The Ice Cave Part 3

Quick Links

Slow Retreat

The Elemental's Request

Freeing the Elemental

The Climb

player replies

MUTT:

Mutt sees the crackling glow of the fire grow from the pile of logs and hurriedly gathers near, forgetting his previous caution of being too near the rest of the group. He unrolls his bedroll and sits cross legged near the fire letting its warmth wash over him.

“Gods, YES. Well done, elf lady. You’re a handy one to keep around.”

MUTT's TALE:

Mutt pulls his blanket closer around his shoulders and rests the crossbow nearby. Time ticks by and the crackle of the flames breaks the eerie silence of the chamber. Mutt clears his throat to gather the groups attention and smiles.

“Right. Have I told you all ‘The Tale of Old Two Eyes’ yet? One of my favorites.”

Once there were three sisters who lived alone in a cottage in the woods. They had been there as long as they could remember, and they never saw anyone else.

Now, the oldest sister was no different from other people. Her name was One‑Eye. She had just one eye, right in the middle of her forehead.

The middle sister was also quite ordinary. Her name was Three‑Eyes. She had one eye in her forehead, and one on each side of her face.

But the youngest sister was different. Her name was Two‑Eyes, and that’s just what she had.

Because Two‑Eyes was not like others, her older sisters were ashamed of her and picked on her all the time. They dressed her in ragged hand-me-downs and only let her eat leftovers.

Now, the sisters owned a goat, and every day Two‑Eyes took it to the meadow to graze. One morning, when she’d had hardly anything to eat, she sat in the grass and cried her two eyes out.

All at once, an old woman stood before her. But the biggest surprise was that this woman had two eyes, just like Two‑Eyes herself.

“What’s wrong, my dear?” asked the woman.

“It’s my sisters,” Two‑Eyes told her. “They never give me enough to eat.”

“Don’t worry about that!” said the woman. “You can have as much as you like. Just say to your goat,

‘Bleat, goat, bleat.

And bring me lots to eat!’

Then you’ll have plenty. When you don’t want any more, just say,

‘Bleat, goat, bleat.

I’ve had so much to eat!’

Then the rest will vanish. Just like this.”

And the old woman vanished—just like that.

Two‑Eyes couldn’t wait to try. She said to the goat,

“Bleat, goat, bleat.

And bring me lots to eat!”

The goat bleated, and a little table and chair appeared. The table was set with a tablecloth, plate, and silverware, and on it were dishes and dishes of wonderful-smelling food.

“This sure is better than leftovers!” said Two‑Eyes.

She sat down and started in hungrily. Everything tasted delicious. When she’d eaten her fill, she said,

“Bleat, goat, bleat.

I’ve had so much to eat!”

The goat bleated and the table vanished. “And that,” said Two‑Eyes, “is better than cleaning up!”

When Two‑Eyes got home, she didn’t touch her bowl of leftovers. Her sisters didn’t notice till she’d gone off to bed. Then Three‑Eyes said, “Look! Our little sister didn’t eat anything!”

“That’s strange,” said One‑Eye. “Is someone else giving her food? I’ll go tomorrow and watch her.”

Next morning, when Two‑Eyes started out, One‑Eye said, “I’m coming along to make sure you tend the goat properly.” Then she followed Two‑Eyes to the meadow and kept a careful eye on her. So Two‑Eyes never got to use the old woman’s rhyme.

When they got home, Two‑Eyes ate her bowl of leftovers. Then she went off to the woods and cried her two eyes out.

The old woman appeared again. “What’s wrong, my dear?”

“It’s my sisters. The goat can’t bring me food, because One‑Eye is watching me.”

“Don’t worry about that!” said the woman. “You can stop her if you like. Just sing her this song.

‘Is your eye awake?

Is your eye asleep?

Is your eye awake?

Is your eye asleep?’

Keep singing that, and she’ll sleep soon enough.”

Then the old woman vanished.

Next morning, when Two‑Eyes went to the meadow, One‑Eye again went along. Two‑Eyes said, “Sister, let me sing to you.” And she sang to her over and over,

“Is your eye awake?

Is your eye asleep?

Is your eye awake?

Is your eye asleep?”

One‑Eye’s eyelid began to droop, and soon she was fast asleep. Then Two‑Eyes said to the goat,

“Bleat, goat, bleat.

And bring me lots to eat!”

The goat bleated, the table appeared, and Two‑Eyes ate her fill. Then she said,

“Bleat, goat, bleat.

I’ve had so much to eat!”

The goat bleated again, and the table vanished. Then Two‑Eyes shook her sister, saying, “Wake up, sleepyhead!”

When they got home, Two‑Eyes didn’t touch her leftovers. After she’d gone off to bed, Three‑Eyes asked, “What happened?”

“How should I know?” said One‑Eye. “I fell asleep. If you think you can do better, then you go tomorrow.”

So next morning, when Two‑Eyes went to the meadow, Three‑Eyes went along and kept three careful eyes on her. “Listen,” said Two‑Eyes, “and I’ll sing to you.” And she sang to her, over and over,

“Is your eye awake?

Is your eye asleep?

Is your eye awake?

Is your eye asleep?”

As Two‑Eyes sang, the eye in her sister’s forehead went to sleep—but her other two eyes didn’t! Three‑Eyes pretended, though, by closing them almost all the way and peeking through. She couldn’t quite hear what Two‑Eyes told the goat, but she saw everything.

That night, when Two‑Eyes had gone off to bed, One‑Eye asked, “What happened?”

“Our sister knows a charm to make the goat bring wonderful food,” said Three‑Eyes. “But I couldn’t hear the words.”

“Then let’s get rid of the goat,” said One‑Eye. And they drove it off into the woods.

Next morning, One‑Eye told Two‑Eyes, “You thought you could eat better than your sisters, did you? Well, the goat is gone, so that’s that.”

Two‑Eyes went down to the stream and cried her two eyes out. Again the old woman appeared. “What’s wrong, my dear?”

“It’s my sisters. The song didn’t work on Three‑Eyes. She saw everything, and now they’ve chased away the goat.”

“Silly girl! That charm was just for One‑Eye. For Three‑Eyes, you should have sung,

‘Are your eyes awake?

Are your eyes asleep?’

But don’t worry about that. Here, take this seed and plant it in front of your cottage. You’ll soon have a tall tree with leaves of silver and apples of gold. When you want an apple, just say,

‘Apple hanging on the tree,

I am Two‑Eyes. Come to me!’

It will fall right into your hand.”

Again the old woman vanished. Two‑Eyes went home and waited till her sisters weren’t looking, then dug a small hole and planted the seed.

The next morning, a tall tree stood before the cottage with leaves of silver and apples of gold. Two‑Eyes found her sisters gaping at it in astonishment.

All at once, Three‑Eyes cried, “Look! A man!”

Riding toward them was a knight in full armor, his visor over his face.

“Quick!” said One‑Eye. “Hide our little sister!” So they lowered an empty barrel over Two‑Eyes.

“Good morning, ladies,” the knight said as he rode up. “Beautiful tree you have there. I would dearly love to have one of those apples. In fact, I would grant anything in my power to the lady who first gave me one.”

The two sisters gasped. They scrambled over to the tree and jumped up and down, trying to grab the apples. But the branches just lifted themselves higher, so the apples were always out of reach.

Meanwhile, Two‑Eyes raised her barrel just a little and kicked a stone so it rolled over to the knight.

“That’s odd,” he said. “That stone seems to have come from that barrel. Does anyone happen to be in there?”

“Oh no, sir,” said One‑Eye, “not really. Just our little sister.”

“She’s different,” said Three‑Eyes, “so we can’t let anyone see her.”

“But I want to see her,” said the knight. “Young lady, please come out!”

So Two‑Eyes lifted off the barrel.

“My word!” said the knight. “She’s the loveliest young lady I’ve ever seen!” He raised his visor for a better look.

“Oh no!” screamed One‑Eye and Three‑Eyes together. “Two eyes!”

Sure enough, the knight had two eyes, just like their sister.

“Dear lady,” said the knight, “can you give me an apple from that tree?”

“Of course!” said Two‑Eyes. Standing under it, she said,

“Apple hanging on the tree,

I am Two‑Eyes. Come to me!”

An apple dropped right into her hand, and she gave it to the knight.

“My thanks!” he said. “And now I will grant anything in my power.”

“Well, to start with,” said Two‑Eyes, “you can take me away from these horrid, hateful sisters!”

So the knight took Two‑Eyes back to his castle. And since they had so much in common—after all, they both had two eyes—you can be sure they lived happily ever after.

As for One‑Eye and Three‑Eyes, day after day they stood under that tree and repeated their sister’s words.

“Apple hanging on the tree,

I am Two‑Eyes. Come to me!”

But the apples never fell for them, and they never did figure out why.

Once Fizzbum hears Mutt's musical voice come from the campfire, he quickly dries his hands and waterskin he's been using in the pool, and comes over to the warmth. Wrapping his blanket tightly around his shoulders, he stares in rapture at the minstrel as he tells his tale. As the song comes to a close, Fizz heaves a large sigh of contentment.

"That was wonderful! I've never heard such a beautiful tale in that manner. The Bard's that passed by the inn of our town never sang about much except battles and kings. I like your "Eye lady" song much better!" Fizzbum grins in happiness at Mutt. "I feel so good now, I think I'll meditate a bit, and me and Lumpy can take the first watch if you all like. Leave me an extra log and I'll keep the fire going as well!"

FIZZBUM:

During the party's rest in the icy pool room, Fizzbum is completely absorbed by the luminescent creatures in the pool, so much so that he initially misses Azalie's question. When he finally realizes he's being addressed, he quickly looks over his shoulder, asking her to repeat herself.

"Investigate yes! What an interesting pool! There's even an entrance about halfway down," he exclaims with a mix of excitement and a tinge of regret for not having the ability to shape-shift like some of his druid peers.

Fizzbum is mesmerized by the pool's "Sparkle Squids". Draping his blanket over his shoulders like a makeshift cape, he crouches back down by the water's edge. Breaking a ration into small pieces, he gently sprinkles them into the water, hoping to lure the creatures closer to the surface. He then eats the remaining half of his ration, savoring each bite, and drinks from his water skin, preparing it to collect any curious squids that venture near.

With Lumpy croaking softly under his blanket, Fizzbum sings a gentle, gurgling lullaby to the creatures, his voice soothing and melodic, reminiscent of a mother Murloc singing to her young. The song, coupled with his natural ability to speak to animals, creates a calming atmosphere, encouraging the Sparkle Squids to approach.

Throughout the rest, Fizzbum remains focused on his task, wrapped snugly in his blanket. He casts Guidance on himself, enhancing his efforts to coax the creatures into his water skin. Despite the cold, Fizzbum remains content and fascinated by the life in the pool. Fizzbum notices a subtle change in the color of the luminescent creatures in the pool. For a few moments, their usual soft blue glow shifts to a gentle purple hue before gradually returning to blue.

Fizzbums Watch:

During Fizzbum's night watch, he hears the faint sound of what seems like distant music, a series of harmonious chimes that resonate softly through the cave. He listens intently and realizes the sounds are being generated by the stalactites and stalagmites.

Fizzbum's curiosity leads him to a thorough inspection of the room. he examines the walls, carefully navigating behind the ice sculptures and around the edge of the pool, in search of any hidden lever or mechanism that might drain the water.

As he searches, Fizzbum finds that the walls are smooth and offer no clues or hidden features, just the cold, hard surface of the cave. When he examines the edge of the pool, he once again finds no levers or mechanisms.

Fizzbum appreciates the intricacy of the ice sculptures craftsmanship. The details in each figure, from the folds of clothing to the expressions on their faces, are remarkably lifelike. He realizes that these sculptures are not recent creations; their style and the slight wear from time suggest they were carved decades ago, perhaps by a master sculptor whose identity is now lost to time. HE is unable to determine their purpose.

DORF:

Dorf, seeking both warmth and a sense of security, chooses a spot by the fire that's comfortably distant from the mysterious pool. He unrolls his bedroll and wraps himself in his blanket, creating a cozy cocoon against the cave's persistent chill. Mr. Wiggles, his trusty stuffed bear, is clutched close, a comforting presence in the eerie quiet of the icy chamber.

As Mutt shares a story, Dorf listens with genuine interest, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. He's engrossed in the tale, finding solace in the familiar rhythm of Mutt's storytelling. At the story's conclusion, he offers a quiet, appreciative clap, a small gesture of camaraderie and appreciation.

"Wake me up when it’s my turn to watch," Dorf murmurs, with a sleepy voice.

No sooner does he utter these words, he begins snoring. In moments, he's fast asleep, his breathing deep and even.

Throughout the night, Dorf rests peacefully, undisturbed in his warm, snug bundle. The gentle crackling of the fire and the subtle movements of his companions provide a comforting background to his slumber.

Dorf's Watch: During Dorf's watch, the icy cave remains quiet, yet still intriguing. At one point, a cluster of the luminescent creatures from the pool venture closer to the surface, their soft glow creating a mesmerizing dance of light on the icy walls. Dorf watches in silent wonder, appreciating the rare beauty of these strange glowing creatures.

Later, a distant rumbling echoes through the cave, the source unclear. Dorf tenses, listening intently, but it soon fades, leaving only the usual drips of melting ice.

Despite the occasional oddities, his watch passes without incident, allowing the rest of the party to sleep undisturbed.

AZALIE'S WATCH:

During her watch, Azalie embodies the quiet vigilance characteristic of her elven heritage. While her companions take turns keeping watch, she enters a trance-like state, her senses remaining attuned to the environment even as she meditates. This light meditation allows her to stay aware of the shifts in the cave's atmosphere and the movements of her fellow party members.

When it's Azalie's turn to be fully awake, she positions herself near the warmth of the dwindling fire, its flames casting flickering shadows on her face. Periodically, she rises and walks around the room, her steps silent and graceful. She pauses to study the ice sculptures, her eyes tracing their intricate details and wondering about the stories they might tell.

Her attention is particularly drawn to the strange markings on the walls of the chamber. She examines the symbols closely, her brow furrowed in concentration. She recalls that the language looks like it could be Auran. Auran was the language of the Elemental Plane of Air. It was considered a dialect of Primordial, so that creatures who spoke one of the other elemental dialects such as Aquan, Ignan or Terran could understand Auran and vice-versa.

Throughout her watch, the cave is mostly still, the only sounds being the soft dripping of water and the occasional shift of a fellow adventurer in their sleep. At one point, the pool's surface ripples without any apparent cause, creating gentle waves that lap against its icy edge. This subtle disturbance piques Azalie's curiosity, though the source of the movement remains unseen. She assumes it must be one of the "Sparkle Squids" that fizz was so intrerested in.

As her watch comes to an end Azalie feels a sense of calm and readiness. Despite the unanswered questions and the cave's mysteries, her watch passes without incident, allowing the party to complete their rest undisturbed.

CONTINUING INTO THE CAVE:

Rejuvenated from their long rest, the party leaves the chamber with the pool, heading back into the icy corridors of the cave. The air is chill and the path ahead is dimly lit, illuminated only by soft glow of Uptharr's lantern.

As they cautiously traverse the winding passages, the sound of a distant, rhythmic dripping grows louder, echoing through the cave. The tunnel opens into a larger cavern,

In the larger cavern, with its high ceiling adorned with massive stalactites, the party discovers the source of the rhythmic dripping: several stalactites dripping into a crystal-clear pond. As they approach to investigate, the pond's surface begins to swirl and shift, and from its depths emerges an Ice Elemental, a being of pure ice and cold energy.

The Ice Elemental, its form shimmering and crackling, attempts to communicate with the party. It emits a series of crystalline chimes and frosty whispers, its tone conveying urgency and agitation. However, the language is foreign and incomprehensible to the party members, who can only exchange confused and concerned glances.

Unable to understand or respond to the Elemental's communication, the party tries various gestures and expressions to convey their peaceful intentions. The Elemental, growing increasingly agitated by the lack of understanding, begins to manifest its frustration, causing the temperature in the cavern to drop sharply and frost to form rapidly around its body.

As the Ice Elemental continues its attempts to communicate with the party, a group of Ice Mephits begins to converge near the Elemental. Their movements are cautious yet deliberate, as if they are drawn to the presence of the Elemental or acting under its influence.

Realizing the potential danger of this situation, You must decide whether to attempt non-verbal communication, retreat cautiously, or prepare for a possible defensive action.

What do you do next?

9 hours have passed

Current Time: 11:41 PM

Date: Fourthday , 4 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: 33°

Slow Retreat

Uptharr…coming to from a self enforced verbal abstinence to cleanse his sins, looks up to the Elemental and uses his finger to point to himself and to his party then wraps his arms around himself acting out that they are cold. Uptharr then raises his arms above his head, hands making a claw and growls mimicking the Yeti. Then uses his forefinger and traces his neck, to imply the beast is dead. Uptharr points to the Mephits then to the head of his mace and makes an explosion gesture with his hands.

“Uptharr, what are you doing?” Azalie darts her gaze back and forth from her friend to the unknown creature in their path.

“That finger to the neck gesture can really be misunderstood. We may have been better trying to offer a frozen treat.” Azalie senses that this could become a very sticky situation.

Looking around the cavern, she is determining the best course of, reaction. All kinds of questions are popping up in her mind. She doubts her choices because failure isn’t her thing.

Azalie knows they will have to go all the way back, if they retreat. There’s a yeti that way.

“I think we need to go this way. We know there’s a yeti back there. That will eat us.” Azalie chokes back her doubts, “It hasn’t attacked us yet. Maybe we can get past it.”

Uptharr maintains eye contact with the elemental and bows towards it. Then gives Azalie a wink and a slight grin.

Fizzbum smiles as he sees the beautiful elemental in the chamber, and participates in the attempt to communicate it however he can. As the temperature starts to drop however, and Mephits arrive on the scene, he begins to get more and more nervous about being in the chamber.

"I've seen many beautiful things in my swamp that will still kill you if you don't respect 'em. I think we may want to leave this pretty creature alone!"

Dorf doesn’t like the looks of something that attracts mephits, but he can’t tell if the mephits are going to attack the creature or help it. He will hold his ground until he sees something that helps his decision. He tries to see if he can tell if the mephits are for or against this elemental creature.

Mutt looks on in helpless confusion as the party attempts the communicate with the elemental. Seeing the elemental’s agitation and anger grow, Mutt puts up his empty hands in a placating gesture and slowly backs out of the chamber and back into the hallway putting a safe distance between himself, the elemental, and the Mephits.

“I don’t think we’re going to be able to go that way while it’s so agitated. Let’s give it some time to cool down, er …warm up? I’m not sure how that works…”

As the party members individually assess the situation and their options, a consensus forms: it's time to leave the chamber and the increasingly agitated Ice Elemental behind.

Dorf begins backing slowly towards the exit with Mutt. ”Guys I think we better leave before they attack. A couple mephits almost killed us last time, I don’t feel like tackling their momma!”

Azalie, reluctant to leave without at least attempting to negotiate with the Ice Elemental, puts forward the idea of offering it something in exchange for safe passage. She believes that there might be a way to appease or communicate with the elemental through an offering, a gesture of goodwill or trade.

The party collectively decides to backtrack, moving quietly and carefully out of the chamber. They leave the Elemental and its Mephit companions behind. Their retreat is slow and steady, keeping an eye out for any pursuit or further complications as they navigate their way back through the icy corridors. As you are moving, you can hear chittering echoing behind you... you look over your shoulders and you occasionally can see a crystalline glint catch the lantern light... it seems like the Mephits are following you at a distance.

The party's decision to retreat from the Ice Elemental takes a sudden and alarming turn. As they cautiously move through the tunnels, moving away from the Elemental's chamber. You navigate through the cave's corridors, hoping to put some distance between themselves and the potentially dangerous being. However, your escape plan is abruptly halted

In an unexpected and almost supernatural display, the Ice Elemental materializes right in their path, effectively blocking the tunnel ahead. The Elemental's presence is as imposing as ever, its form emitting strange whispers and crystalline crackles, a chorus of eerie sounds. The Elemental's agitation is intense, and you can feel the temperature drop in the vicinity. As the temperature drops you can feel your skin burn from the intense cold.

To your dismay, the party also notices that the group of Ice Mephits has followed them. The Mephits now block the tunnel behind them, cutting off their retreat. The small, sinister creatures chitter among themselves, their icy forms a stark contrast against the dark backdrop of the cave.

Trapped between the formidable Ice Elemental and the menacing group of Ice Mephits, the party finds themselves in a dire predicament. The narrow tunnel offers little room for maneuver, and their options are severely limited. The Elemental and the Mephits hold their positions, after a moment, about 30-40 feet from the party.

What do you do next?

10 minutes has passed

Current Time: 11:51 PM

Date: Fourthday , 4 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: 33°

The Elemental's Request

Azalie realizes that they cannot go back or forward. The icy form still hasn’t attacked. Azalie is still sure that there is another way. The team is surrounded and they have little to no defense against this creature.

"Does anyone have anything? I have a flask of pool water. Maybe it would like one of those fish you caught, Fizz?" Azalie offers, trying to brainstorm solutions.

Dorf maintains a neutral expression, though his discomfort with the situation is evident.

Mutt pulls up short as he realizes they’re cornered in the tunnel. He swallows hard and steps forward towards the elemental. Gesturing rapidly, Mutt casts Silent Image repeatedly and calls upon his showmanship to generate a moving montage of how the group ended up in the cave.

He gestures towards the Ice Elemental and begins to cast Silent Image, using his performance skills to weave a visual narrative of their journey. His montage, backed by a Performance roll of 16, is expressive and detailed, and effectivley conveys the party's story.

The Ice Elemental watches intently as Mutt's images play out. The caravan journey, their attack by the Frost Giant, the encounter with the yeti, and the subsequent events in the cave unfold before its icy gaze. As the scenes progress, the Elemental's demeanor begins to change subtly. It seems to understand the party's journey, their encounters, and their peaceful intentions.

As Mutt depicts his scenes, Fizz wiggles his fingers at each chapter, helping the scenes come to life. Of course he adds quiet Oooos and ahhhhhs as the scenes change, supporting Mutt as he focuses on his story, Fizz casts guidance on him as often as he can to help. Lumpy wiggles in Fizz’s hair as all the magic tingles around him, and crawls down to his shoulder, head tilted to the side in fascination as the magic swirls.

Upon reaching the scene of the party leaving the cave in peace, the Elemental appears to comprehend your desire to depart without conflict. The bitter cold being created by the elemental stops and you no longer feel the burning of the cold on your skin.

The Elemental, now less agitated, turns towards the Ice Mephits and emits a series of sharp, crystalline sounds, which seem to scold the Mephits. The Mephits, in response, back away from the party and vanish into the icy tunnel.

The Ice Elemental, moves toward the chamber that the party took their long rest in, and beakons you all to follow it.

First, the Elemental turns its focus on the strange symbols on the wall. It points to the symbols, then performs a gestures – its arms rise and then gently fall downwards, mimicking the flow of water. It creates a symbol of ice that resembles the strange language on the wall, and then the symbol becomes water and vanishes. This action is repeated several times, each time emphasizing a different set of symbols.

The Elemental then points over to the remains of your campfire, before emitting several whispering sounds.

The Elemental watches patiently, its form shimmering slightly as if it wants you to understand it's series of images.

What do you do next?

15 minutes has passed

Current Time: 12:06 AM

Date: Fifthhday , 5 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: 33°

Freeing the Elemental

Mutt walks over hesitantly over to the smoldering campfire and pulls out a piece of burnt charcoal. Looking at the elemental with uncertainty, he uses the charcoal to copy the symbols the elemental indicated. He looks to the elemental after copying a symbol for some sign or signal of assurance that he is on the right track before proceeding to the next.

The Elemental, being a creature from a different plane, does not grasp Mutt's intent. It watches him work, its form shimmering with a slight agitation, a reflection of its confusion at the half-elf's actions. The Elemental remains still, its icy gaze fixed on Mutt, but offers no indication of acknowledgment or approval.

Azalie watches the elemental with great concentration. Her eyes squinting and taking note of each symbol. Her face has a very perplexed look as the elemental does his dance.

“Well guys, I don’t know about you but I have no idea what he’s saying.” Azalie looks towards Mutt and starts waving her hands to get his attention.

“Psst, Mutt, you started this conversation, do you have any idea what he’s saying?” Azalie keeps a watchful eye trying to understand what “It’s” doing.

“Ha! Maybe we just need to clean up behind ourselves…or maybe he’s trying to tell us how to escape?”

Azalie watches the Elemental intently, but she is unable to determine the meaning of its pictures (Insight Roll: 5)

Dorf watches the ice elemental carefully and tries to perceive what it could want them to do.

He asks Azalie, "do you think he wants us to melt those symbols using our fire?"

Dorf makes a connection that it appears the Elemental is melting the symbols in it`s demonstration to the party. (Perception Roll: 10)

Azalie looks at Dorf as he starts melting the symbols.

“I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. Good thinking.”

Azalie starts to like Dorf even more. He’s not all muscle and no brains. Azalie used to have more brain power but her days alone have slowed down her processing. She gets a warm feeling thinking about how much she is enjoying the time with her brilliant friends.

Mutt hums distractedly as he peers between the symbols and the elemental. A sudden thought pierces through and he looks excitedly to the group.

“Does anyone have a torch or something similar? I think our friend here wants us to melt the ice around the symbols they indicated on the wall.”

Dorf, determined to decipher the Elemental's request, approaches the remnants of the campfire. He carefully blows on the embers, coaxing a small flame to life on a chunk of boot that they had used as fuel (Success). With the lit piece in hand, he moves towards the wall where the symbols indicated by the Elemental are located.

As he holds the burning piece of boot close to the first symbol, the heat begins to gently melt the ice, causing the symbol to slowly transform. Dorf frequently glances over his shoulder at the Ice Elemental, seeking any sign of approval or disapproval.

As the first symbol melts away, the Elemental watches intently. It is hard to determine if it approves or disapproves, but since it does not appear to be trying to stop you, Dorf assumes this is a good sign. He continues.

As Dorf methodically melts away the symbols on the wall, a sense of anticipation fills the icy cavern. The Ice Elemental observes each of Dorf's movements closely. As the final symbol begins to dissolve under the heat, there's a moment of profound silence in the cave.

Then, the Elemental reacts in a way that confirms Dorf's understanding of its request. As the last traces of the symbol melt away, the Elemental gives a slow, deliberate bow to the party. This gesture, of what appears to be an expression of gratitude and respect, gives silent acknowledgment of the party's successful completion of its task.

With the melting of the symbols, the Elemental undergoes a transformation. Its form, which had been shimmering with agitation, now radiates a serene light as it begins to evaporate into the cave itself. The air in the cavern seems to shift, the previously oppressive coldness eases, although the temperature is still unbearably cold.

In the next moment, the Ice Elemental begins to blend seamlessly into the icy surroundings. Its form becomes translucent, then almost invisible, as if it's becoming one with the ice and frost of the cave. With a final glimmer of light, the Elemental vanishes, leaving nothing behind, except a sense of peace and the faint echo of crystalline whispers.

All that remains in the room, are the ice sculptures, bearing silent witness that an Elemental was ever even here. You look at each other, having witnessed the departure of such a being.

Continuing deeper into the cave.

After their encounter with the Ice Elemental, you continue your exploration of the icy cave. After about 20 minutes beyond the room that you met the ice elemental, the passage winds its way to the left and then straight, until you come across a new challenge: a steep, almost vertical shaft that leads up. The shaft is dark, but you can feel a breeze coming from above.

The shaft itself is imposing, stretching upwards into the darkness, its exact depth difficult to discern. The walls of the shaft are slick with ice, making them treacherous and difficult to climb. The air is colder here, and the echo of their voices against the shaft's walls adds to the eerie atmosphere.

An old, damaged ladder is attached to one side of the shaft, its rungs worn and some completely missing. It's clear that the ladder has seen better days and may not be reliable for climbing. Next to the base of the ladder lies a grim reminder of the cave's dangers: humanoid bones scattered haphazardly, accompanied by remnants of old armor and an abandoned backpack.

The bones and the state of the equipment suggest that whoever once attempted this climb met an unfortunate end.

A quick assessment of the area has the following:

*Old rickety ladder leading up the shaft.

*Old Worn Backpack (with contents)

*Several humanoid skulls and bones near the base of the ladder

*Some old damaged armor and weapons.

*Pile of old torches

Experience and Stars Awarded.

Treasure has been added.

What do you do next?

40 minutes has passed

Current Time: 12:46 AM

Date: Fifthhday , 5 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: 33°

The Climb

Fizzbum is so excited about the possibility of escape and the beautiful encounter with the Elemental that he almost doesn't see the ladder hanging precariously against the wall. Finally noticing the rickety ladder, he approaches and looks up the shaft to the top.

"Not sure that will hold any of us! Lumpy might make it up there, but that's about it!"

Fizzbum scratches his head, disturbing Lumpy, and gently tugs on the outer, larger ropes to see if they fray, or break anywhere higher up the ladder.

Coming on a point of inspiration, and sensing his druidic powers growing with their experience in the cave, Fizzbum exclaims!

"I've got an idea! If you let me take the end of the rope, I may be able to embrace the power of one of my little friends to scamper up the ladder and secure the rope at the top!" Fizzbum does a little gnomish dance in happiness. "That way if any of you big people fall, at least you won't go far!"

Kicking his foot out to the side and raising his hands in a "ta da" feature over his head, he waits for the cheer he so richly deserves!

Dorf looks at the blue gnome still not sure if he is all there.

“Ok, little one, answer me this; Can you carry enough rope if you become a small critter?”

“If not I might be able to scramble up that just carrying all the rope we have. I do only weigh 35 lbs. or if anyone else has ideas I’m open to suggestions.” Dorf gets a big smile on his face, “or we could fight our way past another of those big furry guys…”

Azalie looks up the tunnel.

"Hey fellas, I think I should go up this ice wall. I don't even sink in snow."

Azalie loves being an elf. She used to pull pranks on the "others' at her master's home, when she was a child. She trusts her ability to hide and walk without making any noise, or steps.

Azalie hopes to get to share her childhood with her new friends. She would be devastated to get this far, just to pop out a hole and have a yeti smack her head off. She shakes off the visual she created.

"I think I can make it pretty easily. I think Dorf should follow behind me, once I get to the top, I'll secure some kind of pully system." Azalie looks at Dorf and says, "Do you think you can bring up my armor?" She's going to be freezing up there. Azalie hates the cold.

"We should have Uptharr come last. That way we can help him climb up with all of our strength. He can easily carry up my pack." Azalie flashes a smile at Uptharr. "Can you take this with you?"

Uptharr looks at Azalie, acknowledging the practicality of her plan with a nod. He understands the importance of his role in ensuring everyone's safe ascent, especially given his strength and stature.

"Of course, I can take your pack," Uptharr responds with a reassuring tone. His smile, warm and confident, mirrors Azalie's. He reaches out to take the pack from her, securing it with his own gear. "I'll make sure this gets up safely. And don't worry, I'll be right behind you all. Just make sure to secure that rope well"

Azalie is confident that this will work. She gets to work by adding pitons to her shoes. This will help her plant her feet on ice. She also changes out of her armor, puts on the backpack and starts putting good pieces of wood in the backpack. She pulls out the pickaxe and one of her daggers.

While she turns around, Azalie holds up a net. "Does anyone think we will need this?"

Azalie thinks everyone can make it but the team has seen a few hickups. "I'm willing to leave it for someone else."

Mutt looks up at the ice wall and rickety ladder with some apprehension. As Azalie and Fizz offer up their suggestions, Mutt nods along. He pulls his length of rope, a small hammer, and several pitons out of his pack.

“I do think that way up is our best way out of here. If you’re headed up there first, elf lady, these might come in handy.”

Mutt offers the equipment up to Azalie.

Azalie takes the equipment in her backpack.

“Once you get up there, secure the line to the pitons and drop it down. The rest of us can use it to climb up.”

Mutt smiles confidently at Azalie.

“And don’t worry about falling. I’ve got you covered.”

Azalie are you planning on carrying all of our rope? If so I would advise tying them all together before you head up so you don’t have to do it one handed. I would also loop it around a sturdy looking ladder rung every so often to help catch you if you fall.

The Ice Climb challenge:

Azalie is the first to start the vertical climb up the icy shaft. She prepares herself for the climb by attaching pitons to her boots for extra grip, she removed her armor and wears her standard clothes, and leaves most of her other gear at the base of the shaft for Uptharr to bring up. She has 100 feet of rope that she fastens to her waist, She holds the ice pick and one dagger, and she wears the extra backpack with wood for making a fire and a tinderbox. the rest of her gear she leaves behind.

Azalie begins her ascent of the icy shaft. She makes an athletics roll of 15, which enables her to skillfully navigate the first 20 feet of the climb. She moves gracefully with each step, her lighter backpack and equipment helping her climb more easily. Her piton tipped boots and her Miners pick also make the climb easier on the icy surface. She keeps the rope around her waist. As she climbs, she finds nothing that she can secure the rope too, so as of now the rope just hangs from Azalie's belt, down to the ground.

Azalie shouts down to the group, "Fella's, this first part is simple. I am about to change to ice climbing."

"Fizz, if you can get small enough, you'll make it right up this ladder."

Azalie is feeling confident but she is fearful of failing her team. She steadies her foot hold and starts working her way up.

Dorf looks up the shaft and shouts back to Azalie,

"Sure if it makes sense to have 2 people on the ladder at once?"

Noticing that the pitons are working for her, Dorf secures 2 pitons onto his feet. He then ties his 2 pieces of rope together, leaves his backpack on the ground with a pat on Mr Wiggles head. He then starts climbing 20’ behind Azalie.

Dorf, following Azalie's lead, begins his climb, using the rails of the ladder to aid his climb. Despite the ladder's dilapidated condition, it supports the halflings weight without too much trouble. With an athletics roll of 19, Dorf successfully ascends 20 feet up the ladder, as Azalie continues her climb ahead of him.

Azalie is able to also ascend another 20 feet, sticking to ice climbing as to not stress the ladder any further. She is unable to find any places on the old ladder to tie off the rope, so she just continues to climb the sheer icy wall.

Fizzbum looks up at Azalies retreating backside, impressed with her form!

“Shes pretty good at that Lumpy, I hope we do as well!” Fizzbum waits at the bottom of the ladder as Dorf steps by him and starts to ascend. “I’ve climbed many a tree in my swamp looking for mossy bits, and berries, but I’ve never climbed an ice wall before…..Maybe when you get to the top, you can throw me down some of your rope my strong friend?!”

Mutt stands apprehensively at the foot of the ice wall as Azalie and Dorf reach the edge of his darkvision. “It’s getting harder to see you now, so if you fall be sure to scream quickly so I can catch you!”

Azalie can hear Mutt saying something about screaming. She was listening and also lost in her head. She can barely see the ground.

"Will do Mutt!" Azalie yells down with a little chuckle. She starts thinking the half elf is worried about her.

"How cute. He's like 18." She laughs out loud to the thought. Then immediately starts blushing.

As Azalie bounds up the shaft, she looks down and relays what she's seeing. "Mutt, Fizz, it's about 60' to the top. Take your time and you'll make it up safely."

Azalie looks down at her friend Uptharr, "Friend, you may want to send some of your armor up with the others." She shakes off any bad images. Azalie turns around and continues to climb, only feet from the top.

She gets a creepy chill. She still isn't sure what's beyond the ridge. She starts to get nervous. There's no time to twirl her hair. She starts arguing with her inner self. Talking to herself,

"It's going to be ok. You can take a bath as soon as you get to town."

Azalie's exceptional athleticism shines as she continues her climb up the icy vertical tunnel. Her outstanding athletics check of 21 propels her upwards with remarkable ease and speed. Each move she makes is both confident and efficient. Her ascent is a blend of strength and grace, and she efficiently finds grips and footholds on the icy surface, making rapid progress.

Reaching the top of the shaft, Azalie secures her position, looking down to check on Dorf's progress. She sees that Dorf, while making a great effort, is encountering some difficulties. His athletics roll of 12 indicates that he is struggling slightly with finding reliable grips and footholds. This has resulted in a slower progress so he has only made it 40 feet up the shaft by the time that Azalie reaches the surface. He keeps working his way up the shaft.

As Azalie pulls herself over the rim of the vertical tunnel, she emerges into a much different environment. She finds herself on snow-covered hills under the dark, star-studded sky of the late night. The moon casts a pale light over the landscape, that gives her plenty of light to see what is around her.

The wind here is fierce and strong, howling across the hills with a biting chill that cuts to the bone. It whips around Azalie, carrying fine particles of ice and snow that sting her exposed skin. Within moments, the bitter cold starts to take its toll. Her skin begins to burn and go numb, a sharp reminder of the harshness of the environment she has now entered.

Azalie - make a Constitution check.

Azalie quickly realizes the urgency of her situation. The intense cold and the strong wind are more than just discomforts; they are serious threats in such an exposed location. She needs to find shelter or at least some respite from the wind for herself and soon for Dorf, who is still making his way up the shaft.

What do you do next?

60 minutes has passed

Current Time: 1:46 AM

Date: Fifthhday , 5 , Alturiak , 1742

Temperature: 12° (Azalie), 30° (Dorf), 33° (all others)

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