Play@YSDC

Tristan is escorted by the red eyed seal deep into the Ijirraat den. He passes all sorts of arctic animals along the way with red eyes blazing in his direction. Figg calls out ahead to them.



Let the human pass! He will show you all… the true path of our kind lies with the Norse ways… the old ways!! Make way for Tristan! Prophet to our people!

As the path winds ever downward, it finally opens up into a massive ice cave over 50 feet high and no less than 100 feet in diameter. Icicles larger than most men dangles precariously from the cave’s ceiling. The cave was empty and its floor smooth, save a small pool of water lit by an alcohol filled trough similar to those Tristan had seen in the upper levels of the Ijiraat den.

Tristan looked closer, He could see six slightly raised circular pillars of ice behind the fire lit pool. They were perhaps only 3 to 4 feet high but from this distance they were hardly noticeable. In front of the pool was a flat stone heavy with strange carvings.

Gathering ever ounce of confidence in him, Tristan marches right into the center of the chamber, directly in front of the large stone. Once there he begins to cast his gaze around the large cave at the gathered Ijiraat.

Tristan moves up to the stone and the pool begins to stir. A massive walrus breaks the water and clumsily lifts itself onto the ice. It casts a glance at Tristan and shakes its tusks before taking its place atop one of the circular ice columns.

Soon a seal surfaces a little more gracefully and plops itself next to the walrus on its own column of ice.

More Ijiraat spectators begin to file in to the ice cave. Arctic animals of all shapes and sizes.. birds, polar bears, wolves, caribou, lemmings, rabbits and much much more take positions around the pool to watch the upcoming event.

One of the rabbits hops up and takes a place on one of the ice columns. A massive polar bear follows the rabbit and snarls at the walrus as he passes.

Figg smiles looking up at Tristan.



Exciting! Isn’t it son of Odin? We have not had a gathering of this magnitude since we were exiled to this island. This should be very interesting.

A giant odd looking snow owl flies down from the icicle filled ceiling and takes its position at the head of the circular ice columns. It spread its wings and addresses the crowd.



Silence! I will have silence during this most important meeting!

Ah hoo hem! I would first like to welcome the 5 dens and their mothers for attending this gathering.



Dalia-zob, from the eastern shore den.



Friedafendorat from the flatlands burrows



Mol-gatorus from the western shore den



Kor-Gamon from the ice flows

And..

The owl looks around with a 360 degree turn of its head.

Where is Balok?

Just then, as if waiting for his introduction, a massive beast of a whale bursts through the pool, cracking the ice all along its edges. A whale larger than any animal Tristan had even seen send waves of ice cold water splashing in all directions. Soaking the small Ijiraat mammals crowding the pool for a better view.





Ooc- roll dodge.

Tristan leaps up onto the stone column in front of the pool and is one of few not to get soaked by the massive whale splashing about in the pool.

The owl flies overhead and calls down to the massive mammal still splashing about his lumbering glory.



Balok!!! We had all agreed! No Ijiraat would enter the burrows in whale form!!

Balok sinks back down into the water and turns on his side so only his one massive eye can be seen protruding from the clear water.



The Deep Den refuses to follow your laws Vorgabagomon. If you wish our participation in this mockery of the old ways... then Balok will show himself as he pleases.

Vorgabagomon, the snow owl hoots his objection but returns to his high place on the tallest podium.

Very well... let us begin! Bring forth the Son of Odin!

A chorus of cheers and growling erupts through the cavern and Tristan gets the impression that the Ijiraat are more that divided on his presence here in the burrows.

Figg climbs on top of the stone Pillar that Tristan had already rested himself upon.



He is here Vorgabagomon! May I present to you Tristan, son of Odin, companion to the Gunharr and link to the gods of Asgard.

Another chorus of cheers and angry growls wash over Tristan at the mere mention of Asgard.

Then let him speak! Why are you here Tristan Odin's son?

ooc- Sorry, I didn't realize you had responded already.

Tristan strolls into the center of the chamber.

"We set out in a mighty host. We came to this land in search of a Secret and a Rune. We are here looking for Odins last Rune. We have battled creatures that seem born straight out of nightmares. All in search of that which our Father Odin has left for us."

Tristan falls silent, Casting his gaze around the chamber in an effort to gauge the reaction from those assembled, before continuing.

"I have had many trials upon this land and seen many of my closest brothers die here as well. But during all this I happened upon a most curious fellow. I met Figg when I had thought all hope for my survival was lost. He saved me, And told me a tale of a people, A people searching for the path to Asgard. I stand before you as a humble son of the All-Father. And should you wish it, I would be honored to lead your people down that path, TO ASGARD!!"

ooc- Should I need it here is my persuasion roll 22

Tristan finishes his speech to an uproarious applause from those Ijiraat he believes to be in favor of the defection. The cries of any creatures opposed to Tristan’s words were drowned out by the thunder that was Ijiraat that believed Asgard was their future.

As the cheers begin to die down, the owl running the meeting stretches his wings and a thick silence falls over the crowd.

The Polar Bear Kor-Gamon scratches thick groves into his ice podium with his long black claws and growls.




RRRRRGH! Blasphemy! Sedna has always been with us. You will all freeze in the infinite snow for this treachery.

The owl flashes Kor-Gamon a look that actually makes the bear cower slightly.



We have had our talks on this issue Korgamon. Your views on this matter are clear. We are here to question the Odin’s son, not frighten the people with opinions and conjecture.

Kor-Gamon winces but continues.

Very well then boy! How long have your people served these gods?

Bowing low to show his respect for the gathered leaders, Tristan turns to address Kor-Gamon, "Mighty Kor-Gamon, My people truely are Sons of Odin for we have always served the Lords and Ladies of Asgard. They are the ones who made my people who they are today. We were nothing more then savages living in the dirt and barely surviving before they came to us."

Kor-Gamon snarls.. Tristan cannot tell whether the snarl was for good or for bad. he was not used to guaging the emotions of animals.



Well said Tristan Son of Odin! I understand your feelings... And would you turn from them? If someone offered you more than Odin's Hall?

Kor-Gamon stands up on two legs and addresses the masses. His massive height of 16 feet is a spectacle to behold.



No better way my brothers! No better way than to stand at the sides of our gods! No better way!

Kor-Gamon turns back to Tristan plopping himself back down on the ice with a loud hollow “THUD”



So I ask you this Tristan Odin’s Son…. Why should my people turn their back on our gods for yours?

Figg hops up onto Tristan’s pant leg and scurries up to his shoulder whispering in his ear.



Careful Tristan.. Kor-Gamon is baiting you. If you admit that we should not defect to Asgard then you will die here today. If an Odin’s son cannot find reason then there is none. They will tear you apart!

The white venerable rabbit Friedafendorat lifts her head and stands on her hind legs sniffing the air around her.



Well said son of Odin. Let us not forget brothers and sisters… It was Sedna who abandoned us! Once we swam freely with the goddess… She has had no contact with the Ijiraat in a quarter century. What are we to think? Banished from the spirit world for the past transgressions of but a few… Our dead to wonder the outlands… What are we to think? How are we to respond?

Then the giant whale Balok blows a spout of water high into the air.



The Deep Den has heard this inane prattle before. We will not listen to it! From either side! We wish to know of the sincerity of the offer. Will the Norse gods live up to their word.

Balok's eye glows bright red revealing much of the creatures intense emotion on this matter.

Tell us son of Odin. Why should we trust your gods?

OOC- Spot Hidden check
ooc- Viking Mythos check


The whale blows water high into the air. Whether that meant that he was satisfied with Tristan's answer or not, the mountaineer had no clue.

Vorgabagomon nods his head and then turns a wing to the massive walrus Mol-gatorus.



Mol-gatorus.. Is there a question you would like to ask the son of Odin? I appreciate your patience.


The walrus Mol-gatorus barks three times and scratches his tusks along the side of his thick hide.



There is no reason to add to the confusion involved in this debate Vorgabagomon. My silence has been in protest to Kor-Gamon's disruptive tactics.



Why you obese sea slug!!

Precisely my point! Though I do have some questions of my own I'd like to ask of the boy!

Proceed. Wise One!

The massive walrus shudders, sending ripples of fat over his body.

Ahem! In our own pantheon of gods, there are those divine that are liked by their subjects much more than others. Aningan for example raped her sister Malina. Nanook kills hunters that worship him. I ask you. What gods do you trust the most with your well being! And which gods the least?

Kor-gamon, who's hair was standing straight on end, settles back onto the ice grinning eagerly for Tristan's response.

A hush falls over the crowd.

ooc- roll before posting please. It might change things.

ooc- Viking mythos 19
ooc- spot hidden- 3
ooc- I can't get IC to work so these were hand rolled. Also I can already see the trap im heading for with this question, As it is loki they are thinking of following it would be rather dumb of Tristan to point out that he is one of the least favorable gods. Good thing I have Hel to throw under the bus as the goddess least interested in Tristans well being.

ooc- Nice.

Tristan looks casually down into the icey pool and notices a long silver scaled swimming in circles around the whale. Tristan recognizes the fish as one native to his homeland. His instincts are spot on as he recalls a story about Loki turning himself into a fish to escape punishment by the gods.

All those of Asgard care about the well being of their chosen children. Obviously there are those that are more concerned with the souls and not so much the flesh but that is their job. Only a fool would expect those that watch over the dead to care what happens to the flesh of a mortal follower. Lord Loki and his brother Thor and Father Odin have always been especially concerned with our welfare. While saying this Tristan tries his best to avoiding looking at the god turned fish. Loki and his games are legendary but Tristan doesn't have enough information yet to even guess at what the god is playing at with these creatures. Tristan couldn't help but think it is more then simple follower recruitment. And should it happen that Tristan helps the lord of lies then it doesn't hurt to have a god indebted to you.

A wide spread murmur of approval rolls through the crowd of Ijiraat like foam over ocean waves. Kor-Gamon paces with a long scowl on his face. The other Ijiraat den mothers seem to be nodding despite themselves. The eye of the great whale seems unblinking as ever.

Figg takes the opportunity to manipulate the crowd and speaks out with a surprisingly loud but squeaky voice.



You see. The norse gods are more concerned with their subjects. We serve a human pantheon regardless of the gods and godesses that rule over us. Norse or Inuit. Whether we be Frost Giants or Quallipak.... Dwarves or Ijiraat, we will never be the chosen to the devine. But those with conscience that serve the Norse live on into the afterlive. For eternity in Asgard. Those worthy in the very halls of Valhalla and dine alongside our glorious queen's brother. What do we owe her. Our dead turn to dust and still the spirit world remains closed to us.

The slender seal Dalia-Zob nods in agreement as well but attacks Figgs words.




Only for a century more Figgsalandomon... Then Sedna will free us from our curse.

Friedafendorat interjects.



The spirit world is collapsing on itself with plague. There will be nothing left to return to. We should do as the son of Odin would council.

Kor-Gamon growls...



Fine words Norseman... Do you really beleive that Odin would have us? Is there a place for the Ijiraat.. creations of the sea godess Sedna? Will Odin dine with me Odin's son?

The seal Ijiraat Dalia-Zob nods approvingly and again contradicts Tristan's words. It was difficult to to see which side of the fence Dalia-Zob rested her loyalties on.



I am glad to hear you say such things Tristan Odin's son. But have you not heard of the tale of our creation. Perhaps then you will change your mind on who Odin will or will not welcome into his hall. The men of these lands know the story well... but they do not know the whole story!

The whale Ijiraat Balok splashes the seal with his massive tail.



It is forbidden. This is Sedna's secret!

Tristan sees the Norse fish swim quickly to the side of the pool to avoid the thrashing of the whale, the light from the ice cavern catching its scales. It pokes its head slightly out of the water and watches the seal.

Dalia-zob scoffs at the whale.

This whole trial is against the will of the godess. if she were to know that we were meeting like this, she would cast out our entire race.

The owl Vorgabagomon raises his wings.



I will allow for the story to be told if you will hear it, Tristan Son of Odin. Though this knowledge may bring you death or much worse from your own kind as well as those men that reside here. It is this secret to which binds your people to this place. I would not force it on you son of Odin.

Tristan bows respectfully in the direction of the Owl, "I would be most honored to hear the origins of such a mighty and proud people. While there may be a danger in knowing these things the honor far out ways the risk."

Vary well.. then Listen to our secret. If it means your death... at least let it serve you in deciding your fate here today.

Vorgabagomon clears his throat and begins.

Long before the children of the frozen rain and the sons of Odin… long before the sun and the moon took refuge in the sky…. and just before the creation of the animals of the sea. the Inuit gods and all who served them lived in the Spirit World. The Ijirrat, the Quallipuk and the great bear god Nanook all wandered the bewildering planes of the Spirit World, disconnected from the land your gods called Midgard.

Odin and his sons and daughters had vanquished the Frost Giant Y’mer and created their 9 realms to rule from the giant’s slaughtered carcass. Y’mer’s death created powerful rifts in the spirit world; so catastrophic was the making of the 9 worlds. The rifts allowed us to cross over into Midgard, but with little guidance in this place, we were considered monsters… outcasts to be hunted by gods and giants alike.

As animal spirits and totems began to cross over into Midgard they gave birth to many of the creatures that we now live amongst and feed on today. The Raven, however, sought comforts of the flesh, finding great pleasure in taking the shape of the Asgardian gods to trick and play with their pride and their hearts. For this, we blame the Raven for all the troubles of the world.

For it is a secret that Odin has kept from his people for as long as the world has been the world. A secret for which he has killed gods and men alike. Odin has a sister…

The Raven would visit Odin’s sister in Odin’s own city of Asgard. Under the guise of a black haired Asgardian, the Raven would play with her flesh with no concern for consequences or retribution from the king of gods. Odin’s sister bore two sons by the Raven and hid them from the god king. She named the black birds Hugin and Mudin. As they came of age they grew jealous of their father the Raven and no longer wished to hide from the world of gods. They came to Odin and whispered in his ear that his sister had laid with the Raven god and that they would serve the god king forevermore if they could only be free to roam the world. They would gather information for Odin and they would never lie to him again.

Outraged, Odin accepted Hugin and Mudin’s offer and raced to his sister’s chambers where he caught the Raven in the act of defiling his sister for the last time. He cast out the Raven to the west of Midgard, never to return to the land of ice. To his sister, he was not so generous…

Odin rowed his sister out to sea and tossed her into the water to drown. She clung to the side of the kayak and with hate filled eyes, Odin cut off her fingers. She sunk slowly into the freezing water and from her severed fingers were born all the animals of the sea.

You would not recognize this tale, but perhaps you know some of it. The Inuit tribes of this land know the end and perhaps your people know the beginning. For Odin’s sister is our goddess Sedna and she made the children of the frozen rain in her image to comb her hair… For she had no fingers to do so herself.. so was her vanity.
She found and ruled over the spirit world with a ferocity we had never seen before. With more power than we had ever seen, we followed her back to Midgard, never to return to the spirit world. She gave us our gift to change our shape in exchange for our loyalty.

Do you think that your god king will see us in his hall now Tristan, son of Odin? When we once worshipped that which he hates most in all of the 9 realms? Sedna, godess of the sea… Odin’s sister…..

Tristan looks down momentarily and sees the fish staring at him and Tristan could swear the fish was smiling.

ooc- If you don't already know.. Tristan would know that Odin has two ravens that fly about the world of Midgard to act as his eyes and ears. They are named Hugin and Mudin and a very famous in Norse mythology.

ooc- Also please roll Viking Mythos (+10%)

ooc- make a Viking Mythos check (+10%)

ooc- I can't get IC working right now. I hand rolled a 20 if that i acceptable.

Yup... Acceptable.

Tristan remembers a line from the famous Epic Poem that speaks of the eighteen runes of Odin. There has been much controversy amongst Viking scholars of its meaning until now. Odin sacrificed his eye to gain the power of rune magic. 18 runes in total. He gave 17 runes to his fellow gods and men. He kept the 18th rune for himself. The Vikings are here on Helluland for the 18th rune because the witches have forseen that it is here. But they do not know how to find it.

The last verse of the poem says....

I know an eighteenth that I never tell
To maiden or wife of man,
A secret I hide from all
Except the love who lies in my arms,
Or else my own sister.

There seems to be a long pause in the Ijiraat crowd as Tristan promises them acceptance by the Norse Gods.... by Odin himself, despite the treachery of their own godess. Then the hall fills with excitable chatter as Tristan brings up the rune.

The Owl raises his wings high into the air to silence them.



Rune? What Rune? Sedna does not deal in Viking magics and nor do we... yet! We know of no Runes, nor are we permitted to study such things. You insult us Odin's son!

Figg nods and tugs on Tristan's pant leg whispering...



What are you doing? You had them?

Then after the owl's outburst, the fish raises a fin out of the water and brings it inexplicably up to its face, seemingly saluting the Viking mountaineer. It then winks and dives below the surface of the pool.




None of the Ijiraat seem to notice or care if they had seen the strange looking fish but Tristan hard surely started something by bringing up the rune in this court.

ooc- you'll need to make a Persuade check and a luck check along with your response.

ooc- Persuade was 11 and luck was 2 i'm lucky cause it seems I really screwed the pooch on that one.

My apologies, I ment no offense in my outburst. Your story simply reminded me of an ancient legend of my people I heard a long time ago.

Kor-Gamon snarls a smile.



Tell us. You have heard of our godess in your own legend? Perhaps this secret was not as important as we suspected! Or more so! If we are to join your race in the afterlife then perhaps we should learn to trust each other now.

I know an eighteenth that I never tell
To maiden or wife of man,
A secret I hide from all
Except the love who lies in my arms,
Or else my own sister.

After reciting the poem Tristan says, "That is the only reference to your goddess we have in our legends. My people always thought it just an added line to give the poem a reference to family. To say it would only ever be revealed to someone as close to him as a sister."

There is silence in the cavern. With Tristan's sudden poetic tongue, he seemed to have calmed the crowd.

All of the Den mothers stared questioningly at Tristan, soaking in the verse.

It was Dhalia-Zob that broke the silence first, nodding in that same confusing manner.




This eighteenth... What is it Odin-son? What has Sedna been told which is so important that Odin would keep it from everyone save her?

Dhalia-Zob stares up at Tristan like a child waiting for the answers to all the questions in the world.

Now the owl Vorgabagomon interrupts. His head spins slowly in a full 360 degree turn. The Ijiraat gathered about the pool are silent hanging on Tristan's every word as if he himself were a god amongst lesser creatures.

Vorgabagomon's head stops turning and he rests his glowing red eyes on Tristan.



His sister. You are saying that Odin told this ancient rune to Sedna? Odin's sister? Our godess is the reason your people came to this island..... They wish for the 18th rune from your scripture? They wish to take it from Sedna herself? Is this why you have come Odin-Son? To steal that secret which was whispered between gods before the darkest times?

The Ijiraat lemming Figg handling Tristan's defence steps forward.



Let it be known great Vorgabagomon that Tristan's people had no idea that Odin's sister was our godess before today. If his people are here for the rune then the minions of Sedna are simply in their way.

Then the great eye of the whale Baloik blinks slowly.



Now that you know Tristan son of Odin... Will you tell your people?

An uproarious applause bellows from the crowd of Ijiraat. Seals bark and bears roar... Rabbits stomp their hind legs and arctic birds of all shapes and sizes take to the air. It is obvious the Ijiraat take Tristan at his word and wish every bit as much that Odin would accept the red eyed devils in the after life where Sedna had forsaken them. It is also very clear to tristan that the Ijiraat are a excitable people, prone to immediate mood swings and extremely succeptable to mob mentality manipulations.

Still the den mothers of the clans remain still. Their silence speaking volumes as to the truth of the matter.

The crowd slows and now the great polar bear Kor-Gamon speaks.



My thanks to you son of Odin. If all Vikings were as inviting there would be no need nor purpose for this meeting. Yet... You failed to answer mighty Balok's question. Where it seems that both parties here have learned valuable information about one another... it is clear to us that your people seek this secret rune and it is also clear that you did not know who possessed this rune until now. Our godess Sedna holds your God's secret. Given to her before she herself was cast out of Asgard. This secret could bring the weight of the Viking people down upon us.

Kor-Gamon pauses and looks all of the den mothers in the eye before turning his gaze back to Tristan and snarling his final question.

WILL YOU KEEP THIS SECRET?

The massive walrus Molgatorus shudders before speaking in his low growly voice.



You are well received Odin's son. I believe your promise and would have you know that a minority of this council would have you slain and your remains fed to the bear god Nanook who is now drenched in shadow. I Molgatorus would see you well and would offer you sanctuary if my den on the western shoreline was not so far from this place. Tell me and the others what you plan to do next Tristan son of Odin so my fears for your safety can be lifted.

Molgatorus seems sincere in his concern for Tristan. Figg looks up at Tristan with sorrow filled eyes as well. He lowers them and picks nervously at his hind feet offering no help to the Viking mountaineer.

ooc- can I make an idea roll for some clue on how to respond. Im really at a loss on this one

*EDIT*
Here's my roll if it is needed 57

"I have some ideas I would like to checkout. I have no intention of returning to my previous group anytime soon. I cannot say that I never will, but for now I plan to pursue my own agendas. I had hoped that I could persuade Figg to accompany me though."

ooc- I hope this is in line with what I said in my PM yesterday without causing the ijiraat to become angered.

Tristan can feel mixed emotions emanate from the crowd of Ijiraat gathered around the pool. The polar bear Kor-Gamon stands on his hind legs and bellows.


By dsigfuss at 2008-05-07

No! Outsiders are not permitted in the dens outside this hall. That is the law!

Dalia-Zob interjects.



Calm yourself Kor-Gamon and remember that this is not your den. The Odin’s son Tristan could be considered an emissary of the gods and therefore immune to the mortal ban we Ijiraat have placed on our dens since we were purged from the spirit world.



So is the law!



This is Friedafendorat's territory. Let she alone decide who may enter and leave her own den.

Friedafendorat looks slowly up to Tristan and regards the Viking mountaineer quizzically.



Is that it then Tristan Odin’s son. Are you a god now? Or do you speak for them?

"I am not so deluded as to believe myself a god. I speak only that which my people have known for years. If the gods consider me their representative then they have not yet felt the need to inform me of this honor. Also I never meant to trespass upon anyone's territory, If I am not welcomed in your lands then I will leave and beg your pardon."

Friedafendorat ruffles his nose and grins at Tristan.

Of course not dear boy though I appreciate your ... and who said you were not welcome here. While it is true our laws are clear. No son of Odin or Sedna's may enter the den of an Ijiraat yet here you stand. No! You may stay here in my den and this meeting is completed. The Son of Odin will live and perhaps help us decide our path in this world and the next.
Figgsolandamon.. I put this human in your care. Everything he does in this den from this point on will be your responsibility. Is this understood?

Figg nods his agreement and then looks to Tristan.

Tristan bows deeply to Friedafendorat, "You honor my greatly with your trust and hospitality. Rest assured that I will do nothing to make you regret this honor. If there is anything I can do in return to repay this kindness you have but to ask it." Looking to Figg, Tristan grins and says, "It looks as if you will be stuck with me for a little longer, My tiny friend."

Figg grins at Tristan and the owl Vorgabagoman call the meeting to adjourn. As the Ijirrat file out of the large meeting hall the polar bear Korgamon does not take his eyes of the Norse mountaineer. He is the last of the Ijiraat to exit the hall leaving Figg and Tristan alone for the first time since the trial began.

This is my den Tristan. Friedafendorat is our den mother... with her duties to her people she willnot have much time to spare but if you wish to speak with her I'm certain I could arrange it. In the mean time, you look famished. I'll take you to our storage cave. We don't eat meat here. We've chosen to live at peace with all of Sedna's creations. There are plenty of roots and berries though with which I'm sure you could eat your fill.

Figg begins to walk quicky across the meeting hall and through an ice cavern to Tristan's far left chattering wildly in the Viking's ear.

Then we can discuss what we plan to do. Your Viking friends in the mountains. The ones that Sedna spared when your ship sunk. I was told they are in grave danger. Perhaps we could help them hmmm? Or maybe we cold find this rune. Odin could not deny the Ijiraat entrance into Asgard with that sort of secret under our fur now could he?

Tristan follows along behind Figg, "Finding the Rune on our own might be our best choice. I do not trust the new version of our Captain one bit. I can't shake the feeling that it is best not to let the Rune fall into his hands." Tristan falls silent after saying this and begins to ponder the implications of Loki's visit to the Ijiraat meeting.

ooc - roll Idea

ooc- Idea= 18

"Figg, How did you come to be familiar with Loki and the rest of the Lords and Ladies of Asgard? That is a tale I am most eager to hear." Tristan asks his small friend as they continue on their way.

Figg leads Tristan through a series of small tunnels. The way the tunnels twist and turn it is difficult to tell if they are climbing or descending deeper into the arctic ice. Tristan feels the cold finally begin to permeate his Norse mountain winter gear.

Figg nods.. a habbit Tristan has come to realize means very little to the Ijirrat. they seem to nod in agreement even when they disagree.

There have been tales of Loki in the Ijiraat stories for a long long time. Though often confused with the Raven. Some say he had some ifluence in the conception of life here on the island though others refuse to recognize any of these stories.. Me... I don't care! Some say he is the only Norse god who may freely walk the spirit world. Me.. I wouldn't know... I've never been.

Figg seems to be moving quicker as gets more and more excited in his story telling. Tristan has to run to keep up with the scampering white lemming.

A few years back a Viking boat with a lone figure apeared on the shores of our island. We attacked of course. Balok and his whales led the first charge. They were repelled by a snake. A long green snake as long as the Ocean was wide. The man on the boat was Loki and he did not say a word before..

ooc- roll DEX x5

Figg suddenly stops just in front of Tristan. The Viking mountaineer comes to a skidding halt at the edge of an intimidating cliff face; his toes teetering on the edge of the cliff, sending small clumps of ice tumbling down below.

The cavern opens up into a massive cave like structure lit by illumination deep within the surrounding ice. Icicles as large as Viking Dragon boats cling to the cavern ceiling over 100 ft above. The icy cliff face drops a similar distance into a raging underground river. 50 feet across the cavern Tristan spots an opposite cliff face with an entrance leading to another cavern similar to the one behind him.

ooc- Navigation check.

Figg looks at Tristan grinning.

Oh sorry Tristan! I was so used to stopping here, I forgot you are new to these caverns.

Figg looks at Tristan quizically thinking the mountaineer had lost his nerve staring into the chasm below.

You are a mountain man yes? I think it time you show me proof of this skill. There are answers on the other side of this river and deep within the ice cap above us.

With that, Figg's body begins to shiver and quake in a most unatural way. His short lemming fur thickens and falls flat as tiny grey feathers pop from the rodents skin like blisters in the sun. His front legs stretch out forming wings and short white talons sprout from feet as the fur falls from his legs and his skin turns a light orange. Figg's mutating form falls off the side of the cliff and a gull soars up to the top of the cavern landing on a ledge of ice leading into the entrance to the Ice Cap.