Wardens of Heroes Gate

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.