Having defeated a heavily mutated monstrous bear, as part of a demonstration of good faith. The players are provided with safe passage to the Medieval Viking village of Hafgrim, where they are introduced to the Chieftain Rethue. Rethue is wary of the players and their intentions, as typical, he balks at the mention of the Planet Karbarra and the Forge bear. After much questioning and feasting the players (some who have been challenged to drinking games with the locals), retire for the evening. Spending the night in the house of Stut'war the scout, they are taken to the Village Seer, to have him cast the runes and bless their quest into the "Darkness" (the city of Formicarium). Warriors are selected and arrangements made for the expedition. However it is all a ruse. Hatred runs deep for the Zentraedi race amongst this clan and the team find them selves drugged, stripped of all possessions and chained up to be sold as slaves. Stut'war (having seen to have disgraced himself) has been badly beaten and thrown in with the captive players. In a display of strength Xander tears the chain bonds from the walls of the barn in which the team have been imprisoned. Trying to show restraint the players are forced to dispatch two Karbarren Warrior guards in their attempt to escape, while Sean Tillman braves the elements and sprints through the snow back to his Veritech. If he can intimidate the locals into surrender then perhaps they can avoid further bloodshed....