Gabril the Savage (Date 2/2/9)

After brief debate, it was decided that the party should not squander the opportunity they had been given. It would have taken them weeks to hike this high into the mountains, and while it would take weeks for them to hike back down, they would be remiss if they did not at least explore while they went. Using Ilyana as an eye in the sky, they plotted the safest routes for their inexperienced climbing skills, and confirmed that the bulk of these icy peaks were barren of visible life. It wasn’t until the fourth day, as they began their descent towards Malwan, that they encountered another living thing.

A woman in rough furs, wielding a massive hunk of wood as a club, battled a snake of freezing blue energy. After a timely rescue, the party determined that she wasn’t completely human. Her features were rough and pronounced, with over-sized teeth jutting out of her jaw in a random fashion. She cowered like an animal and spoke in sharp grunts and gestures. Unable to communicate, they chose to follow her, refusing to be deterred by her brave shows and hurled rocks. When she took off running, Euwyn followed in flight. The woman stared in wonder, then ran harder, then admitted defeat and fell back to her previous brisk stride.

The party followed her to a collection of caves filled with of humans like her. It was under attack by large hairy humanoids. The savage woman rushed forward to defend her home and kin, and would have been quickly overwhelmed if not for the intervention of the party. Still unable to speak to these primitive humans, the two groups settled in to a wary détente.

Meanwhile, back in Malwan, General Justice gave a stirring speech rallying the people by informing them of the dangers present in the world, but assuring them that his past heroics in defense of the kingdom made him the right man to keep them safe.