JZ's Reign of Winter (The Frozen Stars) (Inactive)

Game Master JamZilla

The magnificent white Dragonkin Calissus streaks nimbly in between squads of Drakes while the bulkier Herjan barrels his black body through them like a ram. Sumira and Zusk cling to their backs with astonishing ability, one firing her bow while the other cleaves a swathe with a massive glaive.

The air above the fortress erupts in bursts of orange and white and blue as fire, frost and electricity blast out from the air battle in a display that would be dramatically beautiful if it weren't so deadly.

Drakes and Dragonkin alike fall like leaves from autumn trees, tumbling down only to land and be killed by the fall if their wounds were not fatal and the battle rages on with undiminished intensity.

Herjan swoops down out of the sky, a javelin protruding from his neck while Zusk himself nurses an arrow in his own shoulder and a headwound so deep a scrap of fur and flesh has been torn away, revealing skull beneath. Blood pours into his eyes but as he wipes it away you see those eye still burning with fire and fury.

You Foreigner! he shouts to Elleros, forgetting the old elf's name. Stay there!

He spurs his mount toward the siege tower where Herjan rears up like a stallion and belches acid over the top of it. The archers there scream as they begin to burn and then the black Dragonkin flies down toward Elleros.

The advancing army still comes on, more and more pulling themselves over the cliffside and training bows on the group interfering with the siege tower.

Round 3 - Enemy

Archer 1, grapple: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Success
Archer 1, grapple: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24 Fail
Archer 1, grapple: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 Success

Two of the archers atop the tower finally break out of Elleros' spell and limp toward the rear of the tower where they are safely out of it's reach.

The warrior at the cliffside grab for their bows as they try to close the distance and loose volleys at the heroes they can see.

These archers are about 100 feet away. They are just the first wave that have got over the side, there are more and more coming.

Greyston: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (16) + 12 - 4 = 24 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Greyston: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 4 = 26 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Sapphire: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 4 = 16 Miss
Sapphire: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 4 = 26 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Corum: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 4 = 26 Hit
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Corum: 1d20 + 12 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 4 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Round 4 - Heroes

Map

The air around Corum explodes in a frigid cloud of ice as the hydra blasts him with its deadly breath. Such a torrent would utterly destroy many but As the cloud subsides the powerful warrior remains standing. More than that he laughs and says "That all you got? as he brandishes his sword defiantly. He then launches another deadly assault on the beast.

As he attacks his blood sings with joy. Even in the midst of his rage he begins to become aware of his own savage, deadly power. He recalls tales of the deadly hydra told by the elders in his village. Now he realises this deadly beast is no match for him and he presses his advantage.

J. I landed to fight the hydra.

1d20 + 23 ⇒ (8) + 23 = 31
Dam 2d4 + 25 ⇒ (4, 1) + 25 = 30

1d20 + 18 ⇒ (5) + 18 = 23
Dam 2d4 + 25 ⇒ (4, 2) + 25 = 31

sunder to chop heads.

hp 89/136

Sapphire is invisible so presume archers can't target her as they aren't sure which square she's in?

Corum the hydras are dead already. And sorry Sapphire I missed that, yes the two targeting you target Greyston and Corum instead.

Greyston you take an additional 10 damage

Turning as the dragon rider Hollars at him Elleross stops and awaits their arrival, hoping they will get him back to the wall.

the names Elleross, though if you can get me back to the wall you can call me anything you like he says with a half smile

I will delay for now

black tentacles: 1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 5 = 35
dam: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

in that case, Corum enters and either attacks the nearest living thing or begins hacking at the nearest wheel.

amage should be 2d8+25. My bad

Well with the hydras dead you can now gain access through the rear entrance to the wheel house.

Attacking the closing squad of archers directly is probably ill-advised

Corum enters the tower and begins hacking at the exposed wheels. But even hitting them directly does little initially as they are made from stout wood and iron banding.

Definitely damaged them, just not destroyed in one hit

Zusk and Herjan land beside Elleros, the former hauling the old wizard up onto his mount's back.

Not enough actions to fly you up as well

Seeing Greyston exposed in midair, Lucrezzia does what she can to provide some cover for him. Suddenyl there is a malodorous green cloud just in front of Greyston, blocking him from the archer's view.

Move to the top of the wall and then north behind the battlements, cast Stinking Cloud just in front of Greyston (he should get hit less, I think...).

Movement from last round and this is posted on the map :)

Corrleon calls down to Zusk and Herjan, "Bring the traveler up by me and I'll see those wounds of yours!" Turning back to the approaching tower, he continues to send his arrows into the throng pressed atop.

Longbow (first): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 17 - 4 = 32 for: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
crit?: 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 17 - 4 = 20 for an additional: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (3, 5) + 6 = 14
Longbow (iterative): 1d20 + 17 - 4 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 17 - 4 - 5 = 23 for: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

I think Sapphire and Greyston to act this round

Come on in here Sapphire and Grey. I'm having a smashing time! :-)

As the dragon lands beside him Elleross shields his eyes from the buffeting wind of its wings and as Azusa reaches for him he grasps the warriors hand and clambpurs up behind him.

I am eternally grateful to you both. he says as he grips onto the dragon as best he can their forces will soon reach the siege tower and then we will have no chance to stop them. I hope Corum and the others can disable it before then he says as he looks out toward the cliff edge.

don't think there is much I can do at the moment. I won't take an action other than climbing onto the dragon

Thanks Sapphire :P and thanks for the cover Lucrezzia!

Grayston feels elated as the hydra falls and the men on the walls call out in triumph. But that is over quickly as he turns to see the full bulk of the army head for them and arrows shoot at him striking him in the shoulder and chest.

Snapping the arrows he quickly flies down and moves into the tower

Fly: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Hearing the beast of a man Corum before he see's him smashing away mindlessly.

Any check I can make to work out weak points? I don't have engineering but I do have + 7 in intelligence

He looks around attempting to spot any weak points he could hope to point the beast on or blow up himself.

intelligence: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

hp 50/73. Ac = 23

Sorry Grey!! >.<

There is a rush of air moving past Corum as Sapphire moves unseen in to the tower. Surveying Corum's damage she grins

My turn then!

Her blade shifts form then, the edge completely encased in electricity as she sets to, finesse abandoned as she attempts to wreak as much damage as possible.

Using weapon attunement to have the black blade deal electricity damage instead of weapon damage, hoping lightning will bypass its hardness!

, Move then attack, swift for arcane strike
Black blade (haste): 1d20 + 15 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 15 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 37
electricity/fire: 1d8 + 9 + 2 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 + 2 + (4) = 19

AC 26, HP 56/83, 20% miss chance (blur), shield, hasted assault 1/3, arcane pool: 4/6, blade pool:2/3, blade enhancement: 4/10 rounds remaining (+4 flaming, keen), Greater invisibility 7/10 rounds remaining, flight 7/10 rounds remaining (9/10 mins used)

With Greyston's help to point out the join between the solid wheel and the axle, Sapphire and Corum begin hacking at the wheel.

Their weapons crush rather than chop but nevertheless the wheel buckles and, with a groan the tower first slumps awkwardly to one side and then, begins to slowly topple.

The three of you have one round to get out of there before it falls.

More arrows begin sailing toward the walls and the defenders as more and more of the attacking army haul themselves over the cliffside. Dragonkin strafe those lines, blasting fire and acid in among their ranks and cheers ring out once again from the defenders as the tower begins to topple.

Round 4 - Heroes

I think I am right that you can all get back to the wall? None of you are stranded out there now? If so, then it's combat over for this.

In the haste to escape the falling tower Greyston doesn't notice but as they fly from the stricken construction, Corum makes sure his bulk is between the enemy archers and the slight alchemist. Two arrows graze him, drawing little more than Thin trickles of blood as the warrior shields his comrade to make sure he gets to the top of the wall in safety.

Its ok, I can forgive you this once :P

As the tower begins to topple Grayston swoops out, of them as fast as he can wanting to put as much distance from the oncoming army and himself.

Landing on top of the wall he takes a knee, his breath ragged and wounds still sore and seeping with blood. Taking out a large red hued potion his hands shaking as he attempts to remove the stopper he downs it in one as the pain starts to fade away. "F&@#." He shouts out, as everything is processed.

Corum watches the confusion below the wall caused by the destruction of the siege tower. He drains his potion and laughs. Clapping Greyston in the Houlder he says "You did well down there. We all did. That should slow them down a bit."

Csw 3d8 + 10 ⇒ (1, 3, 8) + 10 = 22

hp: 99/124

Still covered in cold burns, he turns to Lucrezzia and asks [b]"Don't suppose you could do anything about these lady?"[/b[

Corrleon nods as the travelers return to the wall, a slight grin playing at his lips at Greyston's wide-eyed look and wind-blasted hair. He shifts his gaze past the alchemist's shoulder to the cloud of dust and ice kicked up by the tower as it finally falls beneath its own bulk.

I'll let Lucrezzia do her thang, but if she's low on healing for any reason, I've got a healthy of stack of lay on hands to back her up.

Thanks, Corey!

With everyone gathered back together, Lucrezzia raises her hands to the heavens and channels life into the party. "I think tha' went a better bit than it could have. Thank you all!"

Channel Pos: 5d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 2, 2, 1) = 13 Much lamenting... at least that wasn't a combat heal ;)

We still have a wand 'r two :)

Well done, you gain 10 Victory Points for destroying the tower.

That puts you on a total of 13.

Though the destruction of the siege tower is a small victory for sure, sadly it was one of four and one of the others reaches the wall in the north east quadrant.

There is a notion that battle is won by the deftest and bravest warriors. But it isn't. Skill counts for nothing when that bloody wall becomes an absolute choke point. Barbarians pour out of the siege tower and defenders use their bodies to block their advance.

The whole scene from where you stand looks like a throng of flailing limbs where it becomes virtually impossible to distinguish friend from foe.

Despite valiant efforts and more and more defenders rushing along the walls to throw themselves into the fray, good numbers of barbarians begin freeing themselves from the crush and descending the stairs into the courtyard below. As more and mroe dragnkin are sucked into the crush, strafing the tower with their breath weapons it leaves gaps for the enemy drakes who begin streaking into the courtyard, dropping off barbarians as they come.

They are within the walls! Pharamol's message comes through. You must stop them breaking through into one of those blockhouses. If they do they will be down into the tunnels!

This event takes place ten minutes after you destroy the tower. In that time you may well have been engaging in defence of the wall, fighting fiercely off camera.

That means you will have plenty of time to heal up, but you must also account for it in your buffs.

Snow has started falling again, and the reduced visibility results in a –4 penalty on Perception checks and a –4 penalty on ranged weapon attacks. The stone door of the blockhouse is locked but not barred.

There are three barbarians in the courtyard and a drake perched on the top of the keep looking down

Map

Round 1 - Heroes

The dragon lands atop the wall and Elleross slides from his back and lands heavily on the ramparts, his legs buckling slightly as he tries to keep his balance.
Two of the soldiers rush toward him and as one of them holds him upright the other says

this will hurt elder, but it has to come out and he reaches for the arrow embedded in his shoulder, with a sharp tug he snaps off the end of the arrow and wrenches it free.
It is all Elleross can do to stop himself crying out in against and his face goes an ashen grey colour as he feels a fresh torrent of blood soaking his arm.
Swiftly they press wads of bandage onto the wound stemming the flow of blood.
i will be fine, thank you. I can heal the wound now he says weakly as he stumbles away from them.
Lucrezzias healing washes over him and he can feel the deep wound closing as he reaches for his own healing potion and downs it in one.

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

this battle is far from over, but we have slowed their advance here he says as he re joins the others, holding his injured shoulder as he moves across to them.
Can anyone spare any more healing? my shoulder still troubles me and I do not want to use all of my potions

hp 39/52

They once more fight their way toward their next objective and as they draw near to the blockhouse they can see the enemy in the courtyard below and the drake that watches over them.

augendae, celeritate ,tempora ! Elleross calls out the words of power and with a complex gesture he once more hastes the party.
we need to protect the doorway! he calls out as he makes his way along the wall

I assume you would be full as Corrleon said he has more left

Greyston pulls himself up, move through the motions he decided to not think about it but to just keep his eyes on the fight ahead of him.

"That drake has to be taken down fast." He shouts out to to the others as he flys out.

I have 9 more 5d6 good-touches ready to go if anyone needs one. Feel free to roll it for yourself and I'll note the expenditure.

Corrleon grabs Elleross gently by the shoulder as the group moves toward the next engagement, and a bloom of golden light shines from beneath his palm as a pleasant warmth ripples through the old elf's form. "Be strong traveler. And perhaps leave the leaping from walls to your crazed companion up there." He grins, enjoying his own humor.

Good Touch: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 1, 4, 4, 2) = 16

As the approach the final bend in the wall, he calls upon Apsu's grace once more, "Terrazen Zerata!" and a brilliant halo erupts into being, hovering behind his head and blanketing anyone near by in the Platinum Dragon's subtle strength.

+1 to AC, +1 to hit, +1 to damage, +1 vs fear for anyone within 30 feet of Corrleon!

---

At the site, Corrleon slides his bow free once more and sets the string to humming. Firing at the one I put in yellow

Longbow (1st): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 17 - 4 = 18 for: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Longbow (2nd): 1d20 + 17 - 4 - 5 ⇒ (15) + 17 - 4 - 5 = 23 for: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Longbow (haste): 1d20 + 17 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 17 - 4 = 22 for: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

I have 9 more 5d6 good-touches ready to go if anyone needs one. Feel free to roll it for yourself and I'll note the expenditure.

Corrleon grabs Elleross gently by the shoulder as the group moves toward the next engagement, and a bloom of golden light shines from beneath his palm as a pleasant warmth ripples through the old elf's form. "Be strong traveler. And perhaps leave the leaping from walls to your crazed companion up there." He grins, enjoying his own humor.

[dice=Good Touch]5d6
..

Once again receiving Corrleons healing Elleross feels the last of his wounds healing

hp 52 / 52

Sapphire will take one of those good touches please Corrleon!
heal: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 3, 5, 2) = 18

No rest and all that... Sapphire shouts over her shoulder as she steps off the parapet, gliding down to the ground. The air around her shimmers as she renews her magical wards and begins jogging across the snow towards the barbarians. Her blade shivers and wraps itself in fire, anticipation of battle causing droplets of flame to spark and curls across the metal.

Cast shield, move action.

AC 26, HP 74/83, shield, arcane pool: 4/6, blade pool: 1/3, blade enhancement: 9/10 rounds remaining (+4 flaming, keen), flight 9/10 mins remaining

They sprint toward the courtyard and Corum assesses the situation in a glance, spotting the drake atop the tower he can see the tactical advantage the attackers have. Greyston shouts "That drake has to be taken down, fast!"

Corum smiles at him and says "Say no more my friend."

He launches himself into the air and Charges the drake shouting "Come on then wyrm. Come and die!"

He flies like a bolt from a crossbow, sword held before him and swings a huge blow at the thing's Side as he closes.

Pa rage charge 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44
Dam 2d8 + 22 ⇒ (2, 7) + 22 = 31

Crit confirm 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35
Dam 2d8 + 22 ⇒ (4, 3) + 22 = 29

I need to check distance Corum when I have the book in front of me. You might be out of charge range

hmmm...here we go again. Crit hit denied. If I am I'll move and claim the crit next round when I do charge ;-)

No go for it, that's fine

Lucrezzia to act

Lucrezzia's Flight Hex is used in one minute increments, so, she should have plenty left :)

Lucrezzia comes off the wall overlooking the courtyard and closes on the blockhouse, using it for cover from both the Barbarians on the ground and the drake in the courtyard.

Standard, Activate Flight and move to the new location on the map, about 20' high

Round 1 - Enemy

The drake screeches in surprise and pain as Corum throws himself toward it like a comet, ramming his blade through it's chest to the hilt and then ripping it viscously out, allowing the blood to gush like a fountain.

Sapphire, Greyston and Lucrezzia position themselves as the barbarians below them close in on the blockhouse.

Corrleon sees two of his arrows hit home but in it's rage and through the depth of it's furs and armour they barely seem to make it break stride.

Suddenly a fourth figure appears in the courtyard, shimmering out of the snow as her Invisibility spell breaks. She performs a series of gestures as she looks up at the fearsome Corum some distance above and spits an icy curse at him.

Corum reflex: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 = 12 Fail

Corum suddenly feels his limbs seize up with intense cold, more bitter than anything he has felt before, even the hydra's breath wepaons. A rime of ice begins forming around him and before he knows it he finds himself entirely encased and floating gently down onto the roof of the tower.

Corum, you are fully encased in ice and you are helpless. There is nothing you can do to break out of this, someone else has to do it. Every round you take 10 points of damage including now.

The drake coughs bloody laughter as it sees the warrior suddenly helpless but knows better than to attack him and break him out of the ice. Instead it swoops toward the floating figure of Greyston and bites out at him with it's powerful jaws.

Vital strike, charge, Grey: 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 2 = 24 Hit
Damage: 4d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6, 6, 1) + 6 = 25

One of the barbarians also looks up at the floating alchemist and hurls a javelin without breaking it's stride toward the blockhouse.

Javelin, Greyston: 1d20 + 10 - 3 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 3 = 24 Hit
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

The two remaining barbarians reach the door and begin hacking at it with their bastard swords.

Round 2 - Heroes

Without breaking his view of the barbarians below, Corrleon snaps off a singular, red-fletched arrow at the drake. He then focuses his remaining two arrows upon the caster who just appeared, taking special care to try for vital areas.

Longbow (1st, drake): 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 4 = 24 for: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10 DC 20 Fort save or take an additional 50 damage

Longbow (iterative, caster): 1d20 + 14 - 4 - 5 ⇒ (17) + 14 - 4 - 5 = 22 for: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Longbow (haste, caster): 1d20 + 14 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 4 = 19 for: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Fort save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

（◎ ｡ ◎） Jeeeeeeeeeeeeeezus

Corrleon snaps off a shot with almost supernatural calm. Even with his hampered vision the shot is unerring and the arrow streaks like a bolt of lightning. It slams home into the chest of the drake, straight into the wound left by Corum in fact.

The barbed head pierces the drake's heart. It's clawed hands snatch at it's stricken chest, a look of shock and horror on it's face before it drifts to the ground like an autumn leaf.

Knowing that casters can (and have in this instance) change the course of a battle, Lucrezzia hits her with the best attack she has... Kuwa Panya!!

DC21 Fort or become a mouse (Baleful Polymorph) If she fails that, a DC21 Will save to maintain her faculties and not *become* a mouse

Maintaining enough altitude to be off the ground *and* out of sight of the Drake

Corum's satisfaction at severely wounding the drake is short lived as he is suddenly encased in a block of ice. Anger and frustration explodes within him but try as he might he cannot get enough leverage to bring his strength to bear.

Drake got smote in the post above yours Lucrezzia :)

Will save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25 Success

Lucrezzia targets the sorcerer with an alien curse. She begins to feel an overwhelming desire to scurry off somewhere dark and safe out of danger but forces herself to dismiss the feeling and levels her gaze at the floating woman some distance away.

someone get me out of here and I'll turn that caster into a stain!

Baleful Polymorph requires a Fort Save, not a Will Save :) If that fails a Will Save is then required to maintain your mind. And call me paranoid about the drake ;)

Having checked the stats, the sorcerer has a +9 modifier which makes that still a success although by the narrowest of margins

Nice Corrleon. Also, High AC does nothing against those rolls

Grayston reals from the attacks. His breath ragged but he forces himself to focus he has to keep fighting, Pulling the spear from his leg he lets it drop to the snowy floor below, hot blood flowing down his leg.

He unloads on the ice block that's encasing Croum. explosion after explosion hits the ice block.

-4 right?

Attack: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 16 - 4 = 16
Damage: 5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5, 1, 5, 3) + 8 + 1 = 27
Attack: 1d20 + 16 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 16 - 4 = 15
Damage: 5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (3, 2, 1, 4, 3) + 8 + 1 = 22
Attack: 1d20 + 11 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 4 = 26
Damage: 5d6 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (6, 3, 2, 2, 3) + 8 + 1 = 25

HP = 41/73 AC = 24

That will deal enough damage to break Corum free.

Not that it will matter that much but the prison has 30hp. Greyston's bombs deal half damage to it because it is an object. Therefore, it takes all three bombs to do it. The damage from the third one spills over so you take 7 damage from that Corum.

Pesky buffing turns >.<

Unable to bridge the distance to her enemy quickly enough, Sapphire instead casts another warding spell as she closes the distance.

Move, cast displacement

AC 26, HP 74/83, shield, arcane pool: 4/6, blade pool: 1/3, blade enhancement: 8/10 rounds remaining (+4 flaming, keen), flight 9/10 mins remaining, displacement: 50% miss chance 9/10 rounds remaining