Aotearoa - Rime of the Frostmaiden - Episode 2 - Goblins and Bears

The adventures search the Kobold ambush site discovering a partially snow-covered leather blanket. Underneath it they were surprised to find two gagged and Bound rogues.

TWO SURLY POLAR BEARS PULL A GOBLIN WAGON ACROSS THE SNOWY TUNDRA

Bugzyn Bree a slightly built Herengon(Lagomorph) and Twitch a stealthy deep gnome who sometimes has trouble communicating. Freeing them from bondage they regather their gear and it is revealed that they were both on their way to Easthaven in search of a rumored Cauldron of plenty (Cauldrocopia?), which allegedly can feed the masses. Intrigued by the possibility of tracking this down it is agreed to join parties and make common cause. It is at this point that the weather takes a turn for the worse and blizzard like conditions set in. At this point Tarvin got separated in the ensuing whiteout it is hoped that he may have made his way back to Brynn Shander.

Seeking out shelter from the rapidly worsening conditions the party constructed a temporary shelter from the Leather blanket under an overhanging ledge. Shajyre, Twitch, Cal and Bugz cower for warmth while seemingly impervious Skar and Malumak search for wood. Calling for divine guidance and applying her survival skills Shajyre against the odds can get the sodden frozen wood to burn. Staving off the biting cold the group hangs on against the elements. When the blizzard finally breaks after 8 hours, they can continue towards the site of the Yeti attack on Hruna’s Iron shipment.

Cresting a snow-covered ridge and see a frozen, dismembered corpse in a gully. The headless torso and severed limbs of Oobok’s the dwarf remain. Inspection of his corpse shows some of his organs are gone and his head has been ripped from his shoulders and is nowhere to be seen. Tracks in the snow all around the corpse cause Malumak some confusion when he picks up the trail of a half-orc in snowshoes. However, the ever-observant Shajyre picks up the telltale grooves in the snow left behind by a sled that has been hauled away. Keenly noting that there are multiple footprints accompanying the sled tracks an eager pursuit begins.

The party catch-up to Half a dozen Goblins pushing the sled towards a bear drawn cart. A plan is made to unleash an ambush and surprise the goblins.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Cal who is always direct and not known for his stealth, stumbles on some ice alerting the goblins. At the same time an unfortunate snapping branch gives Shajyre’s position away as well. Other members of the party from positions of concealment are forced into action.

Twitch and Bugz were able snipe at the goblins from positions of concealment and hit the goblins distracted by the sudden unintentional appearance of Cal and Shajyre. taking two down in quick order.

Meanwhile, Yelling a draconian battle cry “Fas Ro Dah!” Cal charges into combat. Cleaving a goblin in two as Malumak pelts the goblins with somewhat ineffective stones.

Goblins swarm Shajyre hitting her with bows and slashing with swords. With goblins surrounding her she unleashed a hitherto unrevealed skill transforming into a vicious Dire-wolf and proceeded to use the goblins as chew toys quickly dispatching 3 bloodied goblin corpses. Was this a cunning trap all along?

Malumak And Skar attempted to provide ranged support, but it proves tricky in the windy conditions.

The suddenness and ferocity of the attack draws the attention of the Goblin boss, and he emerges from the cart and drawing his scimitar and Leaps at Bugz where he proved he mettle with rapier point accuracy. With the goblins being assaulted from all directions and shredded by Shajrye, cut down to size by Cal and Run through by the rogues the last of the goblins are vanquished.

After searching the remains and the cart the druids applied themselves to soothing the distraught Bears and compelling them by kindness to assist the group with returning the Brynn Shander. Releasing the much abused animals with grateful thanks the group returns to the relative safety of Town

Returning to the Northlook Tavern Cal informs Hruna,” Ach aye lassie we dune found yer pal Ubok and da ingots un sledd. Sadly, we cannae find his bonce ya ken!”Receiving from her payment for services rendered of 6 Bloodstone gems. This leaves the party pondering what to buy prior to setting out for Easthaven to investigate the Calderon rumors and perhaps track down Torrga and Sephek.