North of the Wind (Inactive)

Game Master dien

Ulfens and tigers and bears, oh my. Except no tigers.

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Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Tassidar, you're up!


Male elf wizard 3, Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10/+12/+15 visual in light, AC 13 [17 Mage Armored], touch 13, flat-footed 10 [14 Mage Armored] hp 14 (2d6+4) Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments, Sense Motive +8

Tassidar's eagle pops into being and engages the Raven straight away!

"Sssssscreeeeeeee!"

Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
1d4 ⇒ 1

Claw: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11
1d4 ⇒ 3

Beak: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
1d4 ⇒ 1

The young wizard begins casting Mage Armor from memory to give himself some physical protection from the gathering rubble.

He quickly tried to determine the likelihood of the rubble dissipating if they could drop Tash.

"Any tactical suggestions Mav?"

The elk rushes the masked being with his magnificent rack lowered ivory tips seeking to gore and toss the tormentor.

"Your mask shall enhance my already impressive collection."

Powerful Charge: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 2 = 22
Damage: 4d6 + 7 ⇒ (4, 4, 6, 5) + 7 = 26


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Gore'em good, elky!

I mean ... drooooooool.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

The elk does indeed gore Tash good! The big horned head slams into the black robed figure and sends it sprawling....

....but a bank of fog erupts from the black robes as they land, spilling out from sleeves and the neck and the bottom hem. The mask can be heard clattering to the frozen earth, but there is also a sound as of many tiny, insectoid wings from within the opaque fog...

Tassidar's summoned eagle lashes out at the raven, but strikes with only one claw-- which doesn't seem to effect the raven.

"Master Tash!" the raven cries out. "Orders, sir?"

In response to Tassidar's cry to Mav, the elf-woman considers, studying the mist that rolls around Tellignos where Tash had stood a moment prior.

"Unless you can enchant your blades, dear friends, then best to ride for the far side of the cemetery! Tash cannot leave his little boneyard-- not even as mist, I don't think-- and if we go back out we shall simply have to pass back through again. Can any of you tell that to your little friend there, I don't speak that tongue she's babbling in...."

Having said this, Mav spurs her palfrey towards the lectern where Tash had sat, snatching at the scrolls with a gleeful laugh.

Rikka frowns and walks her mule closer, partially obeying Mav's suggestion. She sends forth another seidr blast... Damage to red: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 1) + 2 = 5 ... but the little whirling pile of rubble is still extant.

(Klo and Knute, you're up! --Klo is currently stunned, but you can go ahead and post for Hunts if you like.)


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Kló—or the bear-man Kló has suddenly become—sways gently where he stands, dark eyes clouded and staring at nothing.

Hunts roars in frustration as the quarry explodes into un-bitable mist. Her eyes flit between the maked raven, the elves, and the Hofnites. ”Do we fight?” she yells, looking for direction.

Hunts delays. Basically, she could grab Kló and try to head for the exit, but she’ not sure if that’s the play. She’ll need guidance from one of the PC’s (who’s not stunned).


Male Human (Ulfen) Ranger 3 [HP 23/27 | AC: 17 (Tch:14 FF:13) | Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +3 | Init +4 | Perc +8]

Knute hears Mav's words and nods. The ranger is eager to put the eerie graveyard behind him, or at least get nearer the exit, and runs over to Glorn. He climbs onto Glorn's saddle and, as best he can with their limited pre-arranged communication, urges the frog to leave the graveyard. In response to Hunts' question, Knute says "I'm not eager to fight ones my arrows can't pierce; I'm for leaving."

15' move to Glorn, mount Glorn. Glorn (double) moves 60' as far as he can towards the far graveyard gates while staying away from the apparition.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Hunts' questioning cry rings across the snowy graveyard; Glorn and Knute make for the exit; Lydd runs forward, past the motionless Klo, and throws a sidelong gaze at Halla and the strange figure next to her. The blonde elf-woman nocks an arrow and looses at the masked raven.

"Woman, do you hear Mav? Go forward, we will cover you."

Mav laughs at this even as Lydd's arrow flies-- and hits the raven. "Her ears and her tongue are in another place, Lydd, she cannot hear you."

From the center of the cloud of roiling fog comes a voice, or rather, voices-- dozens and dozens of them, sounding tinny and buzzing. "Leave my records be, Mav!"

There's a hoarse, elk-y bellow from inside the cloud, then a mass of some sort of insects spill out from the grey mist, roiling straight towards Mav. They look like beetles, the size of a man's hand-- half of them are black as jet, and half of them white as bone. The mass of seething beetles flows over Hunts as if barely noticing it, headed for Mav.

Meanwhile, the whirling piles of dead twigs and bone fragments continue to spin! Shards of stone are hurled at both Tassidar's eagle and Hunts-in-Shadows, but the attacks miss.

The raven hops away from Tassidar's eagle, wings flapping in mid-air, and begins to sing.... at least, one might presume that; the mask makes it hard to see. But one can hear: a discordant shriek, like the tortured groaning of every spirit, which seems centered in space near Halla and Klo. Bo and Bim, the mules, screech in animal pain-- and Bo stands still for a moment, his animal sides heaving in pain.

Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Fortitude saves from Klo, Halla, and Halla's new companion, please! DC 15. You'll take the 2 damage regardless, but if you fail the save, you are stunned for 1 round (doesn't stack for Klo).

GM screen:

Lydd vs Nosoi: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Rikka fort: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Bo fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Bim fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Rock throw at eagle: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Rock throw at Hunts: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

3 damage to Raven
11 damage to Red Shade
7 damage to Klo
2 damage to Bo
2 damage to Bim
2 damage to Rikka
2 damage to Halla
2 damage to Maeve

Tassidar
Rikka
Mav
Klo (need fort save)
Knute
Lydd
Tash
Raven
Halla & Friend (need fort saves)

Halla, you're up! And Hunts can come out of delay whenever you want, Klo.


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Is Kló able to maintain his rage through this? If not, reduce his Fort save by 2.
Fort Save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

Also, I'm kind of having Hunts delay as he is because I'm not sure what's happening with Halla and her ghost-friend. If Halla's not going to leave, I'm kind of trying to have an excuse to have Kló stick around with her.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1

Fort 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

AC 11


Fort 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20

The newcomer turns to Halla beside her and seizes her unresponding arm. "Halla! Ní mór duit dul!"

Varisian:
[b]Halla! You must go!


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Cai and the other elf hurriedly follow Mav's suggestion, riding into the graveyard and rushing past the others-- though Cai stops near Halla and her unusual companion. He shouts at them both: "Ní mór dúinn go léir fág an áit seo! An bhfuil tú ag éisteacht?"

Varisian:
"We must all leave this place! Do you hear?"

Go ahead and take your action, Tass!


The newcomer looks between Halla and Kló. "Beidh ceachtar acu freagra a thabhairt. Ar mhaith leat iad a fhágáil?" she challenges Cai.

Varisian:
Neither of them will respond. Would you leave them?


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

The black-haired, green-eyed elf rears his horse back and shouts at the strange new woman.

"An féidir leat grab di? Luaidhe di?"

Varisian:
"Can you grab her? Lead her?"


She looks down at her hands spread out before her as if surprised to remember she has them. "Bhí a b'fhéidir. Gan go bhfuil ceann," she replies, jerking her head toward Kló, and doing her best to move the unresponsive Halla.

Varisian:
Her maybe. Not that one.

CMB to Reposition? 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Any chance she can Reposition Halla onto the mule's back? If not, she'll just move her 5 feet toward the exit.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Wrestling with the oddness of having hands! the strange woman manages to bodily wrestle Halla's unresisting form atop the equally motionless form of the mule. Cai calls out something in answer to her in the tongue they are both speaking.

Varisian:
"I'll try!"

I'll give Tassidar til this evening since he may want to do additional things beyond just what he discussed in the Discussion thread; if he doesn't get a chance to post by then then I'll move him per his words.


Male elf wizard 3, Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10/+12/+15 visual in light, AC 13 [17 Mage Armored], touch 13, flat-footed 10 [14 Mage Armored] hp 14 (2d6+4) Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments, Sense Motive +8

Tassidar's summoned eagle presses its attack against the raven.

"Screeeeeee, screeeeeeee, screeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
1d4 ⇒ 2

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
1d4 ⇒ 3

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
1d4 ⇒ 1

Despite the swirl of razor sharp talons and piercing beak the raven proves elusive prey.

Tassidars ears hear the bellow coming from inside the cloud.

"Tellignos! If you can hear my voice come to me!"

Squinting his almond shaped eyes against the stinging airborne debris the wizard lurches forward.

"Fisherman, we are friends come with us!" Tassidar exclaims as he moves to help the stricken Ulfen.

As he moves he looks for the way out.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

If the elk does not appear, Tassidar will attempt to lead Klo out.


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Seeing the strange pack seem to rally around a single strategy—run away—Hunts rushes around the swarm and clamps her jaws on Kló's armor, ready to drag him physically from this place.

Hunts moves to Kló and grabs him.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Tellignos appears, bursting out of the fog with a few white and black beetles clinging to his fur. The elk careens through the graveyard, circling the bulk of the swarm to reach Tassidar with some shrill snorting. "Let us leave!"

Though she's unable to understand what the elk says in the Sylvan tongue, Rikka certainly agrees with the sentiment. She stops casting spells and knees her mule, guiding him quickly along the road in the direction of the farther exit.

Mav's laughter rings through the graveyard as she wheels her palfrey away from the seething mass of beetles, joining the rush for the farther side-- with her armful of stolen scrolls flapping behind her like dry wings in the cold air.

Klo and Knute would be up, but Klo's got a second round of stunned to sit through, alas (and Hunts is now at the end of the round per delaying). Knute, you're up!


Male Human (Ulfen) Ranger 3 [HP 23/27 | AC: 17 (Tch:14 FF:13) | Fort +4 Ref +7 Will +3 | Init +4 | Perc +8]

Knute urges Glorn a bit towards the exit, though signals for him to stop short of it. The ranger turns backwards to see what's going on with the rest of the party. After he sees the raven screech, Knute aims his bow on the lone solid enemy he can see, and fires.

Does Knute need to make a ride check to "direct" Glorn and have both hands free to use a bow? Or since Glorn is sentient, maybe he doesn't need to? Also, does communicating the stop take a move action? If Knute has to use his move to direct Glorn, he'll just make one attack (without the -2 penalty from RS).

Attack1, RS, DA: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 2 - 1 = 10
Damage1, DA: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8

Attack2, RS, DA: 1d20 + 8 - 2 - 1 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 2 - 1 = 23
Damage2, DA: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6

Knute looks worried when he notices Klo and Halla, who seem relatively unresponsive."Do you all need help getting them moving?" he asks Tass and Cai, nodding his head at the two stunned Ulfen.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Nope, no ride checks needed for Knute with Glorn, because yes, sentient mount.

Knute sends two arrows skittering over the gravestones, and one hits the raven! It lets out a shrill noise of pain but doesn't fall. At his question, Cai shouts out, "I think we have him if the cat helps!"

Lydd wordlessly steps away from the beetle mass and draws a bottle that she hurls into the beetles, releasing a flash of fire that incinerates some of the beetles.

A moaning howl arises from the ... swarm of beetles, as Mav rides off with the records, faster than the beetles can pursue. The beetles clatter furiously over Hunts-in-Shadows, Klo, and the new woman-- biting and stinging as they go. (2 damage to Klo, Hunts, and Halla's New Friend)

(Need 2 Fortitude saves each from Klo and Halla's New Friend)

Fort save 1, <11:
You are nauseated by the disgusting sensation of beetles crawling all over you and can only take a move action on your coming turn.

Fort save 2, <11:
You feel a stinging sensation from the bite of the swarming beetles, and weakness starting to sap your limbs... STR damage: 1d2 ⇒ 1

The shifting twigs and rubble marking the spirits that Tash called up start moving: one drifts after the fleeing group at the gate. As it closes on them, the twigs and leaves fall still-- and for a split second, a figure is glimpsed within the maelstrom, a hideously-blackened and charred corpse that sends primal fear washing over those nearest to it!

(Need a Will save from Knute, DC 14, or frightened for 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds.)

Rikka screams in raw terror at this apparation, and from astride Glorn, Knute can feel the giant frog starting to twitch as if that same fear had hold of his amphibian limbs as well... it might be hard to stay on the frog in a few seconds' time... The girl elf looks to have her hands full with both her panicking animals, the one she is leading and the one she is riding.

The other apparation drifts near to Lydd, trying to barrage her with chunks of stone, but the elf dodges.

With a squawk, the raven abruptly vanishes from sight.

GM screen:

Damage to Klo, Halla's New Friend, H.I.S.: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Fort save #1 - Hunts: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Fort save #2 - Hunts: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Will save Glorn: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Will save Mav: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Will save Rikka: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Will save Bo: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Rock hurl at Lydd: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Halla (& Friend), Tassidar, and Hunts-in-Shadows are up (Hunts made her save against the swarm and may act normally, Klo)!


Male elf wizard 3, Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10/+12/+15 visual in light, AC 13 [17 Mage Armored], touch 13, flat-footed 10 [14 Mage Armored] hp 14 (2d6+4) Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments, Sense Motive +8

Tassidar loops his arm around the elks neck as he swings himself astride his noble mount.

"Time for us to go friends! Tellignos, follow Mav out and away from here, without more potent weapons there is little more we can do to harm them!"

The elk fluidly complies, head held ready should something attempt to block their path.


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Hunts shrieks her frustration as she makes for the door, dragging the big man with her.

DM:
Given that Kló doesnt remember her now, do you want me rolling CMB's for Hunts to drag Kló out? I can't tell if Stunned makes him unable to resist or not.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1

Fort 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 51d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Halla manages weakly to wriggle upright and seat herself in the saddle of the mule.

Move action: mount steed


Fort 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

The other woman seems barely to note the beetles swarming over her, though she winces at their bite.

She wants to lead the mule and its rider toward the exit. Don't know if she can double-move or needs an action to control the mule.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

CMB for Hunts in Shadows vs Klo's stunned CMD of effective 14: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 4 = 29

(It means he can't take AOOs, and stunned gives enemies performing a CMB a +4 on the check, so... effectively, yeah, he can't do much to resist but Hunts would still need to roll under the circumstances. But she got a great roll! That's a drag of 20 feet; I readjusted Hunts and Klo slightly on the map, accordingly.)

Halla's strange companion takes hold of Bo's lead and pulls, the mule all too happy to be led away from the gnashing storm of beetles. Tassidar turns his mount for the far gate as well, spurring the elk to run!

Rikka turns and bolts out the gate on her mule, with a wail of terror... Mav curses softly, and rides after her, gesturing as she goes. The trees on either side of the path erupt into a profusion of branches that reach out and impede Rikka's headlong flight.

Going to switch to cinematic description of the rest of the 'fight' as there's not much the swarm can do to you at this point and the ghostly shades do little actual damage.

The elf-girl is responding similar to Rikka-- she throws herself off her mount and starts running pell-mell to the north-- only to run headlong into Mav's twisting tree branches, which securely hold her. Knute and Glorn follow a second later-- Knute in control of his faculties, but riding a frog that is gripped by terrible fear! But the tree branches entangle both him and his mount, stopping them from getting very far ahead-- or off the path entirely.

Cai and Lydd bring up the rear, hurriedly helping Hunts-in-Shadows with the stunned Klo, and dodging chunks of gravestone and bone thrown their way as they rush towards the exit.

Within a dozen seconds' time, everyone is on the far side of the gate. The swarm of beetles comes roiling across the snowy earth-- but stops short at the black fence, with an angry chittering noise. Mav laughs wildly, waving her handful of scrolls tauntingly at the mass of beetles.

"This round to me, I think!" she crows. "Lydd, Cai-- and Mistress Cat, if you will-- hold our large friend Fisher a bit, I believe Tash took something of his..."

The raven studies all of this from a position within the cemetery, then spreads its wings and takes off, starting to fly off, towards the direction you all originally came from...

Mav's forest-spell continues to writhe, branches twisting and holding the would-be runners in place but doing no damage. The fear fades quickly -- Rikka calls out from within the grasping foliage: "Can you stop this seidr... please?"

"In a minute, dear," Mav says brightly. "There's quite a lot going on, don't you think? I'm looking for your friend's memories, give me a moment."

Tellignos says, in his bass rumble of a voice: "What exactly just happened?" It can be noticed that a winged mask made of beaten gold is hanging off his antlers.

Out of combat initiative. The party is just outside the cemetery gate; all fear effects are worn off. Mav has an Entangle going which Knute and Glorn are currently caught in, as well as Rikka and an elf NPC, but it's not actively harming anyone. Still, DC 14 Str or Escape Artist check if you want to get you (or Glorn) out before the spell ends duration, Knute.

Aside from that: you've developed a new person-- the entity ripped out of Halla. Klo is currently pinned by two elves and a cat. Tash is... alive (?), in the form of a mass of beetles stuck inside the cemetery. His raven is flying away. The ghost spirits in the cemetery are dissipating back into aimless shades. Summing-up since I know a lot happened there; am taking some GM liberties to avoid rolling a bunch of tedious saves here.


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Wow. So I’m not sure how to play this, actually.

Clarity returns to Kló’ eyes quickly, and his three attackers find themselves looking down at a man that you’d swear has no idea who any of them are, but has serious intent to harm building.

”RELEASE. ME.”

Also, Kló got stunned while Raging. How many rounds of rage did he use up?


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1

Halla slides heavily off of the mule as the numbness in her extremities begins to ebb and stares at the other entity. "Cheap mé go raibh tú níos áille."

Varisian:
I thought you were prettier.


She smirks back. "Go mbeannaí Desna duit freisin, gariníon. Baineann sé le bheith chomh fada ó bhí sé ábhartha. Tá bean a cheadaítear le áibhéil beag." She runs shadowy fingers tentatively over her face.

Varisian:
Pleased to meet you too, granddaughter. It's been so long since it mattered. A woman is allowed a little ... embellishing.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1

Halla raises a finger to point at a glowing rune on the other's temple. "Tá tú ...."

Varisian:
You have a ....


She smiles and returns the gesture. "Mar sin, a dhéanann tú."

Varisian:
So do you.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1

Halla claps a hand to her forehead.


Male elf wizard 3, Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10/+12/+15 visual in light, AC 13 [17 Mage Armored], touch 13, flat-footed 10 [14 Mage Armored] hp 14 (2d6+4) Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments, Sense Motive +8

Tassadar inspects the mask dangling from the elk's antlers.

Detect Magic. Trying to see if it is a magical item and to see if it is more of a curse than a benefit to keep.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29 +2 to determine the properties of a magic item

If I destroy the mask what does it mean for Tash? If I take it with me will Tash forever seek it out?

Tassidar smiles and gives the elk a congratulatory pat on the neck.

"Thank you my dear friend and ally. Your courage helped us carry the day. It appears your charge was so great that our antagonizer lost his physical form, for a time at least."

Tassidar moves closer to the entangled Klo with open hands.

"Peace friend. Look behind me, you were ensorceled and held by ones who wished you harm. Those hanging onto you dragged you out of that place to freedom. You have just awoken a that nightmare, things will become more clear in a few minutes. Try to relax yourself and remember the faces of those who care about you."


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Tassidar’s words calm Kló only a little. He shakes off the elves, and retreats cautiously from the monstrous hunting cat. ”Clear how?” he asks, eyeing their surroundings suspiciously, ”And where are we? Where is the market?”

He eyes each of the people who had held him moments before, trying to remember. ”I don’t know any of these … creatures. What is going on?”


Male elf wizard 3, Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10/+12/+15 visual in light, AC 13 [17 Mage Armored], touch 13, flat-footed 10 [14 Mage Armored] hp 14 (2d6+4) Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments, Sense Motive +8

"We left the market about two days ago. We had met a powerful member of the fey and made exchanges to get mounts and companions before leaving. This feline is Hunts-in-Shadows, you have her to thank for pulling you away from a creature that was doing something to your mind."

"We are still on the road on our way to meet the leader of the elves in pursuit of the children."

"We have just escaped a realm within this one where the spirits of mortals who have passed here were gathered."

"Mav may be able to undo some of what was done to you. Mav, also prevented many of our party from running headlong into the wilds off the path."


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Kló suspiciously glares at the elves, Mav, and Hunts in turn. Finally, he touches his head, "Two days?" He shakes his head, hoping to jar some stray memories loose, "Why would a creature steal memories?"

He finally gets to his feet, then looks over at the big cat, "It appears I am in your debt ... Hunts-in-Shadows."


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Botting Knute.

Knute Escape Artist vs DC 14: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

As Tassidar tries to explain the surreal situation to Klo and Halla engages with the strange new woman, Knute manages to roll off Glorn and get out of the vines. He looks around worriedly. "What of that raven? Might it be going off to tell someone of our presence here?"

Without waiting for an answer, the hunter nocks an arrow and sends it flying at the bird. He follows it with three more in quick succession-- all four arrows find their mark. The bird never cries out, but it drops to the ground on the far side of the cemetery gate. Knute lowers his bow, looking uncertain.

"I... didn't think we should let it go," he offers with a frown.

Cai slides off his horse and approaches Halla and the new woman cautiously, speaking to them in the same tongue.

Varisian:
"So.... ah... what is going on here, ladies?"

Tassidar inspects the mask carefully. He is able to ascertain that the mask has several powers, including the ability to perceive the dead, or to strike at them with the energies of healing magic. It may also have other symbolism specific to Tash's office that is not specifically a magical effect.

The mask functions as ghostvision gloves, although it takes the head slot rather than the hands slot.

After Tassidar explains the situation to Klo, Mav offers a smile and a finger-wave. "Hello, Hofn warrior," she says solemnly, at odds with her blithe gesture. "You know us by nature if not by individual face: we are the elves who have come to your town many a time. There is alliance between our people, is there not? What your friend says is true: you were struck by a creature that steals the thoughts from a man. I believe they are now here, in this scroll. May I read them to you?"

If Klo says yes:
Mav begins to read from the scroll, a dry third-person narration of the events that have occurred in Klo's missing time. Despite the dispassionate nature of the words, Klo finds his memories suddenly unfolding back into his head for every word. At the end of it, he finds he recalls everything that has elapsed.

If Klo says no:
Mav looks disapproving, but shrugs and rolls up the scroll. "Suit yourself, dear manling. I suppose you are wise, to distrust things here," she says in a lightly mocking tone.

Mav claps her hands together. "Now then! What is going on with our little thorned rose, here!" she says, looking towards Halla.

GM rolls:

Knute vs Raven: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Knute vs Raven: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Knute vs Raven: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Knute vs Raven: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Kló looks at the scroll, curiosity warring with suspicion. He steps closer to Mav, his lumbering gait for once seeming cautious. "This creature put my memories on those scrolls? And you ... took them? May I read them, instead?"


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Mav looks amused at the query. "You may; I do not know if you can."

She turns the scroll indifferently to face him, revealing a swirling script with loops and curls. It is not one of the three tongues he speaks-- nor, should he ask Tassidar, is it one of those Tassidar speaks.


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1
GM Dien wrote:
Cai slides off his horse and approaches Halla and the new woman cautiously, speaking to them in the same tongue.

"Níl a fhios ... agam. Is é seo mo.... Tá sé seo Maeve."

Varisian:
I ... don't know. This is my.... This is Maeve."

GM Dien wrote:
Mav claps her hands together. "Now then! What is going on with our little thorned rose, here!" she says, looking towards Halla.

"Níl a fhios agam," she repeats. "I don't know what happened. The raven tried to take her away." She waves her hand half-heartedly in the direction of the newcomer and the graveyard.


Male elf wizard 3, Init +3; Senses low-light vision; Perception +10/+12/+15 visual in light, AC 13 [17 Mage Armored], touch 13, flat-footed 10 [14 Mage Armored] hp 14 (2d6+4) Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. enchantments, Sense Motive +8

"He could see your spirit guide with this mask."

Tassidar holds up the mask for them to see.

"With it he could even see the incorporeal spirits. I'm not sure how he pulled the spirit from you though, or how we might bind her back to you. Are your powers intact with her separated from you like this?"


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Kló frowns down at the symbols, but nods. ”Then read it to me.”

With each new word, comprehension grows in his mind, until finally he shakes his head and looks to Mav. ”You could have kept that scroll … and my memories.” He nods respectfully, ”Thank you.”

The interaction with the new woman, though, draws his attention. ”There has been a separate spirit inside you? And what is her name?”

You only gave Maeve’s name in Varisian. Kló wouldn’t know which part of that sentence was the actual answer. :/


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1
Tassidar Edasseril wrote:

"He could see your spirit guide with this mask."

Tassidar holds up the mask for them to see.

"With it he could even see the incorporeal spirits. I'm not sure how he pulled the spirit from you though, or how we might bind her back to you. Are your powers intact with her separated from you like this?"

Halla stares blankly at the elf. "I don't understand you. What powers?"

Kló wrote:
The interaction with the new woman, though, draws his attention. ”There has been a separate spirit inside you? And what is her name?”

"It's ... Maeve," Halla almost whispers, visibly drawing into herself. Having her constant secret companion suddenly, irrevocably shared with others makes her feel naked and vulnerable.

Maeve, on the other hand, unable to understand any of the others but the Varisian-speaking Cai, looks around with unabashed curiosity. Both women share a small but unmissable glowing mark on their foreheads, which look something like a butterfly, but Maeve is shorter and darker, both due to a swarthier skin and to a certain shadowy obscurity which makes her look less than totally substantial.


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Mav smiles sweetly at Klo. "As I told you, when you did not know me: we are allies, mortal man. Why should I hold it over you? It would only be tedious for all concerned."

Mav listens attentively to the discussion of Halla and Maeve, her slim fingers steepled before her chin and a smile playing on her lips. "Cai, would you please greet this new face for me?"

Cai clears his throat and addresses Maeve and by extension Halla.

[spoiler=Varisian]"Well met, spirit. This is my lady Mav... your names are not... so very far apart, aha. I am called Cai, I am the only one of us aside from Halla here who speaks your tongue. Do you know what has happened? Can the two of you travel on?"

Lydd watches all this with some impatience, though she gives a small, approving nod to Knute at his having shot the raven down. "Mav, can we not do this on the trail? The day grows no younger."

Somewhere in all this, Baletooth the rat wakes up, having been asleep in Rikka's backpack the entire time. It wasn't like the GM forgot him or anything... He blinks around inquisitively at the new person, wriggles his whiskers, and then slithers back inside the cozy warm pack for another nap.

I'll get us moving down the trail later today, just allowing for any more reactions before doing so; kind of hoping Knute gets a chance to weigh in on everything but we won't wait too long.


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1
GM Dien wrote:
Mav smiles sweetly at Klo. "As I told you, when you did not know me: we are allies, mortal man. Why should I hold it over you? It would only be tedious for all concerned."

Kló frowns but says nothing more, focusing instead on the unintelligible conversation between Cai and this new ... spirit-woman.


"'Cad a tharla?'" she repeats with a half-smile, spreading her shadowy hands before her. "Tá a fhios agam ach go bhfuil mé ag troid mo bhealach ar ais ar an saol ó rugadh í." She nods to Halla. "Chomaoin mé go puinte fiach buíochais. Sea, is féidir linn a taisteal ar, ní féidir linn, leanbh?"

Varisian:
'What has happened?' I know only that I have been fighting my way back into the world since she was born. I owe that raven a debt of gratitude. Yes, we can travel on, can we not, child?


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

”Maeve, huh?” Kló grunts, looking over at Halla. ”What language does she speak? And where is she from?” He pauses, considering his own question before continuing awkwardly. "I mean ... uh ... other than inside you?"


Female Human (Ulfen) Oracle (possessed) 2/ Summoner 1 | hp 10/16 | AC 14 - t 11 - ff 13 | Fort +3 Ref +2 Will +5 | Per +2 Init +1

"She is Varisian," Halla replies, trying to decide if she should reserve her glare for Kló or for Maeve. "She was stolen as a girl by raiders and brought back to Hofn as a thrall. She isn't over it yet."


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Kló nods inscrutably, continuing to watch the conversation with the strange spirit-woman as he goes to stand by Hunts.

”It appears I owe you thanks for dragging me out, Hunts-in-Shadows." There's an awkward pause, "So … thanks.”


Plaguestone Map | Gallows of Madness Combat Map

Hunts-in-Shadows offers a rough lick to one of Klo's large hands. "Debt deepens," the cat rumbles. "You are a man of... honor. I trust it... will be paid."

Mav gazes at the sky. "All very touching, and how lovely you are reunited with your... friend?" she hazards at Halla. "But Lydd is right. Come. Let us be moving forward. This road has been complicated already."

The band of travelers-- shaken and in some cases injured by the fight in the graveyard-- gather upon their mounts again, and Lydd once more resumes her scouting position at the head of things.

***

The journey forward continues to plod through the snowy, wintry landscape of spirit world. Occasionally the road crests a hill, revealing a breathtaking vista, and other times, the road winds down through close and intimate trees that press on all sides, skirting a stream. Perhaps an hour after the cemetery has been left behind, however, Mav smiles and gestures at the side of the road-- where a tender green shoot spikes up through the snow, looking both vibrant and vulnerable.

"We are nearing home. Come."

The little green shoot is not the last they see, either. Over the next half-hour, the snow begins to give way to the signs of spring. There is no "wave" or surge this time-- merely a slow yielding of the monotone of frost, snow and ice to vivid greenery, dotted with the colors of wildflowers everywhere. The warming air is perfumed with the blossoms, and somewhere bees are buzzing. It's reminiscent of the gorgeous scenes that the travelers saw when they first entered Alfheimr, but as they move further into the overwhelming, lush greenery, it seems to be increasingly tended-- the path is paved with unnaturally resilient crocuses, which spring back as soon as feet step off them, and the trees are planted at even intervals and show signs of tending and grooming.

Finally, there is a break in the canopy of green leaves and thick branches and the Hofnites stand before a view as breathtaking as anything else they have yet seen.

The landscape is beautiful, but the word is meaningless after so much pleasant assault on the senses. A rainbow profusion of flowering bushes dot the valley before you, but it is utterly dominated by the presence of the Tree.

It rises, far higher than any jarl's roof, taller than a stone guard's tower such as Tassidar saw on his journeys, tall as least as the cliffs that protectively ring Hofn. Perhaps taller: scale is distorted for the travelers, something left behind as they gaze at this triumph of the arboreal. It is vast, it is broad, its branches are avenues, and its crown of glorious leaves seems as far above you as the clouds. The mighty roots that plunge into the earth to anchor this impossible tree are big around as a cow, or a bear.

Mav smiles, seeming well pleased with any awe the sight might be engendering.

"Come, now. Rys will be most interested to see you all."


HP 35/39 | AC 16 CMD 17 | Fort +7 Reflex +1 Will +5 | Perception +7 Initiative +1

Who all is injured? Kló has some damage, but I can’t tell who all else needs healing.

Kló is … Kló on the group’s continued journey, content to work at learning to be a better rider for Hunts and do his best to heal up from the events in the graveyard.

CLW, on self: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3; lame

As Lydd leads them past the sprouts, though, the big northman seems to be drawn more and more outside of his usual stoicism. He watches the sweeping vistas around him, frowns at the snow, rocks, and trees, and generally begins taking a keener interest in what he sees around him. At the sight of The Tree, he stops in place, unblinking as he tries to get a good look at its full scope.

”This is …” words fail him, and he looks over at Mav and Lydd, all suspicious momentarily forgotten. ”How is this place immune to the usual rules of Alfheimr? Is this a thing of your people? Or this location? And the spirits of this place … are they as … alive as they are in the rest of Alfheimr?”

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