The council ring is dug into the icebound earth, ringed by sled poles and wolf-fur cloaks. Outside, the Sea of moving ice groans under a strange, wet thaw.
Wulfgar Elkherder stands at the center, huge as a carved standing stone, his war hammer resting against his leg. The tribe gathers close, faces tight with cold and worry.
The Hooded Shaman
The winter is breaking early. That is no mercy. It is a wound.
Murmurs ripple through the circle. Some glance toward the ice, others toward the dark line of the horizon, as if expecting smoke to rise from it.
The Hooded Shaman
And there are other signs. A sorcerer stirs beyond our paths, twisting the land against us.
A few tribesfolk shift back at that name, hands tightening on spear shafts and hide cords. The wind hisses through the poles like a warning.
The Hooded Shaman
Wulfgar Elkherder, call your counsel. Do we send hunters, ward the camps, or strike first at the dark?
✓ Quest Accepted
Protect the tribal lands from the encroaching darkness
✓ Quest Accepted
Deal with the stirring sorcerer beyond the tribe's paths
“We will meet this challenge head on. Summon 3 of my bravest warriors, and fetch us mounts.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Intimidation, rolled +1)
Wulfgar Elkherder
We meet this challenge head on. Summon three of my bravest warriors, and fetch us mounts.
The circle stills at his command. Fear gives way to motion as heads snap up and hands reach for belts, spears, and rope.
The Hooded Shaman
It is done.
Three warriors step forward at once, broad-shouldered and silent, taking the task like an oath. Behind them, runners break from the ring toward the sled lines.
The Hooded Shaman
He chooses speed. Good. The land will not wait for caution.
From the sea edge comes another groan, wetter now, as if the ice itself answers the gathering with unease.
“Wulfgar looks to his Shamen wife, and requests she blesses the brave warriors who so bravely volunteered, and mounts his tremendous warhorse steed”
SUCCESS (Superb Willpower, rolled +0)
Wulfgar turns to Shaylani, and the cold ring of onlookers falls quieter still.
Wulfgar Elkherder
Bless these brave warriors, wife. Give them your strength for the road ahead.
Shaylani
Gladly. They go under the tribe’s eyes, and under mine.
She lifts her hands over the three warriors, murmuring old words. Their shoulders ease, and each man bows his head as if taking a weight he can carry.
Wulfgar strides to his warhorse and swings up in one clean motion, the beast stamping once before settling beneath him.
The Hooded Shaman
Then ride as one. If the land breaks, it will need a hammer, a guide, and a blessing.
The sea groans again in the distance, but here in the ring the tribe holds steady, waiting for Wulfgar’s next word.
“Ride off in search of the encroaching sorcerer”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled -1)