshoes awkward, so one could wonder if skiing would have been the better option. But nevertheless, it was made and the distance laid. Though the sun had already set, the day would conclude long before the return trip could be started. Unless Rhydd, Khulekani, Farwalker, and Stormheart wanted to go to significant lengths to exert themselves, camp would have to be arranged.

About halfway around the foot of Kelvin’s Cairn some tracks were encountered.

---

Rhydd's Survival [14]: Of all the places in Icewind Dale, Kelvin's Cairn was among the most dangerous. It was a steep, rugged mountain where many a creature nestled in its crevaces and cliffsides. Harpies, Peryton, Orcs, and Giants used to lurk in its heights, though who remained Rhydd wasn't sure of. Halvdan had a lair here, once, though it was just one of many.

Stormheart's Survival [24]: The tracks belonged to some hoofed animals, likely Goats. It wouldn't have been noteworthy, but noting the distance between each print, it was likely they were in flight. The snow had yet to crystallize around them, so they couldn't have been more than hours old.

Stormheart looked to be well in his element after they left 'civilization' behind and headed in to the wilderness. He seemed...happy, or at the very least content, by the looks of it. He lead the way out and onward until he slowed and stopped. He crouched down and began looking at the ground, moving forward slowly.

"Hmmmmm." He glanced back at the others for a moment. "Goats...maybe. In a hurry. Fleeing from something. And...not that long ago."

He glanced both ways. "Perhaps we should investigate before we set up camp? It would not do to be taken unawares but by some predator chasing them...or worse."

In reply to Stormheart (msg # 32):

Rhydd once again marveled at how comfortable he felt in the frigid, bone-chilling weather -- no doubt it was due to the marvelous boots that Mallory had magicked for him, he felt certain. ~For a Southron, she had adopted to life here in the far North quite well,~ he decided.

His thoughts had turned to picking a likely spot for their night-camp when Stormheart noticed the tracks in the snow. After studying the signs for a moment, the archer nodded. "Goats or deer do seem likely. And it does seem as if they were moving at speed . . . fleeing, most like."

Rhydd straightened up and brushed the snow from the knees of his cold-weather trousers. "I agree that having a look around, mayhap following the tracks for a bit, is a wise precaution."

The outdoorsman glanced around at the ground again, then turned his gaze upwards. "Perhaps I missed the other tracks, but I do not see any sign of whatever was pursuing these fleeing animals. Could it have been flying, I wonder?"

Following the tracks led the group half-a-mile until they rounded rocky outcrop where the chase had reached a climax. The snow showed signs of a larger scuffle and bloodshed. One Mountain Goat laid dead atop a larger stone. When investigated, it was clear its heart had been ripped from its chest¹, and that this was its only fatal injury.

---

¹ Nature or Arcana.

"Nor did I, which is why this is more concerning then it might otherwise be."

Stormheart lead the way to follow the tracks. He suddenly stopped and frowned as he saw the dead goat. "Ahhh, my friend. What a shame. To kill not for food, but only to take the heart? Shameful."

He looked around slowly as he stepped towards it, scanning for any tracks or signs of what might have happened to further make up his mind. Or any pieces of the missing organ or a trail of blood.

Then he knelt next to the goat and quietly uttered a prayer, barely making any sound as he did so, the words only for the goat's spirit and his god.

15:31, Today: Stormheart rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Nature.
15:33, Today: Stormheart rolled 12 using 1d20.  Investigation - if applicable.
15:35, Today: Stormheart rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Survival.

"Troubling," Rhydd agreed with Stormheart's analysis. He joined the big Goliath in searching the area for clues as to who -- or what -- might have slain the unfortunate goat.

---

OOC:
11:07, Today: Rhydd Maldhon rolled 16 using 1d20 with rolls of 16.  Nature Check re: Dead Goat.

Notes: Were a Survival Check allowed, Rhydd's die-roll would yield a 21. Just sayin' . . . :)

---

Some variance in the skills that are used for checks is healthy for the narrative. Stormheart's Investigation stands since it is applicable, the two other rolls are stricken (Survival on the grounds it was rolled prior, Nature on the grounds Rhydd covers it).

Stormheart's Investigation of the scene [12]: Counting the tracks up to now, five Goats were chased. Here, one was dead, and after walking the perimeter, Stormheart comes to the conclusion three had scattered.

Rhydd's Nature for further insights into the scene [16]: This was most likely the work of Perytons, magical creatures the cross between Giant Eagles and demonic-looking, fang-toothed Stags. They tend to rip the heart from paralyzed targets, and it is said a Doe is not fertile until she has eaten a fresh heart from a Humanoid. Highly territorial and vicious, if one laired in the mountain it was wise to steer clear entirely.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:01, Fri 13 Oct 2023.

Stormheart looked around with narrowed eyes and intense gaze. "I believe...there were more goats than just this one, as we suspected. Some of the rest kept moving. This one, clearly, did not." He looked up, "I think five goats in total."

He looked at Rhydd and then at Khulekani. "What do you two see?"

"I am thinking . . . Perytons," Rhydd responded, glancing up at the sky whilst wearing a grim expression.

"Or, mayhap only one . . . but, still."

"You being a child of the Northlands -- you know of them, I'll wager," the archer continued, glancing at Stormheart.

"Have you learned of them in your travels, Squire?" he asked Khulekani.

---

Khulekani can roll me a Nature or History (her choice) if she wants to see how much she knows of Perytons.

Stormheart looked over at Rhydd, a little bit of surprise showing on his face for just a moment. But then he gave a slow nod, though a frown slipped on to his face. "Hmm. I think you may be right. That certainly fits what I know of Perytons."

He glanced at Khulekani to see if she knew of them as well.

But then he looked around once more. "Should we press on after the goats then, or go back down to find a camp spot? If there is a Peryton, or more than one, about, we will have to be on our guard."

In reply to Stormheart (msg # 41):

Rhydd glanced up at the sky. "Unless I miss my bet," he replied to Stormheart, "we are not too far from losing what light we have."

"With Perytons likely about, I think that we should pick out a good spot for our night-camp."

"I have nothing against the goats of the mountains," the archer added after a moment, "but they are used to looking after themselves, and occasionally losing one of their number to predators is Nature's way . . ."

"Hmm." Stormheart thought about it for a moment, and then gave a slow nod. "You are probably right. Peryton are..." He shook his head. "I don't like the idea of camping too close to where one or more might be. Hopefully they are sated and will not bother us."

He began moving back down and looking for a good place to camp.

There was little in the way of shelter nearby. A few rocks and the occasional lone tree was all that offered refuge, unless one wished to climb further up Kelvin's Cairn in hopes of overhanging cliffs or even the uninhabited cave.

Although it was cloudy, the air did not forebode snowfall.

---

The way I see it you have two options if you wish to make camp right away; do so out in the open, or head further up the side of Kelvin's Cairn. Perhaps you are able to conceive of additional options?

Stormheart paused and shook his head. "I think being out in the open would not be the best of ideas. Let us go further up and see if we can find someplace to take shelter."

Saying such, he started heading further up.

In reply to Stormheart (msg # 45):

"Agreed," Rhydd replied to the Goliath with a nod, as he glanced around the bleak, barren snowscape.

"We should be able to find a better option than this. Even if there were no Perytons about, camping on a windswept slope on the side of a mountain is a poor choice."

A bit further and up the foot of Kelvin's Cairn was the Daledrop, the northern entrance to the Dwarven Valley. It was a natural switchback, and a strategic chokepoint the Dwarves used to fend off marauding Orcs or Reghedmen. Whether or not the sentries allowed in guests for the night was a toss-up, but Stormheart's recent stay indicated they were currently accommodating.

The closest and most minimal of shelters was Bruenor's Climb, a reconstructed, fifteen foot high stone spire which offered a commanding view of the Valley, the Towns, and the tundra to all sides. While it didn't house, it was an excellent windbreak.

And then there was Halvdan's former lair, a bit further up the mountain's south face than the Daledrop. It was spacious and comfortable, once. What had become of it Rhydd didn't know.

---

Alright, here's something I should have done waaay earlier; create a map! Keep in mind you haven't been traveling for too long. A couple of hours, tops. The terrain is very difficult, though, for everyone except for Rhydd, and that only gets worse the farther up the mountain you go. Eventually one would have to use climbing gear.

As a reminder, it's somewhere between 7 and 8 PM currently.

Let's knock out the traveling times too, since we have a map now:
Bruenor's Climb -> 30 minutes.
Daledrop -> 1 hour.
Halvdan's Lair -> 2 hours (you'll have to start up the steeper parts of the mountain).
Owlbear Cave -> 2-3 hours.

Edit: Increased the time to the Owlbear cave from 2 hours to 2-3 hours. I also put the current time to somewhere between 7 and 8 PM, up from just 7, as the original estimate was from before you spent some time following and investigating the Goat tracks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:17, Mon 06 Nov 2023.

Stormheart pondered and discussed with Rhydd and Khulekani. They all seemed to agree that something not too far away but with a measure of shelter would be a good idea. So he began to lead them to Daledrop, which was a bit farther than Bruenor's Climb, but seemed like it might be a little bit better, though...time would tell.

And he didn't want to be out and about too late if it could be helped.

Seeing as not only wasn't she a native to these frozen lands, but was not an experienced frontier survivalist, she trusted those with her in order to lead them to proper shelter. While she had many fine qualities, at least a few that humility would allow her to admit too, they were more concerned with matters of faith, martial prowess, and equestrianism. And so, trying to keep Zula warm with her own body, the Athkatlan followed behind Stormheart and Rhydd without complaint.

The keen eye could spy Bruenor's Climb as the expedition passed it by, looming over yonder. It was far from an imposing structure, but given its height and situation, it made a significant landmark.

The Daledrop was not much further. Only up a steeper hill, and Stormheart and Rhydd could glean the entrance. One wouldn't be remiss to forgo it, for a keen eye was needed here too, as its mouth was sunken and roofed below the earth so it bore no visible connection to the deep valley which split the Dale. But once one had rounded the corner and viewed it from above, the Dwarven entrance greeted onlookers in all its splendor. Hewn from the rock were two statues, standing like steadfast columns – one of Dumathoin, patron of the Shield Dwarves and their deity of mining, and the other of Gorm Gulthyn, their god of vigilance. At the southern entrance stood Berronar Truesilver, goddess of hearth and home, and Moradin himself. Just past the statues at either location were heavy stone doors, elaborately engraved with their characteristic intersecting lines.

Rhydd and Stormheart knew this wasn't all for show. In the summers and springs that were this entrance looked beautiful and lush, even more so than the rest of the Dale, because the plants enjoyed the soil so steeped in blood. Here, the fiercest of Reghedmen had fallen, and countless Orcs. So while it appeared tranquil and deserted, it was anything but. Eyes peered through cracks in the stone, and crossbows and balistas were loaded at the ready – if there was one thing one could count Dwarves to be, it was watchful.

"Halt!" a booming voice pierced the stone before any of the party could reach the door to knock it. "Stay where ye are if ye value yer lives! Name yerselves, and yer cause!"

---

Stormheart received a similar greeting at the southern gate. The Dwarves were wary of anyone not a Dwarf, regardless of who they were, and the policy in rough times was to allow none without due cause inside. And these were certainly rough times.

I suggest you either nominate a spokesperson, in which case you can Work Together so they can give me a Persuasion at Advantage (or whatever skill check you find appropriate), or you can do a Group check where none of you have Advantage. In the case of the latter, two of you will have to succeed.

Rhydd has probably been in the Valley before, but that doesn't mean these specific Dwarves know him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:13, Fri 10 Nov 2023.

With a quick glance over at her two companions, Khulekani quickly made the decision to speak on behalf of the group. Etiquette and protocol were both also part of a knight's training, seeing as how the weren't simply protectors, but were expected to mediate disputes and act as leaders in times of battle.

"Hail and well met, noble barakor!" she called out, raising her hands slowly and displaying no weapon lay in her grasp.

"We are but three weary travelers. I am Khulekani Kumalo of Athkatla, Squire of the Radiant Heart Auxiliary. This is Stormheart, Goliath of the Spine of the World. And finally, this is Rhydd Maldhon of Ten-Towns. We have no enmity with you, and merely wish to pass in peace. We are on a task that is no danger to you or your people. I ask that we be allowed to pass through, so that we might conclude our business in haste!" Khulekani called, with all the sincerity and vulnerability her frozen body could muster.

OOC Mechanics
Barakor is a Dwarvish word that mean "those who shield."

21:00, Today: Khulekani Kumalo rolled 26 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only. Persuasion with Advantage.