It's almost time for supper as the newest arrivals to Bryn Shandar find their way to the Northlook Inn.  This is the first place anyone in town would point a road weary traveler to and the Northlook is known for welcoming adventurers and mercenaries.  Some locals from the Ten Towns are already gathered here.

At one end of the common room a low fire burns.  It grants warmth to the room and is covered by a large stone hearth.  Above the hearth is a mounted knucklehead trout with the name "Ol'Bitey" engraved on its plaque.  The rest of the walls are lined with various other mounted animals.

Against the long wall facing the door is a bar where a number of regulars are drinking but there are plenty of seats.  There are also quite a few tables empty where groups can gather.

Anyone who enters is greeted by a serving girl "Sit wherever you like.  Scramsax or I will be with you in a minute."  She motions to an older human male behind the bar.
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:18, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

Merrel blinks, "His name is 'Knife'?  Misspent youth?" Merrel grabs an empty table. He examines the stuffed animal heads looking for something new to him.

[Private to Merrel: OOC: Updated for the city name.  I misspelled initially and it rolled through both our posts.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:19, Fri 24 Feb 2023.

Eofric entered the inn and stopped at the open door.
Rather blatantly his gaze wandered around at the customers. It was not a challenging or intimidating stare but still one that might offend for its directness.
Just before the grumbling became too loud as he had left the door open he hawked up phlegm and spat it outside before he closed the door and shut out the offensive cold.

He looked at the servant girl and said.
"And what is your name?"
"I'll be sitting there", he pointed at an empty table at the back of the room, "but first stop is the bar."
Eofric made straight for the inn keeper, put some coins on the counter and said.
"Got any decent schnaps? Fill up Scramsax. Please."

As Halgotin came into the Northlook Inn from the icy cold, he reflected momentarily on how far from home he was. Having spent many years down south in Baldur's Gate, tragedy had led him to hit the trail north, through Waterdeep and Neverwinter. Never feeling at rest, at home, anywhere he wandered, something was drawing him on, northward toward the frozen wastes. Joining a caravan on the Ten Trail in Fireshear, he had only recently found himself in Bryn Shandar.

Scanning the room, he took note of a few others who appeared to be from elsewhere. Finding a place close to the fire to seat at an empty table, he ordered a beverage from the spritely serving girl, and waited, what for, he did not know.

Bisa opened the door to the Northlook Inn, not that she was in Bryn Shader too often but when she was this was the establishment she always found her way to.

She took a step in and looked around, a usual amount of various people sat around, the Dwarf walked up to the bar and  took her usual seat, it was angled so Bisa could see most of the common area and the door.

The Paladin nodded to Scramsax and patiently waited to be addressed.

Eofric glanced at the dwarf who had just taken a seat next to him at the bar as he waited for the inn keeper to serve him.
He nodded to the dwarf, not exactly as an encouragement to initiate a conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:57, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

Out of Caer-Konig, Artim Adoxxilo was now in a much bigger town than he was used to. It was not his first visit to Bryn Shander, but he hadn't been here a lot. After all, as he could judge it, it was a trek of some twenty miles. He wiped snow off his hood and shoulders before entering, possibly attracting some attention on account of the noise he made, having both heavy chain and heavy feet.

Artim was a young dragnborn male, with silvery scales and yellow eyes. He had a doublet and shield marked with the symbols of Moradin the dwarf god (hammer and anvil) and a mace strapped to his belt. The amulet around his neck glowed with the colors of fiery embers. There were blue marks on his face that were painted symbols, but they were half-worn-off, seemingly having been applied some time ago.

"Peace to hearth and home." said the tall dragonborn to the serving girl, before looking around; taking quick note of who was here. Sometimes there were familiar faces. Other times not. He found a spot to sit, after dumping his backpack on the floor and taking off his outer layer of wool and fur. Artim gave people sitting around the nearest table greetings in the form of respectful nods.

As Uriah entered the tavern, he took a deep long breath to warm his gnome-sized lungs, that had been punished by the cold winter air. The smell of food too tantalising to pass, the wizard made his way to the bar.

Climbing onto a stool with some effort, he tried to make himself visible to the innkeep, so he could make his order. Seeing she was busy and fancying a conversation, he let out a sarcastic "Lovely weather we are having, eh? Hehehe" at noone in particular, hoping one of the people at the bar would humor him.

Shesha had been reluctant to emerge from her furs after coming in. Having stamped the snow off her boots and sat down, she had just sat there for a while hoping to adjust to the temperature. But she knew full well she'd have to unlayer a little to warm up properly.

With more poeple crowding in she decided to remove her gloves and untie her cloak. She looked around, oberving each person in turn to try and get their measure. Well, if any of them wanted to strike off into the wilds and needed a guide, she might just have work guiding them. But then she'd have to talk to them.

She sighed and continued removing her outer layers.

Silas said his good-byes to the caravan master and his crew after arriving at Bryn Shander. Looking around, he had seen neighborhoods in Waterdeep that were larger than the town he was in. At least it will be easier to see the night sky here than at home.

Tucking his shield over his back, he made his way to the tavern they had told him about.  A real bed to sleep on that was not tossing and rocking like the one he rode into town on would nice. Taking night watch was easier on him than the others and Caravan Master Husgar was happy that he was able to help tend their wounds and such.

Smelling the food cooking in the air, it made him hungry as he entered the Northlook Inn.  Told to take a seat, Silas looked around to see if there was any followers of the Moonmaiden. As he looked around, the Dragonborn wearing the symbol of Mornidin, a dwarven deity caught his eye.  "Greetings follower of the Soul Forger, may I join you?" the human asked as he made his way towards the dragonborn. Wearing chainmail but with a warhammer hanging on his hip, his tabard was light blue with a pair of silver eyes surrounded by seven silver stars.

While Halgotin is mostly content to stay apart, sipping on his beverage by the hearth, something about the interaction between the cleric and the dragonborn draws his attention. He has always been curious about those of faith. He decides to make an attempt at company by approaching them.

"Greetings, my name is Halgotin, a traveller from down south. I would hope you might be willing to accept my company."

Eofric looked again to his right at the dwarf.
Then he looked to his left to consider the gnome, or rather the gnome's comment on the weather.
He took a swig from his glass then actually chuckled.
The small folk next to him would make him appear much larger than he truly was. Which might be a good thing to stay out of brawls.
He did not truly mind bar room brawls as long as weapons remained out of it.
But truth be said, he could well live without one tonight.
The journey through the dismal weather had been more taxing than he cared for and he anticipated a warm bath, if available, to smooth his cramped muscles.
"Well, I suppose if one were to talk about weather being either good or bad one would need to notice a change in the weather.", he paused to take another gulp, "Seriously pray tell: did you notice a difference? Looks to me like there’s only one type of weather here: cold, dark, snowy, windy."
"All of which I would not call lovely."

Artim rose when the other man approached. He was quite tall, standing some four inches over six feet. Artim held out his arm to shake his hand. "Please. The silver moon has a special place in my heart." the silver dragonborn declared. "Moradin says: When the light of the sun sleeps in the north, the moon shall provide us with light, and the forge shall keep us warm. I am Artim."

He flashed a smile and sat down briefly, only to rise again when another figure approached. "Greetings. My name is Artim." He pronounced it with emphasis on the last syllable. "Please join us. Moradin says: Our tables shall be set for a visitor at every chair, for all who travel with good faith are welcome in my halls." He gave a nod, hoping he had remembered that right. "May I ask where you are from?" His eyes flashed between both of them.

In reply to Artim Adoxxilo (msg # 13):

Halgotin was momentarily taken aback from the height of the dragonborn, but felt a certain kinship with him. He did wonder, as he listened to the dragonborn reciting what appears to be some kind of scriptures or ancient sayings of wisdom or piety.

Halgotin nodded in return to Artim, and answered, "The place that I have dwelt in the longest since I can remember was Baldur's Gate, but otherwise in the past months I have wandered my way up the Coast towards the north."

In reply to Eofric (msg # 12):

Uriah pondered Eofric's question. Without a drink to occupy his mouth during that process, the gnome opted for holding his chin and emitting a humming sound.

"Hmmmmmmmm... Well, there are several ways to look at it. If we look at the weather through our bodies, then all the days might blend together. But if we look through the lense of history, then the cold harsh environment is only a recent occurrence. There ARE some merits to reliable weather, but I'll concede that were I Auril I would have chosen an early autumn breeze. But guess Auril the Nicebreezemaiden doesn't have quite the same ring to it, eh? Name is Uriah Gimbel"

At his name, he offered a hand for Eofric to shake.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:30, Sun 26 Feb 2023.

Eofric had not enough alcohol warming him to start discussing about deities and so he agreed without too much committment.
"I believe Icewind Dale had that name before the Sun forgot to set these past two years.", he shrugged, "The name kind of suggests cold weather."
"To be honest, I don't know. First time for me beyond the Spine. Used to work the Blackford Road mostly for Red Dragon Trading.", another shrug.
"Cannot believe almost a decade has passed since then."
"Name is Eofric.", he finally said as he grabbed the small hand of the gnome.

"Baldur's Gate? I don't think I know it." said Artim, although it sort of triggered some memories about stories he had read. "Is that a big village?"

Once someone came to take their orders, the dragonborn asked for mulled wine. The warm beverage and spices cured cold bones miraculously. His race had tremendous abilities to withstand severe cold, but sometimes it felt like the chill was unnatural. He had heard about strange lands covered in warm sands, or volcanoes spewing hot lava. Was there need of hearth and forge in such parts of the world?

"I am from Caer-Konig." Artem explained. "It's one of the most northern villages of the Ten-Towns region."

The serving girl smiles at Eofric, "My name is Poppy." and Scramsax fills a glass of schnapps for him "Unusual request that.  These have been back here a while - hope you like 'em."

Overhearing Merrel's comment one of the nearby locals leans back, "Heard he got that name when he used to be an adventurer himself."

Scrimsax returned Bisa's nod and provided her usual drink before turning to Uriah "Lovely weather - sounds like you've been in it too long, friend.".
[Private to Bisa Battlehammer: As a regular you know a bit more about Scrimsax than most.  He was a sellsword who age finally caught up to.  He runs the most rowdy and welcoming inn in town - the only one heated with wood.  He has been known to let adventurers stay on credit if they were between jobs but has been known to charge a bit more than other establishments.]

Poppy curtsies at Artim's proclamation upon entering and busy's herself seeing to everyone's drink order.

As the inn begins to fill, those who take the time to look around notice an elderly dwarf sitting away from the crowd.  A battle axe hangs from his belt as do two hand axes.  He wears furs and puffs on a wooden pipe.  His gaze lingers on each table as he apparently weighs and measures those present.

The human reached out his hand, happy to see someone almost as tall as he was.
"Greetings Artim, I am Silas, Silas Nightwind. I am from Waterdeep, pleasure to meet you." he said. Doing a quick check of the chair to make sure it could support his weight, he said down, hearing it creak a bit.

With the approach of Halgotin, he stood up. "Greetings Halgotin, I'm Silas Nightwind, pleasure to meet you." Silas said before calling for Scrimsax's attention. "Is it alright if I move the chair out of the way and bring over a log to sit down? I would hate to sneeze and break your furniture" he asked.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 03:41, Mon 27 Feb 2023.

Scramsax glanced at Silas and said, "Just a moment."

He steps in the back and appears a moment later with a chair larger than the others in the room.  Trading it out for the one Silas was sitting at he adds, "I have an old goliath friend that comes in less often than he should.  He glances at the bar, "Which is probably good for my stock"

Merrel flags down Poppy when he can, "I don't suppose you folks have any mice in the kitchen trying to avoid the cold outside? My owl is feeling a bit peckish. He'd appreciate one or two if you can catch them"

"Thank you Scramsax." Silas said. Feeling safer that he was not going to end up on the floor.

Silas stifled a laugh at the comment from Merrel. "It is almost nightfall. You might wait a bit. Go for a walk after supper to help with digestion and your owl might catch some on the run." he said towards Merrel.

"May be, may be. Perhaps a warm meal could unfreeze my brain? I'll take a bowl of whatever soup you are brewing at the moment, if you please"

Uriah notices the dwarf eyeing the bar, and gives him a nod and smile, but otherwise doesn't adress him. He did, however, start noticing all the people present.

"I'm not surprised this is a place popular with outsiders given it's location, but there seems to be a larger number of fellow newcomers than I anticipated"

Once the soup came, he'll pay for it and clear the bar, approaching the smoking dwarf. "Greetings. Are you a local patron? If you wouldn't mind the company, I'm looking for someone to tell me a bit more about the area"

Eofric looked a bit baffled when the gnome he had been talking to turned around and left to talk to a dwarf without a word.
Eofric shrugged and turned back to Scramsax, indicating that the taste of the schnaps was good enough for him and that he should fill up again.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Mon 27 Feb 2023.

Artim had heard about Waterdeep, but could not in his wildest dreams imagine its size. Maybe one day he would visit some of these strange, far-away places. Now, however, he had duties in the north that could not be abandoned. Sometimes it felt like the forge was all that stood between people and the deathly grip of winter.

Listening, talking and watching, Artim got the most peculiar feeling. He looked from one person to the next. Strangers. Locals. Travelers. Warriors. Clerics. Spellcasters, for sure. This was no random gathering of people! They had all (some of them, at least) been brought together here for a reason. Fate. Destiny. Whatever you would want to call it.

To be honest with himself, this was not the first time Artim had seen omens in everyday life. Sometimes they were hard to interpret. Sometimes they were seeds to plants that didn't really bear fruit (or grow at all). This time, however, there was something in the air. He was sure of it. He was just going to have to wait and see how it would play out.

After a good gulp from his drink, Artim wiped his mouth. "So, what brings you here?" His words were primarely directed at Halgotin and Silas. "...well, not the Northlook Inn, I mean. Bryn Shander. The North."

The female Dwarf nodded back at Eofric in response.

Bisa then watched as a Dragonborn and then Gnome walk in, then took it upon herself to look around.  An odd sort today, quite odd.  The Paladin shrugged, such was life past the Spine of the World.  A life she knew well.

As the innkeeper handed over her dwarven stout she nodded at him.

"Quite a group ya got in today Scrimsax, ye got a deal goin on ye aint told me folk about?"

She raised a joking eyebrow as she spoke.

"Ill have ta tell tha king ye be holding out on friends!"

Bisa laughed heartily before drinking her entire mug in one quaff, tapping it gently on the bar.

"Another thank ye."

Through all this she listened intently to the conversations around her but kept to herself for not, not seeing a good place to interject meaningfully.

Merrel quirks an eyebrow, "You think a lot of small rodents are outside at night in this sort of weather? They'd freeze to death long before anything could notice them, and frozen bodies are usually considered edible to live feeders. You might consider taking the time to learn a bit about nature and the things animals have to do to survive it if you're going declaim to strangers on the subject."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:34, Mon 27 Feb 2023.

In reply to Merrel (msg # 22):

Poppy frowns, "The cats do a pretty good job of keeping the rodents out.  We keep some small fish for them.  Would that work?"

When Uriah asks for food, Scrimsax motions to one of his cooks who brings out a thick meat stew for Uriah and a few pieces of bread.  "Definitely filling up nicely tonight."  He glances over at Bisa, "But not because of a special - I don't even have any live entertainment tonight."

He then reaches for the bottle of schnapps to top off Eofric's cup.  Then more ale for Bisa.

As Uriah turns to leave, Scrimsax glances to Bisa and Eofric, "That one is going to catch an earful from ol' Hlin there."  He smiles at another local as he starts to fill up their ale and asks the local within earshot of the others at the bar, "How long do you think before he brings up those missing people in the other towns?"  The two men chuckle.

---

The dwarf's hand strays to the hilt of his axe as Uriah approaches.  Seeing the gnome means to talk, the dwarf relaxes and blows out his whiskers. "Reckon I'm more local than most here.  My name's Hlin."  With a glance to the bar, he motions to Poppy who brings an ale over for him.  Turning back to Uriah he says, "What do you want to know?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:58, Mon 27 Feb 2023.

Looking somewhat proud that his assessment was somewhat accurate, Uriah continues.

"I'm Uriah Gimbel. I'm a student of the magic arts, currently composing a thesis on The Frostmaiden and the powerful blight that she seems to have inflicted upon this land. As I've just arrived, all information I have is what pompous scholars have decided was worthwhile to write down in their books. As a pompous scholar myself, I'm well aware that is not nearly enough to get a proper glimpse of the full picture. So any local stories, rumors, personal anecdotes or legends would be appreciated"

Merrel looks thoughtful, "You know, I'm not sure. Owls aren't fishers, but it's small, live protein with tiny bones. It shouldn't be a problem. I'd be more than happy to find out. Thank you."

While Poppy heads off, Merrel taps on an empty spot on his table twice and a snowy white owl appears. "No mice, but the young lady that brings out the food says she has some small fish. She'll likely be back shortly and you can try them. Broaden your horizons."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Tue 28 Feb 2023.

Shesha's ears prick up at the mention of the Frostmaiden. Grabbing her furs, she makes her way over to Uriah Gimble. "That's a curious area for you to be investigating," she comments, "mind if I listen in?"

As Shesha approaches, Uriah moves his bowl of soup to make room for her to sit down at the table.

"Not at all! I don't intend to keep my discoveries secret. If you have any stories to share yourself, I'm all ears! Uriah Gimbel, by the way"

Eofric nodded at the refill.
"Missing people, is it now? In other towns, too. Well, this Hlin seems to travel some."
"I take it from your reaction that you don't believe his tale. Indeed, that he has told the same story already a few times? What makes you think it is just a tale?", Eofric drawled.
He did not have a keen interest, but the fact alone that the dwarf would find people gone missing even worth to mention suggested that there might be an intrigueing story behind it. One that could raise some money for the mercenary.

Silas shrugged his shoulders. "This is the first time I have been this far north, so forgive me if I am not the expert you are of the wilds. The winters are much milder where I live." he said before ordering a large meal.

Merrel nods, "And most rodents sleep through those winters. They are too small to survive winter cold, and can't find enough food to compensate when it isn't growing. My point stands."

Missing people. Was that was fate had planned? Bring enough capable people into a room and some of them would heed the call? Could such a mystery be connected to this time of trouble in the region; this perpetual winter? Artim didn't know. He tuned his attention to those conversations, as people could; focus on particular words or speakers in a crowded room. He might not be well-read, but he had the ears of a snow fox.

Poppy returned to with a three fish about the size of a finger.  "These are normally used for fishing bait but we bring it in for our cats."

She then runs off to fetch a portion of stew and bread for Silas.

---

Hlin puffs on his pipe as Uriah speaks then nods as Shesha joins them. "Good. Good.  So you know of the Frostmaiden's curse.  Did you know the Ten Towns have started making sacrifices to appease her?

He waves a hand dismissively, "Of course you didn't - you aren't from here.  The smaller towns will go without heat for one night.  Others hang food for the Frostmaiden's children.  But two actually send people out into her embrace - it was three until cooler heads prevailed here in town."

He stopped and watched Uriah and Shesha carefully for a reaction at his next comment as he started to pack more leaf into his pipe.

"You won't be surprised to know a few have refused the embrace after being chosen.  And recently those have been coming up...missing."

---

Scrimsax moved back to Eofric and Bisa refilling their cups as he spoke. "Oh Hlin's tales are true enough.  But those missing people should already have been dead and that's not generally where I spend my tears."

Merrel feeds the fish to his owl whole, "Well, you have the wrong taste buds, that's why. But that was the most snow resistant form I could coax out of the spell. If you want them to taste good, we'll have to try cat or rat. Not ideal for the local weather. Maybe we'll get lucky and our room will have mice. You know, crab might work, too. As a form I mean, not a snack. Many species live in freezing water. Freezing air won't be any worse, I wouldn't think. I think I can tease a crab out of the spell. But we'll need certain herbs that I'm sure aren't growing locally at present."

The Paladin listened to the stories being told around her.  She gripped onto her mug far to tightly as she heard of Auril.  That deity was an affront to the balance of nature itself.  Something Bisa could not stand, though there was little she felt she could do.  The whole situation seemed so hopeless.  The knowledge that the otherwise goodly folk of the Ten-Towns were is some cases sacrificing people to Auril was disgusting.

Scrimsax came back with more to drink and said what he had to say, and it took all she had not to slam her drink down on the bar.  Bisa stood up and walked over to Hlin and the gathering group.

"Sorry fa' interruptin' but its soundin' like this is an issue that need adressin'"

The dwarf nodded respectfully at the elder telling the tale.

"If'n someones taking lives in name o' tha' Frostmaiden than sumthin' needs ta' be done about it!"

Uriah rubbed his chin, thinking.

"I'm... highly skeptical about the townfolk's reasoning. If my hypothesis is correct, then Auril is powerful, but not divine in origin. I do not know the purpose of her curse, nor does any scholar I've read, but I can't imagine sacrifices will do anything. It does sound interesting (and worrying), thank you for the information. If possible, I'd like to look into this matter. Maybe you can point me in the direction of someone that knew some of these missing people? A relative, or close friend?"

When Bisa approached, Uriah nodded in agreement. "I'd be more than happy to tag along if you plan to investigate this. Ignorance is a disease, and a deadly blight in rough times such as these. If not eradicate it, maybe we can at least alleviate it's symptoms"

Eofric watched as the female dwarf also left the bar to close in on the elder dwarf.
Clearly she had better hearing, or better attention span, than he for Eofric had barely listened to what the dwarf told the gnome.
Coming to think of it, everyone in the inn seemed to have incredible hearing because quite a few people were amassing at the dwarf's table.
First the gnome, then the elf, then the scaly humanoid had taken an interest and now the female dwarf. Surely the man-mountain, who had previously talked with the dragonborn before talking with the owl-feeding fellow, would soon follow.

Eofric raised an eyebrow at Scramsax.
"Looks to me, your view on the matter is more interesting than the dwarf's."
"Why do you say that those people should already be dead before they went missing? Did they have some disease or something? Did they offend some powerful faction hereabouts and were marked for death? Did they perhaps mess with the Thieves Guild? If you even have such in this small town where a whole guild probably would not even prosper. Or maybe a religious thing? Angered a powerful priest? Or a wizard?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Thu 02 Mar 2023.

In reply to Eofric (msg # 43):

Scramsax shook his head, "No, no - nothing like that.  Those to be sacrificied are selected by drawing tokens.  If someone must be given to the Frostmaiden it's as fair a way as any to pick them.  As far as I'm concerned when their chit comes up they are dead whether they admit it or not."

Eofric recognizes the indifference he's seen in other old soldiers in his travels.

"Sacrifices to the Frostmaiden and the victims are drawn randomly."
"And those chosen did not agree with that choice, tried to evade their fate."
"And someone does not agree with that evasion and corrects the victims' fate."
"Interesting."
"For one thing: who is then sacrificed if the original victim has gone away? And why does the one who intervenes not bring the victim back for the sacrifice but  makes them disappear? Or do you think the chosen ones left for the south never to be seen again."
"Looks to me, old dwarf there does not have a mystery to tell after all."

Scramsax smiled, "The town picks another to take their place.  They don't want to anger the maiden."

"As to the missing - well Hlin claims to know what happened to them but I haven't found anyone else to confirm his tale."

---

Hlin smiles at Bisa and Uriah's response.  Glancing around he says, "Perhaps it's time to take this to one of the private rooms."

He flags down Poppy and asks for a key to one of the inn's two private rooms.  She pulls it from her pocket and Hlin motions for the others to follow as he walks into one of the doors off the common room.  As he stands it is easy to see that his leg has recently been injured and he walks with a hobble.

"And what is the claim Hlin makes?"
Eofric thought he did not care but sacrifices unsettled him, especially since it seemed like it was not some ritual of a priesthood but rather an uneducated appeasement of the populace in general. And that smacked of tyrany.

Uriah follows the old warrior without adding anything. Hopefully he is just being careful and there isn't anyone that would pose danger listening in on them.

Artim was about to stand up and say a few words to them all. He had some thoughts about sacrifice and worship. Something that he hoped carried weight, with him being a man of the temple, so to speak. It was at this time the group started moving to one of the private rooms.

Artim decided to follow, assuming they'd let him. This was too important to miss. He thought it was the omen he had been waiting for. He gave the ones he hadn't met a nod in greeting and positioned himself standing near the door to the room.

When the load group and the guy following them head upstairs, Merrel holds the door open for his owl and sends it on a trip around town before resuming his seat and examining the local collection of dead animals

[Private to GM: Actually, to outside the window of the room they wind up in. Then he'll borrow it's senses.]

Seeing as Halgotin had joined Artim and Silas at their table, and now Artim seemed to be departing with a group of others to follow the older dwarf to a private space, Halgotin decided to follow the others to find out what was happening.

Bisa simply nods and gets up to follow the dwarf to one of these private rooms.  She was very interested in what else he had to say.

As she did so she saw a number of others following.  Bisa was glad to see she was not the only one concerned by what had been said so far.

[Private to Merrel: OOC: Your owl flies around and finds an appropriate perch near the window.  Make a stealth check with advantage if you want him to try to avoid notice.

The wind howls and you are only able to make out the words that fall between wind gusts.

Poppy leads the group to a room with a large oaken table and a smaller table at one end.  The long table has ten chairs spread around it and the small table has a stack of empty cups and plates.
Hlin hands her a coin and then takes a seat at one end of the table, waiting on the others to file in.  Once they do he speaks.

“As I was … there … going missing … to … and, I … The … was in … and news of that put me … edge.  I’ve … my coin … crimes … collecting bounties so … a … myself. … outside of town that … by the … children … be … think … one … missin.”
“While … in … second person went missing. … halfling … I … her … I … body … of … I believe … were practiced … too.”

He scans the adventurers before him. He nodded to himself before continuing, “In my travels I noticed … owned … operated … Torrga … for a … little … a … They are a devious little enterprise, but that’s … my … out to … Sephik … He … comfortable … weather. … scarf, … gloves. It … cold couldn’t touch him. Kissed … the … He’s … makes … easily. He’s … bodyguard … guessing he’s … with a blade.”

“I’ll … gold pieces … Kaltro, … and … him without involving the … return … me … money.”

]

Scramsax responds to Eofric, "He thinks he found some of the bodies and claims they were murdered. Didn't have proof though."  Scrimsax holds up the schnapps bottle with a questioning look.



[Private to Silas Nightwind: Let me know if you went in the room or not. ]

Eofric nodded to have another refill.
He scratched his head.
"What? Just how often do these sacrifices happen? And does this occur in all Ten Towns?", Eofric's slurred, it was a potent schnaps the inn keeper had found there in his storage.
"So them people are going to be sacrificed. But they disappear. And the dwarf says they are murdered? But... to know that he would need to find the lost people, no? That's what ypu just said: he found the bodies but cannot prove they were murdered? How can you possibly not prove a murder if you have the body? Slit throat, pretty obvious, no? I suppose he cannot prove who murdered them, no?"
He paused, was about to take another gulp, but actually stopped midway, a frown building on his brow.
"I there money to be earned from this tale? Anyone offer a bounty? Those who organize this... chit drawing, perhaps? Always looking for easy money, see?", he grinned, looked at his glass.
"This is good stuff, you know, can't tell why you have it hidden like that and no one wants some. If you keep that, you'll have at least one paying customer.", he winked and pointed at himself.

Silas joined the others surrounding Scramsax and pondered at the implications of people being offered as sacrifices.

"Let me guess, there is no problem of having strangers becoming the guest of honor?" he asked. "That will cause some serious issues any merchants that happen to be in the area." he added.

As the group adjourned to a private room, Silas slipped his shield around so it was easier to access in case it was needed.

At the mention of a bounty and such, Silas frowned. "Sometimes it is better to play the long game. If we deal with the threat to the Ten Towns, then we will have better support in the area. Merchants might be more open towards trading with us, and the townfolk will point out the less scrupulous ones that would be trying to take every coin we have. Now needless to say, any items that belong to the foe, would be compensation for our services. Maybe get with the townfolk to see who is missing and any identifying features that they might have?" Silas suggested.

Eofric looked at the huge fellow who had joined him at the bar.
"Eorfic", was all he said as introduction. And a nod.
"Well, I suppose if that chit is randomly drawn you won't find any identifying criteria. Or anything they may have in common. Unless, of course, that game is rigged."

"Good point about non-residents."
"If they present oyu with a sack, don't reach inside. You may come up with a chit.", he laughed, a single hard bark.

Eofric swirled the schnapps in the glass.
"Long run, hun? I see your point. Problem here: I am near broke."
He noticed that Scramsax raised an eye-brow.
"No worries, I still have enough to pay for your booze. I always pay what I am due."

He turned back to the huge man.
"Lots of people talking to the old dwarf. Except for the female dwarf, did see no warrior."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Tue 07 Mar 2023.

Scramsax shrugged, "I don't know the details of what he found.  He's convinced he knows what happened and my adventuring days are done so I didn't pry too hard.  Haven't heard of a bounty but if there was one he'd likely be the one offering."

"As to outsiders with the drawing, it's the night of the new moon and only in two of the towns. Merchants and the like know to steer clear."

"The other towns hang food outside of town for the most part.  The poorest towns will cut off all heat for the night.  It's amazing they don't have more dead from that than anything else.  "

He looked at the two men, "It always seems work finds its way in here if you just wait on it."

As if on cue, the door swung open and three dwarves walk in.  They are all bundled in cold weather garb with snowshoes hung over their backs and ice picks hanging from their belts.  Two of them have thick beards covered in frost.  The three kick the snow off their boots and rub their hands together as the approach the bar.

The beardless one speaks in a raspy voice.  "Scramsax!  We need some help do you know where we can find any?"  She asks as she pulls a scarf away from her face and removes her gloves revealing a missing ear and a hand missing two fingers - both healed over.

Scramsax nods at Silas and Eofric, "The name is Hruna.  You two looking for work?  Not sure if there's enough of you but we need the help - and you do look capable."

"Which two towns?", Eofric kept squeezing Scramsax for more information.

Must grow a larger beard with so many dwarves about, Eofric thought at the sight of more members of the small but sturdy race.
He turned around to Hruna, a beardless dwarf. He checked the dwarf for any signs of clan membership.
The schnapps was already having a detrimental effect on his thought processes and it took the veteran a moment to realize that he was looking at a woman.
Damn those thick clothes, cannot see the ovbious, he thought.
"Name is Eofric, if you need a sword, I am game. What troubles you?"

Scramsax doesn't reply to Eofric's question as they had been interrupted.

Hruna replies "We're the survivors of a group of dwarves tasked with delivering a sled of iron ingot to Bryn Shander.  A yeti surprised us and killed a member of our group.  The rest of us fled as the yeti tore Oobok limb from limg.  Now we need someone to go back and get the sled for us.  I have gemstones to pay for this service and the friendship of the dwarves of Icewind Dale can be a boon in these harsh times."  Glancing at your gear she adds, "You'll want snowshoes to make the trip in good time."

[Private to Merrel: The conversation in the private room continues with no interesting details.  The group appears to be pushing for more details out of Hlin but the dwarf adds little.]

Merle raises his head from the table top, eyes blinking, "Yeti? I've never seen a yeti. Do you need a wiz...err, dru...err, spellcaster?"

"At the very least, your companion could use a proper burial, or whatever is done her since the ground feels more like rock. Count me in." Silas said to Hruna .

Eofric listened but he was not quite clear what the actual task was supposed to be. He blamed it all on the schnapps for the huge fellow seemed eager enough and must have undertood better. "Hang on there Hruna. So the three of you had to retreat from the yeti."
"And you assume that the yeti took the sled with it and we would have to fight this yeti first?"
"Whatever does a yeti do with iron?" , he asked with wonder. He had always thought yetis were non-intelligent monsters.
"Or are you saying that the help you require is to accompany you in case the yeti attacks again?"
"Or is it simply hauling the sled back here?"
"Snowshoes? How far out is the combat site? You will lead us there, right?"
"Don't get me wrong, I am certainly willing to help you but I prefer to know just what your expectations truly are.

---

What does it take to know more about yetis? Any rolls required? Which skill?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Thu 09 Mar 2023.

Hruna nodded at Merrel as he joined the group and at Silas as he mentioned taking care of her friend, "Aye, we retreated.  We're miners and merchants not warriors.  The yeti may be gone, it would be more interested in meat than the iron left behind.  Other creatures out there or even other people would take an interest though and we can't just leave it."

She motions at her group which is clearly exhausted, "I can give you directions to the sled - it's about an eight hour trek with the snowshoes -  but we aren't in any condition to head back out without a good rest." She glances at Scramsax, "And some food."

OOC:  You can make a nature check to know about the Yeti.  Around here, asking would probably be a decent way to go to.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:48, Thu 09 Mar 2023.

Eofric nearly spat out the schnapps in incredulous surprise.
"Ridiculous!"
"Eight hours out and you expect us to find a sled in the wilderness with blizzards and whatnot? What chance to find this? Might as well seach for a needle in a hay stack."
"You need to lead us there."
"And supply those snow shoes."
"And show that gem to see its worth."
"Seriously, you expect a miracle."

---

rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Nature (INT).

Merrel blinks at Eofric, "Needles are easy to find. If it's metal, a loadstone will do it. If bone, just burn the haystack, pick up the needle from the ash. Actually, that would make getting the metal one easier, too. Why does everyone find that particular task so hard?"

Then he looks pensive, "I could use some snow shoes up here. Parchment, too. Is there a store around to buy either?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:28, Thu 09 Mar 2023.

Eofric looked at Merrel, his look stayed there for a while, unblinking.
Finally he did blink.
And reply.
"Ever heard of figure of speech?"
Hailing from Luskan, he did not put too much sarcasm into his tone, though. The Arcane Brotherhood had a well-founded reputation. And so Eofric had learned a long time ago to tread fairly carefully around magic-users.
"And lantern oil for 16 hours at least, a lantern, too, if you don't mind."
"And if you don't want to lead us here a tracking hound amd something from your dead comrade to present to that dog."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:13, Thu 09 Mar 2023.

Merrel shakes his head, "'Figure of speech' Not a one ever has any truth to it. Pointless. And why inflict this weather on a poor dog? Anyhow, a lantern and several flasks of oil is dangerous and heavy. You don't want to be overloaded while trying not to sink into snow. Torches are better as they are a self correcting load problem, don't leave empty flasks behind, and don't run the risk of breaking and making oneself dangerously flammable. Personally, I prefer magic."

Merrel summons up some fire in his hand, stares at it a bit, "Yep, still not working right. Good." He throws the fire into the fireplace.

He turns to the dwarves, "Don't worry about him. He wouldn't be trying to gouge you for extra payment if he weren't planning on coming along. His sort are common in cities. So...is there a store around for supplies?"

--> From the private room

Coming back to the main hall, the gnome took a look around those present. He would let Artim do the rolecall, since he had volunteered the idea of recluting some more folk, but he definitely saw some that seemed capable. Hopefully they would want to tag along.

Hruna shakes her head at Merrel and Eofric "Both from the south, eh?  Torches are useless if you get caught in a blizzard.  Lanterns can work if fully enclosed.  Got to keep the wind out.  Once you get inside a tunnel, torches are fine.  As to a guide, you head straight for the Cairn and you can't miss the sled.  This is open tundra, friend, not the woods.  Things can hide out there, but they have to mean to."

"The gems are bloodstone, you can usually sell them for around fifty gold if you like. Like I said, I'll give one to each of you that goes."

Scramsax adds "I've got some snowshoes in the back that people left when they decided to head south.  Two gold per set."

One of the dwarves behind Hruna chimes in "I'll cover the shoes for anyone going."

Hruna nods at the other dwarf, "Thank you Korux."

---

The group that had followed Hlin into the private room reenter the common room.  They notice that three dwarves, clearly fresh from the wild, have arrived. The leader appears to be talking to Eofric, Silas, and Merrel near the bar.

[Private to Bisa Battlehammer: Up to you if you recognize them.  I'd expect you do as they are from Kelvin's Cairn which is a mine operated by Clan Battlehammer.]

[Private to Eofric: Yeti's are large monsters (CR3) that have darkvision and hunt the tundra by smell.  Their have vicous claw attacks and a gaze that can both damage and paralyze people in fear.]

Eofric turned to the man glad in the colours of the Goddess of Twilight.

The mercenary was not knowledgeable enough to discern whether the large man was actually a cleric or just belonging to some military order, did not even known whether Selune even had military orders like Tempus.

However, he had noticed that the man had talked with the self-proclaimed wizard earlier and given the brevity of that conversation Eofric assumed that the cleric might have a similar insight about the wizard like he did.
Eofric was thus interested to learn the cleric's enthusiasm - or lack thereof - to be accompanied by the wizard on a trip into the wilderness.
He could hardly wait to hear the cleric's next comment, grinning in anticipation.

<quote Storyteller>
One of the dwarves behind Hruna chimes in "I'll cover the shoes for anyone going."

---

Merrel nods,  "That's appreciated, and you're probably right about torches. I don't actually need them since my magic went funny. So...anywhere to get paper or parchment in town?"

Eofric turned around to Hruna again.
"Oh, I know perfectly well the ins and outs of torches and lanterns, including weight and limits."
Eofric shook his head at the earlier non-sense comment of the wizard. He chose to ignore the obnoxious fellow and summed up.
"So, no need for a tracking dog as the sled will be easily found, no light source provided, but you are willing to sponsor the snow shoes. Bring back a sled full of iron that has been left where it was for almost a day by the time we reach it."
Eofric was absolutely convinced that the sled would not be where the dwarves left it.
That was like seeing a pouch full of gold on a busy street in Luskan and expecting no one but the rightful owner to pick it up and keep it.
He fully expected someone, not the yeti for sure, had found and taken the sled, in which case they would have to convince the new owners that it belonged to them. Steal it back? Probably too heavy to just do that. Fight for it? Most likely. Hopefully they would not be branded as bandits.
"You expect us to leave right away, even though 8 hours have already passed?"
The whole job seemed weird to the mercenary. He truly wondered if that sled and its goods really  belonged to the dwarves or whether they just required some foolish adventurers to do the dirty work. What if they found another group of dwarves claiming the sled?
"Any sort of proof the goods belong to you? Anything to identify the goods?"

Eofric looked at the Selune cleric.
"Still game?"
Between the two of them they just might be able to pull the sled. He did not expect much from the wizard, but maybe brawn was not needed if the mage knew some nifty spell. He seemed more interested to find paper, though.

Artim approached the people had seen before in the common room, some of which he had already exchanged words with. He noticed they were in conversation with some dwarves and help back for a few moments, until there was an opening.

"Some of us have agreed to have a look at some potential suspects to these supposed murders. Everyone gets a fair share of the bounty." the dragonborn priest explained. Money wasn't that important to him, but everyone had different motivations.

"We'll be heading out for Termlaine and Lonelywood, eventually, if you want to come." He glanced in the direction of the dwarves. "Unless you have other matters to attend to?"

Eofric looked at the tall Dragonborn and nodded in greeting. He had not had many encounters with people of this race, did not really know if the one addressing them was male or female under the thick clothing.
"Actually we are right in the middle of discussing helping these dwarves here with finding and returning a sled with iron. And we could need help, too."
"Hruna here mentioned eight hours out toward that big mountain to the north east. Seems to me that's about the distance to Termalaine. If you would be willing to go cross country instead, retrieve the sled, bring it to Termalaine at first and bring it back here later it would be a perfect fit."
"I fear the three of us will have trouble pulling the sled, see? But we could arrange some other handlers back from Termalaine. So you'd only help up to Termalaine and we'll where we get from there."
"Not happy about sacrifices, but not happy to leave these miners here to their own devices."
"Assuming, Hruna and her companions would be okay to have their sled back in a couple of days rather than hours.", the question was addressed to the female dwarf.

Uriah joined the conversation now that Artim had handled the pitch.

"If we are heading the same way, then traveling together seems a no brainer. Strenght in numbers. As you said, we can figure out who is doing what when we get there"

Artim gave a series of nods. This sounded very reasonable. He introduced himself to the ones he hadn't done so yet, adding "I am a follower of Moradin the god of dwarves. I have great respect for the sturdy folk, and will help them if I can. The great soul forger tells us that there can be as many treasures in snow as in sand, only colder ones."

Artim will accept the offer of snow shoes, if the offer still stands.

OOC:

A couple of notes as I want to let the party work out if they are going together or not.

Merrel:  There's a general store in town, for our purposes just buy whatever you want from the PHB before you leave the Northlook.

That goes for anyone, if you need something available in the base PHB you can still buy it as you haven't left the starting inn/town yet.

With regard to direction - I can see why the party has suggested the two quests are in the same direction but you wouldn't get to them the same way.  Hruna is asking you to cut straight across the open tundra to Kelvin's Cairn.  That line between Bryn Shander and the Cairn and the party's ability to see the Cairn as they move is why she's so confident that the party can find the sled.  More to the point, she's asking you to bring the sled back to Bryn Shander (a backtrack)

Hlin is suggesting you go to Termalaine and Lonelywood which you would normally do by road.  It's an easier (and safer) journey due to the route being well traveled.  Also make sure you caught Hlin's reply to Bisa as everyone was leaving.  It's potentially relevant.

Artim (and others): The snowshoe offer is still open and good for anyone who leaves to go on Hruna's quest.

OCC: sorry, wrong game.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Sun 12 Mar 2023.

Artim added to his previous comments. "While we have tendays to the next date of sacrificial offerings, the severity of this situation wants me to head out in good time. Nevertheless, I think we can help the dwarves first." He looked at the others in the group. "That shouldn't take more than a day, eh?"

"Hmmm... I must say that I'm considerably less interested in helping our miner friends than to investigate the... Other matter. Only one of the quests is directly tied for the reason I came to the North... That said, I can't quite handle that on my own, so rather than wait here for the next batch of adventurers, it might be wiser to lend a hand in that matter aswell... If I go with, who would be willing to give their word that we will handle Hlin's request right afterwards?"

"Perhaps you could be a bit more specific as regards the task given by Hlin?"
"A ten-day? That's a long time."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Sun 12 Mar 2023.

Merrel shrugs, "Oh, that. Someone is killing folks that decided they didn't want to be sacrificed. But no one is due to die needlessly for a several days, so we have time for the iron, first."

"I have to assume that there was a reason Hlin took us to a private room, so let's not overshare in public, yes? But what he said is the gist of it. We are just gonna be looking into the dissapearances of the folk that refused to be sacrificed. We can discuss more about it while we travel, or I can take you Hlin's room if you want to hear it from him"

Suddendly aware that he might lose out on the task for the dwarves and realizing that the good-will of the miners might be worth more than the gem, Eofric held out his hand to Hruna.
"You have a deal, friend."

Then he nodded to Artim.
"Eofric is my name and I will gladly help you find this murderer."

---

Will also take snowshoes. How much do they weigh? Also  how much does the winter clothes weigh?

Silas looked down at his large boots and frowned. "If I understand the principal behind snow shoes, they help spread your weight when walking on snow, however are there any in large sizes for people like Artim and myself?" he asked. before noting Eofric's concern.

"Sorry, I am been in a city for all of my life so I am having to adapt to the environment, as Merrel was quick to point out." he said with a nod as if his mind had returned to matter of the environment.



"Yes I would like to help. Sometimes you have to take the information that you have available to run with it. I will do it, As for the bloodstone Hruna, you can give mine to Scramsax to cover my room and board whenever I am here. " Silas said.

"Sound like we might have more than one task. We can talk about it along the way." Silas said before heading out to find snowshoes in his size and to get some practice in using them in a safe area.

Bisa walked from the private room deep in thought.

~A ten day.~ 

That was quite a bit of time indeed.  She soon found the others in conversations with more folk and listened intently.

"It be soundin' like there's plenty o' work that needs doin'  Count me in as well, we can' get this done then look for our killer."

"We leave at sunrise." suggested Artim. "Meet up at the North Gate."

Silas is able to get snowshoes in his size with no problem.  Scramsax having known goliaths has definitely come in handy.

Hruna confirms she has a bloodstone for each of you and bids you all a good night.


Snowshoes are 4 lb; winter clothes are 5 lb.  I'll leave this thread open in case anyone has additional comments but will move us forward as well.

Halgotin takes advantage of the availability of snowshoes and winter clothes, before preparing to leave in the morning.