The Snows of Summer: Part I - An Early Frost

[Eilandor]

The sleepy village of Heldren has rarely seen so much excitement or concern. Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the height of summer that descended on the forest just days ago. Heavy snow followed, and those who returned spoke of an uneasy presence in the woods, as well as new, dangerous predators. No one knows what this event means, but the town's soothsayer, Old Mother Theodora, claims dark times lie ahead. As if in proof of that dire prophecy, a badly wounded mercenary arrived in town yesterday, claiming to be a bodyguard of Lady Argentea Malassene. He told the village council that the noblewoman's escort came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures near the edge of the Border Wood. He alone escaped, and Lady Argentea was dragged away into the forest. Now the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest, worried what else might emerge to threaten their peaceful village.

---

Rather grand for a village of this size, Heldren's town hall boasts a clock tower overlooking the town square. Its clockworks were imported from Qadira some time ago, and are kept in working order by Orillus Davigen, who can usually be found up in the tower tinkering with the machinery. The clock tower's bells ring every hour from 6 am to 6 pm (the villagers prefer to keep things quiet at night), and can be used to sound the alarm if there's a fire or to muster the militia in case of attack. The town council meets in the hall every week on Starday, though there's usually little to discuss beyond minor disagreements between neighbors. The hall is big enough to host almost the entire populace for monthly village assemblies and large social gatherings, such as the annual Longnight dance.

---

The four enter the the town hall and see Ionnia waiting with an eagerness not unlike a child on its birthday waiting to open gifts. "Oh good, you're finally here! I've been waiting...well nevermind, let's get started."

After a brief pause, "Were you able to dig anything up this morning?"

[mackaber]

OOC

Nice to officially get started! Let's see how this goes!

Landa is very excited as she arrives a little bit before the strangers. She stands there feeling a bit lost in the big hall with only Ionnia and stars there not daring to say a word before the brave strangers arrive.

OOC

Hmm I guess the answer would be no...

[Trogdor]

"Indeed we did," Kolya replies. "There are definitely some odd things going on outside of town."

[Eilandor]

The councilor nods at Kolya, "Well if you all don't mind, please share your findings in this open forum and then I will add what I have in turn."

[Trogdor]

"Well, from where I stand," Kolya replies, "you seem to have a problem with cold. The people I spoke to said that the weather has been unseasonably cold for
midsummer—you know that. But did you know that it snowed in the Border Wood? What's more, Wishbone Creek froze over. A boy fell through the ice while chasing what he described as a talking white stag."

"The townsfolk suspect magic, and I can't say that I disagree. They also suspect that Qadiran agents have played a role in this. I can't speak as to who's responsible for the recent cold snap. But it's clearly not natural; and that means that someone is behind it."

[mackaber]

"And someone should investigate it! The Boarderwood seems like a good place to start!"

Landa pipes up before noticing that she spoke out of order and lowering her eyes.

[Vardaen]

The Ulfen warrior Eoghan arrives with the group and stands first looking at the cloak tower for a few moments before going in, he's never seen anything like that before and it impresses him. Once inside he watches the Witcher and listens to his report. "I am here, there is snow in the summer, a cold snap killing crops, giant winter weasels, stags and other creatures that should not be." He paces around the chamber looking up at the ceiling and the various things on the wall, "Seems everyone knows some Lady has been kidnapped or gone missing. Who this Argentea is I don't know, but if she was captured by someone responsible for this snow in summer shall we call it, then perhaps that person know how I got here, and is a Witch themselves." He pats his newly bought weapon, "I, at the least, plan to go investigate these things."

[Eilandor]

Ionnia listens intently to their findings, even producing a slight smile when young Landa chimes in albeit a bit out of turn.

"I can confirm the rumors that a pocket of unearthly winter has recently appeared in the Border Wood. It appears the information you were able to gather is clearly related to this." After a thoughtful pause, "A rider from Zimar arrived in town the day before last bearing ominous tidings. The rider, an Ulfen mercenary named Yuln Oerstag, was part of the guard escorting Lady Argentea Malassene from Zimar to Oppara. As the caravan skirted the Border Wood, however, the noblewoman's carriage came under attack by bandits and strange, wintry creatures. Lady Argentea was carried off, and Yuln was the only one to escape. He is badly wounded, but he has been able to describe the horrific creatures that attacked the noblewoman's party. A native of the far north, Yuln recognized some of the icy creatures that emerged from the forest, and the tales he shared with the council have everyone rightly concerned."

"Heldren is barely large enough to marshal a decent militia to protect the town, which is why I present this information to you."

[Vardaen]

Eoghan looks more than interested in the mention of this other Ulfen in the area, "Yuln Oerstag you say? Where is he now? I would speak to him about these creatures, and his trip here." He moves up close, no longer distracted by the building or anything in it.

[mackaber]

Landa nods intently all the while as the Councilwoman speaks. Even more so when Eoghan suggest speaking to the man. Clearly she is in favor of the proposition.