[b]"Perhaps we might examine it more closely, and afterwards, we could join the others at the buffet? Perhaps procure some refreshments?"[/b]

Lady Agnes nodded here approval of this plan as she and Flurry both followed you in moving to inspect the ice sculpture. As you moved closer you started to make out enough of the ice sculpture's to realize that it depicted the nine founders of Moorvale.

There was the high elf druid Andraste Amastacia kneeling at the center, hands raised, with ghostly forest spirits swirling around her and trees sprouting from her gestures.

The mountain dwarf artificer Durwith Bronzebeard stood beside her, hammer raised high, sparks frozen mid-air as they cascaded down onto his anvil.

The icy rendition of the half-orc barbarian Buramog the Breaker was frozen in an eternal forward lunge on the other side of Andraste, maul in hand, breaking a beast beneath his swing. His roar hacked into the ice with all the aggression and brutality the Breaker himself had possessed.

The lightfoot halfling bard Rinkin Goodbarrel was frozen mid-dance dance across the foreground, lute in hand, trails of musical notes floating in his wake.

The gold dragonborn paladin Ghesh Drasteath stood beside Durwith with sword and shield in hand, sunlight glinting off his icy scales.

The tiefling fighter Sir Courage Duty Honor knelt next to Drasteath with one hand on the hilt of his sword and the other raised in a knightly vow. He faced the horizon as if daring any foe to approach.

Your founding ancestor, the human sorcerer Lacridon Everheart hovered slightly above the ground next to Buramog, arcane sigils spiraling from one hand, a chaotic wild magic mishap surging from the other.

The human wizard Rhibeus Gax made somatic gestures over an open grimoire next to Lacridon. Magical glyphs danced across the pages, carved into the ice with great attention to detail.

And finally, the human rogue Graham Douglas was partially in shadow, lurking behind the others with a dagger glinting in one hand. His presence more felt than seen in the sculpture.

It was barely an inconvenience to find the magical aspects of the ice sculpture. Some of it was being supported in part or held aloft entirely by magic. Despite it being the middle of summer, the sculpture showed no sign of melting. And once you got close enough, a disembodied voice that you realize belongs to Alton Goodbarrel began speaking.

[b]"Long ago, the land that would become Moorvale was wild and untamed."[/b] Alton's voice spoke. [b]"A valley of tangled forests, jagged hills, and roaming beasts. Nine heroes, drawn from distant lands and disparate peoples, converged by fate at the valley's heart."[/b]

Andraste's sculpture began glowing. [b]"Andraste Amastacia knelt upon the fertile soil, her hands tracing the ley lines beneath the earth. 'Here.' She whispered to the others. 'The spirits of the land are strong. This shall be our home.' With a flourish, she called upon the forest spirits, binding them to protect the city yet to rise."[/b]

Durwith's sculpture began glowing. [b]"Durwith Bronzebeard struck his hammer upon stone and metal, shaping the first walls and towers. Sparks flew like stars, and the valley echoed with the music of creation. 'Let our city stand as long as the mountains themselves!' He roared. His forges gave birth to the gates, aqueducts, and defenses that would shield and provide for Moorvale for generations."[/b]

Buramog's sculpture began glowing. [b]"Buramog the Breaker stood at the city’s edge, challenging the wild beasts and bandits who dared approach. With a swing of his maul, he cleared the valley, hammering out safe place for the settlers. 'No threat shall touch this land while I breathe.' He vowed."[/b]

Rinkin's sculpture began glowing. [b]"From among the crowd, Rinkin Goodbarrel strummed a lively tune upon his lute. His songs lifted spirits and soothed fear. Negotiating with wandering tribes and nearby settlements, he brought allies to their cause. 'Let our story be sung, and our city remembered.' He said, composing the first lines of the Founding Song of Moorvale."[/b]

Drasteath's sculpture began glowing. [b]"Ghesh Drasteath raised his gleaming sword and blessed the land in Bahamut’s name. He established codes of justice, ensuring that morality would guide the city's laws. 'Moorvale shall shine as a beacon of virtue.' He proclaimed, carving the first paladin sigils into the stone gates."[/b]

Sir Courage's sculpture began glowing. [b]"By his side, Sir Courage Duty Honor marshaled warriors into disciplined ranks, instructing them in the arts of defense and chivalry. When raiders approached, he challenged their mightiest warriors one-on-one, securing peace through valor and strategy. 'A city is strong not only in stone but in courage.' He declared."[/b]

Lacridon's sculpture began glowing. [b]"Above the valley, Lacridon Everheart traced arcs of magic through the air, weaving protective wards into the city’s foundations. His enchantments lit the night with guiding beacons and held the city safe from storms and shadow. 'The heart of Moorvale will always burn bright.' He said, naming the enchanted lantern that would guide travelers."[/b]

Rhibeus's sculpture began glowing. [b]"Rhibeus Gax inscribed runes upon towers and libraries, weaving knowledge and arcane theory into the city's design. 'Let wisdom guard the walls as surely as steel.' He advised, stabilizing the valley's magic and teaching others to safeguard the city for centuries."[/b]

Graham's sculpture began glowing. [b]"Finally, Graham Douglas slipped into the shadows, mapping secret passages and hidden routes. He spied on potential threats, unmasking spies and saboteurs before they could act. 'By day and by night, the shadows will protect us.' He murmured, vanishing into the city's secret tunnels."[/b]

[b]"Together, these nine shaped Moorvale. Not merely a city of stone and magic, but a place where courage, wisdom, art, and nature coalesce."[/b] Alton's voice declared as the sculptures all stopped glowing. [b]"Their deeds were immortalized in the Founding Song, sung in taverns and halls, a reminder that Moorvale was built not by one hero alone, but by the unity of many, each bringing their strength to the heart of a wild valley. And so, under the watchful stars, Moorvale was born, destined to grow and endure, its name echoing through the ages as a testament to the nine who dared to forge civilization from wilderness."[/b]

With that said, the voice fell silent. A look of recollection adorned Lady Agnes's face as she regarded the ice sculpture. [b]"I recall Alton mentioning that he was helping out with something some of the University's students were working on to help summarize the city's history to people visiting from further afield."[/b] She said. [b]"This must be what he was talking about."[/b]

Meanwhile, Flurry continued to stare intently at the ice sculpture.