The Iron Tarot: Gold and Misfortune (Different campaign, same universe.)

The town of Shearfall was perpetually covered with snow and ice, however despite it's inhospitable conditions, many filled it's streets, trying to survive. Sometimes, through the death of a another. The time is noon and the square is packed with people, as they come for rations brought by merchants to the town. Without them, there would be no food in Shearfall and as a result, they could charge any price they wanted.
Ahead of the square lay the Mayor's office, with a guard that seemed to preoccupied with a flask of alcohol than anyone else.

The temperature is freezing, without shelter, almost all will die when night comes.

You are all at the outskirts of the square.

Spoiler: OOC

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by JNAProductions

Iltia Aat is mostly done!

Spoiler: Backstory

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Iltia is from the Brayle Republic. Her family, well-to-do merchants, who have suffered in the recent war. They're not the kind of people to profit off other's misery, so they ended up not coming out as well as those who were less moral.

But, her immediate family heard potential dealings to the north, near Shearfall. They took their carts and horses, and set off. As they went, a small group of hold-outs from the war attacked, and Iltia barely made it to Shearfall on her own. She has most of the money her family went with, and is now trying to find them.

Very basic backstory. Note that this PC is made with G&G rules, as well as Chopping Down The Christmas Tree.

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Reposting PC info. DM, you should probably make an OOC thread, not just an IC.

Iltia looks around, nervous about the situation and the incoming nightfall alone.

A merchant stands on top of a wagon, with guards surrounding the carriage. He shouts. "If you want to eat, you need coin. If you have no coin, I suggest you pick up an axe and bring some wood to trade. Unless some of you want to play hero and go after some of the bounties this town's mighty mayor's posted. I don't care one bit, you want my goods, I want to be paid."

Ion's shoulders hunch inside his cold weather outfit, taking in the comings and goings of the people in the square. As if musing to himself, he speaks in a weirdly buzzing voice that seems hallow and tinny, as if coming from someone wearing a full metal helm. "Not the most hospitable....or prosperous town, it seems. Worth a look at the bounties, I'd think."

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Ion
Male L/E Arctic Lesser Mechanatrix Dragonfire Adept, Level 3, Init 1, HP 40/40, Speed 30' Land
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 8, Ref 2, Will 3, Base Attack Bonus 1
Dragon Breath 15' Cone / 30' Line (2d6, DC: 18)
Morningstar +0 (1d8+1, x2)
Cord Armor, Dastana (+2 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex, +2 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 15, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition None

Spoiler: OOC

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None

Even under the multiple layers of clothing warding of the cold, the figure shivered. One might have thought at first he was somehow deformer or had a horribly hunched back, as the thick cloak draped over his body seemed to stick much further out from his body than it should. But if one were to pay a little more attention, they could see the black tips of a pair of feathered wings hanging out from below the edge of the cloak. His arms hugged tightly against his torso, fists clenched tight.

He just had to come so late, and now he cursed himself for his slothfulness. Ithil had hoped that a quick step outside was all it would take, that he could get back in front of his forge soon. But no, now he would have to wait, miserable and cold, and just hope that he could afford some food and charcoal when he finally got his turn. Under his cloak his wings would wave about a little, helping drop off snow that had built up atop his cloak.

The crowd began pushing towards the wagon, more than a few people being pushed to the ground. In the commotion, shouting from the guards could be heard as the desperate townsfolk vyed for food and supplies. Of course, not many had enough money to pay for the high sums the merchant was requesting and soon, panic about surviving the night turned into anger.
A mother on the outskirts of the crowd was consoling her children as one of her eldest sons pointed at Ithil and giggled. "Look at him mama! He looks funny!"
She replied after grabbing him and pulling him closer. "Don't be saying such things to people. Be quiet and stay with your brothers and sisters so I can keep an eye on you!" She turned to Ithil and apologised. "I am sorry for my son! we've been waiting awhile but as you can see we aren't getting anywhere. Please forgive us."

After a few minutes, the situation at the front of the crowd escalated as shouts and a few screams came. The merchant announced once his guards had kept the crowd at bay. "Right! We'll see how well behaved you are tomorrow, you savages!"
There were cries of despair as the carriage began to leave, taking with it the lives of many of the stranded, starving peoples of Shearfall.

The crowd followed the wagon, some running towards it, pleading for food. Any who reached the vehicle were pushed off.

Knowledge (Local) Check

Hearing what he did not really bother him that much, especially when he turned his to see it came from a child. He forced his frown into small smile, turning to look to the mother who was quick to apologize on her child's behalf. "No harm done, ma'am. Teach him acceptance of those unlike him, and you will give him another brick to lay down as foundation for his future." Ithil spoke in reply, trying not to let his shivering hamper his speech too much.

Unfortunately, it seemed that the greedy merchant was not really in much mood to deal with the crowd that was rapidly growing quite aggressive. But to announce that they were leaving? "What? No, you can't." He hissed, not that the merchant could hear his protest. He began trudging forward awkwardly, still hugging his arms against him. He had to do something, he just had to. But what could he do? As he tried to follow the carriage, he looked about to see if any others were taking notable action.

The woman nodded after Ithil's reply. "Thank you sir, I will certainly do so."
However, her attention was devoted to the five children arrayed around her.

A booming voice chimed out from the direction of the mayor's office.
"Do not panic! We have enough for all in the granary! We will open the mine
and prosper once more! Any able bodied men, I request that you assist in this venture,
for the good of all in this village and everyone's eventual profit!"

The urge was there to take flight and intercept the carriage, or to simply cripple it. But both those approaches would have some risk, either to himself or to other residents. He let out a defeated sigh, only for his attention to be drawn to a voice.

The mayor. Ithil could appreciate the willingness to spare food from the granary, but to reopen the mines? Would that work? For some moments he hesitated. But a squeeze of his coin pouch, that once carried a good deal of coin, now only home to maybe all of thirty coins, reminded him of potential benefits. He'd been having to dip more and more into savings. Buying imported materials from greedy merchants cut too far into what profit has craft could get him.

So he looked up to the Mayor, straightened his back, and began stepping forward.

Looking at all the huddled people, several shivering from the cold, Ion gets a thoughtful look on his face. "I might be able to drum up some coin for my travels by selling weather-protection invocations in this area. Though I don't want to risk breaking any laws. I should ask the mayor if I need one." Seeing as he doesn't seem to be the only one interested in speaking with the mayor, he takes his time getting to the man, intending to queue up and wait for his chance to speak.

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Ion
Male L/E Arctic Lesser Mechanatrix Dragonfire Adept, Level 3, Init 1, HP 40/40, Speed 30' Land
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 8, Ref 2, Will 3, Base Attack Bonus 1
Dragon Breath 15' Cone / 30' Line (2d6, DC: 18)
Morningstar +0 (1d8+1, x2)
Cord Armor, Dastana (+2 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex, +2 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 15, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition None

Spoiler: OOC

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None

"For those wishing to learn more, please step inside my office at your earliest convenience! Rations can be procured at the granary for everyone else, please remain calm! No one will starve as long as order prevails."
As Ithil and Ion got closer, they could see that the Mayor was a large man, wearing very few layers despite the cold. His skin and tusks also marked him as an orc, a rare sight indeed, as they were not indigenous to the continent.
The door to the office was open.

An orc really did make for a rather suitable leader in such harsh environments. Strong and naturally hardier than the more common races, yet he didn't present the kind of callous and selfish attitudes Ithil had all too often seen perpetuated in orcs.

Getting the mines open again would be a massive blessing. But he had to wonder the raven couldn't help but wonder if it could be done, and even if it could, would it be enough to revivify the economy in time? No, doubt wouldn't achieve anything. Best to try and fail, then to not have tried at all. So he would step toward the office, stopping briefly at the door to shake off snow that stuck to his clothing.

Red eyes scanned across the room briefly, before he stepped to one side, the black-haired man remaining silent for the time to see if others would show up

Stepping inside a moment after, Ion nods to the man, acknowledging the man's position in front of him. Arms clasped behind his back, his winter clothing is somewhat loose, oddly enough - much like one would wear a light jacket on a cool day instead of properly tight bundles of padded fur in the dead of a northern winter. What skin is exposed is somewhat translucent in places most humanoids' skin is thinnest along joints and longbones, revealing moving gears and other clockwork parts blending in and coexisting with fleshy organs.

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Spoiler: Statblock

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Ion
Male L/E Arctic Lesser Mechanatrix Dragonfire Adept, Level 3, Init 1, HP 40/40, Speed 30' Land
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 8, Ref 2, Will 3, Base Attack Bonus 1
Dragon Breath 15' Cone / 30' Line (2d6, DC: 18)
Morningstar +0 (1d8+1, x2)
Cord Armor, Dastana (+2 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex, +2 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 15, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition None

Spoiler: OOC

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Effect: Endure Exposure (Invocation) makes him immune to his own breath weapon as well as having the effect of an Endure Elements spell. Usable on party members to keep them going in harsh environments & makes friendly fire a non-issue. :-p

The mayor stood up as he saw Ithil and Ion enter his office, introducing himself as he held out his hand to shake theirs. "I'm Mayor Varruc, I'm assuming you gentlemen are here to assist with the expedition? I must confess to you now before you go any further, this is not a sanctioned or official mission from the authorities of the Republic, we may have to cross the border into the Ostinnian Kingdom. However, if we can pull this off, I do believe everyone will profit, especially those who carry out this task."

Ithil offered his own hand, cold and shivering, though still grasping the mayor's hand with firm grip. Ithil. And yes, I'd like to assist if possible." He was terse in his reply, and then remained silent while the other explained. "Say we did have to cross borders, and something happened, would we risk causing a larger incident that might jeopardize more lives?" He stared at the orc sharply, to see what they might find out.

Opening his mouth to correct the man, Ion closes it again with a thoughtful look. Thinking that this work would probably pay more than what he came to ask about, he instead just nods at the mayor's words. Cocking his head to the side at the Ithil's question, he looks again to the mayor, also seemingly interested in the man's answer. Eyeing Ithil's hand shaking with the cold, he considers for a moment. With a small shrug, he gestures first at Ithil and then the mayor, invoking his innate power to help them stave off the environmental effects of the chill climate.

(Using Endure Exposure on both Ithil and the Mayor, see OOC Spoiler)

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Ion
Male L/E Arctic Lesser Mechanatrix Dragonfire Adept, Level 3, Init 1, HP 40/40, Speed 30' Land
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 8, Ref 2, Will 3, Base Attack Bonus 1
Dragon Breath 15' Cone / 30' Line (2d6, DC: 18)
Morningstar +0 (1d8+1, x2)
Cord Armor, Dastana (+2 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex, +2 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 15, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition None

Spoiler: OOC

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Effect: Endure Exposure (Invocation) makes you immune to his own breath weapon as well as having the effect of an Endure Elements spell for 24 hours.

"That risk will only apply if we have to cross the border, hopefully the snow hasn't blocked the most direct path to the mines. Before the incident, a shipment of adamantium was about to leave for the capital. It should still be there. If we can secure it, our current dilemma should be resolved. However, there is an unknown threat that lingers about the place." Varruc paused for a moment. "Should we have to cross the border, we'll do so through the mountains. With the snow, the likelihood of being discovered is slim."

The young Skinwalker would walk up and into the mayor's office, he was currently wearing the skin of a voldur he had killed before getting into town. Chankotu currently appeared to be quite tall as he was standing six feet and nine inches and remarkably well muscled. he appeared to have the combination that mixes the ferocious features of an orc with the natural beauty of an elf. He has completely pupilless, empty eyes. His skin was slightly green tint to it. He would look to the others and then hand mayor his notice to let him know he hired to join this group and looked to them " hello my name is Chankotu and here to join your adventuring group as requested" he would say as he was mimicing the voice and mannerism of the former owner of skin he is wearing.

"Ho, glad you're on board, mister Chantoku, I'm Mayor Varruc. I am pleased recruitment is going swimmingly, now please excuse me, it seems like there are other gentlemen intent on joining also." Varruc replied, as he went to talk to villagers who were walking through the door.

A shipment of adamantium? That stuff was worth many, many times its weight in gold, wasn't it? Even a small shipment would be a massive boost to the economy. The chance that border hopping could still cause an incident if they were discover had him feeling uncertain, but... If was Varruc was saying was true, the risk would be quite small.

It was around that point he seemed to notice that the cold.. .Hadn't been bothering him for the last few moments? Ithil gave the strange... golem? a look. Did they do that? He wasn't about to question it, but he certainly welcomed it. "I'll do what I can to help. I just hope this works."

Inclining his head towards Ithil in acknowledgment, he turns and gestures towards Chantoku, as another shimmer of magic envelops the man, staving off the winter's chill for him as well.
"̝̟ͅỊ͍̩ ̪̜̫͙̞̬͍a͔m͎̞͓̮ ̟̬̼̮̜k̜͚n͈̥͓̼̼̮o̙͓̮w͈͍n͓̣̻͖̦̜ͅ ̟̯̹̩̜͈͕͇a͇͕̬̱̲͖̙s̬̟̳ͅ.̘͙̯.͚̼̤̮.̳̭͎̜" his voice rings hollow and tinny, with a distorted buzzing sound and he pauses with a frown. Clearing his throat, he finishes in a mostly normal voice, "Ion."

(Using Endure Exposure on Chantoku, see OOC Spoiler)

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Spoiler: Statblock

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Ion
Male L/E Arctic Lesser Mechanatrix Dragonfire Adept, Level 3, Init 1, HP 40/40, Speed 30' Land
AC 16, Touch 11, Flat-footed 15, Fort 8, Ref 2, Will 3, Base Attack Bonus 1
Dragon Breath 15' Cone / 30' Line (2d6, DC: 18)
Morningstar +0 (1d8+1, x2)
Cord Armor, Dastana (+2 Armor, +1 Shield, +1 Dex, +2 Natural)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 15, Wis 10, Cha 10
Condition None

Spoiler: OOC

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Effect: Endure Exposure (Invocation) makes you immune to his own breath weapon as well as having the effect of an Endure Elements spell for 24 hours.

he watched as he saw shimmering and the chill of the winter seemed to not affect him anymore and nodded to the one called ion "It is nice to meet you my name is Chantoku" he introduces himself to the one called ion in return to ion since he had done so to him as well.