Pale Tower Library

There was transmutation magic emanating from the ice nymph statues at the entry to the teleportation alcove.  Santrel was concerned that they would come to life but Milos pushed on toward the northern statue.  Around the corner he saw a door and a window.  The window looked out upon the wintry landscape.

Jorgen moved toward a door in the southwest wall. Peering in he saw a bookshelf in the illuminated small annex chamber along with a massive mirror on the wall.  Pushing his luck he looked further into the chamber and saw more bookshelves and an ornate table surrounded by six chairs.  The table top was covered with books.  Beyond the table stood a figure.

Pale Tower Attack

The group decided not to enter the tower through the main gate.  On the parapet level were two doors leading into the tower.  The party headed through the northern door.  This led to a stairway leading down to the main level.  A storeroom with some rusty weapons and other gear was at the bottom of the stair, along with a another door that would lead further into the tower.

Steamy air filled the inner gallery, emanating in lazy wisps from a bubbling pool recessed into the floor of a raised dais surrounded by six pillars of ice. Four foggy mirrors hung from the walls near ice sculptures of helmeted pike-wielding warriors.

Betrayal in the Square and a Trip to the Pale Tower

"Halt in the name of Queen Elvanna," the sergeant exclaimed.  "I assume you mean to surrender and submit to the witch of the Pale Tower," intimating a that far worse awaits them-and the villagers-if they refuse.

"What makes you think we would just give in?" Casia shot back.

"Then prepare to die!"

Search and Attempted Seizure

Nadya provided the adventurers with a hot meal and warm beds, bid them to stay put while she delivered her food shipment to the fortified storehouse on the other side of the village and made arrangements to better outfit them for their travels in Irrisen. When she returned soon after, Nadya brought a collection of winter clothing with her, urging the heroes to wear the more common peasant garb of Waldsby to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

Since it was still afternoon Casia stated that the group wanted to explore the village.  Maybe there would be items for them to purchase from various vendors.

"Certainly.  I can go with you to introduce you to the townfolk.  You can be my relatives from Kizobran," Nadya suggested.

An Unexpected Visitor

Nadya was a small woman only 5-1/2 feet tall. She wore her vibrant red hair in three braids, two short braids framing her pale face, and a third, longer braid hanging down her back.  She was clad in armor for protection, along with a white fur cloak and matching hat which made her less visible in the snow. Her quiver was full, and in addition to her bow she carried a handaxe and pick.

As the mushers set up the camp the heroes engaged Nadya in a discussion.

"Where are you from?  You indicated the south but about where?" she began.

"Far south, Taldor in fact. It is normally much warmer there but it seems some cold is began pushed into our realm," Fanara offered.

The Black Rider

"We are under attack!" Casia called out.

"You were hit from behind?  There is a whirlwind in front of us!" Jorgen cried in return.

"How do we attack a whirlwind?" Santrel asked.

"Just don't get caught up in it." Milos suggested.

Turning around Casia saw a small sprite in the air behind the party. "We should attack the magic user first." she added.

A Doll's House

The party rested for one day, scoured the village for items, magic or otherwise, the next and then got ready to leave for the lodge to rebuild the bridge.

They collected a few items for free or nominal cost including cold iron sling bullets and ammo.  Casia asked some old timers about repairing the bridge.  Fanara suggested the spell mend that Santrel then added to his book.  

Lady Argentea asked for the return of her signet ring and any other items the party found in the carriage. These were respectfully returned to her as they party was grateful for the reward she had bestowed upon them.