[Game Thread] IV. The Ruins of Archeebald Mountain

[mountainbound]

Four weeks pass in Jessup, with the three wanderers from Archeebald sleeping in Sabrina's barn, eating meals with her family (and sometimes with Karla when she's over to work with Ameila), and helping the village repair itself after the devastation of the worm attack. By the end of the month, each of you are known by many of the locals, and your willingness to help has made you countless friends. Silas's intuitive understanding of how to shape and fit wood makes him a valuable asset to the rebuilding effort -- particularly coupled with his nimbleness climbing roofs and laying new thatch. With so many men dead after the attack, the ranger's know-how is in high demand.

Fahd also assists with the rebuilding, but the shaman is also sought for his healing skill. In fact, it isn't long before many of the sick or wounded of Jessup begin to develop a preference for Fahd, since the young spiritchaser has a much friendlier bedside manner than Olaf. Several patents candidly voice their annoyance with the brutish man from the Northern colonies. Some seem scared of him as well, but none can state the reason.

After a few days of "helping" the rebuilding effort, a few local men decide that Dan would better serve the village if he was not holding a hammer or doing anything that could hurt another. Someone almost died when the young wizard accidentally dropped a hammer while assisting Silas on a roof. And so it was that Dan was shown to the school, getting put to work helping the schoolmistress look after the students. Happily he's been teaching them the shapes of letters and entertaining them after class with tiny displays of magic, slight of hand tricks, and stories of his adventures "up the river."

The days pass quickly, and there are a few afternoons when winter's chill slips a bit, forcing men to remove cloaks as the work. Though the nights spent in the barn are still cold, they're no longer bitter. Surely another month or two more and spring will finally break forth in full.

It's on one of those warmer evenings, a night when Karla is invited to stay and eat with Sabrina's family and guests, that the only remaining town Constable knocks upon the door. The man is wiry, with bushy sideburns and a thick northern accent. "Good even, I hope not interrupting?" he asks, his fur boots tracking snow and mud into Sabrina's kitchen.

Sabrina begrudgingly lets the man in, introducing him: "I know Karla knows who this is, but for you newcomers, this here is Rip… that is, Sheriff Rip." In a voice that unmasks her feelings about the lawman, she mutters, "He's one of them who showed up with Olaf last year. You're a friend of the Bear's, ain't that right Rip?" As all of you know by now, Olaf is often referred to as "the Bear."

"Indeed," the constable says, removing his hood, and pushing back his cloak to reveal the small silver pin that identifies him as a lawman -- and also showing the pair of curved swords at his waist. "And it is of Brother Olaf that I come to talk. I have message from him for you," he points to Silas, Dan and Fahd. "And also you girl," he says, somewhat smugly, to Karla. "Olaf will be taking trip into forest, up Archeebald mountain, to see ruins at top. But this is dangerous time, and many worms hungry from long winter. Olaf needs help carrying supplies, and help with sword if a crawler should come upon us. It will be four days, no more." He tosses a small bag upon the table. "This is gesture of Brother Olaf's appreciation for all the work you have done to help his village. You will get twice that for helping Olaf to see ruins. If you agree to come, then meet us outside Jessup gate tomorrow at dawn. I bid you good night."

With that, Rip bows and makes to go.

DM's Note The bag contains 80 gold pennies -- 20 for each character. Over the past month, you each were paid, sporadically, for the help you provided the town. Sometimes it came in the form of chickens, or cheese, eggs, candles, or other basic necessities. Occasionally you were given gold. Each character has earned 1d20+20 gold. Fahd, as a healer, can add 10 gold to this total. Obviously, 40 gold pieces each offered by Olaf is a considerable amount of money for a four day hike, in comparison to what you've earned over the past four weeks. You can make purchases with the money you've earned (including the 20 gp Rip delivered) now. Last, you haven't seen much of Olaf over the past month. There has been no mention of the horn, nor further attacks from the worms. It is mid February.

[Krimchee]

Silas nearly bolted when he'd discovered that the lawman was looking for the group. He immediately assumed the worst, and had already mentally mapped three different escape routes and two plans of attack before he realized that he wasn't under arrest. He perked up at the thought of going to see the ruins. They'd been on his mind for some time now. But going with Olaf....that certainly gave him pause. The money, however, certainly sweetened the deal. He currently had more gold in his pocket than he'd ever had at one time and.....well, the trip was sounding like a fine idea. Plus he was itching to stretch his legs. He'd been too long in town.

Silas looked to his companions. "What do you guys say? Up for it? I say we do it."

[Tangler]

Fahd: Current HP 20/20, Spirit Healing 6/6 remaining, Cloak PSP 5/5 remaining
AC17, AC12 flat-footed, AC16 touch, Fort/Ref/Will +6/5/5
+10 Fire resistance (Ichvaali Cloak)

Lynx: Current HP 16/16
AC 21, (AC13 flat-footed, AC18 touch, AC25 vs OA (Mobility), Fort/Ref/Will +4/9/2-status/defenses-

Fahd's talk with Karla ...thinks he's a big hit with the women Apparently with reason. Three times? The first couple times must have been... Fahd doesn't finish the thought. It's none of his business. Or shouldn't be. Once the situation with the silver horn is resolved, the three young men will be moving on, even if Fahd isn't quite sure where to. Karla will be staying in Jessup, and whether or not she has an ongoing relationship with Olaf is her business, not Fahd's. The normally persuasive young shaman can't seem to convince himself of the truth of these thoughts. "The silver horn is a relic of the Ancients," he replies distractedly. "And it was the cause of the worms attacking on the day we arrived. It was used by a man from Archeebald, a man named Randy. Randy is, or was, rather, in league with the Dwellers Below. When he used the horn, it summoned the crawlers. Whether it would do the same in the hands of another is unclear. A spirit of the Ancients told me that... she said something that suggests to me it's effect may mirror what is in the heart of the user. Whatever the truth of the matter, it is too powerful to be left in the hands of someone who might misuse it." Recalling more of the conversation with the female spirit, Fahd adds, "The Ichvaali spirit told me it is needed to awaken the Sleepers." Fahd falls silent, not explaining who, or what, the Sleepers might be. After a few moments of silence, Fahd adds, in an apparent change of subject, "Jeremiah the potter expressed an interest in beginning a relationship with you. I promised him I would tell you." Fahd's voice is neutral as he says it, his expression guarded. If I will not be staying, she may as well know her options.

The intervening weeks The weeks pass quickly for Fahd, Jessup's needs consuming his time. After his return from his initial hunting trip, Fahd mixes the herbs and roots he has gathered in Jeremiah's bowl, mixes the resulting mash with some water, then calls on the local spirits to infuse their healing power into the mixture. It is something he has never tried before, and he isn't sure it will be do what he wishes; he offers the potion to one of the villagers, a man named Judah. On the day of the attack, Judah was severely burned from acid sprayed by one of the crawlers. By itself the burn would eventually heal, but would leave behind a disfiguring scar. Fahd is prepared to call on the spirits to heal the man if necessary, but he wishes to test the efficacy of the potion. Fahd is surprised, and pleased, at how effective it proves. Judah's burn disappears before his eyes. Judah, who apparently had been somewhat concerned about the effect it might have on his future prospects with the local women, thanks Fahd effusively and reaches out to shake the shaman's hand, then presses a gold penny into Fahd's hand. Fahd tries to decline the offer, but the man insists, and Fahd finally acquiesces. Fahd spends part of the next day making another potion. Then, the following day, Fahd receives word that Jeremiah has finished his bowl. The shaman walks to the potter's house and exchanges a potion for the bowl. "Is this the same thing you gave to Judah?" the potter asks. When Fahd nods in affirmation, Jeremiah looks at Fahd with a severe expression on his face. "Then the trade is not even." When it looks as if Fahd is about to object, Jeremiah shakes his head. "No. The bowl is good work, maybe my best, but not worth what you have given." Jeremiah disappears into a back room, returning after a brief time carrying some tools. "Here," he says. "Now we are even." Fahd spends a few moments examining the tools, which turn out to be ideal to aid him in the creation of more potions. Where Fahd has been using specially chosen stones and sticks to mash his roots and herbs, he now has a mortar and pestle, among other things. "These were requested by the other healer, but she never returned to collect them. Nobody else in Jessup has been willing to pay what they are worth." Briefly Fahd wonders whether Jeremiah was paid ahead of time for the items and is now getting double price for them, but quickly decides that is not his concern and that he should just be grateful for the added value he has received. When Fahd turns to leave, Jeremiah stops him. "One more thing. Did you talk to Karla about me?" Fahd goes still, then turns back to face the potter, his expression as guarded as when he talked to Karla about Jeremiah. "I told her of your interest, yes. If she is interested, she will let you know, I am sure. From my conversations with her she is not hesitant to express her thoughts." Over the next couple weeks, when his immediate attention to other matters isn't required, Fahd spends time in the woods collecting materials to make more healing potions, once again calling on Lynx to accompany him. He is only able to collect a limited amount of the plants, however; collecting any more too soon would jeopardize the ability of the plants to recover, and Aisha had drilled into him the necessity of not overtaxing the forest. Fahd is able to create only three more of the healing potions. One each he gives to Dan and Silas, to replace the ones they used underground; the third he places next to the lone remaining potion given to them by Jamie, in an inner pocket of his robe. As the weeks pass, Fahd grows more comfortable around Karla. He still feels drawn to her, but having decided that they have no future takes away some of the tension. It helps that Olaf is rarely seen. Fahd even invites Karla out on one of his herb hunting expeditions.

The offer Fahd glances at Karla when Sheriff Rip delivers Olaf's offer, his breath catching as the tension he hasn't felt for a week resurfaces. Leaving Karla behind would be one thing, and traveling with her another. Traveling with her and Olaf, seeing the two of them together, is something he doesn't relish. "Sheriff Rip, one moment. A question before you go, if you don't mind. I have heard it said that you and Olaf come from the north. Whereabouts, if I might ask? I am come from Archeebald, myself." Fahd deliberately doesn't mention that originally he hails from further north. The shaman is fishing, but he's not quite sure for what. A clue to Olaf's past, certainly, but beyond that perhaps a discrepancy in their story. "For my part, I am happy to accompany Olaf to the ruins." Olaf will take the horn with him, surely. We should stay close.

[HenryLockwood]

Talking with Fahd "When [Randy] used the horn, it summoned the crawlers. ... it is too powerful to be left in the hands of someone who might misuse it." "I don't think Olaf might misuse it. If it can bring him power... Olaf likes power." Karla speaks flatly, disinterestedly, as if talking about something entirely abstract, rather than the emotionally charged subject that Olaf is. Her posture is still defensive, half turning away from Fahd and keeping her head low so her hair falls over her face. "Jeremiah the potter expressed an interest in beginning a relationship with you. I promised him I would tell you." At this later remark of Fahd's, Karla snorts with laughter. "There's only one Jeremiah in Jessup, and he's short, pockmarked and smells bad. He's just interested in me because none of the other women will speak to him from downwind."

Talking with Silas It is late one evening; Silas is at his ease one evening when Karla approaches him. This is unusual enough: though she does not shun the men, exactly, Karla does not seek out company. Her normal pattern is to be on the other side of the yard, or even just on the same street: close enough to be there, but never in direct contact. "I saw your arrowhead." She speaks quickly, nervously; though she has been more relaxed of late - except for a certain diffidence around Fahd - this conversation is not starting off the same. "The Wind, yes? The Brotherhood? What do you know?"

Hunting When Fahd invites Karla to accompany him into the woods, her reaction is to turn and run. Fleet of foot, she twists and turns as if expecting pursuit, almost knocking over a couple of gossiping farmwives as she flees into Jessup. What does he want? Why? Mustn't get cornered! Panicking, scared almost into insensibility, Karla runs. Jessup is too small, however, and she soon runs out of places to run. The only remaining options are to hide, or to fight: and this is no tangible foe Karla fears. How can she hide, when it is her own reaction she fears? Can she flee Jessup, in the middle of winter? Can she hide forever, waiting for Fahd to move on? She returns, at a much slower pace, to Sabrina's farmyard. Though Fahd has set off, he has not taken care to hide his trail, and it is easy enough to find him in the woodland. Karla takes care to step on a couple of twigs as she approaches, to give the shaman warning: it would not do to come upon him like a creeping wolf. "I... You should... Will you show me the forest?" she asks, hesitantly, poised on the balls of her feet in case she needs to run once more.

Travelling on When Rip appears with his offer, Karla does her best to appear unruffled. Her hands tighten, slightly, into fists - what does Olaf want me for now? I've told him it's over! - but she forces them to relax. "That's better pay than staying here, in the winter, when there's no caravans to guard. I'll do it."

[Tangler]

Fahd: Current HP 20/20, Spirit Healing 6/6 remaining, Cloak PSP 5/5 remaining
AC17, AC12 flat-footed, AC16 touch, Fort/Ref/Will +6/5/5
+10 Fire resistance (Ichvaali Cloak)

Lynx: Current HP 16/16
AC 21, (AC13 flat-footed, AC18 touch, AC25 vs OA (Mobility), Fort/Ref/Will +4/9/2-status/defenses-

Fahd's talk with Karla about Olaf "I don't think Olaf might misuse it. If it can bring him power... Olaf likes power." Fahd sighs resignedly. "Ah. Thank you for the insight." We will have to get it away from him somehow, then, before we leave Jessup. Fahd wishes, again, that he had had more time to learn from the Ichvaali spirit before Randy blew the horn. Without a better understanding of what the horn does, it may not be safe for anyone to use. "...he's short, pockmarked and smells bad." Fahd chuckles, some of the apprehension he has been feeling momentarily evaporating. "That would be him, yes." He stops himself just short of adding that Jeremiah's interest in Karla apparently stems from Olaf's description of her; after the reaction he got the first time he mentioned Olaf to Karla, he doesn't want to risk putting her off again. She still doesn't seem comfortable being around Fahd, but at least she is not snapping at him.

The intervening weeks ...her reaction is to turn and run. Fahd watches her flee, crestfallen even though it is probably for the best. There can be no future in the relationship, he tells himself. Stop trying to force yourself on her. Once she has disappeared from sight, he turns and walks heavily into the woods. "In some ways you are lucky, Ibram," he says, a thumb absently tapping the aklys his friend's spirit is tethered to. "You died before such things mattered to us." You are wise in many ways, comes the whispered reply, but in this you are a fool. Fahd, misunderstanding his friend's words, doesn't disagree. Fahd calls Lynx, then starts his search for the plants he needs. When he hears footsteps approaching he assumes it is his spirit companion, even though part of him knows that Lynx would never make so much noise. He turns to discover that Karla has followed him into the forest after all, and his heart leaps, the beat almost painful in its rapidity. "I... would be pleased to do so," he replies shyly. "I am glad you have chosen to join me." Fahd looks past her and smiles, for Lynx is padding up silently behind Karla. "And I would like to introduce you to a friend. Karla, meet Lynx. Lynx, meet Karla. She is the woman I told you about." The lynx spirit's amusement washes over Fahd like a warm breeze. Lynx approaches to within five feet of Karla then sits back on her rear haunches and looks at Karla. There is a clear sense of speculation about the cat's gaze, a look of unnatural intelligence. After regarding Karla for several moments the cat looks over at Fahd. Some kind of communication appears to pass between them, for after a moment Fahd coughs awkwardly, perhaps to cover a laugh. "They look fine to me, my friend." Looking at Karla sheepishly, he tells her, "Lynx seems to think your hips are dangerously narrow for childbearing."

[HenryLockwood]

Karla, despite having lived on these shores for most of her life - and all her adult life - grew up a city girl. In many ways she still is one. At the big cat's appearance, and quiet approach, Karla starts back, instinctively reaching for her swords. Though she doesn't draw, she remains wary. A casual observer might see the cat as the civilised being, and the woman as the wild animal, startled and unsure.

"What is that?" she asks. "And what do my hips bloody matter?"

[Tangler]

Fahd: Current HP 20/20, Spirit Healing 6/6 remaining, Cloak PSP 5/5 remaining
AC17, AC12 flat-footed, AC16 touch, Fort/Ref/Will +6/5/5
+10 Fire resistance (Ichvaali Cloak)

Lynx: Current HP 16/16
AC 21, (AC13 flat-footed, AC18 touch, AC25 vs OA (Mobility), Fort/Ref/Will +4/9/2-status/defenses-

"The creature is a lynx," Fahd replies, looking at Lynx with a combination of affection and pride. "Like a large house cat." Lynx growls, and glares at Fahd, then rolls her eyes and shakes her head. It is a very human gesture, completely out of character for a creature of the wild, and it makes Fahd laugh. "Dwelling within her, at the moment, is a spirit of the woods. The Lynx spirit has been my friend for many months now. You have not seen her before now because a lynx will never willingly approach humans, and Lynx, the spirit, shuns the settlements also. When I am in the wild, however, she will answer my call."

"As for your hips, no offense was intended. Animal spirits tend to think much like the animals themselves, and reproduction is a primary focus for them. She was merely observing that if you... should you at some point... if you were to choose a mate... if you have children..." Fahd pauses before finally finishing his awkward sentence, "the delivery may be difficult."

[Krimchee]

Silas was sitting by the fire, lost in thought. His hands were busy sharpening his knife, the familiar motions and the rasp of steel on stone soothing to him. His reverie was broken when he noticed Karla moving in his direction. Silently he watched her approach, curious at what she might want. She hadn't been very warm to him, or anyone that he could see, since they'd arrived.

He raised an eyebrow at her nervousness. It was obvious that this was costing her a lot to come over. At her words, his expression changed, his face darkening to a frown. Flaming Isaiah and his flaming arrowhead! Silas pulled out the arrowhead, rubbing it between thumb and forefinger, something he'd taken to doing quite often these days.

"This," he said, laying the arrowhead flat against his palm, "has landed me nothing but trouble since it was given to me." He paused for a moment, thinking. "All I know about the Brotherhood is that they exist. I was given this by one of them. But I don't know why, or what I'm supposed to do with it." Silas looked at Karla, considering. "I'd be grateful for anything you could tell me about it. It'd be a wonder to learn something of it without having to fight for my life before I can even ask a question."

[HenryLockwood]

In the woods "if you have children... " Fahd's words leave Karla thinking, worrying. Children. Never thought of that. Got enough to do, staying alive. For the rest of the expedition, she is a quiet and introspective follower - still wary of the wilderness, and of Lynx, and of Fahd himself, but paying attention to what he shows her about the forest. Despite his stammering and hesitations, Karla finds Fahd easy to listen to - perhaps because he makes no demands of her, unlike so many others.

By the campfire "All I know about the Brotherhood is that they exist. I was given this by one of them. But I don't know why, or what I'm supposed to do with it." Karla grimaces at Silas' reply. It seems he knows nothing more than she does - and despite the amulet, he can't help her. "I'm looking for them. My uncle, Emmanuel, to be exact. His brother's probably with him, but I've never met Isaiah." As she mentions Emmanuel, Karla puts her left hand in her pocket for a moment; when she removes it, her hand is as empty as before.

[Krimchee]

by the campfire "I'm looking for them. My uncle, Emmanuel, to be exact. His brother's probably with him, but I've never met Isaiah." "Isaiah's your uncle?!" Silas stood up, "Blood and fecking ashes!" he muttered, his knife, well, dagger really, held in a white knuckled grip. The sharpening stone clattered to the ground as it fell of his lap.Seeing Karla take a step back in a defensive position from his sudden movement, Silas took a deep breath and sheathed his dagger. "You're uncle is the one who gave me the arrowhead." Silas paused, looked around to make sure no one was listening, and then lowered his voice anyway. "We are also looking for them. You are welcome to join us... I have a feeling we'll need all the help we can get." Coincidence that she should mention Isaiah? Silas wanted to believe it was only a coincidence....but there'd been way too many flaming coincidences for him to really believe it.

[HenryLockwood]

By the campfire They'll need help? With Uncle Emmanuel? Why?! Karla relaxes, taking her hand off her sword-hilt as Silas sheathes his dagger. "Why would you need help? All I ever knew of Uncle Emmanuel was that he'd turn up, and annoy Pa, and be gone again."

[Krimchee]

Silas takes a big breath, letting it out in a whooshing sigh."Listen, things are getting crazier and crazier by the day. Magic horns, enormous-fecking-crawlers, intelligent, shape-shifting crawlers, you name it. And Isaiah and his brotherhood are smack-bang right in the middle of it. Because of Isaiah and this," Silas gestured, holding up his arrowhead between thumb and forefinger, "I'm stuck in the middle of it. Isaiah has answers. I, we intend to find him."

"If you'd like to come along, we could use your help. Believe me when I say that looking for your uncle has put us in some tight spots." He eyed her weapons, nodding towards her sword. "I've seen you use that thing against the crawler. If the first leg of our journey was any indication, there'll be more where that monster came from. Personally, I don't fancy ending my days as flaming crawler food. Will you help us find your uncle?"

[mountainbound]

In answer to Fahd's question, Rip gives an easy smile. "From Novad Scotia, of course. You from North too? You no speak like one of our people." He nods as each of the assembled adventurers assents to Olaf's invitation. "Good, good. Brother Olaf will be very happy. We see you at sunrise at edge of Jessup tomorrow. Good night."

* * *

The night passes quickly, with Karla meeting up with the group in the pre-dawn darkness at Sabrina's house. When the warrior maiden arrives, the children of the house eagerly shove past Fahd, Silas and Dan to get a better look at Karla in full battle gear. Long have the children watched her teach the eldest among them swordplay, but that was only with wooden swords, and no armor. Now they have a chance to see Karla in full gear, twin hilts shining in the candlelight of Sabrina's kitchen, poking out from beneath a heavy fur cloak. A bow on her back, and well-oiled worm-leather armor strapped to legs and chest. It's all that Karla can do to shoe the brood away and accept a cup of steaming tea from Sabrina. While the boys are collecting their gear and coming in to say their farewells, Sabrina's old father calls Karla aside.

"Everybody thought you was crazy for seeking out them uncles of yours, but you're not like your kin. You got a good heart and a good head, we all see that. And... you're practically family now, seeing as the kids love you." The blind old man rubs his whiskers and begins rooting around in his vest. "Well, what I got to say is this: I don't trust Olaf and his men, and you shouldn't neither. I'm sure you'll be just fine -- you know him better than I do at any rate. But I been out in the wilds. It's where I lost my eyes. I was hunting for treasures left by Them Who Disappeared, like all men did when we was colonizing the land. A lot of good it done me." He makes a dismissive gesture and takes a long pull on his morning pipe. "I hear you like to carve wood, so I wanted to give you this." He fishes out an ornate statue… it's an incredibly exact replica of a shaggy four-legged beast with long curling tusks. "I found it in one of their temples underground, there were twelve of them, a right pack of mastodons. A shaman once told me the thing was magic, but I never learned the trick of it if there was one. Here, take it. When I still had my eyes, I used to stare at it. Mighty fine workmanship. I used to let the little ones play with it, but they got scared of it, on account of it seemed to move by itself when nobody was looking. They'd leave it in one room at night, and in the morning, POOF it'd be somewhere else, laying stock still on the floor. Ha!" With that, the old man passes the ivory figurine to Karla, smiling crookedly "And don't be too rough on them young newcomers from Archeebald. They don't mean no harm, eh?"

Soon the foursome is marching away from Sabrina's house, with bags loaded with bread, cheese, and slab bacon generously offered for the road. Over the past four weeks each of the group has had a chance to get to know the warrior maiden a little better. Fahd and Karla have journeyed in the wilderness, Silas and her have shared conjectures about her uncles Emmanuel and Isaiah, and even Dan has made a point of asking her to show him how to sharpen his dagger -- something that Silas has tried to teach the wizard countless times. In return for her kindness, Dan wrote her a small poem. That was the day he discovered that the lady barbarian was utterly illiterate, and his words wasted. He wouldn't dare read it aloud with one of his friends around to hear...

The morning wind blows large snowflakes in your faces as you remember your experiences in Jessup. In the darkness you turn down the main road of the village. Given the weather and early hour, few people are out and about, so you make fresh tracks through the snow toward the main gate. There Olaf and two others wait, next to a pack mule with a sled tied to it. Without preamble Olaf comes forward and clasps each of you (like it or not) in a mighty embrace. He smells of musk, his bear-skin cloak is covered with snow. "Now we are all here," he says. "The spirits say the storm will last a long time, but is ok. Tasha! Get the walkers!" At Olaf's command, a huge man strides forward. Tasha is seldom seen in Jessup, except when he needs liquor, or wants a fight. Known to be Olaf's bodyguard, he stands a head taller than his master, and carries a huge, steel-tipped spear that could be mistaken for a lance. Tasha undoes one of the packs on the sled, and proceeds to hand out snowshoes to each of the party. His face is grim, barely seen beneath a heavy hood. You notice he wears no gloves as he silently passes the winter-walkers to you.

As the group laces up the woven snowshoes, Olaf explains: "The hike to the top of Archeebald mountain takes two, maybe three days if snow is deep. Tonight we camp at the overhang by Crystal Lake. But is long walk, so best start, yes? You, bowman." He points to Silas. "You follow Rip on point. Ice chiggers love the chilly weather. Keep lookout for them. You two," he says to Dan and Karla, "You stay behind sledge with Tasha. And you, young spiritchaser. You come with me, we have much to discuss." He pats Fahd on the shoulder in a fatherly way, turning to face the blowing wind and snow as he starts away from Jessup. "Yes, there is a spirit that dwells on the mountain, whom I think you should meet..."

Seeing Olaf start, Rip nods to Silas, and takes off at a trot (as fast as snowshoes allow) across the farms that lay between Jessup and the forested skirt of Archeebald mountain. In the back of the group, Tasha smacks the mule hard on the haunches, causing it to lurch forward, trudging through the snow.

DM's Note Each character is now equipped with snowshoes. From the srd… Snowshoes: This wide footgear made of gut or leather webbing laced across wooden frames improves the wearer’s ability to move across snowy surfaces. Snowshoes reduce the penalty for walking through heavy snow by 50%; for example, if moving through snow normally costs you 2 squares of movement per square traveled, snowshoes reduce this cost to 1.5 squares per square traveled. Silas: Perception check. You can talk to Rip if you like. He is also ranging out on point with you. Karla: You're back with Dan and Tasha on rear guard. Fahd: You're walking with Olaf in front of the horse. If you made purchases with the gold, please let me know.

[Tangler]

Fahd: Current HP 20/20, Spirit Healing 6/6 remaining, Cloak PSP 5/5 remaining
AC17, AC12 flat-footed, AC16 touch, Fort/Ref/Will +6/5/5
+10 Fire resistance (Ichvaali Cloak)

Lynx: Current HP 16/16
AC 21, (AC13 flat-footed, AC18 touch, AC25 vs OA (Mobility), Fort/Ref/Will +4/9/2-status/defenses-

Fahd's eyes widen when Karla appears in battle garb. "By the Spirits!" he says involuntarily, then seeming abashed by his reaction, adds, "If you will pardon my forwardness, miss Karla, you look... impressive. Pity the worm who thinks you easy prey. If I had any pity for the foul creatures, that is." Though the shaman tries not to stare, he finds himself glancing frequently in her direction during the walk to meet with Olaf. The wild, feral look Fahd is used to seeing from Karla, the sense of barely controlled agression, is not in the least muted. To that has been added a sense of deadly competence. Fahd is minded even more of a lynx stalking its prey as he looks at Karla.

Fahd accepts the snowshoes with a nod of thanks to Tasha and straps them on. The shaman is familiar with them already, being from the north. Had the journey from Archeebald not happened so quickly, he might be using his own pair, but they were left behind in his room at the inn when the three companions chased Randy into the tunnel. The pair provided by Tasha are functional, and Fahd is glad to have them.

"Tell me about the spirit on the mountain," Fahd says to Olaf.

[Krimchee]

Silas nodded to Olaf's words and headded out with Rip to scout ahead. He'd seen snowshoes before, but never had a chance to use them. It took him a little while to get used to the awkward weight of them, but before long he was moving at an even and balanced pace, his breath misting in the cool air. Gods, but it feels good to be out here, he thought. The cool wind reddened his cheeks and pulled loose a few strands of his long brown hair. His hair was tied back in a ponytail. His brown leather armor, now pocked and scarred from battles and crawler spittle, creaked softly in the cool air as he moved. He watched Rip as they negotiated the forest, sizing him up. Silas worried that he and his friends might end up taking on Olaf and his buddies before this trip was over. He was determined to be prepared should it come to that.

Before long, his paranoia faded a little, and Silas began to hone in on his surroundings, taking in the lay of the land, alert for threats, and for the prospect of game. He knew their supplies wouldn't last forever. He was even surprised to find out that he was actually enjoying himself for a change. I was meant for this, he thought.

perception check perception check Dice Roll: 1d20+10 (15)+10 Total = 25