Maud Maud… Chewed and Chawed

The Frozenfar Fray – Ice Pit Riots

] The three of you, along with Shent and Rivereye, are early to arrive in the small town of Good Mead – along with hundreds of others – to participate in, or spectate the second event of the Frozenfar Fray Games – The Ice Pit Riots. Two days ago you were in Dougans Hole for the first event – Skirmish in the Stones. The serial killer you had been chasing, Sephek Kaltro, summoned a Frost Giant named Skenscarn from another plane – right into the middle of the event. Nearly 70 people lost their lives in the chaos that he created, especially after transforming into a scaled and spiked land dragon (a Razordon). Sephek cast a powerful rune spell and turned the rampaging giant into a massive ice statue and, you suspect, absorbed its transforming power somehow. Sephek was praised by the crowd for saving all of Tentowns – but you know the truth no one seems to want to hear, he was behind the chaos. Sephek has not been seen since as far as you know.

] The five of you spent the following day in Fireshear, resting on Shents vessel, Kirn Kuldihr, and resupplying your needs in town. Thanks to his portal magic, you were able to avoid the now-crowded town of Easthaven and spend some down time preparing for the next event. Dawndra – you spent time in meditation and flow practice on the docks overlooking the cold ocean waters south of Fireshear. Rivereye magically grants both of you what she calls a ‘Battle Blessing’ (3d4 Temp HP).

] As you arrive at the event location just north of Good Mead along Redwaters Lake, you see a large arena – three round shallow pits with sheer walls. They are each about 5 feet deep and 25 feet wide with ice coating the surface and walls, in fact you see workers spraying a thin layer of water from Redwaters over the surface and smoothing it out as it freezes over. In the center of the fighting pits is a large wooden platform. Shent points and tells you Dawndra that there is where the tag-bearers stand, and when he is selected for a ring, he will stand along the edge to signal you to enter into the fighting pit. Around the outer circle of the arenas is a rising bank made of snow and ice so that spectators can easily view the action.

] Rivereye “I just overheard someone saying that there are more competitors for the Ice Pit Riots than ever before… a lot more. It is going to be a long day Kildar. ”

Kildar] “It must be due to the judges, like, awarding everyone a win in that last round. Gladly we each only need like one win today.”

Dawndra] “I am ready.”

Mo Ka Bu] “I’ve seen pit fights before, but this arena is something new. Let’s just hope the crowd doesn’t get a fireball to the face.”

] Shent “Oh that can’t happen… they raise barrier shields around the pits. In the stones, the barrier would not let anyone or anything enter the arena…”

Kildar] “Except Frost Giants from some totally odd plane of existence.”

] Shent “Excepting them of course… In the Ice Pits, no one and nothing leaves the pit until the third horn sounds.”

Dawndra] “I see more healers from The Winter Palace here today. I am grateful for their services – I have no wish to kill someone for the sake of a game.”

Mo Ka Bu] “I think I shall place a few gold on you to win anyway.”

Kildar] “You are betting on the games?”

Mo Ka Bu] “Technically yes. It is not my stake however… Hocus is the gambler… He wanted to be here today. Told me he was going to win big on you Dawndra… he had one of his ‘feelings’ about it. Too bad business is keeping him busy.”

Dawndra] “Have you known Hocus long?”

Mo Ka Bu] “Not too long. We have been traveling together for the better part of a year. He pays me for protection services he says, but I think he only keeps me around for someone to tell his stories to. Thankfully, his stories are usually worth hearing a few times over.” I laugh to myself.

Kildar] “He does seem to be a character. What is his business?”

Mo Ka Bu] “Thievery. He would call it something else of course… Artifact Acquistion is his favorite description. He has also referred to himself as ‘The Finder’, and truth is, he really does excel at finding things. Folks who are looking for specific artifacts hire him. Often these artifacts were stolen and Hocus is hired to merely steal them back. Other times we have chased after legendary weapons or armor – things hidden for hundreds of years. That is how I first met him – he hired me and several others as protection as he delved beneath the Obsidian Chapel searching for some legendary halberd – enchanted by Loviatar herself.”

Dawndra] “This is why Hocus was meeting with Nim Bragos I wager.”

Mo Ka Bu] “The Calishite halfling? Yes, we have done a few jobs for him. And…” I catch myself and realize I have probably shared more details than I should. “and he seems a good fellow. And how about that Tronk! What a beast of a bugbear!”

Kildar] “Tronk nearly took me like… totally out in the last event! Strong, fast and fierce! Surely I would prefer to call him friend than foe.”

Dawndra] “Well let’s hope your friend Hocus makes a big winning on his gambles.”

Mo Ka Bu] “He usually does.”

] The crowd grows thick around the arena and soon Shent and Rivereye go to join the other tag-bearers. Judges take the platform and explain the rules of the event. Three competitors will enter each pit with the first sounded horn. With the second, the fighting begins. The third horn will not sound until there is a single victor in each pit. The competitors are chosen by random lot. The tag-bearers with their numbered flags all gather on the far side of the arena and the Ice Pit Riots event is officially commenced.

] Nine tag-bearer are selected from the group to stand on the platform. Shent and Rivereye are not among the first group. You watch as they toss lots and are assigned to one of the three fighting pits. On the platform is a familiar gnomish face – Sabyss Dapplenick. The first horn sounds and the competitors jump down into the arenas. In the closest arena, you see Saarvin there pitted against two local Reghedmen of differing tribes. Around the platform, the tag-bearers each announce their competitor by name and origin while raising their flag. The tension inside the pit grows, waiting for the announcing to circle all three arenas, waiting for the second horn to blow.

] Saarvin has his bow in hand, an arrow loosely nocked. His posture appears calm but you can tell his eyes are intensely focused on every twitch of his opponents. Shent lets out a cheering cry just before the horn sounds. Within a blink, Saarvin has released two arrows. The first is just a little high, as though he were going for a headshot. The arrow bounces off of the invisible barrier and does not even fall to the ground before the second arrow thunks into the chest of the other Reghed warrior.

] Shent “Watch – they are going to team against Saarvin first.”

] As if on queue, they both charge towards Saarvin. You can see they have claws built into their boots to prevent slipping on the ice, but they are slowed by them. Saarvin has time to release two more arrows before dropping his bow and pulling handaxes. Both arrows find barbarian flesh. Steel clangs a second later and blood is splashed from the gold dragonborn. He responds by diving to the side and as he roll-slides back to his feet, he releases a cone of flame from his breath which envelops both Reghedmen. One emerges with a battle cry, his clothing still afire but the other has dropped to the ground and is frantic in flames. Saarvin takes another damaging blow from his opponents blade and appears to faulter for a moment but then slams his foot down on his opponents foot, digging his clamp-on boot claws into the ice. Saarvin spins to the outside and flanks the barbarian. His axes whirl and cut the smoking man down before he can regain his footing, Saarvin begins to skate his way to the far side of the pit to await the next horn.

] Shent leaps in celebration “Woo! Saarvin!”

] You hear many others in the crowd also cheering Saarvin’s name. The third sounding sends healers into each of the pits to undo the damage just done in the name of the Fray Games. Minutes later, more tag-bearers are called onto the platform and another fight ensues, and another and another. Nearly an hour of fighting passes before you see Rivereye step up onto the platform. She tosses lots and stands on the edge of the platform on the far side.

Kildar] “Roog! It looks to be my turn to  bloody and bleed.” I race to the pit and leap down in.

Dawndra] “Luck go with you Kildar!” I shout as he leaves.

] As you jump down into the pit, you see the lots have already choosen one of your opponents… The crowds cheer wildly for the famed dwarf – Gornrik Snowguster. He leaps down into the pit and you notice he is small for a dwarf – perhaps only two thirds the height of Shent. He wears thick hide armor and carries a battleaxe that appears too large, too heavy for him to possibly yield.

Kildar] I make eye contact with the dwarf and give a welcoming smile.

] Gornrik gives a slight nod and goes back to testing his footing on the slick ice. The lots choose your second opponent. You see a male half-elf take position next to Rivereye and moments later a familiar face stands at the edge of the ice pit. It is the young half-elf girl you encountered in the Skirmish two days ago. She is dressed in furs dyed with crimsom and gold. She looks to be trying to figure out how best to get down into the pit.

Kildar] I slide over to where the half-elf girl stands on the edge and lift my hand to her. “Can I give you aid girlie?”

] She reaches for your hand but then recognition sweeps over her face. There is flush of anger as she withdraws

] Half-elf “You! You’re the one who treated me like a ragdoll!”

Kildar] “Yes girlie, and I will say it was a good bit of fun. Also I am like, glad, you didn’t get like, seriously hurt. We are about to clash again… but until that horn sounds, we are friends in my eye. My name is Kildar Dalar.”

] Alyrora “I am Alyrora Neri…” She reaches back out for your hand. “and I always welcome the aid of a friend.”

Kildar] I help her down into the pit. “Good then. I wondered about you… and hoped I would get to see you fight in this event. Didn’t expect to be in the pit with you… but I suspected you would be fully-formidible today.”

] Alyrora “It appears I will need to be.” She thanks you and takes a place on along the wall across from you and Gornrik to await the horn.

] From the platform, the tag-bearers are announcing their competitors. “Gornrik Snowguster” Yells a hardy female dwarf, “of Pelvuria!” and the crowd again escalates its praise and adoration – so much that you cannot hear the young half-elf announce his competitor… “Alyrora Neri of Crimmor!”

] Rivereye “Kildar Dalar of Icewind Dale!” she yells proudly

Dawndra] I cheer Kildar’s name loudly in support.

Mo Ka Bu] I am worried about the bet I placed on Kildar… Gornrik Snowguster is famous for slaying giants… Kildar may be in trouble, and so might be my purse.

Kildar] This hardly appears a fair fight, I think to myself… a young girl and tiny dwarf. Still I best not underestimate either of them. “Ready friends?” I yell across to them as I prepare for the horn. I artificially build up the rage inside as my mata has taught me. I consider that, given my size, I may be teamed-on. Should I start with offense or defense? And if I go with offense first, should I target the mini-dwarf or the girlie? The spectators are still shouting the dwarfs name… surely he is the greater threat.

] The second horn sounds. Roll for initiative.

Kildar] At the last second, I decide on defense. I rage and take the Dodge action and wait for my opponents to act.

] Gornrik advances on you, keeping the young girl in his peripheral. He is surprisingly adept with traversing the slicked ice. With a battlecry louder than you might ever muster, he swings his axe at you [()] but you easily dodge. You risk a glance over at the half-elf but you can barely see her behind the 9-foot figure running at you. She is a giant of a woman with long gold-colored  hair and glimmering crimson skin. Her large eyes appear the very texture of fire. Muscular and agile – she traverses the ice like it were a well-paved roadway. She leaps into the air – an impossible height – and is falling down upon you with a weaponized knee [()] which hits you hard in the chest (12 blg dmg). The woman gentles down on both feet and delivers a side-kick to Gornrik [()] who hardly needs to duck to avoid the attack.

Kildar] “Whoa girlie! Who’s your beautious friend here?” I attack back with an overhead hammer-blow

] The crimson-skinned woman just reaches for your maul as it comes down. Effortlessly she touches the side of Titans Tooth and redirects the angle of your blow, smashing the ice at her feet. You notice her face remains expressionless the entire time – her nostrils do not even flare and you wonder if she has ever drawn a breath.

] Gornrik sees an advantage and attacks the strange beauty of a construct from behind [()] slicing heavy into her back but she does not bleed… she does not even wince at the cleaving blow but you think you hear Alyrora yelp from the other side of the pit. The giant spins with another knee attack [()] hitting Gornrik square in the face and as he faulters backwards, she drives a bare heel straight forward [()] crushing into his chest. Gornrik flies across the ice on his back, slowing about 15 feet away. She turns back to face you.

Kildar] “Roog!” I yell in excited amazement. “That is some deft it is!”

] You swing your maul sideways this time but the crimson woman again reaches out for the weapon with her hands. Using Titans Tooth as a ground she does a tremendous cartwheel over your blow. You barely feel her weight on the end of your weapon and suddenly it’s momentum threatens to unfoot you, but you wrestle back control. You hear the spectators go crazy at the display.

Kildar] “No way! What are you?”

] Gornrik has decided on a different tact. He has gotten back to his feet and is charging Alyrora directly who is still against the ice wall. [()] She almost escapes but his battleaxe finds her flesh beneath the furs. She makes a somatic motion which you notice is mirrored precisely by the crimson woman in front of you. Three glowing darts leap from the finger tips of the construct and fly to assault Gornrik.

Kildar] “Let’s try this again…” I swing upwards this time, putting all of my weight recklessly into it

] Titans Tooth smashes square into the torso of the crimson giant and she dissolves into faint mist. You hear Alyrora cry out and fall to the ice as the mist of the crimson construct retracts back into her body.

Kildar] Enough defense, I think to myself. I hurl myself recklessly across the ice to attack Gornrik

] Gornrik begins charging you as are raging towards him. Your wind-up is timed perfectly with your approach and let yourself slide into range as Titans Tooth sweeps upward into the face of Gornrik. The mini-sized dwarf is airborn, rolling ass over tit in flight and landing on his belly. The crowd gasps…. But Gornrik is not done-in. He smoothly snatches his battleaxe to hand as he charges back towards you [()] swiping your midsection and nearly spilling your guts (16 sls dmg).

Kildar] “Ouch! You Pizzle-tit!” I use a bonus action to cast Frostvine to increase my AC and add TmHP. Wispy vines of magical ice snake from the ground and cover my body. I again deploy Titans Tooth  recklessly. I hammer-down like I was wanting to drive the little guy into the ground like a post.

] Still a bit dazed from your last blow, Gornrik is slow to evade and Titans Tooth pounds the top of his skull squarely. Blood sprays in all directions and you realize you more than crushed his skull. The third horn begins to sounds even before his tiny body finishes folding to the ground.

Kildar] “Oh Troll Spit! What did I do!?” I scoop up his body and look for where the healers are. I snatch up Alyrora as well and rush them both over for healing. “Can you heal them!?! Please hurry!”

] The white-clad priests of Auril seem hardly concerned. They cast Regenerate on both Alyrora and Gornrik. You watch as the ooze of brain and skull fragments are knitted back together. Alyrora is already conscious but struggles to climb to her feet through the daze of the magical awakening. Gornrik remains unconscious even as the healers walk away. Several other race in to carry him somewhere to rest.

Kildar] “I’m sorry I killed you.” I say to Gornrik as they carry him away.

] Alyrora thinks you are talking to her “That’s okay hulk-boy, I would have done the same to you.”

Kildar] “You, Little Roog…. are fantastic! Wow what a power-walloper! See, I knew you to be a formidible one.”

] She smiles at you and then runs into the crowd to find her tag-bearer. Rivereye is suddenly by your side, and already casting a healing spell on you. (10 HP + 3d4=9 TempHP)

] Rivereye “Well done Kildar. You only needed one win, and you snagged it right off.”

Kildar] “It could have gone quite differently… had they committed to team against me… but done is done.”

] Your party gathers back together in the crowd. Several more rounds of fights go by. The sun is in its crux when you see a familiar figure enter one of the fighting pits… Ellerika! She is armored in an expensive looking breastplate and has her chain weapon draped over her shoulders.

Dawndra] “Look! It’s Ellerika!”

Kildar] “So she is alive! She might be more surprised to see us… since she left us for dead!”

Dawndra] “We don’t know that. We don’t know what happened to her… but she obviously escaped Fastpaws Mantle.”

] Another competitor leaps lithely down into the ice pit. A vaguely familiar drow woman with long white hair and dressed in black leathers. She carries a simple looking bow made of blackwood. When Ellerika turns to see her, you notice her demeanor change. The drow knows her too – she is staring daggers into in Ellerika. They exchange some words you cannot overhear but the tension between them is obvious.

Kildar] “Heh! Maybe she left that drow for dead once too!”

Dawndra] “You are going to side with the drow?”

Mo Ka Bu] “She is not fully drow. Surely a half-elf… Rare sight… a half-drow… Most never survive to birth. The drow will not accept them – and are just as likely to kill them on sight just for being mixed. The half-elf communities won’t accept them either, nevermind human cities… they are about as outcast as one can get. Even with her peculiar beauty, I would guess she has had a hard way in the realms.”

Dawndra] “Ellerika surely seems afraid of her, doesn’t she? I wish we could hear what they said. Lets get closer?” We move up to a closer spot.

] A third contestant has dropped down into the ring. A human in full plate wielding a greatsword. He is announced by his tag-bearer as The Paladin Marsden Ilvastarr of Waterdeep. The half-drow is announced by a young human boy as Koza of Far Someplace. A Reghed tribe member announces Ellerika Riganeg. Koza is still shooting hate-daggers with her eyes and you hear Ellerika say “What do you want Koza?”

] Koza “I want my chain back. Oh, and I want to see your blood… all of it!”

] The second horn sounds and Koza releases an arrow high into the air, nearly straight up. A second arrow is released, plunging into Ellerika’s thigh just above the knee, hobbling her movement speed. The paladin charges towards Koza but is ill-practiced on the ice. He swings the massive greatsword with such strength that, when it misses Koza entirely, it spins him sideways on the slick pit base. Ellerika howls a warcry, snaps the arrow in her leg and begins swinging her chain weapon.

] Seconds later, a vortex of black mist shoots down upon Ellerika, engulfing her in darkness. Koza has moved twenty feet away from Marsden. She stops with a controlled slide and fires two more arrows into the black cloud that conceals Ellerika. You hear both arrows sink into her armor. Ellerika cries out in apparent terror. Marsden chases after Koza – again with little control. Without even looking at her oncoming attacker, Koza perfectly times a tight crouch and rolls into the legs of Marsden, his gangly momentum causing him to tumble forward. His greatsword is loosed from his hands and scatters across the ice as he falls hard. Ellerika emerges from the black cloud, swinging her chain this way and that. She is apparently blind and panic’d. Blood runs, mixed with piss, down both of her legs.

] Koza retrieves the greatsword and hurls it to the far side of the arena. She says to Ellerika, loudly… “Your father should be the one to repay your treachery Ellerika! But since you left him to die, the task now falls to my anger.” She runs and leaps into the air, planting a flying sidekick into the back of Ellerika head. She staggers forward, weeping now and bleeding excessively. She switches back to anger and blindly lashes out where Koza had just been – the chain in her hand flashing magical power – but hits only air.

Kildar] “I told you! She left us for dead, just like she did her own father!”

Mo Ka Bu] “I should have known to put gold down on the half-drow. She is peerless in this fight! So controlled… so devised…”

] Marsden finally makes it over to his weapon and turns to locate his opponent. Koza has positioned herself on the far side of Ellerika from Marsden – as if tempting him to cut Ellerika down to get to her. She has another arrow nocked, but appears to be waiting. Ellerika is still obviously blinded and swinging her chain overhead, waiting for a clue where to strike. Marsden takes a few seconds to clue into the game Koza is playing with him… Will he strike down Ellerika? It appears he has decided yes. Koza lets a smile appear on her face as Marsden rushes Ellerika. His sword thrusts into her gut and out of her back. Ellerika falls.

] Koza shoots her nocked arrow again straight up into the sky, but only after she saw Marsden look down to withdraw his blade from the corpse of Ellerika. He has no idea of the magical arrow somewhere above him. She nocks another and aims on Marsden but holds.

] Koza “I think the judges will allow you to play dead, will they not?”

] Marsden “It is no wonder you drow are so hated across the realms!” He advances on Koza, but appears to have learned a lesson and does so with slower controlled steps.

] Koza “Trust me… the drow hate me more than you ever will.”

] She waits, locking her eyes to Marsdens as he approaches. The arrow in flight returns and Marsden is wrapped in the black vortex. Koza releases and begins to circle the magical darkness. She fires another arrow and another arrow – only one of which misses its target, flying out the other side of the cloud. Marsden emerges as Ellerika previously did – blinded and in a panic. He swings his weapon in front of him, feeling for something to hit. Meanwhile Koza and retrieved the chain weapon and symbolically beats the corpse of Ellerika a few times with it. She then drops her bow and begins what looks like a forms practice with the chain – deftly swinging it with both hands in intricate air-figures.

] Koza “Your eyes will soon return human. I will wait.” she keeps practicing while keeping at least 20 feet between her and Marsden.

Dawndra] “She is skilled in forms. But what monastery would accept a drow? Do they have monastery’s in the underdark?”

Mo Ka Bu] “Not likely… if there were – she would sooner be accepted into the Family Ilvastarr of Waterdeep.”

] The other two pit arenas have one standing winner as Marsden shakes off the blinding effects of the magical blackstorm. Koza seems to be unaware of the crowds watching. She taunts Marsden further – obviously trying to remove whatever edge he might have left. He doesn’t bite. In fact he seems settled and calm as he grips the hilt of his blade with both hands and advances slowly on Koza, controlling his footing and his emotions. His attack is swift and for the first time he appears more than a clod with a cleaver. It is not enough – the chain Koza holds in both hands blocks each attack. Koza narrowly escapes a powerful thrust for her face by bending backwards and rolling away. As she does, she somehow managed to wrap Marsdens ankle with her chain. She yanks on it with her full body weight and forces the heavily armored noble into splits which he has obviously never practiced. Before he can recover, her heel has broken his nose – both ways. She relents again and goes back to forms practice with the white chain, nearly turning away while Marsden picks himself up. This time it is a ruse, before he can reset his thinking, she is on the offense, her chain wrapping around his blocking sword to strike ribs and spine repeatedly on either side. With another maneuver, she wraps the greatsword and from an awkward angle rips it from Marsdens hands. The heavy metal once again clangs across the ice. A second later, the chain is around his throat. Lighting sparks through the white chain and the body of Marsden seizes and falls limp. The third horn sounds and the crowd grows intense. Koza walks over to the pool of quickly freezing blood which contains Ellerikas body. She gives it a symbolic kick, picks up her bow and then gracefully leaps the 5 foot pit wall and disappears into the cheering spectators.

Kildar] “Wowz! Am I ever glad I didn’t have to fight against her!”

Dawndra] “Her technique appears flawless. I should like to be her student for a time…”

Mo Ka Bu] “I wouldn’t mind spending some time with her either.” I smile with a little unhidden mischief.

] The healers restore both Ellerika and Marsden to life, though only Marsden is able to walk and leave the pit without being carried. A small crew with barrels of waters resurface the ice pit floors and within ten minutes, the bloody mess is a mere shadow under fresh ice. The tag-bearer platform fills and several more fighting rounds go by. You have seen several competitors fight more than once now. Yazga lost a match to Reghedmen from the Elk Tribe and then returned a round later to take a win from a dragonborn and a member of the Good Mead guard.

] Last Shadow is only a few hours away and the crowds have thinned around the arena – some having left to find warmth, most to find drinks in the Mead Hall. The platform is again filled with tag-bearers and the lots are thrown. Two halfling women enter the near pit and they appear to be waiting on a third contestant. The tag-bearer, an older human, is now yelling “Warlen! Warlen where are you son!”. Before long, he is removed and another tag-bearer is called. Shent steps up on the platform.

Dawndra] “Really? They are going to pair me with two halflings?”

Kildar] “Go step on them Dawndra!”

] Shent announces you. “Dawndra Norlandr of Treyvigg Monastery!”

] The young halflings are announced… “Jixana Leafwhirly of Black Raven Monastery!” is unarmed and wears simple black robes beneath a fur-lined cloak which she casts to the ledge of the pit. She has long strawberry blonde hair wrapped into braid. “Linli Wallberry of Memnon City!” is a busty halfling who could be mistaken for a dwarf. She stands about a foot taller than Jixana and is dressed in well-fitted leathers and large black boots. She draws two curved short swords from her sides and does a little warm-up dance with them.

Dawndra] I remove my robes and jump down into the fighting pit. My ice pin remains in my hair. I offer a short bow… “Ladies”

] Neither seem the slightest bit intimidated by your size and the blonde named Jixana even seems pleased to be seeing your naked form. As the second horn sounds, you see Melthor run up to the fighting pit and flag you down. He looks urgent and out of breath.

Dawndra] I wave to Melthor quickly and return my attention to the moment.

[Roll for Initiative]

Dawndra] I fully expect they will team up against me – it is the wise tactic after all… so I ready Freezing Burst to be triggered when both are within 10 feet of me.

] You correctly anticipate their first moves – both charge you but the monk is significantly quicker and, like you, appears quite at home on the slick surface. [()] Her fist strikes are quick and she lands one of three attacks against your mid-section. You notice there is something powerful about the blow – it is not just a punch, it is accompanied by force damage. Linli enters into 10 feet range as Jix attempts a 3rd blow.

Dawndra] I case Freezing Burst

[()]

] Cold Damage radiates out from the Frostspawn Ramstone. Linli is visibly jolted by the effects and halts her progression to process the pain. You hear Jix say something under her breath but does not appear to be as damaged.

Dawndra] I release an attack series on Jix, kick, knee, hammer-fist

] The radiant halfling ducks your kick but is surprised by the speed with which you deliver your follow-up blows. Your pounding fist staggers her but she springs back to action. [()] Driving from her legs, she gets you in the gut with a double-fisted bash. Her two follow-up attacks miss as you block with a knee. Linli slashes at your backside [()] both of her blades cutting into your bare skin (dmg 12 sl)

Dawndra] “Dretch balls!” I pull my hair pin as I circle to keep both halflings in sight. I need to drop one of them quickly – I cannot defend my backside being flanked like that. I decided to focus on Jix first.

] You pierce Jix with your ice pike and spin to place her between yourself and Linli. As you pull back on the massive needle, she is dragged towards you. You step and snap a sidekick hard to her face, clearing her from the end of your weapon and sending her flying into Linli who [()] falls prone under the now lifeless body of Jix.

Dawndra] I take the opportunity to distance myself and regroup on the far side of the pit.

] Linli gets to her feet, strengthens her resolve, and advances towards you.

Dawndra] I take a ready stance and the Dodge action.

] Linli gains speed and apparent confidence – a second later her curved blades are trying to find a way around your defenses [()]

Dawndra]

] You successfully dismiss one of her attacks but fail your reaction as the other blade slices into your leg

Dawndra] “Memnon city eh? You must hate the cold up here.” I say, trying to distract her as I release another series of attacks

] You attempt a straight thrust which Linli easily parrys with both of her blades but then you step out and spin, bringing the edge of your weapon all the way around with skilled speed to strike Linli hard in the spine. As she jolts forward you skewer her body and pin her to the ice – finishing the match with a win. Moments later the horn sounds and the healers revive the daring halflings. You feel a warm flood of magic as your own vitality is restored by the priests of Winter Palace. Shent cheers for you from the platform as you are announced as winner.

Dawndra] I search the crowd for Melthor.

] You quickly find him along the edge of the fighting pit. He is applauding you for the win but carries a worried look. As you exit the arena he approaches you.

] Melthor “I am so glad I found you. Samsam is in trouble!”

The Frozenfar Fray – Skirmish in the Stones

] Five of you have made your way to Dougans Hole. It is the day of the first event of the Frozenfar Fray Games and the crowds have gathered outside of the small village. A guard of locals has built a thin perimeter, asking everyone to remain outside the proper boundary of their quiet hamlet on Redwaters lake. Just south of town you see the massive megalith structure known as the Twenty Stones of Thruun. These twenty granite slabs, arranged in a perfect rounded triangle that overlooked the town. They are surprising large – nearly 20 feet tall. Rivereye is with you Kildar as your armiger and Shent is with you Dawndra. Hocus has left to attend to some business and suggested Mo Ka Bu stay to enjoy the games.

] A judge quiets the crowd for the reading of the rules. No weapons and no magic are allowed within the stones during the event. Anyone caught breaking this rule will be disqualified from the games. The horn will sound three times – with equal spanse between. With the first sounding, contestants (and only paid contestants) will gather within the stones. With the second sounding, the fray begins – push, shove or otherwise remove others from the circle without stepping foot outside of it yourself. The boundary is clearly marked and judges are monitoring all three sides. At the third sounding, all hostilities must stop. Failure to cease will result in being disqualified. There will be a sweep for magic and weapons – any caught with either will be disqualified. Those still standing within the stones win the round. Win all three rounds and only one round need be won in the next event. Win two rounds today, and two rounds will be required in the next event. Win only one round today, and all three rounds must be one in the next event in order to stay in the games. Win zero rounds today and you will be out of the Fray Games. After the rules are read, the volume of the crowd increases once again.

Kildar] “They sure like taking rules serious-like don’t they.”

] Shent “It wouldn’t be a game without rules… and there is a lot of money to be won.”

] Looking around the crowd, you see a few who are familiar to you. Saarvin and Sabyss have seen you and are walking your way. The obnoxious half-orc and her two little kobolds cronies, Axe and Pax, are there in the crowd. You spot Samsam and Melthor together and with the Red Drakes come to watch the games. After what seems to be long wait, a judge stands on a makeshift podium with a large horn raised overhead. The crowd quiets and shifts in the heavy snowfall.

Kildar] I hand Titans Tooth and the rest of my belongs to Rivereye to hold for me.

Dawndra] I give my ice pin and bracelet along with my pack and my cloak to Shent. The cold air and thick flakes of snow on my bare body feels wonderful, energizing. I crunch the snow between my toes, feeling a connection to the frozen ground beneath.

Kildar] “Oh, I didn’t know we had to go naked.” I take off the skins I am wearing, leaving only my boots and bloomers. “Roog, that does feel whirly don’t it! Let’s get this thing going!”

] Shent “The rules don’t say anything about collaborations. If you two stay close, you might have a better chance at it. I wouldn’t make it too obvious though – don’t give the judges any reason to add  more rules. Good fortune to you both!”

] The first horn sounds and over two hundred contestants rush into the stone formation. Many of them are human men from the barbarian tribes of Icewind Dale, but you see a surprising diversity… lots of women from the tribes – some of who appear far more fierce than the men. You briefly think you see Ellerika among them. There is just one other goliath besides yourself Kildar, but you do not recognize him. Saarvin is not the only dragonborn in the mix and you see a few from the catfolk too. A drow-looking woman with white hair and dressed in black leather stands near one of the stones, calmly watching competition all shove to get nearest the center for advantage. There are several halflings in the fray as well, including your old friend Dawndra – Mr Cinderfoot… aka… Pakbak the Burnt.

]] Is Dawndra double-teamed? 1dAny = odd (No) Who is her next opponent? 1d6 = 3 (+1) ]]

] The second horn sounds and chaos erupts all around you. A lanky human slams into you Dawndra and attempts to shove you towards the boundary. He smells of rotting fish and rotting teeth and a fair amount of alcohol.

Dawndra]

] Dawndra – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Dawndra] I attempt to use his momentum against him but the stinky human is surprisingly agile and gives me some challenge. I am both larger and stronger and with an upward push he loses his footing. I see him kick backwards and then fall to the ground. He disappears as several others fall over him.

] A half-elf girl is thrown right into your granite-like belly Kildar. She looks up at you. A slight wave of concern crosses her face and she panics. She pushes to get away from you.

Kildar]

] Kildar – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Kildar] At first, she is slippery but I manage to get a hold on her arm and swing her around. I feel bad about what I’m about to do… but then I wonder why she entered the competition in the fist place. I trust the healers will do their job so I spin again with enough force and release her so that she flies right out of the gamefield.

]] Is Dawndra double-teamed? 1dAny = odd (No) Who is her next opponent? 1d6 = 5 (Str-based +3) ]]

] Dawndra turns and is faced with a human barbarian dressed in grey furs. He is wide-eyed and yelling words you cannot understand. Gobs of spittle fly from his mouth and spray your naked breast.

Dawndra]

] Dawndra – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Dawndra] My disgust and anger at being spit on uncenters me for a moment. The barbarian is strong and tackles me to the ground. Straddling my chest he attempts to bash my face but I bring a knee hard into his spine and then hammer-fist his ear. He falls off me and I try to get to my feet. He somehow manages to wrap himself around my legs from behind and I lose balance. As I fall, I attempt to direct all of my weight towards his skull. My elbow makes first contact. He goes motionless, face-first in the snow.

]] Is Kildar double-teamed? 1dAny = odd (No) Who is his next opponent? 1d6 = 6 (Str-based +4) ]]

] As you watch the half-elf girl fly, you notice a 6’3 half-orc wearing less clothing than you and covered in a white grease. He has targeted you and starts running your way.

Kildar]

] Kildar – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Kildar] “You are one ugly Roog!” I say to the half-orc as he approaches. He jumps into the air and tries to flatten me with a bare-footed kick but I manage to block his leg with a twist upwards, sending him to the ground. He recovers quickly and sweeps my legs out. We struggle on the ground – a mess of snow and grease and blood. An elbow to the face, a knee to the gut, knuckles to  skulls. The half-orc stops struggling but I wallop him once more anyway.

Dawndra] I spot Kildar kicking a downed half-orc. “Kildar! We must stand together!”

Kildar] I grab Dawndra by the shoulders. “I’ve got a better idea M’Bella, why don’t you and I put on like we are opposing. Who is gonna interfere?”

Dawndra] “We must make it look serious then…” I pull Kildar towards the center of the stone-circled arena. I plant my feet and use the leverage to throw him to the ground.

Kildar] “Uff! No ones ever flung me like a doll before.” I flip back up and charge Dawndra’s torso with my shoulder, lifting her up like a sack of grain.

Dawndra] “Eww… Why are you covered in grease?” But it gives me an idea. Hanging upside down, my face to Kildars back, I wrap his torso with my arms and then kick my legs straight up in the air breaking his hold on them. I slide down the back of his greased body and then drop to the ground and roll away.

Kildar] “Tricky girl! If I ask real nicelike, would you do that again sometime?” I leap to wrestle her back to the ground.

Dawndra] “Depends on what kind of grease you got then I suppose.” I let out a delighted laugh as we roll in the snow trying to pin each other.

] The third horn sounds. Several in the arena either do not hear it, or ignore it and keep fighting. The judges remove them from the field. Others are dragging bodies, lifeless or seemingly so, out of the stones and over to the healers tent. Three Priests of the Winter Palace roam through the remaining contestants, checking for the presence of magic. Two more are expelled from the circle, a human and a dwarf, for the use of magic. Those who remain standing are joined by their tag-flag bearers and accounted.

] Shent “You did real good Dawndra! Although I must admit to a bit of blushing when I saw you two get into it. It was a great idea – but you both looked to be enjoying it a bit much.”

] Rivereye “Yes, Kildar… careful with that tactic… you will be vulnerable and not even notice.”

Kildar] “Right on Mata. Did you see that little one I swung? I hope she is not like seriously hurt… but it was sure fun seeing her fly wasn’t it?”

] Rivereye wraps furs around you “Just prepare yourself for the next conflict Kildar. We shall review the day later.”

Dawndra] “Rivereye has wisdom there. Excuse me while I center my flow.” I get into a centering stance and breathe in deeply, aligning my legs, hips, spine and neck with the exhale. With the next breath I slowly raise my arms up in front of me to shoulder height and with the exhale I let them float back down. Breathing in, I circle my hands around an imaginary ball of energy in front of me. Breathing out, I press down. With my palms facing the ground, I again lift my arms in front of me, upward until my palms press the sky. My hands circle outwards and press down to my sides. I repeat Heavens Orbit until the next horn sounding.

] You gain and additional 1ki from your extra practice. The horn sounds and competitors all rush again for the center of the Stones of Thrunn. For a brief moment, you see Sephek Kaltro leaning up against one of the massive stones.

Dawndra] “Sephek! There Kildar… I saw the Ice Rune Killer there by that menhir!”

Kildar] “We shall pull his legs off his wicked frame Dawndra! Let me know if you seen him – we will fight together!”

] The horn sounds again and the chaos begins.

]] Is Dawndra double-teamed? 1dAny = even (Yes) Who are her next opponents? 2d6 = 6 & 3 (Str-based +3 & Dex-based +1 = +4) ]]

] A dwarf and a dragonborn come at you from either side Dawndra. The golden-haired dwarf is heavyset and slow in movement compared to the red dragonborn who darts around another conflict to engage with you specifically.

Dawndra]

] Dawndra – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Dawndra] I get the impression from the attack that neither the dwarf or dragonborn collaborated beforehand so I assume I might use them against each other. The momentum of the dragonborn is my first weapon. I grab for her shoulder as I being turning my hips and torso. I slam her right into the dwarf who is attacking from the opposite side. They always looks surprised when their own movements are turned against them but that is the downside of aggression and it is a hard lesson to learn. The dragonborn recovers quickly and lands a squared kick against my thigh. I manage to grab the leg and so I step back with it, snapping it down, forcing her into a split. She remains silent but her face tells a story of pain. I spin and fall directly on her with my back and roll up to face the dwarf who has finally recovered. She is not silent this time, her scream is likely heard by all twenty stones. I use my rolling momentum to leap up and attempt to drive my knee into the chest of the dwarf, but I misgauge my jump and I’m covered in blood as my knee bursts the nose of the poor fellow. His head snaps back hard and I’m afraid I killed him with the blow – he flops backwards into the snow.

]] Is Kildar double-teamed? 1dAny = odd (No) Who is his next opponent? 1d6 = 5 (Str-based +3) ]]

] Kildar, a golaith about your age confronts you. You do not recognize him, but he seems to hold you in his hard stare with contempt.

Kildar] “Hey there Roog! Wanna go?

] Kildar – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Kildar] My fellow is just humorless… while I’m still trying to get a smile back, he tries to clobber me. I laugh as his fist falls short but then he is on me with a barrage of blows. His speed is impressive and his power, painful. I retreat from his rage briefly and engage my own. “You Yeti-stink! I bet your mum still licks your bum!” I charge the goliath and wrap his middle with my arms. Lifting upwards I remove his ground and then I jump, kicking my feet forward so he lands face first under me. The loud crack must not have been his neck because he scrambles trying to recover. We wrestle in the snow, each trying to lock the other down. I realize we are getting close to the stones and I get an idea… I back away and feign losing my balance long enough to sucker him into a charge. I roll deftly, kicking up as he is in range and then I fling him over me and out of the arena.

] The goliath screams in uncontrolled anger. He charges back inside the stones to punish you but is suddenly airborn when an invisible force bounces him 30 feet backwards into the crowd.

Kildar] “Ok so like… Do not try to reenter… got it!” I turn to find Dawndra

]] Is Dawndra double-teamed? 1dAny = odd (No) Who is her next opponent? 1d6 = 2 (+0) ]]

] Dawndra you are still looking down at the dwarf you may have just killed when a Barbarian hurls a scrawny Half-Elf against you. He nearly bounces off of you. Looking down at him, you assume him to be a magic user – and a likely a much bigger threat in the next event.

Dawndra]

] Dawndra – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Dawndra] While I trying to decide what to do, the half-elf looks up at me with pleading eyes. “I just need to survive one round!” he says. “While I am usually inclined to mercy, this is a competition… and an exception.” I pick him up like a lost sheep and carry him towards the nearest stone. “Have you heard the saying… no good deed goes unpunished? I’m sorry but I expect it might apply and I must heed its wisdom.” I throw him, one-handed, outside the boundary of the stones.

] Something about the nearby stone catches your attention. It appears to have slight glow. You quickly glance around at the 19 other menhirs and notice some of the others have the same bluish aura and others do not. Your attention is switched when you see the bugbear Tronk… He is charging into the blindside of Kildar.

Dawndra] I jump over a few fallen competitors to rush to Kildars aid.

Kildar]

] Kildar – even with Dawndra’s aid, you lose the skirmish with the towering bugbear. Describe the action.

Kildar] I hear Dawndra yell a warning just as a huge bugbear is about to tackle me. The warning was not enough for me to brace myself and I go down under the beasts attack. He pounds me near senseless before Dawndra can knock him off of me. She helps me back to my feet and together we face the creature. She seems to know him, and his name, because she offers a friendly “Pleased to see you again Tronk.” – no doubt trying to distract him from his fury. It doesn’t much work. He and I lock in a shoulder grab. His strength is incredible and it takes everything I have to hold my ground against him. Dawndra suddenly slams a shoulder into Tronks back, giving me a chance to slam him to the ground. I drive my knee into his forehead, stunning him – but not for long. He rallies like he was shot out of a pirates canon. His forehead nearly caves my chest in as I fly backwards, landing nearly unconsho on my backside. I hear the bugbear gurgle some sort of gobliny victory yell just as Dawndra steps inbetween him and my flattened self.

] The 3rd horn sounds just as Tronk and Dawndra have faced off. The bugbear’s whole demeanor changes and he almost smiles. “Tronk glad to see white lady too.”

Dawndra] “On your feet Kildar – you may yet survive this round.” I help him to his feet.

Kildar] The world is still spinning and I lean heavily on Dawndra.

] The judges enter the arena to inspect. One person is removed for an unknown violation. They approach you.

] Judge “Step away. He must stand on his own or be ejected.” [Constituion Save]

Kildar]

] Fortitude is with you and the judges allow you the win. Moments laters, your tag-bearers enter and the winners of the second round are accounted. All competitors are ushered out of the arena for the rest.

Dawndra] I use  Lissewin’s Liniment Tin

] You regain any lost HP as well as 17 Temporary HP. Kildar – Rivereye heals you and grants a Battle Blessing

Kildar[

] Dawndra, from the corner of your eye, you catch a menhir take on a glow like the others you have seen.

Dawndra] “Some of the stones are glowing… have any of you noticed? Look. In fact, now most of the stones have a faint aura around them.”

] Shent “I think I can see it – it is indeed faint. What do you think it means?”

Dawndra] “I can’t say, but something about the energy feels familiar. I’m going to take a closer look.” I go Investigate a nearby glowing stone.

Dawndra]

] As you get close, the aura around the stone is less visible. Touching the stone gives a slight jolt. Feeling the magical charge causes you to see the ice-blue aura with more definition – familiar rune shapes are spiraling around the menhir.

Dawndra] “Ice Runes! Oh no…” I run back to the others. “Ice Runes… this could only be Sephek – I saw him leaning against a stone during the last break. I don’t know what he is doing, but I’m confident it cannot be good. We must find him before he finishes whatever he…

] Your words are interupted with first sounding of the horn for the third and final round of The Skirmish in the Stones. Competitors charge back in towards the center. You catch another sighting of Sephek and you witness the stone he is touching take on an aura.

Dawndra] I say to Kildar… “There! Do you see the man with the long black hair by that stone? That is Sephek Kaltro. That is the Ice Rune Killer and no doubt he intends to kill us all.”

Kildar] “I’ve got him!” I make my way towards him.

] The second horn triggers chaos once again.

Kildar] I nab a human by his neck cuff and attempt to throw him into Sephek. [Athletics Check]

] The barbarian is caught surprised and you easily hurl him beyond the boundary and into Sephek Kaltro. They both fall to the ground.

Dawndra] I call to Shent… pointing at Sephek… “There! He is over there!”

] Someone slams into your back while you are trying to get Shents attention. You keep your feet which cling bare against the frozen ground. You hear a familiar crazed yell and turn to see Yazga the half-orc coming at you. She is also nearly bare except for a loose skirt of chain-mail and boots of plate armor. Her green skin painted with dark blood-red stripes like a tiger. She releases a fierce war-yell and daggers into you with her eyes [Wisdom Save]

Dawndra]

] You remain quiet and calm in response to her frenzy and, if it were possible, she becomes even more angry.

Dawndra] “Your emotions undo your skill Yazga. ”

] Dawndra – you win the skirmish. Describe the action.

Dawndra] I meet her onslaught with a defensive stance. She strikes with all her weight but I am no longer in the path of her momentum. It is easy to direct her strength into empty space and with a small hook of a foot, she is in flight – landing on her face in the snow. She is quick to recover and slashes out at me with a claw fist. I step into the attack this time and unbalance her again. I drive an iron knee into her gut. Most opponents would crumple with the blow but she seems barely pained. She leaps into the air spinning and plants the backside of a fist into my jaw. She is as strong as she is quick. “Nice recovery!”. I decide it is time to end the skirmish if I can. I advance and release a Flurry of Blows – a weighted front kick removes her lazy root, and fist after fist follow, pushing her back. It is a simple two-handed push which finishes her… suddenly she finds herself standing outside the boundary. “You would make a fine student Yazga, once you learn to control your emotions.”

] You turn back to the frenzied brawl and are suddenly reminded that you had more important matters to pursue. A quick scan and you again see Sephek Kaltro pressing against one of the Stones of Thrunn. Shent is not in your sight.

Dawndra] “Shent! Here! To the eastern Stone!”

] The menhir begins to glow and suddenly all of the twenty stones are bright with swirling rune shapes. The entire arena is bathed in ice-blue light and the majority of the fighting stops to understand what is happening. The spinning strands of rune shapes reach upwards and towards the center over the arena and when they meet there is a crackling of energy followed by an explosive rip in the sky above you. A portal has opened and through it falls a massive Frost Giant – nearly 25 feet tall. His armor is made of sharp glassy scales. On his back is a massive battle-axe. He falls to the ground in the center of the stones and the all shudder as you feel the ground wobble beneath you. You see the look on his face – a mixture of surprise and anger – as he bellows something in a language you have never heard. He winds back a foot and kicks into the stunned crowd of competitors – spraying bodies into the air.

Kildar] “Roog! I’m gonna need my Tooth… Mata!” I run to where I last saw her. “Mata! My Tooth!”

] Rivereye is way ahead of you – she throws you your maul – Titans Tooth

] Shent “Dawndra! Here! Quick!”

] As you turn and make eye contact, he lofts your hair pin towards you.

Dawndra] I snatch it from the air – it almost feels like it were steel and my palm were a powerful magnet. I extend it to full length.

] The crowd of spectators is dispersing madly into the surrounding snow. Many within the arena are also running for their lives. Dawndra – you notice Sephek standing alongside the blackened halfling Pakbak – they are both staring up in awe at the giant, and smiling.

] Roll Initiative

Kildar] I rage. “Let’s see if we can bust a knee!”

] Your maul glances off the giants nearly transparent armor.

Dawndra] I position myself behind the giant and peek for a vulnerable target under his armor. “Oh but that is immense!” I say as I attempt to spear his most sensitive parts

] You pierce his inner thigh from behind but he hardly seems to take notice. The giant grabs one of the mammoth Stones of Thrunn with one hand and hurls it into the retreating crowd. Then he grabs the Greataxe from his back sweeps the ground around him. [Dex Save]

Kildar]

Dawndra]

] You both manage to dodge out of the way as the giant clears the ground around him. He raises his axe overhead and slams it down toward [()] Dawndra [()] but barely misses and you dive out of the way. The ground again thunders and you hear the sound of ice cracking somewhere beneath you. Shent and several other fighters charge back into combat but none appear to really make any difference against the giant until a fireball is hurled at him from somewhere by the judges podium. The hit is square in the chest of the frost giant.

Kildar] Going back for the kneecaps again

] You successfully whack the side of the giants knee but your maul barely leaves a mark. If he even felt it, he surely was able to ignore it.

Dawndra] I run a wide circle and I try again to position myself behind him, looking up between his legs. “All men crumple with a good gonad shot right?”

] Your ice pike plunges into one of the giants exposed goolies. You are sprayed with a mixture of blood and white stickiness as the giant lets out a scream that shakes the battlefield every bit as much as his axe did. He kicks blindly backwards [Dex Save]

Dawndra] “Well that got his attention!”

] You duck and roll and avoid the kick but his axe is coming for you now Dawndra. [()] You are struck hard with the blunt side – you take 33 bludgeoning damage and are thrown backwards nearly 20 feet. [Massive Damage 4 – you have Disadvantage on all rolls for 1 min.] The Giant swings again and splits some poor barbarian longways like an apple.

] As you are preparing for your next attack Kildar, you observe a small halfling with a burnt face running towards the giant. It is comical until you see his unsheathe a small dagger that glows with intense moonlight. He throws the dagger [()] and it sticks into giants leg just above his boot. Suddenly the frost giant is convulsing. He falls to his hands and knees, nearly pinning you to the ground beneath him. As you lie on your back, you watch as the skin and bones of the giant deform with loud cracks and snaps. He howls, roars, and retches as you scramble away. The frost giant transforms into a dragon-like beast. It has four legs and no wings. Its spine a huge ridge of spikes and its tail a giant spike-ball. “Dragon!” you hear somebody yell… but this is no dragon. This is a creature never before seen in the Realms… The Razordon! And a Giant one! Any who were left trying to fight the frost giant have turned tail – scurrying for safety. The Razordon is 15 feet high even on all fours. It spins and sweeps its sharp tail – demolishing several of the Stones of Thrunn along with a few of your fellow Fray Game competitors.

Kildar] I get to my feet and charge the Giant Razordon

] You slam your Titans Tooth into the neck of the beast. Upon impact, the hide of the Frost Giant-turned-Razordon sprays you with glass-like needle spikes. [Dex Save]

Kildar]

] Your flesh is sliced open as the creatures spike reaction hits you [Piercing Dmg 5d8 = 23 ]. As you are still recovering, you see a barely familiar wood elf leaping towards the Razordon

Mo Ka Bu] “What the Jackjack is this thing?!” I try to manuever under its belly and strike hard where it might be softest.

] You successfully land one of your strikes and your suspicion was correct – you avoid the spiked hide reaction which just hit Kildar

Dawndra] My head is still reeling from that last blow. I try to understand what I am seeing now… what happened to the Frost Giant? I look around for Shent.

] You think you see Shent lying motionless near one of the standing stones.You also catch sight of Pakbak running towards the town of Dougans Hole. Kildar and Mo Ka Bu along with just a few others are still engaged with the Razordon.

] Then you see Sephek Kaltro. He steps calmly out in front of the spiked giant and runs his hand around in a circle. Within the circle, a thin sheet of ice appears, runes glowing within the surface. The circle spins, mesmerizing massive creature. The edges of the spinning circle pull back, creating a funnel with a sharp point facing the Razordon. A moment later the spinning shape transforms into a dagger and as if released from a bow, it drives straight into the head of the creature. I huge plume of mysterious mist floods out of the entry point. It floats in the air above Sephek until he makes another circular motion with his hand and the mist rushes into the enchantment at his fingers. Sephek collapses to the ground unconscious. The giant Wererazor stands frozen like a statue – its eyes emptied of life.

] After a moment of calm hesitation, there is cheer… followed by several others. Many rush to help Sephek as he slowly regains consciousness. They applaud him for defeating the giant razordon singlehandily.

Dawndra] I yell into the crowd “No! He is the one who caused this! He is the Ice Rune Killer!”

] You get a couple of confused looks but no one really heeds.

Dawndra] Louder I yell  to everyone… “Listen! You have it wrong! He is the one who summoned the giant! And he killed twenty people to do it! [Persuasion Check]

] They lift Sephek Kaltro into the air and parade him in a circle around the now ice-solid Razordon. He catches your eye and gives you a smile that convinces you beyond doubt that evil is real.

Mo Ka Bu] I go up to Dawndra “I believe you… but what exactly just happened?”

Kildar] I run up to the others. “Gnarlity! What kind of power can do that!?”

] Shent “We’ve been tracking that kack-devil for days now. He killed Hlin and many others. We saw him use that same magic on the merchant, Torgga Icevein.”

Dawndra] “Did any of you see how the stones of Thruun were glowing with ice runes just before the portal opened?”

Kildar] “So he like had to kill people to summon that frost giant?”

] Shent “These stones have summoned monsters before – but never like this. I heard rumors not long ago, some five or six years only, that the beast called Thruun was summoned and sent it to attack Good Mead. They say that severed hands were found lying at each of the twenty stones – as if a sacriface had to be made.”

Mo Ka Bu] “Twenty lives were lost to bring this monstrousity here? But why would he do it, only to kill it himself? That is a deperate way to get free drinks at the tavern…”

Kildar] “That was no ordinary frost giant. When he started to transform, I thought he was stricken with the fur-frenzy! Did it right before my eyes!”

] Shent “Fur-frenzy?”

Kildar] “You know… lycan-beast stuff.”

Dawdra] “If that frost giant was a lycan of some sort… could that be what Sephek has really been after this whole time?”

Kildar] “You mean he like magically cursed himself? On purpose?”

Mo Ka Bu] “Some do see the lycan infliction as a blessing. Just south of the Archwood, there is a whole village of people living there hoping to get inflicted and join the Black Bloods.”

Kildar] “Black Bloods?”

Mo Ka Bu] “Lycan wolves… fur-frenzied…. Malar-worshippers… Most of the initiates become lunch before they become lycans.”

] Shent “So are we thinking Sephek is now a lycan… and can turn into one of these spikey land dragons?”

Dawndra] “Just a guess on my part. Perhaps we will know for sure upon the next full moon.”

Kildar] “There wasn’t no full moon today… I saw a halfling fellow fling a glowing dagger at the frost giant just before he transformed.”

Dawndra] “Mister Cinderface… I really wish I had killed Pakbak when I had the chance. You think the dagger glowed moonlight to force a lycan to change?”

Mo Ka Bu] “Where is the dagger now?”

Kildar] “It was stuck in the giants leg last I saw. It either fell to the ground or it is still in the beast. Let’s take a look?” [Perception Check]

Dawndra] I help look

Mo Ka Bu] I also look around in the snow

] You all three search bloodied snow in the arena while the crowd of contestants and spectators gather back together to praise Sephek Kaltro for defeating the would-be doom of Tentowns. Mo Ka Bu – you spot a glint of the glowing dagger under a mess of rubble and guts.”

Mo Ka Bu] I call to the others “Here!” I pull the dagger from the rubble and hand it to Dawndra.

Dawndra] “Sure looks like moonlight to me, but we should see if we can find a Lore Master to identify it for us. Let’s keep it hidden for now. ”

] Rivereye joins you. “I was just over listening at the judges tables… they decided to give everyone a win rather than trying to run another round… So congratulations Kildar – you won three of three for this event.”

Kildar] “That gives me three chances to win but one round in Good Mead.”

] Rivereye “Shent – you should go bear Dawndra’s tag else they think she is among the dead.”

] After registering your victories, you all stick around Dougans Hole for a few hours to help sort the dead and otherwise cleanup. You do not again see Sephek Kaltro or Pakback Cinderfoot the rest of the day. A couple of hours before Last Shadow, you all catch a transport sled bound for Easthaven but ask to be let off in Good Mead. Shent finds a place secluded enough to open a portal to Fireshear and the five of you spent the rest of the evening in the warmth of Crotta’s tavern.

The Vampire of Wayvern Silva

] The two of you are in Tentowns for the 9th annual Frozenfar Fray Games. Opening Ceremonies were held yesterday in Bryn Shander (which were, of course, interupted by a crowd brawl).  The two of you met when another victim of the Ice Rune Killer was discovered in the post-brawl crowd. The first event of the games, The Stones Throwdown, begins tomorrow in Dougans Hole, but as the small town does not allow competitors of the games to lodge within its limits, Easthaven is the central hub in between events, and the finish line for the final event.

] It is early and First Shadow is barely detectable. It is snowing light brittle flakes as the temperatures are well below freezing. You both found yourselves delightfully surprised to see each other waiting for the same transport sled. Kildar, you are joined by your mother, Rivereye, who is your acting armiger. Shent accompanies you Dawndra. Also on the transport sled with you are two human barbarians of the Tribe of the Tiger; Ellrrilka and Gornkolt. Ellrrilka is dark-haired but bright in disposition, and very talkative for the early hour. She is dressed in skins and furs and wears a distinctive thin white chain around neck. She carries no obvious weapon. Gornkolt, her husband, has been silent. He is similarly dressed and carries a large unadorned axe. Ellrrilka went on at some length about the time she has spent in training for the games ever since her father lost his life to a Frost Troll in the games two years before.

] The driver of the transport sled is a quiet middle-aged human named Freven. His son, Irlad, sits beside his father but turned around and facing you. The boy, who looks to be about 11-12 years, seems fascinated by all of you and listens closely to your idle conversations. He has his arms wrapped around a large water jug made of animal skins which sloshes with the movements of the sled. The two axe-beaks pulling the transport are large and fast and you are making good time along the Eastway towards Easthaven.

] As the forest along the southern side of the Eastway begins to thin out, Shent looks concerned.

] Shent “Driver! You have left the trailway. Good Mead is ahead, we are going to Easthaven.”

] Freven mumbles something about a detour. The forest just to the right is thick and pitch dark beyond the outer line of trees. You notice Freven nudge the boy Irlad who responds by pulling out a small knife and stabbing the water skin. Blood begins to spray out as he squeezes the skin – he is intentionally showering all six of you with its contents. Before you can react, the young son leaps from the transport sled into the snow. Freven turns the axe-beaks directly towards the dark of the forest and then leaps overboard himself.

] Rivereye “A snare! Quickly, jump!” She leaps off of the speeding sled.

Kildar] I follow Rivereye in jumping away and into the snow.

] Seconds later, the rest of you are wrapped in utter darkness, as if a magic light barrier was crossed. The axe-beaks panic and swerve the sled into a large tree (Dexterity Saving Throw)

Dawndra]

[()]

] You jump free just as you feel the sled turn. You hear the crash and the splinter of wood with the loud grunt of impact in the black dark.

Dawndra] “Shent!”

Kildar] I run into the black after them when I hear the transport crash. “Dawndra! Shent!”

Dawndra] Frustrated by the dark, I remember I have the ring and cast Light, targeting a strap of my backpack.

] The strap begins to glow brightly and you see broken pieces of the transport sled scattered before a large tree. The axe-beaks and what remains of the sled are gone. Shent lies just beyond the tree unmoving. Ellrrilka groans and is trying to raise herself up.

] Ellrrilka “Gornkolt?” She looks around her. “Gornkolt!”

Kildar] “He was not with us. Look around, perhaps he was thrown farther?”

Dawndra] I go help Shent [Medical Check]

] He is bleeding from the head but you cannot tell the extent of his injuries. You wrap a bandage around his head to slow the bleeding.

Kildar] I light a torch and search the surrounding area.

] There is no sign of the human barbarian. You can clearly make out the tracks of the broken sled as it was dragged deeper into the wood.

Kildar] “He must have been trapped in the sled somehow. This way! Rivereye, help me search!”

] Rivereye “Let the barbarian search for herself. We are not beholden.”

Kildar] “Mater! You can either get beholden or like just wait outside for us.”

] Rivereye “Stubborn offspring… fine! I will help.”

Dawndra] I lift Shent into my arms and carry him. “Gornkolt!”

] The five of you explore deeper into the wood, following the tracks in the surprisingly soft gloam of the forest floor. Within minutes you see the transport sled ahead of you. Reaching it, you find both axe-beaks slain – large slashes have opened their throats wide. Within the crippled sled, you find no sign of Gornkolt.

Kildar] “Whoa! Something giant tore into these beasts! Just look at the size of those claw cuts! Baffle-bats…”

Dawndra] “You think bats did this?”

Kildar] “No Roog… well like maybe like giant bats… do giant bats have like giant claws? These cuts are from super-sharp like talons… like from a hawk or…”

] There is a large swooping sound over head and an ear-splitting screech of an owl.

Kildar] “… Owl!”

] Giant white and brown owls with glowing red eyes drop down upon you and attempt to grab you with their massive talons. [Dexetrity Save]

Dawndra]

] You leap out of the way of the attack but drop Shent in the process. His unconscious body barely touches ground before another giant owl sweeps him up and carries him into the dark above.

Dawndra] “Shent!”

Kildar] “What runk!”

[()]

] You duck the swooping attack successfully. Rivereye is not so quick – she is lifted into the air. You hear a loud snapping sound and see Rivereye falling out of the canopy, a giant talon in her hand. She lands awkwardly and cries out as her leg snaps in the landing.

[()]

] Ellrrilka evades the capture with a dive and rolls up to a fighting stance, her white chain swinging in her right hand. As another giant owl closes to grab her, she lashes with her chain. [()] Lighting sparks through it and strikes the flying beast in its underbelly. The creature falls to the ground stunned.

Kildar] I bring Titans Tooth against the stunned monster

] You slam your maul into the shoulder of the Giant Owl. The creature ceases to be stunned and attempts to take flight. [()] With two massive wing beats, it is lifted and flying out of sight. The other owls have disappeared into the dark above you.

Dawndra] “They took Shent! Which way did they fly? We have to follow!”

] Ellrrilka “They must have Gornkolt too. I saw one fly in that direction, deeper into the forest.”

Kildar] “Mater! Can you walk?”

] Rivereye “Do you see my shin bone sticking out of my leg? Help me reset it!”

Kildar] “Heinous wound!” I hand my torch to Ellrrilka and attempt to restore the leg

] Rivereye refuses to cry out, but instead passes out from the pain. The bone is returned and you are able to bind it with bandages.

Dawndra] “Here. Use this on the wound.” I open the Liniment Tin.

] The bleeding stops as the magical liniment heals the fractured leg. Rivereye remains unconscious however.

Kildar] “Whoa! Thanks Roog! That stuff is like magic!” I lift Rivereye over my shoulder. “Now we should like go find Shent and Gornkolt yea?”

] Ellrrilka “How do you track things that fly? In the pitch dark?”

Dawndra] “Shent would be able to track them no doubt.”

Kildar] “Even nasty-big Owls gotta ka-ka right? Maybe we can find some kack on the ground and follow it?”

Dawndra] “That is an idea. Although I have another. I might be able to smell them… give me a moment.” [Perception Check]

Result Table

] You recognize the smell of the Giant Owls which just attacked you and have some confidence that the strongest of the scent is coming from the West directly – deeper into the forest.

Dawndra] “This way.” I lead directly West

] As you are walking, you hear several other creatures in the black around you. Some sound like small chittering things but you also hear some sounds which likely belong to larger animals. Ellrrilka seems strangly at ease and keeps trying to start idle conversation.

] Ellrrilka “I do hope we find Gornkolt alive. Really do.  And your friend too of course. It’s not like a can’t live without Gornkolt. It’s not even that I love him… well not overly much… I only married him because it was my fathers dying wish and how does a girl say no to that?”

Dawndra] “You said your father was in the Frozenfar Fray Games two years ago?”

] Ellrrilka “Yes, I was his armiger for the games. We made it through the first two events. We even found a lair of an Ice Troll with ease. We didn’t count on there being more than one of them and we were outmatched. With his last words, he gave me his Lightning Chain and asked that I marry Gornkolt, the son of his best friend. Truth is, we worth both set to unearth the void that day. I was only a few hours behind my father. If it wasn’t for a happenstance Half-Drow seeking a place to hide herself… I would have been on my way to dust by now. Can you imagine? A Half-Drow helping the Tribe of the Tiger?”

Kildar] “I’ve never met a Half-Drow… don’t think I have anyway… how do you like… know it is a half-drow and not a whole one?”

] Ellrrilka “Oh easy! Their skin is not so dark-purply and their ears are not so sharp.”

Dawndra] “Hey friends… The forest around us is warning us to be on guard. Perhaps we can chat once we get to the tavern in Easthaven?”

Kildar] “You are right on Roog. This is no time for chat.”

] You continue deeper into the dark forest for nearly an hour without any confrontations from the creatures watching from beyond the reach of your light. Along the way, Rivereye awoke and was surprised to find she could walk on her now unbroken leg without pain. You eventually reach an area of the forest where the tree trunks around you seem twice in size if not more. Dawndra, you find the scent-track of the giant owls to be particularly strong in this area of the forest.

Dawndra] “I think we may be close. The scent is quite strong here.”

Kildar] “Look around for owl kack. If they nest above we should see evidence on the ground.”

Dawndra] I look up into the canopy to see if I can spot anything.

] In the dim reaches of your light, you notice tree branches in odd formations, hanging between the massive trees in odd angles. There is not enough light to understand what you see.

Dawndra] “Find a rock, something we can throw upward a ways.”

] Ellrrilka hands you rock about the size of an apple. “Here, will this do?”

Dawndra] “Perfect.” I cast Light on the rock and then throw it up into the canopy of the forest.

] As the light travels upward, you see a massive nest made not from twigs and leaves, but whole branches and trunks. It looks like beavers lodge hoisted into the forest canopy. It extends in all directions beyond the reach of your light.

Kildar] “Whirly nest. Look at the size of it!”

Dawndra] “I think we are here.”

] Rivereye “But how are we going to get up there? It must be fifty feet or more!”

Kildar] “Get ya some wings Mata! We must find a way up and so we will.”

Dawndra] “It would appear the ideal home for giant owls, but do we think owls could have made a nest so massive? I cannot even imagine how it was done. There is surely more to this place than an owls nest?”

Kildar] “What a righter are you Dawndra! ”

] Ellrrilka “Owls don’t even build nests… from what I know… they find ’em. They nest in pockets and holes, in places they discover – the nests left behind by other raptors for example.”

Dawndra] I throw the glowing rock up again to see if there is more to learn.

] You see only more of the same. It is an amazing feat of engineering. You cannot tell for certain, but it appears to be very old, perhaps even ancient.

Dawndra] “This was not built by owls or hawks. Look how ancient the structure appears. My best guess is that sentient folk with access to powerful magic made this. Perhaps magic still holds it in place. Let’s search all of these large tree trunks carefully, perhaps there is a stair or a portal we can use.” [Investigation Check]

Kildar]

] You find nothing helpful. No stairways, ladders, ropes or magical portals.

Kildar] “Well… we better start climbing.”

] Ellrrilka “Now I wish I had just let that dretchin owl capture me.”

Dawndra] “Ellrrilka – you may be exactly right. What if we got ourselves captured? Assuming we are in the right place, and assuming Shent and Gornkolt are still alive and being held – the owls just might carry us right to them!”

] Rivereye “Not me! I’m not getting captured on purpose, that sounds like a terrible idea!”

Kildar] “Where’s your adventure Mata!? Where’s your courage?!”

] Rivereye “Where’s your sense boy?”

Dawndra] “Maybe I spoke too quickly. We should try climbing first, and failover to more risky measures. We have enough rope between us I think… if one could make the climb and secure a rope for the rest of us… ”

Kildar] “Hand me a rope… ” I start climbing a tree that appears to be along the edge of the nest-like structure. [Athletics Check]

Roll Table

Kildar]

] You climb 50 feet up, digging and clawing into the thick bark of the massive tree. When you reach the structure you secure the end of the rope. Lifting the glowing rock, you can see that the nest is even larger than you thought. You see no way inside the structure from where you are, but it appears possible to walk on top of it.

] Ellrrilka “I’ll be right behind you Dawndra.”

Dawndra] I start climbing the rope [Athletics Check]

] You quickly make your way up the rope and reaching the top, you join Kildar on its surface. Ellrrilka begins climbing [()] and soon reaches the top. In the light of the torch left on the ground, you can see Rivereye begin her climb [()] but just overhead you hear the slight swoosh of wings. Two Giant Owls attack. [()] Massive talons nearly rip into you Dawndra. [()] The other goes after Ellrrilka, slashing open a shoulder.

Dawndra] I ready my ice pike and take a defense stance for the next attack. (Dodge Action)

] Ellrrilka has her chain already in hand when the owl sweeps back down for a second attempt on her life. [()] Her footing on the oddly built structure is awkward however, and she is once again sliced by talons. The next attack focuses on Dawndra but misses, giving you an opening for reaction attack

Dawndra] “I used to thing Owl’s were pretty!”

Kildar] I leap attack the owl going after Dawndra

] The Giant Owl staggers under successive blows and lands on the roof-top of the nest, one wing hanging awkwardly at its side.

Dawndra] I unleash full attacks

] The Giant Owl squeals in pain as your two-handed needle drives repeatedly into its feathered chest. The red glow of its eyes fades as it falls.

] Ellrrilka “Come down here you dretchin’ bird!” She attacks [()] and strikes the owl as it nears. This time she is spared more bleeding.

Kildar] “Remind me to learn how to shoot a bow, would you?” I rush to stand next to Ellrrilka and ready an attack for the next swoop.

Dawndra] I do the same, closing ranks with my back to the others. (Dodge Action)

] Ellrrilka “It looks like it is hesitating.”

Kildar] “It should be… I’m gonna crack its pretty skull wide open!”

] The Giant Owl circles overhead a few times and then disappears into the surrounding black.

Kildar] “Yeah, fly home to your mama-bird!” I remember my mother is still climbing up the rope and go to the edge.”Come on up Mata, it has left.”

] You look over the edge and see only blackness. The torch on the ground below appears to have gone out.

Kildar] “Mata!? Where are you?… Dawndra, toss me that light rock.”

] Holding the light over the edge, you see the rope dangling empty. Dim light reaches the ground but there is no sign of Rivereye.

Dawndra] “There must have been another owl. Let us hope she has been taken to where Shent and Gornkolt are.”

] Ellrrilka “Over here, I think I found an entrace.”

] You find Ellrrilka standing over a small hole carved into surface of oddly stacked branches. With light you see winding stairs going down inside the structure but it is quite small, designed for folk half your height.

Kildar] “I don’t think I am gonna like, fit.”

Dawndra] “I doubt any of us would. But now we know some truth… this thing is more than an owl’s nest. That seems an uncomfortable fit even for most Dwarves… likely it was built for Halflings or Gnomes. Let’s keep looking.”

Kildar] “Watch your step Roogs, this surface is surplus tricky.”

] You explore further on until you see a slight flickering red light ahead. In what seems like the center of the massive nest is a large aperture. Looking down inside, you see what appears to be an amphitheater of some sort, with small seating circling around a center platform about 20 feet down from the rafters on which you currently standing. On the platform is a long table circled with candles that burn a strangley red color. You recognize Gornkolt strapped to the table and struggling to free himself. Standing next to him is a creature which looks like an owl with humanoid legs and . It is much smaller than the owls you have fought – perhaps 5 feet tall.

] Owlin “Welcome strangers… You are just in time for the feast.” She plunges his small beak into the neck of Gornkolt and blood splashes across her feathered face.

] Ellrrilka “Gornkolt!”

] Three Giant Owls are suddenly overhead. The sweep down to attack you. [()] Kildar fends off their talons but Dawndra takes damage (7hp) from a slicing claw. They fly back out of reach and circle for another attack.

Dawndra] “We need to take away their advantage.” I grab one of the canopy rafters and attempt to swing myself down to the seating area. [Athletics or Acrobatics Check]

] You successfully land your jump down into the ampitheatre. The rafters extend over the seating enough to prevent the swooping attacks of the Giant Owls. Meanwhile, Gornkolt has gone still and the strange owl person is wiping her feathered face clean.

] Owlin “Ah! Desert has arrived early.”

Kildar] “Watch out below!” I copy Dawndra’s move

] You are not near as graceful, but you easily let your self down and drop to the seats from a hang.

] Owlin “Come my thralls, you may feast upon my leftovers while I entertain our new guests.

] Two of the Giant Owls fly down and land on the platform and begin pulling thin strips of meat from the body of Gornkolt. Beyond the disturbing sight, you notice on the far side of the arena Shent is trying to get your attention. Rivereye is chained to the floor alongside him.

] Owlin “Welcome to Fastpaws Mantle. I really shouldn’t be so kind… you did kill one of my pets. That was not very nice.”

Kildar] “Two! We killed two of your nasty pets! And we’re gonna kill the rest after you are dead!”

] The Owlin laughs demonstrably… “Are you now? You are a brash one… but I’m afraid you cannot kill what is already dead… but you can feed it. Looking at you now, so brash! …and so beautiful aren’t you goliath boy… I might just rather play with my food. Tell me charmer, have you ever wanted to live forever?”

Dawndra] She apparently likes to talk… so I try to buy some time to figure out our approach. “Who are you?”

] Owlin “I am wail of the night white child. I am the one that turns your blood cold and makes you piss your leg. My ancient name is Screaka Bomri, but you can call me your Dreadful Dismay… Yes, I rather like the sound of that.”

Kildar] “I will soon call you a smudge on Titans Tooth!” I rage.

] Screaka “Right to it then…” She picks up a silver flail – the spike-ball begins to glow red. “Fine fine fine Bronzie love. Though I really don’t like to play rough right after a meal, it gives me cramps.” She takes a step forward and is suddenly shrouded in a dark mist. It blows directly towards Kildar as if swept by a wind storm. [()] Screaka re-appears out of the mist and strikes Kildar with the flail (10hp dmg) and then vanishes again into mist. You hear her sharp laughter from the cloud as it drifts upwards and out of sight.

Kildar] “Not fair freak-beak! How can I smash mist? Get back here!”

Dawndra] It occurs to me Ellrrilka never dropped down. “Ellrrilka! We could use some help down here!” I circle the two Giant Owls in the center waiting for their next attack.

Kildar] I need to hit something… I charge the center and attack the feasting owls. (01)

] The Giant Owl sees your attack coming but fails to defend against Titans Tooth as it slams down directly into its skull, spitting feather and bone out in all directions. The beast crumples under your rage. The other Giant Owl attacks you [()] its talons ripping at your leg (8hp dmg)

Dawndra] I leap in behind to flank the other Giant Owl and attack with my ice pike

] Without your notice, Screaka, as a mist, has gathered overhead. She suddenly re-forms and drops down on Kildar, attacking with her glowing flail. [()] successfully (5 hp dmg)

Kildar] I return the blow while I still can

] You swing your maul at the vampire owlin, but she has stepped back into mist form. Both of you hear the breaking of a chain and quickly turn to see Rivereye has freed herself.

Kildar] “Mata!”

] The other Giant Owl attacks you as you are distracted [()] but you seem to barely notice the sharp talons (7hp dmg)

Dawndra] “I wonder what roasted Owl tastes like?”

] You spear deep into Giant Owl with a mighty thrust and circle to bring a bludgeoning blow with the butt end of your weapon. The Owl realizes it is now outnumbered and leaps to take flight [Opportunity Attack – Kildar]

Kildar] “Where you going birdy-boy?”

] You swing your maul but miss as the owl takes flight. Rivereye has nearly reached you when the mist cloud that is Screaka forms around her.  [()] The glowing flail strikes Rivereye from behind and she turns to retaliate, but Screaka has already flown out of reach.

] Screaka “Three against one… I think you are outnumbered friends… why don’t we make it four.” She throws a key down near Shent but it is just out of reach. “Opps, I always was a bad throw.” She disappears above the rafters.

] Shent “She is not what she seems! Escape if you can!”

Kildar] “Escape how? We are trapped in this wooden bowl!” I ready an attack action and look to the opening above.

Dawndra] I run over to help free Shent. I kick the key close enough to him and then ready a Dodge against further attack.

] Screaka walks to the edge of the overhanging roof and looks down on you. “The mouth breather is right, you are fairly well trapped even without the chains. You will soon tire, and I will soon be hungry again.” She makes a strange whistling noise from her oddly shaped beak-mouth and 6 shards of ice appear around her. They drop down into the ampitheatre and circle around the two of you

Kildar] “Ice Imps!” I take Titan’s Tooth to the closest one [3]

] “Don’t kill my charmer now minions… you can test him with pain of course… but save him for me!” You hear Screaka say from somewhere above as you crush one of the ice mephits with a downward slam. Before you can lift your maul back to you, the crystals remains of the minion begin to vibrate powerfully and a second later they explode (Dex Save)

Kildar]

] A blast of ice slivers spray out but you take only minimal damage. The remaining Giant Owl takes advantage of the distraction and attacks [()] but you are hyper-aware and its talons snag only air. It flies back out of the ampitheatre and lands beside Screaka. You hear it begin to make short piercing screeches as if raising an alarm.

Dawndra] I see Kildar surrounded by ice mephits and charge in to defend him, attacking the nearest to me (ice mephit 5)

] Your attack is devastating and the ice mephit vibrates and explodes (Dex save)

Dawndra]

] Shent has freed himself and you see him run past you and the ice mephits. As if anticipating some objection he yells… “I need my axe if I’m gonna be any help at all!” and you notice the iceforged Riftblade Battleaxe lies against the wall on the far side of the ampitheater. Kildar – you glance over at your mother and see her freeing herself from the chain around her leg. You notice a cloud of mist swarms around her [()] She cries out as Screaka forms behind her and slams the glowing hot spike-ball into her back.

Kildar] “Mata!”

] Screaka “Ahh… so the boy loves his mother… we can fix that.” [()] She drives her beak into Rivereye’s ribcage, seemingly delighting in the pain she causes. The screeching alarm overhead continues almost hypnotically.

] You lose sight of Rivereye as the entire area around you, Dawndra and the ice mephits is suddenly filled with thick fog and you cannot see even your hand at arms length. The fog shifts chaotically as a blast of cold air assaults you Dawndra (Dex save with disadvantage)

Dawndra]

] Another ice mephit (4) is suddenly behind you Kildar [()] it slashes at you but misses and then vanishes. Another (6) appears alongside you Dawndra [()] its sharp claws miss their strike as you jump away into the fog. The screeching bursts from the Giant Owl above you have stopped.

Kildar] “We have to get out of this smoke!” I run towards the direction I think I last saw Rivereye.

] After about 15 feet you are clear of the fog effect. You see Rivereye motionless on the ground where she was chained. Screaka is no longer in sight. Above you, there are more Giant Owls landing along the rim of the ampitheatre – more than 5 at least.

Dawndra] I attempt to escape the fog as well, moving the direction I last saw Shent.

] As you emerge from the heavily obscured area, you see two Ice Mephits going after Shent, both are within your reach and have their backs to you.

Dawndra] I attack the nearest (2)

] You drive the needle end through the back of one of the Ice Mephits but it does not vibrate and explode like the others, instead it appears to be stunned. Shent goes after the other (1) [()] but misses critically and misteps… stumbling towards you. The Ice Mephit rakes his back with its claws.

] Screaka suddenly appears about 20 feet overhead , she is flying in a tight circle. “You all have never fought together have you? What a downright slovenly display of confusion and chaos. I honestly expected more from you, but now I am getting bored.” She drops a glowing red stone down into the ampitheatre. It lands on the table in center stage and a concussing blast of energy sweeps out and strikes all of you. (Con Save)

Kildar]

Dawndra]

] All of you drop to the floor as your world blacks out.

The Frozenfar Fray – Opening Ceremony

] You returned from Alzvar and arrived in Bryn Shander late on Uktar 5. You have spent the last 15 days training heavily in preparation for the upcoming events. Samsam and Melthor have been with you for much of this time, watching, learning. Myrtle volunteered the large covered summerporch behind the Rest for your practice. You have gotten to know Shent’s father, Thaarnik, during this time. He is quite old, even for a Dwarf, but you found his mind sharp and his heart warm.

] Samsam has proven remarkably quick in learning the fighting skills you have taught – it seems she does not need to struggle with even the most difficult tactics and forms. She is bright but not the kind of smart that overthinks. If you teach her something – she simply assumes she has learned it. Her confidence is powerful and yet completely without hubris. You find you have become her student in this.

] Melthor, on the other hand, is so full of the expectations of others that he second-guesses everything and is very slow to learn. You have given him one simple spear form of 14 movements to practice several times a day. It would seem he needs little more right now.

] Shent has been absent for much of this time, returning often to Fireshear for what he calls ‘chores’. When he returned to his fathers home last nhyx, he presented you with a gift…. A necklace made from a tip of the horn of one of the dragon-kin beasts you fought underground on your way to Tentowns. He calls it a Frostspawn Ramstone, and suggests you find an isolated space to practice with it. You have to mimic the movements of the dragon-kin – while holding the Ramstone, raise it and your own head slowly upwards – at the peak of the movement, the magical burst is triggered.

] Saarvin arrived in town with Shent. With him was a young female gnome, displaced from Hundlestone by the invasion of the Duergar Grackleback Clan, named Sabyss Dapplenick. Saarvin calls her his favorite armiger ever. She calls him Old Squama for unknown reasons. Roller, Saarvin’s young daughter, has stayed behind in Fireshear with her tutor, Berna – with much protestations from both as Saarvin tells it.

] It is the official start day of the Frozenfar Fray Games. You have spent the early hours standing in line to pay your entry fee and to get your competitor tag-flag. It is snowing large dry flakes which blanket the crowd gathered in the Bryn Shander Market Square for the Opening Ceremony. You are with Shent who is bearing your tag-flag. You judge there are nearly 400 people filling the square. Not a single merchant stand is closed – and there seem to be dozens of new merchant carts shoved into every corner of the market.

] Shent “Torg’s Merchantry is here. I saw them setting up over on the west side. I told you they would be here for the Opening Ceremony… every merchant in Icewind Dale is here. I got tired of tracking them… every time I arrived in a town I discovered they had just left for another… but I know they would be here.”

Dawndra] “And you are now certain our Ice Rune Killer is one of their number?”

] Shent “Absolutely certain. Torrga has small pack of ‘body guards’ which are more aptly called enforcers. The killer is one of them.”

Dawndra] “We will have time to investigate after the ceremony, the earliest transport to Easthaven I could schedule is tomorrow – early forecrex.”

] You look around at the crowd and you see a familiar face, or rather three familiar faces… it is the brazen and brash half-orc and her two kobold cronies from the market conflict in Luskan… Yazga is barely clothed even here in the heavy snow, her red tiger stripes an obviouse source of pride and intimidation. Axe and Pax are close on either side of her, one carrying her tag-flag.

] The crowds stirs and then gets loud as activity starts up on the makeshift stage in the center. Five large humans enter playing music on strange instruments made of bone and bladder. Shent comments that these instruments are from the Bear Tribe of the Reghedmen. The squealing notes are at first harsh but soon the crowd is energized by their performance. Dancers also enter the snow-covered stage and being a forced jig which is apparently traditional for the Elk Tribe. The mismatch between music and dance is painfully obvious, but it seems to a point – to demonstrate that the various tribes and the Tentowns are attempting to harmonize.

] Saarvin and Sabyss have joined you. Sabyss can see nothing of the entertainment so Saarvin hoists her up onto his shoulders like a child and she begins to giggle uncontrollably at the performers.

] The Speaker of Bryn Shander, Duvessa Shane, then stands on stage and welcomes everyone to the 9th annual Frozenfar Fray Games. After some preliminary comments about the games, she begins to explain the rules.

] Duvessa “The first event will begin two days from now on Uktar 23. Dougans Hole has again been gracious to allow our games to take place within the Stones of Thruun but they are unable to provide any lodging. They ask you stay outside of the boundaries of their town during the event. The Stone Throwdown event has Three Rounds. The horn will sound twice to indicate you have one minute to enter the circle. You must leave all weapons, armor and magical items outside the circle. Any use of magic within the Stones of Thruun will be discovered and offenders will automatically lose all three rounds of the first event. Once the horn sounds a third time, the round begins… stay within the circle while removing your competition. After 3 minutes the horn will sound a fourth time at which time all agression must cease. Anyone still fighting after the fourth horn will lose the round. Those remaining inside the circle will be inspected by the judges to ensure the rules have been followed. The winners will be recorded and after a 30 minute rest, the next round will begin. You must win at least one round to move on the next event in Good Mead. Winner in all three Rounds will only need to win in one round to succeed in the next event. Win two and you must win two in the Ice Pit Riot. Win one and you must win all three in the Ice Pit Riot.

] She continues to explain the rules for the following events. You glance around at the crowd and notice someone like you have never seen before.

Kildar Dalar] You see a male Goliath standing seven and a half feet tall. He is unlike others of the Goliath tribes in that he has a full thick mane of golden-sand hair and his skin is the color of hammered bronze. Rather than the symmetrical markings common to the Goliath race, he has erratic swipes of long dark lines that appear to migrate around his body. His deep green eyes are difficult to see behind his uncut and unmanaged hair. He is dressed with skins from the Klantar. He carries a great-maul called Titans Tooth because it is like actually made from a Titans Tooth. He is standing next to his mother, who is taller than he is at nearly 8′. Rivereye is more obviously of the Goliath race, with long white hair and weathered blue-gray skin.

Kildar] When I notice the fine looking white-furred woman noticing me, I offer a big inviting smile and hope for one in return.

Dawndra] I catch eyes with the intrigugingly comely Goliath and find I cannot look away. His smile captures me and I experience a new sensation somewhere deep within me. I realize my cheeks have warmed and that I am smiling silly back at him. I quickly turn my attention back to the stage.

] Shent “Look! There! Gornrik Snowguster! It has to be.”

] You look to where Shent is pointing in the crowd and you see a white haired dwarf, a third the height of Shent. He is dressed in polar bear fleece and carries a waraxe which appears too large for him to even swing. With him are two fierce-looking Leonin women, armed and armored in expensive gear – one of which carries his tag-flag.

Dawndra] “Who is Gornik Snowguster?”

] Shent “Only one of the most legendary Dwarves alive today. He is one of the Arctic Dwarves. They keep to themselves mostly but Gornik is reknown for single-handedly taking down 7 Frost Giants. Stories say he takes their frosty heads clean off before their bodies even hit the ground. (No offense to our Skald friend in Alzvar of course).

Dawndra] “But he is so… small?”

] Shent “Don’t let that decieve… his natural strength matches that of the Frost Giants he hunts – so it is said… If he is in the games, we will have real trouble competing.”

] As you are still inspecting the surprising Dwarf and his two exotic companions, there is a shuffle of the crowd to your right. As you turn to look, you are suddenly embraced in a huge bear hug.

] Kofa “Hi Friend!” the half-orc says, with near glee. “We still must spill some cups together! Remember? Dawndra promised!”

Dawndra] “Kofa! You are looking… great. I am not sure I would recognize you wearing that smile.”

] Kofa “Great is what I am! When Fray games end, Pakbak promises he release bond. I will be free! And I thank you for it!”

Dawndra] “That sounds… well it sounds surprisingly kind… from what I know of the halfling. I am very glad for you. So… Pakbak is entering the Fray games?”

] Kofa “Yes, that why in Icewind. Must go now – I carry his tag-flag. I wish my first friend the best luck in games!” She hugs you again and then shoves her way back into the crowd.

] Shent “What was that!?! Wasn’t she just trying to kill you the other day?”

Dawndra] “And again a few days before that. I cannot explain it. Just as I cannot explain why that burnt little halfling hates me so much.”

] Shent “Be on your guard, that huggy friend business may be ploy.”

Dawndra] “I already had that thought. And of course I will, but I do not get the sense that Kofa is capable of guile. Her holder… certainly. Pakbak Cinderfoot seems stuffed full of treachery and cunning… but not so much Kofa.”

] Several feet away…. While the city speaker goes on explaining the absence of rules in the 3rd event, your mother had been inspecting the crowd.

] Rivereye “Can you believe they are allowing a Bugbear to compete in the games? What next? A Frost Giant? ”

Kildar] “Never seen a Bugbear before. He looks like he could be choice to clap cups with. He is hardly a Frost Giant daamer, though he is a bit taller than you isn’t he. We should be happy they allow our kind to compete.”

] Rivereye “We are hardly monsters!”

Kildar] “Have you not, like, even noticed how the little human children react when they see you mother? Strike fear into them don’t you.”

] Rivereye “How is that… Wait… Are you calling me a monster?” She breaks out in laughter

Kildar] I let the laughter roll out too and hug my daamer.

] Duvessa Shane “…if at any point you require further clarification on any of these, the judges are available to assist. Oh… and please show exceeding respect for The Priests of The Winter Palace… they continue to support the Frozenfar Fray Games without any demand of recompense. Please, only ask them to heal wounds received in the actual events… not the bar brawl you lost your ass in last night… understood?”

Kildar] “This Winter Palace… it’s a temple to Auril yeah? Letting Auril play a part in the games sounds a lot scarier than any Bugbear or Frost Giant!”

] Rivereye “What!? They are healers! What does Auril have to do with any of it?”

Kildar] “Never accept a boon from a Banderhobb! That is what Faater always said innit?”

] Rivereye “He didn’t even know what a Banderhobb is. And neither do you.”

Kildar] “The point is… oh nevermind the point. Just don’t, like, misplace our stock of potions k? I’m only coming to you if I need some mending.”

] Rivereye “Of course my honeycomb.”

Kildar] “Daamer! I asked you to not, like, use those words out here.”

] Rivereye “Of course you did sweetcake, I won’t do it again.”

Kildar] “I don’t believe you. But I squeeze you anyway!”

] Duvessa Shane “This year we have a special guest with us. Loremaster Gifona will now retell the history of how our Fray Games began. Please welcome her!”

] A Half-Elf with short black-blue hair steps up onto the stage with a giant book in her hands. She appears quite young to be an actual Loremaster. She begins to speak but so quietly she cannot be heard, which causes the crowd to get louder with their own sidetalk. She is constantly brushing the falling snow off of the pages of her open book.

] Gifona “… and they Reghedmen tribes were so diminished in number that another assualt against Tentowns might have proved final. It was then that our own Trovus of Caer-Konig made the suggestion of holding a competitive arena battle – that we make peace through fighting…”

] Someone yells from the crowd “He was drunk!”

] Gifona appears startled but responds. “Yes, the comment was made in the Hook & Line after many drinks. Here we are a Tenyear later and surely this must be the greatest turnout yet. Speaker Duvessa… how many competitors do we have this year?”

] Duvessa “183 total!”

] Gifona “Nearly 30 more than last years record breaker. That means the win-pot is….” she pauses to do math in her head, obviously not quick with the numbers. “somewhat over ninety thousand gold!”

] There is a cheer from the crowd. She continues, talking about how the games have benefited Tentowns financialy over the 9 years it has been held. She moves on to explain how perfect the solution has been for curbing the violent tensions between the tribes and the people of Tentowns… Reghedmen and Tentowners now regularly eat and drink together like true neighbors. While not all have forgotten the years of bloody conflict, most now see sense in the peace accord.

] You catch sight of Pakbak moving his way stealthily through the crowd.

Dawndra] “Speak of the little burnt devil… there he is now Shent. What could he be up to?”

] You both watch as he sneaks in behind people standing in the crowd and then jabs a small sharp object into their seat-cheeks and then deftly vanishes. The victims yelp and turn in anger to see who stabbed them in ass.”

Dawndra] “That little bastard! I really should have killed him like a rat in the pantry!”

] You lose sight of him, but you hear several more angry victims nearby and suddenly the whole crowd is enveloped in violence.

Dawndra]

]  You neatly duck and dodge your way to the edge of the fray without getting hit by fist or foot or fight-iron.

] Shent [()] is overwhelmed by the fighting crowd and disappears somewhere under it for a moment. He crawls his way to you and appears, bloodied and bruised and angry about it.

Kildar]

]  You hold your ground and manage put down several attackers without actually swinging your weapon. You take 3 damage in the process.

] Rivereye [()] neatly ducks and dodges her way our from the crowd and then turns to watch her battling son with pride.

] After several minutes of fighting there is loud shrill overhead which staggers the entire mob into stillness. The city militia sweeps through and thins out the crowd to prevent further fighting.

] Near where you are standing Kildar, you see a female half-orc lying still on the ground. Protruding from her chest is a curious looking dagger – made entirely of ice and carved with foreign runic symbols.

Kildar] I get closer to see if there is anything to be done.

] Dawndra – you happen to notice the Goliath who caught your eye earlier standing over a still body.

Dawndra] I go to investigate, fishing my tin of healing salve from a pocket.

] Before you get close, many others have also gathered around. You hear people exclaiming “The Ice Rune Killer! He is here among us!” As you step in behind the bronze-skinned Goliath, you recognize the victim as Kofa.

Dawndra] “Kofa!” I check to see if there is any hope of reviving her.

] The half-orc shows zero signs of life. The rune engraved ice dagger is plunged directly into her heart, just as with the other victims.

Kildar] “Did you know her?” I ask the white lady

Dawndra] “She was… she was my friend… for a moment. Why would the Ice Rune Killer target Kofa?”

Kildar] “Ice Rune Killer? You make it sound serial.”

] Shent has come beside you. “It is very serial. This makes 16 killed in the same manner in the past few tendays.”

Kildar] “Sixteen!? Any idea why?”

] Shent “Many of the victims have been competitors in the games, a few have been judges for the game events. But several just make no sense, like this one.”

Dawndra] “My gut tells me that singed little halfling is somehow behind this. Kofa was his slave and she just told me he was going to release her from the bond. I doubted the truth of it. There is something else too… I didn’t think to connect it before, but when Pakbak Cinderfoot attacked me the first time, he was encased in some sort of ice suit. It made him eight foot tall and powerful. What if the magic that creates that ice suit is somehow related to the daggers made of ice?”

] Shent “Did you see any runes on the ice suit?”

Dawndra] “Not that I recall, but maybe?”

] Shent “If there is some connection, we will find it. I plan on keeping an eye on Torrga and her cronies after this crowd disspates. I will watch for the blackened halfing.”

Kildar] “Roogs… are you guys, like, secret militia or something?”

Dawndra] “Nothing like that. This makes two of our friends dead by this killer – we are probably more interested in vengeance than justice.”

Killdar] “That’s like, whirly.”

Dawndra] “Whirly?”

Kildar] “You know… like fluster-flap!”

Dawndra] “Uh.. Fluster-flap… right… ok. Clever.”

Kildar] “Exactly Roog.”

Dawndra] “Roog? My name is Dawndra. This is my friend and guide Shent.”

Kildar] “Well met Dawndra. Shent. I am Kildar Scarpskimmer Dalar”

] Shent “Whirly name.”

Kildar] “Yeah! You really think?”

] Shent “Yeah, as whirly as I’ve ever heard.”

Kildar] “Thanks Roog. I hope you Righters find that killer and return some blood soundly! I see my Maater giving me stinkeye… I better go tend. Good dagor Roogs!”

] The colorful goliath weaves his way back thru the crowd.

] Shent “Did you understand any of that?”

Dawndra] “About every third word. But with looks like that, he can talk to me however he wants.”

] Shent “Wait… what? Are you experiencing some sort of mating fever? Is this the time for that?”

Dawndra] “No! and no it is not! I was just saying… forget I did… if you will.”

] Shent “Let’s go keep an eye on Torgga. Maybe too we can find a bite and a beer in distance.”

] The two of you spend several hours hanging around the Market Square of Brynn Shander. Torgga’s merchant tables offer many kinds of gear and provisions but no weapons. You observe several customers interact with Torgga and then disappear behind a structure for several minutes before Torgga returns to the tables. She has with her four brutes which spend the whole time standing around like they are guarding the merchandise. A few hours before nhyx arrives, they pack up their tables and load things onto two sled-wagons. The four ruffians then start dragging the sleds to the north end of the market and then towards the Northgate. After securing their wagons behind the Northlook, Torgga and two of the henchmen go into the tavern and two remain with goods.

Dawndra] “The Northlook… just great…. They go into the one place I am banned from.”

] Shent “We don’t need to go in. At least not the both of us. The killer must be one of the four bodyguards. Torgga herself is a nasty villian according to most of the other merchants… but I don’t suspect her of sticking ice knives in unsuspecting folk… she is all about the gold.”

Dawndra] “We could just continue to watch to see if we can catch the ice killer in the act… or…”

] Shent “Or do the Tentowns a favor and bury them all.”

Dawndra] “That feels like something a villian might do. I’m not sure… my gut says we shouldn’t just assasinate them like the Ice Rune Killer is doing.”

] Shent “Well we can just go question the two watching the wagons. Who knows what a few pointed questions might lead to… and if start some kack, then we bury them… how does that feel in your belly?”

Dawndra] “Better I suppose. Not a lot better… but I keep second-guessing this killing thing so maybe I’m no guide to moral choices right now.”

] Shent “One of these brutes has killed sixteen people. More are certain to die. Is it not a moral choice to save innocents by removing the guilty – permanently?”

Dawndra] “You are right. It is exactly that. If I had just finished Pakbak when I had the chance, maybe Kofa would would be alive.” We approach the two guards behind the Northlook. Before I open my mouth, I pull my ice pin and shake my long white hair free as I approach.”Greetings. We would like to ask you some questions about the Ice Rune killings?”

] Thug “Move along.” he says while putting a hand on the hilt of his sword.

] Shent also puts hands to weapons “You don’t understand. We are here to question you. We will move along once we have some good answers. And if we don’t get any… well… I’ve been itchin to try out my new axe.”

Dawndra] “Let us just be straight forward. Which one of you is killing people with daggers made of ice?”

] Thug “Us? The Ice Rune Killer?!” he starts laughing coarsely. “What gives you that idea?”

] Shent “Those ugly things you call faces… to start with. There have been sixteen killings among the Tentowns, and your crew has been present in each at the time. If its not you, perhaps Torgga herself is the Ice Rune Killer.”

] Thug “That is even more funny!”… the other thug adds “Though she certainly has the bells to do it.”

Dawndra] “What about the others? Either of them absent from your crew during the murders?”

] Both of them fully draw their blades and take stances. “We are only going to tell you once more… move along or we are going to do what we get paid to.”

] Shent prepares for combat “So then you are paid killers!” He attacks the thug on the right [()] and strikes with a critical blow. The Riftblade of the Crusader slices into the flippant bodyguard with such power that he drops his sword and falls backward and to the snowy ground. The other thug yells something in response as he advances but the words made no sense to you.

Dawndra]  I attempt to stop him short with my ice pike

] You spear the bodyguard from 10 feet away, drawing blood. He is more angry than daunted by the blow. He steps in to deliver some return [()] but does not get close enough. Shent, rather than striking the fallen human flanks the thug attacking you. [()] His alternate arm is badly hurt by the glimmering battleaxe. The other struggles to his feet and finds his longsword and attacks Shent [()]striking but weakly.

Dawndra] I taunt them a bit “I don’t know friend, neither of these fellows seem mighty enough to be the Ice Rune Killer. I think their swords are just too big for them.” I strike and then take Patient Defense.

] The henchmen of Torgga is apparently unsettled by anger as he attacks you. [()] You easily tap his blade away with your pike and create an opening for a counter attack

Dawndra]

] His anger is chased away by surprise and then fear as your ten foot long needle drives through his shoulder and protrudes from it back for a second before you spin step and yank it back. His sword arm goes slack and he drops his blade. Panic takes over and he runs from the combat, giving you another easy attack.

Dawndra] Without pausing to consider options, I target a vital spot on his back.

] Your weapon slides easily through and exits from his chest, spraying the snow with a shower of blood. Seeing this, the other bodyguard is also suddenly panic’d and drops his sword.

] Thug “Yield! Yield! I am far outmatched and wish to live!”

] Shent “On your knees!” he strikes the back of the bodyguards legs and the thug complies

Dawndra] “So about our questions… ”

] Thug “I really know nothing about the Ice Rune Killer! Honestly it is not me!”

Dawndra] “Who in your group might you suspect then?”

] Thug “Maybe Sephek… He seems capable. He’s only been with us a short while… he disappears all the time and shows up when he feels like it.”

Dawndra] “Is this Sephek in the Northlook with Torgga?”

] Thug “N…n…no. Haven’t seen him since crex, before the Fray games opening.”

] Shent “What does this Sephek look like?”

] Thug “Tall… Black hair with grey sweeps. Cold eyes.”

Dawndra] “Not sure how much that helps us. Now about all of the merchants you have been shaking down. I would like to see their coin returned to them. Do you think you can do that?”

] Thug “Torgga has it. We keep none of it…  Honest, I have only what’s left of paid wages.”

] Shent “That seems difficult to believe. Let’s just kill him and search through pockets afterwards.”

] Thug “No!  Look look…” he empties his pouch into the snow. “Less then 30 gold… its all I’ve got. Look through the wagons if you want, but Torrga doesn’t trust us with her coin.”

Dawndra] “Perhaps we will let you live for now. But you go tell Torgga that justice is tracking her down and her blood will color snow soon if she does not makes things right. Then you leave Tentowns forever and find honorable work. Trust me… if I suspect you are just going to go victimize more innocent folk, I’m going to regret letting you live, I don’t like feeling regret.”

] Thug “I will. I swear I will do as you say if you let me live. I will deliver your message to Torgga and then disappear.” He runs off towards the front of the Northlook after you motion him to leave.

Dawndra] “If he does tell Torgga, we will probably have company in just a minute or two.”

] Shent “Ambush? Or face-off?”

Dawndra] “Intimidation. Hand me a rope.” I throw the rope over an eave and tie it to the legs of the corpse. “This might be grotesque, but it might save some blood. We act crazy when they come, beating this corpse with fierce vengeance.”

] Shent “I can do crazy. Sounds like fun.”  He starts yelling obscenities at the dangling corpse and beating it with fists.

] As expected, three others soon appear around the back of the Northlook, a female Dwarf and the other two human thugs. They stop short when they see the two of you beating the swaying corpse of their cohort.

Dawndra] “And your mother should be hiding her sorry face in shame for bringing you into the realms!” I kick the corpse to swing it back to Shent. “Where’s your father!? He needs a beating too!” I fake a tremble and a shake as if gone mad. [Intimidation Check]

Dawndra]

[()]

] One of the thugs begins vomiting, the other seems frozen in place. Torrga looks confused.

Dawndra] “You!” I point my ice pike at Torgga. “Get over here!” I yell loudly and as ferociously as I can pretend. “Are you his mother!?”

] Torrga shoves the upright thug forward. “Kill them.”

] Shent “Oh yummy! More play things!” He begins skipping gleefully towards them with his battle axe swinging wildly around his head. He releases a loud cackling laughter which surprises everyone, even you Dawndra.

Dawndra] I begin to honestly giggle at the sight of Shent skipping thru the snow but then I play it up. “Go get ’em junior!”

[()]

] The two thugs scramble away, falling into the snow repeatedly as they go. Torrga readies her axes for combat.

Dawndra] “We don’t need to kill you Torrga, put your weapons away. We are looking for Sephek.”

] Torrga “What do you want with Sephek?” She deepens her stance.

Dawndra] “We believe him to be the Ice Rune Killer.”

] Torrga “What!? That is hardly… Why?”

] Shent “The killer is traveling with merchants, and only Torg’s Merchantry has been in every town at the time of a killing. If it’s not Sephek, it must be you!”

] Torrga “Certainly not! Do I look like a serial killer?”

Dawndra] “You look like a thug and a bully who is extorting gold from honest merchants.”

] Shent “Maybe she does need to die. Can I kill her please?” he says wildly, still lost in character.

] Torrga “Come try!” she steels herself

] From beyond the wagons behind you, a voice interupts. “Looks like you need some help Torrga.” You turn and see a tall human dressed in slick black leathers. His hair is long and black with waving streaks of grey. His eyes indeed cold.

] Torrga “Sephek! Just in time! Kill these freaks!”

] Sephek “In time dear midgeling.” He draws a rapier slowly as he circles around the scene. “Some things must be savored a while else they spoil ones appetite.”

Dawndra] I position myself to keep both Torrga and Sephek in view. “At last. The Ice Rune Killer meets his fate.”

] Sephek “Who first spoke that moniker I wonder… I suppose it makes some sense but is it not a bit… drab? Perhaps if they saw what I am really consumating.”

] Shent “By the cold bones of Hlin I shall end you.” He charges Sephek.

[()]

] A massive wall of a water, 10 feet high and 1 foot thick rises up magically from the ground as Sephek speaks some words in a language that sounds like the giant tongue. The water encircles you and Shent then transforms instantly into clear ice.

] Sephek “The time for your bloodlust may arrive, but not today. You have been choosen my witnesses.” he says loudly

Dawndra] “Chosen? By whom?”

] Sephek “By me of course. Sephek Kaltro!”

] Torrga “What is this Sephek? Are you actaully who they claim?”

] Sephek “Fear not Torrga Icevein, my scamp of an employer… you too have been chosen!”

] He runs a hand around an invisible circle. Within the circle, a thin sheet of ice appears in front of Torrga. Runes glow within the surface and begin to spin. Torrga is suddenly frozen, mesmerized by the turning runes of ice in front of her. The edges of the spinning circle pull back, creating a sharp point. A moment later the funnel shape transforms into a dagger and as if released from a bow, it drives deep into the chest of the hypnotized Torrga. She remains standing as a shimmering mist escapes her dying eyes. It floats a moment until Sephek again makes a circular motion with his hand and the mist rushes into it, disappearing. Her body falls into snow, lifeless.

] Shent “What in name of the Wanderer did we just witness.” he says in a whisper.

Dawndra] “What have you stolen from her Sephek?” I say loudly enough to be heard beyond our ice cage.

] Sephek “The most beautiful thing about her. Perhaps, in Torrga’s case… the only beautiful thing. I find it so much more elegant than chopping off a hand with an axe… don’t you think?” he begins walking away. “The blessings of nhyx to you friends.” he turns the corner of the Northlook.

Dawndra] “Well I suppose the mystery is solved.”

] Shent “But the killer has just sauntered away.”

Dawndra] “What do you think he meant by ‘it’s better than chopping off a hand’?”

] Shent “No idea. Is that something serial killers do? Chop off a hand for a trophy or something?”

Dawndra] “Maybe. I think he stole her soul. What kind of evil collects souls as trophies…”

] Shent “The worst kind. Let’s see if we can free ourselves from this ice trap.” He throws a rope over the wall. “Help me over and I’ll ground the other side so you can climb out.”

] His idea works perfectly. You lift him up far enough that he can climb over and down his rope. Then, wrapping it around his legs and waist and pulling backwards, he anchors the rope enough to support your weight. A momement later, you jump to the ground.

] Shent “Shall we search Torrga for the extorted coin?”

Dawndra] “No. We need to hurry away else something think we are responsible. But… Let’s go tell the North Gate guard that we discovered another victim.”

] You report yet another Ice Rune Killer victim and then spend the rest of fore-nhyx at the Rest with Samsam and Melthor.

The Ice Temple Alzvar

] You are with Shent, Samsam and Melthor in the Spine of the World. Yesterday you found and rescued The Red Drakes while on your way to Alzvar to meet someone named Sharvasla, whom you currently believe may be your mother. The three remaining Red Drakes, Thavlia, Garlvan and Brallga, have acccompanied you in order to finish their mission – delivering a special package from Nim Bragos. Sharvasla apparently buys many enchanted artifacts through the Calishite merchant. He asked you to deliver one as well, safely guarded inside a magical sack made by Norli Bragos – one which only Sharvasla would be able to open.

] The 7 of you had a quick meal at Crotta’s and then portaled back to Frostfalls Vale while it was still First Shadow. The valley was filled with a thick mist and you could not see from one side to the other. The eastern side of the pass proved to be a challenging climb down multiple cliff faces caked in thick ice. The Red Drakes have made this same trip several times before but it had been a year since and it took time to set new rope anchors to hold the extra weight. The last half of the climb went down deep into a crevasse where the mountain had apparently been split in two.  At the bottom of the crevasse you found a raging underground river covered over with a sheet of amazing clear ice which must have been 50 feet thick. You followed it north for nearly a mile before it opened up into a large crescent-shaped pocket in the mountain.

] The cliff walls tower around you as Garlvan directs you to the entrance of the Ice Temple Alzvar. Centered on the inward arc of the mountainous structure is an ornate entrance carved in ice. The doorway, some 30 feet tall and at least half that wide, is covered in what appears to be a curtain of translucent ice. There is no apparent way through. You notice a faint glow of light coming from within.

] Garlvan “Welcome to Alzvar!”

] Samsam “Astonishing! Are we lost in a dream?”

] Shent “Those engravings are remarkable, surely Dwarven design! But in ice? The stories say Alzvar was a sanctum of Frost Giants…”

] Brallga “I thought the same. Unmistakably Dwarven crafting.”

Dawndra] “But the entrance is entirely sealed in ice, how do we get in?”

] Thavila “We don’t. At least, we never have. We deliver our package into that chest there.” She points at a large box made entirely of ice extruding from the frame of the entrance. “Then we marvel a bit more and turn back towards Tentowns.”

] Melthor “I could marvel all day… just look at – hey look!”

] You see faint movement and hear large heavy footsteps from behind the curtain of ice. Someone is approaching and you quickly realize it is a Frost Giant.

] Melthor “Frost Giant! Run!” he scrambles back toward the river.

] Everyone else runs with borderline panic as the nearly 20 foot tall giant approaches the doorway.

Dawndra] “Hey! There is nowhere run, what are you doing?” I stand ready and pull my hair pin but do not extend it. “We don’t even know if there is a threat!”

] The Frost Giant is almost clearly visible behind the curtain. She is stunningly beautiful, with azure-blue skin and long black hair. Her facial features , although massive, are delicate. She smiles when she sees you standing there and then pulls back the ice curtain as though it were made of silk. It actually ripples and creases like a curtain as though in a state somewhere between water and ice.

] Frost Giant “Sharvasla! You are back! Who are your friends? Why did you not… wait… you look… young?”

Dawndra] “Greetings friend. I am not Sharvasla. I am called Dawndra. I am looking for Sharvasla. I am looking, I think… for my mother.”

] Frost Giant “The Lofty Snow Lass! The lost one has found her way home at last! Enter! Enter!”

Dawndra] “Lofty what…? ”

] Frost Giant “You surely have better questions than that young one. I will answer what I can. Enter and rest.”

] Shent has stepped back beside you. “Is it safe?”

] Frost Giant “I stopped eating Dwarves a long time ago friend. No harm will come to you here – least of all from Soll Koli!”

Dawndra] I enter into the temple “Soll Koli? That is your name?”

Soll Koli] “Yes Dawndra the Arktikos, I am the Skald Sol Koli. Perhaps you have heard my name before?”

Dawndra] “Er, no… not that I recall.. Well met Sol Koli! This is my friend and guide Shenthrik Spinedelver and the others…” I look back to see where they others are.

] Soll Koli “A Spinedelver! Can’t be! The dragon says the entire Spinedelver Clan lines its lair as frozen sentries. If you are truly a Spinedelver, then you know your actual lineage is…”

] Shent “Battlehammer… yes. I am kin to the shield dwarves of Mithril Hall.”

Dawndra] “And this is our friend and my student, Samsam.”

] Samsam “You are so… beautiful! I thought Frost Giants were supposed to be ugly and mean… but you are… so beautiful!”

] Soll Koli “Kind words from a little one, thank you Samsam. You are quite captivating yourself. All that amazing red hair…  and such deep blue eyes… where do you come from Samsam?”

] Samsam “Bryn Shander! Its nice! Well… not nice like Alzvar. This is an amazing place! ” She wanders in staring up at the decorative walls and ceilings.

] The rest of your party hestitantly joins you and you introduce each by name. The interior of Alzvar is truly amazing. All of the walls and ceilings are decorated with carved ice much like the exterior frame of the entrance but massive and overwhelming in size. The temple interior is nearly 100 feet wide and stretches into the mountain several hundred feet. At the far end you see a giant statue centered against the prominant wall.

Dawndra] “Soll Koli… a moment ago you called me an… Ark something or other. I do not know the word… what does it mean?”

] Soll Koli “Arktikos. I failed to consider you may not even know… It is what your kind are called, like Shent is “Dwarven” and these two are “Dragonborn”, you are an Arktikos.”

Dawndra] “Where do we come from?”

] Soll Koli “Why right here – Alzvar! It is quite a story, but given the circumstances, I think it best to allow Sharvasla to reveal your secrets to you. There are things you will know once you meet – things that should have been yours from a child… things I cannot pass on to you. But I can say that your own history is one with this temple. Welcome home Dawndra!”

Dawndra] “Thank you Soll Koli. It feels strangely like home. When do you expect Sharvasla to return?”

] Soll Koli “I can’t say. She went in search of you Dawndra. She has been looking for you since the day you were lost. But I gave her the first big clue didn’t I! The Lofty Snow Lass!”

Dawndra] “You mentioned… but what is The Lofty Snow Lass?”

] Soll Koli “Why it is you – it must be you! Or rather, about you. The Lofty Snow Lass is a bards tune that has recently become popular. It tells of your mighty stature, your snow-white fur, and most tellingly, your ice weapon. That is when I knew I had found you. Sharvasla has a weapon just like it. Truth of it, there are many weapons here like it, but only her spear and yours will respond to your will.”

Dawndra] “Bards are singing songs about me? How can that be?”

] Soll Koli “They tell of your adventure to crush the sinister Lallargh before she could destroy the Moonshae Isles.”

Dawndra] “Lallargh? But I didn’t… crush… anyone. Lallargh is a villain to be sure, and she gave me and my family troubles, but if she was defeated, certainly I had nothing to do with it.”

] Soll Koli “Ah… Always trust a bard to lie! Or at least embellish the truth a bit. And I can see there was enough truth in the song. You did live in Norland then?”

Dawndra] “Yes, but..”

] Soll Koli “And you did have conflict with the Firbold Lallargh?”

Dawndra] “Yes, I suppose conflict is a fair word. But…”

] Soll Koli “Then the rest is entertainment. The truth of the song was enough for Sharvasla to travel to find you in Norland.”

Dawndra] “But I am not in Norland, and I’ve not been in a tenyear.”

] Soll Koli “Exactly why ‘The Continuing Saga of the Lofty Snow Lass’ is going to be a legend. I knew I had to write it as soon as you said your name.”

Dawndra] “Now you are going to write a tale about me?”

] Soll Koli “I am the Skald Soll Koli, you should expect no less. Stories are my meat and milk! My sun and sky! And your story is…. Well… rich deserts I expect. Yet also I feel your story to be still merely at the first verse however – the prelude of an epic. I see your mother’s strength in your heart and may the Realms shake as you journey thru them. There shall be many tales to be told – of this I am certain. For now, however, allow me to offer you refreshment. You have journeyed far.” She leads your party over to large crystal-formed font filled with a clear liquid that appears to be somewhere in state between water and ice. There is a single-ounce dipper spoon hanging from its side. “Measure a single spoon and drink – this will restore you and strengthen you.”

Dawndra] I follow her counsel and drink a single dose of the liquid.

] The ice-cold substance feels like gelfat as it slides down your throat, yet it warms you as it enters your belly. You immediately feel like you have awoken fresh from a long nights peaceful sleep. You gain (4d4+4 = 14) temporary HP. Your whole body is energized and alert.

Dawndra] “This feels amazing! ”

] Soll Koli “Sharvasla calls it her Elixir of Trilirime. I’ve gone a whole tenday without sleep using only a single dose a day.”

] Melthor “If one dose can do that, what would two or three doses be capable of?!”

] Soll Koli “I’ve never tried it, and never would in light of the doom-warnings Sharvasla gave. Too much of a good thing is never a good thing… oh, I should write that down. ”

] The rest of the party enjoys a dose of The Elixir of Trilirime as Soll Koli pulls a giant-sized chair over to where there are a handful of human-sized chairs. She waits for you all to join her.

] Soll Koli “Spinedelver! Tell us a story yes?”

] Shent “Wha? I don’t…”

] Soll Koli “Surely a Ranger of the Spine has many grand stories to tell.”

] Shent “How did you know I was a Spine Ranger? How do you even know of our company?”

] Soll Koli “Would you believe me if I said I could smell the fact? Probably no… but I am not now the teller in this story circle… give us the figures of one of your grandest adventures.”

] Shent “Well it true that I have seen a thing or two but retelling them is not… I’m not one to talk story like my father.”

] Soll Koli “Oh? Well then tell us a story as your father.”

] Shent “I’ve heard the stories recounted plenty so I suppose I can tell one. Thaarnik Spinedelver is among the heroes of Tentowns, and the people still treat him so even though many do not even remember the dire conflicts with the barbarian hordes. It was well over a hundred years ago that the tribes of the Reghedmen banded together to end the invaders, as they saw the towns. There was an outcast Drow who…”

] Soll Koli cuts him off “Drizzt Do’Urden yes?”

] Shent “Yes, Drizzt Do’Urden… he somehow learned early of the attack and for some reason alerted the towns so that they could fight prepared. My father was called to their defense by Bruenor Battlehammer – his clan leader.”

] Soll Koli “So then Thaarnik Spinedelver began his life as a Battlehammer?”

] Shent “Yes, he born under Kelvin’s Cairn into the Battlehammer clan. As I was saying, Thaarnik was called to defend Bryn Shander, along with my two older brothers…”

] Soll Koli “… and their names are?”

] Shent “…were… Tornidir and Umgrin. The barbarians approached Bryn Shander, thinking they had the advantage of surprise, but it was they who were unprepared for an ambushing onslaught. Their numbers were quickly decimated and the town saved but at great cost to my father. Both sons fell in the defense. His grief was powerful upon him and vengeance colored his eyes – though his sons enemies were already dead. It was a Genasi, a priestess of Shaundakul, who…”

] Soll Koli “Fizzy? Was the priestess named Fizzy?”

] Shent “You do not make story telling easy do you Soll Koli? Yes, her name was in fact Fizzy. I stagger to discover that you know of Fizzy but if I ask you to explain, I will never finish the telling. This priestess saw the fires of hate in Thaarnik, but also the root of love, and ceased her wander-travels for a time to heal my fathers heart. He usually skips over that part of the story himself. Anyway… when Clan Battlehammer determined a return to Mithral Hall, Thaarnik opted to stay where his sons lay buried. Many others stayed behind as well, deciding to find a new home here in the Spine of the World rather than leave Icewind Dale with Clan Battlehammer.”

] Soll Koli “And they formed Clan Spinedelver!”

] Shent “Yes. Thaarnik was not ashamed of his clan name, yet decided to join with the remnant. Today, only he and I carry the clan name because, as you mention… the dragon of their demise. It sounds like you know that story already.”

] Soll Koli “More… I’ve seen them… the standing tomb corpses of your kinsmen – some frozen in place with working tools in hand as the white dragon unleashed its uncanny frost breath upon them.”

] Shent “I was a babe still when that happened. In fact, my father was not with his kin at the time because of me he says.”

] Samsam “So you saved his life?! Even as an infant?”

] Shent “I suppose that is the truth of it… There you have it, my father’s story is told and I tire of the telling.”

] Soll Koli “Thank you Shenthrik Spindelver. I know you surely have more to tell, but I will give you leave of it.” She turns to the firehaired girl. “Samsam – tell us a story?”

] Samsam “Me? I have no adventures to tell of! I live with my gran-gran and help her run the Rest. My father carried this sword” she draws the longsword out “but I know nothing of his adventures either. My mother is a mystery to me – gran-gran never speaks of her.”

] Soll Koli “Surely you have had at least one adventure. Something has ignited the brave-flame within you – I can sense it surely.”

] Samsam “Well yes, I have had one adventure, just this tenday in fact. You see I met Dawndra when she came to the Rest asking around for Shent, who happened to have certain…” she looks to Shent with a smile… “feelings over, and well I suppose thinking back on it, I didn’t treat Dawndra all too kindly…” she looks to you “sorry Dawndra”

Dawndra] I smile at Samsam “You did no wrong friend.”

] Samsam “and then Shent and Dawndra chased off after a serial killer we thought to be in Easthaven and I couldn’t find my fathers sword… and besides gran-gran said there were chores and…”

] Soll Koli “You have no aspirations to bardhood do you Samsam?”

] Samsam “What? No, I guess, maybe? I don’t know what you mean?”

] Soll Koli “Nevermind… you were trying to find your fathers sword…”

] Samsam “Yes! And I did find it. Gran-gran had it all wrapped in oily rags in the basement behind the split kegs I never fixed. Suddenly I knew, I just knew, like right here in my chest…” she grabs a large handful of a large breast for illustration “I knew that Shent was gonna need my help soon and I had to hurry. I borrowed an axebeak… oh… I forgot about that… I still need to pay Elgin for that axebeak… he’s going to give me stink-eye when I get home… I caught up to them and they were just getting ready to ambush three maraudin Verbeeg.”

] Melthor “Actually, we were hiding from them, hoping to avoid any blood-spill.”

] Samsam “Right, but from where I was it looked like a grand attach scheme and I thought ‘Here I am just in perfect time! I knew my chest was true!” She grabs her breast again for effect. “We vanquished the marauders and then found ourselves outside the White Cliff Caves of Xover… and there was this sound like a wind-witch howling from caves… and a half-elf holding and these frozen men who could speak into your mind and make you want to do things you don’t want to do and… oh! Yeah! There was a frost giant too! Not a living one…. But it still had some skin… didn’t it Shent?”

] Shent “It did have some still hanging on its bones Samsam, you are accurate if confusing.”

] Soll Koli “I have heard a few verses about the Xover cult. Is it true they are all buried in a pool of quicksilver?”

Dawndra] “We did not see a pool of quicksilver, but now that you mention it… the blue men who were not men… they bleed something like quicksilver.”

] Shent “They didn’t exactly bleed… they sort of… spilled the stuff and then fell into a pile of bones.”

] Soll Koli “Quicksilver and a pile of bones? Constructs of the Netheril? Someone is using the Netherese Catafalques again? Oh Rivers of Iallanis! This is troubling. But please continue.”

] Samsam “After that we helped the merchants get to Easthaven. We never found the serial killer. Then Dawndra and Shent gave me this bow and this magical blindfold, you should really try it, though I suppose it might not fit for you, but it makes far seem really close once I draw back on the bow and it even shows me with a little red spot where my arrow will be if I let it go.”

] Soll Koli “Thank you Samsam. That really is quite the adventure isn’t it? You are both brave and strong Samsam, keep your heart as it is today and you will have bards singing of you for a hundred years – of this I confident.” She turns to Garlvan and Thavila. “You two are the founders of the Red Drakes are you not? You have been here before yes?”

] Garlvan “Yes, but only to the threshold, to deliver packages from Bryn Shander.”

] Soll Koli “How did would-be adventurers become messengers? Surely there is a story there to be told?”

] Garlvan “We are still adventurers!”

] Soll Koli “I did not mean to denigrate, I retract the words. But please tell us a story?”

] Thavila “Like many in the Frozenfar, we had to flee our home as fugitives.”

] Garlvan “We originally fled eastward from Tymanther to the Calim Desert, thinking we were plenty far from our troubles…”

] Thavila “That is where we met Nim Bragos – in the Coinmother in Memnon.”

] Garlvan “We did some artifact recovery for him – Calimshan is rampant with lost treasures underground.”

] Thavila “And that is how we first met our darling rogue – Lorvus.”

] Soll Koli “Lorvus?”

] Garlvan “A prominent and long-time member of the Red Drakes. We had to cover his body just yesterday in Frostfalls Pass.”

] Soll Koli “I am sorry to hear. Tell me of your meeting?”

] Thavila “We were hired to recover the Wand of Myntharan from an estate in Teshburl…”

] Garlvan “It was not exactly thievery… the artifact had been stolen a year prior from a pasha of Calimport who was eager for its return.”

] Thavila “Still we needed a thief. Stealth and Slight are not exactly in our box of tricks… ”

] Garlvan “We actually were on our way to the local Thieves Guild to hire out some assistance when we were nearly knocked over by an escaping Lorvus – guards in pursuit.”

] Thavila “Something about his quirky smile in that moment made me think we must aid him. So I cast a little confusion and scattered the guards to ensure his escape. Somehow he knew and circled back to find us.”

] Garlvan “Spent the evening drinking with him in The Roving Rune. We have been a team ever since.”

] Thavila “It was not long after that when our own troubles caught up with us. The Nine found us in Memnon.”

] Garlvan “Sent a Genasi assasin after us they did. I was nearly made dead by a poisoned bolt in the back.”

] Thavila “We escaped by hiding in Nim’s caravan as he traveled north. And that is how we found ourselves in Icewind Dale.”

] Soll Koli “Are your ‘troubles’, this ‘Nine’ you mention, still seeking you?”

] Garlvan “Far as we know, yes.” He turns to Thavila and whispers… “we probably should not name our troubles dearest, its one way to dodge back luck at least.”

] Thavila “Of course. Please forget my mention of the Nine?”

] Soll Koli “Understood – forgotten it is.” She shifts her large frame towards the other dwarf of the party. “We have not heard a single word from you friend. Ballga was it?”

] Brallga “Brallga. Brallga Thornhold. Please excuse my withdrawn mood.”

Dawndra] “We just extracted Brallga from a mad alchemist’s device. I would say it seemed a harrowing experience.”

] Soll Koli “You will have to just tell me your story another time then Brallga. Please feel welcomed to whatever comforts you might need now.”

] Melthor “I can tell my story. I joined the Bryn Shander City Militia because it was a simple way to blend in and disappear in the Frozenfar, but I am originally from Everlund. My father is a Principal in the Vale Army – and a hard man to serve under. He trained me to be a soldier since my earliest memories, but pleasing Hamlin Farkill is an impossibility – especially if you are his only son. Ironic it is really that I became a member of the millitia here because when I left Everlund, I left my sword behind – a message to my father that I was rejecting the life he intended for me. I came to Tentowns after seeing a piece of art made here from the Knucklehead Trout. ‘That is what I want to be’ I thought… ‘an artist!’. And so I travelled to Icewind Dale to try my hand at scrimshaw. It turns out I am not very good at it in the end.”

] Samsam “Melthor Farkill is your full name then?”

] Melthor “Yes, but I keep that hidden so my father will not find me – not that he cares to look for me. I assumed the name Melthor Laycwyn…  that is how folk know me in Bryn Shander.”

] Soll Koli leans down from her sitting position towards Melthor “How long did you practice scrimshaw before deciding you were not good at it?”

] Melthor “I don’t know, a few tendays at least.”

] Soll Koli “Did you seek out a teacher to help you learn?

] Melthor “Not exactly, I watched some of the artists in town do their craft, I tried to pick up their techniques.”

] Soll Koli “Did you ask them questions?”

] Melthor “I would not want to bother their work.”

] Soll Koli sitting back up says “I don’t know much about scrimshaw, but I will tell you this… an endeaver to create any sort of art takes far more than a few tendays. It usually requires a skilled teacher also, someone willing to guide your hands for a while until they develop a knack for the craft. Creating art is like learning to speak another language. In fact it is another language. When you create art, you are speaking from a place inside you, telling the world what is important about the world in your perspective. You are saying ‘Here world, take a look see! This is what is beautiful, this is what is good, this is what is true.’ If you have a desire to be an artist, do not silence that desire, but also be very patient with it. Give it time to grow and develop within you. Learn and practice and practice and learn. Maybe its not going to be Knucklehead Trout bones… but find what you can to express that desire. I trust your art will impress.”

] Melthor “Thank you Soll Koli. I will carry your wisdom with me.”

] Soll Koli shifts her attention to you Dawndra and smiles “The Lost Daughter… tell us what you know about your origins?”

Dawndra] “It would seem you know far more than I Soll Koli.”

] Soll Koli “Perhaps yes. But it has been nearly 3 tenyears since your mother saw you, nearly 3 tenyears of trying to discover the story of what happened and only you can tell it now.”

Dawndra] “I grew up in the mountains of Norland. The story I was told by the elders of our village was this; As a mere baby I was found along the shoreline in ship wreckage. I was wrapped in a fur pinned tight with this.” I remove my ice pin from my hair and show it to Soll Koli. “This is the weapon you spoke of earlier, but for many years it was just a hair pin. I feel it is a part of me, in fact if you were to take it and hide it from me, I would know just where it is – I feel it pull on me.”

] Soll Koli “In a way, it is a part of you… but back to the shoreline… Who found you?”

Dawndra] “A shaman of the Uthgardt – or so I was told. He knew by my size and skin that I did not belong with the humans… the Northmen would not accept me as one of theirs, nor would the Ffolk of the Isles. So he took me into the Jotunhammer Mountains and found a Firbolg family which was willing to raise me as one of theirs. And they did, with some kindness even, but it was always obvious that I was a misfit. Only Sheogor really treated me like I belonged. He loved me like a true brother. I find now saying his name causes me to miss him.”

] Soll Koli “Sheogor was one of the Firbolg?”

Dawndra] “Yes. He too was a baby when I arrived. We grew up together really. It is probably my fault, but he was also a kind of misfit of the tribe. He preferred the company of trees and wildlife over his own kin. If ever I went to find him, he would be sitting alone in the upper forests listening to movements of the tress.”

] Soll Koli “You had nothing to do with that Dawndra… all Firbolg tend towards nature. In fact they are among the very best caretakers of the lands among the Realms. They all tend to be reclusive and find their sacred moments alone in nature. Sheogor is more like a brother to you that perhaps you know… you are both giant-kin. But I risk revealing too much… please tell how you came to leave Norland?”

Dawndra] “Giant-kin? I suppose that should be no great shock… I just had never considered it might be the case… Leaving Norland… well it probably started five or six years prior to actually leaving. I found I could extend my ice pin by willing it so. At first it was just a small change.” I demonstrate shifting the to the size of a dagger. “As I played with it, it soon grew larger, longer. I began to suspect that my story was somehow tied to this magical item so I practiced fighting with it – every day. I must have been about 16 or 17 when I decided I needed to find a teacher to progress my skills with the pike.”

] Soll Koli “So you left Norland to find a teacher?”

Dawndra] “Yes. Well not at first. I started among the humans in Rogarsheim. I learned some basics of sword play and footwork in fighting from a fellow named Dahkern who had position at Stormbanner Hold. Dahkern was the combat trainer of there. I think he found me interesting if odd, and would teach me when he had spare time. I wanted to learn spear-fighting, and he taught what he could but soon suggested I find a master to study under. It was about a year later that I climbed aboard a ship heading towards Baldurs Gate. I started looking for a teacher there was eventually referred to Monastery of St. Domin by a wandering monk. I hopped another ship to Tethyr that same day. It was a disappointment however… Dohkern had greater martial expertise than the teachers of St. Domin. I wandered the region for several months taking on whatever work I could find – which led me to working the vineyards in a winery in the Small Teeth. I spent an entire season in the hillside vineyards and living in the worker shacks before even entering Treyvigg Monstary grounds. When I finally did climb the longstair to the main grounds, I was amazed to find groups practicing martial forms, specifically defensive forms and – to my delight – there was a Elder spear-master there. He soon recommended me as a novice and took me as his student. That was nearly ten years ago. Now I teach others at Treyvigg Monastery as Guide.”

] Soll Koli “Tethyr is a far to the south…. how is it you find yourself here in the far north?”

Dawndra] “Two reasons really. First of all, I came to Tentowns to compete in the Frozenfar Fray Games. One of my teachers, Elder Riandyl, suggested I test my skill in the games. She herself competed a few years back.”

] Shent “Riandyl hired me as her guide for that adventure.”

Dawndra] “Yes, that is how I met Shent, Elder Riandyl said I could trust him, and she spoke true. The other reason, also sparked by my teacher, was to see if I could discover something of my kind or kin in Icewind Dale. That led me to an undressed halfling merchant, who led me to the Red Drakes, who led me here. It all sounds more tidy that it actually is.”

] Soll Koli laughs “It always does Dawndra. How interesting that your small ice pin spurred you forward until you found yourself back at the place of your birth. Neither myself or Sharvasla would have anticipated it. Yet here you are. ”

Dawndra] “So my mother has been looking for me? For 30 years?”

] Soll Koli “She never lost hope that you survived the shipwreck. She said she could feel your life within her and never once gave to thinking you had died. No one could ever imagine that you would wash ashore so far south. Norland must be 700… 800 miles from Icepeak where your ship was attacked. And you were a helpless baby… surely there is more to that story. More than any will ever know I expect.”

Dawndra] “800 Miles! Are you telling me that I floated 800 miles on a piece of shipwreck as an infant?”

] Soll Koli “I’m saying you were aboard a ship with your mother near the Icepeak isle. The ship was attacked, I will leave out by who, and many were lost. Sharvasla barely survived. You somehow survived… and you are saying that were found 800 miles away. I find it quite as amazing as you do Snow Lass.”

Dawndra] “Wow! I always assumed that there was a shipwreck… but that it went down near Norland. Must I now suspect the gods of intervening?”

] Thavila “They often do Dawndra, and if they did on your behalf, I praise their wisdom.”

] Soll Koli “Surely the bards sing of such intervenings, and now the Skald Soll Koli will too! I’m hungry… who wants eats?”

] The Frost Giant leads you across the massive temple floor to a doorway on the far side. Within is a chamber with several branching tunnels – all high and wide. You follow as she walks with surprising lightness down one of the corridors where you begin to smell meats and spices. Within the well-stocked larder you all find something to please your appetites while Soll Koli gnaws on a strip of dried beef so big that looks to be the entire side of a beast.

] Soll Koli “I see you prefer a good axe Shent, like any dwarf worth his salt. No offense Brallga… Of course, your mace tells me you are likely a cleric and a cleric would just look strange with an axe.”

] Brallga “Verna speaks to you!?”

] Soll Koli “Wha? Verna? Who?”

Dawndra] “The mace. Brallga’s mace is… how does one explain it? It is inhabited… by someone named Verna.”

] Shent “A grumpy someone to be sure.”

] Brallga “She says you were no delight either Shent. It is generally true though, and she does not like to be touched by others.”

Soll Koli] “Amazing. I obviously did not intend to say Verna was telling me anything, only that it seems to me that a Dwarf with a mace is likely a special Dwarf with a special relationship. Who is it that you serve Brallga?”

] Brallga “I am a Haelan Cleric… in happy service to Haela Brightaxe.”

Soll Koli] “The Lady of the Fray! I know so little about her! You must tell me… when you in a good place to talk story of course, I would not rush you… but I’ve never met a Haelan Cleric…. The Kaxanar you are called right?”

] Brallga “Yes… Bloodmaidens.”

Soll Koli] “Fascinating… it is rare to meet a female Dwarf, much less a female Dwarf Cleric.. Much much less a Kaxanar! Your party must feel beyond honored by your presence.”

] Brallga “They don’t really know and I haven’t really cared to tell.”

] Garlvan “Kaxa what? Please do tell us Brallga?”

] Soll Koli “I fear I have pushed into a nettle-nest. My apologies Brallga. It seems I often have to take back words and unring bells. Perhaps my tongue is inhabited – by a sloppy drunk… We are all given right to hold and release our life stories as we will. Please friends, forgive and forget my intrusion into Brallga’s?”

] Thavila “But Brallga, we have walked together a year, fought and bled together… something so important to you.. Kept hidden?”

] Shent “I dare not speak on your behalf as a Bloodmaiden… but as a Dwarf, I can say that we assume those outside our race are also outside our ways and simply will not understand. It is a safe assumption, if sometimes false.”

] Brallga “Just quiet now!” She yells. Then she forcefully drops the heavy mace to the ground and steps back and looks around at you all. “It is possible Verna has also poisoned me against all others  – even those of my own race. I would be free of her… but I need her by my side. Verna is, or was, or… well I’m not sure… but Verna is also Kaxanar – once a high priestess… called to be one of the Hallowed Crimson. I am convinced that Verna will somehow intiate the return of Haela to the Realms. What that actually means… I’ve no knowledge. Verna is a burden I happily carry in hope of seeing my Lady Brightaxe in splendor.”

] Soll Koli “It is no wonder you have kept quiet on these things. I give you my word to share your silence. Surely everyone here does as well?” She looks around at everyone expecting agreement.

Dawndra] “Of course Brallga. And if there is any other way I can help you carry this burden…, please consider me a friend?”

] Soll Koli “And now a change of topic! Thavila… I notice you carry no weapons at all? Is this by choice?”

] Thavila “Not really… my quarterstaff was lost while I was forced to sleep in the old offal of an owlbear.”

Dawndra] “It was really quite an unpleasant smell. We, yesterday, found Thavila, Garlvan and Brallga – all captured, one way or another, but someone calling herself Tarina. She was creating these mutated beasts in large vats of slime and somehow using Garlvan and Brallga to do so.”

] Thavila “I would have rescued you myself, I was certain to when I triggered a trap. Last thing I remember was that noxious smell filling the cave… and then Dawndra and friends waking me. My quarterstaff has not been seen since.”

] Soll Koli “I want to ask more questions… but I’ve extracted plenty of story from my new friends for one day. Come with me to the armory… I’m certain Sharvasla will not mind gifting a few of her creations.”

] She leads you down another corridor into a large square room. There are crates stacked high near the entrance and throughout the rest of the room are racks filled with various weapons. They are all made entirely of ice.

] Soll Koli  “Please, each of you, choose one from those on display. You are welcomed to as well Dawndra, but I expect none will compare with what you already carry. ”

] Thavila is browsing a row of staves. “They are made of ice? Will they not shatter with first impact?”

] Soll Koli “They appear as ice but they are also something else. Dawndra… has your spear ever once shattered?”

Dawndra] “Never. It is stronger than any steel and lighter than wood. It has never failed me.”

] Shent picks up a battle axe. “It is so cold, how can I hold it in battle?”

] Soll Koli “These are all imbued with enchantments. Once attuned, your hand will not suffer cold. In fact you should find you have a better grip than ever before.”

] Melthor “Enchanted? How are we to know what sort of enchantment?”

] Soll Koli “Take your time, select one which feels right in your hands. That is all you need to decide. Then I will share what I know of the enchantment. ”

] Samsam “I am learning to use a bow, but I do not see any bows here?”

] Soll Koli “Right Samsam, there is a good reason for that, but I won’t bore you with the details. Here is something for you however.” She points to what looks like a thin vase made of ice, perfectly round and nearly invisible – like looking through water.

] Samsam “Oh! That is lovely! Our Summer Flowers will look beautiful in it! I am so pleased, thank you thank you Soll Koli!”

] Soll Koli looks to you Dawndra “She is not being snarky is she?”

Dawndra] “No…. I do not believe she knows how. That there is genuine gratitude from this girl.”

] Samsam “What? Hunh? I don’t understand…”

] Soll Koli laughs “You are delightful Samsam. It not for summer flowers. It is a magical quiver. Once you are attuned to the enchantment, it will produce powerful arrows made of ice. Simply fill the quiver part-way with water, or even snow, and when you reach for an arrow there will always be one for you. One thing to note, the arrow will return to liquid before long so you have release fairly quick – especially if targeting a long distance. Wait too long and your enemy will merely get a little wet.”

] Samsam “Wow! That is fantastic! Are you sure you want to give this to me?”

] Soll Koli “I am certain Sharvasla would be at least this generous and likely more. All of these items here are of her crafting. She would surely want the company of her lost daughter to be well-equiped. She might even be angry with me if I let you leave without a boon.”

] Shent “This battleaxe seems it will do just right.” he says while flipping the massive double-bladed weapon in circles to get a feel for the weight. “Amazing how ice can feel so perfectly weighted.”

] Soll Koli “Perhaps one of the most famous weapons from Shanatar. That is the Riftblade of the Crusader. The original belonged to Taark Shanak, founder of Shanatar.”

] Shent “You cannot be truthful. You have seen the actual battleaxe of Taark Shanak? It would be thousands of years old!”

] Soll Koli “Yes – from The Crown Wars. You would be surprised just how perfect the condition of the weapon is today. ”

] Shent “Is it… it’s not here is it?”

] Soll Koli “Not anymore. Given its significance, Sharvasla restored the artifact to its rightful home. I believe it now resides in the Underwatch. It was originally recovered by Nim Bragos, or someone working for him, several years ago. Apparently it spent thousand years or more resting with an unknown corpse in a lost chamber of Wyrmheart Mine. I wrote a song about that nameless adventurer called Pockets of Diamonds. Remind me to sing it for you later.”

] Shent “Is this only replica you have made of the Riftblade?”

] Soll Koli “It is not, and others can be made still. It is a costly process but once Sharvasla has…” She looks to Dawndra briefly. “Best perhaps I not say more. Be to answer your concern, you would not be claiming the only of its kind. It is a good choice for you, and you a good choice for it.”

] Shent “Wait! You are not saying it has a sentient within are you? Because…”

] Soll Koli “No, it is not a sentient personality… but there is something unique about the enchantment. The original could only be truly used by somene of Dwarven lineage, so is the case with this ice replica. The original enchantment would display differently depending on its attuned holder. It is hard to explain really… The enchantment, while not a personality you can interact with, does slowly begin to learn who you are. From what I learned of the Riftblade, those who hold firmly to their Dwarven heritage and values will be granted more and more power from this weapon. It was a long and exacting process for Sharvasla to… there I go talking again. Apologies. Allow me to say, this weapons enchantment will reward you for valor, loyalty, bravery. It may also withhold power from those it finds unworthy.”

] Shent “But it won’t talk to my head.”

] Soll Koli laughs “No, it won’t talk to your head.”

] Melthor picks up a strange short sword “What is this? This is the thickest short-sword I’ve even seen. My hand barely even stretches around the hilt? Is it a giants toothpick?”

] Soll Koli “Ha! It might work well as one Melthor. It is twin blades – they separate when needed. Do you feel draw to this weapon?”

] Melthor “Certainly it is not a soldiers sword, but I am trained in little else.”

] Soll Koli “It sounds to me like you should keep looking. Pick up some others, just try to feel your way to a choice – do not worry about looks or status. Something here will feel right for you, I am certain.”

] Garlvan has a massive great-sword in his hands. “This is unlike any blade I’ve ever touched!” He swings it around with both hands. “Perfect balance! How does Sharvasla accomplish such perfect balance?”

] Soll Koli “I hesitate to reveal too much… but I will say this. These ice weapons are counterparts of other weapons… they are copies of a sort. That great-sword is derived from Kolmeks Cutter. Is that your choice?”

] Garlvan “Yes. It is like you say, it ‘feels’ like my choice. I cannot describe it beyond that.”

] Soll Koli “Once attuned, this Cutter will shield your mind. It carries an energy which repels psychic  attacks. If you do not know the story, Kolmek was a Kalashtarian, from another plane – a place where Illithids had rule and enslaved many. Kolmek, with his enchanted sword, freed an entire city of their bondage to the Mind Flayers and eventualy found passage to the Realms. The enchantment within Kolmeks Cutter is also within this weapon.”

] Garlvan expresses gratitude for the boon and continues swinging the majestic great-sword in the air, almost laughing at times in marvel.

] Thavila meanwhile has found a staff to settle on. “Will this size as Dawndra’s does?”

] Soll Koli “No, or well, it might for Dawndra but no… no one else can effect the ice material that way.”

] Thavila “Just as well… This is the one that feels right.”

] Soll Koli puts her hand out to look at the weapon. “Ah, a conjuror, a fine choice. This weapon will create a momentary burst of spectral blades which will circle around it. Don’t use it too close to your friends.” She hands it back to the thankful Thavila .

] Melthor “This is an odd looking blade. I’ve not seen one like it before.”

] Soll Koli “It is called a Katana. They are common in Kara-Tur but in this part of the world, quite exotic. This one is derived from blade of Muki Nobi. Interesting that you should find this blade, Muki Nobi was the son of a key military commander – a principal perhaps – in the Chozawa army. Muki Nobi hated this father, Toyo Nobi,  and like you, resented  being forced into the life of a soldier. However his story turns quite different than yours did Melthor. The legends say Muki, rather than running away, went quite mad and beheaded his own father. Muki went on to lead many men in many battles. The original blade, it is said, has beheaded more men than any other blade could even hope to.”

] Melthor “That is certainly grim. I could not carry that story with me.” He returns the Katana to its stand. He looks around and notices he is the only one still browsing weapons. “Perhaps I am not meant to carry a weapon at all.”

] Soll Koli “Perhaps. But please do continue. We are not short on time.”

Dawndra] “I have only seen you pick up various swords, perhaps try an axe, or a hammer.”

] Melthor “Can you see me swinging a war hammer?”

Dawndra] “It is not a fashion choice Melthor. Though perhaps you are right about the war hammer – it requires a certain build of body. Why not try a spear? They are ideal for those with more agility than bulk. I could teach you some basics.”

] Melthor “I have never used a spear before.” He picks up several and tests their weight and feel. He then pulls one with a star-point tip and as he weights it, he gasps. “This one. It is as you say… I ‘feel’ that his is my weapon. I cannot believe how certain I am about it.”

] Soll Koli “The Star Spike of Alva Ildra. It has a powerful blinding enchantment. It can also release star light as it pierces an enemy. Sharvasla worked a long time on this replica and she was never able to match the power of the original. We think it is because Alva Ildra added her own divine  nature to her weapon. Sharvasla acquired the original artifact from traveling merchant who had no idea what he was selling.”

] Melthor “Who was Alva Ildra? Please tell me she did not slaughter thousands…”

] Soll Koli “Alva Ildra was, is, an Aasimar – a human with a celestial hertitage. And no, her story is far from grim. She was famous in Thesk – likely still is – for destroying a cabal of Liches who had enslaved thousands. The songs never mention her dying though where she now is anyones guess. This is a honorable weapon – I think it will suit you just fine.” The Frost Giant turns to you and Brallga “I assume neither of you have an interest in selecting a backup weapon?”

] Brallga “It would only make Verna pissy.”

] Soll Koli laughs “Yes, I imagine it might. Dawndra?”

Dawndra] “I cannot imagine another weapon in my hands.”

] Soll Koli “I am not surprised in the slightest. I cannot imagine Sharvasla weilding any other weapon either.” She pauses and looks around at the party. “Now… who wants a drink?”

] You spend the remainder of the forenhyx listening to song and story from the Skald Soll Koli. Afterwards you all sleep comfortably and the following day begin the journey back to Tentowns. The next day Soll Koli equips with whatever you might need for the return to Tentowns. Sharvasla is likely just boarding a ship for the Moonshae Isles to investigate your previous home on Norland, but Soll Koli does not know where she might go next. If she learns nothing helpful, she might just return to Alzvar.

] You are given a portal icestone by Soll Koli and its use is explained in case you want to return after the Frozenfar Fray Games… or anytime. The portal bypasses Frostfalls Pass – you simply need to step into the deep pool at the base of the lower falls while holding the stone and you will be transported to the gates of Alzvar.  It can only transport one person however.

] You and your party make your way back to Bryn Shander.

Frostfalls Pass (Part Two)

] You are with Shent, Samsam and Melthor on your way to Almsvar. You learned that someone named Shavisala lives there. She is like you, and is likely your mother according to the merchant who told. You carry a package from the merchant to deliver to Shavisala, a powerful artifact she purchased through Nim Bragos. Another package was sent over a tenday ago, to be delivered by a group of 5 adventurers who call themselves The Red Drakes. They have not returned and Nim fears the worse… his previous package has not been delivered. He asked that you keep watch for these adventurers and if possible complete their mission as well.

] Yesterday you set out from Bryn Shander to the foothills of the Spine of the World. After a brief encounter with some local Crag Cats, you portaled back to the Kirn Kuldhir which is docked in Fireshear to enjoy safe nights rest. Before first light, you did your normal Heaven’s Orbit practice (+2 Ki for the day) Before setting out, you made up some of Nim’s special ‘energizing’ tea (4d4+4 = 14 Temporary HP).

] Back in the foothills of the Spine, you followed the tributary upstream for another 2 miles where you discovered the location marked on Nim’s map. You ventured through the large crevasse marking the beginning of Frostfalls Pass and began climbing long slow switchbacks from there.

] The calm blue skies of yesterday have fled. Today you watch large thick clouds speed by overhead. The winds pick up tiny shards of ice from the ground and hurl them into your face. The temperature has dropped to well below freezing and continues to drop as you climb higher up the pass. Three of you are toasty warm however. Your new yeti fur cloaks are all they promised to be. Melthor, however, is obviously struggling with the cold.

] Samsam “I think Melthor needs a break.” She opens her cloak wide. “Come here Melthor, let me warm you!”

] Melthor appears all too happy to press himself against Samsam. She is well more than a foot taller than he and his forehead does not even reach her chin as she wraps up him inside her cloak.

Dawndra] “So Shent… you have never been here before?”

] Shent “No. Never had a client with a reason to enter Frostfalls Pass. I’ve heard of it, all the Spine Rangers have. There is a wide valley at the top which the tales tell is quite beautiful. There huge hanging spikes of ice lining the entire valley. Hard for me to imagine really, but that is what I’ve been told. They say that water columns shoot high into the sky at the peak. Dwarves have been killed by peering down into the holes at the wrong time.”

Dawndra] “And you say you’ve never had a reason to go there before? ”

] Shent “I don’t like to risk my life for a sight-seeing tour. I’ve heard that hunters and trappers do well here among the foothills, but I doubt the scale up to where we are going. Rumors that Frost Giants have taken Almsvar back are always being floated around. Most adventurers are going to keep clear of a keep full of Frost Giants.”

Dawndra] “Nim mentioned the rumors to said to disregard them – Shavisala, my mother, probably started them to keep folk away. … it is weird to hear myself say that… ‘my mother’. I can’t believe I am going to meet her!”

] Shent “She sure picked an odd place to live. Even if she started the rumors, the fact is… Frost Giants are likely to find their way back to Almsvar. The legends told among the Ironmaster clan say it was Dwarves that carved the castle into the stone and ice. Giants had enslaved them and forced them to do it, but being Dwarves, they could only do it with extravagant styling. I’m sure the beauty was lost on the giants.”

] You continue the long slow climb, stopping briefly at times to allow Melthor to nuzzle the warmth of Samsam. About five hours into the upward trek, you begin to hear the sound of falling water ahead. The trail opens up onto a large table in the side of the mountain which appears to be made of ice. The surface is a thin layer of flowing water that drips over the side of the plateau. If you were to look over the edge on the north side you would see a staggering drop of hundreds of feet of cliff face covered in ice from the dripping ledge. On the south side there is another cliff wall 50 feet high with a massive waterfall pouring tons of water into a deep pool. The entire rock face sparkles with years of ice formed from the spray of falling water.

] Shent “Where is all that water going? There must be a thousand barrels a second coming over that cliff, but look, there is only small amount spilling out of that pool. It must be going deep underground.”

] Samsam “Oh it is beautiful! Isn’t it beautiful Melthor? I’ve never imagined such a place!”

] Melthor “Spectacular, very much spectacular. And scary… are we just going to walk across this wet ice table? I mean… is there any stone beneath it at all or is the whole thing ready to flop down the mountain at any moment?”

Dawndra] “A valid observation melthor. It looks ancient… and we know Giants walked this path once but who knows how much weight it can take today. We should cross one at a time to be safe – I will go last.”

] You watch as Shent tests the surface of the icetable. He steps out and begins gliding across with controlled skating steps, as if he were a kid playing on a frozen ice pond.

] Shent “Seems plenty stable!” he yells back to you.

] Melthor goes next, but with less grace. After several flips and falls, he just scoots his way across on hands and knees. Samsam decides on a different approach, she gets a running starts and then hits the slick wet ice with a strong stance and simply slides most all the way across to where Shent and Melthor wait.

Dawndra] “Very impressive Samsam!” I am not feeling quite so brazen… But I want to know what the wet ice feels like so I remove my boots and step out on the ice tentatively to test my weight.

] You experience a strange sensation as your barefeet come in contact with the thick ice. It feels as if each step is secured – as if your feet have grown roots which sink down into the ice. Without the slightest slip, you walk calmly across the surface as if it were a paved road. The cold energy radiating up through your feet makes you feel stronger.

] Samsam “She is just pretending that it is not slippy ice… right? How is that working for her?” she says while hugging Melthor against her body vigorously.

Dawndra] “I’m not sure how, but my bare feet feel connected to the ice. It was not slippery at all.”

] Shent “I’ve seen stranger things. I don’t try to explain any of them. Shall we continue on?”

] The trail wraps around the cliff face and then switches back, leading up towards the source of the massive waterfall. The trail opens to a much larger plateau area backed by much largers cliffs. The area is roundish and about 160 feet wide. The river splits the tableland almost perfectly in half, from the icy cliff over and down to where you just were. It is flowing fast and hard and is about 40 feet across. Where the trail leads across the river, there is no bridge but you see two large stepping stones… the kind only giants could safely use to cross.

] Shent “Hold back.” he says before you step out into the open. “I think I saw movement along the cliff wall there.”

] The wind is loud against the rock formations but you barely can hear what sounds like the moaning of a wounded beast. A rock flies from somewhere above and lands on the far side of the river and there is an angered but almost frightened cry from bushes where the rock landed.

] Melthor “What the zhok? Did you see…”

] Shent “Quiet. Wait…”

] More rocks fly across the river to the same bushes, and again you hear a response. One of the rocks flew from a spot you can see from where you stand and you notices there are caves all along the cliff face – most of them 40 or 50 feet up. A white creature appears from a cave and hurls a rocks and then ducks back inside the mountain.

Dawndra] “What was that? A Yeti?”

] Shent “No. Too small to be a Yeti or a Troll. Best guess? Snow Apes. Mischievous beasts…. They can be dangerous… depending on how many are together. In small numbers… they are cowardly… you can scare them off with a stick… but in a pack they become ferocious and deadly.”

Dawndra] “What are they throwing rocks at? Did you hear the cries?”

] Shent “I did, but what they came from? Maybe a Crag Cat?”

Dawndra] “Samsam – use your bow trick to take a closer look!”

] Samsam “Oh, I forgot!” She pulls the blindfold over her eyes and draws back on the empty bow, aiming towards the bushes where the rocks are falling. “There is a large bear hiding in the bushes… big as a polar bear but different… it doesn’t have fur like a bear… it has… feathers? Could that be right?”

] Shent “Owlbear!”

] Samsam “Something else… its eyes… oh Mother! It has no eyes!” She drops the bow and pulls the blindfold off. She hunches like she is about to hurl. “Just awful it is… something tore its eyes out.”

] Shent “A blind Owlbear is still mighty dangerous… they hunt by smell as much as by sight.”

Dawndra] “Yes, but remember, our cloaks mask our scent.”

] Shent “Right. Well they sure proved to be warm…. I guess you are screwed Melthor.” he laughs

] Samsam yanks Melthor over to her and shoves him inside her cloak. “I’ve got you Melthor!”

Dawndra] “How are we going to cross this river. Those stepping stones are probably slick with ice – jumping over them will be treacherous.”

] Shent “And you can bet your fancy that we will be targeted by those Snow Apes.”

Dawndra] “We need a bridge, maybe with enough rope we can make a rope bridge?”

] Samsam “Is there a way around the river? I don’t really like getting my hair wet.”

] Shent “Do you see a way around? ”

Dawndra] “I think maybe I do… look – the caves. What are the odds they are all connected by tunnels? If we could reach one, maybe we can just walk around the river?”

] Melthor “But the Snow Apes!” he says muffled against Samsam’s chest.

Dawndra] “I think I might be able to safely leap across those stepping stones. Then secure the rest of you with my rope. You might fall in, but I can stop you from falling over. Or we can try the caves. What say you all?”

] Shent “I’m with Samsam on this one… I don’t like getting my beard wet… I say we brave the caves.”

] Samsam “But Melthor is afraid of the apes! I say we jump across.”

] Melthor “I am not afraid of the apes… I was just… well… okay, lets jump across.”

Dawndra] “I have an idea about our packs… we don’t want them weighing us down – especially if we fall in.” I pull out the pouch used to contain my cloak. “Ma Akana Bino” I place my boots and pack inside – except for my rope. “Ma Akana Sima”

] The pouch magically compresses the pack into a pouch sized sack you can wear around your neck.

] Shent “Brilliant! I can’t believe we have been lugging our packs this entire time! Just when I start to think I’m smart…” He does the same, repeating the command works to open and close the enchanted sacks.

] Samsam follows you. “Melthor, see if we can fit your pack in here as well. Maakana Sima!” she says, but the sack does not close. “Won’t fit! What do we do?”

] Melthor “I guess we just throw it across. ”

Dawndra] “I will go first and throw the rope back across. Tye yourselves off before you attempt to cross. And… Watch that the owlbear doesn’t charge me from behind will you?” I get a running start and attempt to jump barefoot over both stepping stones.

] As you suspected, your barefeet somehow have unnatural traction on the ice-coated stones and you skip across the river with ease. Before you can throw the rope back across however, a large rock splashes into the river just a few feet from you. The Snow Apes have spotted you. After you throw the rope back across, Samsam ties herself and with no sign of fear or hestitation, leaps the crossing rocks [()] successfully. Shent ties himself and goes next [()] but on the first rock his feet disappear from under him. He falls into the river [()] but you and Samsam are easily able to pull him across. More rocks fly at you [()] and one hits you in the back Dawndra while you are pulling Shent to his feet (dmg 3)

Dawndra] “Kak! They are strong to throw that far… and across the wind! Samsam… see you can scare them back in their holes with an arrow or two.”

] Samsam “I can try!” putting her blindfold on she draws back an arrow. “It won’t even come close. I don’t get the target thingy.”

] Shent “Hurry it up Melthor!” He yells. “I am suddenly very very cold. I guess this magic wool won’t work wet?”

Dawndra] “Here swap with me for a min to get warm.”

] While Melthor is tying himself to the other end of the rope, you remove your cloak for Shent to wear. More rocks fly – at you and at the Owlbear nearby [()] but they miss everyone. As soon as you remove your cloak you hear a screeching cry from the Owlbear. It has smelled you and is now charging your direction.

Dawndra] “Gutt! Gutt! Gutt! I forgot.” I hand the rope to Shent “Here, get Melthor across and I will lead the Owlbear away. I ready my weapon and begin to run closer towards the cliff wall thinking I might let the apes help distract this beast. I look to see if it is following my scent.

] The owlbear is successfully tracking you and follows after you. You can hear the excited Snow Apes as they throw more rocks [()] missing you and [()] hitting the owlbear. It howls in frustration but keeps charging. It’s speed matching yours.

Dawndra] I run up to the cliff and try to find a spot I can climb up [Athletics Check]

] You successfully climb up to a small cave about 20 feet above ground. Below, the owlbear has started bashing into ice-coated wall. It is also getting pelted with rocks from the Snow Apes. It is a pitiful sight… anger, fear, frustration… all personfied by the owlbear empty, bloody eye sockets.

] Shent yells to “Come on back Dawndra!”

] You notice that Melthor has [()] safely made it across the river. They are all standing ready for a fight. Suddenly you hear a loud howl that sounds like it came from below the nine hells. As it echoes around the cliff walls, you notice all of the Snow Apes scurry out of sight. The owlbear also panics and runs [()] straight into the river. You watch as the strong currents wash the terrified beast away.

Dawndra] I climb back down and rejoin the group. “What was that!?”

] Shent “I don’t know, but something tells me we should be very afraid. Hurry, lets get out of the open.”

] You continue following the trail as it scales higher up the mountain. You find a shallow cave with enough shelter to start a fire and warm Shent and Melthor. The material of Shent’s cloak dries quickly near the fire and he is able to feel it producing its magical warmth again..

] Shent “I judge we have enough daylight left to climb perhaps another quadday. I think we just might reach the summit before the dark of Nhyx. How is everyone feeling? Ready to climb or would you prefer to call it a done-day here?”

] Everyone agrees to cover some more distance while there is daylight. As you are putting out the fire, you again hear the otherworldly howling echo through the mountain range. It chills you in a way that even the most bitter cold is unable to.

] Melthor “On second thought…”

] Shent “Whatever it is, it sounds farther away. We are hearing echoes now, back at the river crossing it was really close.”

] You climb another two hours. The wind gusts are stronger now, the sound can be deafening at times and you have to cover your eyes to prevent the ice blasts blinding you. After trekking along the mountain face for a long distance, the path widens into more switchbacks. Ahead about 50 feet you see what looks like a body in a red cloak dangling from a rope tied to barren tree.

] Shent “Hold. That there is what you call suspicious… Let me scout ahead just a bit.” [()]

] You watch as Shent crouches and slowly steps forward, hyper aware of each step. He gets within 10 feet of the hanging cloak and then backtracks a bit, looking along the uphill side for something. He finds a frozen branch and returns to the red cloak. He uses the branch to look under the cloak and then begins poking the branch into the snow underneath it. You hear a loud clanging metal snap! Shent jumps backwards as large hidden bear trap is triggered, shattering the branch into many bits. The loud metal clang echoes up the mountain side. As Shent turns back towards you, you see him smiling wide. His face drops a second later however, as you once again hear the fiendish howl in the distance. It is now clearly uphill from you and not far away. Shent waves you forward.

Dawndra] “What did you find Shent? Besides the leg snapper…”

] Shent “It’s an animal carcass… a reindeer, or whats left of one. All its legs are sawn off. Someone is obviously trying to catch bigger game.”

] Melthor “Maybe someone is trying to catch whatever is making that howling.”

] Samsam “Or maybe the howling fiend is trying to catch us! Did you think that maybe?”

Dawndra] “I’d like to take a close look at the red cloak. Part of our objective is to find a group called the Red Drakes… and it seems a bright red cloak would be just what they would be wearing.” I approach the hanging trap careful and remove the cloak and inspect it.

] The red cloak is frozen stiff in parts where it soaked with blood. There is a breast pocket with something within it. You also note at the botton inner corner of the cloak there is a familiar emblem of an abstract loom circled by the words- Norli The Weaver.

Dawndra] “Look here. This is one of Norli’s cloaks. It must be from the Red Drakes!”

] Shent “Could they be the hunters who set the trap?”

Dawndra] “Could be, but I assume this cloak has enchantments like ours… who would leave it like this. There is something in the pocket as well.” I shake the cloak.

] You hear the sound of gold coins inside a pouch. Opening it up you find 52 gp and a green gem which has a faint magical glow to it.

Dawndra] I pull out the green gem and look more closely at it.

] It feels slightly warm to the touch and you feel an odd instinct to squeeze it in your palm. After squeezing it for 6 seconds, the magical glow from within the gem is transferred to your hand and you suddently, magically, know that this is a Gem of Aid.

Dawndra] “Wow! Here… quick… Melthor, Samsam… Shent… let me share this before it fades.” I touch each of them with my green-glowing hand.

] They each receive the boon of the Gem of Aid.

] Melthor “Hey, that feels warm and nice.”

Dawndra] I tuck the gem back in with the coins and stash it in my own pockets. Then I hand Melthor the cloak “Here Melthor. I don’t know exactly what this cloak does, but it is likely enchanted from our friend Norli. Sorry about the blood…”

] From uphill, you hear a slight rustle and then, as if out of nowhere, a huge white-furred beast descends on the hanging carcass and begins viciously tearing at it. Seemingly unaware of you still, it turns its back towards you as it feasts.

Dawndra] I want first strike on this beast

] With a graceful leap, you pull your weapon and strike, driving the piercing tip deep into the lower back of the beast. You extract and attempt to sweep the legs. The Yeti does not fall, but turns on you. [Initiative Rolls]

] Melthor is suddenly beside you before the massive beast, his sword jolts forward and upward [()] opening up its belly with a squishing sound. It fixes it eyes on you Dawndra, fierce and murderous [Constitution Save]

Dawndra]

] It’s claws attempt havok on both of you [()] Dawndra you take a dangerous slashing blow but manage to push Melthor out of reach of the attack. An arrow from Samsam’s bow whistles behind you [()] and sticks into the upper chest of the Yeti. Shent has meanwhile circled the monster and attacks from behind [()] his battle axe severs the spinal cord and the Yeti goes limp. It folds to the ground and rolls over – its eerie eyes darting, searching. Shent drives a dagger through its throat and up into the skull to finish it.

] Shent “Good work everyone. I’ve never seen a Yeti attack end so quickly, so smoothly, and I’ve see many Yeti attacks. You okay Dawndra?”

Dawndra] “Yes, I will be fine. So this is a Yeti? What is the difference between a Yeti and a Frost Troll?”

] Shent “Well… One difference… we would not have killed a Frost Troll so easily. But they do sort of look alike… sort of… That actually gives me an idea Dawndra… The final challenge of the Fray Games, assuming we get that far… will be to get past the poachers… there is always waiting to snatch away your prize as you return to Easthaven, someone unable or unwilling to actually fight a Frost Troll. The rules don’t forbide it, so there are always those without honor who will ambush you for your prize head. What if… we just let them have our “prize head”… Eh?”

Dawndra] “I’m not quite following.”

] Shent “What  we have here is a dead Yeti head… Assuming we bag ourselves a real Frost Troll head, we could hide it in one of them fancy magic sacks. Then… we have a big sack with this head in it. The prize poachers will want to steal it, and we can just let them. Can you imagine… pulling out a Yeti head at the finish line! It would be a hoot to see. Here, help me carve off the horns. They would be a giveaway since trolls don’t often have horns.”

] Samsam “Often? You mean sometimes to do? I’ve never seen a troll… or a yeti until now. They are as fearsome as the stories say.” Her demeanor changes, rises… “We are more fearsome!” she yells.

] Something about Samsam’s boast fills you all with inner strength. [Inspiration]

] Shent finishes harvesting the head, the horns and the claws of the Yeti. “Here, feel the claws Dawndra. They will remain that cold – even if you carried them into Calimport, they would keep a flagon of ale chilled. The horns too. We can probably get 50 gp for them.”

] You bury the Yeti head nearby to keep it hidden until you return. Then you continue to climb the switchbacks to the summit. The winds seem to calm somewhat the higher you go. Last Shadow is not far away when you finally stop ascending. The trail opens up into a large valley between massive mountain ledges. The valley is about 200 feet wide and appears to stretch East for nearly a mile. A fresh blanket of snow covers the ground. All along the cliff sides there are colossal icicles. Not far ahead, along the South cliff wall sheltered by handing ice, you see a red tent.

Dawndra] I point at the tent “Perhaps we have found the Red Drakes?” I cautiously approach the tent with weapon ready.

] Beside the tent, partially covered by snow, is the body of a human dressed in black leathers. He faces the sky eyes wide open, blood caked around his gaping mouth. You notice his teeth and his tongue have been removed forcibly.

] Samsam “Ahg! What horrible thing did this!?”

] Shent “Not a beast. That seems sure.”

Dawndra] “We saw an owlbear with its eyes cut out and now a man with his tongue cut out.”

] Shent “Don’t forget the deer carcass with its legs removed.”

] Melthor “Could they all be related?”

Dawndra] “Seems likely right? Lets search inside the tent for Nim’s package.”

] There is no one else inside the tent but you see four thin bedrolls and four packs. Alongside one of the bedrolls is a maul with intricate dwarven design. Inside the packs you find basic supplies and rations and several healing potions. There is a single coin purse, filled to the brim with 548gp. You do not find Nim’s package to Shavisala.

Dawndra] I hand the maul back to Shent “This might interest you. Looks Dwarven to me.”

] As you are passing it back,  you think you hear a someone yell “Hey!”.

Dawndra] “Who was that!?” I climb back out of the tent and search the area.

] You see nothing except Shent smiling at the maul you just handed him.

] Shent “That was Verna here.” He is still looking at the maul. “Pleased to meet you Verna. I am called Shent and this is… what? No, I’m sorry I do not know where Brallga is – or even who Brallga is.” The look on Shents face turns to consternation. “No… you what?! … No!” Then he drops the maul into the snow. “Boy is she barmy! The weapon is sentient… Verna. Her mate is someone named Brallga – one of these drakes I suppose. She does not like being handled by anyone but Brallga … I mean she really does not like it.”

Dawndra] “Can Verna tell us what happened here? Where the rest of the Red Drakes are?”

] Shent “I don’t think so – she thought I should know… But you can pick it up and ask her yourself if you feel plucky.”

] Samsam “Can Verna hear us? She has no ears… or eyes… or nothing… I don’t understand.”

] Melthor “I knew a man, my fathers brother, who had a sentient sword. It saw through his eyes and heard through his ears, but only when he held it. This thumper is probably the same way I would think.”

] Shent “Well I don’t want to touch it again.” He kicks snow over it.

Dawndra] “It looks like there were four together. One lies dead, perhaps the other three still live?”

] Samsam “Where? We didn’t…”

] She is cut off by the horrifying howl you have heard twice before. It echoes through the valley and you are confident the howler is close by – in the valley with you, or perhaps along the ridges. Shortly after the howl ceases you hear a large gurgling sound. Across the valley and further east a little ways you watch a giant gush of steam and water shoot into the sky 30 feet or more. The column lasts several seconds before disappearing. A massive cloud of steam is caught by a wind and sweeps down into the valley before freezing and falling to the ground as tiny ice crystals.

] Samsam “That… was… amazing! Did you see that!? Amazing!”

] Melthor “Yes, amazing…” he says staring at the face of Samsam. “I mean… wow you are right Samsam, that was beautiful. Unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”

] Shent “I wonder how many geysers there are. Look at all the ice formations – all that water came from a long ways underground. I will have to bring my father here… he would love this. But first… we find the rest of the Red Drakes and then get Dawndra to her mother in Almsvar.” He kneels and begins searching the ground. “Look… unnatural divits in the snow… they lead directly across the Frostfalls Valley.”

Dawndra] “I fear they lead directly to our hell-howler too… keep keen.” I extend my ice pike to full length.

] Samsam “Yeah… keen as the Rime Hawk. I don’t want to lose my teeth, or my tongue… or my eyes!”

] You walk directly across the valley following the slight divits in the snow. Before you reach the other side, you see the tracks lead to a cave – mostly hidden behind long thick columns of ice. As you approach the entrance, the smell of sulfur and wet fur fills your sense. Looking inside you see bones, cracked and split, and large brown feathers littering the floor. The cave is about 15 feet wide and appears to open wider a ways back.

] Shent “Hold back, let me scout the cave first. Mind our hind will you? We are being stalked and this may be the trap.” He enters in stealthily. He returns momentarily. “No beast, not a living one anyway. There is another body wrapped in a red cloak against the back wall. This one has boots. Come see.”

Dawndra] “I pick up one of the bones near the cave entrance and I cast Light on it.”

] You enter into the cave with a brightly glowing bone. The tunnel widens to about 30 feet across and extends nearly a hundred feet back from the entrance. You step around years of Owlbear offal to see, laying against the far back wall, a figure in a red cloak. As you get closer, you see the backside of the head of a Dragonborn

Dawndra] In a low voice I say “Do you live?”

] There is no response.

Dawndra] I get closer and feel for breath.

] Shent whispers urgently “Remember the last body in a cloak was booby-trapped!”

] You can feel the warmth of breath coming from Dragonborns nose.

Dawndra] “She lives. Faintly.”

] Shent “Let me check.” He gently searches around the body and within the cloak. “I don’t see any traps. I will try to heal her.” He casts Cure Wounds.

] Within moments the red Dragonborn scrambles to her feet and is facing you with fierce determination.

Dawndra] “Are you with The Red Drakes? We are sent from Nim Bragos. We would help.”

] Dragonborn “Yes, I am with The Red Drakes, though I fear I am the only remaining. I am Thavila.”

] Samsam “I am Samsam! This is Melthor… and Dawndra… and Shent.”

] Shent “We found one poor fellow at your camp whom we could not heal. I was fairly confident we would find the rest of you in this cave.”

Dawndra] “Can you tell us what…”

] You are interupted by the echoing howl of your otherworldly stalker, seemingly at the cave entrance.

] Samsam notches an arrow “Its here!”

Dawndra] I turn and take a ready stance.

] Moments pass in heightened silence. Nothing enters the Owlbear cave. Shent creeps back towards the entrance then returns.

] Shent “Nothing to be seen. It is toying with us like a Crag Cat with a Skia Rat.”

Dawndra] Without turning away from the entrance, I say “Tell us what happened Thavlia.”

] Thavlia whispers “That thing was stalking us too, all the way up the mountain. But we never saw it. We made camp here in the Frostfalls Valley, must have been two days ago now. Lorvus had first watch. I awoke that night to putrid smell of some kind of toxin. Garlvan and Brallga were pulled from our tent by this cackling woman and her two… well I don’t know what they were… constructs of some kind, ghastly… and powerful. I fought them until my last hope was to run. I returned at First Shadow to find Lorvus dead, the others missing. Tracks led to this cave but I must have triggered a trap. The last thing I remember is that sickly smell and then you waking me.”

] Melthor “Trap? Why trap an empty Owlbear cave?”

Dawndra] “Exactly the question Melthor. It must be more than it appears.” I look around for hidden passages. [Investigation Check]

] You find nothing but rock walls. Thavila is also searching, but around the ground.

] Thavila “My staff… I am certain I had it when I entered but it is missing.” says with concerned quiet, then collapses against a side wall.

] Shent “We found only that horrible Dwarven maul.”

] Thavila “Right, Verna can be cranky I’ve heard. We’ve never met.”

] Shent “Wish I could say the same.”

] Samsam walks back and forth and around the cave “If I were a secret door in a smelly cave… where would I be? I know!…” She pulls the blindfold over her eyes and searches around the cave while drawing an empty bow. “Right there!” She runs and then slams a shoulder into the wall. A small section depresses and then swings inward.

Dawndra] “Well done Samsam. Norli knew didn’t she. I don’t know how but she knew we needed you.” We enter cautiously into the opened area.

] You see a tunnel leading both to the left and right. There are vials of glowing liquid handing from rock nails along the walls giving enough greeen-tinted light to see. To the left, the tunnel leads about 25 feet before turning right and there is a room off of to the left of the turn. Westerward to your right the tunnel opens up into a large cavernous area with high ceilings. Your keen sense of smell is overwhelmed with the heavy scent of blood from both directions.

Dawndra] I nod my head towards the cavern area and walk westward.

] You see large chunks of meat hanging from hooks along the far walls of this area. Along the south wall you see a closed wooden door. There is another tunnel heading east beyond the door. As you walk closer, you see some of the hanging meat appears to be Reindeer parts but others are unmistakably humanoid.

] Thavila whispers “Please don’t let that be Garlvan… or Brallga…” She appears to be near collapse again. Samsam notices and hurries to shoulder her up.

] Shent points at the door and motions for you to hold position. He walks catlike to the door and listens against it. After a few moments he returns. “There is at least one person in there, I hear a faint talking, sort of like a flat chanting.”

] Thavila “Garlvan! He is praying!” she says in a smokey whisper.

] Shent “The door is bolted from the outside, but still – be ready when I open it.”

] You all walk over to the door. Shent slowly pulls the bolt back and opens the door. The stench of death and shit assaults you. Inside you see several large cages. Most are empty. One large cage contains the rotting corpse of a hippogriff. In another cage, you see a red Dragonborn sitting crosslegged in the center. His eyes are closed and he chants the same few words over and over and over.

] Thavila runs over to him “Garlvan! You’re alive!”

] The chanting Dragonborn does not appear to have any outward awareness, he just keeps chanting with his eyes closed. Thavila tries pulling at the cage door but it will not open.

Dawndra] “The toxins have weakened you. Allow me to try.” [Athletics Check]

] You successfully snap the locking bolt and open the cage door. Garlvan remains as he was.

Dawndra] “Stay here with him Thavila. We will try to find Brallga.” I quietly look to see if the package from Nim Bragos is in the room.

] You do not see any sign of the package. You leave the cage room and turn right. About 40 feet south and east you find another door leading directly south. It is hanging half open and you can hear what sounds like boiling water from within. The light has a green tint like the vials hanging about walls of the tunnel, only much brighter. Looking in, you see a large glass vat filled with water and some sort of creature you cannot describe. You also see part of a large table in the center of the room. There is someone lying on it but you can only see their boots.

Dawndra] I motion to Samsam to stay here and use the doorway as cover. Then I decide to play this boldly and motion to Shent and Melthor to also stay out of sight… I will walk in like I belong there and see if I can free Brallga without a fight. I push the door fully open and walk casually in.

] As you enter the large room, the rank alchemical stink of the place is nearly overpowering. You see a female Dwarf is lying on the center table. She is stripped from the waist up and has tubes and wires connected to her which lead to the large bubbling vats. You see five of them total, each with a strange malformed creature within. They begin to stir as they become aware of your presence. You notice that some of their organs are exposed or completely outside their torso, floating in the green liquid. A kneeling human woman in a cowl is untangling a nest of tubes which is connected to one of the vats. She has her back turned towards the door and is still unaware of you.

Dawndra] I walk up to the woman. “My name is Dawndra, and I am here to collect my friend and her things.”

] The woman spins around coming to her feet. “What! Who are you!?”

Dawndra] “I just said woman… my name is Dawndra and I am here to collect my friend Brallga. Let her free and no one need bleed.”

] Mad Alchemist “What are you?” she begins to walk around you, looking you up and down. “You are no Goliath, and certainly not one of the Barbarian wenchs from Reghed.”

Dawndra] “I still do not know what I am, but I know I am going to stop what you are doing to my friend.”

] Mad Alchemist “You might be just the thing I need for my Starters to survive this time. Let’s deal, your friend can go free and you take her place.”

Dawndra] “The only deal is, you release us all and you can keep breathing this stank-air in peace.”

] Mad Alchemist “Brave and mighty this one!” she cackles like an ancient hag. “You give Tarina a thing to think on – you do… yes indeed, you do.” she turns slightly away from you and then spins, throwing down a glass vial she pulled from a vest pouch [Constition Save]

Dawndra]

] Thick toxic fumes surround you but fail to poison you as intended. You jump back out of the cloud and see Tarina ducking behind one of the vats.

Dawndra] “No wonder this place stinks. Maybe if we spray some of your blood over everything it will smell better.” I chase after her and attack.

] Your first piercing lunge with your ice pike is deftly dodged, but you follow up with a side-strike followed by a blunting with the bottom end of your weapon. Tarina grunts from the blows and then is suddenly gone. As you spin to locate her, you see another glass vial flying towards you [()] but you quickly jump and roll out of the way. It hits the ground right near the vat and explodes in fiery chaos. The large vat bursts, flooding the area with water. A malformed beast with 3 arms and one and a half legs falls to the ground. The explosion lets Shent and the other know it is time to fight.

[Initative Rolls]

] Samsam fires an arrow at the mad alchemist from the entry [()] but misses.

Dawndra] “Watch for flying vials! They are deadly!” I chase her down to end her madness

] Your ice pike spears Tarina’s leg and you use the leverage to push her off balance. You step in bring the backside of your pike against her chest, striking a glass vial and driving her body backwards as the vial explodes in her chest. [+12 dmg] Her cloths catch fire and she turns to escape but Shent is already there. He attacks [()] but the flames leaping from her make the task difficult. Melthor has meanwhile flanked her [()] and brings his blades crashing down on her shoulder. The Mad Alchemist reaches into the flames and pulls another vial from her burning vest. Shent and Melthor are quickly enveloped in the toxic gas. [()] Melthor falls to the ground gagging and choking while Shent has lept free of the poison. Tarina is once again out of sight.

] Behind Dawndra, the malformed “Starter” has hobbled its way into striking range [()] it slashes out with razor claws drawing blood from your leg. Samsam has been tracking Tarina with her enchanted archers blindfold and sees an opportunity to release her arrow [()] right on target.

] Tarina “Yeild! I yeild! Take your friend and go!”

Dawndra] “That time has passed you crazy hellrunt!” I intend to kill

] With all your weight and strength, you advance on the Mad Alchemist. The tip of your weapon pierces her gut as you drive upwards. Tarina is lifted up off the ground and her frenzied and flaming body slides down your giant ice needle. Her screams are a mix of terror and laughter until she falls into slumped silence.

] Shent attacks the released vat creature [()] hacking at its exposed organs. It tries to fend off Shent [()] drawing blood from the Dwarven Ranger. Melthor is meanwhile writhing on the ground, his stomach retching. Samsam has dropped her bow and is racing to help Melthor.

] Samsam “Melthor! Oh! What can I do!?”

Dawndra] I join Shent in ending this pitiful creatures life.

] You spear the beast and hold it down while Shent hacks away with the advantage. Within seconds it is motionless. The other creatures in the vats are watching in panic but appear unable to release themselves.

] Samsam “Dawndra! Shent! We need to help Melthor!”

] Shent “I see a number of other vials over here, maybe there is a antidote.” He hurries over to the table on the far eastern side of the cavern.

] Before he can start looking, the entire cavern begins to tremble and you hear the sound of a powerful geyser explode just beyond the cave wall. You notice that there are wires and tubes threading into the rock where the rushing sound is loudest. All of the four remaining vats begin to surge with violent bubbling and you witness an exponential growth of the creatures within… they form new appendages and finish growing half ones. Their torsos form more completely and scales burst from their heads and backs. [()] They all begin thrashing about inside the vats, pounding and kicking from the inside to get violently out. Two of them succeed.

] Samsam “What the pifflehole!?!” She sees the escaping creatures and takes up Melthors blade. [()]  and slashes one of them (Starter04)

Dawndra] I see Samsam endandering herself with melee combat and rush to attack the creature standing before her

] You unleash a torrent of successful strikes and before the monsterous experiment can stick a claw in young Samsam, it is dying with a death-screech.

] Shent goes after the other escapee [()] with some success. It retaliates, cutting Shent up but not enough to stall him. Samsam is taken by mania and runs with Melthors sword overhead [()] and bringing down on the scaled skull of the Starter facing Shent.

Dawndra] “Are you determined to get yourself dead Samsam? Ugh!” I hurry to distance her from the creature by taking its attention if I can

] You push the vat monster sideways with your pike and then deliver a crushing thrust-kick into its unfinished chest. Guts go flying as the thing falls backwards into stillness.

Dawndra] “Now… Samsam… You have to stop getting into the fray. I will teach you to swing that sword with defense, but right now, you are vulnerable. I would miss your face if it got eaten by a vat monster… and I know for a fact that Melthor would!”

] Samsam “Melthor!” She turns to look towards him.

] Melthor is kneeling and trying to get to his feet. “I am better. Still weak, but better.”

] Shent “Here, there is a whole pouch of vials marked Lesser Restoration.” He opens one and smells “Smells right…” he touches a finger to the liquid and tastes it. “Yep, tastes right too. Here Melthor, drink this.”

Dawndra] I go to the body on the table “I think we need one for Brallga here too.” I begin removing the tubes and wires from her body. “Do you see her clothes anywhere?”

] Shent finds a large sack with gold-hued plate armor and a tunic. Within the sack there is another sack which matches the description Nim Bragos gave you of the special delivery The Red Drakes were carrying to Almsvar. There is also a familiar red cloak in the sack. You drape her naked body with the cloak before Shent casts Cure Wounds and touches her arm.

] Brallga awakes with Shent staring into her dim eyes. “Wha? Where am… Who?”

] Shent “Relax Brallga, you are safe and among friends. Here, drink this restoration potion, you will feel better…. At least until Verna has her words with you.”

] After you catch Brallga up enough on the events, you return to Garlvan and Thavila. The restoration potions live up to their label and soon you are all across the valley at their campsite. You all join together in carrying stones to cover the body of Lorvus Hookint – famed Rogue of the Red Drakes. Shortly after the last stone is placed, you all hear the terrifying howl of the stalking creature echoing through Frostfalls Vale, but you never catch sight of its source.

] The remaining Red Drakes are determined to finish their assigned task and go with you to Almsvar. The seven of you squeeze into difficult sleeping positions within the Kirn Kuldhir after Shent opened a portal for you.

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.