Wardens of Heroes Gate

Frostfalls Pass (Part One)

] You are in Tentowns for the annual Frozenfar Fray Games which starts Uktar 20. You returned from Easthaven today to Bryn Shander. You and your guide Shent were tracking down a lead about a serial killed (the Ice Rune Killer) who has been leaving bodies around Tentowns – each with a magical dagger made ice. You suspect that the killer iss traveling with a merchant caravan as it went from town to town and you went to Easthaven yesterday to find this caravan. Instead you found that they had been lured away into the Cliff Caves of Xover where there were being killed for stew, one by one. You managed to save 7 out of 12 and see them safely to town. Jyn, the half-elf holdling, was saddened to discover that his Lord Booglin was not one of the survivors and that he would have to tell the Lady Thabitha Booglin that she had lost her father.

] When you returned to Bryn Shander, you learned there was another Ice Rune killing while you were gone. A body was found behind the Northlook with the signature dagger in his chest. This latest victim is not a judge for the Frozenfar Fray Games as two of the previous victims had been, but he was the winner of last years games. You renewed your suspicions that the killer was traveling with Torgs Merchantry and spent the afternoon attempting to determine their whereabouts during they latest killing. They were, in fact, in Bryn Shander and left early this morning by the East Gate according to millitia posted there as guard. You will have to track them down later because you have another appointment to keep.

] Earlier you received information that your mother lives nearby and has spent many years looking for you. You agreed to deliver a package to your mother, since you would be going there anyway, from a merchant named Nim Bragos. You and Shent are arriving there pick up the package and directions to where your mother now lives – a old lair of Frost Giants named Alzvar. Tronk, the Bugbear bodyguard to Nim and Norli Bragos, waves you inside the overly heated tent.

] Nim “Dawndra! Just on time you are! Allow me to gather Norli… Norli!” He yells into the back of the large tent. He grabs a small pillow from around the table he is lounging at and throws it against the wall of colorful materials hanging from the tent ceiling. “Norli! The lost daughter has arrived. You will have to excuse her…  ears don’t exactly work right you know.”

] Norli pokes her head out from the silk wall and expresses excitement at seeing you. She ducks back for a moment and then comes running out with several small items in her hands. There is a wide strip of fine red silk and three small bags – just a bit larger than your average coin pouch.

] Nim “Three? I thought you were only making two cloaks?”

] Norli makes a show of looking around behind you as if searching for another of your party. She sets the items down and begins to sign words to Nim.

] Nim “She says there should be three of you. The archer is missing.”

Dawndra] “Archer? We don’t…” I look to Shent… “Could she maybe be talking about Saarvin from Fireshear?”

] Shent shrugs “Don’t see how. He was not even sure he was going to compete this year – and it is still two tendays away.”

] Norli makes more signs, these are descriptive and quite obvious… she demonstrates a tall person with long crazy hair and, with a clever flare, indicates an exceedingly large bosom.

Dawndra] “Samsam? That’s got to be a description Samsam.”

] Norli affirms with a point and a large nod.

Dawndra] “But Samsam is not going to Alzvar with use. She is still just a child really.”

] Shent “Yea, we were glad to be rid her just today.”

Dawndra] “Well that’s not fair to say – not of me least – but she is hardly able to to protect herself and needs much training before a journey into the Spine would even be an option.”

] Nim “Norli insists that this Samsam will be going with you. This red band is for her. It is, believe it or not, an archers blindfold. She must wear this over her eyes and when she draws back on a bow, her ability to target and fire will be aided by the enchantment in the blindfold. ”

] Shent “Has Samsam ever even held a bow?”

] Nim “My sister confident about this, and I’ve learned there is little else in the realms I can trust so much as Norli’s feelings about things. Now… about the cloaks.” He hands you each one of the small pouches. “These are just what you need for your time in Icewind Dale. They are made from the hides of Yeti – you will not experience any cold while wearing them, I assure you. You could sleep in the open among the Spine peaks and be warm. They also have an enchantment which makes you nearly invisible among snow and ice.”

] Norli  begins to sign something else to Nim.

] Nim “Oh right… they also mask your scent. The things which will hunt you in these parts usually do so by smell. While you are wearing these – their nose will be blind to you.”

Dawndra] I open up the pouch. “How is there a cloak inside this coin pouch?”

] Nim “That is the best part. Norli just perfected these sacks. You won’t believe it.” He grabs the 3rd pouch from the table. “Ma a ka na bino” he says as he open the pouch and it expands to a large round blanket with a thick grey-white woven cloak with yeti fur. “Isn’t that great! Now watch… Ma a ka no sima” He wraps the edges and the whole thing shrinks back down to a small coin pouch. “You will have to memorize the command word else… to open, ‘Maakana Bino’ say it with me a few times…. Now try it youself.”

Dawndra] “Maakana Bino” I open the pouch

] It expands and you see a large yeti-wool cloak, the fur around the shoulders is white with large patches of dried blood stains.

] Nim “Please forgive the blood stains. The yeti cloaks we display out front are pure white but only because we can bleach them with dyes. For Norli’s enchantments to work, we cannot use any dye’s. I assure you however, you freely receiving very costly gifts! The cloaks alone would each sell for two thousand gold apiece – and that is the post-haggle price. The sacks, well I have not priced them yet… but a true Bag of Holding will easily sell for 500gp  – if you can even find one. Granted these are not quite as useful as a Bag of Holding, but anything you can fit in the sack will compress down to pouch size. Oh… I should warn you not to put any living thing inside… if you did, they would not be living any longer. And the Archers Blindfold! That is easily another 1k gold. Probably much more in the big cities.”

Dawndra] “Wow, I am overwhelmed by your gifts! Our thanks indeed.”

] Nim “Your favor is all we need. Well… There is one more thing. And we might need to throw in a bonus something for you… but I need to ask you to attempt to find the Red Drakes as you journey to Alzvar. Well, actually… I need you to attempt to find the package which the Red Drakes were delivering for me. You see… Shavalisa, your mother, is a very good client and one I wish to keep very happy. I sent another artifact to Alzvar over a tenday ago, a powerful amulet I picked up for her in Athkatla. The Red Drakes are my usually delivery crew in Icewind Dale – they are quite capable and know the way to Alzvar as few others. Its been over a tenday now and they should have returned already. I fear something may have happened along the way – especially given that storm we saw blow through the dale. I simply need you to keep a watch for them as you travel. If you find them, or more specifically, if you find the package they were delivering, please ensure it arrives safely to your mother? Oh… don’t try to open it. That would be bad for you. Only Shavisala can open it.”

Dawndra] “How will I know I have found the right package?”

] Nim “Right. Good question. Well it is a blue sack about so big.” He motions with his hands. “Oh… it will look just like the one we are sending with you. That is easy… but also – just so you can verify it… You will find Norli’s embosser. Here – just like on your cloak here.”

] He shows you the inside of the yeti cloak. On the bottom corner of the grey and white wool material, you see a round relief print in the cloth. ‘Norli the Weaver’ it reads around an abstract image of loom.

] Nim “Anytime she enchants a fabric, you will find this embosser. Now… Please give me a minute to prepare the package you will be delivering?” He stands and walks back behind the curtains.

] Norli is fitting the yeti cloak around Shent

Dawndra] “It looks good on you Shent!”

] Shent “I wish I had one of these years ago. My grandest appreciations to you Norli. We will ensure the task is completed and if we can find these Red Drakes, we will finish their task and see them to safety.”

] Nim returns as Norli is jumping up onto the table to pull your cloak around your shoulders. He gives you a blue sack, telling you not to attempt to open it yourself. The artifact within is very valuable – Shavisala paid thousands to acquire it. Only she can retrieve it from the enchanted sack. He also gives you detailed instructions for reaching Frostfalls Pass and, from there, to Alzvar.

] Nim “Let me send with you something special. Norli has warmed you from without… allow me to warm you from within. Grick Egg Breakfast Broth! Simply a measure to some hot water and it will warm you throughout the day (4d4+4 Temporary HP every 4 hours until sunset – package includes 15 servings)

] After saying your farewells, you exit the balmy tent and are walking through the market.

Dawndra] “So… shall we see about Samsam?”

] Shent “You know Myrtle is going to reject the idea… what are we going to tell her? Some mute halfling prophet told us Samsam had to join us?”

Dawndra] “I did offer to train Samsam… perhaps Myrtle will agree if we tell her it is part of her training?”

] Shent “I’m still not certain I want Myrtle to agree. The girl is a delight share brief company with, very brief… but crossing Frostfalls Pass with her? I’m not sure I can take it.”

Dawndra] “She obviously has feelings for you, and of course, anyone can see why.” I smile broadly at Shent. “but a young girls feelings are flighty. With a little training and discipline, she will be able to control those feelings. And I said I would be her teacher. What do you say… Shall we pick up a decent bow and full quiver for her while we are here in the market?”

] While you are crossing the Bryn Shander marketplace towards the Bowyer, you happen to notice the mad halfling with the blackened and scarred face and head. He is yelling fanatically at a merchant over something.

Dawndra] “Quick, let’s go around the other way.” I steer clear of Pakbak Cinderfoot.

] Shent “What? Why?”

Dawndra] “See that little angry man with the burned-up face over there? I had an unintended conflict with him. That is why I am banned from the Northlook… but all I did was bump into him and knock him down. I apologized immediately but he was in a mood to take offense, and believe me, he took plenty!”

] Shent “At his height, even I might overlook him and knock him down!” he laughs

Dawndra] “But he should not be dismissed… he attacked me outside the Northlook after the brawl was ended.”

] Shent “Brawl? I missed a bar brawl at the Northlook? Ogre bells!”

Dawndra] “Yeah, well he started it – or rather he made his lackey barbarian-wench start it.”

] Shent “That little guy has a barbarian wench?”

Dawndra] “Treated her like a servant… maybe she is a holdling? Anyway… outside the tavern he gave me a serious challenge in combat. He was wearing some kind of ice suit. I didn’t even know it was him at first. He was surely formidable with whatever kind of magic it is. Even after I destroyed it, and I had the threat of death at his throat, he was ultimately able to best me – mesmerized me for a moment. I should have just killed him… at that moment he seemed like a pitiful child and offered mercy but I should have stuck him like a sick pig. It seems I never know for certain… I finished a young kid outside the Cutlass a few days ago… that seemed needless in hindsight… I should have shown him mercy. But Pakbak Cinderfoot I should have…

] Shent “Look out!” he pushes you aside as a beam of cracking energy tears between you.

] Pakbak “You! You bumble-hussy! You titan’s tart! I am still going to kill you for your incivility against Pakbak Cinderfoot!”

] He casts another attack [()] which you easily dodge. The market place erupts into chaos as people race to find cover from the conflict.

] Shent “Eldritch Blast! He cast Eldritch Blast! In the marketplace! He is mad!” he pulls his axe and blade

Dawndra] “Wait! He is only trying to provoke.” I step towards Pakbak “This is not the time or place Pakbak! Contain your offense!”

] Pakbak “Kofa! Come wet your blade!”

] From behind a market stall, the large barbarian woman with braided black hair and strikingly green eyes comes flying. She brings her heavy sword swinging down upon you [()] but you sidestep it with ease.

Dawndra] “Well at least you appear sober this time Kofa. Look we don’t have to fight, there is nothing to fight about!” I pull my hair pin and extend it for battle (Dodge) “I have no reason to kill you, and I don’t want a reason.”

] Kofa “I have a reason to kill you poppy… I’m bored.” she swings again [()] recklessly, giving you an opportunity attack.

Dawndra] I react and then press an attack

] Kofa gives you a opening and you exploit it fully with two devasting stabs into her torso with your 10′ needle and follow them with a snap kick under her jaw. Her eyes gloss as she begins to bleed profusely but anger overrides sense. She lunges away from you but attacks deftly with a one-handed back swing attack [()] and hits you solidly (9 dmg).

Dawndra] I take the Dodge action “Kofa! You will not survive this! Stand down and live!” [Persuasion or Intimidation Check]

] Kofa’s face softens a bit and you can sense she is considering your words. You see her look down and slap a hand over the blood pouring out of her gut. You hear Shent say something behind you and before you can process it, another blast of magical energy is hurtling towards you [()] and you leap and dive to escape it. [()] Kofa has an opportunity for advantage but does not take it.

] Shent “Marsh Muck!” he runs after Pakbak and disappears from your view.

] Kofa “You really could have killed me.” She says, dropping her sword to stop the bleeding. “Why so cowardly?”

Dawndra] I reach for my tin of healing salve. “Allow me to stop the bleeding, then we can talk?”

] She submits, tentatively. Within moments after apply the salve, she has stopped bleeding and has regained energy. You see Shent return, shaking his head. He motions to you that he lost the halfling.

Dawndra] “Now, about this coward business… I am not afraid of you, and I’m certainly not afraid to kill you. However I strive to not kill unless I must. I don’t even know you Kofa, but I believe strongly that it is better to be your friend than a witness to your death.”

] Kofa “Who has friends? No one I know!” Though her words are harsh and sarcastic, you see something else in her green eyes.

Dawndra] “I do. I have many friends where I come from. Some are my teachers and some are students, but all are my friends and I would not live any other way. This Pakbak is obviously not your friend… how does he have any say over you? Are you a holdling?”

] Kofa “Slave is the correct term.”

] Shent “Surely you can break the bonds, why don’t you.”

] Kofa “Don’t know… food, shelter… Pakbak keeps in my cups… His company is better than roaming the glacier alone at least.”

Dawndra] “The fellow seems a bit dotty in the noggin… if you don’t mind my saying. I meant him no offense and yet he relentlessly seeks my doom. I spared him once, I won’t do it again. I hope you and I can spill cups instead of blood the next time we meet.”

] With silent eye contact and a genuine handshake, she retrieves her sword and disappears into the returning crowds

] An hour later, the three of you depart Bryn Shander by the South Gate. Samsam was exceedingly thrilled to be included in the journey over Frostfalls Pass. Myrtle, her “Grangran” was surprisingly willing to allow her to join you. (She said something about her regrets for not having better prepared Samsam for the dangers of the dale and expressed special gratitude to you Dawndra for having agreed to be her teacher.)

] As you pass through the gate, you notice that both Harbert and Melthor have the gate watch this morning.

Dawndra] “Good waking friends. I see they put you right back to it?”

] Harbert “I almost wish we were still in the Cliff Caves of Xover. We did let Speaker Duvessa know that Easthaven militia may need our help to flush out the hag who’s made herself at home there.”

] Melthor smiles big “Samsam! I am pleased to be seeing you again so soon. Where are you off to now?” his eyes gazing on Samsam.

] Samsam “Frostfalls Pass, in the Spine. We have got an important mission! We are going to find Dawndra’s mother!”

] Harbert “I’ve heard of Frostfalls Pass… dangers hidden behind dangers… so I’ve heard. You should hire a few more blades to join you – if you were smart.”

Dawndra] “Probably good advice Harbert. Time is short however. We should be back within a tenday – all gods willing.”

] Samsam smiles with some flirt “I will come and find you Melthor… when we return. I’m sure you will want to hear all my stories!”

] Melthor “You know I will!”

] The three of you head south on axebeak mounts towards a location marked on a map for you. You will follow Ten Trail until it crosses the Redrun River and then turn south east and follow the offshoot of the river for 10 miles. There you will find a narrow passageway leading to Frostfalls Pass and, on the other side, Alzvar.

] You travel for several hours at a decent pace. You should reach the Redrun River before Last Shadow. The weather is warm for early Uktar – just barely below freezing degrees and the three of you have had to remove your new yeti fur cloaks because you were just too warm. Samsam has been oddly quiet. Her new bow has been in her hands the entire trip… she switches between left and right hand as if trying to figure out which is supposed to hold the bow, and which really feels like holding it.

] Samsam “Teacher. Can I ask a question?”

Dawndra] “You can just call me Dawndra. Students at the monastery call me Guide Dawndra because it is a rule there, but I would prefer they called me just by name as well.”

] Samsam “Ok. Dawndra. Can I ask you question?”

Dawndra] “Of course. Please ask away.”

] Samsam “Does it feel bad to kill someone?”

Dawndra] “You don’t start with easy questions do you? Yes, it does feel bad and yes, it should feel bad.”

] Samsam “Is that why you spared the Verbeeg the other day?”

Dawndra] “Verbeeg? Oh… the giants we encountered on the way to Easthaven?”

] Samsam “I suppose they are giants. They aren’t really that big compared to real giants. Everyone calls them the ‘Verbeeg’ – don’t’ know why… They are always stealing our stuff, maybe ‘Verbeeg’ means bandit in giant language? I wanted to kill them. Is that wrong?”

Dawndra] “We did kill one of them. What was gained by the death?”

] Samsam “Melthor killed him.”

Dawndra] “Melthor delivered the fatal blow, but we all spilled the Verbeeg’s blood that day. What did we gain by it?”

] Samsam “We gained our lives… they would have killed us given the chance.”

Dawndra] “Perhaps that is so… and you have identified a good reason to kill. But could we have gained our lives without drawing any blood at all?”

] Samsam “It could have gone differently if I had not attacked… right? Maybe they would have just ignored me. Or I could have hid like you did. But I thought you were getting ready to spring an ambush. I thought I was helping.”

Dawndra] “No doubt you were, and now that it is done, it cannot go differently. We live among monsters and fiends and bullies with blades. We must learn to fight and sometimes to kill or be rich enough to hire a defense against monsters. Having the ability to kill, and even needing using it often, does not mean you enjoy the killing. Think of it this way… what is the difference between you and the monster?”

] Samsam “The monster is ugly and I am pretty?”

] Shent laughs loudly overhearing the response.

Dawndra] “No doubt… but can I suggest another difference? The monsters of this world enjoy killing. Whether they are yetiss or hags or giants or just bandits… enjoying the death of another is the mark that makes the monsters monsters. If you ever start to enjoy the killing… pretty as you are – you will become a monster. Does that make sense?”

] Samsam “Yes Teacher – I mean… Yes Dawndra, it does make sense.”

Dawndra] “Good. Now… I will teach you to fight and to kill but I will not teach you to be a monster and I will not teach a monster. That should be clear at the start.”

] Samsam “Yes Dawndra! That is clear.”

Dawndra] “I have a question for you then… and I want you to give it thought a while before answering… Are all Verbeeg ‘monsters’? Or is it possible some are and some are not?”

] Shent “Look, there. Someone pursues us. A single rider on Axebeak. They are pushing it hard.”

Dawndra] “Samsam, your Archers Blindfold… put it on and draw your bow in the direction of the rider. What do you see?”

] Samsam fits the silken cloth over her eyes and draws back the bow without an arrow notched. “Melthor! It’s Melthor riding to meet us. Wow, this is incredible! It is like he is right here! There is a red spot too… it moves with my aim of the bow… ”

] It takes Melthor over 5 minutes to actually reach you. He and his axebeak both appear exhausted.

] Samsam “Melthor!” He grabs him off his mount and bear hugs him.

Dawndra] “What is it Melthor? Did something happen?”

] Melthor squeaks trying to answer from the hug. “Nothing like you think. Harbert just convinced me you would need help. I couldn’t stand around thinking about you encountering trouble so packed what could and hurred after you. I was afraid I wouldn’t find you and I’d have to turn back.”

] Shent “I’m not sure there will be room enough for us all on my boat, but you are welcomed to join us Melthor.”

] Melthor “Boat? I don’t…”

Dawndra] “We will explain later… It helps to see it for yourself. Shent, do you think we can reach the passage by Last Shadow?”

] Shent “Only if we keep moving.”

] Hours later you reach the crossing of The Redrun River…. The beginning of the foothills of Spine of the World, you see dense forests of snow-covered trees. Just a half-mile upstream you see a tributary flow down into the Redrun from the forest and follow it into the thick wood.

] Shent “Look here. Fresh tracks in the snow… Several large-footed creatures came running through here recently.” He inspects the tracks as they wrap through the trees. “A bear! But it looks like it was being pursued… over here… those are clearly crag cat tracks. No sign of any blood. It was a footrace. And the bear must have been amazingly quick. We must stay alert… if the bear escaped, there are at least three hungry crag cats in the area… hungry and frustrated.”

] You continue to follow the tributary upstream. Clouds blocked out the sun an hour ago and the sky is thick with dark heavy clouds. You judge the passageway to be still a few miles deeper into the foothills forest.

] Shent “We are finished traveling for the day. We are likely also finished riding mounts as well, we will have to go the rest of the way on foot. Axebeaks are not going to handle the terrain ahead very well anyway, and if we leave them here tied up, they will be a meal before long. Best set them free to fend for themselves at this point. Bring the saddles and gear with us, we can store them on the boat.” He looks around for several minutes and then calls the rest of you over to large tree. “Now this is going to sound strange but since we cannot cover our tracks, we have to make them indicernable. Run all around this area, crazy-like. We want a bunch of meaningless tracks in the snow before we leave.”

Dawndra] I run circles around area and intentionally step in strange locations and ways to make silly tracks. “Never a dull day with Shenthrik Spinedelver as your guide!”

] Samsam and Melthor are also running around crazy-like and laughing happlily about it, as though a fun game. Suddenly [()] Melthor is ambushed by a large white cat. [()] He is knocked prone and suffers a vicious bite from the creature. Two more leap from the darkening woods, one charges [()] Dawndra but misses and the other [()] goes after Shent, doing critical damage.

Dawndra] I ready my pike and flank attack the beast on top of Melthor (CC01) [()]

] With your weight behind it, your ice pike invades the innards of the Crag Cat, sliding in behind rib bones. The creature releases a ear-breaking yowl  and turns it attention away from Melthor and towards you.

] Samsam reacts as though she had been practicing with a bow, anticipating this very event, for months. She notches her first arrow ever and pulls the Archers Blindfold over her eyes.With a smooth draw and release, she fires on the Crag Cat which attacked Melthor just as it turns on Dawndra [()] successfully. Melthor scrambles to his feet, draws and attacks the beast which turned away from him. [()] He skillfully slices thru to the spine of the beast, dropping it into the snow.

] Shent is under attack by one of the other three (Cragcat3) [()] It slashes at him but Shent has recovered from the ambush. Dawndra is also attacked [()] and takes 8 damage from a swiping claw  to her backside.  Shent brings down his battle axe and follows up with his new Ironmaster Dagger.

Dawndra] “You were right Shent! Hungry and frustrated they be!” I attack the cat which just got me. (Cragcat2)

] You weapon seems especially charged for this fight, striking again with critical accuracy. The Crag Cat leaps to get away from you but falls to the ground, breathing heavy while it starts to bleed out. Samsam draws on the remaining attacker (Cragcat3) [()] piercing its hind leg as Melthor brings his blade into motion. The Crag Cat leaps out of the way of the attack. It turns and appears to assess the situation. [()] Seeing it is alone and outnumbered, it runs into the dense wood.

Dawndra] “This one is still alive, but barely.” I circle the fallen cat, pike at the ready.

] Shent “Let me guess, my white giant wants to show the Crag Cat some mercy?”

Dawndra] “I suppose I do. It is a beautiful beast. We should either heal it or end its suffering.”

] Shent “They are beautiful creatures aren’t they… A moment please.” He casts Speaks with Animals and then kneels down in front of the suffering creature. With one hand on its head you hear him cast another spell. A moment later the Crag Cat rises to its feet. It nudges Shent with its nose and then runs off into the forest in the same direction as the other.

Dawndra] “Thank you Shent. But why do I get the feeling you would have done that without my asking?”

] Shent “Like you said, it is a beautiful creature. It was hunting for food, not sport, and it was hungry. Let’s go to Crotta’s and get some food, I’m starving.”

] Samsam looks to you Dawndra “What did he just say?”

Dawndra] “Crotta’s. It’s a tavern and grubhub. Doesn’t some hot stew sound perfect just now?”

] Melthor “Indeed, but…” he is cut short as Shent opens portal behind a large tree. “Oh! You have portal magic. Nice!”

] Minutes later the four of you are climbing the hill from the Fireshear Docks up to the Leaping Leucrotta tavern. As you are enjoying a hot meal, Saarvin and his daughter Roller enter and Shent waves them over to join you. Saarvin shares the latest bits of new and reveals that he has decided to enter the Frozenfray Games this year. Roller complains that she will have to stay behind in Fireshear with her tutor.

] Roller “I am not too young!” She complains loudly. “And I have to learn to fight! You said so yourself!”

] Saarvin “Yes you do… but… You also need to learn to heed your fathers words, Roller. Next year perhaps. If you went with me this time, I would just spend the whole tenday worried about your safety and I can’t win the games if I’m worrying about you dove.”

] Roller brightens with understanding “But you must win! I will stay here with boring old Berna and do my studies… but you must win okay father?”

] You enjoy some further conversation before returning to the Kirn Kuldhir to get a peaceful nights sleep.