An Arctic Advent - IC

It's the afternoon, crisp and cold, on the day of the Festival of Ice, arguably the largest day of celebration that the city of Frost Falls ever sees. All sorts of denizens are out and about, wearing winter clothing with star and moon motifs. They make their way through the fresh layer of snow as they pass between the steep stone buildings, most of them showing tired smiles as they anticipate a day of festivities and a night of rapture, and perhaps most importantly, the lifting of the month of rationing that they had just suffered through.

You can see ponies of all kinds, but just as easily, you spot minotaurs, gryphons, even the rare bear working as a guard. Strange creatures are not entirely uncommon in this city, in fact the city is practically made up of strange creatures. There's a quiet sort of strained harmony on this crystal-clear day, as if all the denizens of the city are preparing to enjoy themselves, but are still keeping an eye on the strangers around them.

Indeed, if ever there were a way to describe the city's people, it would be: a group of strangers being held together by the harshness of the ever-present chill.

The strained atmosphere of the citizens is quickly masked by the joyful screams of children being children as they run past various unopened merchant stalls. A crowd has gathers around the center of Frozen Falls' market district as a wooly mammoth plows his way into the area. Hoar frost thick upon his woolen coat, the large creature pulls a large sled behind him.

You are amongst the crowd filling the Market Square.

You can see the mammoth is flanked by a procession of five different folk, four of them being, a gryphon, a minotaur, a bear and an earth pony; they are dressed in uniform, thick brown coats, while the final one, a pale female unicorn wears high quality indigo garments with a pattern of stars upon it. Behind all of them, on the large sled, lays a large chunk of black rock, five times the size of the largest of stallions.

“It's here, it's finally here!” you can hear one child shout from the front of the crowd, as she bounces up and down in excitement and points her hoof at the sled.

A red pony hums a little ditty as he huddles in his blood red cloak, smiling around at the snow overhead. He loved the feel of it. It felt like when he used his blood limbs to act. But no matter. "Sorry guys, but it would be bloody difficult to explain my magic." He mutters into his Black cloak as he looks around. This town wasn't normally where he would be, however being a hemomancer often scares other ponies silly. "Why, just because I like a little blood and can make a tendril of it from one of my cuts, it doesn't mean that I can't be nice." Blood Mage, whistles and thinks 'Winter is here, winter is here. Let's all have some holiday cheer. wWnter is here winter is here. Cause you know that the snow falls, cause you know the snow falls.'

Spoiler:

It was certainly an...interesting day, to say the least. At least, that's how Carn saw it as he watched the group with the sled for a moment...The unicorn looked important, but he couldn't put a paw on why...Still, the massive bear glanced about...At least the children were happy, he supposed that counted for something, even if the adults were strained...He couldn't blame them. The rationing was probably wearing on their nerves as well. He was kind of excited himself, to be honest...It wasn't every day you saw something like this...Come to think of it, he couldn't think of why this was so important, other than the rationing being lifted...It had to have greater significance than that...He wracked his brain for a moment, trying to piece together what he'd heard...

Spoiler:

Camellia, in the form of a black earth pony, looked around. She knew of this festival but, this was the first time she'd been here while it was happening. It wasn't really that she was all that curious, she told herself, it was just that she didn't really have much better to do and perhaps she could swipe a free meal or two what with the crowd.

Caden2112 wrote:History Roll to try and see what else Carn can know about this festival...
1d20+6=15+6=21
...Well, maybe he knows something?

You know that the Festival of Ice is meant to celebrate the moon and stars a tradition passed down from ages past. You aren't quite sure what it's significance is beyond it being a time-honoured tradition. Though you do know that the greatest display, and finale of the whole festival is in the evening, as the sun is setting, when a group of twelve unicorns known as the 'Constellations' come together and raise the moon.

Nihil shifts his light blue-gray eyes from left to right as he walks through the market looking uncomfortable. His smooth black scales, small black spikes and dark grey underbelly create a sharp contrast against the bright white snow making staying out of sight almost impossible, much to his annoyance. He never liked being watched by anyone who he didn't intentionally show himself to, but here in this place during the day he doesn't have much of a choice. He watches curiously as the mammoth comes into town but stays away from the gathered crowd as much as possible.

Glenrir gave a little howl as the folks cheered. It was what the town did, and though he disliked it personally, he knew that it was so very important to the village, so he joined right in, as the spirit of the community dictated. Coal, most likely. The fire-bringers. Ingrained in their history of why the bynd joined with these folk, the power over flame. This festival was a celebration of their dominance and perseverance: In its own way, it was their revelry of the successful hunt, though their hunt was heat, and their prey rather slow-moving, being rocks and all.

The timber wolf noticed a small bit of snow fall in front of his eyes. No body heat made it tend to pile up on the wolves, a quick shuffle and shake solved that issue, sending the white powder flying back up to meet its falling kin. He smiles at the joint efforts of the sled's procession. This was a town that took all in, and amassed its efforts to fight off the enemy that is Nature itself. Though few beyond the bears and bulls were defenders, each was a warrior in their own right, even the jubilant children, fighting off yet another month of frost.

LoganAura wrote: Perception roll to try and see things. 1d20+8=7+8= 15
Well at least I passed basic DC *headdesk*

All around you, a large crowd has formed. Your eyes are drawn to the large mammoth and the sled he's pulling. And it's burden the large stone. There is something different about this stone than most. (OOC: Roll either an arcana or history check if you wish to determine it's properties. And sorry, I didn't notice your skill check 'til just now.)

Blood Mage continues his musical number while he racks his brain for knowledge of that stone. "It's a nice black stone like old blood." He notes, before focusing on the magical properties.

Spoiler:

Wave Rider was having mixed feelings on coming to this frozen over backwater sure most of the area was uncharted and seeing snow was always a treat but why did this place had to be so forsakenly cold the old country never got this cold it never even got past cool and wet. "Look on the bright side at least now I can get some decent food here..." she mumbles to herself as she starts to fantasize about food. "Hmm somepony here had better have wine it is just not a celebration with out a good glass of wine."

LoganAura wrote:Blood Mage continues his musical number while he racks his brain for knowledge of that stone. "It's a nice black stone like old blood." He notes, before focusing on the magical properties.

Spoiler:

You recognize this black stone readily. It's known as 'Burning Stone'. It's a strange rock that the miners of this city discovered years ago. With a large enough source of heat, the stone itself will begin to burn and continue to do so for a long while. Although this is the first time you've ever seen or heard of the stone being this large, usually they are small chunks of rock used in the fireplaces of homes. You have heard they usually have a large fire as a centerpiece to this festival, so this must be it. You also know that beyond mundane purposes, 'Burning Stone' can be used in magical rituals, although no particular rituals spring to mind at the moment.

The enormous mammoth comes to a halt in the center of the market square, whereupon the large black rock is unloaded by a squad of a gryphon, a minotaur, a bear, and a strong earth pony stallion. They all strain under it's weight, but manage to move it. Once they set down the colossal stone, they proceed to unload 4 gray stone slabs, these are smaller, but glowing a slightly purple colour.

In the next few moments, the slabs of stone are set up on end and finally, the last member of the procession steps forth. She's the well-dressed unicorn, as pale as moonlight, with striking sapphire eyes, and beneath her indigo hood, short strands of green hair can be seen poking out. She offers a light smile to the crowd.

She approaches the 4 stone slabs and with blue shimmer of magic, a field of light springs between the stones forming 5 transparent walls around the large Burning Stone. (4 sides and a top), which fade just as quickly as they had formed. Then, with a noticeable amount of strain she focuses on the rock and it bursts into flame. Even from where you stand, you can feel the heat begin to fill the Market Square.

“Citizens of Frost Falls, the Festival of Ice has now officially begun,” the mare shouts out to the crowd, “enjoy the day, and await the night.”

Numerous cheers can be heard from the surrounding crowd, most audible are those of the children as they continue running about in the crisp coolness. In the next few moments, vendors step into their stalls and plant their signs in the snow beside them, officially open for business.

Blood Mage shivers from the heat and grins widely. "Ah this really gets my blood boiling... Oh, shops!" He trots over to one of the shops and smiles, putting on his phony Baloney Accent. "I say, my good sir. What type of fine wares do you have during this Bloody good festival?"

LoganAura wrote:Blood Mage shivers from the heat and grins widely. "Ah this really gets my blood boiling... Oh, shops!" He trots over to one of the shops and smiles, putting on his phony Baloney Accent. "I say, my good sir. What type of fine wares do you have during this Bloody good festival?"

"Aha, I see you have a keen eye indeed!" the earth pony vendor replies with a grand smile. He has red hair and a yellowish green coat, you imagine beneath his winter garments he has some sort of grape cutie mark. "For you are looking at none other than the finest vintages of the south. Both red and white, aged for years, and a fine way to enjoy the festival. Only ten bits a bottle, satisfaction guaranteed."

There are numerous shops all around, anything from art's and crafts, to sleds, to carnival food, there's even an armory's booth off to the side. Pretty much anyone who wanted to sell something has waited 'til today with it's guaranteed potential customers.

The festival had begun! This was...interesting, to say the least. Now the question was how to enjoy himself...Maybe he should check in on the blacksmiths, see what kinds of weapons they had made...They probably didn't have many in his size, but it would be nice to see what they had...

Camellia looks around to see if any vendors are selling meat or fish (this place does have bears and griffons and such) and keeps an eye out for an opportunity to snatch something for herself.

Wave Rider's ears perk up at the mention of wine and walks over to the stand selling it. "Pardon me but I could not help but to hear that you are selling wine.I would very much like to purchase a bottle." She then pulls about 10 bits out of her cloak and puts them on the stand.

Blood mage's ears flatten as one of his tendrils moves to them. "Quite quite, I recall my blood isn't fond of Alcohol. I apologize for the inconvenience my good sir." Blood trots over to a clothing shop, shivering from the cold.

Spoiler:

Caden2112 wrote:The festival had begun! This was...interesting, to say the least. Now the question was how to enjoy himself...Maybe he should check in on the blacksmiths, see what kinds of weapons they had made...They probably didn't have many in his size, but it would be nice to see what they had...

There is a vendor, a minotaur with massive arms, noticeable even beneath the thick winter wear, standing at the blacksmith's shop. It's not seeing much business at the moment. You can see a large variety of weapons and armor for all sorts of creatures. Most of it seems to be rather standard equipment for hunters and guards. They do have at least a few items in your size, a giant spiked club as well as some thick plated barding meant to be worn by bears.

Ramsus wrote:Camellia looks around to see if any vendors are selling meat or fish (this place does have bears and griffons and such) and keeps an eye out for an opportunity to snatch something for herself.

There are indeed a few hunters that are selling meat, bones and hides of their prey. You happen to know that there are strong opinions on the selling of such goods, but they follow strict regulations on what they can hunt and those who eat meat are glad that the hunters are allowed to do what they do, otherwise there would probably end up being more than just a single month of rationing. At the moment your instincts tell you that it would be tough to sneak out some food from their watchful eyes. Not to mention there are a fair number of guards around. It might be best to wait for them to deal with an influx of customers.

tygerburningbright wrote:Wave Rider's ears perk up at the mention of wine and walks over to the stand selling it. "Pardon me but I could not help but to hear that you are selling wine.I would very much like to purchase a bottle." She then pulls about 10 bits out of her cloak and puts them on the stand.

"Aha, you've got the look of a southerner, it's great to see another friendly face out here." In a deft move he scoops up only nine of the shiny bits. "And here you go, a fine red from the famous summery valleys of Prance. I'm certain it shall remind you of those warm summer days."

LoganAura wrote:Blood mage's ears flatten as one of his tendrils moves to them. "Quite quite, I recall my blood isn't fond of Alcohol. I apologize for the inconvenience my good sir." Blood trots over to a clothing shop, shivering from the cold.

Spoiler:

A little off to the side, around the corner of of the market square, definitely far from being a prime venue, there's gryphon sitting on an old stool working away at a piece of worn cloth with needle and thread. A sign reads: "Patchwork: Patched up and better than new."

A glance shows that indeed the clothing is second-hand and it shows. However the clothes still looks warm, and you assume it's cheap.

"Oh, hello there stranger," she says with a kindly parting of her beak, "welcome to my shop, I have the most affordable winter wear in all of Frost Falls. Please let me know if you need anything."

SilentBelle wrote:
"Aha, you've got the look of a southerner, it's great to see another friendly face out here." In a deft move he scoops up only nine of the shiny bits. "And here you go, a fine red from the famous summery valleys of Prance. I'm certain it shall remind you of those warm summer days."

"You said the price was 10 bits or am I mistaken?"

SilentBelle wrote:She approaches the 4 stone slabs and with blue shimmer of magic, a field of light springs between the stones forming 5 transparent walls around the large Burning Stone. (4 sides and a top), which fade just as quickly as they had formed. Then, with a noticeable amount of strain she focuses on the rock and it bursts into flame. Even from where you stand, you can feel the heat begin to fill the Market Square.

“Citizens of Frost Falls, the Festival of Ice has now officially begun,” the mare shouts out to the crowd, “enjoy the day, and await the night.”

Nihil looks around confused for a bit. "... That's it? Geez, my great uncle makes fires that big in his sleep." He sighs and sits down against the side of a building letting his tail curl around infront of him. He starts fiddling with one of the two rings he has on his left claw as he looks around the market place looking for something a bit more interesting.

Blood smiles at the griffin lady. "Jolly good day, tisn't it milady? I see your work is wonderfully crafted. My own cloak is not the most warm of things, so if it isn't too much trouble, do you happen to have a nice red cloak?" The unicorn smiles warmly at the lady, observing her wares.

SilentBelle wrote:There is a vendor, a minotaur with massive arms, noticeable even beneath the thick winter wear, standing at the blacksmith's shop. It's not seeing much business at the moment. You can see a large variety of weapons and armor for all sorts of creatures. Most of it seems to be rather standard equipment for hunters and guards. They do have at least a few items in your size, a giant spiked club as well as some thick plated barding meant to be worn by bears.

Carn looked over the things...The club, he could take or leave, he honestly felt his own blade would definitely be more than a match for it...The armor, on the other hand...Perhaps...Though, maybe just a helmet or something...He was fairly sure he couldn't afford a full set of gear, but it never hurt to try...He gestured to the smith to try and get his attention, glancing at the barding before speaking. "Smith...Do you sell these in pieces, or the entire set at once...?"

tygerburningbright wrote:
"You said the price was 10 bits or am I mistaken?"

"Indeed I did, but to one who appreciates the spirits of the southern lands, nine will suffice," he says with a grand smile.

Yawnmon wrote:
Nihil looks around confused for a bit. "... That's it? Geez, my great uncle makes fires that big in his sleep." He sighs and sits down against the side of a building letting his tail curl around infront of him. He starts fiddling with one of the two rings he has on his left claw as he looks around the market place looking for something a bit more interesting.

While looking around, a poster upon the wall catches your eye. It reads:
"The annual Frost Race, starting at 16:00 on the day of the Frost Festival. Admission free, free meal included for all participants. Winning prize: 100 bits. May the best denizen win. See captain Ebonblade to sign up."

LoganAura wrote:Blood smiles at the griffin lady. "Jolly good day, tisn't it milady? I see your work is wonderfully crafted. My own cloak is not the most warm of things, so if it isn't too much trouble, do you happen to have a nice red cloak?" The unicorn smiles warmly at the lady, observing her wares.

"Oh, but of course I do," the gryphon says as she sets down her project gently, and gets up and quickly begins sifting through garments. "Red, red, red... ah, yes here it is." She pulls up a cloak with over ten different shades of red, lined with red wool, it has obviously been repaired in numerous places. "Here try it on," she insists and in a swift motion places the mantle upon you.

It feels warm, you can tell immediately, it certainly has practicality even if it's looks are not the most fashionable. "Only 8 bits for this piece to keep a traveler such as yourself warm." She parts her beak in a gentle smile.

Caden2112 wrote:
Carn looked over the things...The club, he could take or leave, he honestly felt his own blade would definitely be more than a match for it...The armor, on the other hand...Perhaps...Though, maybe just a helmet or something...He was fairly sure he couldn't afford a full set of gear, but it never hurt to try...He gestured to the smith to try and get his attention, glancing at the barding before speaking. "Smith...Do you sell these in pieces, or the entire set at once...?"

"Oh, that there big piece of metal armour. Reinforced plating. Haven't found a buyer for that in the three years since I made it," he says with a sigh, "yeah, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to part ways with it piece by piece, aren't too many bears now-a-days, three years ago there were many more... what piece do you want?"

Blood Mage sighs deeply in the warms. It felt like a warm hot chocolate after standing outside in the snow, and the pattern and design were bloody brilliant, even if it was a repair job. "I'll take it, madame." He drops ten bits onto the counter and smiles. "Worth every bit." He bids the griffin adeiu and walks away, humming. He looks around and catches sight of a small dragon. "Oh, another cold blooded creature. I hope he isn't freezing" Blood trots over and leans down with a soft smile. "Hello there. I'm Mage. What's your name my good child?"