A Gathering Storm

[Saintheart]

Day 11, Around three bells, afternoon

Complication Dice 5 of 6

The wind picked up overnight, an ominous choir howling in the darkness, sleet and snow flying and thumping against the tent again. At least only the weather assailed them, though. Njal's beard might have had icicles in it the next morning, but the cold never got past the point where he had to even put on a jacket, and his fingers barely felt any numbness in them at all.

The morning sun didn't relieve the chill in the air, though, and (bar Njal) they all rugged up a little before Verglas and Lyssa mounted Horse (Ember once had been his name, but Ember was the name poor Roland had given him, and here Roland passes out of this tale, say sorry) and the little group set off southwest once more against the wall of the mountains to their left.

The journey was still uneventful, though. The land sloped down, becoming flatter as the day wore on, as they drew further out of the mountains and closer to the Bay of Seals. When the wind shifted, for a moment, Njal and Verglas imagined they could hear the faint crash of waves, far off. It was a tantalising, intermittent, and hungered-for call of home. Or at least of relative hospitality, if not safety or warmth.

There was a small stand of firs in their path, on a shallow hilltop, and seemed as good a landmark as any to navigate by. It was only as they closed in on the hill that they realised there was something waiting there.

And as they came closer, they realised what it was. Because it stood ... or rather, all three of it stood. Three men. Two of them looked rough; one had a great two-handed sword over his shoulder, and the other a shield and sheathed blade. The last was familiar. A man they knew. All three of them were at that moment turned away to the south. But then, before anyone could stop her, Lyssa called the name of the man they knew and all of them turned around to face the group.



"Endrow!" she called. Endrow O'Mists, Lord Hardwalker's court mage, standing as if utterly unaffected by the howling wind, still in his heavy black overcoat and with accoutrements dangling from his belt. His hands were folded, but as he recognised her, he smiled, opening his arms.
"Lyssa! Firekeeper's flame and shattered chains!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

What do you do?

[Toliudar]

Verglas

This was most a most unwelcome welcome. Endrow was at the top of a very short list of people that might, just might, have been responsible for the curse that transformed that poor boy into an unreasoning beast. There was no evidence of that, of course. Verglas had hoped to have days to scurry about gathering evidence back at the Hall before making even the slightest insinuation.

But here he was now.

If the curse had been placed in order to keep the lovers apart, then it was cruel and stupid but effective. But if it had been intended to eliminate both girl AND boy, then Endrow's presence here might suggest a thoroughly admirable if homicidal desire to see a job through to completion.

From her vantage atop Horse in front of Lyssa, Verglas laid a hand on the young woman's leg and turned to speak with her softly.

"Let's be friendly but at a distance Lyssa. Perhaps we can find out why he's so conveniently out here right now at so opportune a time I dinna ken why Wait did I just say 'dinna ken?' Blast that dwarf for infecting my perfectly understandable speech patterns!

"Regardless while I'm sure that there's a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why he's just standing out here with two thugs I'd ver much like to hear that story from a safe distance Yes?"

[Novabomb]

Ramiro Sanda approaches.
Is it good fortune, diligence, or magic that brings you out here at this hour?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Ramiro is inclined to believe that Endrow is a loyal retainer, that has been watching, or hoping for Lyssa's return, which is why hes out here.

He would be disappointed if this harrowing endeavor failed because he was too trusting.
Sense Motive: (1d20+10)[30]

[Saintheart]

Day 11, Around three bells, afternoon

Complication Dice 5 of 6

Spoiler: Ramiro

Show

Despite what Ramiro wanted to believe, every instinct was screaming at him that Endrow's manner was false. His smile withheld fierce anger, and his arms were stiff as if ready to grasp and twist.

Lyssa hesitated, looking from Verglas to Endrow. And as she did, Endrow came wading through the snow towards them, nodding at his two warriors to follow him. "My lady - forgive me. I'd been scrying for you, desperately, as far as my vision allows me. I'd almost given up hope - and then I caught a glimpse of you, coming from the outpost ... along with your companions. I ... see they've been ... reduced in number, since they set out from the Hall." He smiled as he kept walking forward.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

What do you do?

[DrK]

Njal "Stormcaller" Njal had enjoyed the morning ride, and at the hint of sea and waves had glanced at Verglas and Ramiro with a grin behind his beard. "Aye, hear the sea? Be in a warm hold with a flagon of ale and a haunch of venison afore too long." THe mood in him lightening despite the recent set backs with his getting them lost more than once on the journey. -- As they had neared the copse and he had seen the mage awaiting them with a pair of warriors his eyes narrowed, a hand tightening on the haft of the tigerskull club. "Aye lass," he grunts at Verglas. "Odd that the mage be here away from court. If he did know that the wee girl was returning why not bring her father?" But aside from his natural dwarven suspicion of mages (Verglas now being a proven exception) he continues to close but stays atop Stormrir and whistles to Gromrir sending the husky flanking off to the right, the wolf lying in the snow some 30ft off to the right As the mage speaks to Lyssa the dwarf echoes Ramiro's words. "So Master Endrow, where do her father be?" He leans forward resting atop the hulking horse and bars slightly Lyssaa's way forward. Eyes watching the mage and the two tough looking warriors.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Njal "Stormcaller"
M NG Dwarf (Glacier Dwarf) Druid, Level 4, Init -5, HP 32/32, Speed
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort 7, Ref 2, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3
+2 trip MW Tigerskull Club (Lesser Crystal of Fiery Assault) +7 (1d8+3 [+1d6 FIRE], x4)
Quaterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Darts / Sling (10 / 20 ) +4 (1d4+3 / 1d4+3 , x2)
Dragonhide (White) Breastplate , Heavy Wooden Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 6
Condition None



Stormrir
30 / 30 hp (4HD) Init +1 Speed 50 ft Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
AC 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +4 natural +3 AC), touch 10, flat-footed 16
BAB/Grapple +3/+11
Attack: 2 hooves +6 melee (1d6+4) and bite +1 melee (1d4+2)
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills/feats: Listen +5, Spot +4 / Endurance, Run
Equipment: Military saddle, Saddle bags, Std'Leather Barding

Gromnir (Wintery Huskie) - Level 3 companion
29 / 29 hp (4HD) Init +3 Speed 40 ft Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +2
AC 21 (+3 Dex, +6 natural +2 armour), touch 12, flat-footed 18
BAB/Grapple +3/+6
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d8+4 + Trip (+3))
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Jump +9, Listen +6, Spot +6, Swim +4, Survival +2/6*
Feats: Alertness, Track, Improved Natural attack (bite) / Link, Share spells, Evasion
Equipment: Leather barding

[Novabomb]

Ramiro Sanda eyes narrow in anger.
He shouldn't have smirked at Roland's end


Without preamble, he darts to the right, drawing his blade. Whirling in a small circle and thrusts his blade toward the malignant party, flame erupting from the black blade.

Only after the initial burst of flame does he speak.
Traitor, you will not touch her.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

(Initiates combat)
Move action 10 ft (Draw blade)
Std action Hatchling's flame (Ref Save DC 15 for half, (3d6+3)[14]

[Toliudar]

Verglas

Having now gotten used to driving these horses around, Verglas tugged sharply on the left rein and sort of hopped up and down in the saddle.

"Giddap!"

She called out to Endrow as she lead the horse sharply off in a direction perpendicular to his approach, taking Lyssa with them.

"In short Endrow we appreciate the offer but we've brought her this far and I think we'd much prefer to see Lyssa safely into her father's presence all things considered I'm sure you understand. You're of course welcome to tag along afterward!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Verglas' goal is to dart around Endrow and his companions. So ideally spending a couple of rounds galloping to the left, then veering sharply right to get back on track to get to Hardwalker Hall.

So, if we're acting in a round by round action, she guides Horse at a full run to the left if possible. If we're moving at regular speeds (that is, not slowed by the snow) and Endrow moved 60' toward them, then Horse will have moved 200' to the right and still be 40' north of Endrow. If, ofor example, the snow slows us all 50%, then Endrow would still be 70' north of us, and we'd be 100' west of him.

[Saintheart]

Day 11, Around three bells, afternoon

Complication Dice 5 of 6

It all happened at once.

Ramiro's shout and generation of fire matched Verglas's urging the horse forward. One of the two toughs leapt in front of Endrow, raising his shield, and the singing blast lit on the shield rather than the mage's face.

Then Endrow was chanting. Magic; with an assured, calm series of liquid syllables that drifted in the air.

Packets of energy erupted from his fingers and arrowed across the snow-covered ground.

But not at Verglas. Or at Lyssa.

They lit on dead Roland's horse. The mount had no defences against the ripping, shrieking magic that thundered into it. With one final shriek of pain, Ember collapsed into the snow, its neck breaking with a final crack. Verglas somehow managed to break her fall, but Lyssa was down on the ground, breath knocked out of her.

The toughs pulled their weapons, and started forward.

"Her father, dwarf?" sneered Endrow, lowering his hands and pulling a wand from his belt. "Doing a rather impressive job of dying, when last I saw him." He looked toward Verglas. "If you'd reunite the family, then you'd stand aside. If not, then by all means, escort her to him."

Spoiler: Tactical Map

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Spoiler: Tactical Notes

Show

Initiative Order:

Njal
Lyssa/Verglas
Endrow/Toughs
Ramiro

The ground here is difficult terrain, i.e. double movement.

[DrK]

Njal "Stormcaller" At Endrow's words Njal growls, "Basterd, you'll pay for that...", before a shout to Ramiro, "Clear a path to that mage and we'll ride the scum down". With the ground covered in thick heavy snow impeding easy movement or the devastating charge of his horse Njal shuffles forward a little and raises his hands as a pair of thick heavy thorny vines shoot forth, one at Endrow and one at the thug standing in front of him A quick whistle and Gromriri bounds through the chest deep snow to beside his master, even as Njal pulls out the Tigerskull club, the eyes burning with fire from the crystal within it

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Stormir: move action - move 5ft forward (stupid snow stopping 5ft steps and charges)
Njal: Cast kelpstrand targeting Endrow and Goon 2

Vs Goon 2: Ranged touch (1d20+4)[16] grapple (1d20+7)[10] vs goon (1d20)[20] + only Saintheart knows
Vs Endrow: Ranged touch (1d20+4)[14] grapple (1d20+7)[19] vs goon (1d20)[17] + only Saintheart knows

Gromrir - double move through the snow to M5

Njal "Stormcaller"
M NG Dwarf (Glacier Dwarf) Druid, Level 4, Init -5, HP 32/32, Speed
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort 7, Ref 2, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3
+2 trip MW Tigerskull Club (Lesser Crystal of Fiery Assault) +7 (1d8+3 [+1d6 FIRE], x4)
Quaterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Darts / Sling (10 / 20 ) +4 (1d4+3 / 1d4+3 , x2)
Dragonhide (White) Breastplate , Heavy Wooden Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 6
Condition None



Stormrir
30 / 30 hp (4HD) Init +1 Speed 50 ft Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
AC 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +4 natural +3 AC), touch 10, flat-footed 16
BAB/Grapple +3/+11
Attack: 2 hooves +6 melee (1d6+4) and bite +1 melee (1d4+2)
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills/feats: Listen +5, Spot +4 / Endurance, Run
Equipment: Military saddle, Saddle bags, Std'Leather Barding

Gromnir (Wintery Huskie) - Level 3 companion
29 / 29 hp (4HD) Init +3 Speed 40 ft Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +2
AC 21 (+3 Dex, +6 natural +2 armour), touch 12, flat-footed 18
BAB/Grapple +3/+6
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d8+4 + Trip (+3))
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Jump +9, Listen +6, Spot +6, Swim +4, Survival +2/6*
Feats: Alertness, Track, Improved Natural attack (bite) / Link, Share spells, Evasion
Equipment: Leather barding

[Toliudar]

Verglas

As Horse collapses down to the ground, Verglas focuses on the most oddly incongruous details. Flecks of spittle on the horse's mouth. The hazy horizon, in which grey sky merges with snowy hillside. The sneer of hatred in Endrow's voice.

So. Endrow encourages Lyssa's elopement, counting on the curse to eliminate Lyssa...and the chumps sent to rescue her. He kills Hardwalker, and in the absence of an heir, Endrow steps in as some kind of 'regent' or other, and possession becomes nine-tenths of Harwalker f***ing Hall.

And then she landed heavily in the snow, the wind knocked out of her for a moment. And then as she did with the Frost Folk, Verglas clasped a handful of the snow she had fallen into.

"I take back what I said about controlled environments last night Lyssa If you would care to give full vent to your emotions, focus on Endrow's face right now and let loose."

Verglas, sadly, did not have the raw power of the elements on tap. She had to use careful art. Discipline. She spoke words of power, and then lobbed a snowball into the midst of the trip threatening them.

She fumbled at her shoulder to haul out the crossbow that had served her well throughout this mad journey.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

My assumption is that Verglas and Lyssa are prone and (if possible) getting partial cover from Ember's corpse.

Verglas will cast Giltterdust, using snow as a material component to make it a Cold Spell. This then adds +2 to the DC and +1 (or +2, if it's currently lower than -20F) to the caster level. Blinds the targets. Will DC 18 negates. Focused on the centre of Endrow and his two thugs.

Spellcraft to determine what spell Endrow cast: roll[1d20+13[/roll]

then move action to pull out her crossbow.

[Novabomb]

Ramiro Sanda once more demonstrates his ability to blitz across the snow, as he closes on Endrow, completely bypassing his guards. His blade trails a wisp of shadow as he slashes across the torso.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Swift Action: Initiate Windstride for the extra 10ft he needs to close
Move Action to F7
Std: Initial Clinging Shadow Strike
Att: (1d20+10)[23] Dmg: (2d6+4)[14] (Fort DC 14 or 20% misschance on all attack rolls for a round)
Conf (1d20+10)[13] CDmg: (1d6+4)[6]

EDIT: I do not know if Endrow can ignore the difficult terrain, but if he cannot then +2 to hit.

[Saintheart]

Day 11, Around three bells, afternoon

Complication Dice 5 of 6

Endrow's seeming courage disappeared as rapidly as it had come. Glitterdust, kelpstrands, and then Ramiro's fiery fist hit him all at once, and the blast of flame that singed his robes seemed to break his will. "Quarter! Quarter!" he screamed. The two toughs immediately stepped back, dropping into defensive postures, not pressing forward. Endrow dropped to his knees, coughing as the smell of burnt kelpstrand filled his nostrils. "I surrender! Mercy, I beg you!"

Spoiler: OOC

Show

What do you do?

[Novabomb]

Ramiro Sanda keeps his blade on the man, but turns his gaze to Lyssa.
What is your will?

[DrK]

Njal "Stormcaller" As the blast of glitter joins the heavy strands of seaweed and Ramiro’s flame he grunts in surprise as tte mage surrenders. “Flaming coward… Verglas, you do be okay? Keep the lass back if it be a trick.” He then spurs Stormeir forward to the thugs and the captured blinded mage Reaching the thugs he snarls a short “Drop the weapons, face down in the snow you twitch you die” To emphasis the threat Gromrir sits beside them growling loudly and threateningly

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Advance to be between the thugs and Enrow
Gromrir threatening the two thugs

Njal "Stormcaller"
M NG Dwarf (Glacier Dwarf) Druid, Level 4, Init -5, HP 32/32, Speed
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort 7, Ref 2, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3
+2 trip MW Tigerskull Club (Lesser Crystal of Fiery Assault) +7 (1d8+3 [+1d6 FIRE], x4)
Quaterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Darts / Sling (10 / 20 ) +4 (1d4+3 / 1d4+3 , x2)
Dragonhide (White) Breastplate , Heavy Wooden Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 6
Condition None



Stormrir
30 / 30 hp (4HD) Init +1 Speed 50 ft Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
AC 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +4 natural +3 AC), touch 10, flat-footed 16
BAB/Grapple +3/+11
Attack: 2 hooves +6 melee (1d6+4) and bite +1 melee (1d4+2)
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills/feats: Listen +5, Spot +4 / Endurance, Run
Equipment: Military saddle, Saddle bags, Std'Leather Barding

Gromnir (Wintery Huskie) - Level 3 companion
29 / 29 hp (4HD) Init +3 Speed 40 ft Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +2
AC 21 (+3 Dex, +6 natural +2 armour), touch 12, flat-footed 18
BAB/Grapple +3/+6
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d8+4 + Trip (+3))
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Jump +9, Listen +6, Spot +6, Swim +4, Survival +2/6*
Feats: Alertness, Track, Improved Natural attack (bite) / Link, Share spells, Evasion
Equipment: Leather barding

[Toliudar]

Verglas

Stumbling to her feet in the snow, Verglas turns to also help Lyssa to her feet. She takes a moment to slide one of her last bolts into place in her crossbow.

Like Ramiro, she turns back to see how Lyssa is dealing with all of this. If Endrow was to be believed, he had just killed her father, and was doubtless responsible for the curse on her lover as well. And, it would seem, had intended much the same for her as well.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Verglas is standing up, helping Lyssa to her feet, and then loading her crossbow. If there's time, she'll essentially ready an action to shoot at any of Endrow or his thugs who don't follow Njal's orders.

[Saintheart]

Day 11, Around three bells, afternoon

Complication Dice 5 of 6

The two toughs immediately drove their swords into the ground and took three steps back. They obviously weren't interested in continuing the fight and the one with the two-handed sword folded his arms, seemingly uninterested in obeying Njal's instruction to the letter.

Lyssa, by contrast, was more interested in walking forward. Her face had gone pale and there was a glint of tears on her cheek. She all but threw Verglas's arm off and was stalking forward, toward the half-burnt form of Endrow kneeling in the snow.

And that was when Verglas felt it. Njal, too. Not the same way as Verglas did, as a sort of tingling forming in the ends of her hair and inviting them to dance. The dwarf felt it as a subtle increase in the temperature of the air. Both his long training and the long years walking in icebound mountains drew his attention to it. As though, out of nowhere, a warm eddy of air had decided to visit their freezing corner of the world and begin to center itself on the young woman striding through the snow towards Endrow. By contrast, Ramiro didn't feel it. He saw it. There was a glint of light at her right hand. Tiny licks of yellow flame were dancing between Lyssa's index, fore, and ring finger.

"You killed my father!" Lyssa choked, as she walked forward.
"He's not dead," grunted one of the two toughs. Endrow's head jerked around towards him. So did most everyone else. The man shrugged with shoulders clad in black leather armour. "Not last we saw, anyway."
Lyssa's eyes flashed. "What do you mean? Speak!"
There was something in that voice, or the eyes, that made the man take an involuntary step back. "Lord Hardwalker's poisoned! Milk of the Whinnis Thorn!"

Njal felt something in him sink. So did Verglas. It was one of the most deadly poisons in the known world. Beyond even Njal's considerable talents and resistant even to magic bar that available to powerful mages. And excruciating in the pain it brought all the way down. Its only consolation - if it was a consolation - was that it was a slow poison too. Taking days to kill.

But the mention of it made Lyssa's eyes burn anew. The air in the vicinity became hotter and Verglas's hair began to samba. The girl turned on Endrow.
"You murdering--"
"I have an antidote!" the burnt half-man before them shrieked. He had seen something of what was in the girl's eye.
"There is no antidote to that poison!"
"Not true!" Endrow screamed, cowering. "I know it! Elven recipe! Closely guarded, came to me years ago! I can brew it! He can live!" He seemed to calm, getting his balance back, at least a little. "But not without your oath, on the staff of the Wild Man, on the eyes of the Exile, that I go free. You have won. I will go. Into exile. Domobezh. Grant it, and I will give you the decoction!"
Lyssa's teeth were white and gritted. She grabbed him around the throat, not seeming to see where the skin of the man's face had blackened and burnt. "Tell me why you did this!"
Endrow coughed, then sputtered: "Because you are usurpers in these lands! Because the Coracle Throne installed an upstart branch of the Hardwalker tree in the Hall, and uprooted the true flower that held this land since the world was cold!"

Lyssa let the man go, standing up. Her teeth were gritted again. "You faithless, crawling worm. You did all this for the claim of my mainland cousins?"
Endrow smiled. A bit of his burnt flesh fell to the snow. "No claim. I did this for the truth. The Coracle Throne was wrong. With you and your father gone, the Hall, and all the lands sworn to it, would be restored to the true Hardwalkers. The land needs strength. No sapling born from the soft islands of the Archipelago can survive here. Still less lead the men and women of this land." He snorted. "But to the Lower Realm with all of you. I am done. Spare me, and you have the decoction. I know you keep your oaths. Swear an oath that I live, that you will forbid these here from killing me, and you will have the true decoction to neutralise the poison. Save your father, even now ... as his back arches with the pain ... as he grinds his teeth with the sheer agony..."

Fire licked between Lyssa's fingers once more ...

Spoiler: OOC

Show

What do you do?

Important notes:

Verglas (and so, by extension, the whole party) knows that the elven curse laid on Lyssa which caused Iohn's transformation has to have originated from Endrow; there can be little doubt. And the removal of the curse requires the death of the one who laid it, before the work can be done of a priest to completely cleanse her. If the curse is not removed, she likely will never be able to kiss a beloved again. Not while Endrow lives.

But.

Endrow has revealed he knows an elven cure for Whinnis Thorn. He may well be telling the truth. Therefore, if he lives, it may be he can offer a cure for Lord Hardwalker, something that is likely beyond your party's current abilities. Oaths taken, especially on the gods, are serious things in Horizon; the Father governs fate and justice, and it is said he balances the scales unabalanced by a broken oath right quick and without mercy. If Lyssa chooses to spare Endrow's life, there is at least a chance her father can be saved, but she will have serious problems finding a partner or indeed a love while he still lives. Which may have problems for the continuation of the Hardwalker line, to say the least.

So. What do you do?

[Toliudar]

Verglas

Verglas sneers. Endrow thinks of Lyssa as a weak and yielding sapling of some human tree. This is all about petty human politicking? How badly he had misjudged the girl. Perhaps, how badly she had misjudged herself.

"My lady you need to know that Endrow has laid a curse on you The curse that transformed your love The curse is formed of old elven magic The only way I know to break the curse is to kill Endrow If he knows a different way best he be telling it to you now before you decide whether to spare his life."

She levels her crossbow at the two warriors. Even if don't kneel in the snow, best that they understand clearly the implications of trying to run, or to renew the fight.

[Novabomb]

Ramiro Sanda remains silent.
The wizard before him definitely deserves death, but the decision is Lyssa's.
What wouldn't I give to be with my parents a little longer.
He sympathizes with her dilemma.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I do not expect it to matter, but uses a full round action to re-ready manuvers in case it does.

[DrK]

Njal "Stormcaller" Njal watches Lyssa carefully spitting at the mage as he speaks of the poison and a deal to escape justice. He watches Lyssa more warily as flames crackle around her. At Verglas and Ramiro’s words he adds his own “Aye lass, he’s scum. I’ll gut him here or let him live in exile if you want it. But I hold to an oath.” Looking at the mage he adds, “I hold a true oath mage, you prove false and I’ll gut you like an snow rat. But lassie, if ye want to save yer father I’ll help with that antidote. If ye burn this bastard then I’ll help to try and find the antidote.”

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Njal "Stormcaller"
M NG Dwarf (Glacier Dwarf) Druid, Level 4, Init -5, HP 32/32, Speed
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort 7, Ref 2, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3
+2 trip MW Tigerskull Club (Lesser Crystal of Fiery Assault) +7 (1d8+3 [+1d6 FIRE], x4)
Quaterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Darts / Sling (10 / 20 ) +4 (1d4+3 / 1d4+3 , x2)
Dragonhide (White) Breastplate , Heavy Wooden Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 6
Condition None



Stormrir
30 / 30 hp (4HD) Init +1 Speed 50 ft Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
AC 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +4 natural +3 AC), touch 10, flat-footed 16
BAB/Grapple +3/+11
Attack: 2 hooves +6 melee (1d6+4) and bite +1 melee (1d4+2)
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills/feats: Listen +5, Spot +4 / Endurance, Run
Equipment: Military saddle, Saddle bags, Std'Leather Barding

Gromnir (Wintery Huskie) - Level 3 companion
29 / 29 hp (4HD) Init +3 Speed 40 ft Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +2
AC 21 (+3 Dex, +6 natural +2 armour), touch 12, flat-footed 18
BAB/Grapple +3/+6
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d8+4 + Trip (+3))
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Jump +9, Listen +6, Spot +6, Swim +4, Survival +2/6*
Feats: Alertness, Track, Improved Natural attack (bite) / Link, Share spells, Evasion
Equipment: Leather barding

[Saintheart]

Day 11, Around three bells, afternoon

Complication Dice 5 of 6

Lyssa turned her gaze from the three adventurers back to the mage and his two confederates. The flame was forming into a ball in her right hand. They could see the mage's look, the calculation even in the midst of his fear, as she addressed him. "You cursed me with the Old Masters' magic. Do you deny it?"
He coughed. "I do not."
"You sent me -- and --- and -- the son of the Darkstone clan here, into this Valley. Do you deny it?"
"I did not send you. You and he came of your own wishes."
"The curse you laid. How is it removed?"
"Your pet speaks true. My death is required. There is no other way." Endrow spat blood into the snow. "But if I die, so too does your father."
Lyssa began to raise her hand...






























































































...and lowered it. She bent towards him. "Then you'd best live long and well, faithless worm. Because I mean to live a long time. Age will catch you soon enough. And when you have died, I promise I will find your body. It will be defiled. It will be torn apart and your old, toothless head spiked on the rampart of Hardwalker Hall. Along with any who joined you in this."
Endrow's fear and elation mixed, disgustingly. He raised his burnt face towards her. "I will have your oath. On the Wild Man and the Exile."
Lyssa's lips bent as though withholding vomit. She stood straight, looking at the other five people around her. "On the Staff of the Wild Man. On the Eyes of the Exile. In return for the cure of my father's poison, and for your departure from these lands by the shortest route, I, Lyssa Hardwalker swear I'll not seek your death. I swear I'll not permit these here present, nor any man or woman sworn to me, to seek your death, or carry it out, by spell or weapon or any means within my power, as though I were their hands. I swear it, on the Wild Man and the Exile." The world was silent for a long moment. She looked down at him. "Tell me the cure, domobezh and faithless."
Endrow made a grating sound. It sounded like it had once been laughter. Then he coughed and, haltingly, prescribed a recipe and its application. It was surprisingly simple, made of components Njal and Verglas knew would be available back at the Hall.

When he had finished, Lyssa turned to Njal. Tears were standing in her eyes. "Release him." The dwarf did so. Lyssa looked at the two warriors. "And you?"
One of them shrugged. "'Tisn't our affair, Hardwalker. We go where the coin is. No coin left here now."
"Then begone. To the Bay, and then north or south. I don't care. If you come to Hardwalker Hall, you die."
"As you say." They picked up their weapons cautiously and sheathed them, turning their heavy cloaks down and starting away. The swarthier of the two nodded at Endrow, who was slowly - very slowly - getting to his feet. "What about him?"
"Yezz," said Endrow. The burnt flesh gave him a horrible lisp. "What about me? Not going to be faithlezz to your oath?"
"No." She had her fists clenched, but there was no fire in them now. "Only make sure you keep your end of the oath. My oath depends on you leaving Hardwalker ground by the shortest route." She nodded to the stretch of the Valley and the Spear in the distance. "That's the shortest way. Where you sent me. The border of my father's domain lies out there. Go."
The mage's face twisted with horrible rage. "You swore an oath not to seek my death!"
"I don't," she said. Her voice was soft. "If a fifteen year old, ignorant, lovestruck girl can survive there, I'm sure the likes of you can. So I commend you to the Wild Man and the Exile that you had me swear upon. If you die it will be by their hand. Not by mine. Get gone, domobezh. Be the lord of the Frost Folk, ice spiders, and Snow Cloakers. Live long, and in longer pain."

She watched him for a good half hour, until Endrow staggered over the crest of a distant, white hill in the direction of the Spear, and was gone.

When he had, she turned to the three brave adventurers who had brought her this far. "Let's go home."

Spoiler: OOC

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And that's 2,000 XP each for you all!

Any last comments before we head for the completion of your quest?

[DrK]

Njal "Stormcaller" Njal had tensed as she had burned bright before relaxing as she lowered her hand. After the oaths have been declared he looks at the two warriors, "Mark me, I know your face, I see you in these lands I take your skulls and your souls me'self." As Encrow starts walking he looks at Lyssa, "Aye lass, home it is. We can make that antidote lass. Me and Verglas can be taking care of that when back to the hall." He pauses, dropping back to Verglas and Ramiro, "And if Encrow has played us false we do be heading north to rip out his heart after he lifts the curse."

Spoiler: OOC

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Njal "Stormcaller"
M NG Dwarf (Glacier Dwarf) Druid, Level 4, Init -5, HP 32/32, Speed
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort 7, Ref 2, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3
+2 trip MW Tigerskull Club (Lesser Crystal of Fiery Assault) +7 (1d8+3 [+1d6 FIRE], x4)
Quaterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Darts / Sling (10 / 20 ) +4 (1d4+3 / 1d4+3 , x2)
Dragonhide (White) Breastplate , Heavy Wooden Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 6
Condition None



Stormrir
30 / 30 hp (4HD) Init +1 Speed 50 ft Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
AC 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +4 natural +3 AC), touch 10, flat-footed 16
BAB/Grapple +3/+11
Attack: 2 hooves +6 melee (1d6+4) and bite +1 melee (1d4+2)
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills/feats: Listen +5, Spot +4 / Endurance, Run
Equipment: Military saddle, Saddle bags, Std'Leather Barding

Gromnir (Wintery Huskie) - Level 3 companion
29 / 29 hp (4HD) Init +3 Speed 40 ft Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +2
AC 21 (+3 Dex, +6 natural +2 armour), touch 12, flat-footed 18
BAB/Grapple +3/+6
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d8+4 + Trip (+3))
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Jump +9, Listen +6, Spot +6, Swim +4, Survival +2/6*
Feats: Alertness, Track, Improved Natural attack (bite) / Link, Share spells, Evasion
Equipment: Leather barding

[Toliudar]

Verglas

Verglas watched with a certain detached curiosity as Endrow makes his way north. She thought about all of the things that had tried to kill them over the past weeks. Ledges, wolves, cats, rats, cannibals, cursed beasts, snowcloaks, avalanches, and icegaunts. And she wished Endrow a pleasant meeting with all of them.

she begins to dig out whatever she thinks she can carry from the depleted supplies on Horse.

"That was a brave and selfless act Lady Lyssa You have astonished me However as Njal has alluded we should make our way back to the Hall with all due haste.

Straightening, she pauses to lay a small, delicate gloved hand on Ember's twisted neck.

"Perhaps it is somehow appropriate that the horse did not much outlive the man Rest quiet and warm both of you For your sake I hope that there really is a Firekeeper and that you are resting in their glow."

She begins walking toward Hardwalker Hall. Toward a significantly more certain prospect of a hearth.

[Novabomb]

Ramiro Sanda is not surprised.
He says nothing more on the matter, and takes point on the way back.
I am sure a neighboring lord would like to know about the curse that took away his son, and who is responsible for it. I will see that he learns of it.


On the way back:
Do you think the gravestorm is real? It occurs to me, that it was that blighted man that declared it was coming.

[Saintheart]

Hardwalker Hall

Ramiro got his answer four days later.



The wind howled and screamed against ancient walls. Purple lightning forked the darkened sky, and snow fell as icicles like spearpoints, shrieking as it drilled mercilessly against the thick slate roofs of the keep. But the ramparts of Hardwalker Hall had seen a hundred Gravewinds over the centuries, and the subtle, old magic still pulsed like a thin heartbeat through the walls, holding back the assault of the storm. Even the roar of the waves from the Bay of Seals, driven to madness by the shrieking wind, thundered and echoed off the mountains.

But the thickness of the stone walls was enough that even these noises were muted. Especially here, in the great, long hall of the citadel, where they had set out fifteen days ago. An age ago. The long firepit blazed, driving any chill from the room; the flames glinted off the polished lapis inset in the dais at the front end of the hall, and sent even waves of yellow and orange dancing up the black walls. Tables had been brought in, and the noise of the storm was driven out by the noise of people talking, drinking, and singing in some parts of the room. Most of the Hall's folk had turned out for the celebration. Njal, Ramiro, and Verglas were surprised how few there actually were; maybe five hundred people actually made the citadel of Hardwalker Hall their own, and most were here tonight.

The noise of the crowd stopped when the door at the end of the hall opened. And then became a roar of cheers as Rowan Hardwalker came limping into the hall ... with his daughter Lyssa on his arm. More cheering, as the lord smiled gamely, gently released Lyssa's arm, and slowly ascended the three steps to the top of the dais, where he took his seat in the simple chair in its centre, and raised his hand. The cheers quickly died away.

Rowan took a slow, deep breath (and likely always would, to speak; even though the cure had been straightforward enough, brewed in two hours by Njal and Verglas commandeering a kitchen and expelling the curious with a combination of annoying monologues and outright shouuting, the Whinnis Thorn had already done damage to his lungs and sternum; he would never take a field in a fighting duel again). "Friends of the Hall, bondsmen, clansmen, affiliations, all - hear me. I thank you, all, for coming this night. It is right that we are here. Just as our ancestors, our distant kin, gathered here when the first snows came, so we gather here now - for the love of our family. Lyssa, my daughter--"
Another cheer. Raised cups, tankards. Beer spilled.
"--Lyssa, my daughter," said Rowan again, "is home. Family in these lands ... means everything. We give thanks to the Firekeeper, the Mother, the Father, even the Wild Man and the Exile, for bringing her home. But I give thanks, above all, for the three people sitting there." And he pointed straight to the table which had been set with drinks, and precious iceflowers and a sculpture of an armored man, at which Njal, Verglas, and Ramiro sat. "I give thanks to them because they went where no one else dared. They brought home my family. And expunged the viper in my house which had filled me with his poison. And saved me by their skills."
Angry mutters from the floor at the mention of the traitor. The rumours were still going around, but Endrow's departure was common knowledge now.
"As you know, these three brave adventurers are without house. What sometimes are called domobezh."
A few mutters, and embarrassed looks on some faces.
"No more," said Rowan. And he hauled himself up from his chair. And pulled from his coat the silver pin, the bisected circle, that was the symbol of the Hardwalker clan. He held it up to the room. "You know my mark. You know the honour of my family. And I swear, on my honour, as the true branch of the Hardwalker clan, on this sigil of my people, that these three people, if they wish it ... will have succour within this citadel, for as long as they live. And more! If they wish it, they will have my name. They will be Hardwalkers, each of them - dwarf, gnome, and man."
Rumbles of surprise and muttering from the floor. Rowan raised his hand once more, and silence fell. He turned to the adventurers from his elevated position on the dais, holding out the symbol of his family to them. "What say each of you, before all of these my kin and clan?"

[DrK]

Njal "Stormcaller" In the Kitchens 3 days previously Njal had looked to Verglas as they boiled herbs, desiccated strange leaves and prepared the potions and the cure that the traitor had offered. "So Verglas... do ye think that this will wok or that bas**** mage has player her false?" Looking at the potion bubbling on the fires he nods. "It smells like what Gromrir leaves behind." As they work he continues, "So lassie, do you think the wee lass made the right choice? She did give up joy for herself or do ye be thinking there is a way to lift the curse?" Musing on things he glances towards the thin window slit and the view of the mountains beyond. "Do we be staying lass or we seek an end to the curse in the great halls of the hated elves? What say you Verglas, will you help me lift the poor lasses' curse?" In the Hall Njal had dressed in his finest clothes, in the sense that he had washed the crumpled and stained robes and had plaited his beard neatly after battling for an hour with a fine bone beard comb. The same comb had also brushed Gromnir so the husky looked neat and tidy. Njal rose as Lord Hardwalker entered with Lyssa on his arm, a look of sadness passed Njal's face as he saw Rowan limping down the hall's length. At the Lord's words he rose clumsily to his feet, which resulted in him dropping a few inches as he slipped off the stout wooden chair. As Rowan offered him the pin Njal offered a curt bow of the head and gladly took the pin, attaching it to the thick plait of his beard. "I do be honoured Lord Hardwalker, I am honoured to add Hardwalker to my clan names and be welcomed here. Although I may wander the rocks of the mountains and the ice sheets of the far north I will carry your honour and protect the Hall and Hearth when you do be in trouble." Raising his tankard he offers a salute to the assembled clans folk - "Aye, I am proud to join the Hardwalker clan, I toast to the Lord and to the clan..." he bellows as he sinks the horn in one long gulp.

Spoiler: OOC

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Njal "Stormcaller"
M NG Dwarf (Glacier Dwarf) Druid, Level 4, Init -5, HP 32/32, Speed
AC 18, Touch 11, Flat-footed 17, Fort 7, Ref 2, Will 7, Base Attack Bonus 3
+2 trip MW Tigerskull Club (Lesser Crystal of Fiery Assault) +7 (1d8+3 [+1d6 FIRE], x4)
Quaterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Darts / Sling (10 / 20 ) +4 (1d4+3 / 1d4+3 , x2)
Dragonhide (White) Breastplate , Heavy Wooden Shield (+5 Armor, +2 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 6
Condition None



Stormrir
30 / 30 hp (4HD) Init +1 Speed 50 ft Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +2
AC 17 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +4 natural +3 AC), touch 10, flat-footed 16
BAB/Grapple +3/+11
Attack: 2 hooves +6 melee (1d6+4) and bite +1 melee (1d4+2)
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6
Skills/feats: Listen +5, Spot +4 / Endurance, Run
Equipment: Military saddle, Saddle bags, Std'Leather Barding

Gromnir (Wintery Huskie) - Level 3 companion
29 / 29 hp (4HD) Init +3 Speed 40 ft Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +2
AC 21 (+3 Dex, +6 natural +2 armour), touch 12, flat-footed 18
BAB/Grapple +3/+6
Full Attack: Bite +6 melee (1d8+4 + Trip (+3))
Special Qualities: Low-light vision, scent
Abilities: Str 16, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Skills: Jump +9, Listen +6, Spot +6, Swim +4, Survival +2/6*
Feats: Alertness, Track, Improved Natural attack (bite) / Link, Share spells, Evasion
Equipment: Leather barding

[Toliudar]

Verglas

Prepping the Cure

Verglas is uncharacteristically silent as she works with Njal. Her fingers move nimbly, working the pestle with vigor, but her face is a mask of concentration.

Njal's words penetrate, however, and she pauses and steps back from the table to respond.

"I think that there are several challenges with your assumptions in framing the question as you have I would hope that in future divinations we might be able to determine whether Endrow survived the gravewind and this might in fact free up Lyssa's range of choices Perhaps more importantly though I would say that although I may have not engaged in the forms of activity that triggered the curse in Lyssa I would hardly describe my life as devoid of joy Indeed if Lyssa faces a life in which she both needs to learn the skills of statecraft and leadership AND explore the prospect of providing a one-woman renaissance of ancient magics there in fact may be a completely fulfilling life without needing to resort to carnality Even the eminently desirable course of exploring ways to continue her bloodline can be developed by other means It is truly astonishing what can be accomplished using a pipette tube and a sheep's bladder, for instance.

"As to whether the curse can be lifted I believe that the 'wee lassie' has the potential to forge a more personal and interactive relationship with magic than I can hope to aspire to It is difficult to predict the limitations that may or may not exist on such a person It seems entirely feasable to me that in future years, she would be able to unwind the magical strands of the curse herself There is simply insufficient information at this point to even gauge the limits of her potential What do you think?

"But this is perhaps not the conversation you wished to have I believe I have already committed staying through the rest of the winter at least to assist Lyssa in the awakening and control of her abilities Come spring it might be very enlightening for all concerned if we were to return to the portal in her company Would that be of interest to you Njal?"

--

In the Hall

Unlike many of her kind, Verglas does not enjoy public attention, and rather envies Njal's ability to be a hail-fellow-well-met kind of public figure. She had arrived in the hall in her usual clothes - indeed, given the chill pervading the place, ALL of her clothes - and once she realized that they might be featured in some way in the celebration, managed to clean and de-wrinkle the clothes and her face using simple magics. A hand tucked a lock of hair back into place.

While her mental calculus around the Lord's kind offer was significantly more reptilian than Njal's - After all, what benefit am I gaining from carting my father's name around. This one would seem to entitle me to free meals. - Verglas also steps forward to receive the pin.

"This is most kind and unexpected I hope to have opportunity to serve the Hardwalkers faithfully for many years to come."

And then Verglas is very pleased to step back and allow the swirl of festivity to pass to Ramiro, whose courage also richly bears rewarding, and to allow the celebration to swirl around and above her.

[Novabomb]

Ramiro Sanda
Perhaps he should have known better, but he was not expecting such fanfare. He was taught to remain out of the way, and listen. So it was that he found this ceremony a bit overwhelming, and that last bit particularly surprising.
I am truly honored by the offer, but I am the last of my line, the sole heir to my clan's name, and I cannot forsake it. I am most grateful for the hospitality of your house however.

[Saintheart]

Hardwalker Hall

Rowan blinked at Ramiro's refusal. Even a look of sadness crossed his face. But the lord of Hardwalker Hall suddenly had a glint in his eye, smiled, and nodded. "Then I will not call you family, but I will forever call you friend. As will all of my line that succeeds me." The lord looked to the room. "This man wishes to preserve the honour of his blood. I will honour it also. 'From this day forward, as long as a Hardwalker is inside, a Sanda will never be outside'. Those words will be inscribed above the gate to this Hall. So even if your line should pass, friend, my family will forever remember it. For my blood, and all the blood of those who follow me."

He called for a cup. Raised it, indicating the three before him. "Behold a friend of the Hall, and two more of the blood of the Hall!"

The cheers echoed off the ceiling, into the air, mixed with the light from the fires and out into the darkness of the endless winter.

Finis.

Spoiler: OOC

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And so ... there we have it! The End!

We set out on 29 April 2020, and here we are, just under two years later, and at the end of this adventure. It's been an interesting ride, even if it's also been intermittent from time to time, and maybe this wasn't the most crowded or complicated adventure I've ever run, but it's one of the few - the very few - that I've actually finished out.

And the question now becomes: where to from here?
Do you want to continue the story?

Turn it into a campaign?

Because if we do, I have in mind to
(a) open up recruitment one more time for a couple more bods; and
(b) turn this into an open world, hexcrawl-style campaign where it's you guys who drive it. It would be the story of how you adventurers ascend to greatness. There's a very long spiel about how I see the game turning out - more or less stolen from the Angry GM's Open World Campaign, if any of you guys read that site or follow his articles - but in essence, it would be much more for you guys to define the goals you have, and then pursue them.

It would still be in this world of endless winter, this world of ice and snow where the elves are thankfully missing, there are ruins all over the place, the clans of Horizon are feuding, and you've all but stumbled over the Last Sorcerer. But it would still be driven by what your characters' goals are. I can go into more detail about it if need be. I've been working. Planning, in the background.

Or, if you want, we can end the story here. Always an option.

But either way, it's been a great ride, and for that, I thank you.

Cheers,
Saintheart