Wardens of Heroes Gate

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.