The Glare of Winterlight - Revision history

Admin: /* Chapter 9: The Netherworld */

2022-11-16T08:11:51Z

Chapter 9: The Netherworld

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:11, 16 November 2022
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	Into that netherworld I followed, intrigued by the dark unknown of the swirling portal. Within I found a world of darkness and constant damage to my mind and body. A tiny trail led through the mist to a dark altar upon which several candles stood lit. In a flurry of activity at the altar the dark lord himself materialized. I looked upon him,		Into that netherworld I followed, intrigued by the dark unknown of the swirling portal. Within I found a world of darkness and constant damage to my mind and body. A tiny trail led through the mist to a dark altar upon which several candles stood lit. In a flurry of activity at the altar the dark lord himself materialized. I looked upon him,

	A force of supreme power, unmatched in almost any domain, the entity known as V'reesar ~~manifests~~ itself ~~here~~ as a darkened swirl of energy, electricity, and malignancy. It has no bodily form and exists only as an abstraction, yet its power is very real. V'reesar is the driving force behind Bridgette and surely behind much of the evil pervading the Realms, rising up from within the planar chaos, inspiring a blinding mixture of awe and terror.		A force of supreme power, unmatched in almost any domain, the entity known as V'reesar manifested itself there as a darkened swirl of energy, electricity, and malignancy. It has no bodily form and exists only as an abstraction, yet its power is very real. V'reesar is the driving force behind Bridgette and surely behind much of the evil pervading the Realms, rising up from within the planar chaos, inspiring a blinding mixture of awe and terror.

	I watched the battle intently, and of that hell storm I can hardly remember anything at all, except huge surges of electricity, great flashes of lighting, and long periods of stunning fear. Finally, the dark god relented from his attack and spoke:		I watched the battle intently, and of that hell storm I can hardly remember anything at all, except huge surges of electricity, great flashes of lighting, and long periods of stunning fear. Finally, the dark god relented from his attack and spoke:
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	V'reesar says 'I shall not waste my time here any longer. Yet, some of your deeds have amused me. Take these trinkets and begone, mortals, before you overstay my patience.'		V'reesar says 'I shall not waste my time here any longer. Yet, some of your deeds have amused me. Take these trinkets and begone, mortals, before you overstay my patience.'

	With that, he was gone.		With that, he was gone.

	= Chapter 10: Falling Action =		= Chapter 10: Falling Action =

Admin: /* Chapter 8: Lady Bridgette */

2022-11-16T08:09:00Z

Chapter 8: Lady Bridgette

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:09, 16 November 2022
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	Her frozen attacks seemed to know no end, and her icy minions flocked in and around us at our heels. Then, alas, we saw the monstrous Ice Lord Demon sending in his magicks to heal the ice queen, and we knew our doom was upon us. We could not flee, and were quickly overwhelmed. We died in valor, covered in ice, within the throne room of the Lady Bridgette.		Her frozen attacks seemed to know no end, and her icy minions flocked in and around us at our heels. Then, alas, we saw the monstrous Ice Lord Demon sending in his magicks to heal the ice queen, and we knew our doom was upon us. We could not flee, and were quickly overwhelmed. We died in valor, covered in ice, within the throne room of the Lady Bridgette.

	We found our bodies once again scattered across the palace. Some rather luckily within the Halls of Frost, others deep within the icy cave of the kraken. It took quite some time and a fair bit of careful navigation to retrieve all of our bodies and possessions. A party of interested fellows took this time to finally explore that terrible chamber of kraken. There is one there that is behemoth, and we ~~sound~~ realized it was Kando himself, father of Javen, transformed into this mutated beast of ice and sea. From him we obtained a mangled sceptre, perhaps something we could repair at the forge in town.		We found our bodies once again scattered across the palace. Some rather luckily within the Halls of Frost, others deep within the icy cave of the kraken. It took quite some time and a fair bit of careful navigation to retrieve all of our bodies and possessions. A party of interested fellows took this time to finally explore that terrible chamber of kraken. There is one there that is the size of a behemoth, and we soon realized it was Kando himself, father of Javen, transformed into this mutated beast of ice and sea. From him we obtained a mangled sceptre, perhaps something we could repair at the forge in town.

	Finally, back at camp, we reviewed all that we had learned so far and crafted a plan. We fetched and readied supplies and crew members, and using all the information at our possession began our quest for the head of the ice bitch, Lady Bridgette.		Finally, back at camp, we reviewed all that we had learned so far and crafted a plan. We fetched and readied supplies and crew members, and using all the information at our possession began our quest for the head of the ice bitch, Lady Bridgette.

	Using the information acquired from Vozeb upon seeing the snow globe, we waited for dawn. Our best group of Druids, Clerics, even Barbarians, assaulted the Winterwight to clear our route to the palace gate. A band of our stoutest warriors gleaned the inscription on the gate and already knew its deciphered words, speaking them they entered into the halls of frost and to the first djinni, prepared with both options to satisfy his riddle of requirements. Having passed, they lured the Ice Demon Lord to their waiting blades and slaughtered him with no issue, clearing the halls of his lesser daemons just for fun. At that point~~, one man made for the glowing orb of colors to obtain its secret. Finally~~, a team had been ~~recruited~~ to traverse the vast fields ~~and~~ discover and solve the riddle of the second djinni and acquire his prize.		Using the information acquired from Vozeb upon seeing the snow globe, we waited for dawn. Our best group of Druids, Clerics, even Barbarians, assaulted the Winterwight to clear our route to the palace gate. A band of our stoutest warriors gleaned the inscription on the gate and already knew its deciphered words, speaking them they entered into the halls of frost and to the first djinni, prepared with both options to satisfy his riddle of requirements. Having passed, they lured the Ice Demon Lord to their waiting blades and slaughtered him with no issue, clearing the halls of his lesser daemons just for fun. At that point, a reconnaissance team had been deployed to traverse the inner chamber and the vast fields to discover and solve the riddle of the second djinni and acquire his prize.

	At that time, all parties reconnoitered at the precipice outside the palace and team of the finest and most dexterous fighters, along with sorcerers of the most acumen for group melee, entered the palace and made their way to the chasm of spinning disks ~~with the secret of the colors and the prize of the 2nd djinni in their possession~~. We crossed ~~the colored disks~~, quickly satisfying the third djinni and fully preparing with all of our knowledge of spell, skill, and ability we broke the illusion of the eternal snowstorm to make our way straight back into the throne of Lady Bridgette.		At that time, all parties reconnoitered at the precipice outside the palace and team of the finest and most dexterous fighters, along with sorcerers of the most acumen for group melee, entered the palace and made their way to the chasm of spinning disks. We crossed that trap as hastily as possible, quickly satisfying the third djinni and fully preparing with all of our knowledge of spell, skill, and ability we broke the illusion of the eternal snowstorm to make our way straight back into the throne of Lady Bridgette.

	The fight was extremely fierce, there is no denying it. We resisted her icy attacks, and fought her minions with flames. We made progress and could see her visibly diminishing in power and stature when suddenly she somehow interned renewed health and vigor and our struggle went on, and on, for what seemed like ages.		The fight was extremely fierce, there is no denying it. We resisted her icy attacks, and fought her minions with flames. We made progress and could see her visibly diminishing in power and stature when suddenly she somehow interned renewed health and vigor and our struggle went on, and on, for what seemed like ages.

Admin at 08:02, 16 November 2022

2022-11-16T08:02:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:02, 16 November 2022
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	= Chapter 7: The Palace =		= Chapter 7: The Palace =

	On our second journey into the palace we sought to further explore the various areas beyond the Halls of Frost. Proceeding to once again check all rooms and exits, visible or not, we found a new room of much mystery. It lied down beneath the halls, and contained only a magical orb that seemed to emanate colorful hues, but for what purpose we did not know. We found that touching the orb would cause it to gleam a new color, in a sequence ~~of five colors, before always returning to white~~. Not knowing the purpose, we noted down the sequence ~~of colors~~ and continued back into the Halls to map any other new areas of interest.		On our second journey into the palace we sought to further explore the various areas beyond the Halls of Frost. Proceeding to once again check all rooms and exits, visible or not, we found a new room of much mystery. It lied down beneath the halls, and contained only a magical orb that seemed to emanate colorful hues, but for what purpose we did not know. We found that touching the orb would cause it to gleam a new color, in a repeating sequence. Not knowing the purpose, we noted down the sequence and continued back into the Halls to map any other new areas of interest.

	We rechecked the entrance into the icy cavern of Krakens, yet that seemed to be so obviously a bad place to find oneself, we decided to focus on the barren desolation known as Kandro's Fields. We thought of Javen deKandro, obviously meaing "son of Kandro", and wondered if his father had met his end upon this barren plain. From the halls of frost we found a very short path to an odd room off the most obvious path that after a brief wait sent us magically into these fields. Once within, we began exploring in the most thorough ways possible to prevent a total loss of orientation. We marked our path, and as there was nothing of interest above the ground but endless vistas of cold fields we turned up the fields themselves as we went. Eventually, we found a key.		We rechecked the entrance into the icy cavern of Krakens, yet that seemed to be so obviously a bad place to find oneself, we decided to focus on the barren desolation known as Kandro's Fields. We thought of Javen deKandro, obviously meaing "son of Kandro", and wondered if his father had met his end upon this barren plain. From the halls of frost we found a very short path to an odd room off the most obvious path that after a brief wait sent us magically into these fields. Once within, we began exploring in the most thorough ways possible to prevent a total loss of orientation. We marked our path, and as there was nothing of interest above the ground but endless vistas of cold fields we turned up the fields themselves as we went. Eventually, we found a key.
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	By this point we had noticed that most of the hidden exits from the Halls of Frost were contrary to the usual directions of its chambers. Hence, after our meeting with the second Djinni, we redoubled our steps of the Halls of Frost to check once more all of its known corridors and in fact did find a new exit had opened off the path where none existed before. Following this route, we eventually located a room that, if tarried in for a short while transported a body to an entirely new chasm of ice and despair, filled with magnificent spinning colored disks floating in the void, like magical stepping stones across the chasm.		By this point we had noticed that most of the hidden exits from the Halls of Frost were contrary to the usual directions of its chambers. Hence, after our meeting with the second Djinni, we redoubled our steps of the Halls of Frost to check once more all of its known corridors and in fact did find a new exit had opened off the path where none existed before. Following this route, we eventually located a room that, if tarried in for a short while transported a body to an entirely new chasm of ice and despair, filled with magnificent spinning colored disks floating in the void, like magical stepping stones across the chasm.

	In each direction we saw a nearly colored spinning disk we could likely hop upon. Was it safe to simply leap out at a random disk we wondered? Likely not, given our knowledge of this fiendish palace and its Djinn's puzzles and Demon Lords and its seemingly sadistic love of enticing adventurers to their own deaths. In a stroke of brilliance however, a previous experience flashed into mind... ~~the mysterious colored orb and its sequences of colors,~~ could it be the solution to this colored quandary?		In each direction we saw a nearly colored spinning disk we could likely hop upon. Was it safe to simply leap out at a random disk we wondered? Likely not, given our knowledge of this fiendish palace and its Djinn's puzzles and Demon Lords and its seemingly sadistic love of enticing adventurers to their own deaths. In a stroke of brilliance however, a previous experience flashed into mind... could it be the solution to this colored quandary?

	On the other side, we found ourselves standing in a snow drift with nowhere to go but straight into what we at this point should have come to expect, another Djinni.		On the other side, we found ourselves standing in a snow drift with nowhere to go but straight into what we at this point should have come to expect, another Djinni.

Admin at 07:57, 16 November 2022

2022-11-16T07:57:05Z

Admin at 07:35, 16 November 2022

2022-11-16T07:35:19Z

Admin: /* Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice */

2022-11-16T07:23:22Z

Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 16 November 2022
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	The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last year he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!		The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last year he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!

	Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Some others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''', and remembering what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin'''~~, and~~ found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.		Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Some others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''', and remembering what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin'''. I found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.

	Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked if fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!		Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked if fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!

Admin: /* Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice */

2022-11-16T07:22:49Z

Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:22, 16 November 2022
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	The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last year he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!		The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last year he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!

	Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Some others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''', and I remembering what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin''', and found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.		Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Some others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''', and remembering what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin''', and found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.

	Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked if fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!		Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked if fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!

Admin: /* Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice */

2022-11-16T07:22:26Z

Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:22, 16 November 2022
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	The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last year he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!		The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last year he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!

	Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. ~~Most~~ others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''' I ~~remember~~ what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin''', and found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.		Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Some others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''', and I remembering what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin''', and found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.

	Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked if fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!		Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked if fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!

Admin: /* Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice */

2022-11-16T07:20:53Z

Chapter 1: Arrival In Ice

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:20, 16 November 2022
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	Before setting out, and with the confidence that these remaining islanders were friendly and perhaps actually in need of whatever help I could give, I decided to check a few more doors. I met a man named Javen DeKandro who was friendly to '''visitors''' and filled me in on all the woes of this '''troublesome''' time for the island.		Before setting out, and with the confidence that these remaining islanders were friendly and perhaps actually in need of whatever help I could give, I decided to check a few more doors. I met a man named Javen DeKandro who was friendly to '''visitors''' and filled me in on all the woes of this '''troublesome''' time for the island.

	The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!		The island was in fact not always in this condition. Only over the last year he claimed had the winter blast left them snowbound. Perhaps this place was not always called Winterlight Island after all! Worse yet, the weather was not seemingly natural, in fact he blamed a '''sorceress'''! Inquiring more, he spoke of a '''palace''' appearing on the island, and a missing brother. His father had been Mayor, and set out with 2 hunters to break into that icy temple, yet only one returned. Alas, his father and another townswoman Syrena remain missing!

	Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Most others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''' I remember what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin''', and found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.		Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Most others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''' I remember what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin''', and found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.

Admin: /* Chapter 8: Lady Bridgette */

2022-06-13T04:11:22Z

Chapter 8: Lady Bridgette

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:11, 13 June 2022
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	We found ourselves thrust into the throne room of the queen of this ice palace, the Lady Bridgette herself. She waited not a second to unleash an ironically icy hell upon us.		We found ourselves thrust into the throne room of the queen of this ice palace, the Lady Bridgette herself. She waited not a second to unleash an ironically icy hell upon us.

	Her frozen attacks seemed to know no end, and her icy minions flocked in and around us at our heels. Then, alas, we saw the monstrous Ice Lord Demon sending in his magicks to heal the ice queen, and we knew our doom was upon us. ~~Alas, we~~ could not flee, and were quickly overwhelmed. We died in valor, covered in ice, within the throne room of the Lady Bridgette.		Her frozen attacks seemed to know no end, and her icy minions flocked in and around us at our heels. Then, alas, we saw the monstrous Ice Lord Demon sending in his magicks to heal the ice queen, and we knew our doom was upon us. We could not flee, and were quickly overwhelmed. We died in valor, covered in ice, within the throne room of the Lady Bridgette.

	We found our bodies once again scattered across the palace. Some rather luckily within the Halls of Frost, others deep within the icy cave of the kraken. It took quite some time and a fair bit of careful navigation to retrieve all of our bodies and possessions. A party of interested fellows took this time to finally explore that terrible chamber of kraken. There is one there that is behemoth, and we sound realized it was Kando himself, father of Javen, transformed into this mutated beast of ice and sea. From him we obtained a mangled sceptre, perhaps something we could repair at the forge in town.		We found our bodies once again scattered across the palace. Some rather luckily within the Halls of Frost, others deep within the icy cave of the kraken. It took quite some time and a fair bit of careful navigation to retrieve all of our bodies and possessions. A party of interested fellows took this time to finally explore that terrible chamber of kraken. There is one there that is behemoth, and we sound realized it was Kando himself, father of Javen, transformed into this mutated beast of ice and sea. From him we obtained a mangled sceptre, perhaps something we could repair at the forge in town.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:57, 16 November 2022
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	On her lead we set off for the Abbey at Dunhill to speak with those monks who knew Syrena and what she had found in the palace of Lady Bridgette. Brother Murtagh had known '''Syrena''', and in trade for his knowledge we completed a brief '''mission''' for him, acquiring some tarantula venom from the wastelands of the south. This trade proved very worthwhile, and he told us several nuggets of information that Syrena had discovered about the palace: the secret of the third djinni, whatever that was, and of the winterwight's source of power, and of a drow's powerful boots to be found near to the palace.		On her lead we set off for the Abbey at Dunhill to speak with those monks who knew Syrena and what she had found in the palace of Lady Bridgette. Brother Murtagh had known '''Syrena''', and in trade for his knowledge we completed a brief '''mission''' for him, acquiring some tarantula venom from the wastelands of the south. This trade proved very worthwhile, and he told us several nuggets of information that Syrena had discovered about the palace: the secret of the third djinni, whatever that was, and of the winterwight's source of power, and of a drow's powerful boots to be found near to the palace.

	With our newly acquired intelligence we returned to the cold gate once more, and with renewed determination sought for the means of entrance Vozeb had told us of. Finally, in the flicker of firelight one of our party spied an inscription scrawled upon the rocky barrier. Vozeb was certainly right that the inscription was quite a puzzle. A day passed, and we again returned to the gate beyond the Winterwight. When we looked again, much to our dismay, the inscription had changed. It took days outside that gate before we found the magic of the inscription must stem from the same source as the shifting Coldweave Forest, for it changes daily and only daily, and shifts between a maximum of four states.		With our newly acquired intelligence we returned to the cold gate once more, and with renewed determination sought for the means of entrance Vozeb had told us of. Finally, in the flicker of firelight one of our party spied an inscription scrawled upon the rocky barrier. Vozeb was certainly right that the inscription was quite a puzzle. A day passed, and we again returned to the gate beyond the Winterwight. When we looked again, much to our dismay, the inscription had changed. It took days outside that gate before we found the magic of the inscription, which must stem from the same source as the shifting Coldweave Forest, for it changes daily and only daily and shifts between a maximum of four states.

	Setting our best minds to work, we eventually eeked out whatever legible terms we could from the jumble of characters of each of the four inscriptions. After much dismay and despair, finally we had a stroke of luck and spoke aloud a sequence of terms from the days inscription. The gate shimmered briefly, and our surroundings changed . . .		Setting our best minds to work, we eventually eeked out whatever legible terms we could from the jumble of characters of each of the four inscriptions. After much dismay and despair, finally we had a stroke of luck and spoke aloud a sequence of terms from the days inscription. The gate shimmered briefly, and our surroundings changed . . .
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	We found ourselves within massive halls of icy blue pillars and permanent frost. Each direction seemed the same, and the magic of the halls looped us back upon ourselves in a confusion of direction and orientation. Denizens of ice roamed the halls and we quickly learned to avoid them at all costs.		We found ourselves within massive halls of icy blue pillars and permanent frost. Each direction seemed the same, and the magic of the halls looped us back upon ourselves in a confusion of direction and orientation. Denizens of ice roamed the halls and we quickly learned to avoid them at all costs.

	Eventually and again after much despair, our stumbling sent us into new areas. We found the fields of seemingly endless barren ice plains and icy cavern pool of krakens that Vozeb had spoken of. We tested and documented our navigation to find a definite path and in time learned the way, but we did not explore them fully, being careful to stay alive long enough to share our knowledge and document these findings with those back at camp.		Eventually and again after much despair, our stumbling sent us into new areas. We found the fields of seemingly endless barren ice plains and and icy cavern pool of krakens that Vozeb had spoken of. We tested and documented our navigation to find a definite path and in time learned the way, but we did not explore them fully, being careful to stay alive long enough to share our knowledge and document these findings with those back at camp.

	Then came a day we found another exit to a destination most peculiar. Within a room of ice sat a magical being, a Djinni. He sat silent and stoic, until upon our inspection he put forth a request in a bit of a puzzling way. He sought a satisfactory reply in the form of an object, at times an item of armor, at others, an implement of weaponry. We riddled over this and tested multiple objects until we discerned exactly what he required. It was a very easy objective once the requirement was understood, merely any item of a certain caliber would do the trick. We had our squires and men of support begin gathering these in great quantity for future endeavors beyond the Djinni.		Then came a day we found another exit to a destination most peculiar. Within a room of ice sat a magical being, a Djinni. He sat silent and stoic, until upon our inspection he put forth a request in a bit of a puzzling way. He sought a satisfactory reply in the form of an object, at times an item of armor, at others, an implement of weaponry. We riddled over this and tested multiple objects until we discerned exactly what he required. It was a very easy objective once the requirement was understood, merely any item of a certain caliber would do the trick. We had our squires and men of support begin gathering these in great quantity for future endeavors beyond the Djinni.
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	The alarm of the guard was palpable and the Ice Demon Lord engaged immediately, summoning lesser ice demons to his aid. The fight was fierce, but our blades did their damage. Just as progress was being remarked upon and our courage began to stir however the tide turned as one weakened member of our party reached for a healing potion to aid himself. The beast roared, and bashed him quite thoroughly, stunning him for quite some time. The rest of us watched in horror, and feared for our own lives as we gripped the potions in our bags closely.		The alarm of the guard was palpable and the Ice Demon Lord engaged immediately, summoning lesser ice demons to his aid. The fight was fierce, but our blades did their damage. Just as progress was being remarked upon and our courage began to stir however the tide turned as one weakened member of our party reached for a healing potion to aid himself. The beast roared, and bashed him quite thoroughly, stunning him for quite some time. The rest of us watched in horror, and feared for our own lives as we gripped the potions in our bags closely.

	Alas, several of our party were slain, and the remainder fled and removed themselves from the icy crypt. A better plan was needed. The lesser ice demons had overwhelmed us, and with no chance of healing the demon lord could not be safely engaged. A quick plan was concocted~~, the linear nature of the hallway with its prison door would be used to our advantage~~. ~~A nearby room for healing~~ and ~~recovery would be established, where those who needed could safely depart~~ to ~~and then quickly return~~ to ~~the fight~~. With this strategy we re-engaged our foe and this time ~~continued~~ until the beast was slain. At his death his gargantuan corpse fell to the ground, significantly injuring on of our party. From his corpse we took '''a signet of silver flame'''.		Alas, several of our party were slain, and the remainder fled and removed themselves from the icy crypt. A better plan was needed. The lesser ice demons had overwhelmed us, and with no chance of healing the demon lord could not be safely engaged. A quick plan was concocted. Our bravest employed great daring and was able to lure the beast into a compromising position wherein we had him trapped away from his lesser denizens. Our forethought had also provided us with a simple method by which to heal ourselves without his complaint. With this strategy we re-engaged our foe and this time fought until the beast was slain. At his death his gargantuan corpse fell to the ground, significantly injuring on of our party. From his corpse we took '''a signet of silver flame'''.

	Once slain, we cleared the lesser ice demons with no fear, for they were meek and timid by comparison. The prison hallway now being devoid of beasts we found ourselves wandering a cold and silent hall, wondering what souls may have met their end within such a miserable place.		Once slain, we cleared the lesser ice demons with no fear, for they were meek and timid by comparison. The prison hallway now being devoid of beasts we found ourselves wandering a cold and silent hall, wondering what souls may have met their end within such a miserable place.

	Along the north wall of the hallway we found three cells, encased within pure ice with no visible doors. Within the center chamber we spied a young girl. Olara! I immediately thought of Raemek and Phaeba, and my heart leapt into my throat. Alas she could not hear my cries, and with no clear method of gaining entrance to the cell we sat and pondered. The demon lord of the prison must administer these cells of course, and so eventually ~~we put together the method. His signet was of course a~~ key, ~~of sorts~~, ~~and eventually~~ I found myself within the cell with Olara herself.		Along the north wall of the hallway we found three cells, encased within pure ice with no visible doors. Within the center chamber we spied a young girl. Olara! I immediately thought of Raemek and Phaeba, and my heart leapt into my throat. Alas she could not hear my cries, and with no clear method of gaining entrance to the cell we sat and pondered. The demon lord of the prison must administer these cells of course, and so we scoured all that we had stripped from his corpse and eventually found they key, so to speak, to those icy frozen walls. Eventually, I found myself within the cell with Olara herself.

	She stared up at me first in fear, and with the questioning eyes of innocence and hope that only a child still possess when faced with such an odd encounter in such an odd place. I began to speak, and in silence she sat, still undecided about my intentions, until from my lips slipped the mention of '''mother''' and she sprang to life and begged to know if I had the means to get her safely back home.		She stared up at me first in fear, and with the questioning eyes of innocence and hope that only a child still possess when faced with such an odd encounter in such an odd place. I began to speak, and in silence she sat, still undecided about my intentions, until from my lips slipped the mention of '''mother''' and she sprang to life and begged to know if I had the means to get her safely back home.

	I pondered long. For only one could pass the icy prison cell barrier, and while I thought long about giving her the means to exit and encasing myself in that prison in exchange, I hid that idea away and selfishly kept the secret of the key in my own mind. At last, without any clear purpose, I drew forth my bag and rummaged through the items I had collected from the town and the forest, from the troll and from her mother, and from the bench of the smith Marrin. The delicate silver mirror struck a chord with her, for Marrin was after all her uncle, Raemek's brother, and Olara knew of the item and a special engraving on its back. In a sudden and unexpected flourish, she was gone. Free at last of the Ice Lord Demon in the prison of the ice palace of the Lady Bridgette.		I pondered long. For only one could utilize the "key" to pass the icy prison cell barrier at a time, and while I thought long about giving her the means to exit and encasing myself in that prison in exchange, I hid that idea away and selfishly kept the secret of the key in my own mind. At last, without any clear purpose, I drew forth my bag and rummaged through the items I had collected from the town and the forest, from the troll and from her mother, and from the bench of the smith Marrin. The delicate silver mirror struck a chord with her, for Marrin was after all her uncle, Raemek's brother, and Olara knew of the item and a special engraving on its back. In a sudden and unexpected flourish, she was gone. Free at last of the Ice Lord Demon in the prison of the ice palace of the Lady Bridgette.

	I exited the now empty cell, relieved beyond expression, and we methodically conducted a '''search''' of the remaining cells. In one we found '''a brown leather bracelet''', of very good quality, and I stowed it away with the rest of the loot and plunder.		I exited the now empty cell, relieved beyond expression, and we methodically conducted a '''search''' of the remaining cells. In one we found '''a brown leather bracelet''', of very good quality, and I stowed it away with the rest of the loot and plunder.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:35, 16 November 2022
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	Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Some others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''', and remembering what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin'''. I found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.		Clearly an evil hung over this tiny village on this remote island. Javen told me more of the two hunters '''Loben''' and '''Syrena''' and their wise departure from the island. I noted that Syrena's daughter '''Tanca''' still lived here, and put her on my list of peoples to gather more info from. Some others had gone, '''Tosok''' and '''Lilin''', and remembering what Raemek and Phaeba had told me I mentioned '''Olara''' and he told me of Raemek's brother '''Marrin'''. I found that Javen shared their woes, and also that he had been holding the key to Marrin's smithy which he gave me gladly. I thanked him and headed outside.

	Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked if fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!		Just outside across the town square I found Marrin's smithy, and the key clicked open the door. Inside I found an old forge that looked in fair enough condition, albeit long unused. Marrin's bedroom offered no hints on his whereabouts, though all his belongings sat in perfect order, his bedroom perfectly arranged, his belongings safely inside their wardrobes and locked chests. The man clearly did not pack up and leave in the night, I feared for him as his family did. I must assist these weary but steadfast people!

	Back outside I knocked up and down the streets, and eventually found the home of Vozeb & Tanca, the daughter of the hunter Syrena that Javen had told me about. Vozeb confirmed '''Syrena''' had vanished after surviving whatever had taken place during the expedition into the ice palace that left so many families missing loved ones. Gone it seems without even telling her child her whereabouts, a sad state of affairs. A glimmer of hope remained however, as I was glad to hear of '''Tanca''' and Vozeb's love in this dire place warming at least their own hearts, if nothing else. Vozeb mentioned his intentions to marry '''Tanca''', and I could see why. But a ring was needed, a ring of his mothers had gone missing, and I noted it down in my memory as I set back about exploring the frigid village.		Back outside I knocked up and down the streets, and eventually found the home of Vozeb & Tanca, the daughter of the hunter Syrena that Javen had told me about. Vozeb confirmed '''Syrena''' had vanished after surviving whatever had taken place during the expedition into the ice palace that left so many families missing loved ones. Gone it seems without even telling her child her whereabouts, a sad state of affairs. A glimmer of hope remained however, as I was glad to hear of '''Tanca''' and Vozeb's love in this dire place warming at least their own hearts, if nothing else. Vozeb mentioned his intentions to marry '''Tanca''', and I could see why. But a ring was needed, a ring of his mothers had gone missing, and I noted it down in my memory as I set back about exploring the frigid village.
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	= Chapter 2: A gift for a finger, a forest, and a forge =		= Chapter 2: A gift for a finger, a forest, and a forge =

	The other homes were desolate, and I found only small bits and bobs of long forgotten families and long frozen homes. In one particular I managed to pull up a floorboard, and must have gotten carried away with my '''search''' of what I assumed was some long gone soul's hidden spot for precious items as was nearly dark and I had cluttered the room other miscellaneous items when my finger finally struck something, something small, and round, and silver!		The other homes were desolate, and I found only small bits and bobs of long forgotten families and long frozen homes. In one particular I managed to pull up a floorboard, and must have gotten carried away with my '''search''' of what I assumed was some long gone soul's hidden spot for precious items as was nearly dark and I had cluttered the room with many other miscellaneous items when my finger finally struck something, something small, and round, and silver!

	Running back to speak with Vozeb, he was ecstatic, and it warmed my soul just a bit against this frozen landscape to bring him such joy. It ended up warming my feet too, as he rewarded me for my thorough search with a pair of snug winter boots, just perfect for my upcoming trek into the snow drifts beyond the village borders.		Running back to speak with Vozeb, he was ecstatic, and it warmed my soul just a bit against this frozen landscape to bring him such joy. It ended up warming my feet too, as he rewarded me for my thorough search with a pair of '''snug winter boots''', just perfect for my upcoming trek into the snow drifts beyond the village borders.

	One task complete, I set out to see if there was anything I could scrounge up for Raemek to improve his wretched old pickaxe. In a house southward of the square I could see no signs of life, so I used my cunning, and perhaps a bit of brute force, to broach the door. Inside my '''search'' only yielded some old furniture. Seeing the current condition of the place, I decided it wouldn't be missed, and broke a chair for its wood. It wielded some burnable fodder and one stout leg that struck the gears turning in my mind. I pocketed these pieces and set back outside.		One task complete, I set out to see if there was anything I could scrounge up for Raemek to improve his wretched old pickaxe. In a house southward of the square I could see no signs of life, so I used my cunning, and perhaps a bit of brute force, to broach the door. Inside my '''search''' only yielded some old furniture. Seeing the current condition of the place, I decided it wouldn't be missed, and broke a chair for its wood. It wielded some burnable fodder and one stout leg that struck the gears turning in my mind. I pocketed these pieces and set back outside.

	Coldweave Forest, as the townspeople named it, loomed to my west, and feeling rather confident I stepped into the trees, noting how much wood there was available but how much of it was frozen solid. Considering myself a rather skilled woodsman, I set about a '''search''' of the nearest fringes of the woods.		Coldweave Forest, as the townspeople named it, loomed to my west, and feeling rather confident I stepped into the trees, noting how much wood there was available but how much of it was frozen solid. Considering myself a rather skilled woodsman, I set about a '''search''' of the nearest fringes of the woods.
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	With the fresh perspective of a new day and the silver gleam of the smith's hammer in my back gnawing at the back of my mind I returned to Marrin's Smithy. I dropped the five pieces of kindling upon the floor at the forge, and set about to '''light fire''' in the '''pit'''. I grabbed the bellows and pushed and pull and pushed and pulled for what seemed an eternity until the fire was blazing hot as can be. With my hammer in hand and the broken table leg at the ready, I set about to '''forge''' something for my fried Raemek. While it wasn't the best outcome, the crudely forged axe I crafted was a certainly going to be an improvement to his near broken pickaxe. Inspecting my work, I was confident he would appreciate the effort and returned to Raemek with my gift.		With the fresh perspective of a new day and the silver gleam of the smith's hammer in my back gnawing at the back of my mind I returned to Marrin's Smithy. I dropped the five pieces of kindling upon the floor at the forge, and set about to '''light fire''' in the '''pit'''. I grabbed the bellows and pushed and pull and pushed and pulled for what seemed an eternity until the fire was blazing hot as can be. With my hammer in hand and the broken table leg at the ready, I set about to '''forge''' something for my fried Raemek. While it wasn't the best outcome, the crudely forged axe I crafted was a certainly going to be an improvement to his near broken pickaxe. Inspecting my work, I was confident he would appreciate the effort and returned to Raemek with my gift.

	He was overjoyed, and sent me to tell the news to Phaeba. She too was thrilled, and quickly put her own crafting skills to work to sew me something quite special, something she called the (Near) Bottomless Pouch of Blessings. Her blessings are indeed special, and contain a magic that usually requires scribing that I've never seen imbued in such a handicraft before. Wielding the item, I am transported to my home, as I am certainly sure Phabea wishes her own child Olara could be.		He was overjoyed, and sent me to tell the news to Phaeba. She too was thrilled, and quickly put her own crafting skills to work to sew me something quite special, something she called the (Near) '''Bottomless Pouch of Blessings'''. Her blessings are indeed special, and contain a magic that usually requires scribing that I've never seen imbued in such a handicraft before. Wielding the item, I am transported to my home, as I am certainly sure Phabea wishes her own child Olara could be.

	= Chapter 3: A Missing Man =		= Chapter 3: A Missing Man =
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	There we sat, upon the cold front porch of the palace, seemingly at a dead end against the brutal and unresponsive front gates of the icy palace. As so we redoubled our searches of the entire area, digging up the snow in every corner, and finding a list of sundry items. One item, '''a small snow globe''' proved to be essential.		There we sat, upon the cold front porch of the palace, seemingly at a dead end against the brutal and unresponsive front gates of the icy palace. As so we redoubled our searches of the entire area, digging up the snow in every corner, and finding a list of sundry items. One item, '''a small snow globe''' proved to be essential.

	Many of the townspeople recognized this item. Raemek told us of its magical properties, but it was Vozeb's '''advice''' and Tanca, daughter of the missing Syrena who had entered the palace, who provided us with essential '''information'''. She told us the secret of the front gate, and of several of the areas to be found inside. On her lead we set off for the Abbey at Dunhill to speak with those monks who knew Syrena and what she had found in the palace of Lady Bridgette. Brother Murtagh had known '''Syrena''', and in trade for his knowledge we completed a brief '''mission''' for him, acquiring some tarantula venom from the wastelands of the south. This trade proved very worthwhile, and he told us several nuggets of information that Syrena had discovered about the palace: the secret of the third djinni, whatever that was, and of the winterwight's source of power, and of a drow's powerful boots to be found near to the palace.		Many of the townspeople recognized this item. Raemek told us of its magical properties, but it was Vozeb's '''advice''' and Tanca, daughter of the missing Syrena who had entered the palace, who provided us with essential '''information'''. She told us the secret of the front gate, and of several of the areas to be found inside, but moreover she told us her mother Syrena had long been a practitioner of faith and frequented the longstanding Abbey of Dunhill.

			On her lead we set off for the Abbey at Dunhill to speak with those monks who knew Syrena and what she had found in the palace of Lady Bridgette. Brother Murtagh had known '''Syrena''', and in trade for his knowledge we completed a brief '''mission''' for him, acquiring some tarantula venom from the wastelands of the south. This trade proved very worthwhile, and he told us several nuggets of information that Syrena had discovered about the palace: the secret of the third djinni, whatever that was, and of the winterwight's source of power, and of a drow's powerful boots to be found near to the palace.

	With our newly acquired intelligence we returned to the cold gate once more, and with renewed determination sought for the means of entrance Vozeb had told us of. Finally, in the flicker of firelight one of our party spied an inscription scrawled upon the rocky barrier. Vozeb was certainly right that the inscription was quite a puzzle. A day passed, and we again returned to the gate beyond the Winterwight. When we looked again, much to our dismay, the inscription had changed. It took days outside that gate before we found the magic of the inscription must stem from the same source as the shifting Coldweave Forest, for it changes daily and only daily, and shifts between a maximum of four states.		With our newly acquired intelligence we returned to the cold gate once more, and with renewed determination sought for the means of entrance Vozeb had told us of. Finally, in the flicker of firelight one of our party spied an inscription scrawled upon the rocky barrier. Vozeb was certainly right that the inscription was quite a puzzle. A day passed, and we again returned to the gate beyond the Winterwight. When we looked again, much to our dismay, the inscription had changed. It took days outside that gate before we found the magic of the inscription must stem from the same source as the shifting Coldweave Forest, for it changes daily and only daily, and shifts between a maximum of four states.