Cycle 1
Wagon #1 combated the cold with food, drinks, and a variety of potions with questionable effects. The solution to play music to override the squeaking worked for the most part, though it seemed most of the wagon occupant decided to co-exist with the obnoxious noise.
Wagon #2 went with a magical approach to solve their temperature problem, with Destiny patching up the holes and buying time for the rest of the group to build an igloo around the wagon, however ridiculous that may be. Fortunately, their combined efforts and ingenuity paid off as the group survived the cold.
Wagon #3 was the quietest of the bunch, its occupants were able to keep the cold out more easily than the other wagons thanks to the fact that the cover was mostly intact. Though, @Kaede Hoshi inability to rest inside the tent resulted in her unable to shake off the cold and as such kept her Freezing condition (-15 HP). At least the wheel was fixed somewhat early, which made for a smoother ride.
Wagon #4 had the most issues, but thanks to the mix of talents within the wagon, Nature Magic provided a decent frame for the transport while the occupants' sewing skill allowed them to put up a cover to keep the wind out. The approach wasn’t particularly creative, but very functional. Wagon #4 too employed the use of questionable potions to buffer their defense against the cold.
Cold. In a landscape where white filled the entirety of what your eyes can see, the chilling cold bit in your exposed flesh, even though it is protected by layers of clothes and armor. Even if your teeth clattered and your legs shook- perhaps from both the cold and anticipation - the wagon journey has finally reached its end. The almighty blizzard that proved so powerful was nothing compared to their resolve to work together and strive forward!
Around you, dead trees dotted the landscape of what used to be a lively marsh environment, now frozen under the influence of the winter and near three days of blizzard. Once the wagons reached the destination, they stopped and the first to set foot on the icy and snow-coated ground was Zeus. With large steps, he approached and checked upon each wagon packed with adventurers. Seeing his cubs get along and work together with each other and their guests to survive the trip filled his muscles with pride.
MHM! This is what PRIDE entails. Against all odds it PREVAILS! Come, we have a bandit king’s ass to KICK.
After a brief period to rest and organizing before setting out, a small squad of players and NPCs alike were left behind to take care of the horses and the wagons. A larger squad set out to the massive fortress that stood taller than any of the dead trees, their destination now ever so close and yet - there were no notable interventions. According to the information they received from the quest, they were inside enemy territory, and yet somehow, the few bandits that intercepted them along the way were just too few to make any difference.
The weakened defenses made the fortress and the bandits seem less intimidating as the distance between them decreased. Once they reached the fortress and the bandits guarding the entrance were dealt with, the quest squad is met with doors fitting of the massive fortress. Tension spread amongst some of the adventurers as they were about to invade the enemy headquarters, where the weakened defenses were a telltale sign that something was off. As soon as everybody prepared themselves, Zeus’s voiced boomed from the rearguard.
Fear NOT, we are here to KICK, not be kicked, CUBS! Past those DOORS are the ones that require some BEATING, not ourselves! BREATHE, AND REPEAT WITH ME. THREE, TWO, ONE! GO! LET’S GO, GOOO!
Despite the cold and the three days enduring the deadly blizzard to reach northern Astorea, blood pumped in the veins of each adventurer like wildfire. On his command, the forces pushed forward and swung open the heavy doors that protected the fortress. Yet, in contrast to the adventurers’ courage and disposition to confront their enemies when entering the enemy headquarters, they were met with no resistance. A slow nod from Zeus would confirm for them to push forward and explore the large hall that unwillingly welcomed then.
Location: Inside the Fortress
Eventually, the large party of lions reached the end of the entrance hall. Before them, a larger, hexagonal feast hall awaited. Long tables occupied majority of the space, empty - old and dusty equipment was mounted on the walls, while the one opposite to the party was a imposing trophy wall. It held paintings, glistening weapons and armor and lost relics, all neatly organized and spread across the glorious wall. The center had a stuffed mamoth head.
Other than that, the pillars that supported the structure were even larger and the doors were heavy and definitely barred shut from inside. Just as the group prepares to explore the hall and continue, however, a distant yet loud crash could be heard from somewhere inside. Momentary silence followed as rumbling and pounding continued, shaking the fortress like a child's toy. It continued, continued, louder and stronger as if something was approaching, and then...
The glorious wall bursted in a thunderous crash and chilling roar could be heard as the valuables were flung all across the hall, some crushed under the weight of a feral primate with dark and thick fur that jumped through the trophy wall from inside. If it's tusks and four small eyes weren't freaky enough, the crystals all across its back and arms would definitely remind some adventurers of the curse from the Crystallized Zalra. It roared once more as if to assert dominance, but this time around a tiny bandit jumped out from whence the beast came and his nimble movement allowed him to climb the creature. The beastmaster pulled the chains around the primate's neck and roared in a similar way to the monster, as if communicating with it.
From the many doors bandit troops poured in, armed and ready to attack any intruder with spears, swords and bows, as well as the occasional mage ready to cast spells. Behind the band of lions, the walls shifted as more troops joined the incoming battle from hidden passages in the walls. Seeing how the party was surrounded by enemies, Zeus roared.
These are the COWARDS that need some BEATING, cubs! Remember, fear NOT! We are here to KICK, so let's show them our POWER! I have your BACK, you have MINE. Let'em REST in MUSCLE--!!!
Before he could finish his sentence, however, a trap door opened up beneath Zeus, making him and a few other members of his party fall down, eventually resulting in a massive "thud!". Before anyone had time to think that he might have fallen to his death, he called out to the rest of the pride.
I'm okay, HEROES never DIE! Carry on, go DEEPER into the fortress and find the Bandit King, me and these cubs will MEET you there!
Boys and girls, light a TORCH and let us FIND a way out, it is damn DARK down here...
