3. Calistra's Journal - Expedition Narfell

Calistra's Journal - Expedition Narfell


  • I have much to catch up on and report since my arrival:

    Arrival in Peltarch

    • A large town with much to offer and well fortified. My most favorite discovery in town is Yoxi Tyne's shop Curious Curios. I am just entranced by the frost worm captured in there. What an impressive creature! I lose all sense of time studying it... its movements, its senses. I've begun to make my Aurilian self known to the farmers around town by making occasional rounds through the Nars farmland to remind yokels set part of harvest aside as offering to Auril or have fear of an early or late frost ruining their crops.

    • It seemed for a time I tested the Frostmaiden's patience and became too complacent in Peltarch though her eyes. I became too focused, too obsessed with defeating the orog butcher, rather than branching out discovering the lands of Narfell. This lead me to make foolish decisions, entering alone. I was not rewarded... falling on death's door only to summon enough strength to escape the cave and back to the inn to heal my wounds. Luckily, I was able to convince a brash dwarvish fighter to accompany me, his name escapes me and I have not seen him since this encounter. With his help I was able finally defeat the orog whom had taunted me so, and thus I was able to refocus on my purpose for being here.

    • During my first few weeks in Peltarch, I had used healing sparingly from moonmaiden priestess, out of reverence to the Monk (blue raven) for help exploring kobold caves, and most importantly the respect give towards Auril.

    Discovery of Oscura

    • An ill-fated trip alone into the kobold cave ended with kobolds descending upon and overwhelming me. I next find myself waking in the dark underground city of Oscura, with a dark-armored warrior looming over me. I had thought I was brought to a slaver's pen, but soon found the warrior's name to be Seraphina, a half-elf cleric of Fenmarel. She was no slaver and welcomed me to the settlement with a tour. I've had the most interaction with Sera since arriving to Narfell. She has guided me through a few caverns and have shown to be somewhat receptive to the Frostmaiden's tenets. I'm beginning to have a sense of ease with her, less guarded around her than others so far.

    Notes on Norwick

    • Chauntea looms large in the Norwick community causing some uneasiness within me. I will bide time before making a larger presence within the town, as I feel a loud Aurilian cleric will not be welcomed. Seems that the community leaders are largely devout towards Chauntea, and are quick to act judging by response to the kidnapped Chauntean priestess, by goblins.

    • However, Norwick has been under pressure from outside its walls. Something to keep an eye on...

    • One thing about Norwick is that there seems to be a recurring tournament of sorts. I have met a troop of other adventurers here at these competitions. Many capable archers, and fighters with displays of unarmed prowess. Partaking in these competitions has brought in some contacts, within the region. One particular lead most beneficial. The moonmaiden's warrior-monk Blue Raven, has offered to show me the icy northern lands. This I must pursue, the sole reason I've travelled so far...


  • Entry 20

    Supplies gathered:
    Wyverns blood - 10 vials so far... more needed
    Gems - black onyx, diamond powder, ruby, dragon's eye
    Gold

    I will explore the lands more. Perhaps I can find an animal or beast that will be a suitable sacrifice.


  • Entry 19

    I felt the drive for revenge burning within me for days. I've done my best to seclude myself, for the most part. A few chats in the city center with Thau'lira, but as we chatted, I felt the burning vengeance and hatred bubble up and begin to twist me. So, I would cut the talks short and venture off to the ancient burrows in an attempt to forget my imagination of the bandit's camp.

    Unable to put out the embers, I've prayed to the Frostmaiden for help in chilling my urge for vengeance! I need think clearly and bide my time to exact this revenge I want ever so. To maximize the torture and cruelty I can bring upon them is what I must focus on. It is ever so easy to rush in with a sword and slit their throats to end their thoughts. That is not what I wish for them... I wish something different.

    This is a moment I wish for cruelty! I want to call upon her wrath and try to set it upon their camp. This must be a powerful prayer. No, a ritual! I will need to gather supplies for this... I do not know what, but I will find what I hope pleases the Frostmaiden in tribute and sacrifice.

    Since I left my village, I have not encountered another priestess of Auril. As I travelled east, I've only heard of stories from the villages and towns of great blizzards, avalanches, creeping ice brought on by an "ice-witch" or a priestess of Auril, I would imagine. Some mighty prayer or ritual they performed somehow... but I am a novice. I know nothing of the sort. Only personal prayers for her to bestow powers to me. I've yet to learn if I'm capable of projecting her wrath outwards in other ways! I only shout vague threats to the masses to frighten them and in hopes that Auril hears and decides to act upon them.

    So many of the old faithful from my village died on that trip home from Luskan. This must be the cruelty of it all... guidance is cut off... isolation is what is left. Let faith be your guidance or death be your way out.


  • Entry 18

    I remember the feeling of the cold winter air entering my lungs, gasping to for breath. A hand pressed on my shoulder to awake me, and Thau'lira kneeling beside me with a frown. I've been here before, brought back before Peltarch temple... but as Thau'lira explains to me this time was different.

    They are doomed men! Their mistake was leaving Thau'lira alive to tell me what they did to me. I thank the goddess that nothing became of my armor or body. Oh, this feeling I have scares me. I feel the fire for revenge, the anger within me BURNS! I must pray to Auril, ask her to freeze these feelings and help me focus my thoughts and bide my time. They will feel the wrath of winter. Let the cold wind steal the breath from their lungs! Their little sign will be turned around upon themselves... I will take my WINTER COLLECTION.


  • Entry 17 - Winter's Embrace

    The snows have finally begun in Peltarch! My visits to the farms have had mixed results. Some have been forthcoming with offerings of their home cooked meals and ales, others show fear and invoke the cries for Chauntea and her champions of the region... particularly Varya and her daughter... Esmeralda. These folk clearly show it has been sometime since an Auril faithful has been active here. They've grown complacent in Chauntea's grip. No respect for the winter chill. No matter, the snow begins and the Frostmaiden extends her hand over the region.
    Snowfall in Peltarch

    I've set up a makeshift post in a snowbank, with a simple snowflake carved at the top, for those travelling in and out of Peltarch when they can make offerings for easy weather on their journey and not bear the ice, wind, and snow. On it I nailed a note "Offerings to the Frostmaiden" and a reminder to not incur her wrath and doom their journey outside the city.
    The Post & The Note

    I've made my prayers to Auril. I've made my presence known to the townsfolk. Now we will see it the tributes come and will she punish or spare the region. I would be lying if I said I am not excited to observe my first winter in this new land. Already I've heard reports from High Hold, the snow is building. Surely the Ice hags will be busy in the region. I must find a way to this settlement.

    Oh, and during my stroll through Peltarch, I did stop by and offer some advice to Feron and her winter wedding. She did aid greatly in the caravan to Kront. One small gesture.
    Advice to Feron


  • something scribbled down quickly

    Ice hags (circled several times) Auril's handmaidens! Near High Hold... heard from Ravos


  • Entry 16 - Winter will be coming

    Some days ago, I sent a messenger to Ariula, asking her to make good on her promised favor to seek a bow made by a master bowyer. If this request falls through, I have another in mind that would hopefully give an opportunity to investigate the use and power of my recent gift.... she drew a simple drawing of a handaxe... I best not put it down in words from whom, but I am ever surprised and curious. Why them?
     
    BUT TODAY!! I entered Norwick to sell some trinkets I picked off of the undead and to prepare for exploration deeper into Rawlinswood and the hobgoblin territories. Then there at the Grapevine Inn, I see just about the whole town gathered in merriment. Joyful and congratulatory for another successful end to the harvest for the year. Yet I see no offerings to the cold goddess... why no more than a half-moon cycle ago I had gone about spreading word and warning of the winter that would come!

    These fools, they have forgotten the bitterness of the cold. Winter is not a thought in their dull minds. Chauntea has caused them to grow complacent in the shadow of the great glacier. I doubt I was even heard amongst their gathering... no matter, I will find a way for them to remember the fear of the cold. Let her breath whip down the Icelace and into their hearths.

    A simple snowflake is drawn at the end of the entry


  • Entry 15 - Autumn harvests

    Autumn is coming. I see the fields full with farmers collecting their harvests. It is time to remind them of winter. These lands, on the Icelake so close to the glacier, with these people seem ambivalent that winter is almost here. They have no fear of it. Why? There is no voice of the Frostmaiden here. There are only raiders who only give a damn for themselves. I must fill this void. Tell these farmers it best they set a part of their harvests aside for the Frostmaiden, should they want their winters to continue to be pleasant. Perhaps the winter winds have been eluding them for too long.

    Calistra visits the fields of Peltarch and Norwick reminding the farmers
    Norwick Fields
    Peltarch Fields


  • Entry 14 - Repairs for the Cornucopia

    The journey has been completed! I've finally broken past the lands of Norwick and Peltarch to see new lands, in Kront! The caravan has been escorted and the repair materials delivered to Ariula's shipwright. I'm quite pleased I was able to organize this trip as well as others answered the call for the escort duty.

    The Troff legion is a noteworthy group. They proved to be quite capable and a worthy security force. General Thaeon Thorn answered my letter posted on the barracks door, as well as Thau'lira and Pugor, whom I've spoken to many times in Peltarch's main circle.

    Meeting on the road to Norwick

    After a brief stop in Norwick to make final preparations south through Rawlinswood, more repair materials were purchased from the Crafters' Union, in which Samwell Ward joined our caravan as a scout and to see the Crafters' Union was represented in the delivery.

    Crafters' Union materials
    Prepared to head out

    I had not travelled this far into the Rawlinswood before. We encountered Yuan-ti's, Fey-like warriors of the wood, and Owlbears! The wood was dense and rough terrain for the wagon train. Progress was slow.

    Rawlinswood Encounters
    Large Beasts

    Fighting our way through Rawlinswood was the hardest part of the journey. Once we exited the wood into the Great Dale, our path was much smoother. A few pockets of orcish scouting parties and some hippogryphs to take down were our only resistence of note.

    The Great Dale

    Then we caught sight of Kront's gate upon the horizon! Anticipation crept up, inside me, finding it hard to contain. A new town to explore. But first we had to complete our task at hand. As we found the shipwright, whom was to handle Ariula's ship repairs, I made sure it was a priestess of Auril who led the caravan into Kront and handing over the materials so sorely needed by the Copper Star Company!

    Delivery of the Materials

    Now that I have a new point of reference in Narfell, I can continue my search and purpose for visiting these lands! I did not forget that raider who attacked the Cornucopia in the first place... seeing him lay dead on the bridge in the Frostmaiden's chains. He was from Kront.


  • Entry 13

    scribbled down quickly and seemingly with the quill pressed hard on the parchment
    She is a cold-hearted wench! She let me go...I will not forget... the flames lighting then immediately darkness. Awaken to panic, scorch marks on my armor, the faint smell of burnt flesh on me, and Thau'lira hovering over me. The Cold Goddess embarrasses me for her amusement. She tries to cast me aside like the others... like I did to them.


  • Entry 12

    Since the expedition, out to save the Copper Star shipment for Ariula, she's put out a call for materials to help repair her ship. I'm still quite awkward with the axe and can only reliably fell deadwood trees. I've gathered up some 50 odd planks so far. Though it does seem odd to me to be helping this hin and her company, I do see it as a means to an end. Exploration. Already, coming to her call for help has brought me to another worshipper of the Cold Goddess! We shall see what else this connection yields.


  • Entry 11

    Oh, what excitement I feel! The Frostmaiden has given me a direction. A refocus of my exploration in Narfell is needed, with Kront in the center. I could not hide my pleasure from the rest of the party... smiling while standing over the raider's body... Earm of KRONT (the town is capitalized with several underlines beneath it). Hacks in his back from Maythor's axe, Esmeralda, Thau'lira, and Marty's swords and my own arrow in his neck. His armor, though! Icy, harsh, glistening in the sunlight, a true warrior of the Cold Goddess! His armor identical to my own, which Amanda had given me. KRONT - they exist here. SHE exists here. Earm's tribute I claim as my own offering to the Frostmaiden when I reach the first snows near the glacier.

    One other note - Ariula Willowstream pays up on her contracts. Securing one of her trade shipments to Kront did bring in a decent size coin purse after dealing with the pirates/raiders. As I had hoped, this is one way of travelling to unknown parts of Narfell to help me cast a wider net in my search for faithfuls and for relics.


  • Entry 9

    Alas, I am still floundering around Peltarch with spring approaching. Two new caravans come to the area promising "return on investments!" "Give money now... make money later." All schemes! They've found a way to make their money even faster without moving trade goods! I shall watch from a distance. Dwarven and hin caravans sponsoring spring festivals... perhaps if I can their leaders in a moment and see what regard they have of the Cold Goddess and how fearful of a cold spring delaying their plantings.

    I've found a hidden pass in the woods, just off the road between Peltarch and Norwick! Seems to be used mostly by the Romani gypsies as a camp for their caravans. Welcoming people I must say. For they at least show they are not fools to draw the ire of the Frostmaiden. Seeing my pendant, they knew who my deity was and welcomed me into their tent. Wine and food were offered and they implored me to praise the Cold Goddess for their sakes. They travel these lands in caravans and know how biting the winters can be. I told them I will visit regularly in order for the Frostmaiden to hear their pleas for safe travels in the winters. Satisfied with my representation, trade was then discussed. A few trinkets I had been carrying was exchanged for a well-made Romani dress, fashioned with the Cold Goddess in mind no less! Made from the fur of a winter wolf in order to hide from the Goddess's winter breath and dyed in her colors. A wonderful surprise!

    Entry 10

    Written in the Mithril Mug

    Am I weak?
    Does she want me here? Am I wasting my time?
    If she is testing me, how do I succeed?
    Am I ACTING too weak?

    These questions I heartily ask myself. Sitting and stewing in the Mithril Mug... recovering from another awakening in this dank city. The goddess must laugh at me. Gasping with air returning to me, next to beggars and plague victims beneath the surface. The body aches and pain from reawakening is almost unbearable without the cold numbness from this armor. Next comes the embarrassment, waking and seeing yet another stranger pull me back to this plane of existence. Reemul... this one speaks illuskan, though he from Norwick. These lands still provide many twists and turns.

    I still ENDURE. I must work harder for preservation...


  • Entry 8

    The Goddess reaches out to me! Far west in these lands she still hears me! Stripped of my clothes, I sat alone in a room at the inn candles dim at staring at the Aurilian armor laid out on the floor, asking myself do I dare? Do I wear the frost kissed armor? Am I worthy? Have I done enough to not be struck down for being so bold in her eyes?

    I kneel down before the armor and pray to her and a cold mass of air emanates from the armor, numbing and soothing my aches from the many, many wounds I have amassed in these rainy lands. I must write these words down as this was the first time she has reached out to me in such a direct manner! Oh, the fear it struck into me when it happened! I tried to show no emotion fearful of what her judgement would be. But now after, with time to reflect what exhilaration!

    "Cold Goddess, am I worthy to wear your blessed armor? I tire in these lands to expand your domain. I have slain and been slain trying to expand your winter's grasp. You are cruel, yet your winter's
    wind can numb my wounds. Hear me, please. I will endure."

    She deems me worthy!... at least for now, as I wear her armor. The Frostmaiden has renewed and pushed forward my path. I must not waste this opportunity and remain long in Peltarch. Seems these lands have forgotten of the fear the winter. I must make for the cold lands and mountains to see what remains of the Great Glacier or if any evidence/relics of Frostmaiden faithful. I have heard High Hold maybe a good place to start.


  • Entry 6

    There is much to recall and record. It seems my efforts to alter my connection with the goddess has been successful, as my summoning powers feel more potent. I feel renewed! The goddess has granted me this request, now I must find ways to press her will on the lands or face her wrath alone.

    It seems during my time of focus with the goddess, some of my contacts within Narfell have moved on. There have been no signs of Ahnla, Seraphina nor Lady Villia lately, so I will continue to press on without them, as they were only means to an end thus far. I start anew around Peltarch... I must test out my strengthened powers and put them to the test.

    a few days later Entry 7
    I write this from my room in the Mermaid Inn, recovering from wounds and soreness I do not remember receiving. Memories are hazy at best so I must write what I remember for fear of losing them. I remember entering the Peltarch fountain circle and running into Thau'lira, the ever-watchful guard of that circle. We spoke of High Hold and I implored her to act as my guide to this region, as I tire of the Peltarch and Norwick hinterlands!

    After my conversation, I can remember leaving Peltarch and the rush of exhilaration of felling one of those putrid hill giants! Oh, what a high! Looking back, with a smug look, at those Peltarch guard hiding behind their barricades! HA HA! This I remember so clearly! An accomplishment to praise the cold goddess and the gifts she's bestowed on me! Then... I awake... in pain, lying outside the Peltarch walls with a woman tending to me. Xiulan was her name, and quite a capable healer. She set my wounds, was attentive until I was able to make it back to the Mermaid inn to further recover, with the waitstaff bringing me hearty stew and drink.

    Feeling a bit of my stamina back, I ventured to the Norwick farmlands for their weekly skills tournament. It had been sometime since I last appeared there. I find it to be time well spent to find out about others in these communities; to see who shuns the Frostmaiden, or who will at least tolerate a faithful around. Why at this last meeting, this very topic came up! Seems, a priestess of Chauntea and daughter of some commander had taken notice of my snowflake pendant. Esmeralda was her name, and she was pleasant in our first meeting. Time will tell with this one. I've seen many of Chauntea's clerics turn on me. Another was a mysterious one to note was, Meadow, the winner of the archery skills this night. Not one to give or show outwardly much like myself. And then an outwardly enthusiastic woman Amanda, who was in possession of an armor piece made for an Aurilian faithful! My first piece of evidence from these lands! This gives hope than my travels this far west was not made in vain. What else is out there? Oh I must find out what roads lead out of Peltarch. I know not the dangers beyond these towns yet... must find a guide.

    One final note... at the end of the skills tournament, those that participated sat around and gave some fire-side stories. Meadow and I declined, but to hear Esmeralda and Amanda's stories? Oh, how our environments shape us, and how different our experiences can be. Though entertaining stories, I know not these joys... or they are so long ago before the pilgrimage that I cannot recall...


  • Entry 5 - Setbacks and Defense of Peltarch

    I attempted to explore further beyond Peltarch and found myself out beyond the Cerulean stronghold and along the Icelace coast. Soon I was discovered and cornered by bandits and their wild beasts. I remember being carved up by the bandit's pet... the blood, the pain... oh the pain. It was then I knew my goddess had left me for my own suffering. No cold wind to numb the pain, the Frostmaiden had turned her back on me and left me to feel every cut and bite until the darkness overtook me.

    Next, I knew I had awakened back in Peltarch... but... I felt weakened, diminished in power. She has not noticed me!... she has not yet deemed me worthy! Her cruelty towards me must be a test. I've much to prove. Preservation is key. I must take better care.

    Sitting in the city center, I was reassessing my situation when I heard a City Guardsman yelling and rushing about a commotion outside the south gate. Myself and several other adventurers rushed out of the city to investigate. There in the farmlands, a lone dwarven warrior was fending off a swarm of kuo toan's! We rushed in to bring reinforcements as wave after wave of these creatures poured out of their burrowed holes.

    Once the holes were filled in and the kuo toan stragglers were killed off, a pack of gnolls decided to launch a sneak attack raid in all the confusion. Our group was able to track them down at the Witch and Seer inn. We were just in time to save the outdoor bartender, the poor sod, as two hungry gnolls had pounced upon him. A round of dwarven brew was given as thanks... better than nothing I suppose.


  • Entry 4 - Progression

    Explorations of new swamps, sewers, and forests give promise for future gains in exploration in the north. I continue to poke and prod, seeking knowledge of those familiar with the northern reaches of the territory. I beginning to make connections... finding those useful and those resistant.

    Lady Vilia and I have struck up a working agreement that has been working to both our benefits so far. It's been noted that she seems to be someone to keep close and work with. So far, she has introduced me to a stuck-up elf who seemed to be the first since my arrival in Peltarch to put up a resistance to me being a follower of the Frostmaiden. This elf, Ravy?... I don't recall his name... unimportant as of now... according to Vilia has knowledge of the north. The conversation was mostly in elvish, which I tuned out, except for his attempts at a few frosty snipes towards me. But he has been noted... something to pursue later.

    Ahnla, the ranger, is another to note upon. Useful for finding the useful trinkets to sell in town for coin and more importantly carrying it. He seems to tolerate me so far as an exploration companion. Not one quick to shun.

    And ho! An open praise to the Frostmaiden... from a dwarf no less! It has been so long since I've heard those words from another. This dwarf, Dozer of clan Mantleborne, makes it sound his clan halls are in the north and dare not incur the Frostmaiden's wrath.

    Only patience, endurance, must be used to see where this all leads. Perhaps I can begin to trickle the trail of water...


  • Entry 3

    Awakened again in Oscura, with the dark figure of Seraphina looming over me. I am grateful for her coming to my rescue once again, however it makes me weak in the Frostmaiden's eyes. I fear of becoming to indebted to another. Must act smarter.


  • Entry 2
    It has been sometime since I've used a bow, not since I've left home. Seems like I've lost a step as a hunter while travelling east. So I've bought a bow from the local fletcher in Peltarch, and looking to find some easy targets to relearn. Found myself joining some other adventurers on my way to the Kobold marshes.

    • Bron - a dwarven brawler
    • Vilia - an elven warrior
    • Ahnla - an archer

    With this party I finally was able to venture into the hill giants' territory to see the actual threat outside Peltarch. The larger targets was helpful with getting used to having a bow in my hand again. Gathered some good coin, much needed coin from them.
    Next we explored an underground maze near Oscura, filled with ettins. More archery practice on large targets. More coin. I must begin to stockpile supplies for an eventual trip to the northern reaches. A good day, made more coin, made more acquaintances for further exploration, spread the word further that a follower of the Frostmaiden is in Narfell.

    The following day
    Out today picking off goblins and gathering pelts for some leatherworking. Found a secret sandy cove outside Peltarch... I wonder what is down here? A shrine to Eldath, and empty chest, and I hear some footsteps in the sand coming this wa (the writing abruptly ends)