Jo-owrn, though, steps out of the tent, sniffs the air, and looks up at the western mountains dubiously.
"It's snowing up there," he says.
"That's to be expected," says Leslie.
"I guess so," he says, and sets about packing his horse.
You set out soon thereafter. The road - actually little mre than a poorly marked trail at this point - climbs steeply out of the valley and up the side of some nameless mountain. You have not gone far before you are all forced to dismount and lead your horses. With the snow covering the trail and the steep incline, walking is safer.
All day you trudge slowly up the mountainside, aiming for a notch between two peaks that is hidden in the clouds. The trees grow stunted, and afford steadily less protection from the rising wind. The depth of the snow on the ground increases, until you are wading through almost 30" of the white stuff. You struggle on. Finally, shortly before you stop to camp for the night, you reach the bottom of the cloud deck, and it begins to snow.
You waste no time piling into Kelar's tent tonight.
Jon asks, "Leslie are you coming the whole way with us?"
"I don't know. Am I needed?"
"Do you work for somebody?"
"I serve my patrons, Mielikki and Freya."
Illyana collapses to the ground, exhausted. "When there was a little snow on the ground, things were fun. Now.. we're bordering on crazy."
She looks at the group. "We are carrying a teleport scroll, right?"
Ayazin says, "I don't know why everyone's complaining so much -- I told everyone this morning that there would be heavy snow today, after I cast my Predict Weather spell, which I have been doing every morning of our journey, so that we all know exactly what weather lies ahead. You should have expected something like this -- though it's not any fun, whether we expect it or not. Also, let me remind you all of my Control Temperature spell, if you feel like you are going to collapse or are in danger of frostbite, please just say the word -- we don't even have to stop."
Farad looks somewhat alarmed. "I'd be careful if I were you. A sudden rise in temperature might make all this snow suddenly go unstable, causing an avalanche."
Ayazin nods. "I certainly will. However, the effect only extends for 10 feet around me, so large volumes of snow are unlikely to be affected. If we are standing on firm ground, it should be fine. Also, I can raise the temperature to be only, say, 30 degrees, at which point water and snow will stay frozen, but it would still be quite a bit warmer than the temperatures we've been seeing."
Farad announces that he will begin moving to the ethereal plane at the start of each day... thus he can scout ahead quickly and safely, stay nice and warm, and be free to dig anybody out should an avalanche hit. (not necessarily in that order)
Since sound doesn't travel across the planes, he tells you to arrange some firewood or blades in an X shape should you wish him to come out to discuss something or if there is a change of plan. During the day he'll basically scout ahead, then come back, scout ahead, then come back... etc, thus the party shouldn't have to wait more than thirty minutes if it wants to stop before Farad shows back up, and have ample warning if he spots a yeti or the like.
"Farad, would going through the back door help any or do you still need to use your powers to get in? I don't know what you all are complaining about. It isn't that bad out here," says Kelar as he shivers a little.
Jon says,"Leslie can't you teleport us close to Snurre's old hideout rather than using a scroll...which should only be used in an emergency."
"I'm a ranger, not a magic user," Leslie replies.
"I can teleport," says Tabrina, "But I get nervous about teleporting to places I've never been to."
Jon next says to Farad, "Farad what happens if you meet something in the other place? Would you take me for the experience...it sounds wonderful!"