Introduction
DM Note: Any party member who knows il'lQ is Klingon for Icy deserves an inspiration point!
As you approach the lake the cold strikes you hard. Much of the lake is frozen over - the few patches of water tell you it can be quite thick in some places, but almost paper thin in others. You fear crossing it yourselves; barring a ranger raised in this very region you would likely fall through to an icy death.
As you reach the banks of the island you see a group of elves arrayed amongst the trees. They are dressed in a motley assortment of clothing - bright candy striped leggings on some, fur-lined green and red cloaks, some even in harlequin-style hats - red and green with but a single ball. Their weapons are as diverse - short bows, crossbows, hammers, pick-axes, awls and augers. There is fear and uncertainty in their eyes and in their stance.
One elf steps forward, the only one in half-plate. His voice booms forth, the heraldic manticore rampant upon his breastplate gleaming. "I be King Moonracer. Advance and state you reason for intruding upon Our domain."
The Island of Misfits
- King Moonracer knows the hermit was captured by some pterodactyls and taken to their nest. He knows that some evil wizard has taken over the old necromantic tower (Nakatomi Tower) and plans some terrible tragedy using the concentrated magic of Yule.
- Moonracer will not reveal the secrets he knows until the party has taken care of their yeti problem:
King Moonracer speaks, "In days past a yeti prowled yon shore. It were not evil like its kin; it fished, drank from the streams, and sang wondrously at each full moon. From time to time, as our woodsmen or ice miners ran afoul of terrible luck, it would appear to us and lend its vast strength. I have personally seen it lift a mighty fir tree from our own Charlie The Box when it fell upon him."
But now another sort of creature roams the woods. It be too dangerous to venture out from our island; this new beast seems intent upon tracking us. Some say it be the same yeti, now living true to its evil nature. Others think it a new beast what slew the first. But some, including myself, think it some fell curse or cruelness cast upon our yeti. Ye will know well if it approach - a mighty and foul stench portends its arrival."
- Moonracer will give the party a boat to reach the far shore. The reindeer will risk neither the yeti nor pterodactyl.
The (Not-So) Elusive Yeti
You stand on the shore, taking a quick look back at the isalnd. Moonracer and several others stand on the shore watching. Shrugging, you gather your weapons and move inland, following the path Moonracer suggested.
It is not long before a foul odor strikes your nose! Gripping your weapons, you turn to the unnerving sound of a yeti's howl.
Standing before you is the fearsome yeti!
- The Yeti - Bumble
- The yeti has a bad (diseased) tooth. Curing the disease will return the yeti back to its peaceful and helpful nature.
- Any creature within 10 feet of the yeti will note the stench is coming from the yeti's mouth. A perception DC 10 will reveal there is a cracked and infected tooth.
- After resolving the yeti problem, King Moonbeam and the others will join the party on the short and provide the group with the information they have.