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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Sept 28, 2022 16:59:37 GMT -5
Description: Reports of the yeti have come from somewhere in between Bleakfort and the Pale city. We need you to track down the creature, picking up tracks, clues and hints as to where the creature is dwelling. The yeti is probably calling a local cave home so we need to find it. However storms and blizzards have been getting worse out there so the clues may be quickly fading away.
It had been awhile since Shaa has trekked out to the snowy lands of Frost Gale. Shaa’s true home was the lands of grass and sunny days, not this barren land of frost and snow. Well maybe barren was not the right description. Despite the harsh climate, many people made this place their home for various reasons. Being that the place was so inhospitable, Shaa felt most of the people were the kind of people that didn’t like being around the rest of the people.
Shaa was fine with that but this time there wasn’t a choice. The fighters guild had gotten a request to deal with a yeti that had been attacking a caravan of merchants than ran routes between the cities and outlying colonies. Due to the harsh conditions, those merchants were vital to keep the supplies flowing.
While the occasional yeti was not a strange thing for the area, this Yeti was attacking almost daily and the groups were really feeling the pinch. They needed to find this thing, wherever it was, and take it out or people would starve. On his way to the city, Shaa ran into his friend Edward and had explained the situation. He had agreed to come along although Shaa had a sneaking suspicion that he might be looking for another place that sold popsicles. They had just arrived in town and were headed up to the general store to gear up for the hunt and meet the requester, a dwarf by the name of Ferro.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Sept 29, 2022 9:00:21 GMT -5
Edward grabs some supplies like rations, climbing gear, and tents at the store to prepare for any troubles on their journey. While waiting for Shaa to be done with picking up more gear, Edward searches for a popsicle stand to buy a popsicle and gives it to Shaa as a belated apology for destroying the previous one back in Darkveil. After they are done with getting their stuff ready for the journey, they go to the fighters guild contact, Ferro. They meet inside a tavern as Ferro is busy slamming down pints of ale. Edward goes up to the dwarf, “Hello, my name is Edward and my minotaur friend right here is Shaa. Shaa has taken the quest to investigate the yeti sightings and to find the yeti. Could you give us more information?” Ferro looks at them, sizing them up. He then snorts in amusement, “Aye, I’ll tell you more about what’s happening. At least, the guild sent in two strapping lads this time. It’ll be a dangerous trek through the snow fields. There has been a couple disturbances reported by several merchants. They all say they saw an enormous beast covered in white fur destroying several wagons carrying supplies to the north. I believe that the beast is hiding in the numerous cave that are scattered across the snow fields in the north. The northern snow fields right now is going through a blizzard season though.”
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Sept 29, 2022 17:44:52 GMT -5
Shaa slurped on his popsicle thoughtfully. It wasn’t the same but he appreciated the sentiment. They had been through too many things together at this point to hold any useless grudges. Shaa had finished purchasing some supplies and rented a good coat and some trekking gear. Shaa had found it was always best to rent gear in these kinds of situations. The way he figured it, if the merchant didn’t get their gear back, they would lose out on the investment, customers as well as their reputation. They had every reason to keep things in good order.
Shaa listened to Ferro’s description of the situation. Blizzards would be a problem for a couple reasons. First, they could drop the temperature and trap you somewhere. Second, if they were going to hunt down the yeti, a blizzard would cover up any sign of it in a hurry. As a matter of fact, the extra cover may be the very reason this particular yeti had gotten so bold. They would need to hurry if they were going to find this thing and deal with it once and for all.
Can you tell us where the last attack was? Shaa inquired.
Yes, but I can do better than that. Ferro waved a hand over his head, calling a younger dwarf who was geared for the outdoors. This is my nephew Pike. He was with the last caravan. He can show you where they were. Ferro glared at Pike with a stern look of obvious annoyance. It’s the least he can do. Pike shifted his feet and looked around the room casually.
Shaa looked the young dwarf over. Pleased to meet you. The dwarf didn’t pay any attention to the gesture.
Don’t mind him my horned friend. He’s always been a bit stiff. My sisters youngest. I took him on a while back as a favor. Still learning the ropes a bit. Shaa thought there was more to the exchange but decided not to push it.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Sept 29, 2022 18:23:35 GMT -5
Fero gives the young dwarf a playful shove and says, “Now off you go lad, time to show these two men around. Hopefully, you return back alive. I’m sure these two are skilled warriors who can protect you from danger, Pike. You two, take care of my nephew or else.” Edward nods, “Of course, we were sent here to protect others, not hurt others. We will protect young Pike from any dangers we would encounter up north. We’ll send him back as soon as we find the yeti and we will deal with the yeti ourselves. Pike will never be in danger.” Pike is slightly trembling as if he is remembering a traumatic accident. Pike nods, “I’ll guide you folk to where I last saw the yeti. You can follow me.” He goes out of the tavern and Edward follows him. Pike waves for the group to follow him, “Uncle Fero has rented out a specialized wagon that could carry us to where I saw the yeti. I know where we are going. I know where we are going.” Pike keeps muttering to himself as they got to the wagon.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Sept 29, 2022 19:42:46 GMT -5
From the reports, the attacks had been happening somewhere between Bleakfort and Pale City. It was a well known and well worn trail so Shaa didn’t imagine that finding the site would be all that difficult. The tricky part would be when they would inevitably have to leave the path to find where the Yeti was hiding. Considering how many had gone after it with little success, it was not encouraging.
The group was soon on the trail. Shaa was impressed with the wagon that Farro had provided. It had plenty of room and some sort of device had kept it heated on the inside. It wasn’t a 5 star hotel or anything, to be sure, but the ride was by no means uncomfortable. As they rode along, Pike looked sullen. Shaa could tell that Pike was not happy about this trip. It could be the company but Shaa had a feeling it was more about what happened on the last one.
How long do you think it will take to get to the site? Shaa asked gently.
Pike did not look up but spoke to the floor of the wagon. Not long. I was only about 3 hours away from the city when….Pike stopped mid sentence as if deep in thought.
What happened? Shaa pressed
We were almost home. The trades had gone well and the caravan was pretty light. We barely had anything at all really. There was no reason…. For the first time, Pike looked directly at Shaa. You shouldn’t go. You should leave now while you still can. I know the Fighters guild has a reputation but a reputation won’t do you any good if your dead…
Shaa understood. He had faced death more times than he ever cared to admit on his adventures. But he had always come out of it. Burned, bloodied, but always alive. This thing was no different. Shaa rubbed his hands together and stared into Pikes eyes without blinking, to emphasize what he said next.
Your right Pike, I do have a reputation to uphold. And by the time I’m done, you, the merchants and the murderous fur ball out there will know my name.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Oct 1, 2022 11:12:49 GMT -5
Edward was unused to cold and was shivering despite the fur coat he was wearing when he was walking around out in the open. The journey will take a couple hours or so, so Edward was glad to stay in the wagon the whole time. It was very comfortable and reminds him of his room back in Faithstone, minus the shaking. Edward hears the conversation between Shaa and Pike and interjects, “We do have a reputation to uphold but we aren’t stupid either. If we find the yeti and its too strong for us, we’ll retreat and formulate a plan to take it down one and for all. Anyways, with me and Shaa, you won’t have to worry about seeing the yeti ever again. We are stronger than most adventurers you have seen before.” Edward summons a bolt of radiant energy and shows Pike, ”I’m a mage as well as a warrior. I can heal you and Shaa if you’re in danger. Shaa is also a magic user, he can control the ground we are traveling on.”
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 1, 2022 13:36:05 GMT -5
With very little to look at other than snow and each other, the passage of time had a strange resonance to it as the group traveled down the road. Shaa could start to feel the atmospheric pressure buildup and knew that a storm would soon be on its way. They needed to hurry.
As soon as they reached their destination, Shaa hopped out of the wagon and started making his way through the wreckage. There wasn’t much left. Wrecked wagons, boxes and other sundry items were strewn all over. All of them with deep claw marks. But that was not the disturbing part. There was no sign of life anywhere. With destruction like this, he had expected to find dried blood, a dismembered hand, a hastily dug grave or something. But there was nothing. Shaa got a sharp chill up his spine and it wasn’t from the cold. Could this be something more than they thought?
As he checked around, he found drag marks heading down through a rough patch of trees and shrubbery. Shaa motions over to Edward to get his opinion.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Oct 2, 2022 19:10:04 GMT -5
Edward moves closer to investigate the wreckage, he notices the lack of bodies or blood and the drag marks. He suspects that the yeti might be dragging away the people to store as food sources, although he is not certain. “Since there is nothing here except this broken cart, it seems we need to follow the trail generously left by our friend.” Edward motions at Shaa to follow and they track the drag marks. The marks leads more up north and the group are slowly moving up north with their wagon. They keep on tracking it until the trail leads to a small area where large spikes of rock jut out of the snowy fields. The spikes are large enough to block the wagon from moving forward. Edward can see that the yeti seems to be agile enough to dodge the spikes and managed to drag its victims through the spiky field, “It seems we have to travel by foot, my friends.”
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Oct 3, 2022 8:27:29 GMT -5
Shaa looks over at Pike who looks like he has seen a ghost. Shaa put his large hand on his shoulder. As Pike was a dwarf, it practically enveloped most of his arm. We promised your uncle that we would keep you safe. Why don’t you stay here and watch the cart? Edward and I will go after it from here. If you don’t hear back from us in 2 days, tell your uncle what happened.
It didn’t sit well with Pike to be a continual “ sole survivor” That was not the kind of reputation he wanted to build for himself. That kind of talk could get you branded as a coward. He would never live it down, no matter what his uncle said. No no, I can’t leave you…I…I just can’t. Shaa looked over at Edward and raised an eyebrow. This was going to be hard enough, they didn’t need anything or anyone slowing them down. Please stay. It’s getting cold out here and we can’t afford to lose the cart. I would really appreciate knowing someone I trust is watching. Pike relaxed a bit. If you insist…
Shaa starts following the drag marks through the spikey field. He can feel the earth beneath the snow and it helps him focus. As they carefully pick their way through, there is a loud cry in the distance.
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Post by Edward Ardent on Oct 4, 2022 10:28:46 GMT -5
Edward nods at Pike, “Okay then, just stick close to us and be behind us when we face the yeti. We will keep you safe, alright?” Edward can here the loud cry in the distance and looks at Shaa, “Looks like there’s trouble, lets go!” Edward runs off through the spiky rock field, trying to dodge out of the way of spikes sticking out of the ground. Edward can’t see that well since the snow keeps blowing into his eyes, but he can still hear the screams. Edward powers through the cold and manages to reach the other side, where he can see that there are tracks on the snow and he follows it. The tracks are leading to the left and he finally reaches the entrance of a cave. He goes down into the cave, seeing that it is dark and he could barely see. But he can still hear someone yelling deep within.
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