Reign of Winter IC

[MurderInParadis]

The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new dangerous predators.
No one knows what this event means, but the twon's soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead. As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman's escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes towards the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.
Weather you've been in this village for a while, or just arrived yesterday, something about you has caught the eye of the village council. Now, you sit in a garden on benches with the leader of the council Ionnia Teppen. You aren't the only one who has been called here, in total there are five of you waiting for her to speak. Thankfully she soon does, signing as she talks, as it appears that one of your number may not be able to speak.
"Thank you for coming today. First of all, I'd like to confirm that the rumours of the cold weather in the woods are true. A rider from Zimar arrived yesterday, badly injured. He was a mercenary hired to protect Lady Argentea. He claims that as they were skirting the boarder wood, they were attacked, and the Lady was carried off into the snow. While I wish that I could say that I did not believe him, his wounds are enough to prove that his tale is truthful." She pauses for a moment before speaking/signing again. "I'll get straight to the point. Heldren simply isn't big enough to gather enough militia to deal with this. I ask of you strangers to go and find her, and to find the source of this coldness. You'd be able to keep any treasures you found along the way- which I think is motivation enough for young people like you."

[Bansheexero]

The Exile examines Ionnia and responds, "The potential for found treasure is nice, but we would also be providing a service. What could we expect in terms of payment from you? After all, it is not like I see anybody else stepping forward to go searching for this woman. Money talks."

[infomatic]

(earlier …)

Erin

It was mid-morning and the common room of the Silver Stoat was quiet when the young, copper-haired woman came in, so there was no one to see her face fall. Marah wouldn't have spent more than a day in Heldren, Erin figured, and if she wasn't in the Stoat she was probably gone already. She sighs and leans her weapon against the wall and hangs her cloak — just a heavy blanket really, it was ridiculously cold this morning — from a peg.

The clatter of pots and cutlery comes from the kitchen. What was the owner's name again? Garm? Grimos?

"Sir?" That seemed safe. "It's Erin Fisker, remember me? I was here last autumn. I told The Thunderer's Bane?

"I was with my teacher then, Marah Fidenas? She did the queen's screams in the Horror of the Headless King. I mean, she mostly sang, of course, but she's a good screamer; I remember you jumping. I'm trying to catch up with her; she would have ridden through here within the last few days; I think she's headed back to Oppara. Maybe you've seen her?


The cook, who had come out of the kitchen at her call, seems to brighten at a recollection, but his face grows worried as she mentions her mentor and where she was headed. "I think there's someone else you should talk to," he said.

[Beer Baron]

Karl ponders the situation thoroughly but is mostly taken aback by the somewhat warm greeting he's received in Heldren. Well, warm in the sense that his outlandish and uncommon attire wasn't enough to dissuade the town council from approaching him with a job offer. He listens to the woman speak her case from behind the cold, unblinking, crow-like leather mask that he wore.

"Um, yes, well... at the risk of sounding uncaring, I am inclined to agree with this one" he says motioning to the half-orc woman who just spoke. "Frankly, I'd like to help you in your hour of need and save this woman from the uh, naer-do-wells who have seized her, but I imagine there would be a significant expenditure of resources fighting off these cut throats and their 'wintery' allies. Sadly, the components necessary for my, ah, profession do not come cheap so I feel that an exchange of coin upon this woman's safe return doesn't seem all the unreasonable." With that, the whip thin though tall, Ustalavic native crosses his arms over his chest for added dramatic effect.

"If we can agree that these terms are acceptable, I would like to know some more specifics on just what to expect. Such as the numbers we'd be facing, what types of weapons and tactics were used by the snatchers and some more specifics on these, erm, creatures. Should we speak with this survivor or are you privy to this information?"

[infomatic]

(now …)

Erin rolls her eyes dramatically as the dialogue veers, inevitably, into haggling. Perhaps these two just can't help themselves — the Stoat didn't seem to have much call for bouncers, and crows do really like shiny things …

"I'd like to talk with this injured man-at-arms, too," she chimes in. "I'm also looking for someone — a bard, she may have been traveling the same direction as this Lady Argentea and could have left with her." She glances at the other newcomers and intones, with mock seriousness. "Just so we're clear, I can't pay you."


I don't actually care if her mentor is found, is dead, etc. She's just Erin's MacGuffin.

[ChaoticHarmony]

Earlier

Nico joyfully walked around the small town, enjoying the warm local air around him. The caravan he had traveled with to get here was preparing to leave in just a short time, so he was taking in the simple sites of civilization. Nico gave a big smile to the few people he crossed paths with, silent chuckles being held back. The silly people were all bundled up like it was cold! What could have possibly possessed them to do that? He simply passes by them, oblivious to the strange looks his light attire gets him. He was just deciding on whether to visit the tavern or not when he feels a light tapping on his shoulder. Nico looks behind him to find a strange older man, moving his mouth up and down. As usual, Nico heard nothing, but from reading his lips, the man appeared to want Nico for something....

Now

After several confusing minutes of trying to explain to the man he couldn't hear, Nico finally learned he was wanted by this town leader for some reason. As she begins to not only speak, but sign as well, excitement swells on Nico's face. It isn't often that he meets someone who can sign as well. After she explains the situation, Nico quickly signs back, once again oblivious to the noise of the others' voices. I would be more than happy to help! I'm sure it is simply a misunderstanding than we can fix! I'll do whatever I can! After a moment of a beaming smile, slight confusion crosses Nico's face. What......exactly can I do to help?

[ylvathrall]

"Come now, don't be silly," a pale, dark haired human woman says from her perch on the back of a chair. "Brigands are likely to have more gold than these people do in any case, take it off their bodies." The woman who speaks is lightly dressed and unarmed; her features would be exceptionally beautiful save for the heavy scar that looks like it narrowly msised cutting out her eye. "I do agree that we need more information before setting out, though. We should likely consult with the survivor of the attack."

[MurderInParadis]

Ionnia sighs at the demands for payment. She continues to sign as she speaks.
"I would be prepared to offer you a reward of 500 gold pieces, but I'm afraid anything else would be beyond us." She pauses for a second, looking sternly at you all. "Payment would be made once you completed the task." When asked about details she gestures to the Willowbark Apothecary. "The mercenary, Yulin rests in there. Be warned, I am not sure how much he has healed or how much he will be able to recal. As for the bard you speak of, I personally do not know anything, but I will tell you what I manage to find out when you come back." She smiles endearingly at Nico, signing to him.
"I'd be grateful for your help especially, but you might want warmer clothes. We need you to help rescue a missing noblewoman." Then she nods to the scarred woman, indicating that she agrees with her statement.

[ChaoticHarmony]

Nico continues to sign to the pleasant woman. Yes! That part I understood. I just don't know how I can help. I'm not much of a fighter. But I'll give it my best! Why warmer clothes though? Snow is always so nice and pleasant, I couldn't possibly separate myself from it with more layers.


While he is capable of taking cold damage(for now) and understands what cold is in that regard, Nico has no clue about the effects of cold weather on the body due to Child of Winter. Attempts to explain will be met with confused smiles. ☺

[ylvathrall]

"Thank you most graciously, Your Graciousness," the scarred woman says, hopping down from her seat."No time like the present, then, and I do believe that this noble lady's wellbeing merits the very highest urgency. Ah, but I should introduce myself if we're to be working together on such a weighty project. My name is Suiko. I am a traveling enchantress, entertainer, and general ne'er-do-well." She offers an elaborate bow to no one in particular.

[Bansheexero]

The Half-Orc rolls her eyes as the woman bows. She is annoyed that this person deigned to butt in on her negotiations for compensation. If she felt that way, perhaps the exile could get her cut as well then. Still, the woman rubbed her the wrong way. Standing 5'10" and a wall of pure muscle, she looks down at Ionnia and says, "500 gold works for me, don't let that trollop interrupt. She does not speak for me and would be wise to stay out of my business."

[infomatic]

Erin tries to keep the pity out of her face as Ionnia and the halfling waggle their fingers at each other. Poor little guy, she thinks. She had assumed most decent priests could remedy such conditions, though there were always exceptions. Marah had once told of the time she had to perform The Setting of the Stars entirely in pantomime for a prince born without ears. Then again, given his strange expression, maybe deafness wasn't the extent of the man's problems.

She stands, sidling between Suiko and the beefy half-orc without really looking at either one. "Erin," she says, nodding. She then pulls out a journal and scrawls her name on it and holds it in front of Nico. She didn't want him calling her "Urn" all day.

[ChaoticHarmony]

Nico takes notice of the fiery haired woman when she stands up from the table. He could see her lips moving but missed what she was saying. Thankfully, the lovely lady started jotting something down on a journal she pulled out. When she holds up the book, Nico can finally see what she said. Erin Must be her name! Nico waves excitedly, then begins introducing himself. He is just reaching his name sign when the thought crosses his mind that Erin would have no idea what he was saying. Holding up a finger to the bardic lass, he rummaged through his favorite scarf until he finds his own journal and a stick of charcoal to write. In a quick moment, he scribbles down something on the page before handing it to her, his bright smile goofily plastered on his face.


Hi Erin! Glad to meet you! I'm Nico. Let's be friends!

[Beer Baron]

Karl looks back and forth between the two who are having a slight spat about the price of their services and finally interjects. "While I'm not completely devoid of altruism, you are asking us to potentially risk life and limb to save someone we've never met and know very little about for a very nebulous reward. It may turn out that these brigands have nothing but rusty daggers and smelly furs to their name, and as I stated earlier, the tools I have at hand expend very costly resources. I would be happy with a simple at cost return of funds for what I'd expended during the rescue attempt but I feel it's not my place to speak for everyone and make such a deal. Five hundred gold sounds very generous and I thank you for that."

After that the heavily covered individual turns to the other strangers assembled here and introduces himself. "While we are introducing ourselves, my name is Karl Dieter Jakob Gerhardt The Fourth. My father always called me Dieter, most call me Karl, but my friends whom I must admit are very few and far between along these lonely roads tend to call me, ah, Crow." Reaching into the folds of his leather coat Crow produces a small stick of charcoal and reaches over Erin's shoulder to write in the book she had been handed by their new deaf acquaintance. It reads: "Hi, my name is Crow" accompanied with a little smiling face.

"Well, unless there is anything else, we should make our way to this bard and Yulin to see what other information can be gleaned."

[ylvathrall]

Suiko grins broadly and reaches out to take the charcoal, scrawling My name is Suiko. I'm certain you and I will be good friends. Probably. She then hands the charcoal back to Nico and tturns to the others. "Let us begin, then," she says. She turns and walks out the door, not looking back to see if anyone is following her.

[infomatic]

Erin smiles back at the halfling and nods, then to Ionnia. "Have a good day Ma'am."

Turning up her collar against the wind, she puts away her book and follows the others out, silently chewing over their task. It meant delaying getting back on the road, but the amount of gold offered was a big lure — even split among themselves, easily enough to buy a horse and make up for lost time.

[Bansheexero]

The exile regards the halfling, lacking any writing surface or implements, she simply nods and gives a quick wave. Returning to Ionnia, she asks, "So, do we have a deal then?"

[ChaoticHarmony]

So many new friends! Nico is ecstatic at this new prospect in his life, though he still isn't sure how he can help. Oh well, he'll find some use, he always does. The tubby little halfling bounces out of his seat. With a childish grin he waves goodbye to the nice elder lady before leaving the room with the other two, sure the remaining shall join them. What fun they'll have!

[MurderInParadis]

The Garden.

Ionnia begins to sign and speak again.
"I think you will all find a way to help. And you," She says sternly but kindly, looking at Nico. "Even if you don't want them now, you'd best buy some warmer clothes, because believe me when I say you will soon! And yes, it is a deal. Good luck and godspeed."

The Willowbark Apothecary.

http://images.rapgenius.com/c13742ac16e09c2875e897bfd705131f.391x472x1.jpg

Upon entering the Apothecary, you are greeted feebly by an Ulfen man who tries to stand up, but is pushed down by a man who looks to be changing his bandages. His nose, fingers, and toes are blackened from serious frostbite, and he is still covered in some blood from the attack.
"You must be the people Teppen hired to find the lady. From his speech you can tell that he is obviously in great pain, but nonetheless he waves you closer. Would that I could go with you. My ancestors would ridicule me my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged lady Argenta away."

[ylvathrall]

"You did as much as anyone could have asked," Suiko says soothingly. "Let us take it from here. But in order to do that, we need a little more information. What exactly was it that attacked you, do you remember? Any information could be helpful."

[infomatic]

Erin's father had told her stories about frostbite, how the cold could burn a man as thoroughly as a torch. And she'd seen the after-effects — one of his friends who'd come from the north with him was missing pieces of fingers. But she'd never seen an active case; it was much more gruesome than she'd expected.

"No one who sees these injuries would question your bravery," she says. "And if you hadn't gone for help there'd be no one to suspect Lady Argentea was in danger. But do you know why they took her? If it was just bandits, it'd be for ransom, but this doesn't seem to be just bandits, does it?

[MurderInParadis]

After being asked what they were attacked by, Yulin pales a bit.
"I remember. We thought they were just bandits at first- outlaws who hide like wolves in the forest. They were no match for us. But then came the cold ones of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quckly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south." He tries to stand up again and the man pushes him down. "I don't know why they wanted her. But if one of the Witches took her, no good shall come of it. The winter-touched do nothing without the leave of those who placed the ice in their hearts. If they're here, it's because a White Witch sent them. And much worse will follow."

[infomatic]

The White Witches … Erin had heard of them at her father's knee, but their lands were far, far away from here. What would they want with any of this?


I'm assuming the conquering of the Linnorn Kingdoms qualifies as 'historically significant event'

Know (history) for White Witches or Linnorn Kingdom history: Take 10 for 16 (if it's allowed) or (1d20+6)[14]

Know (arcana) for White Witches or 'winter-touched': (1d20+2)[14]

Know (nature) for 'winter-touched: (1d20+2)[16]

Know (nobility) for Lady Argentea: (1d20+2)[18]

[ylvathrall]

Suiko frowns, nodding along with the injured man's words. "I'm not an expert, but this does sound like a Situation." Her tone makes the capital letter very clear. She pauses for a moment, thinking back over the many stories she's heard while traveling to see if she can recall anything remotely similar to what he's describing.

Knowledge (local): [roll0]
Knowledge (nature): [roll1]

[ChaoticHarmony]

Nico stares at the man lying on the bed. The poor fellow was all torn up! And the shade of his skin.....he hasn't seen spots like that since......no no, no reason to think about her. Nico approaches the man his new friends are speaking to, missing the conversation as his focus was on the wounds. With a soft smile at the wounded human, Nico signs a little bit, then pats his frostbitten gently.


Nico casts Silent Virtue on Yulin, granting 1 temporary no for 1 minute

[Bansheexero]

"As long as Ionnia remembers to pay me, I just need to you to point to whatever I need to stab. Describe what you encountered and I'll be sure to deliver its head." The exile had drawn her bastard sword and was habitually polishing the blade, not even looking at the apothecary as she listens. She figures she can cut down whatever troubled this man and eagerly looks forward to getting the opportunity to do so.

[MurderInParadis]

A portion of the land of the Linnorm kings was invaded in 3313 AR by ice trolls and coldly warped fey. Irrisen is a secretive nation, currently ruled by Baba Yaga's daughter Elvanna.
The white witches are a group of mostly evil witches of Irrisen, all of them answer to to the queen. You aren't quite sure what the winter-touched are. Lady Argenta is a minor noble from Oppara.
You aren't sure about the nature of the cold pocket, but you don't think this is a natural event. You have never heard of a specific area of a forest becoming cold suddenly without some sort of magical tampering.
In the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, Winter-Touched is a derogatory term for the cold fey controlled by the white witches of Irrisen.

Yulin is surprised when Nico touches his nose. He doesn't seem to feel it at all, or maybe he's hiding his pain.
"We were attacked by the Winter-Touched. Fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man’s forearm. But don’t be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter." Yulin begins to shiver.

[ylvathrall]

"Fascinating. I do believe we can confidently say that there's magic involved in this cold snap. I doubt we'll know much more until we go there in person, however." Suiko's voice is calm and a bit intrigued.

[infomatic]

Erin begins to smile — then stifles it, lest the injured man think she's mocking him — at the recollection of Baba Yaga. Her father had told her terrifying tales of the Witch Queen when she was little, about what Baba Yaga did to misbehaving children, but she had loved them anyway.

Her concentration snaps back to the matter at hand. "You weren't expecting an attack by fey from Irrisen, and how could you? It's thousands of miles from here. But if you had expected it, how would you have fought them? How can we fight them? Because it'll probably come to that."

[Bansheexero]

The exile considers Yulin's words, "Are there any special weaknesses these fey have? Fair fights are for suckers and I believe the fey would share my attitude in this regard."


Edit: Stupid phone swapped out fey for feet and fetch

[Beer Baron]

Crow ponders everything he's learned so far, though he is also curious if these fey creatures have any obvious weaknesses. "Hmm, very curious. Sounds like it might be prudent to gather some protection from the cold. Warms clothes, that sort of thing." He ponders for a moment before continuing, "how far from here was it that you were attacked? Is it a long journey?"

[MurderInParadis]

Yulin sneers, trying to hide his obvious pain.
"Magic indeed, the White Witches may just steal your homeland as they stole mine! It doesn't matter how far away they are, they'll spread their evil everywhere just to steal from you!" He seems to be working himself up into a rage, the man changing his bandages gives him a stern look because of it. "How do you fight the Winter Touched? With cold iron and burning flame. Both burn them, and both are weapons they fear." He smiles at The Exile's comment, and scratches his beard with a bandaged hand. "Aye, you're a fighter. Those fey share that attitude and more- you'd be best to be careful. I could loan you my cold iron longsword, anything to eradicate those evil creatures. But you'd have to give it back!
"About six miles South she was taken into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don't know. I followed as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped and rode to seek help here." Yulin pushes man off of him, who yelps but backs off. He limps over to his pack, his bandages immetietly begin to show red soaking through. Grabbing a cold iron longsword he turns around and barely makes it back to the chair before collapsing. "You'd best give it back when you're done or I'll have your heads!"

[ylvathrall]

"Weapons are not precisely my specialty, but I'm sure someone here knows how to swing the thing." Suiko stretches. "Well, I believe we have what we came for, and more besides. Shall we continue?"

[ChaoticHarmony]

Nico stumbles a bit back when the injured man suddenly rises. It's at this point he starts to pay attention to everyone's lips again, to try to understand why the bleeding man is grabbing a sword.

"You'd best give it back when you're done or I'll have your heads!" mouths Yulin

"Well, I believe we have what we came for, and more besides. Shall we continue?" Nico manages to catch Suiko silently saying.

With his usual wide grin, Nico nods enthusiastically at Suiko. He quickly pulls out his journal and scribbles on a page, tearing it out and offering it to Yulin. Nico looks to the other man who appears to be Yulin's caretaker and wordlessly signs something at him before waving goodbye and strolling towards the door.

It was nice meeting you and I hope you feel better!

Cast Silent Guidance on who I assume is the apothecary. Gives a +1 on an attack roll, save throw or skill check for the next minute or until discharged. He probably won't be aware of it(unless it's obvious to someone I'm using magic, which I assume it isn't) but it definitely is something Nico would do anyway, cuz that's how he is

[infomatic]

Erin nods to Yulin — he doesn't seem up for a handshake with those fingers. "You've given us more of an edge than you had yourself sir; we'll make the most of it."

As they exit into the chilled air, she pulls her cloak around her again — and realizes that it won't be enough where they're headed. Yulin was a northerner, used to the cold, and look what happened to him.

"Six miles — more by this point — and at least some of it through the snow. I've a blanket, but I'd want to find thicker cloaks or something before we start the pursuit."


Didn't seem logical for her to have cold-weather gear before now or I would've grabbed it at start; could we assume hats and stuff are available in Heldren?

[Bansheexero]

The Exile glances at the sword, "If you insist, who am I to turn it down?" She holds up the longsword to examine it. Sheathing her bastard sword, she uses the whetstone to better prepare the cold iron blade for the battles to come.

[Beer Baron]

"Indeed, warmer clothes seems like a good idea. I have a concoction that can protect me from extreme cold, but it not prepared and, uh, as I said it only affects me."

Karl will happily pay the 15gp for Cold Weather Gear provided there is a shop that sells it.

[MurderInParadis]

Yulin accepts Nico's note and smiles. He speaks carefully, assuming that Nico can at least read his lips,
"Don't worry about me, I'll be alright. Worry about the Lady, and use that worry to get her back to safety. All of you, be safe." He grimaces in pain, looking down at his bandaged body. "You'd best be safe." The apothecary passes him a warm mug of some tea, even smelling it makes you slightly sleepy.
"There are warm clothes at the general store." Says the apothecary. "Thank you for easing our minds, but my patient needs sleep."

[infomatic]

Erin pulled on the fur-trimmed boots. They made her feet feel ridiculously heavy and slow, but they fit, at least, which is more than she could say for the overlarge coat. She flapped her arms ponderously. "How does anyone dance in these things?" she asked, to no one in particular.

Still, it would likely be needed; even with the sun well up now the day seemed to be growing colder. She drops a few of her dwindling coins in the storekeep's hand and clomps out into the air where the others were assembled.

"I'm dressed," she calls. "Let's go take the fight to the sprites."

[Bansheexero]

Already possessing cold weather clothing, the Exile prepares to head out. "If you guys are coming along, best you hurry. I'm here to get paid, and I'd prefer to have my competition around with me rather than surprise me later when they show up. Still, if you take too long, I may head out without you," she says while preparing her horse. She tends to her mount, a little animal, its white coating seems to shimmer in the sunlight.

[ChaoticHarmony]

Nico follows the others to the store, but decides not to buy anything himself. He silently chuckles at his new friends buying and wearing the heavy stifling clothes, thinking it silly that they would put those clothes on in such nice weather. When he sees the strange nameless woman speak, he pulls out his journal and begins to write. He hands the scribbled note to her with a smile and curious look on his face.


Competition? Aren't we supposed to work together as friends? We should never leave friends behind! 😀

[MurderInParadis]

When everyone is ready to leave, you head out into the boarder wood, you can feel the air getting chillier by the minute, your breath begins to show, and a light dusting of snow covers the ground.
Winter clothing gives a +5 bouns to the save.

[infomatic]

[roll0] fort. vs. cold (includes Trait bonus)


Erin lets her coat flap open as she walks. She wonders if she let herself get too worried by that old guy's ruined nose and bought this ridiculous getup needlessly. She preferred the sun on her skin, certainly, but this cold wasn't that bad.

Swinging her arms as best she can, she continues south into the deeper wood, following Yulin's words, as the snows covered the ground.


We need a marching order?

Also, I haven't seen Beer Baron online for a while, and the PC sheet for Crow comes up as a dead link. Anyone hear from BB?

[ChaoticHarmony]

Nico happily trudges along with his new friends as they begin entering the forest by the village. He playfully kicks up the snow dusting, making it look like (at least to him) a light snow storm was starting. He looks at his allies and chuckles silently. They look so silly all bundled up like that, how can they possibly have any fun with the snow?


Constant Endure Elements for cold weather.

I haven't heard anything from Beer Baron, I hope everything is alright.

[Bansheexero]

The Exile rides her horse at a steady trot. She offers the deaf one a ride, since he would not be as privy to threats as the others might be. She does not want to have anyone spring a trap accidentally.

Fort Save [roll0] (also have Cold Resist 2)
Perception [roll1] to survey surroundings, looking for any peculiarities

[ylvathrall]

As the group approaches the snowy area, Suiko smiles a little to herself. "It seems they weren't lying. Let me shift into something a little more comfortable." Between blinks, the human woman with the scar is gone. Instead, a red-furred humanoid fox is standing there. She stretches and then continues walking.

[infomatic]

Erin raises her eyebrows at the transformation. She knew plenty of tales of shapechangers but had never met one. Then the orange hair triggers an old memory and she glances behind her, where the alchemist is scribbling something into his journal, his weird bird-like mask bent low.

"A pretty fox and a clever crow," Erin murmurs quietly as she walks. "The stories got you two all mixed up."