>>1942197
shieeeet

Rolled 15 (1d100)

>>1942197
Gripping his Volcanite blade Chal moves with great speed to strike at the creature having learned of it's great power from his father.

Skill - 3
Weapon - 3
Body - 5
Armor - 2

>>1942197
Aeka looks to the Ghoul looming over her "So you were the hand in the Fire...we had theories...Spook. What do you want from us here today?"

Shmogl readies his weaponry and positions himself defensively in front of Mikhel

File: ThemanknownasGwanraw.jpg (69 KB, 736x1155)

69 KB JPG

>>1942216
"What's a spook and why are you talking? If you can't tell, you're my hostage."

The ghoul's hand had slowly slipped up his captive's body as he came out of the earth and his hand now found its target in the form of her neck.

>>1942205
>>1942222
Seeing Chal move, the hostage taker sticks out a leg and lets the youngling trip.

"Do that again, and she dies," he warns.

"Are you willing to listen to what I have to say, or not? I need a word with you all."

>>1942251
"Speak Gnollfucker."

>>1942251
“WELL. What is that you have to say then.”

>>1942251
Azahg Holds up his hand. "Hold Ghoul, the Painted have sought you for some time. If you are truly the Hand in the Fire let us talk...you have known of us for some time"
Azahg gestures to the others to lower their weapons

>>1942251
Shmogl looks back at at mikhel without moving his body

>>1942251
>>1942269
Lakrakh slowly lowers his weapon, but doesn't quite drop it

>>1942269
"When I tried to get you out I meant it; my cave was my cave, at least until you lot with the paint came in. Was 'disappeared eyeballs' not good enough?"


>>1942291
Mikhel shrugs - she's never dealt with something like this before.

>>1942268
>>1942259
"I'm set for the north; you feel it too, yes? The weather is growing more frigid as the years go by, and if my assumptions hold true I need to go now. I don't care how many have to die, it is true, but if you wish for Ier to live I'd encourage you all to find the will to come along. I wish not to say more than that, but it would be preferable to not kill you all here. The choice is yours."

>>1942317
"Why do you go north! What reason do we have to trust you in the slightest."

>>1942317
"So your plan is just for us here too follow you north? Given your track record do you think that might sound like a trap to kill us all?" The Gnoll talks back, "Why did you simply not talk to us? Why did you remain in the fire rather than reveal yourself...as for the eyes, well, that just made us curious"

>>1942317
Shmogl lowers his weapons
"Very well, I'd make some sort of conditional here, but it's not like I'd be able to hold you to it.

>>1942334
>>1942317
Aeka, mutter to the Ghoul..."You...i feel something emitting from you...your like the pillar? But different, what are you, the Spooks have gone, sorry the glowing skeletons in the night...was that you too? where are they?"

>>1942317
“Fine then. I and my own compatriots shall bring ourselves along your endeavor. For the safety of Ier.”

>>1942347
>>1942334
>>1942317
All the same we shall follow...what choice do we really have

>>1942333
>>1942334
"You have no reason to trust me but the hope that I will not punish you; but the reason I go north is to make the weather warmer. If it continues on this way, we could all freeze and die. I do not wish for this, as low as you would think of me. And as for my track record, you have only met me once, and in the capacity of representing another; you have not met me myself. And as for the flame, well - that was for training."

>>1942340
"Ask me what you will once we are on our way back. Any energy spent talking could be better spent getting there."

>>1942347
"I have no clue what a spook is, but the glowing skeleton - let's say you have a man. Once that man is drained of their soul, naught but the corpse remains, and in time, even that goes. I know how that draining works."

Addressing all of you, he speaks once more - "Seeing that there are enough of you, those who wish to turn back can do so. However, these lands will remember your cowardice. To the rest of you, gather your things. We sleep here, and set off after. Anything else?"

>>1942384
"Your talk intrigues me, if you speak true we must do it and if not I will be the one to place a dagger in your back."

>>1942394
"Do you not think I would have a better use of my time slaughtering you all here rather than leading you all to the wilderness? What point is there in lying, especially to those who already distrust me? You see this oasis, for example - before, its life force was enough to power it and the surrounding environment, and now it is gone entirely. I know not to where but I assume it is dead. If we do not move on, this could be the fate of even the jungle."

>>1942384
"We shall follow you...Will you kindly release her now. I'm sure we have much too talk about and can get to know one another on this...trip of yours. Know I do not trust you but maybe you will earn it along this journey"

>>1942410
"As I said, lead on but should you be lying I will do my best to honor the blood."

>>1942410
"Another journey? Farther north? During Winter? Sign me up."

>>1942424
"...I have no doubt you will, then."

In the morning, Gwanraw keeps his word, and the group departs for further north. Going across the river will need wood, so you gather it before heading out; once you are over that, he warns, turning back is no longer an option.

3 d100s for travel, - 5, weather.

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>1942452

Rolled 85 + 5 (1d100 + 5)

>>1942452

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>1942452

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>1942452

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>1942452

For years the Blood Seers have been silent, absent from wars and diplomatical efforts alike. Seemingly fading from the mind of their fellow ghoul, the minds of the Blood Seers made a minor comeback by formulating a language system for the Reptians....and they retreated into silence yet again. This is because the recent death of their founding father, Kars, weights heavy on their heart. Leadership was passed on to one of his pupil, Rhaast. Kars requested a small funeral, attended by only his pupils whom he have considered as his very own sons and daughters. His passing unknown to the rest of the Reptians, mourned by only those he considered family. Now Rhaast must take up the leadership of the Blood Seers, leading it to whatever future that lies await for them.

>>1942559
We are the Ierans not the Reptians.

File: winterwasteland.jpg (428 KB, 1400x684)

428 KB JPG

You reach the river in good time, following the smaller branch of it from the oasis onto the main stretch. Smaller boats are hollowed out, made of tree trunks; using this, you are all able to negotiate the river successfully. It feels like a lifetime to get across, but once you're through, the first step is as if you're crossing a boundary of some sort - most Ierans spend all of their lives within the confines of the rivers grasp. Yet for you all, the trip is just beginning...

As you continue inwards from there, you follow the path of a river that also seems to branch off from the main one. It makes you wonder just how many of these distributaries exist; but not for too long. Little energy is spent thinking, as hilly areas that sometimes even result in largish rock formations require physical discipline that most of your thoughts are subsumed in. The weather here is of course not cold enough to freeze the river, but enough that torches are needed at night to avoid frostbite.

One person always stands watch during the night, with the person taking up most of the shifts being Tharg. It is during one of these shifts that he realizes the river ahead begins to curve in a way that we haven't seen in quite a while. Over breakfast one morning - food has surprisingly been good, it seems that animals from the north are still continuing their movement south -, he communicates this to Gwanraw. The man thinks it over for a bit before stating that we'll continue along its path. A few words go spoken between the two of them before Tharg announces that there's an area nearby he knows of that should have some minor huts and an area for fishing. The plan is to stop there before carrying on to whatever our goal is.

You may use this time to talk, perform an action, or do whatever.

Rolled 79 (1d100)

>>1942585
Chal has little want of chatter and will simply use this extra time to practice his sword forms.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>1942585
Have a snowball fight

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>1942585
"Hey, Gwanraw what's life like underground? Do you eat worms or are you on a biped only diet?"

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>1942585
Azahg being Gnoll spends his time maintaining his equipment and ensuring his charge is not getting in much trouble. Aeka has always been a hand full since he was a pup but he does what he can. Aeka meanwhile collects seeds and plants from this place her people have never seen before and tries to chat with Gwanraw about why his eyes glow and tries to explain what a Spook is to him

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>1942585
Shmogl will help Tharg loot the village for whatever's left

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>1942585
Lakrakh will try to get Gwanraw to spar with him, and hopefully learn a thing or two from this legendary warrior.

Rolled 20 (1d100)

>>1942585
Maja asks the spook how he was able to make the fire hand and if he can show her.

>>1942594
Chal makes significant work on his sword forms, and this attracts the attention of Tharg, who shows him a few of the ways giants fight.

>>1942596
Kro, his men, and even Mikhel and Tharg enjoy a snowball fight one afternoon. They may be freezing afterwards, but the pleasure in the moment is still there.

>>1942604
>>1942643
The joke is so awful that Willzhek is shunned by the ghoul; and between that and Maja mistaking the stony hand of his for that of a flaming one, roughly half the camp is being ignored by Gwanraw by the time the group sets off once more. It does not occur to him that his sticking a hand through the flame had ever become a tale told by the Painted Ghouls. Legend had it that a hand once poked through the flames in their cave and had communicated with them. Well, whilst the ghoul could hear them from his position next to the other room, he had not realized his hand was in a flame. After all, it was composed of stone by some unknown method at that point - he had no way of being able to tell.

>>1942612
Taking out what remains of the hamlet's (for that is what it is - too small to be called a village, much more a few huts set up for utility's sake) blankets and insulation, Shmogl is allowed to pocket the excess metals, such as fishing hooks, weapon heads, and more.

>>1942641
>>1942611
Lakrakh is successful in getting the ghoul to spar with him, but one questions how much good this does - Gwanraw's strength seems to lie in how he utilizes his strange ability, and when he turned his fist to rock in several sessions it was ended within mere moments. When it came time for some days to end though, he would sit down with Azahg, Aeka, and Lakrakh, and discuss some of the notions they had about him. While Aeka finds little in terms of seeds or plants (because unnatural winter), and Azahg keeps his discipline up, the ghoul lets slip a few details. When he finds out what a spook is - the concept of a glowing skeleton spotted more than once in the caves of the Painted Ghouls - he does not talk about it, but he does somewhat when it comes to his eyes.

"When one utilizes their power, this is often displayed through means that manifest themselves in the natural world."

To this extent, he reveals one hand which has all manners of runes and lines carved into it and turns it to stone. As his eyes glow that unnatural shade of blue, he answers questions related to the carvings somewhat cryptically.

"If without these my powers manifest in the natural world, these perhaps allow the unseen natural world to influence itself."

He remains silent, after that.
-----
After roughly a week spent in the camp, you depart once more - 3 d100s, please.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>1942693

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>1942693

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>1942693

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>1942693

File: ice giant2.jpg (95 KB, 564x421)

95 KB JPG

As we leave the area, we head once more along the river, and Tharg and Gwanraw spend more time talking between themselves. You could swear they were arguing, but no raised breaths were heard... Slight changes of plans are made as we deviate from our course along the river off to the east somewhat. For what purpose, well, that's unknown until well into the path. It is when we see huts with no fire rising that we get a sense of what's going on. Tharg's face says it all as we approach - but then something blocks the way. A giant, yes - but a corpse of one, frozen and misshapen by something. It prepares to swing its hammers as we draw our weapons for a fight none of us expected.

Rolled 8 (1d100)

>>1942744
Chal will move swiftly to hamstring the abomination with his Volcanite blade.

Skill - 3
Weapon - 3
Body - 5
Armor - 2

Rolled 88 (1d100)

>>1942744
>Azahg
Skill - 3
Weapon - 3 [Jagged Blade]
Body - 4
Armor - 3

>Aeka
Skill - 4
Weapon - 3 [Spider Poison Daggers]
Body - 2
Armor - 2

Azahg shoves Aeka back and tells her to hide and watch, he meanwhile moves up to fight, he moves from cover to cover to avoid its weapon and stop it been able to see him. Time to chop some tendons, aid the son of Lar

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>1942744

>>1942760
>>1942762
>>1942784
>>1942786
Thread will be continuing tomorrow, as it is I'm taking these actions as I never stated you could actually roll for anything yet, as I have all the previous times (or at least rolled first). Yes that means a wasted nat 100. Should I have clarified? For sure. Should you have just randomly rolled? Also a definite, but a no.

File: GOD.png (104 KB, 600x600)

104 KB PNG

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away:

Glorious news! Rok has once again given his divine blessing to those that please him!

San-gou led her assembled brethren in the Brotherhood in a rite culminating in the sacrifice of three gnolls to the most rocksolid of gods, the Divine Giver of Life and Death, the one and only Rok.
A giving god, Rok in turn blessed her with the bearing of a child, despite her never having taken no man into her hut, far les sharing a blanket with one.

Praise be to Rok! Lord of Rock and Roll!

First off, tell me which character of yours is fighting - pick one out of the bunch, while you tell me the numbers of the rest. For that individual, just quickly draw me up the duel stats, which are as follows:
=====
If you are making a character for dueling or adjusting it, here's the format. Remember, stats go from 1 to 5 for skill and body (giants can go to 8 in body), weapon is to 8, and armor is to 10:

Skill - X
Weapon - X
Body - X
Armor - X

With your actions, just add relevant modifiers (enemy initiative = Armor + Body times 5, your initiative = Weapon + Skill + Body times 5). Initiative is based on who rolled higher last round.

This giant's stats are as follows:

Skill - 1
Weapon - 5
Body - 7
Armor - 1

He also has a hidden modifier, which will be factored in.

Just respond to my post, once again, with the stats of the fighting character and how many other characters you have here.

Rolled 85 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>1949297
Skill - 3
Weapon - 3
Body - 5
Armor - 2

Strike quickly to hamstring the giant with my Volcanite Blade

>>1949297
Initiative: 50
Gho Dhzuro
Skill: 4, Spear
Weapon: 2
Body: 2
Armor: 1

2 other guardians.

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>1949322
Forgot roll sorry

Rolled 90, 58, 87 + 140 = 375 (3d100 + 140)

>>1949297
The giant opens his mouth and breathes...

>>1949336
(110, apologies.)

Rolled 83, 50, 35, 19, 56, 7 = 250 (6d100)

First 4 results are Gwanraw, second two are the individual guardians.

427 + 63 + 65 + 140 = 695 vs 345

Reacting quickly, our warriors move into place and aim for the legs. One of Dhzuro's guards falls as the giant opens his mouth in what seems like a roar, but frost seems to pour out of his mouth. Covering the man, he is able to let out a cry before he is frozen to death. However, as Gwanraw sets the foe off balance, Chal is able to strike at the enemy's neck and bring it down for good. As the cessation of talking ends, people begin muttering at what that thing was, and heads turn to Tharg for answers. The giant is pale, his face set grimly with either fear or awe.

"I have no idea what that was but it was definitely once one of my people."

>>1949382
"Well Gwanraw? What is this thing?"

>>1949382
“Excellent display of teamwork and martial prowess there”

>>1949382
By the stone sea and sky how did that giant wield the power of the cold like that?!

>>1949382
"Gwanraw what manner of beast was this" Aeka touches the now dead thing cautiously. She gathers some of its blood in an empty drinking sack.
Azahg meanwhile pulls out a number of its teeth and begins handing them out to those present...trophies. He himself also takes a layer of skin...a nice shroud and one for Aeka to. As the Gnoll does his grizzly work he too turns to their guide "What manner of being could do this"

>>1949433
"Do not speak Gnoll, your blasphemy of our tongue disgusts me."

>>1949415
Your teammates agree with you, though in hushed tones.

>>1949395
>>1949429
>>1949433
The ghoul looks as confused as you are.

"I have ideas, but nothing I could verify right now. That giant seemed as if it was possessed..."

Leaning against the wall, panting, he seems to contemplate something before opening his mouth again.

"Many years ago, there was someone I knew who could manipulate the flow of water - far stronger than I ever could be, and that's why I brought you all with me. If she has perhaps gained the strength to do this, then I suspect she is the one behind the elements turning against us."

>>1949451
"If we cannot even kill you what makes you think we will be able to stand a chance against one that could slay you?"

>>1949451
Azahg finishes handing out the various grizzly trophies to those present, he hands Gwanraw a shroud of giants flesh too. before turning to Aeka and gestures for her to aid him in looking around this dead village for supplies and resources....

>>1949451
>>1949469
"What if its something else that's causing this, I mean look at that giant and all around us. If the power to alter the world exists and can be learned there's no telling whats waiting for us."

>>1949469
>>1949488
"A negotiation was my aim, with a battle only being likely if she forced the matter. Of course, I knew if I went to Lar, I would only be met with anger - but with a smaller group like this, with giants and ghouls of both the Green and the Grey, I hope this will be sufficient."

>>1949525
"I suppose getting our people killed and entombing my father in sand can tend to sour his mood..."

>>1949525
"And what if this person is not in a talking mood? Do you have a plan for that?"

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>1949525
The Painted Pair go about the huts looking for supplies and anything they can find, Weapons, relics food anything..bodies?

>>1949525
In the distance ghoul can be seen running towards the party.
"In the name of Blood wait up! I have been chasing behind you all for quite some time, couldn't make it out on time thanks to the bloody cane toads."
The man continues muttering things vaguely related to toads as he shuffles closer.

>>1949554
"As I said when I met you all, if you wish - wish - for Ier to live, this was and is your best option. That has not changed. As for the plan, I will still fight if it comes down to it."

>>1949556
It seems most of what was in the village has been taken at some point or another. Tharg tells you that as nomads, the giants take most of what they need from place to place. If anything was here, it is most likely in Lower Lopen.

With that, the group moves on - give me 3 rolls for travel please.

DC of 70.

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>1949587

>>1949587

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>1949587
>

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>1949587

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>1949587
Testi

File: Yeti.png (1.89 MB, 1228x1701)

1.89 MB PNG

>>1949601
As you travel further north, you see figures out of the corner of your eye - furred, somewhat humanoid. It is only when you reach what Tharg says is the last curve in the river before you reach your destination (something Gwanraw and he have debated over, but finally decided on) that you see them fully. Beasts of white fur and blue-brown skin that seem to blend in with their surroundings... yetis. And, with no hesitation, they charge.

Roll for it, friends.

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>1949676

Rolled 35 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>1949667
Skill - 3
Weapon - 3
Body - 5
Armor - 2

"Death and blood!"

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>1949676
"What is that another kind of giant?!"

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>1949667
Skill - 3
Weapon - 2
Body - 3
Armor - 1
Finna chop this nigga like a tree. +45 to rolls

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>1949676
Form up with the others, The Gnoll shielding Aeka from harm as is his duty. He wait for the creatures to strike with their feral swings before driving his blades into their exposed areas. Let their aggression open them up.

Rolled 50, 46, 42, 50 + 140 = 328 (4d100 + 140)

Hm - mechanically, I'd say it's easier just to state your stats and multiply them all by 5. Just for the sake of convenience.

Gwanraw's roll...

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>1949667
Skill - 3
Weapon - 3
Body - 4
Armor - 2

Charge at the beast with full swing of my axe.

>>1949688
Forgot to add
skill-2
weapons-2
body-2
armor-1
+35

>>1949683
Body 5
Skill 3
Armor 2
Weapon 3

>>1949701
+65 to this for Azahg
+55 for Aeka

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>1949705

Gho Dhzuro
Skill: 4, Spear
Weapon: 2
Body: 2
Armor: 1
1 guardian

Rolled 37, 68, 16, 98, 49, 99, 9, 24, 93, 88, 58 = 639 (11d100)

>>1949705
Forgot, +60 for Gwanraw due to regular stats.

Replies now - first 5 to the first 5, 4 to Gwanraw, 2 to the last 2.

The modifier for each is a whopping +75, with the boss facing Gwanraw having an additional +50.

>>1949683
You're able to safely land a few blows while it does the same to you. Its thick fur seems to prevent it from the brunt of the damage, but your body is not weak either.

>>1949684
Chal charges in, but is knocked to the side by a sweep of his opponent's hand. These things must stand at least 12 feet tall at the least, and he feels every bit of it.

>>1949688
Aiming for the legs, you are able to knock the thing down, but you feel its icy breath on your face...

>>1949695
The yeti stomps on poor Psoli, leaving him smashed against the cold ground and unable to fight.

>>1949705
Gwanraw reaches into the ground and twists around for a moment, before withdrawing his arm; an earthen wall emerges from the soil and the beast hits it with a dull thump before letting out a yell.

>>1949739
Kro's arms are ripped off as he left to bleed out on the clay.

>>1949739
Gho breaks a few ribs as he is forced to dodge the foot of his opponent, but he is safe for now.

Your choice of either a new round or continuing to fight.

>>1949701
Azahg fights well, but he is slowly losing ground to his opponent.

What do?
>Run
>Fight
>Other

Rolled 32 + 55 (1d100 + 55)

>>1949806
>Fight

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>1949806
>Fight

Rolled 97 + 35 (1d100 + 35)

>>1949796
"We either drive it away or kill it here and now."

Dodge the ice breathe then slash at its neck with my blade while its still down.

Rolled 94, 47, 28, 25 + 200 = 394 (4d100 + 200)

Gwanraw's roll.

Rolled 20 + 65 (1d100 + 65)

>>1949806
>Fight
>Other
Fall back Slowly to regroup. These large beast can't swing as wildly if they themselves are forced slower together. We have room to move around. Maybe try to bait them onto an ice patch to fuck with their footing?

Rolled 66, 61, 78, 68, 43, 58, 92, 67 = 533 (8d100)

Now, for the enemies.

Kro Falzer bleeds out and dies. His body is tossed into the great river that feeds Ier and it’s people. He is now replaced by his younger brother Agus Falzer as head of this party and possibly the clan once or if word arrives of his death.

>>1949861
Also Agus takes his brothers axe and armor.

>>1949810
Chal spends the turn recovering and watching his enemy - yet there are no apparent weak spots to see.

>>1949818
You are able to pierce your opponent's eyes with your spear, leaving him disoriented; however, it isn't down yet.

>>1949821
You engage with the furred humanoid, but your blows, as strong as they are, seem like nothing compared to what it's dishing out.

>>1949844
The yeti is strong, as is the ghoul - both are going punch for punch.

>>1949846
While you attempt to fall back, you find yourself at least partially separated from the rest of the group, and vulnerable to attack.

It has become clear at this point that the yetis are at least an equal match for us, if not greater in strength - what should we do?

A. Fight
B. Flee
C. Other

>>1949875
A.

>>1949875
>B. Flee
"We don't have time to fight these thing's. We need to continue on our journey."

>>1949875
>B. Flee
We need to find a more favorable fighting ground. We can't stay here and fight them like this.

>>1949875
>B. Flee

>>1949875
B

Give me 3 rolls for fleeing - we'll continue tomorrow...

DC 66

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>1949972

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>1949972

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>1949972

Quick bump before I get to writing.

For a brief moment it seems the escape is going to be successful; that moment is ruined as the ice beneath the feet of the party splinters, and a great void appears beneath their feet. Before any can scream, they are plunged towards the newly found ground, cessation of motion occurring only when they are unconscious; and even when their minds are met with nothingness, they still fall for a while. As they tumble, it feels so cold; and indeed, the frigid air blasts past them as the arc of their fall brings them to...

Well, isn't that a good question - a d100 for your men.

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>1967276

Rolled 27 (1d100)

>>1967276
The Gnoll doing his duty holds the ghoul close to try to protect her

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>1967276
BY THE STONE WHATS HAPPENING?!

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>1967276

Rolled 67 (1d100)

>>1967276

Rolled 81 (1d100)

>>1967276

Rolled 90 (1d100)

>>1967276
i got this

Rolled 77 (1d100)

>>1967276

File: Slumbering.jpg (35 KB, 425x750)

35 KB JPG

>>1967283
You awake first, perhaps because your fall was the most jarring. The gnoll's arm is broken in its entirety, jutting out of flesh in a mockery of what an arm should be. The girl, however, is fine.

>>1967282
>>1967287
>>1967284
>>1967288
>>1967298
>>1967302
>>1967390
You all land against soft snow, cushioning your fall as some form of pillow. As you awake, however, you see...

The ice that was all too common the trip presented itself to the first to awake in a way that none were prepared for. If the cold itself did not take your breath away, the strange vision of ice caves with ceilings that reached hundreds of meters above their head would have. Looking up, it seemed that their origin was somewhere in an inky blackness that now resided in the place of the opening that had brought them to this place. In fact, the entire area should be composed of this same darkness, but it is most definitely not. Light seems to give this place a sheen, coming out of odd patches all over the place. A cursory inspection makes the light's source more obvious though perhaps even more absurd; the ice itself is giving way to the luminescence, and it is almost comparable in its nature to glow rock. However, not exactly. The radiance here seems in some places brighter or dimmer than others, whatever it could mean. This quickly loses its interest as you view your surroundings more though. The roof seems almost vaulted to youreyes as they comb the interior of these strange ice caves that you have woken up in. It almost seems crafted; yet this thought does not make the next revelation any less shocking. Looking to the sides, the man-made nature of this place was all but confirmed by the look of things. Buildings - impossibly large yet still existing - loom out of the half-lit abyss, monuments to people you can not see perhaps, or legacy of a by-gone era.

What do you do? Feel free to talk.

>>1967422
Azahg Checks his charge and looks to his broken arm and frowns....Aeka meanwhile asks around if anyone knows first aid while the Gnoll does his best to bandage himself up and secure the arm...well whats left of it...Azahg is aware he might have to remove the arm to prevent infection and such.

>>1967422
"Buildings...here? Why would people build down in this cavern? Theres got to be ice and snow in this entire region."

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>1967422
Check our surroundings.

>>1967422
Shmogl shoots Gwanraw a blank stare, in hopes of getting some sort of explanation or instruction.

>>1967422
“What could’ve possibly made buildings here and for what purpose? This so far from civilization.

Rolled 5 (1d100)

>>1967422
I'll look around and check out what may be inside the buildings

>>1967422
>>1967448
As Azahg does his work. Aeka moves to touch the ice with her Glow Rok necklace. Hurriedly she begins to look around in the snow for anything that could be among the snow and ice that she can observe. She draws what she sees on her own body to keep track of it.
"Where are we?" she mutters as she paints "Enkir wuz ere" on the Ice wall

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>1967486
>>1967448
Rolling for the search

Rolled 41 (1d100)

>>1967422
Lakrakh looks to loot the buildings

Rolled 50 (1d100)

>>1967486
*whistles*
rolling for quality of whistle.

File: Vade.jpg (52 KB, 564x752)

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The houses are empty, and a bitter wind blows - one with no apparent source. As someone's whistle is blown into the wind, the search of the party is met with a face and a voice that perhaps would have better been left unseen. Even Gwanraw blanches as a figure seemingly not there before appears from the only opening within this cave system. Everything about it screams of something unnatural, the blues and whites of its face too vivid to be called mortal. A god then? No; but it appears as one would picture one. Larger than even Tharg, it would meet the upper range of the giant height range, but its - no, her - body is far too slender for that. Her voice is as cold as the cave itself as she speaks...

"It has been many years since I've had visitors."

>>1967580
"Who are you?"

>>1967580
"Umm hello Ice lady I am Chal son of Lar and we have come to ask you to stop icing everything."

>>1967580
“What is this place?”

>>1967580
The Ghoul speaks with a voice of unease clearly unsettled by the appearance of this woman.
"Apologies if we've entered your home uninvited but the ground gave out beneath our feet."

>>1967580
"Quite the uhhh chilly reception we got,eh?"

>>1967580
"You are she who dances in the ice of Life? My Leader has seen you in our dreams..? You are she who moves above Rock and building Fire?" Aeka calls up the the Slender figure...
"Are you Winter Itself?" The Gnoll Grumbles

>>1967585
"Who are you? Something interesting perhaps? Most likely not - all information gathered on ghouls has been seen already."

>>1967589
"Do you have any knowledge to give in return?"

>>1967596
"A testing grounds of sorts. A research home for myself may be another phrasing of the same information."

>>1967603
"This was perfectly intentional," she intones.

"I need a reason for you being here or else I am left without information."

>>1967614
She smiles, but it is a frosty thing, and without any life.

"Ah yes, humor. Not something I've particularly missed."

>>1967620
"Pipe dreams - yes, I did sense my life force being moved. Did this have to do with the dream though? I swore I smelled something furry."

She looks at Gwanraw then.

"Ah. You - Gwanraw, ghoul, Aurisan. I see you have improved."

>>1967654
"What sort of knowledge do you seek great lady."

>>1967654
"So, tell me what you want, what you really really want."

>>1967654
“What is your name and what are you exactly ‘researching’ here?”

>>1967654
The Ghoul speaks up again.
"If I might be so bold your face has the look of a Ghoul and you stand as tall as a giant and yet you seem not of either so....what are you?"

>>1967654
We have been heading north because of the growing Winter that threatens to consume us all, the Winter and Ice spreading and moving to cover our world...We wish too uncover as to why this is happening...
You mentioned information to trade, what manner of information do you seek im sure we could come to an understanding...As for the Fur you smelt...that would be the Painted Gnolls of my people, we regularly see things in dreams...of late your Ice has been invading them from the one I just spoke of to our sights of far away lands...your Ice is there the thin veneer of life? some called it.

>>1967654
*shuffles a bit*
https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-10440611-stock-footage-the-hands-of-an-old-woman-close-up-nervous-shuffling.html?src=rel/3422033:7

>>1967672
"Anything. I have lived for years for the pursuit of it. Your friend, the earth element aligned magician Gwanraw would know this undoubtedly. Has he not said a word? That is information, for example, but extrapolation. Can you confirm this?"

>>1967690
"As I have said. Everything. My name is Vade; you have not truly explained your presence except for Chal son of Lar. Is this the same purpose for all of you?"

>>1967682
"So a moron in the group as well then. Noted."

>>1967697
"Look of a ghoul? Well, I posit that would be a result of living in the North... I do not know my own age perfectly, but I would peg it at roughly 250 years. An avenue of research, for sure. As for me myself I am a giant, of the Ehwaz tribe."

>>1967704
"If this is the desire of two of you then I suppose it must the desire of you all. The cause of this winter and ice would be me. I noticed a disturbance of something in the south. Brethren dead, one of earth, one of fire. I supposed that indicated that conditions would be right for more experimentation and thus I have spread down south. The reactions of you all have been most interesting."

>>1967722
"Ah yes, sorry for my rudeness, im just not used to dealing with big girls like you. I am Psoli Capan and as you have guessed we have all come here for the same reason."

>>1967722
"He has not said anything about him being a magician or what he is, we can tell you about our lands in exchange for you not spreading the frost?"

>>1967722
What should we address you as? We would like to ask you if we would be able to ask you to halt the march of the cold in exchange we could report information to you if we find anything? If it is information you seek surely we can deliver it too you?

We shall offer our names first in exchange for yours, I am Aeka, daughter of Karak the Spider. She gestures to Azahg. This is Azahg the painted Gnoll and by body Guard, you are?...

>>1967722
"Would the deaths of these brethren be around the time the Great Mountain flames sparked and ash filled the sky?"

>>1967749
"My presumption is correct. I had thought as much."

>>1967751
"I already know of your lands, there is no point in this."

Looking past you and towards Gwanraw, who has turned pale since her last utterance, she speaks again.

"Dagh and Þera are dead I see. Do you have any explanation? My reach does not extend that far."

>>1967756
"I have already said my name, though your name is useful."

>>1967757
"Then? The volcanic eruption then would not coincide with my records, no. The deaths took place, I believe, 254 years after the sun lit up. That is, to my standards, six or seven years ago."

>>1967775
"How about the mysterious Volcanite" present blade.

>>1967775
“What do you mean the sun lit up?”

>>1967775
What information do you seek in exchange for ending this march of Winter...
Aeka is going to begin carving her own skin with a thin blade with runes to match Gwanraw, The painted Ghouls have long marked their own bodies and practiced remembering shapes.

The Painted Gnoll turns to Gwanraw what does she speak of...who are this ones now gone?

>>1967775
"If you are so knowledgeable then you should probably be aware that favorable climate is one of the aspects needed for a proper yield in crops which can then be used to feed a populace, no? Soooo, could ya stop?"

>>1967805
>>1967775
Aeka holds up her Glow Rock necklace, how about this Vade? Do you know what this is or what it comes from?

>>1967789
"Blade infused with life force."

>>1967804
"The sun lit up - brightened, grew in illumination, glimmered."

>>1967805
"I have already uttered their names and all of you would be too young to know them, unless Gwanraw has spoken anything of them. They were childhood friends of mine and his mainly, and were not involved in the sun lighting up. Merely the after effects, as was he," she says, pointing at Gwanraw before turning the digit back on herself.

"As was I."

>>1967810
"What you say is true; however, testing how these crops undergo development during several different temperature variations is also a point of knowledge. I cannot calculate the number of variations, but it is enough that more research must be conducted."

>>1967820
"Same as what the man called volcanite. Produced by Gwanraw's mana, if I am not mistaken."

>>1967842
"What about the cloud men around the pillar?"

>>1967842
"I come from a clan that knows much of camels. Teach me this magic you speak of, and I will tell you much of camels."

>>1967868
Shmogl breaks down laughing at this

>>1967842
“What doth life?”

>>1967842
"We could also show you the corpse of a giant formed from earth if this is one pf those you seek."

>>1967842
The Painted pair begin backing away to the side of their Guide.
"What do we do now hmm?"

>>1967894
"He was killed by black lines of rocks that flowed from the volcano."

>>1967842
"You speak of research quite a bit, is there some important reason for this or is it curiosity for its own sake?"

>>1967854
"Air elemental, possibly similar in nature to me. What about them? Have you come into contact with any? It would make sense that more have developed in my absence-"

Cut off, Gwanraw takes the metaphorical stage.

"I may have accidentally gotten them both killed."

In a movement that almost all of you miss, she grabs him by the throat, her figure concealing a strength that surpasses even that of a ghoul's.

"Tell me. Or-"

>>1967868
She is cut off by this man.

"I have knowledge of all creatures north of Opetia's southernmost border. That is an unremarkable animal you speak of."

As Shmogl's laughter becomes twice as heavy, more questions come pouring in before she can handle whatever business she has with your guide.

>>1967893
"What doth - doth is the same as do, that's not a question. Rephrase, if you will."

>>1967894
She glances back at Gwanraw, her eyes never moving but holding a greater intensity at those words.

"What did you do?!"

It is the first time you've heard her raise her voice.

>>1967898
You bring yourself closer to the elemental.

>>1967900
"Black lines of rock - that wouldn't have killed Dagh if that is who you reference, he would have been connected to them by it. That would be like ice killing me."

>>1967915
"Of that I am unaware. This is why I research."

Rolled 78 (1d100)

>>1967940
"I know of zebras too."

>>1967940
"It's in the oasis under the waterfall by the triskelion."

>>1967940
"My people know of these Cloud beings you speak of...they are around the Pillar of which my people live upon. our old leader sacrificed himself to kill one when it struck our people? Is that new information for you? please offer equivalent exchange if so. We also know if a gift of Stone and turning flesh into it to sense...something"

>>1967940
“Ignore my earlier question, but is there anything that you wish to show us. Indoors perhaps away from the cold.”

>>1967940
"Is anything you'd be willing to share with us any knowledge that would help us? Maybe take on one of us as an apprentice?"

>>1967940
>>1967979
If a balance is upset maybe one of ours could aid in the restoration of this balance?

>>1967964
"Zebras. I see. Truly fascinating."

Her voice does not change at all, so you take it positively -

"That was a joke. I believe you laugh at those."

>>1967971
"Yes, he always did like those - tell me, what is the status of the oasis then?"

>>1967979
>>1967982
"New information? Confirmation. How he managed to kill one of my kind would be interesting research however. And that gift... intriguing. However, there is no indoors here. The buildings, of course, are for show."

>>1967983
"What knowledge would I gain from taking an apprentice? As for the knowledge, a moment."

She whispers into Gwanraw's ear for what feels like a minute but is more like a few seconds, before throwing him to the ground. Landing with a thump, he hesitates for a moment before addressing you all.

>>1968023
"It is frozen."

>>1968023
"I know of the... Ghazush."

File: Dagh.jpg (64 KB, 640x960)

64 KB JPG

"Let us start from the beginning. First there came Dagh, Vade -

The ground beside him is speckled with ice that was not there before, as the elemental towers over the ghoul known as Gwanraw. She says but one thing:

"What I do not know only."

Backing away a bit, the man clears his throat before continuing. All fall silent as he speaks once more.

"Right. In the time since you have been here, Dagh and Þera founded a society known as Reptia. The city he created, Moundtown, was constructed using elemental magic that was the same as mine; but he disappeared after some time, along with Þera. They were presumed dead, but when I left to search them out, I looked at the oasis, and found them there. They had turned themselves to earth and flame; soon after, columns of the same emerged from the earth, the volcanoes of which you speak. They became the guardians of this land, in some manner, though I know not what. Their bodies were left as rock and flame within the cave that lays behind the waterfall in the oasis, and I made sure not to disturb them. I believe that if they were to be disturbed, they would - would have - died. Their deaths though, I do not know, though I have my theories. The friend of the people gathered here, Khop, was informed of where his dead father laid. Specifically, by me - and it lay near the oasis. I had found it some years ago, when traveling. After that, I felt his presence reform into that like mine and the presence of our friends weaken, and recently, disappear entirely. I fear he killed them after being stricken with grief, though I can not confirm this. I have not seen hide nor hair of him since then. This was the same time you noticed their presence begin to fade...

>>1968144
So Dagh and bera are what created Moundtown? Are there others like Dagh and Bera?

>>1968144
"So what does this have to do with the eternal winter threating to kill us all. Also Khop is still alive?"

>>1968144
"My people also found the body of Khop's father in the deep place of the world, we have his body...My people live upon the Pillar and Karak has been saying strange things....he feels something going up it towards the skies?" Aeka muses aloud with a little concern in her voice.
The painted Gnoll however spreads from beside the Elemental "So where does this leave us? Will you continue this advancing Winter regardless?"

File: 1478699389040.png (1.19 MB, 750x1334)

1.19 MB PNG

>>1968144
"Oh."

>>1968173
>>1968144
Aeka perks up after a moments silence "To spooks too are fading we do not know where they have gone, the Bones that move and glow in the night? Could they're disappearance be linked too this somehow?"

>>1968159
"They did, yes - and you are looking at me, the one who can manifest earth as well."

Revealing his arm once again, Gwanraw shows off the markings all over them. As he clenches his fist, the same rock-like substance from earlier spreads over them like some kind of disease, branching off from the lines. Unclenching, he looks at you, and gives a grim smile.

"I am living proof, and so is -"

His words are cut off as an icicle buries itself in his stomach; blood now mars the once clean rock and ice that delineate the ground from your feet.

*attentively looks at the situation unfolding with eyes wide open*

>>1968214
"Hm."
"If you wanted to shush someone there were certainly cleaner ways to do it."

>>1968214
Aeka watches in surprise as the blood drips into the snow. Her Gnoll guard however does not move away, instead moving her behind him, he speaks "I see you intend to dole out punishment yourself"