Yulya listens to the conversation and Brutus advice with a sober expression and thinks:
Yes - just as I imagined. Without massive help from Summer we are dead!



Yulya bows.
I thank you Sir Brutus, Sir Groet and Miss Kessandra!
You are correct we must plan this carefully without rushing into an attack! I cannot thank you enough for your help and advice!
Yet ignoring the cause of the entire freeze is not easy. I also wonder if the dragon is related or not. Whoever is responsible for this might not let us get rid of the dragon so easily...

Oh one more thing before I forget!
We stumbled into a strange man at the Alchemists shop just now. Very tall and thin clad in a black robe. I could not discern his face but I am certain it was no living being. Absolutely soulless, not breathing. He smelled of blood and the shopkeeper said he never spoke. I first thought it moght be and undead but it was suggested he might be a vampire. Just to let you know!

And I am not sure if you already heard but on the way back from Phandalin we encountered bandits ambushing a traders carriage that appeared highly organized. We beat them and they all had silver brooches resembling a flower and one had a silver signal whistle he blew. They would not talk and reveal who they were and in whos name they operated. They were young men all human. I used COMMAND on their leader to make them talk and he revealed his name was Johnstan Matthews and they were there to rob the carriage. He said they needed to do that in order to 'advance'. I believe Summer also cast some charm spell on them which may have interfered with our investigation. But he also stated they were not aware of Summer and not there to abduct her as was my initial suspicion.
We decided to let them live as I abhor killing humans. When we rested for the night the whistle began to glow and there appeared to be the image of a ship embossed on it. It was a tracking device. Other fairly powerful bandits showed up. We got rid of the whistle and their brooches to lure them away from us. They took them and fled when Summer cast an illusion.
Very odd. Do you know any organization that could be related? I had hoped the trade route to Phandalin was safe at least for the moment after we cleared the goblin den but I am afraid this is not the case. I wonder what we will encounter on our way there...

We should buy a chain Nya and a lock Nya or manacles Nya before we head out Nya!

Yes I think that is a worthy investment to chain powerful foes!
Then let us prepare there is still a lot to do today! I wonder how many poison we will be able to make. I hope it works. I also would appreciate advicve for a suitable cooking spot that is not to ofar away and reasonably safe.

Brutus snorted a lough, "I find that laughable, someone like that would be easy to spot and vampires aren't allowed in the city. I've heard nothing of it."
Kessandra considered it more carefully, "They do exist, there are always rumors about, but the sources of those rumors are always elusive so they're ususally without substance. If the shopkeeper said nothing, then I find that very unlikely. There are wizards who can mask their life signature, perhapse that's what you experienced."

Alice tilts her head
A sorcerer?



Well I have seen some who sorcered too much and lost all humanity but this guy was definitely not an ordinary living being. Didn't get a good look at him like Yulya but what sorcerer smells of blood?
We can't deal with this now but you better be on the lookout. We already gave a report to Freya about this guy and the bandits. I wonder if they're connected to the freeze incident? If someone hired them I don't think it's about robbing carriages for their goods. Rather to cut off Phandalin. Perhaps. Whatever. I hope we meet those guys again...
Alice chuckles, imagining different ways to prepare them as delicious food, roasting them like the hog right here

"There's a camping spot just southwest of the city. The wind is blocked by a small stand of trees so it makes for a good rest spot for caravans who didn't make it to the gates in time to enter. It was taken over by refugees but a week ago the guards cleared it out, its a good a place as any. There are few creatures dumb enough to come that close to the city."

Excellent, thanks!
Then we will go there!
I suppose we should go shopping for that chain first? Come on girls, time is running out!

Cat doesn't care much who's behind anything but the cooking spot is great advice!
Thanks Nyaa, then we must get going Nya! Thanks for the meal too Nya!

"You monolog like a supervillain. Tell me your plans for world domination." Ashley teased.

Alice gives Ashley a rather surprised look and waves dismissivley
World domination?
Naahh...

You think I want to deal with governing all those idiots and tell them what to do? What a drag!
By the grace of the Winged Creature, I can do whatever I want, and I'm not gonna burden myself with dominating anyone. I just go where I want and remove some unpleasant people that happen to get in my way. But I have no greater plans at all at the moment. I'm here on vacation!

Alice waves goodbye to everyone and dons her mask

At the adventure shop you can buy a chain but there are no shackles, the shopkeeper informs you that shackles require special permission to buy or sell.

Alice is speechless
Whaat?
Anyone can buy martial weapons, poison and explosives in bulk - but shackes require a permission? From whom? The Queen? We're adventurers goddamned! We'Re allowed to kill anyone but not thake them captive?
What kind of joke is this?

Alice sighs and sighs again hearing the prices
That's heavy! Literally.
I suggest we buy 25ft  of chain for 3gp and the lock for 10gp. What do you think?

Now for the 3 mile trek to the campsite southwest of the city, you leave Neverwinter and travel the high road until you get to the site where there's open pits and spits to use, some with coals are still burning. Here, there's no reason to put them out as there's always someone using them. You arrive and there are signs that someone was here just recently, there are burnt scraps of meat, and a carved rabbit carcass on a flat rock. Cat sees prints in the sand that look curiously reptilian. Yulya scans the area [Perception 1d20+2=10 vs P15] A band of kobolds are hiding among the trees, trying to hide as they look at you, she can spot at least three but there may be more. The prints in the sand are too haphazard to know the number.

Alice looks at the tracks and the Kobolds with a puzzled expression.
What are these? Never heard of Kobolds. Are they dangerous? And who makes such tracks? Lizardmen? Dragons? Didn't Brutus say nobody would dare to cause trouble here?

Ashley summons Nixie and with a crack as loud as thunder a large, sleek, Mechathereal Panther pops into existence. Nixie looks around then hones in on the kobold at the tree line, she snarls, then snuggles next to Ashley with a defensive posture. She then casts Truesight on herself.
"We don't have time for them, just start cooking, Nixie and I will watch the kobolds."

Alice is impressed
Whoa that's a big kitty! What nice ears! I bet I could ride it!
See? That's why I don't like us splitting up! You know what happened to Gundren because of that. Unity and numbers are our strength. But you're right, we don't want to start a fight. If they leave us alone, we will ignore them. I assume the smell will drive them away soon. But if they look like the want to mess with us, tell us immediately!

Alice keeps her weapons within reach, takes out the herbalism kit and begins setting up the new pot with Cat
Ok, be careful! We just want a small fire. The alcohol mustn't boil over and ignite or we'll have a problem!

Alice grinds the dried tobacco leaves and mandrake root with portar and pestle and adds them to the warmed alcohol.
This is very basic in terms of poison. Barbarian even. Sorry Cat. I hope it has any effect at all...



Alice carefully observes the liquid, stirring frequently as the alcohol slowly evaporates
Be sure to stay upwind from the pot, everyone, especially you, Cat!
...
This will take a while.
I can tell you a story if you like but don't let down your guard!

Quote from: Alice on April 20, 2025, 04:29:23 PM

I suggest we buy 25ft of chain for 3gp and the lock for 10gp. What do you think?

Yulya takes the heavy chain in her hands
Yes I can imagine not even a dragon could easily break this! But you are correct it is extremely heavy. I am worried more about this than the price. Yet it is better than having a shorter and useless chain. I agree on a 25ft length. Can you still haul this around Cat?

Cat also looks at the chain and then at Alice
Nya no problem Nya but it limits me in carrying other stuff Nya. I'm more worried about the price Nya I wish it was only 3gp Nya... I know you're in bad shape Alice Nya but your math is horrible Nya! At least we can chain up our cart with this Nya! Nobody will be able to pull it away Nya!

Cat still buys 25ft of chain and the lock
Alice Nyaa!
We need all your gp Nya!

Now for the 3 mile trek to the campsite southwest of the city, you leave Neverwinter and travel the high road until you get to the site where there's open pits and spits to use, some with coals are still burning. Here, there's no reason to put them out as there's always someone using them. You arrive and there are signs that someone was here just recently, there are burnt scraps of meat, and a carved rabbit carcass on a flat rock. Cat sees prints in the sand that look curiously reptilian. Yulya scans the area [Perception 1d20+2=10 vs P15] A band of kobolds are hiding among the trees, trying to hide as they look at you, she can spot at least three but there may be more. The prints in the sand are too haphazard to know the number.

Nyaa Kobolds Nya just what we need Nya! They can be reasoned with Nya, sometimes Nya. I also suggest leaving them alone Nya. But watch them closely Nya! Do they have ranged weapons Nya?

I'm not sure about the tracks Nya. Give me a moment Nya!
Cat tries to estimate the size of the reptilian tracks and sniff them if they give off a familiar scent

Alice keeps her weapons within reach, takes out the herbalism kit and begins setting up the new pot with Cat
Ok, be careful! We just want a small fire. The alcohol mustn't boil over and ignite or we'll have a problem!

Cat skillfully sets up a fireplace and controls the size of the flames

Alice grinds the dried tobacco leaves and mandrake root with mortar and pestle and adds them to the warmed alcohol.
This is very basic in terms of poison. Barbarian even. Sorry Cat. I hope it has any effect at all...

Try your best Nya! Doesn't matter if crude Nya, it's gotta work Nya!
We oughta test the effect on something Nya...

Be sure to stay upwind from the pot, everyone, especially you, Cat!

No need to tell me Nya!
Cat avoids the poisonous alcoholic fumes, moving around the pot as the wind shifts

Cat tries to estimate the size of the reptilian tracks and sniff them if they give off a familiar scent.
Cat clearly deduces that the tracks are indeed left over by the kobolds, she can discern at least 8 unique sets of tracks. Such creatures are related to dragons, so the reptilian tracks make sense, but they are no bigger than Alice, shorter even than goblins, the tracks are smaller than the size of Cat's forepaw and because the wind is flowing off the water, and you are down wind of them, you can sense quite a bit more. First you can smell their fear, the number of them is at least 8 but probably not more than 10, they were cooking rabbit and still have cooked rabbit in their possession, they are likely all males though she can't be 100% sure of that. They also smell of sea salt as if they'd been swimming or bathing in the ocean.

Cat is not overly concerned.
Nya they're terrified Nya I don't think they will cause us any trouble Nya but still watch them Nya you never know Nya! Never underestimate a weak-looking enemy Nya. In large numbers things can easily get nasty Nya!

The sun is a beautiful yellow as it approaches the horizon over the ocean, it's serene except for the band of Kobolds nervously watching you from the nearby stand of trees. The first batch completes successfully, and you capture it in your vial. [Please keep track of your supplies]

Cat gives Alice the first batch for storage.

As you start making the next set, the conditions have changed, the wind has died down but because you're outdoors you will not have to worry about vapor accumulation. The warm vapors simply waft up and away. Working away on it with Ashley and Nixie lazing next to the fire, Nixie stirs and looks to the Northeast toward the road. Ashley looks over and sees two small humanoids approach wearing cloaks that cover their heads. They're no bigger than Ms. Toadbottom. They are making no attempt at stealth as they approach.
"Heads up, we got company."
Ashley stands, holding Nixie back with her connection, and the two figures approach aggressively at first but once they spot Nixie, they change to a cautious stance.

Cat can overhear the following though she doesn't understand:
A strong, high-pitched feminine voice says quitely, "re astahii filki drielkari?"
An old sounding masculine voice responds "nomenoi re ti drielkari. wer jathila visidark ui, re astahii utihtik?"
The feminie voice mutters, "tooviri usv drehlniki, sjek astahii tira tivol astahii geou xikin" then calls out, with her hands raised in a non-threatening posture, "Hail, we come to you only for answers."

Cat looks at the small humanoids, puzzled at first. She gets up from cooking and readies her weapons just in case
Nyaa what language is this Nya do halflings talk like this Nya? Never heard anything like this Nya! Watch the cooking Alice Nya!

As the female speaks common, Cat waves at them with a jovial gesture signaling them to come closer
Nya we are adventurers from Neverwinter Nya! Who are you Nya? How can we help you Nya?

Alice is not happy
That's unfair! It was an honest mistake! Alice doesn't cheat people for money! I never needed to buy anything so I'm not used to calculating prices. I made everything myself or got it for freee!

Yulya adds 5sp and apologizes to the shopkeeper
This chain is too heavy to carry around!
We need to leave it on our cart!

During the cooking Yulya listens to Alice's story feeling more puzzled afterwards than before but is interrupted by the visitors before she can ask more

Ashley looks over and sees two small humanoids approach wearing cloaks that cover their heads. They're no bigger than Ms. Toadbottom. They are making no attempt at stealth as they approach.

Yulya uses PERCEPTION to get a grasp of the halflings without forgetting about watching the kobolds.
She stays behind the others and readies her shield glad that Cat made contact
Ashley what do you think about them?

Ohh yeah remember that dead halfling we found along the road? Had a similar cloak. I hope they're not here for that and we have to tell them we sold the possessions of that corpse but didn't bury it. I told you we should have reported this to the roadmaster...

Yulya remembers she at least spoke a prayer for the deceased halfling but agrees the issue would be uncomfortable

The male's wary expression calms as he speaks to Cat, "You appeared as bandits to us, so we apologize for our direct approach fellow adventurers. I am Tarak of Dragon's Rest, and this is my friend Varnoth." he is soft spoken in a cordial tone.
His friend shows her face with a wary expression. A kobold female with light brown scales which bear many scars—one of which runs across her left eye, which is milky and blind. She speaks in a gruff, indifferent tone, "Varnoth of the Azure Wolves, now a mason and guardian of Dragon's rest."

Cat looks at the kobolds in surprise
Oh you're kobolds and adventurers too Nya we thought you were halflings Nya! Yeah I think your guys are over here Nya!
Cat points at the trees and shows her adventurer's tag

The pair walk quickly to the treeline and cat can hear a faint discussion in the distance, it's calm and relaxed from Tarak with a few curt barks from Varnoth. They return and bow then Tarak speaks with a very polite demeanor, "Our friends were initially wary of you and chose to stay clear, we respectfully request to join you at the campfire as our intent was to stay here for day and set up camp for the night. If you accept we can share what provisions we have, and I will attempt to impress you with my culinary skills."
Varnoth adds, "You are well advised to take his offer, such a meal is not one you'll soon forget."

Cat scratches her head.
Nyaa thanks for the offer Nya but we came here from Neverwinter Nya to make poisoned arrows Nya not cook food Nya we were told this is the place we would not bother anyone with nasty fumes Nya. Sorry for scaring off your men Nya but they were gone when we arrived Nya!
We don't mind you Nya and and a taste of your cuisine would be interesting Nya but you might wanna stay away from our pot and the downwind area Nya! We have a few more hours work ahead Nya that needs to be finished Nya! But the place is big enough Nya! So make yourselves at home Nya you were here first Nya!



Cat looks to Yulya for confirmation.
Nya what's the Dragon's Rest Yulya Nya?