The sky clouds up that night...and March 9th dawns overcast with plummeting temperatures.
Occa casts another identify spell after breakfast...this time on the cube. After handling the small crystal, he announces that it provides protection against cold.
Then, the mage rests again.
By late afternoon when he casts his next spell on the second ring the temperature has dropped to -16F and a brisk, icy wind is blowing. The trees provide some protection, but still you huddle close around the fire for warmth.
After examining the ring, Occa states that it provides the wearer with some form of protection...similar to what a shield or armour would give.
Then, he rests again.
As the temperature drops, Gonzo, wrapped in everything he owns and anything else he can find begins to wonder about the sesibility of being out here in the open.
"Geee whhhaa wizzzz g-g-guys... mmm mmm aybe we should mmm mmmove along to some-someplace tthat www wwwould be aaaa aaa b-b-b-it warmer???? H-h-h-eck, I'd even sleep in dat Eeettin's place if it were www www wwwarmer!"
Gonzo will keep himself warm by romping around camp at a light trot off and on throughout the day. He will occasionally spy through his spyglass watching the horizon and other far off places for life not a part of the camp. He will also watch the closer places as well.
"Hah!" Gilstrock says. "I love it! I was born in weather like this!"
Gilstrock takes a deep breath, and exhales hugely. Then, recognizing that no matter how many he wants to look, a temperature of -15F can be dangerous, he bundles himself up to protect his body heat.
Occa says, "Well let's try to use this damnable cube that protects from the cold." He tosses it down at his feet willing it to work.
Suddenly a shimmering field of energy appears...10' per side. Within this area the temperature is that of a late spring or early fall day...comfortably warm.
Unfortunately not all of you can fit within this area...but you can take turns..
Occa says, "Cool man! Or, warm...I guess." He smiles and says, "Me first...I did think of it after all."
Pharian says, "Not to mention the fact that it only lasts as long as you stay inside."
Occa says, "That is a Leomund's tiny hut you are thinking about...this cube should stay until commanded to go back down to normal size."
Occa says, "I can cast Leomund's Tiny hut...in this weather it should provide protection for us...it should be a balmy 50-60 degrees in the hut. Sadly, it can only hold up to 7 people, so I would recommend that someone else here learns it as well....mabye you Pharian...I have it in my books if you would like to copy it."
Pharian, who has been off on his own for much of the last few days mucking about with his spell books, has come back, looking somewhat grouchier than normal on account of the cold.
He says, "I can't copy it, Occa, all my books are full. Otherwise I would have copied identify and would be helping you out with this interminable chore. If we go to the city now, I could get a book, learn the spell, and we could get done with this process sooner. How much more is left to do?"
Occa frowns and says, "Well, I forgot to tell you, but there are a few blank standard spell books and travelling spell books in the community chest. Why don't you use those?" (2 standard and 1 travelling I believe... Steve uses unearthed arcana rules for how many spells you can get into each fyi)
Occa says, "We have lots of stuff in the community chest...you should ask if there is anything you need."