Now, there was something very important to consider. You see, there actually WAS violence in the Frostpunk verse, as well as surviving animals and plant life. Generally speaking it would be clustered around hot springs or other areas of geothermal activity, or ironically out at sea. That and while the games hyped up the cold? Yeah, thing is if there were existing herds of caribou and existing terrestrial plants and animals out in the wilds? Smart money would be that there actually was a hot and cold season with some temperature variations inside each, but otherwise? People and animals could actually survive.

Still, rambling aside, there were in fact dangers in the form of people and predators, even if both of those tended to be scattered and low in numbers due to climatic conditions. Things tended to be isolated. And then there was the crossover/moded nature of the world to take into account, as well as the fact that I picked 'A Touch of Magic' to go along with the strange and mysterious aspects of things that occasionally popped up. Which of course is why as I dropped in, both of my companions with me, there was howling from above, and the figure of... well, a yeti could be made out.

Something ape and bear like, almost more like a wampa from Star Wars without the horns, with a more gangly body. And it was answered by other roars. Because apparently a pack of yeti's rated as 'gang or bandit activity.' Which, yeah, all said and done, fair, even as Alexstrasza rose, having been deposited on her ass like me... and Aayla Secura. Thankfully, Aayla was wearing what seemed to be cold weather clothing, even if she lacked her lightsabers. But, it was the dragon queen that spoke. "So. You are the one that bought me."

Her tone was more thoughtful than anything else, a touch of resignation in it as she looked me over. "Not entirely what I expected, but..." She clicked her tongue, and in that moment? She looked every inch the titan among apex predators that she was. "Well, as death closed in, choices had to be made. And I will honor my agreements, even if they were not directly with you. However, I do have a personal request." From her tone? It was less a 'request' and more of a very firm suggestion on what I would be doing. "I would like for you to purchase the Gift of Metis eventually, so I can better build a new flight in this world."

There was no suggestion of a blush on her cheeks. "Because while the children would be fine regardless... I would like to have the chance to have true whelps again." Now, she did huff. "As you are my new owner, you will need to take responsibility after all."

Now, given her ties to life and nature? Yeah, I sort of blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "Breeding is your favorite kink, isn't it?"

The fact that she shivered and nodded? Not going to lie, that did make my dick jump a little, even as Aayla spoke, her tone worried. "So, while I am interested to meet the man who apparently I was sold to," now, there was an unspoken again to go along with her eyeroll, "after my boys shot me from behind," I winced, as fuck, post order sixty six was a bad time, "I do happen to notice that there are some predators coming closer. And I don't have my lightsaber. And while I could try unarmed combat, I would prefer to have a weapon."

As I reached into the provided pack to give her the gun and knife (as she was actually trained for those), it was when I was reminded of the fact that Alexstrasza was a dragon. Mostly because she shifted into her natural form and breathed fire, incinerating the yeti's even as she shifted back down into her visage form, an indulgent smile on her face as she patted Aayla's head, the jedi masters eyes wide as she clearly wanted to take a step back. "Do not worry my dear, I am more than capable of protecting you."

Which you know, was a great introduction and flex on her part. Even as we should probably settle that. "So, introductions. I'm Matt, I filled out a form on my local information network thinking it was just... well, a thought exercise before I got told that it was viable enough that they wanted to see it work. That said, I was a baseline human, I just got my body optimized and talent for mystical arts installed, so I should be able to learn faster than normal."

There was some narrowing of eyes, as they both looked at me, Aayla speaking up first, seeming a little unsure of things. "Jedi Master Aayla Secura and formerly a general in the grand army of the republic. Though, given how my men shot me in the back, well, I probably don't have that at home any more." Yes, there was some bitterness in her tone, sorrow and pain, as she breathed, as she worked on releasing her emotions. "I am a capable warrior and skilled at infiltration and information gathering. I also have some small skill at force healing. I would prefer not to use force lightning, but I am capable of the technique."

A touch of annoyance in her tone, as our glorious MILF spoke. "I am Alexstrasza, the Lifebinder, queen of Azeroth's dragons. Though, given the events that lead up to my death, I likely do not have a world to return to. While I am a dragon and the mother of the red dragonflight, that mainly means I am a healer and caretaker of nature, seeing to life's growth and flourishing and the balance of the wild to ensure a healthy world. Corruption makes my scales itch, and I would prefer to burn it out. I also have unpleasant memories of mind control and would appreciate if such methods were not used. However. You mentioned this happened because you had a plan?"

Yeah, suddenly I was glad that I went skills instead of control options. "Yes. You see, in this frozen world where they are moving to embrace new ways of doing things... there is an opening for a mother goddess who can restore forests and bring warmth to the world once more."

She blinked, a small but amused smile on her face, even as Aayla spoke up. "That explains her. Why did you purchase me?"

Now, there could be some insecurity, but... "While your combat and espionage skills are useful?" Yeah, she narrowed her eyes as she could see where this was going. "I made a vow, if i was in this sort of situation to pick up a Twi'lek so I could eat her out, front and back, for days and deepthroat her leeku."

Based on the blush and the shifting? Yeah, she was not expecting that exact answer, even if it was in line with the standard reasons why males wanted twi'lek.

Henry Eriksen, Iceblood Chief/Head Scout

Now, for all that Andrew was a warmland fool, he was able to tell that he did in fact, not know much about the world beyond the range of the generator. Nothing practical anyway. And so, given how they needed scouts, who else would they recruit but the people who actually knew what they were doing and how to avoid the worst of the dangers? Or failing that, who knew how to use a crossbow and axe to make sure that danger was properly resolved out on the frost.

And given the eruption of flame from the peak in the devils teeth, that was high up in howler territory? He was not enthusiastic about being sent out to find exactly what caused it, for the simple reason that while it was likely that it took out a howler or two, that just meant that there would be more and they would be pissed. And likely hungry, as it was likely some fool blowing themselves up with explosives when they got desperate and confronted with one of the few remaining mountain predators.

So, he would go as close as he could... but well outside of the actual hunting grounds. As they were not properly equipped for a howler hunt. Which is why the giant red dragon was something of a surprise, as it both suddenly appeared and flew down on front of them, releasing two figures, one obvious not human, from its claws. But it was the man that spoke. "Hello there! You happen to be from New London? We have heard things about it and wanted to visit, have a bit of a deal they might be interested in."

At that moment, he was glad that it was Andrew in charge, and not himself, as that meant that the other man would have to deal with this. Because this was simply three people looking for refuge and to be escorted back to the city. So, he grunted and nodded. "Aye." His eyes darted to the dragon. "You have something to do with the fire plume?"

If the dragon did, if it was anything like the old tales... maybe said dragon could keep the heat on better than even coal. Failing that... well, they would need to figure out how to hunt it, as that would be a lot of meat and would be able to feed their numbers for months.