Exalted OCC

[Nigawatts]

Hall of Winter's Last Breath
Those approaching the home of the Winter Folk must travel through the snow covered mountains north of Whitewall. The main pathway leading toward the Freehold is blocked by a 30 foot Blue Jade Door, which depicts ever changing murals of the glory of the Winter Folk within. Most travelers merely have to knock on the door to be allowed in, but some travelers (Exalted) will not be allowed entrance without a proper introduction. Inside miles of tundra stretch as far as the eye can see, as light snowfall drops from the sky but never piles on the ground. As travelers move toward the center of the freehold, they pass creatures with forms both familiar and amazing; these creatures, ranging from wolves made of ice and snow to herds of Unicorn mustangs, are often the first hint that the traveler has ventured into a place not of Creation. These creatures roam the valley freely, although they will not attack newcomers unless provoked. Frozen Fog sometimes roams across the tundra, which travelers must try to avoid at all costs.

At the center of the freehold, where the Arcane Redoubt has been placed, is a hill covered in mountain flowers. On the summit of this hill is a statue of Father Winter surrounded by silver flames. Around this statue you will find the many servants and familiars tending to the wildflowers as if it were a garden. North of that is the main structure of the Freehold, The Hall of Winter's Last Breath. In order to enter the Hall you must cross the Dragon Bone bridge that acts as the Fountainhead of the Freehold. The building beyond the bridge is huge, about as tall as a small mountain, and about as wide as an island. The Hall of Winter's Last Breath is divided into three sections. The main hall is a mixture of a giant feasting hall, and meeting room. Here the Raksha play their courtly games and participate in parties and affairs. This is the Freehold Glory in every way, reminiscent of the greatest feasting halls in any story. North of this room is a small square building made completely out of ice; this is Father Winter's workshop, where he shapes both his servants and his creations at a whim. A staircase of crystal and ice spirals up to the roof into an open Throne Room. Here Father Winter sits on a throne made of Moonsilver surrounded by murals of ever shifting depictions of glory. The eastern hall of the main structure is controlled by the warrior castes of the Winter Folk. Here is the Gladiator Arenas made of white marble, and has an ice floor that gets covered in snow. When wind blows the light snow fall away, you can see in the ice all those who have died in combat here beneath the ice. The eastern hall is also where the Mortal Servants have quarters. The western hall is where most of the noble Raksha have their own rooms, and stretches of domain they call their own. Father Winter permits his court to do whatever they wish in their own rooms, but warns visitors that should they enter those rooms he can no longer protect them. Commoner Raksha must maintain themselves in the Main Hall at all hours an are not granted time of leisure or personal pursuits, unless sent outside the grounds.


Dramatis Personae

Nobles
Nikolas "Father Winter"- Artisan; Warden of Winter's Last Breath and King of the Winter Folk.
Apalapachia - Luminary; A clever mistress who indulges Nikolas while maintaining a rebellious streak that should have gotten her exiled years ago.
Barabast - Anarch; Oldest creation of Nikolas who has remained at his lord's side, starting as a mere Warrior and lifting himself up to noble status. Nikolas holds his Heart Grace.
Master Gepetus - Artisan; Toymaker and assistant to Nikolas during Winter's Gift.
Jora - Xia; Self-proclaimed best swordswoman in the North. Owns a sword made of the dreams of Anya Wildfang's Tribesman.
Lios - Ornamental; Bard, messenger, and prophet. Has seduced Rune, an Eclipse Caste from Whitewall in hopes of finally getting the walls open to the Winter Folk.

Commoners
Razah - Diplomat; An exile from the Lapis Court; Nikolas praises him highly due to his knowledge of the Way and uses him as a Herald.
Livia - Entertainer; Nikolas' current favorite among his commoners.
Svanir - Warrior; In charge of keeping the mortals of the freehold where they should be.
Ambergris - Worker; A matron of sorts for the mortal servants of the freehold.
Skuld - Worker; A weaver of excellent skill, her textiles are traded to Whitewall and fetch quite a good price.

Pics

[Swordsavior]

Hoo boy, this is going to be one hell of an infiltration.

[Swordsavior]

Welp, I'll bite, where is everybody?

[Nigawatts]

Winter Break I'm sure.

Although mine more or less ends tomorrow, so I'm about to start dusting this place off.

Arthera where is your character physically right now?

Swordsavior you notice the Fair Folk coming down to greet the two ambassadors, so you realize that following them in won't work. Do a Perception + Awareness Roll. You can use any charms to enhance your chances of finding an alternate entrance into the Freehold.

[Arthera]

Yes, I was on holiday limbo. Visiting family left and right. Was not at my place in what feels like ages.

I'm working on my post. To follow the ground, I intended to simply let them go far ahead then fly from tree to tree, flocking with other birds (that I can speak with to help me along). I'd try to find another way in once we got close, but otherwise swap to a small land-based shape and sneak into the Guardian's pack/things.

[Nigawatts]

... make a wits+awareness roll, add a single die to your roll

[Swordsavior]

Alright, lesse....

2 Perception +1 Awareness + 2 Dice Cecylene Excellency(Prior Thought[2m cost]) + 2 (Unwoven Coadjustor Perk) = 7 Dice
Roll = 3 Successes

Let's hope that's enough!

[Nigawatts]

You sense a smaller entrance at the side of a mountain. It is a cave, but if you look inside you can see a few bodies laying in the entrance. Their bodies shriveled and mummified. You can also feel a brisk wind coming from the cave that tells you that it eventually leads into the Freehold.

[Swordsavior]

Cool! Now I need to wait until someone else posts so I don't double post ._.

[Informatix]

Awww. I feel for you ^^ just checking in to reassure you all that I still exist, by the way