Monday 13th, March 1001 AC
(destiny token: 1)
Morning came upon Pflenzen and the companions all met in the main room of the Odin's Beard Inn to share a breakfast. Urist, chugging ale, seemed light-hearted today, as if the night had eased his mind. After a brief discussion, it was decided that they would meet with Knight Banneret Mandred, then head out on the trail again.
At Mandred's office, it was all business. The party signed the required documents, legally binding them in work for the Heldannic Order with such terms:
- 10 gold on signing
- 50 gold on proof of contact with Asnia (a letter would suffice)
- 25 gold bonus if Asnia came back with them
- 25 gold bonus for confirmation about whether or not Vigfus and Njall were actually after Asnia (captive or material proof)
- Danik's sworn statement, as a contractor with the Order, would be sufficient proof if nothing else could be returned.
Serrin then turned in more goblin fangs and collected the bounty then the companions and Mandred had a short discussion regarding other events:
- Mandred dispatched Dondeth Lonndil to the Cold Heart Mines to bring supplies after being petitioned by Randers the dwarven smith.
- The village had very little spare provisions left after the raid.
- Ulfar had reported that the goblin tribe threatening the eastern region had moved even further east and that the eastern trail should safer now.
Afterwards, Serrin went shopping at the general store while the others waited outside the gates. There, they met with Uflar Icepelt, the Road Ranger, as he was heading out. The Heldaner greeted them in a friendly manner and they discussed a few things:
- Ulfar was heading west under Mandred's order to scout the western goblin tribe for the expected reinforcements from Freiburg.
- Information was shared about the goblin and the camp the party had encountered. Ulfar was thankful for the details though worried at the mention of the Hobgoblin.
Ulfar then left, heading west while the companions started walking east once again along the trail.
The journey was quite peaceful. Everywhere around them, Spring could be seen. The snow was now melted mud, plants were growing in the tundra once more. Overall, a feeling of comfort and safety traveled with the companions on their way to the Cold Heart Mines and they arrived there by mid-day on the third day.
At the mines, traces of the recent earthquake were evident. The outer storage building had collapsed and, as they later learned, many of the mine's tunnels were unstable or collapsed. Outside, Dondeth, the elf trader, his two wood elf guards and the dwarven miners were working on cutting down wood structures to stabilize the tunnels.
The dwarves were very happy to see the companions who had pushed back the goblin tribe and offered the warmest welcome they could under the circumstances. The elves seemed quite friendly though mostly kept to themselves.
The party shared a lunch with everyone and decided to stay and help with the work, then depart the next morning. Things were discussed:
After a good afternoon's work, the night's rest was welcomed and the companions slept peacefully, Serrin keeping watch with the elves. In the morning, Lotek offered Jothar's climbing kit to Grom and Serrin retrieved six iron spikes from the elves. After warm goodbyes, the companions grabbed their gear and headed straight toward the Raven Claw Pass under a clear sky, with a fresh light northern breeze on their face.
The first day, it was the Mauler Hills. A slow but steady climb throughout the day. Tundra turned into rocky terrain. Melted snow turned into treacherous patches of ice and the light breeze turned into a cold wind. Further Northwest toward the Pass they pushed all though the day but everything around them seemed desolate, with no trees or plants but some low moss on the rocks. While Urist tried to navigate at first, Grom quickly took over once Serrin shared the directions with everyone. Danik focused on mapping the area through the days.
As evening arrived, Serrin found a patch of rocks that would protect from the wind that night and, deciding to forgo the warmth of a fire, the party rested, taking watch in their now usual turns. Despite the desolation, tremors in the ground and rough conditions around them, Danik and Grom helped keep the mood light for the evening.
The dwarves were very happy to see the companions who had pushed back the goblin tribe and offered the warmest welcome they could under the circumstances. The elves seemed quite friendly though mostly kept to themselves.
The party shared a lunch with everyone and decided to stay and help with the work, then depart the next morning. Things were discussed:
- The earthquake made the mine very unstable overall and it'll take time for the miners to re-stabilize the tunnels.
- Vigfus arrived at the mines on food on the 15th with about ten men, with heavy gear. They asked for the best route to the Cross Maw Caves again, stayed the night, helped the miners, then left on the next morning. He seemed to be leading them.
- Lotek indicated the best route he could remember from Jothar's tale to reach the Cross Maw Caves. Head straight to the Raven Claw Pass then down west to the Little Lei River. Once there, follow it North until it goes underground then follow the cliff face west.
- Asnia's expedition had two carts and some horses a week before March. Matholim indicated that travelling through the Menguls with carts was very hard but he confirmed that Asnia indeed had asked about the path to the Cross Maw Caves as well.
- The dwarves warned the companions that the Menguls were very dangerous and treacherous.
- Dondeth seemed interested by all the people going to the Cross Maw Cave but didn't push the subject further.
After a good afternoon's work, the night's rest was welcomed and the companions slept peacefully, Serrin keeping watch with the elves. In the morning, Lotek offered Jothar's climbing kit to Grom and Serrin retrieved six iron spikes from the elves. After warm goodbyes, the companions grabbed their gear and headed straight toward the Raven Claw Pass under a clear sky, with a fresh light northern breeze on their face.
The first day, it was the Mauler Hills. A slow but steady climb throughout the day. Tundra turned into rocky terrain. Melted snow turned into treacherous patches of ice and the light breeze turned into a cold wind. Further Northwest toward the Pass they pushed all though the day but everything around them seemed desolate, with no trees or plants but some low moss on the rocks. While Urist tried to navigate at first, Grom quickly took over once Serrin shared the directions with everyone. Danik focused on mapping the area through the days.
As evening arrived, Serrin found a patch of rocks that would protect from the wind that night and, deciding to forgo the warmth of a fire, the party rested, taking watch in their now usual turns. Despite the desolation, tremors in the ground and rough conditions around them, Danik and Grom helped keep the mood light for the evening.
The second day, it was the low Menguls, the mountainous barrier between civilization and savage wild-lands. Blessed with good weather, the companions made good progress under the guidance of Grom. The further they walked, the cooler the air was. Ice patches became snow, rock disappearing under a white mantle, hindering pace and tiring the muscles for every step taken.
They crossed the first pass by late afternoon and soon Danik was trailing behind, reaching the limit of his endurance. All around them was snow and with the evening came a cold beyond anything they were used to further south. Without any obvious shelter, without wood for fire, the situation was dire. As Danik was stumbling from exhaustion, taken by uncontrollable shivers, Grom remembered tales from his youth about men and beasts who dug and hid under the snow to keep their body warm at night.
Without wasting a moment, Serrin and Grom started digging as fast as they could while Urist channelled whatever Radiant warmth he could into Danik. As the stars appeared and night fell, the companions retreated in the cache dug up under the snow and, laying close to each other trying to keep warm, forgo any watch for the night, taking as much rest as they could under the relaxing scent of one's of Grom incense.
When morning finally arrived, the party took in whatever ray of sun they could, quickly drying off their cloaks and clothes, then resumed the journey down toward the next valley. By late morning, into the valley, Serrin noticed that Grom had slightly veered off course. This was soon confirmed by Urist who spotted a dozen humanoid tracks, heading straight toward the Raven Claw Pass. Before moving on, the companions took some time to collect some wood from whatever they found in the valley and carry with them small bundles for later use.
Resuming their march, it was once again a hard climb to the pass and toward the snowed and icy peak. The rocks giving the pass it's name were gigantic and shaped like Claws pointing up. While Danik wanted to push forward in an attempt to catch up with whoever had left the tracks, Urist estimated that they should not have more than half a day lead on the companions and after a small discussion. It was decided to spend the night in one of the small caves under the rocks of the Raven Claw Pass. A watch was organized while everyone filled up their water-skin with snow and Urist made sure that the water would be safe to drink afterwards.
As morning arrived, the weather remained unchanged: a cold blue sky as far as eyes could see. Ahead north was an endless sea of mountains, valleys and peaks, The Menguls in all it's dangerous glory. Not wasting time, the party hurried after the tracks that seemed to be headed down toward the Little Lei River, Serrin keeping ahead of the party, laying low.
After about an hour, Serrin rejoined the group and Danik apparently heard a scream in the distance ahead. Serrin informed the companions that there was a fight ahead and it was decided to let the bounty hunter scout before taking any decision.
Minutes passed while Grom, Danik and Urist waited. Suddenly, the dwarf heard another scream carried by the wind, humans calling to Odin. As the group was considering moving after Serrin, the hunter re-appeared, running in a low crouch and reported:
Serrin then advised to let some time go by and see once the battle was over. Urist seemed offended at the thought and soon the two had a very heated argument that was escalating quickly. Danik put a stop to it with authority and as the discussion calmed down somewhat, Serrin suddenly turned around, silent, and pointed up in the sky...
Danik remained standing, whispering "Yes...it's a dragon..." then started running at full speed in the snow toward the cliff and what Serrin had reported.
With Danik gone from view, Grom, Serrin and Urist remained hidden as best as possible, hoping that the beast would simply pass by and ignore them.
Resuming their march, it was once again a hard climb to the pass and toward the snowed and icy peak. The rocks giving the pass it's name were gigantic and shaped like Claws pointing up. While Danik wanted to push forward in an attempt to catch up with whoever had left the tracks, Urist estimated that they should not have more than half a day lead on the companions and after a small discussion. It was decided to spend the night in one of the small caves under the rocks of the Raven Claw Pass. A watch was organized while everyone filled up their water-skin with snow and Urist made sure that the water would be safe to drink afterwards.
As morning arrived, the weather remained unchanged: a cold blue sky as far as eyes could see. Ahead north was an endless sea of mountains, valleys and peaks, The Menguls in all it's dangerous glory. Not wasting time, the party hurried after the tracks that seemed to be headed down toward the Little Lei River, Serrin keeping ahead of the party, laying low.
After about an hour, Serrin rejoined the group and Danik apparently heard a scream in the distance ahead. Serrin informed the companions that there was a fight ahead and it was decided to let the bounty hunter scout before taking any decision.
Minutes passed while Grom, Danik and Urist waited. Suddenly, the dwarf heard another scream carried by the wind, humans calling to Odin. As the group was considering moving after Serrin, the hunter re-appeared, running in a low crouch and reported:
- There was a cliff ahead of about 20'. Up the cliff was a fight between a group of men and very large humanoid creatures wielding terrifying stone weapons.
- He did not see Vigfus among the man but confirmed that it didn't have much time to look.
- He found corpses at the bottom of the cliff and offered to share what he quickly looted off them with the group.
Serrin then advised to let some time go by and see once the battle was over. Urist seemed offended at the thought and soon the two had a very heated argument that was escalating quickly. Danik put a stop to it with authority and as the discussion calmed down somewhat, Serrin suddenly turned around, silent, and pointed up in the sky...
...at first it was a dot, then the dot was a shape...With nobody able to get a good glimpse of whatever seemed to have Serrin terrified, Danik ordered Kilek, his familiar raven to fly and see.
...then it was wings along a large reptilian body, white as snow, scales glistening under the sun...With no name to it yet, everyone knew already...Urist shouted "Get down!" as Serrin muttered "Dragon?" in disbelief. Grom, Urist and Serrin immediately jumped into the snow to hide from the creature.
Danik remained standing, whispering "Yes...it's a dragon..." then started running at full speed in the snow toward the cliff and what Serrin had reported.
With Danik gone from view, Grom, Serrin and Urist remained hidden as best as possible, hoping that the beast would simply pass by and ignore them.
The dragon above circled the area for a moment, then suddenly plunged to the ground, letting loose a terrible roar, before rising up again with some massive humanoid creature in it's jaws. A moment later, it flung the creature to the ground and after circling above again for a moment, landed back onto the cliff
Danik soon reached the bottom of the cliff and noticed the two Heldaner corpses. One had his face completely bashed in while the others had apparently died falling or jumping from the cliff. Resisting the impulse to run as the dragon roared and surged above him, he quickly started to climb up the cliff and soon rolled onto the firm ground above.
What he saw up there was a complete carnage. Two creatures that Danik recognized as Ogres were running away as fast as possible while the dragon finished up the few humans left alive in an instant, tossing them around like dolls, members flying everywhere, snow drenched in blood.
At that moment, Grom decided to rush toward the cliff and see what Danik was doing while Serrin remained near catatonic in his hiding place, whispering lullabies to himself. Urist joined Grom after a moment and they arrived at the bottom of the cliff.
Meanwhile, noticing some of the dead humans gear a bit away from the cliff, Danik summoned an illusion of a red dragon, attempting to distract the beast. The ploy worked for a moment, the white dragon apparently confused immediately took to the air again. With a grin on his face, the mage used the opportunity to rush toward the gear he had noticed and quickly look around for what would be best taken and was ready to leave when....
...the white dragon dove straight into the illusion, claws first. It passed through and crashed on the ground, stunned for a moment.
Danik gulped at the effect his illusion had had on the dragon and as he was about to rush toward the cliff, the dragon suddenly moved in-between, cutting his only retreat!
Danik, remained paralysed at the sight of the monstrous beast now standing not 15' from him. Suddenly, the dragon charged and closed it's large jaws onto Danik shoulders then shook him around and tossed him aside.
As Grom and Urist reached the top of the cliff, Danik body fell in front of them, apparently lifeless. Immediately Grom moved left, trying to talk to the beast while Urist rushed toward Danik. The dragon charged at Grom with fury and once again closed it's massive jaws but failed to get a good grip and Grom remained standing. Urist meanwhile conjured the power of Kagyar, channeling radiant energy through himself and his hands, healing Danik's cold body. As the mage regained consciousness, the dwarf started dragging him toward the cliff, knowing that fighting such a beast in the open would mean only death.
Serrin, hearing the screams of his companions in the distance, finally shook his terror away and started running toward the cliff side.
Grom noticed then that Urist had Danik and that they were moving toward the cliff. He then ran and tried to slide down as best as he could, avoiding damaging but falling prone.
The dragon turned to Urist and did not seem to appreciate having his dinner dragged away. He charged the dwarf, catching his arm in it's massive jaws and once again shaking Urist around. Urist, did not let go of Danik however and the two were flung off the cliff. Urist fell down but landed in a deep patch of snow, avoiding damage. Danik meanwhile tried to get a grasp onto the ledge of the cliff but ripped and fell down face first near Urist.
The dragon turned to Urist and did not seem to appreciate having his dinner dragged away. He charged the dwarf, catching his arm in it's massive jaws and once again shaking Urist around. Urist, did not let go of Danik however and the two were flung off the cliff. Urist fell down but landed in a deep patch of snow, avoiding damage. Danik meanwhile tried to get a grasp onto the ledge of the cliff but ripped and fell down face first near Urist.
Serrin then arrived at the scene and as Grom ran toward him, he yelled "Hide, hide!".
The hunter, having now fully regained his courage, tried to climb the cliff, hoping to provide some distractions while his companions ran away but as he almost reached the top, a loose rock gave and he fell down, hard on an ice patch. The wind knocked out of him, Serrin fell unconscious at Grom's feet. The druid quickly touched the body, whispering and Serrin awoke, shaken.
Meanwhile, Danik had conjured up another illusion, a rock, to try and hide both Urist and himself.
Above, the beast let loose another terrifying roar then seemed to be dining on the corpses. Recognizing an opportunity, the companions ran away the best they could for as long as they could...
It would take a couple hours for them to find each other again and organize camp for the rest of the day. They had seen the dragon fly away earlier, probably gorged on human and ogre flesh alike.
Still shaken by their encounter, they decided to backtrack a way and rest until morning near the pass, hoping that the Raven Claw rocks would provide safe shelter while they were recuperating...
The hunter, having now fully regained his courage, tried to climb the cliff, hoping to provide some distractions while his companions ran away but as he almost reached the top, a loose rock gave and he fell down, hard on an ice patch. The wind knocked out of him, Serrin fell unconscious at Grom's feet. The druid quickly touched the body, whispering and Serrin awoke, shaken.
Meanwhile, Danik had conjured up another illusion, a rock, to try and hide both Urist and himself.
Above, the beast let loose another terrifying roar then seemed to be dining on the corpses. Recognizing an opportunity, the companions ran away the best they could for as long as they could...
It would take a couple hours for them to find each other again and organize camp for the rest of the day. They had seen the dragon fly away earlier, probably gorged on human and ogre flesh alike.
Still shaken by their encounter, they decided to backtrack a way and rest until morning near the pass, hoping that the Raven Claw rocks would provide safe shelter while they were recuperating...
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