To be honest, I was just rolling with how everything was churning out in the thread and had no intentions to make it seem Conan-like, which I admit I have little familiarity with. And yes, the mage and beast ideas other than what has already been mentioned, are open for interpretation and fleshing out as we go. The only things to keep in mind are the following: that the mage is some kind of evil wizard/magic-user type with powers over controlling beasts and the weather, and from what Icarus has typed up, he also seems to be a bit (or a lot!) of a necromancer or at least a necrophiliac with the stench of all the dead bodies Aguta has yet to see but is undoubtedly there.
Perhaps he even has blood magic at his disposal and that's what he needs the bodies for, for some dark ritual. Further ideas on this feel free to go wild with. And I also don't think a final confrontation should occur just yet with the dark mage, but it might be interesting if Aguta had a dangerous run-in with him before finding a way out. Any finales should definitely be a group scene. Perhaps dark mage is killed, the beast is freed from his clutches or is also killed? Don't know exactly, but again part of role-playing is to kinda just roll with it and see how everything goes so everyone has a chance to add what they want to see happen.
Also, forgot to add the beast is indeed a polar bear with a supernatural sickness affecting his mind (aka the work of said mage) and as such it pretty much controls his reckless behaviors as he lashes out in confusion and protest, as well as bloodlust and rage. The arcane symbols the mage is drawing upon could include the runes for that, bloodlust, rage and domination.
One more thing concerning my character. While she may have a 'don't care' attitude a lot, there is at least one other reason besides what's already been said before as to why she travels the tundra. Simply put she loves adventure, so the thrill of something of this nature would be enough enticement for her to help, but in her own way. News about the evil mage would most likely peak her interest as well, because while she has met some mages in her life, she wouldn't mind meeting more, even though said mage would be just as likely to attack her as he would any of the others. She would be wary of course, but still intrigued. And she might say something about offering magical back-up because the party would have just about everything else: brawn, hunting, tracking, assassination/rogue skills and general weapons expertise--but with Adelaide they would also have ice magic to add to the pool of talents. And going up against another mage, that would be pretty useful. Her intentions are far from being altruistic though. If I had to tack on a D&D alignment for her, she would definitely be True Neutral no doubt. In it for herself and her own goals but not above helping others to some extent if she sees a use for it. But she wouldn't kill anyone in cold blood. She's not evil, just very detached and minds her own business kind of thing.
Anyway, I hope I've explained some more things here. If not, let me know and I'll see what else I can add.
