AP: Reign of Winter: The Snows of Summer (Inactive)

Game Master Slyness

Sionna nods to herself a bit and looks to Lady Argentea.

"I will take those who will go and we will figure out what we can, Lady Argentea."

She will then head downstairs to where Dekkembe is to help.

"Let me take a look at that lock."

Disable Device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19

"Hi Sionna." Dekkembe says brightly as she walks in. "We found a couple items I think you should have. I set them aside for you. First, is this magical whip. May it always strike true! Second, are these finely made lock picks. Perhaps you can try them out now?" (gestures toward the lock on the chest) "I'm hoping we get more time to visit soon. You are the only other shifter I know. Meeting you has made me feel less alone in the world. You three Si's are amazing and I'm grateful our paths have crossed."

High Sentinel Lodge: Map
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Lady Argentea and Ha'Penny lead the way downstairs where you find Dekkembe and Khaleesi hovering over two chests. Lady Argentea looks to Sionna expectantly. She is apparently letting Sionna take the lead in asking Dekkembe and Khaleesi if they will join the group pressing on into the forest.

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| HP: D:30/30 | E: 30/30 | K: 24/24 | Sid: 33(5NL)/33 | Sio: 27/27 | Ul: 37/42 |

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I consider the matter of Ulfrik settled. I just have to decide what I'm going to do with the character in terms of story. I don't really want to have a DMPC, but I'll consider it.

Will you lend Serenity to Ulfrik so that he can keep up? Will anyone else join them on the trip to Heldren?

Flasks=Alchemist's Fire x10
Red Vials=CLWx2; CMWx2
Green vials=Oil of Magic Weaponx2

Ha'Penny rushes to the smaller chest that Dekkembe discovered and exclaims, "Mine!"

Dekkembe looks at Ha'Penny, taps the chest lightly and says, "This is yours Ha'Penny? Can you tell me how you got it and what's inside? If it's yours we won't take it from you. Don't worry." He says reassuringly.

Knowing that he has no stake in any of these treasures, Euclid will take a seat and enjoy a few pulls off of his flask whilst his new companions sort out their bounty.

Ha'Penny stares at Dekkembe slack-jawed and after a moment, Lady Argentea answers for her with a withering glare. "It is none of your business what is in her trunk or how she acquired it. And it is uncouth to imply that she is lying." She turns to Sionna with an exasperated look.

Meanwhile, Sionna successfully opens the larger chest. She looks up triumphantly to see Lady Argentea looking at her expectantly.

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Khaleesi, make a Spellcraft check to identify the cloak when it comes up.

Sionna gladly takes the bow and lock pick set from Dekkembe, "Thank you, these will both come in very handy. I have to agree that it is nice to meet somebody else who shifts... Feeling alone is never easy..."

She will go about picking the lock before she realizes she is being waited on. "Look, we don't need to fight about it, if she says it is her's then let her have it.. We are going to be riding on, Dekkembe, Si. Ulfrik is going to be escorting the ladies back, in the mean time we have been offered work."

After a moment she will look over to Euclide. "I would appreciate if you came with us. You would of course be paid for your help."

Dekkembe's back stiffens and an affronted look spreads about his face. For the first time since the group formed, Dekkembe's easy demeanor slips away in a social situation. "Although I am incredibly happy we rescued you both, I will be equally happy to part company with you. I nearly died in the attempt to save you and healed both your wounds. My understanding is that you two were prisoners. I have no clue if Rohkar had this chest and what he may have done with it or what may now be inside it. My interests are in keeping everyone safe - not calling Ha'Peny a liar or greed! That much should be clear. You ought to consider replacing your withering glances and exasperation with genuine gratitude and warmth in your conversations with me. I believe Ulfrik is ready to leave. I suggest you both make haste as you are due home."

Dekkembe then looks at Sionna, smiles sincerely attempting to regain his easy going way and says, "I have yet to check on Serenity. I will be outside tending to her. I think it's best I walk away before I say something I regret. They have been through enough, more tension doesn't serve anyone."

Quite puzzled, Khaleesi looks at Sionna. Come again, Sionna. Though it seems you might be fond of the drow, only the gods know why. He is an undesirable stranger who has shown no merit. Promising to pay him is a bit premature. Not only does he have a lot to prove, more importantly he has to earn our trust. He will not get paid for choosing to tag along, and if he expects to, he knows where the barn is.

Lady Argentea, with all due respect, it's apparent that you're protective and loyal to your friend, Ha'Penny. Our group shares the same loyalty for one another. We do not know how long Ha'Penny has been held captive. This raises concern with her chest, since it was in the presence of the evil Rohkar. With that said, please try to understand where Dekkembe is coming from. Ha'Penny, you can have your chest. I thought about accompanying you, Ha'Penny and Ulfrik back to Heldren, but I have made the decision to stay with my people. Lady Argentea, Ulfrik will be on foot, so if you could keep that in mind as you and Ha'Penny will be on horses.

Sidhe finds her friends and ducks into the room with them, away from what is going on upstairs. She is wearing her flat, expressionless poker face.

Si, Ulfrik's not going on with us. He's escorting the Lady and Penny back to town, but he's on foot and they're not. Do you and Dekkembe want to loan him Serenity? I don't know when or how we will get her back.

High Sentinel Lodge: Map
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"Yes, very gracious to allow her to have her own belongings." Lady Argentea gestures to Ha'Penny who moves forward and pulls the chest to the side. The young half-orc woman pulls out a key and unlocks it. She looks inside and rummages around for a moment before looking up to the noblewoman. Ha'Penny smiles and nods.

The large chest that Sionna unlocked holds a gold ingot engraved with the Taldan royal seal, a spyglass, a silver lady’s ring, three shards of tiger’s eye gemstones, a fine pair of leather riding boots of elven make, a silver dagger, and a leather portfolio containing several pieces of parchment, including a scroll of endure elements, two scrolls of magic weapon, and a scroll of unseen servant. It seems likely that this was Rohkar's personal trophy chest.

Ha'Penny and Lady Argentea gather some supplies, rations, waterskins, etcetera, before heading to the stables. Ulfrik follows them outside.

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| HP: D:30/30 | E: 30/30 | K: 24/24 | Sid: 33(2NL)/33 | Sio: 27/27 |

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"Ah Serenity, if only more people were like you!" Dekkembe pats the horse and gives her a a bit of food.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

High Sentinel Lodge: Map
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Lady Argentea stares down Sidhe as the petite gunslinger peers over Ha'Penny's shoulder. "Really?"

Khaleesi refuses to relinquish Serenity to Ulfrik so that he can more easily accompany the duo.

Lady Argentea saddles the two horses in the stable with some expertise. She and Ha'Penny load their small amount of supplies and mount up. Before departing, the noblewoman says, " Thank you again for the defeating Rohkar and coming to my aid. We will make haste for the capital. You may contact me there when you discover the reason behind this winter witchcraft, Lady Sionna."

She and Ha'Penny depart. Just behind them, Ulfrik looks at the group and says, "Good luck. I'll be back if I am able." He gives a shrug that seems to say I'm doing what I have to do.

Across the bridge, you see no sign of Khaleesi's supposed ice mephit.

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| HP: D:30/30 | E: 30/30 | K: 24/24 | Sid: 33(2NL)/33 | Sio: 27/27 | |

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Khaleesi, still need that Spellcraft check to identify the cloak.

Any other preparations before departure?

Sidhe watches Ulfrik leave, then abruptly turns away.

Alright, we gotta divvy out this kit and get to the road then.

She goes to the location of the loot they have accumulated, and looks it over with a sharp, practical eye.

She counts the coin into an even split for heerself, Dekkembe, Sionna and Khaleesi.

Best I can tell, it should add up to about 13 platinum, 1 gold, 2 silver and 5 copper apiece. Am I right? Someone double check me.

She pulls the armor aside.

We can roll or draw cards or whatever for who gets this. Two different people get a journal and 3 charcoal sticks, this spellbook is probably best for Si. Dekkembe's been looking after the wand, and I'm alright with that. Let's figure out the cloak, part out these potions, and bundle whatever else we don't need to sell. I'll tell you, I have a little stone in my pocket that Vrixx said was his, I'd just as soon keep it if no one minds. It's...personal. But if there's a reason not, tell me now.

"Blessed and safe travels to you Lady Argenta and Ha'Penny! Ulfrik, you will be missed. Rejoin us as soon as you can my friend!"

Turning to Sidhe, Dekka says, "I am open and flexible about the "treasure". I think this is equitable but will defer to you three. What do you think?"

Platinum: 25 - 8 plat each (1 plat saved for Serenity’s needs)
Gold: 275 - 68 gold each ( 3 gold saved for Serenity’s needs)
Potions (CLW): 4 (1 each)
Potions(CMW):2 (1 Khaleesi, 1 Si)
Alchemist's Fire Flasks: 10 (2 each, 2 to Euclid)
Wand (CLW): 3 charges left (Dekkembe)
Masterwork Studded Leather - I suggest Sionna taking it
Masterwork thieves tools - Sionna
Whip +1 - Sionna
Pot(Large): smells like zoog stew - Ulfrik

Add all together and its 240g worth of jewelry - each gets 60 g worth.
We can sell. Sionna can keep the sapphire pendant rather than sell if she wants.
(Sapphire pendant (Sionna wearing): 50g + Box of jewelry: 190g worth)
Ice diamond - Sidhe (unknown value, I say you just keep it)

Can anyone use these? If not, we can sell.

Short Swords x 9
Composite Longbow(+1): 12 arrows
Crossbow: 1 bolt
Wooden holy symbol
Journals x 2: 6 charcoal writing sticks
Spellbook

Lastly:
Cloak(Sio): unidentified - I say we have Khaleesi identify it and then decide who needs it.
Keys - anyone of us can hold them.

Khaleesi has this strong feeling that Ulfrik will not be returning. For this reason, Ulfrik will not be taking Serenity.

Sidhe, how are you doing? Ulfrik leaving. I can't imagine this is easy for you. I cannot let him take Serenity. I don't believe he will be returning. I am sorry for this. I am and always be here if you need or want to talk.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Whenever we are out of combat, I am nearby and you need to make a skill check, I am happy to cast "Guidance" on you- adds +1 to the roll. Use the spell liberally and especially when you need all the help you can get. I have unlimited casting, it's a cantrip.

"Khaleesi, Sionna, Sidhe how do you suggest we explore this unnatural winter further? I saw the map upstairs but didn't study it. Any clues surface when exploring the house? We can rest here a bit but I think we should press on soon. Can't say I'm happy about Ulfrik leaving. Suppose that makes Euclid's arrival another sign of providence. Would anyone like me to cook them a pot of zoog stew? Ha'Penny graciously left the recipe and ingredients?" (chuckles)

"May I have use of one of those journals and sticks? Perhaps I can make a sketch of the map upstairs, and we can have that to work with on our journey. I'll do my best to keep it to scale...but even a rough idea will help."

Quite puzzled, Khaleesi looks at Sionna. Come again, Sionna. Though it seems you might be fond of the drow, only the gods know why. He is an undesirable stranger who has shown no merit. Promising to pay him is a bit premature. Not only does he have a lot to prove, more importantly he has to earn our trust. He will not get paid for choosing to tag along, and if he expects to, he knows where the barn is.

"Khaleesi, he can heal, which is something that Dekkembe can only do on occasion, it is not what he is skilled at. I will pay him with what I have for whatever I please if he helps us and earns it, otherwise you ask for bad OMENS. I don't care what he looks like. Look at me, I am a fox with two tails for goodness sake. If he can do his share, he can come as far as I am concerned."

Sionna will look through the things that they find and go about picking through some of it.

If someone really wants what I grab they'll say..

She grabs -
Masterwork Studded Leather
Masterwork thieves tools
Whip +1
The Keys

I'm fine. I- we should get going I imagine. Scrounge up any blankets and padding for Serenity we can find if she's going to be hauling all this kit. She's no work mule.

She looks over at Khaleesi.

Just to clear it up once and for all Si, why do you hate the drow fellow? It seems so- well, personal. What'd he do?

Sidhe will stow her portion of the potions and other kit, and help Dekkembe bundle the rest for hauling.

Feel free to finish the RP in the lodge.
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SNOWS OF SUMMER II: THE DEPTHS OF WINTER
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Trail: High Ridge
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After the departure of Lady Argentea, Ha'Penny, and Ulfrik, you make preparations for leaving the lodge, gathering supplies, loading Serenity, etc. Your new companion even makes a sketch of the map in one of the journals. There are still several hours of daylight left for you to make your way through the forest.

The first step is crossing the rope bridge to the west. You see no signs of the ice mephit that Khaleesi warned you about. Looking down into the gorge, fifty feet below you, you see a creek that is frozen over and has several bodies frozen in place in it. It appears that this was Rohkar's dumping ground for the previous tenants of the lodge. The bridge itself is icy and treacherous, indicative of the dropping temperatures of the Border Wood. You take great care in crossing it, not wishing to fall into the gruesome scene below.

On the other side of the thirty-foot bridge is the High Ridge. The forest stands deathly quiet here. Even the wind has grown still as snow softly falls through the stark branches overhead. Tracks, human in size but oddly misshapen, mar an otherwise unblemished trail through the trees.

A cold wind blows through the forest atop the ridge. Heavy snow burdens the boughs of the evergreen trees, but someone has apparently cleared the snow from a large patch of ground to dig in the pine-needle-carpeted soil.
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| HP: D:30/30 | E: 30/30 | K: 24/24 | Sid: 33/33 | Sio: 27/27 |

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You can make new spellcraft checks to identify the cloak the next day, but for now, it goes unidentified.

Dekkembe, protective of his friends, stands in front of the rope bridge prepared to go first. Realizing how treacherous the bridge is, he puts up a hand signaling his companions to stop before any of them get on. "We cannot risk Serenity's life trying to cross. Nor would I risk any of yours. Please wait a minute. "

Dekkembe moves into a prayer position and enters a meditative state. His eyes become like a night sky - dark backdrop with countless flecks of starlight. He looks up to the heavens and then across the chasm. Shimmering brilliant light coalesces into the outline of the bridge. The light concentrates for a good minute and its shape becomes more distinct. Without looking back, he steps off the edge of the chasm onto the bridge of light. "Come friends. Please go ahead of me, I must be the last to cross."

If you must. That's quite a display.

Sidhe will hurry across the bridge so as not to tax Dekkembe's strength.

"My word, Friend. You are an unmeasured wellspring of power. Remind me never to cross your good nature."

Euclid will help Lady Sionna across the bridge if she will allow and accept his aid.

Coming to the other side of the bridge hopefully Sidhe takes a long look at the tracks, trying to identify what might have made them, and how long ago they passed.

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Well, these look foreboding.

You are unable to decipher what or whom created the tracks.

Couldn't tell you what they were though. Likely nothing we wanna see.

If she has time while the others are crossing, Sidhe will check the freshly dug earth in the cleared area.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Euclid will help Sionna across the bridge whether she likes it or not, and go to join Sidhe at her task.

"What have you found?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Sionna will cross the bridge with Euclid, her mind wandering through the events of the last several days.

A second tail, being treated nicer by people because of it, what the heck is that all about?

Realizing they have crossed she looks at Euclid,

"Thank you, my mind was wandering, I appreciate you making sure I didn't fall off the side."

Turning her attention to her other companions,

"Yes, what did you find? Anything interesting?"

She will look around herself at what is before them.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Sorry if this wasn't clear: the cleared patch is not immediately on the other side. You will have traveled a couple of hours before encountering it.
Also, I will try to get K to post.

Dekkembe, protective of his friends, stands in front of the rope bridge prepared to go first. Realizing how treacherous the bridge is, he puts up a hand signaling his companions to stop before any of them get on. "We cannot risk Serenity's life trying to cross. Nor would I risk any of yours. Please wait a minute. "

Dekkembe moves into a prayer position and enters a meditative state. His eyes become like a night sky - dark backdrop with countless flecks of starlight. He looks up to the heavens and then across the chasm. Shimmering brilliant light coalesces into the outline of the bridge. The light concentrates for a good minute and its shape becomes more distinct. Without looking back, he steps off the edge of the chasm onto the bridge of light. "Come friends. Please go ahead of me, I must be the last to cross."

Sidhe, it's not personal, I just don't feel that's he's trustworthy among other things that I have explained and expressed earlier on. Sidhe you know why. Ones character says a lot about a person.

Khaleesi can't help but feel anger and great sadness of the horrific sight below the bridge.

Dekkembe, I will wait with you until everyone is safely across. I will then take Serenity across. We must take great caution, nothing good can come of this place. The scene is barbaric, all those people.

| High Ridge: Map |
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The wind picks up and a heavy scent of pine resin wafts through the air. Sidhe kneels down to investigate the cleared ground and the sound of the wind changes to creepy chittering. There are new dirt piles indicating that several somethings have been recently buried here.

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Dekkembe Perc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18
Khaleesi Perc: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Euclid will move over quietly to examine what he thought he saw, taking a deep pull off of his flask.

"This is a grim location. Death has visited very recently."

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Dekkembe, I will wait with you until everyone is safely across. I will then take Serenity across. We must take great caution, nothing good can come of this place. The scene is barbaric, all those people."

Dekkembe nods in agreement, "Barbaric indeed! The terrible violence and complete disregard for life makes me more determined to stand in their way. These witches and their servants must be stopped!"

He then pats Serenity and says, "You give me hope girl! You are the pure and innocent that survived tragedy. Your heart beating is a sign from the Heavens that we can in fact win this fight. Go on, I'll be right behind you. You couldn't have a better protector than Khaleesi!"

Upon reaching the other side of the bridge, Dekkembe appears taxed and wane. He pauses for a moment, closes his eyes and the light from the bridge draws into his body as the bridge disappears. He looks renewed and says to Euclid, "Indeed. What are you sensing? and to the group, "What next? Shall we follow the tracks?"

"The signs are disturbing. It points to shamblers. Keep an eye out for ...anything. The dead walk these woods. Curious as to what it was that walked away. If we follow these tracks, best we be cautious as to what we might be catching up with."

Euclid will carefully retrieve a partially buried backpack from the snow, and take a look at its contents.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10

I have developed a keen distaste for walking dead. Find something interesting? she asks Euclid, noticing him gather the bag.

I don't think I can stomach any more zombies right now. We should carry torches, we could burn the bodies as we go.

Sidhe double checks her pistol to make sure it is at the ready.

The bloodstained pack holds 3 days’ worth of trail rations, a half-full hip flask of strong applejack, and a journal. The inside cover of the journal contains the phrase "Property of Dryden Kepp".

"Just some extra rations and a journal. Dryden Kepp. I'll have to give it a read. Sorry for your fate, Dryden."

Euclid will put the rations with the group haul that Serenity is carrying, then take a pull from the flask.

"We best move on. It's getting colder, I think. Or it seems colder. Snow is quite bleak once you've been looking at it a while."

He tucks the flask into his pocket.

The chittering on the wind grows louder.

The smell of pine sap intensifies.

And it is getting colder.

" I agree Euclid, let's move on. I have a winter blanket if any of you are cold while we walk. Does anyone know who Dryden Kepp is? Too many people losing their lives around here!" Dekka utters a barely audible prayer for Dryden before walking ahead.

"I know not who the man might be, but I'll wager that I shall know more once I have read his journal. Mayhaps he might give us some insight as to what was going on in this frost-forsaken woodland before he met his doom."

Euclid attends Lady Sionna with concern.

"Are you well, milady? If it is growing colder, you ought be the user of the blanket for warmth."

Sidhe cocks an eyebrow at Euclid.

Well he sure sets his sights fast. I wonder if he knows that Si is just as content to let him fawn after her forever.

She shivers at the deepening cold, and pulls her poncho up around her chin to warm her face a bit.

I smell a lot of tree gum. Either the cold is bursting them, or something big has fallen. I'd probably bet on the former, but I'm no scholar on it.

Sidhe will keep her eyes open for sap-burst pines, and try to listen hard to the chittering to see if she can identify any familiar sound in it.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

The chittering fades some as you move ahead. It is not long before you encounter another cleared patch of ground. This one has a dozen fist-sized dirt piles indicating things buried in it. The chittering intensifies, but all other sounds in the snow-covered forest seem to have vanished.

Sionna's ears twitch at the chittering sounds as they make her uneasy.

"Thank you for your concern, but the cold does not bother me too much."

Her eyes narrow at the piles in the clearing.

"I don't much like these sounds.. Be very on guard.."

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Dekkembe speaks some magical incantations, takes his spear in hand and begins to examine the dirt patches more closely.

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Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 (includes +1 from Guidance)
Casts Resistance and Guidance on himself
Doesn't touch the soil with is bare hands, uses the spear if needed