Getting to the Hermit's Hut
The snow has resumed its steady fall as you begin walking to the hermit's hut. The villagers who are out and about continue to stare as you pass, then look towards the mountain and make signs to ward off evil. The lightening at the summit continues to periodically flare.
It is a short hike to reach the woods north of Arnok. The path is a little less visible, but the way is still easy enough to follow. It takes but a short while before you find the clearing.
The first thing that strikes you is that the building is far less "mean hermit hut" and more "comfortable country cottage". The walls are stout, the roof is of new thatch, a large barn stands a short distance off, and inside the well kept fence is a herd of dozen or so reindeer. The reindeer, originally gathered in a sort of cirle, all turn as you leave the cover of the trees. Two of the reindeer walk over to the gate - large specimens with unusually intelligent eyes.
Beyond the cottage you see the large lake. A wooded island stands in its center; you catch the occasional light, perhaps of a cooking fire or the like.
Approaching the Cottage
- The reindeer will speak to the party if they are addressed directly. If the party tries the gate the reindeer will inform them that the master is not presently in residence - and berate the party for their attempted trespass.
- THe reindeer know their master to find the children. They fear he has become trapped or contained (they do not fear his death - and seem oddly calm if confronted with the possibility). The reindeer went searching but cannot approach the mountain too closely because they are driven back by one of their natural predators - pterodactyl.
- The reindeer think the community on the island may know more - and that it is likely that their master stopped to speak with them before facing the mountain.
- The reindeer know there used to be a friendly yeti, but they never did much of any interaction with it. The reindeer, therefore, cannot say whether the yeti is still there, or if it has been replaced, or if there are multiple yeti.
- The reindeer, if asked, will recommend flying to the island. If the party has made a good impression the reindeer will be amenable to ferrying the party.
- The cottage is impervious to any attempt to enter. Trying, however, will greatly anger the reindeer.