B1E12 The Whale’s Bell

Donobis (Tiefling paladin, Bill), Mareshi (human Cleric, Tony), Draggo (Dragonborn Barbarian, Brian), Thokk (half-Orc Warlock, Duane), Knott (Firbolg Druid, Matt), Fabian (1//2 elf Bard, Goeff)

We follow up on the rumor of the Frostmaiden Auril living on a misty isle among the Sea of Moving Ice. Perhaps we can catch a ride on the back of the rumored whale with a boat on its back.

On our trek north We were intercepted by a humanoid with a spotlight shining from where his head would be. It is drawn to Thokk who carries the weather device. We deal with its frost breath and ice mephits.

We reach the edge of the moving ice and find an abandoned cabin. Near a hole in the ice is a large boulder with a bell attached. Ringing the bell summons a vulture. Knott talks with it to learn a sperms whale named Angajuk is who we seek. Soon Angajuk surfaces in the hole with a house on its back.

He trusts us enough to transport us to the island where we think the ice maiden Auril lives. Days travel before we arrive at a dock. We’re told to “Knock” to call back the whale.

An ice mephit (Sofo) appears who willingly tells us of the maiden and her pet 'Roc'. Sofo is willing to give us a tour to include showing us her most recent frozen victims. Along the way, we also see many shipwrecks frozen in the ice. Many frozen animals (bear, elk, wolves) that prove to be very detailed sculptures. Sofo is matter-of-fact telling how Auril can activate them at will. Hours later we come upon an ice wall with humanoids frozen inside. Pirates who came to rob Auril. As for the troll also encased: happenstance wrong place.

We soon realize the island is shaped like a snowflake. We come across a frozen body guarded by a live weasel (the frozen wizard's familiar, Velenor). Knott talks to it to learn, "My master lies here frozen." Knott picks up the orb to hear, "I am Professor Skant; I was taken from the Arcane Brotherhood by Nass who lies here frozen because of her arrogance. I came here looking for a book from the city of Ythryn.  It is the Codicil of White which contains the Rime of the Frostmaiden which can open the path to Ythryn. Beware of Auril's skeletal guardians.”

Professor Skant is a sentient magic item called a Professor Orb.  It is extremely knowledgeable on Netheril, Vampires, making elvish elixirs and a creature called the Tarrasque.

Realizing we are outmatched to confront Auril at this time, we settle for scavenging the pirate ships. Along the way, Knott learns from the orb that Netheril was a flying city. Without their magic, the cities fell from the sky.

From the ships:

#2- 20 ghouls not worth engaging.

#4- carrion crawlers wielding tridents.

#3- giant sharks.

#6- large walrus worth a vial tied around is neck that he gives to Knott, "My druid friend Ravasyn rid me to give to whomever comes calling."

#8- chest with magical trident along with to much good and silver to carry. 

#5- a coven of hags! Nope. 

CLUES/QUESTIONS: Can we trust this Professor Skant? Didn’t we hear rumor the brotherhood is plotting the takeover of Ten-Towns?!

Next stop: Pirate ship

Next Episode: https://wjrrofm.blogspot.com/2024/09/b1e13-ancient-white-dragon-arve.html

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