Aiden Monday April 18th, 2005 10:14:34 PM
"You should not go alone..." Aiden brought up, "especially with the numbers..."
He hadn't thought of what he was going to do next, but the mystery of the wolves was intriguing...what lead so many wolves astray (well...other than the winter wolves)?
He left his comment open to see how Nauthiz would react.
Justin Webber (CO-DM) Interesting Tales Monday April 18th, 2005 11:25:01 PM
Karya sitsand listens of what Bohdi says and grins as she listens, quite odviously glad that the little man has some very useful traits to him also.
Karya rubs her chin and nods, "You should find the ghost's mother and do as she has asked considering it was a wish of a spirit and here in Celsiun's realm, anything a spirit tells you or asks if a serious thing....I also am intriqued about her comment also, as all of you might of known we once had a small statue made of pure ice that was granted to us by Domi. The ice of the statue never melts and as long as it was here our village prospered. However the statue was stolen from us by the Twin Tusks and for sometime we have planned to obtain it back. The village and our livelyhood comes first however."
Karya thinks more on the details given her and nods finally, "I believe alot of the visions you are having are linked. However I am not sure. The temple...the darkness in each...an summoning for help." Karya grins as a thought comes to mind, "Yes, the wolf tracks will be looked into by us but your first jobs as adults are to find out more about your dreams...I suggest first if you are to summon help from outisde that you seek the ice ants that you have found yourselves allied with....The ice ants are a ancient race of life here and know this land better then any creature that we know of."
Karya thinks some more while standing and smiles, "I too had a vision from drinking from the gourd. You all should speak to the shaman here for info on the temple. I feel her knowledge is what will help guide you to it."
Bohdi Nackle Tuesday April 19th, 2005 11:40:17 AM
"Back to the ice ants?" Bohdi repeated incredulously. "Lady, begging your pardon ... but are you sure that gourd didn't go to your head? Didn't you hear what we were saying? There's wolves out there. And it's wicked nasty cold. And there's raiders, too, and probably lots worse."
The gnome sat defiantly, arms crossed. "Nuh-uh. We're not going anywhere. We're staying right here where it's warm, and it's safe, and everyone has a maximum of four appendages. Right, gang?" Belatedly, the gnome looked about at his companions, seeking support. "Gang?"
Garrett Tuesday April 19th, 2005 2:51:13 PM
Garrett turns to look at Bohdi, with a bit of a gleam in his eye, and a half smile he's trying to hide. "I don't know Bohdi, seems like when you are given a dream, ignoring it isn't the best course of action. I for one plan on following up on my vision. Domi would not have sent me one if I were to spend the rest of my days sitting on my rump drinking ice wine."
"As Karya says, the wisest course of action is to learn more of this temple that we were ALL meant to seek. So I feel we should go speak to the shaman immediately after fulfilling the ghosts request."
"But when that has been completed, I would not be against looking into these wolves. Or, even a little more tempting than that, retrieving the stolen statue."
Aiden Tuesday April 19th, 2005 7:52:06 PM
Aiden listened as the village elder gave her wisdom to the newly initiated adults. As a hunter, he found it odd for so many wolves to be moving in terms of territory, something that belies a danger to the village.
To learn more about that seemed to interest him much more than to simply investigate some strange building. However, he also recognized the importance of following the dictates of the village elder, something that was beaten into anyone from Twin Tusks from the moment that he (or she) was born. Even a year away, under the more liberal Ice Peaks, could not undo so many years of training.
"Yes village elder..." he said respectfully, agreeing, "I shall go to the Ice Ants" and then turning to Nauthiz, "and help investigate the wolves afterwards..."
<tags>
The Twins (posting for Frigga as well per Dan, both in one post) Tuesday April 19th, 2005 9:56:28 PM
As the village elder speaks, Nauth shuffles a bit in his seat. His frustrations of having to put a hold on the wolf matter apparently does not sit right with him.
The dark-hair sister of the ranger lays a hand on his back and rubs momentarily. "We all know that the visions are powerful experiences. We cannot deny them. If we do, then we will eventualy regret it. Other matters will fall into place." Frigga then resummed her actions of starring at the rest of the group and playing with some of the fur on her cloak.
"Well, um, well right sis. These dreams will lead us to the wolves right? The ants prophesized something and they said they will help when the time comes. Everyone should knwo that the ants prey on the wolves and if we meet up with the ants then maybe they can lead us to the wolves as well."
The lanky young man stands and begins pacing in the tent, looking as if deep in thought, but mostly confussed.
Frigga watches her brother pace, a smirk on her face as she knows what is in her brother's head.
Justin Webber (Co-DM) Ghost's Mom Wednesday April 20th, 2005 12:59:38 AM
Karya looks to Bohdi and grins some as she thinks and then speaks, "Oh well then dear Bohdi, they say those who ignore spirits wishes and such are visited by banshees sent to them by Celsiun."
Karya after giving Bodhi that little nudge allows you all to go now and meet with the ghost's mother.
The tent for the ghost's mother isn't to hard to find either. Near the back of the village, actually not to far from the shaman's tent is the ghost's mother's tent. The tent is really plain even compared to the other tents and when you knock on the flap you here a older voice call out to you, "Who is it? Come on in where it's warmer, my old bones can not take the cold like they use too."
When you enter you see a little past her middle ages woman setting by a small fire in the center of her tent. She stirs a small pot thats on the fire and as she looks up her eyes almost glaze over for a moment, "I see...why do the young adults come to see this old lady hmm?" The lady's eyes tell most of her story but most of you who grewup in the village know that this lady was a good hunter in the village but when her daughter never came back from her spirit just seemed to be broken. (OOC:I Hate to push you all along so fast but me and Daniel are falling abit behind on our schedule of movements.) No matter what the group says or does after telling the old woman of her daughter and giving her the thing from her daughter she just seems to clam up more then anything and after many long moments looks to each of you, "I thank you for returning with all this...it sets my daughter to rest I am sure and I am thankful....I'm sorry but I need some time to myself though, this has came as a blessing but yet hard since in some way deep in me I had hoped she might still be alive."
(OOC:I figure your next stop will be the shaman's place. I'm hoping to get Daniel to post that part tomorrow and you all will be leaving the village soon so you all know. Once again we're sorry for pushing you all along so fast at this point.)
The Twins Wednesday April 20th, 2005 9:39:46 AM
Nauth shifts his weight from side to side as he is quite uncomfortable with the present situation. The memories of his father, Ull'Heimdall project his thoughts completely out of the Vein. He does his manly best to fight back the tears for the moment.
Frigg'Isa, however, has naught the manly ideas of tears showing weakness and lets loose a shower of tears. Each one appears determined to leap from her eyes, down her cheeks and plummet to the earth. She reaches for Nauth's arm and grips it painfully tight when she finds it.
"I am sorry mother, I...I...know what it is like...ohh I am sorry."
Nauth stares at Frigga in bewilderment and when he sees her break down completely he is shattered and a few tears streaks their way down his face.
"Mother, we are sorry beyond belief. Your thoughts will tear you in two over the news. I took the same news of our father, Ull'Heimdall and have struggled with making peace with it ever since. Time heals all, mother."
The young man speaks of wisdom beyond his years as he has endured the pain of someone thrice his age. He holds Frigga's arm and slowly walks he out of the tent, towards the shaman's.
Ull'Heimdall, that woman was your hunting companion. Your duty is to protect her daughter until she ascends and reunites with her.
Bohdi Nackle Wednesday April 20th, 2005 1:55:22 PM
The gnome scowled at Kayra's words but said nothing. He followed the others to the old woman's tent and listened, silently, as the mummified flower was delivered.
Life is cruel, brutal, and unfair, he thought, and: These people send their children into the wild unprotected? Why should they be surprised when they die? And: Bugger all to them, anyway. Flowers, and ants, and raiders, and blood on the snow--why should I care, eh? What good does it do me, eh? Would they shed a tear if some wolf gobbled up this miserable little gnome? I should think not.
It must have been the wind, then, that caused Bohdi's eyes to tear as he left the woman's tent, and a fleck of ice that caught there and caused him to turn away from the group and wipe his eyes. It must have been the sun that lowered his vision, and kept him from looking at the others. That must have been the reason.
"Bugger all," Bohdi muttered at last. "Silly ants and their prophecies. And you're all crazy enough to go charging back out into the snow to meet them, eh? Blast it all." But the gnome gave every impression that he was coming, too--he was just going to complain the whole way.
ooc: I guess, if we're leaving right away, Bohdi will replenish his trail rations from what the village has, he'll take the masterwork crossbow bolts (just assume he has 50 bolts total, for simplicity's sake), and he'll leave alchemical tools behind this time. He'll leave any other "loot" that was obtained on the last trip, including the unidentified potion. He'll also leave his mundane dagger, favoring the enchanted one instead. All else, I think, remains the same (he no longer has a bottle of ice wine).
Let me know if they leave immediately or in the morning, and Bohdi will prepare spells accordingly.
Garrett Wednesday April 20th, 2005 1:56:31 PM
"My sincere condolences Ma'am. And while it may not be easy for you, hopefully you can rest better knowing that her spirit is at peace, and that she obviously loved you. We will leave you to your thoughts and prayers"
Garrett waits for everyone and heads off to see the shaman. Almost at a rush. :)
Of Prophets and Portents Wednesday April 20th, 2005 5:41:30 PM
in the interest of moving along. Aiden I know you're Time frame is off, pleases feel free to double and cover back time.
Frigg'Isa may not be struck hardest by the old womans face to face confrontation with the truth and the destruction of any hope she had clung to all these years, but she is the mst obviously touched. Other blame snow, wind and ice, or at least they tell themselves as much.
The group makes the short walk to the High Priestess Svanhvít's home. Thick columns of ice create a porch-like entrance offering overhead shelter before the triple thick and large winter wolf pelts hang as the outer covering to her home. Standing to either side under the porch is the priestsess' personal bodyguards, sworn unto their own deaths to protect her. Each wears a deadly Falx plainly at their side, the wicked reverse curved scimitar of the fighting masters of teh village. Outside of the high preist and Kayra only one other in the village carries such a weapon, the weapon master himself Ull'As Bjord.
The two sweep back the pelts to the new adults of the village, before teh return and great feast, never would any have been allowed to see Svanhvít in her home, even if they were dying.
Like most homes, there are two sets of entrances, the double layering of walls act to further insulate the inner rooms. Unlike most, the air inside is sweet, perfumed and carries a fragrance none has smelled before. The inner chambers are exceptionally warm and keener ears Listen DC15 detect a low droning buzzing. Thick skins of animals both familiar and foreign lay upon the floor, are decoratively laid on furniture and hang from the ceiling.
Svanhvít herself sists upon her knees and feet facing you with closed eyes. A gold colored, but not gold, Brazier burns an indigo flame before her. Directly behind her is a large fur mound, possibly a bed and just beyond that another set of hanging furs seems to suggest another room beyond this.
After a short moment her eyes flick open and the high priest seems almost to look through to each soul that stands before her. Another moment passes in sweet perfumed silence, then she speaks with a gesturing hand for you to be seated.
"You have come about the Dream and prophesy of old." she begins in an almost methodical practiced tone. "Black snow, Red Ice the children of the End Dream come." Involuntarily, hairs stand on teh backs of your necks and a cold shiver descends your spine. Heedles of your existance it seems she continues, her voice growing colder, uncaring, "Burning spring, the grass afire, seek you the Wall. The Wold Shakes this night the end of dreaming and the beginning of a new dawn. The Hand moves and the Wold is refreshed."
She finishes and with a slight shake of her head blinks several times at you. Her voice more soothing and compassionate now, "It is obvious that you are indeed the Children of the SoulWalk, our Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa. The ancient texts tell of a place, in the southern mountains near Dyngjufjöll, The Ice Mountain. It is here th Woldian Heiroglyps of the ancients are written. You may tell no one where you go and what you find there, not even Kayra knows of this place."
Standing she moves across teh room to a shelf and retrieves a tome of moderate size and distinguished marks. "Take with you this. It will aid you in reading the wall. You must find the passage that speaks of you. The Children of the SoulWalk, the Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa and do as it says."
"Leave in the morning before first true light, while the twighlight is still upon the Village. Travel safe and travel well."
Aiden Wednesday April 20th, 2005 11:23:32 PM
Aiden had quietly followed along with the others, until they entered the old woman's house. He, too, knew well that right now, it was time to replenish the supplies, and store any of his trophies to the side.
It was also time needed with the pup. (OOC: figure this covers the time away without messing things up continuity wise. He will try to use his natural ranger empathy to learn more about the pup/etc)
Sometime later, he returns, with the pup padding quietly by his side. The time had been well served.
The hackles on the back of his neck raised slightly when they entered the tent of the dream seer. He never cared for prophesies and dreams, preferring to keep to the 'real', and that man can help guide his own destiny.
Listening to the sage, Aiden found it tough not to fidget. He didn't care for being inside, and, he also never cared for riddles. However, with all gibberish to the side, he did understand that it was in the villages (and henceforth, his) good interest to travel to the temple.
Quietly, he looked towards the others to see and listen to their own reactions.
garrett Thursday April 21st, 2005 3:31:04 PM
Garrett restocks his rations and tries to get some sleep before heading out early.
Bohdi Nackle d20=10 d20=15 d20+8=27 d20+8=14 Thursday April 21st, 2005 11:07:01 PM Miserable little village, Bohdi thought darkly. Miserable little people. Miserable little huts. Miser-- "Eh?" Bohdi looked up, suddenly all ears. "What's this about a tome?"
A canary-stuffed cat's grin spread across the gnome's face. "Why, you lovely old dear, why didn't you say so in the first place? A tome, of ancient knowledge? Why, of course we'll take care of that, now, won't we, everyone? Right? Gang?" Bohdi elbowed his way forward sharply and seized the book forefully--if lovingly--from the old woman's grasp.
He leaned in conspiratorially to the shaman. "Now, don't you worry your pretty little prophesying head about your book while we're away, dear," he told the shaman sweetly. "Ol' Bohdi here will take good care of it, don't you worry." He patted the book--which was now firmly tucked under one arm--reassuringly. "Children of the SoulWalk, Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa, got it. We'll take care of it. Right, uh, Children?" He waved to indicate the others in a way that he hoped seemed meaningful. (Diplomacy, Bluff, both untrained, 10 and 15.)
"Yes, well, right! Children of the EndWalk ... I mean, the SoulDream ... I mean, yes! Children! We must go now, children! Go! Prepare! Walk! Dream! Yes!" He brushed his hands at the others in shooing gestures in the direction of the tent flap before exiting himself. "Yes, cheerio, dearie! Gotta dash, Ungmenni'Sal hvarfa, and all! Ta ta!"
He slipped out of the tent flap and looked at the others, then burst out laughing. "Ho ho! How rich!" he crowed. "That old crow thinks we're all this ... this ... Unga-boonga hvar...whatever. Ha HA!" He held the book aloft triumphantly. "Who knew this village even had books! I thought you barbarians just ate them ... uh, no offense, Aiden ...." The gnome sidled sideways away from the former Tusken raider. Then, his attention drawn back to the book, Bohdi caressed its cover adoringly and sighed. "Ah, a book ... a book ... and from the looks of it, an arcane book at that! Oh, how long I've yearned to see a good book!" He smiled at the others contentedly. "You can all lead us out to whatever private hells await us on the ice now, wunjos. I--have--my--book."
Blissfully unaware of the others' reactions, Bohdi marched off into the snow back to his tent to prepare for the morning's departure. But a good portion of the evening was spent studying the book and its markings. (Knowledge:Arcana 27, Spellcraft 14. Bohdi will cast Detect Magic on the book, followed by Read Magic, if applicable.)
ooc: preparations as indicated before. Please note, owing to the Passover holiday, that after tomorrow (Friday) afternoon I will be unable to check this board again until sundown (approx. 8 pm Woldian) Monday.
Spell list: Level 0: Detect Magic (x2), Read Magic Gnome abilities: Ghost Sound, Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Speak with Burrowing Mammals Level 1: Color Spray, Endure Elements (2x) (cast one on self, one on Aiden)
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