Session 1: Loadin’ Up the Icebreaker

The human smiles at challenge, but tries to stay away from her reach . The human thug turns back as intervenes.

As notices the arm moving to grab her, she instinctively swings out of the way using her wooden staff. "Whaaa-eere?" Seeing suddenly facing him, the human tries to throw a punch with the other hand. Almost loosing his balance on his own, easily knocks him unconscious.

With the robbery turning violentlighting which strikes at the feet of the remaining thug, forcing him to drop the dagger in panic. Still confused the human looks at and starts to slurredly beg "Plee-don... I run I go-ouh" before being tackled to the ground, leaving him motionless but still mumbling incomprehensibly.

The man stares red-eyed at Izuhn, grunting, and complaining about how he "goootta bewalk deerood". He awkwardly manages to get up, slowly and unsteadily walking away.

While the three of you find out that, for one reason or another, you are all joining the Luskar Deliverers sailing north, moves closer to look at the unconscious human. "Are you ok?" she asks Izuhn at first, but then extends the question to the others. "You shouldn't be walking alone in a city like this one" she adds to Agna, mostly out of habit than real worry, having just seen how she easily knocked out one of the two thugs. She grabs the man's arm, exposing his tattoo, and taking a while to inspect it. "Ship Suljack..." she stands up and looks around, her eyes stopping briefly at an armed group just idly standing nearby.

"Yes yes, it’s Ship Suljack‘s symbol. The thug is probably a new member. Emryn tells Izuhn, looking at the armed group again. "Probably got himself in deep trouble just now"

She turns to Agna as she mentions sailing. "Sailing? You mean the Ships? The Ships of Luskan?"

Emryn pauses for a moment, as if trying to remember who Beorne is. "Oh, the dwarf merchant, you mean? I heard they are not coming to Luskan this time. There's rumors of an early winter that could close off the roads north soon. Everyone is trying to get what they can to Icewind Dale before it's too late". Emryn quickly glances at Izuhn, as if justifying her request.

"Luskar Deliverers can work by land, but as your friend said this is a city of pirates. They would rather prefer the sea. It is also faster if you're looking to save time... or make money faster."

Once the situation is clarified, Emryn shifts between her legs as she looks at Agna. "So you're the guide then?" She lets the question in her mind slip out of her mouth. It looks like rumors spread very fast around here...

Agna's comment about her confusion with "the city folk" brings a smile to Emryn, as she shows some recognition for what it might mean to be a recluse in Icewind Dale.She then turns to Fizel and it looks like she is going to reply to his business proposal...

Emryn stops as Fizel continues. She shifts her weight to another leg as the dwarf tries to persuade her that having someone keeping best wishes at heart is priceless. "Well, I must say you do make a good point. The way to Icewind Dale is treacherous, specially in winter... and I can see you have some skill with magic..." she slowly starts replying to the proposition. "I am only sending my cargo north but, as you said, I'm not going myself. I hired Luskar Deliverers to move it." She carefully looks at Fizel, clearly measuring him. "Maybe you can still help me if you join them. They are always in need of extra hands. I heard the pay is not bad".

Emryn nods as Agna mentions the warehouse. "Just take the Dalath's Span" she starts to explain, pointing to the other side of the bridge. "You see that tavern there? That's the One-Eyed Jax. If you turn left and go through the opposite road," she traces the path you have to take with her finger, " it's just after the Seven Sails, before you get to the harbor". You hear the thug that tried to sneak up behind Agna moaning as he rolls around the floor. "I'll have to check my cargo is ready and get it delivered. So I would be going that way" she points, deeper into the southern bank of the city. "Good luck on for travels" she says, before leaving you to it.

You continue your way to the north bank of Luskan, crossing the bridge as suggested by Emryn. As you leave the thug to come to his senses, you notice that the armed men that were standing by, quickly replace you and grab a human, taking him with them.

The One-Eyed Jax is indeed an easy landmark easy to find on the other side of the river. As indicated, you turn away from it, in the direction of the harbor, from where a thick black smoke is rising from the sea. It doesn't take too long for you to notice the crowds gathered around the streets near a strange complex. It has no windows, doors or roof, looking more like an open court filled with white stone pillars, arches and soaring white spires. You hear the cheers and laughs as people race around in light blue garments filled with something heavy rattling underneath. "kiss! kiss! kiss!" The crowd starts to chant in unison as you notice one of the participants climbing a white pillar nearby. Suddenly, the person slips at they try to push themselves the top of the pillar and fall flat on the ground. "oooooo" goes the crowd, imagining the pain of the fall as another person runs past the fallen participant.

The crowd stretches all the way past the Seven Sails inn, and the begging of the next bridge, where another white pillar is found, so finding your way to Luskar Deliverers' warehouse is not complicated. There, the building is easily identifiable by the amount of goods and crates being moved out towards the harbor.

"We’ve been contacted by a number of people throughout Luskan, all of whom have last minute deliveries bound for the north." The half-orc explains as he searches for something on his desk. "So we still have some things to take care of, some parcels to collect." He adds as he grabs a sheet of paper with a list of names. "I have assembled a list of people with packages that we still need to get. If you're in a hurry, and would like to help, we need someone to take them. The payment is split in two. We collected the advance now, which is yours to keep, and then again when the deliveries are completed." Once he makes his proposal, he silently waits for Agna to consider.

The parcelmaster steps back, surprised by Agna's sudden burst. "Well, you know, there's the guild's insurance to..." he takes another look at Agna. Noticing his explanation falls on deaf ears, he tries a slightly different approach "Your services for supplies it is then. As long as no coin changes hands, I'm sure the commendator won't mind if we have a passenger such as yourself." He tentatively shows her his hand, hoping that they can seal the deal.As he does so, he notices two dwarves walking into the warehouse. "Looks like a busy day today. Hey there! You need some help?"

The half-orc looks at the two dwarves as if going to reply, and then back to Agna... twice. Deciding to try his luck again, he starts "Ah good good. We always need help as I was just telling the lovely lady here." He grabs the contract Agna refused to sign and walks closer to the men. He would hope a Dwarf understands the value of a good contract. "You see, with the rumors of the early winter this year, we are a bit overworked at the moment." Still unsure, he shows them the contract to sign. "I'll need your names here, here and there. Dwarven is perfectly fine"


There is short silence as the man waits for their reply. Maybe because of the way it went last time, he decides to break the silence and add some extra enticement to the deal. "We are a bit late on loading the ship, and it would be grand if you could help us collect the last packages. The clients should pay in advance and you get to keep that part for yourselves"

"Oh yes sure. I would expect nothing less" the parcelmaster says, quickly pointing out the main points of the contract, time, delivery, payment, etc. He then leaves you to it as he goes check some of the other mercenaries.

The man comes back after directing some boxes to be picked up and looks at Izuhn's signature. Smiling, he grabs the contract, and signs as well, reading out loud as he writes "Parcelmaster. Lennart. Bassk. Perfect. Mister..." he looks at the dwarvish signature, trying to read it properly. "Izu Icebeard. Welcome to the Luskar Deliverers". He turns to look expectantly at Fizel.

"That won't be necessary" Lennart laughs nervously as he collects the X-signed contract from Fizel. "aaa, welcome to the Luskar... Deliverers?" He says, unsure of what to call the new recruit. Once the contractual obligations are fulfilled he grabs the list he took from his desk before and shows it to Izuhn, who, he concludes, it's the easiest to talk to without risking having any of his internal parks painting the walls. He patiently waits for the dwarf's decision on the extra job.

"Lennard" the parcelmaster coughs a discreet correction as Izuhn finishes his question. The man seems happier, having found three somewhat willing people to finish the job they can't do at the moment. "A horse and a cart is an excellent idea. Unfortunately, we are using all our animals to take the cargo to the harbor..." He stops to consider for a brief moment, "Actually... Maybe I can get you a mule. Loading the Icebreaker maybe be a bit slower, but if you get everything, it may be worth the wait"...

You all decide to go together as you think you can pick up most of the packages in one go by optimizing your path. Once the small cart pulled by the Deliverer's mule is ready, you make your way back through the shouting crowds that are still hanging outside small taverns watching the race. Except for having to dodge the occasional drunk, you reach the One-Eyed Jax tavern easily. It is, after all, the hip new upscale public house in town.

You enter the tavern through the heavily used wooden door, and you're welcomed by a pleasant atmosphere. The place is packed, loud voices discussing nothing and everything over one (or three) pints of the local brew. The bartender is engaged in a conversation, but still manages to welcome you with a smile. Looking around, you all notice a person that can only be your client: he is short, stubby, dressed in fine armor, and has green scaly skin. Yet this creature looks like no dragonborn you’ve ever seen.

The strange reptile looks in your direction and waves cheerily, and you smell a faint scent of lemon drifting in your direction. He nods, making some clicking sounds, as Fizel asks if he is Dragonbait. He puts a small, hand-carved box of teak hardwood on the table, keeping is hand on it. She smiles and then stars whistling and clicking as he gestures with his other hand.

He points at himself, then places his hand on his chest. The scent of lemon is replaced by that of wood smoke as he continues by moving two fingers on the table as if walking. He shivers and makes a circle around one of his fingers, finishing by bringing the two hands together in some sort of triangular shape as the scent of honeysuckle takes over. He shivers again and points outside towards the sea, slowly tracing the way north with his finger. He then bows and points at the box.

As Fizel makes a move towards the box, Dragonbait pushes it back and shakes his head, the scent of baked bread taking over your corner of the tavern. The reptilian humanoid tries again, patiently repeating the gestures as the smell of the tavern keeps changing.

Dragonbait smiles and happily nods to answer Izuhn's question.The citrus smell takes over your corner of the tavern again as the reptile grabs the box and moves it towards the dwarf. He points at Izuhn, then to the bar, which you know faces the city's north walls; and then he smiles again, before taking the box to himself again. He looks and Fizel and shakes his head. Dragonbait starts again, now waving in the air showing something big; then he does his hand triangle gesture again and starts to grab the air as if climbing."Her' ye go friend!" The bartender interrupts the reptile's theatrics, placing some sort of hot brew in front of him. "To keep warm til the human comes back." He turn to the three of you "Can I get ye sumethin?" He asks, smiling, before continuing "I see yer trying to chat with the sauroid her'. Poor fella talks no common." The bartender stops to sniff the air. "Lemon... must be happy though."

Dragonbait smiles as Izuhn mentions the mountain in the north, but then shakes his head when questioned if it is for someone like him. Instead, he points to the human bartender.The bartender turns to Agna. "Only as familiar as havin im her' fer a tenday. Came with a human but when the other left, this one stayed." He stops to remember more about Dragonbait's companion. "The human was the quiet sort. Tall, lithe and always kept his hood and cloak. Them usual shady types ye see in Luskan. But... " He continues, almost whispering. "...that fella never took his gloves off. If ye ask me, never saw nobody keepin them gloves by a fire before."

The bartender looks surprised by Agna's question, stuttering for a while. "Weh... well, it, it didn't cover all the face." Assuming they are not staying long, he looks around for other customer waiting to order something.

Dragonbait nods as Fizel summarizes what he is trying to communicate, whistling happily as the citric scent is replaced by that of tar, followed by wood smoke and then by a hint of roses. He gestures the mountain sign when asked for the map, and again points at the finger on his left hand to answer the name. He pushes the box across the table, and then lays 15 golden pieces on the table next to it.

The reptile smiles, grabs his brew and smells it, taking a moment to enjoy the warm steam. He stops before sipping, putting the mug down as a strong perfume of violets slowly floods the tavern. Dragonbait takes what looks like a holy symbol showing balanced scales upon a warhammer. His mood changes as he gravely looks at it. He puts on hand on his chest and another one on the symbol, and then looks back at each one of you.

Dragonbait looks confused, as none of you take part in the divine oath... but at least he thinks you know where to find his friend, so he patiently smiles and waves as you leave the brimstone smelling tavern. He knows communication is not easy in this world...

You leave the One-Eyed Jax and turn to cross the river, passing by the place where the three of you met. You finally cross the Luskar market and approach the entrance of the Ruins of Illusk. As you step closer, everyone around you suddenly stops, giving you the eerie feeling that time froze. Only the occasional whisper and stare in your direction let you know that time still flows normally. Unsure, you step into the labyrinthine ruins...

As you walk deeper into the narrow passages within the ruins, the light becomes dimmer; the remains of old buildings almost intentionally blocking the sun. Izuhn gets distracted with all the remains of the ancient stoneworks as he tries to find any evidence your next client is anywhere around here.As you discuss where Dragonbait's friend may be or question the way the mercenary company does its work, you start to get the claustrophobic feeling that you are suddenly surrounded by the shadows within the ruins. You grow uneasy as you notice movements from the corner of your eyes, shadows that you can't glimpse at, but never really manage to tell. Clacking sounds echo as the moldy smell of old rot becomes almost unbearable. You continue, mostly guided by Izuhn, turning around corners, going up- and downstairs, into old cellars and out of collapsed buildings. When you start to think you got lost, Agna notices something
Agna shouts as she notices a humanoid shape sitting before a simple campfire in a small corner of these twisting ruins. The figure turns away from the fire and looks up at you grimly as you approach, its yellow eyes almost shinning with an inner fire. As the they stand up, you notice the horns projecting from their forehead, while the campfire reveals robes that were clearly once splendid, but are now tattered and grimy. In their hands its something tightly wrapped in heavy cloth. The figure doesn't greet you; instead, they utter something in a strange language; they raise their free hand, gesturing something which ends with them pointing in your direction.

The person doesn't reply immediately to Agna's question. In fact, they continue to utter whatever arcane incantation they started. Suddenly, you all see an arrow fly straight at the horned figure. The projectile is incarcerated as a bolt of fire shoots out from the pointed finger and you feel the unbearable heat coming from behind you. You turn to see a skeleton falling to the ground consumed by flames. "What do you want with Vanifer?" The person asks as you notice four other skeletons moving out from the corridors to surround you.

The horned woman stops her incantation as Agna replies. "I like you already" she smiles as she waves to the campfire, rising the flames like a serpent to strike another skeleton that just turned the corner.

Meanwhile, Izuhn decides to take action, or, at least, that surviving is more important than chatting, and tries to feel the dark reanimating energies behind these creatures.Izuhn tries to pull apart the skeleton charging him, but the magic fueling the creature is far stronger than he expected. With the undead up close, you have no choice but to fight now!

As Izuhn warns Fizel, he throws his hands skyward. A pale golden orb form over the dwarf as it faintly illuminates the ruins before beams of white light crashes in from above burning two skeletons with a ghostly flame. Fizel, taken by surprise, jumps away from the spell. Coming face to face with an undead pulling its bow, Fizel swiftly draws an arcane symbol, and flash of lighting bolts from his hands and blows crashes the animated bones. Agna readies her staff, just a second too late, as the skeleton is already on her. Forced to dodge, she spins with difficulty but manages to crack the undead's knee, sending it crashing down on the hard floor.

All of you see one last skeleton coming your way...

You hear a frustrated wail echoing through the room and a Fizel's shadow fickles and jumps to a dark corner of the room.

"You again?" Vanifer says, annoyed as a thread of fire hits the wall.

The shadow tries to hide in a dark corner of the room, but Vanifer's flames, though missing its target, are enough to give away the creature's location. Izuhn quickly holds on the the vestiges of the magical moonlight and directs it towards the shadow. With a horrifying shriek, the thing disperses across the room and silence returns to the ruins of Illusk.

Vanifer joins you as soon as all the undead are dealt with. "I must apologize for that small disturbance... Since the Arklem of the Brotherhood tried to control the dead within, only wandering undead, restless spirits and fools walk these ruins"

She turns to Agna, who she assumes it's the leader of the group, having called her out first. "So you were sent by the Luskar Deliverers I assume?"

Vanifer turns to answer Izuhn "He will be fine. Shadows only run when they can't feed on their victim's essence." She walks closer to Agna and presents her with the object wrapped in heavy cloth she has been holding on to.

Before she speaks, she looks once more at each one of you, unsure if she can trust you. "I have a special request for you..." She starts as she gives the wrapped item to Agna. "I can only find peace when I throw this into the depths of the frozen wastes of the Reghed Glacier, but... I fear I won't be able to take it north myself" she stops for a moment, eyeing the object as Agna takes it from her.

Taking a deep breath, she continues "I want... I need you to deliver this to myself. I will travel alone and meet you in Icewind Dale when I find a good place to bury this cursed thing forever." Her expression changes and she looks Agna in the eyes, almost pleading "Will you help me?"

"Fair" Vanifer takes the package back and unwraps it from the cloth, revealing a flint dagger with an exceptionally sharp blade.

"Tinderstrike" She says as she looks transfixed by the blade. She stops for a moment as if briefly fighting with herself. Suddenly, she jerks and looks away from the weapon. "This is origin of Cult of the Eternal Flame. I... I once was the Prophet of Fire and with this dagger, I nearly summoned an elemental prince who could have reduced the Sword Coast to ash. I can’t undo the pain I’ve caused, but with your help, I can make sure this evil weapon is never used again."

Vanifer pauses to wrap Tinderstrike in the heavy cloth again, keeping it out of her sight. "As you say, the Dale is dangerous... but it is precisely in such desolate cold that the spark of Imix is the strongest. I am afraid I may be tempted by the artifact's power again if I carry it with me during the long travel north." Once she finishes, she holds the weapons and waits for Agna's reaction.

Vanifer listens to Agna's proposal, noticing Fizel's expression of agreement. "The bottom of the ocean would seem like the best place at first yes..." she starts explain her reasons "But you see, we can't risk disturbing the elemental balance. Water will quench the fire within Tinderstrike but what about the prince of elemental water? Olhydra will be given an advantage..." She looks back at the campfire lighting the dark ruins, where it would seem she spend a long time trying to figure out the best way to solve this problem. "No, I believe only deep in the ice can the indestructible artifact be kept safe. Cryonax's icy touch will be kept at bay by its warmth." From the way she speaks about the elemental princes, it is clear she has vast knowledge of the elemental inner planes and its politics. She then clarifies "It is not just from me that I wish to hide it. The sea if full of hidden civilizations and ancient creatures, but the ice? The ice is a deadly wasteland. It is a suitable prison for such an artifact."

Vanifer nods as Agna accepts the package, and, even though the orc does not demand payment for now, she adds a few extra coins "To help with the travel" she says as she turns back to the camp fire.

As you discuss where to go next, she turns back. "You're going to the Host Tower of the Arcane?" Vanifer takes an empty parchment and starts verbalizing something in a strange language. You see small fires ignite on its surface, leaving burned letters on its surface. "You may need this to walk past Close Guard Island, Ship Kurth's stronghold" She handles you the parchment adding "The spell can only be contained until Dusk. The license will burn as soon as the moonlight reaches it."

"I am sorry for putting this burden on you. I wish you good luck and hope to meet you soon. Now, if you don't need anything else, I'll to continue my preparations" Without looking back, she sits by the fire, grabbing a book from the old cracked floor

You make your way out of the crumbling ruins of the ancient city, finding the sun still high in the sky. In the narrow streets and mold filled tunnels of Illusk, you almost forgot what the warmth of the sun on your skin felt like. You are immediately greeted by another shouting crowd as it becomes clear that the winter ritual has found it's way to the south bank. You turn away from the mass of people and cross the bridge into Close Guard Island, halfway to the Host Tower of the Arcane.

As soon as you step onto the island, you immediately notice what Vanifer meant. Rough types stop to look at you, measuring you up, before continuing what they were doing. There is not a moment on the island you don't feel eyes on you. These are probably Ship Kurth's pirates and you are on their turf.

A few steps in and you notice a human with an acrobatic physique and a wide-brimmed hat scanning the area. His gaze settles on you and he arches an eyebrow in interest as you approach. He quickly moves to block your path. "Oi you there! You have any business here?"

The human leans forward to check the letter Agna presents, and then gasps theatrically. "Oh my! One of them mages aren't you?" He moves his finger in a fake magical gesture, laughing childishly. "Well then mates, why won't you be nice and show me some fancy trick or two and I'll float you to the north shore?"

"Ooohh we all know what the Brotherhood can do! No fee for friends hein?" the man replies a bit nervous. His expression turns curious as he adds "Wait a wave there! You saying you're delivering thing?"

The man walks you to the other side of the island and across the bridge ans he continues to ask all sort of questions about magic. Seems like he is easily impressed, though you get the feeling he can't tell an illusion from cheap trick.

On the other side you see the Hosttower of the Arcane, a tower that seems to grow out of the ground like a crooked, skeletal tree. It looks just as organic as it does artificial. Standing at the entrance is a brutish-looking guard with an athlete’s build and wearing a leather skullcap. He glowers at you as you approach.

The guard turns to Izuhn, blank-faced "What do you want with the... Sister, commoner?"

"Never heard of them. Why don't you let Maccath in peace. She has important stuff to do." He looks Izuhn in the eyes, unblinking. "Stuff beyond your understanding for sure."

The guard steps back as Agna towers over him. "She sent for you herself?" He asks, his voice faltering as he shakes his head, as if countering the orc's magic, "No need for your wizardries here. I guess you're not as commoner as I thought." He steps aside to let you enter the tower "Though if you're interested in joining the brotherhood, just be sure to not go anywhere you're not supposed to be"

As he opens the door, he turns to you with a mischievous smile while gesturing some strange arcane sign "Hey, and don't forget to tell Maccath that Earnest did his job"

As you walk into the dark, cold and bare hallway of the tower's ground level, it feels like you are back in Illusk's ruins. The silence in the empty, austere and desolate building is deafening. Fizel quickly produces some light so you can see where you are going, but the walls revealed by the small flame do little to ease the strange feeling.

As you try to figure out where to go, you hear steps echoing from all around you. You turn to see a tiefling with extremely red skin, wearing a blazing red cloak. You can't tell where she came from, but, as you notice her, it becomes very clear the entire pace is filled with magic tricks and illusions. "I got the message you were here!" She greets you with a wide smile. "Sorry for having to make you come here, but you see, I've just found the lair of Arauthator." She starts explaining,
with wildly overeager excitement. Not seeing you share her fascination, she continues "Arauthator, the white dragon who attacked Host Tower? It's such an opportunity! You see, there is some knowleadge that only..."

Maccath will go on forever sharing her most obscure knowledge about dragons...

Maccath goes on and on.At some point, Izuhn, who has been struggling to keep his attention on all the dragon lore, decides to mention Earnest. Maccath suddenly stops, looking confused at the dwarf. "Who?" She doesn't seem to even recognise the guard's name.

Maccath looks even more confused as Agna explains, who Earnest is. "Guards? We have guards? Why would we need guards?" she laughs as she adds "You should ask those frost giants if they think we need guards". Like the stereotypical academic wizard, she seems to be oblivious to the mundane things around her. As the orc mentions the parcelmaster, she suddenly calms down enough to remember why you're here. "Oh yes, yes. That!" She stretches out her hands, a small lead-lined metal box materializing out of nowhere. "This is a very important draconic artifact I'm researching and I need it to be sent to Raggamel in Bryn Shander. There some sort of enchantment here and I think he can help me break it. You guys traveling north?"

"Oh that would have been inconvenient" she tells Izuhn nonchalantly. "I could take it myself but that would be bothersome. So many scrolls to read before I set up my expedition." Maccath stops talking as Agna intervenes. "Ahaha the ones that are floating on the estuary of the River Mirar. I don't know what those idiots were thinking to just ram the ships on the north harbor." she continues laughing as she handles Izuhn the small box. "Nothing one of two fireballs couldn't handle."

Maccath is more than happy to be left to her own research as you take the package. You leave the Host Tower and notice, once again the smoke from the harbor. This time, though, you think this maybe has something to do with those giants the wizard mentioned. As you cross the bridge back to the south bank, a familiar face greets you. "If it ain't them wizards back! Yer delivering things with the Deliverers? Krebbyg has a friend of a friend who needs a favor." He makes a dramatic silence accompanied by a far too broad smile. "It yer onboard, me friend can pay ye some"

"That's the spirit! Ye should think about join us at Ship Kurth. Best Ship in town!" Krebbyg says, extravagantly happy by Fizel's interest in money. "Simple. You take this rock to Jarlaxle. He be up north. Most stylish elf you ever meet." The man sort of looks down and then around the street, as if a bit ashamed of what he will say next. "Well, there be the wee problem of him being on a secret mission we don't know about. But hey!" he smiles triumphantly. "That's why me friend Fel’rekt what him to have this rock!" He shows you a smooth stone with a complex magical pattern carefully carved into it, and, on the other hand, a pouch of gold coins, which he shakes so Fizel can hear the money inside.

"Dashing" Krebbyg immediately replies as Fizel asks for the best description. "And he be a male!" The man adds as if that is actually surprising. "No way ye good people can miss 'im if ye see 'im." Krebbyg points at his hat and finishes his mostly unclear, yet very extravagant description "Best hat in the open seas, topped with a gorgeous diatryma feather. Eye-patch..." he places his palm on his right eye; then, looking around with his left, he whispers. "Shade of skin? Well... between us, let's say he be a bit ... tanned..."

For a moment, Krebbyg looks a bit disturbed by the description, but he recovers quickly and adds a few theatrical goodbye and good luck words as you arrive on the other side of the small island. He even lets you know that, since you accepted his little job, you can cross the Harbor's span bridge as you have High Captain Beniago Kurth's permission to enter the Blood Island. "Just show them the rock, and they will let you pass" he says as if a great honor as been bestowed upon the three of you.However, as you approach the bridge you see running towards you, screaming horribly as he trips and falls to the ground, contorting in inhuman ways until he stops. You hear unsteady steps behind you, the shadow of someone else stretching in front of you. "Hic! Looks like that one walked the crimson road all the wall to the abyssal pit" The drunk voice explains as you notice the shadow moving a bit off balance.

The man laughs as Agna "ahah you funny orc" he turns to Fizel "You don't know about the abyzmal hic?" he stops to recover his breath. "Well, I myself would very much prefer to walk to the deliverer's woooad." he adds, turning to the nearest tavern instead.

"Me? M'een drinking for the Frostmaiden all morn-hic!" he waves his hand around to no one "More likely his Ship mates did it".

Everyone can see Fizel going through the dead body and taking anything of value he can find... even a bottle of booze!

You all continue your way through the Harbor's span bridge and, as predicted by Krebbyg, you are quickly accosted as soon as you step into the Blood Island. You mention High Captain Kurth's name, show then the "rock" and wait as they do something to it. In no time they return and allow you to pass through the island to cross to the North Bank. As you do so, you notice the place is full of Ships’ thugs, and the only point of interest would be the guard tower and the barracks and armory buildings around it. Except for the "security check", you cross to the north bank without any problems. Arriving there, you quickly notice the black smoke still rising from the west and how the streets on the north bank are quieter.

As you make your way to the Open Shore Harbor notice the hectic activity around a majestic two-masted sailing ship: the Icebreaker. It is now that you can see the source of the black smoke: a giant longship slowly burning, giganting white/blue chared corpses floating in the sea.

The crew is expecting you, the new recruits, and you are quickly shown to the plank leading up to the deck. Before you step into the wooden bridge, you notice a dark elf looking wistfully out at the sea as the north wind whips his white hair around him. He holds an ebon staff tipped with an effigy of a spider atop it, and clutches a parcel underneath his arm. He turns and looks at you for a moment.

As you board the Icebreaker's deck, you immediately notice it has ample space for its sizable crew and the Luskar Deliverers's mercenaries. You are eventually led to your rooms, where you find safe beds and warm clothes ready for you. As far as ships go, you think you can actually get quite comfortable on the week-long journey.

It is then that you hear a splash in the water, like something being thrown overboard. you can just barely see a shape sinking into the water. You only caught a glimpse of it, but it could be the size of a human body.