[PFC] GM Granta's From Under Ice (#6-18) (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

Ironshank's eyes gleam as he sees the fine steel breastplate on the fallen handler but something about the shouts inside the city walls and the glaring eyes of his comrades tell him he's got no time to get all the pieces off the guy. "Bah! Ironshanks' been getting screwed fer centuries, why would it stop today!" He grabs up the thunderstone, cleats and signal whistle and heads off with the group to find that s%#$ty guide who calls herself Haltani.

"Lets get the hell outta this dump!" As they flee out of town he'll do his best to try covering their tracks to throw off possible pursuit. Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Khellek looks on in wonder as the wall vanishes. "Well, I never..." he then notices Ironshanks checking out options for the guards armour.

"A wise choice Mr Magee" compliments Khellek.

"A prisoner would just slow us down, and perhaps attract a hunting party keen on our demise."

Trill checks the fit of the snowshoes and ties it to his pack, then calls over the others, to hold hands. (Yes again) "Let us pray...Oh, Calistra-"

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 1) = 3

"That heals only Ironshanks completely, but it'll have to do. Let's go."

With Lasaraleen's channel for 5 and Trill's for 3, I believe everyone is full...including the guard, if Ironshanks wanted to bring him along

Lasaraleen calls out to the guide once they meet her.

Haltani, where have you been?

Lasaraleen's channel should have healed all but 2 damage on Gwendolyn. Not sure if Ŧrill wants to spend a channel on that or not. Also, how is Ŧrill channeling 2d6 at level 1 in core?

Haltani appears from behind a snowdrift, "I told you not to trust those Ulfen murderers! Did you join them in the killing?"

As much fun as this is, Gwendolyn has stopped concentrating on the illusion, guys :-Þ

@Ironshanks: Do you want to spend 1 minute removing the breastplate, abandon it, or pick up the guard and carry him until you have time? The GM recommends option 3 for you, and requests option 1 for his own fun.

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **

About a mile east of Dalun, Haltani rejoins the party.

I need to know whether Ironshanks is carrying the guard in order to decide what she will say.

Gwen's initial plan is that Hera finds the Ulfen so that she (and maybe the rest of the party too) can intercept them and incapacitate (or at least slow them down) for the local authorities. The thunderstone was there primarily to attract the guards once the situation was in hand. However since no one can actually communicate with the guards in their native language and rest of the party is as about as diplomatic as a drunk-driving Twitter-user at 4am on a Saturday morning it is probably for the best if they at least blow town. Gwen's still debating whether or not she and Hera are staying behind to try, and find someone in charge to talk to, and smooth things over with.

That said, if Hera thinks it better to drop her payload and leave that's fine too. Like a military drone pilot she has authorization to engage targets of opportunity and does so if there seems to be an overwhelming city guard presence in the area, and to interrupt any Ulfen attacks that target or endanger seeming innocents or city authority figures. Her goal is to draw as much fire their way as possible (partially to keep it away from us). The only problem with this plan is that if the Ulfen are not captured they will be gunning for us. Sort of a mixed blessing for Gwen who really wants to stuff their backwater hayseed hysteria down their collective throats.

She was just planning on leaving the unconscious guard where he fell.

knowledge (local-who's in charge around here, and how does Gwen get to them): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

=======

If Hera dive bombs the Ulfen.

Trill checks the fit of the snowshoes and ties it to his pack, then calls over the others, to hold hands. (Yes again) "Let us pray...Oh, Calistra-"

From somewhere in the city beyond. *BOOM!*

"Calistria helps those who help themselves." Gwen says brightly. "We should move. This spell won't last much longer."

=======

About a mile outside town, assuming the knowledge check was a bust.

"Haltani, who's in charge of this burg, and how does one get in touch with them?"

"We" says Khellek, "Defended ourselves. There were some casualties among their bears. One of the guards will have a sore head in the morning, but should survive."

He sighs

"It would have been better if you had waited and helped guide us past them, rather than leaving us to find our own way. As for the Ulfen, last seen they were throwing themselves on the Irrisen guards, against our recommendations. It seems a waste to me." he shakes his head.

"History is full of brave but foolish escapades such as this."

Sorry, didn't clarify that was two channels

-Posted with Wayfinder

@Gwen -- to be fair, and maybe the message was a bit mixed, but those guards were definitely shoot first, ask questions later sort. One moment we were trying to diplomacy the Ulfen, the next he was over the wall and we were initiative with the guards. Heck, if allowed I would have put an arrow in the back of the Ulfen as he was climbing, but that wasn't an option. It was they climb the wall, now fight the guards.

I feel like we tried to talk with them; they set the bears on us right from the start. I'm not going to let someone get mauled. I mean if they would have ask for us to surrender, which you would expect of most town guards, I would have in a heartbeat. In fact, I offered to surrender at the beginning, they still attacked. Pretty sure they never asked. Oh well.

I'm fine with Gwen heading into town to try to smooth things over. Or perhaps trying on the way back from the ruin.
-----------------------

Addressing Haltani, You were right, they couldn't be trusted, that's a flaw of mine too trusting, I want to think people are capable of being there best selves, it seldom happens. Especially, among the humans, who always seem to choose the wrong path.

Unfortunately, we had to get a bit rough with the guards just to save ourselves. After the Ulfens slipped into the city, the guards just attacked us. They never stop to ask questions. Just set there bears on us. We had to fight for our lives. They clearly had a lust for blood.

The guards are no better than the Ulfens, just interested in violence, the human condition, I guess. You may have been of help had you not disappeared, perhaps the guards would have listened to you.

Why did you leave?

Lannior flashes a look of one betrayed as he finishes his statement.

Ironshanks nods in thanks at the prayers offered, but mostly at the healing received.

Ironshanks appears in a pretty rotten mood once they finally find the 'guide' and avoids doing too much negotiation other than some dirty looks and some cursing in Dwarven. He throws down the sticks and branches he's been using to disguise their trail and has a seat on some rocks for a snack.

"Lets just find this damn settlement so we can get the f#+& outta this place."

Well despite giving the guards ample chance to discuss our purposes peacefully, they continued to fire and attack us. In my estimation, there was no hope with negotiating with those brutes.

Lasaraleen nods in agreement with Lannior.

We need to see if we can bypass the guards and converse directly with leaders or scholars within the city...someone with reason. Assuming there is anyone left alive after the Ulfen and Irrisen finish their blood sport. Haltani, as our guide, is there another way into the city other than the gates?

"I think.." says Khellek.

"That the time for negotiation is probably over. We will be forever associated with the Ulfen raid, though no real fault of our own. For now I think we would be better off avoiding the town and pressing onward. Let us hope the Ulfen raid is distraction enough and we are overlooked."

"I'm in agreement with Ironshanks and Khellek, let's get to the ruins!

@Gwen -- to be fair, and maybe the message was a bit mixed, but those guards were definitely shoot first, ask questions later sort. One moment we were trying to diplomacy the Ulfen, the next he was over the wall and we were initiative with the guards. Heck, if allowed I would have put an arrow in the back of the Ulfen as he was climbing, but that wasn't an option. It was they climb the wall, now fight the guards.

I feel like we tried to talk with them; they set the bears on us right from the start. I'm not going to let someone get mauled. I mean if they would have ask for us to surrender, which you would expect of most town guards, I would have in a heartbeat. In fact, I offered to surrender at the beginning, they still attacked. Pretty sure they never asked. Oh well.

I'm fine with Gwen heading into town to try to smooth things over. Or perhaps trying on the way back from the ruin.

Gwen's is not terrifically concerned with the guards themselves. City guards in some places are little better than thugs. She's more concerned about resolving the situation with the powers that be (NE though they might be) and therefore help the mission progress. Gwen's kicking herself for not counter-attacking the Ulfen pirates when she had the chance at the boat--except of course a bunch of people here might be dead. To that end she wants to contrive as good a spin as is possible on the events at the gate. Look nobody (except your incredibly rare sacred bears) are dead. They sicced bears on us before we could explain. We tracked down and helped defeat the real culprits. Etc.... She herself is no diplomat but knows things could have gone smoother.

Back at the gates . . .

*BOOM!*

You hear an explosion from just inside the wall, and Gwendolyn smiles to herself, "Calistria helps those who help themselves. We should move. This spell won't last much longer."

The present . . .

Haltani answers Khellek, "So you injured one guard, but did not kill anyone? That is good, they were only defending their home." She turns to Lannior, "Irrisen is a harsh, dangerous land. You've now seen how those barbaric Ulfen kill at whim. If you lived with that threat everyday, perhaps you would have acted the same as Dalun's guards, rather than risk any harm to those you protect."

"You would not be welcome in Dalun now, right or wrong as it may be. But give me your word that you mean no harm to Irrisen's people, and I will still take you to this Naldak's Point you seek."

Assuming everyone agrees to Haltani's request, you will be spending at least 3 hours in extreme cold. I need 3 Fortitude saves from everyone (or endure elements). Also, I need a Survival check to find the way. Haltani provides a +4 circumstance bonus.

Ironshanks is an experienced outdoorsman and will do what he can to help the group endure the cold weather using some tricks of the trade as they trekk. Survival vs Severe Weather: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 He's able to assist everyone in the group.

"Ya its damn cold, no s#$!! Quit yer bellyachin' Khellek and do what I say! If ya didn't get a fur suit back at the barge then kiss some toes goodbye!"

He leads the way with the help of the 'guide' towards this supposed historical site. "Unless another one of ya's knows how to navigate out here I don't wanna hear any back seat drivin!" Survival Navigate + Haltani: 1d20 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 4 = 23

Fort Saves vs Weather + Cold Weather Gear + Survival Bonus: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 26
Fort Saves vs Weather + Cold Weather Gear + Survival Bonus: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 28
Fort Saves vs Weather + Cold Weather Gear + Survival Bonus: 1d20 + 4 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 5 + 2 = 12

Khellek shivvers under his cold weather clothes.

"We told you before, and I'll tell you again. The only thing we are interested in is the old dwarven ruins. We mean no harm to anyone, Ulfen or Irrisen."

survival aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (4) - 2 = 2

Hoping that Ironshaks is helping the rest of us with our cold experince
fort: 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 8
fort: 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 8
fort: 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 18

While he doesn't have endure elements, Khellek does have resist cold/1, which might help here.

Though with two natural ones, maybe not!

Ironshanks is an experienced outdoorsman and will do what he can to help the group endure the cold weather using some tricks of the trade as they trekk. Survival vs Severe Weather: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 He's able to assist everyone in the group.

Lannior follows as Ironshanks with help of Haltani lead the way.

Fort 1: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 23

Fort 2: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 20

Fort 3: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 24

Agreed. Let us proceed to Naldak's Point. What is done is done.

Lasaraleen has memorized and keeps endure elements active for herself. She will still offer what aid she can to the others.

survival: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22 to provide aid (+2) vs cold

survival, guide, find way: 1d20 + 3 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 4 + 2 = 20 find way

fort +gear +aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
fort +gear +aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
fort +gear +aid: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

-Posted with Wayfinder

@Gwendolyn: Please roll 3 Fortitude saves for yourself and Hera.

Naldak's Point

You find Naldak's Point with ease, but several members of the party fail to resist the Irrisen weather.

An enormous rocky mound protrudes from the ground, covered in ice and snow. On the northeast side of the mound, thick walls of ice cascade down the side of the hill like a miniature glacier. Two shapeless stone monoliths stand near the base of the mound.

Several feet of ice block the entrance. Also, everyone please check the status spoiler for your damage. It is nonlethal, and cannot be healed while you are still in the cold.

Icy! Think this is the time for the Blackfire Clay, with Desna's blessing it will make short work of this barrier.

Lannior scratches his chin,

Unless this is an illusion like the one Gwen produced. Lannior says with a smile, thinking it looked real enough.

Ironshank's teeth can be heard chattering a bit between the curses and grumblings once the group finally reaches the supposed site. "Torag can ye pump the bellows a bit, its damn cold up here!" He says as he pulls out his axe and shield and begins searching around the area for signs of activity and Dwarven relics. "Be on yer toes in case we've got company, I'm taking a look."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Survival (Tracks): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Is shield other still active?

Khellek is more than happy to help set up the blackfire clay. He'll stick close by it as well to try and warm up as it does its job melting the ice.

"I..cacacacacananannanann nototototoot rememememememememeberererer beinginging so cococococold."

fort save (cold weather outfit, 2 instances of aid): 1d20 + 2 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 5 + 4 = 17

fort save (cold weather outfit, 2 instances of aid): 1d20 + 2 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 5 + 4 = 30

fort save (cold weather outfit, 2 instances of aid): 1d20 + 2 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 5 + 4 = 16

Likewise Gwen has scrolls of endure elements if it becomes apparent someone *koff*Khellek*koff* needs them.

fort save (1 instance of aid): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 + 2 = 21

fort save (1 instance of aid): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8

fort save (1 instance of aid): 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 2 = 19

If she can, Gwen stuffs Hera into her coat for the coldest part of the journey to get a +5 bonus to the above. Optionally on less windy/snowy days she uses one of her endure elements scrolls, and mage armor on the bird and releases Hera to scout ahead.

@Ironshanks: Shield Other is at 3+ of 4 hours, and it will take 1-2 hours to melt the ice wall.

Two more Fortitude saves from everyone except Lasaraleen and one other person. The blackfire clay produces enough warmth that a player standing next to it can be healed of their nonlethal damage and fatigue. Only one player at a time at a time can stand next to it though, so only one person can be out of the cold for the whole time (avoiding the For saves).

Lasaraleen will also dig out a set (3) of endure element scrolls to cast on those most affected by the cold. Once they have been remedied, she will prepare to channel to cure the entire party.

Endure elements on 3 most injured people from scrolls

Gather around, and I will administer the warm of Sarenrae upon us all.

channel: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5

We need to be ready once the icewall has been removed.

Khellek examines the ice block.

"Why... this is a trivial problem that I give to first year students. If we shape the clay we can direct most of the heat inwards. The block will be gone in an hour!"

Takes ten for 21 on know(engineering)

He gratefully receives the endure elements blessing.

"It does seem appropriate that the goddess of the dawn would be warming us..."
know(religion): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

He spends the time waiting for the ice to melt quizzing Lasaraleen on the details of her faith, while letting on (in a very unsubtle manner) how much he knows about it.
Which from that roll might not be as much as he thinks he odes

Whew! Paizo crashed right after I submitted that last post. Glad to see it did go through. If I'm counting correctly, Lasaraleen has covered herself and three others with endure elements. The blackfire clay will take care of a fifth person. And Hera too, she's small enough it makes sense to squeeze in. So I just need saves from one person now.

Fort+gear: 1d20 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 5 = 21
Fort+gear: 1d20 + 3 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 5 = 21

posting remote

Ironshank's teeth are still chattering so while he'd prefer to tough it out or at least warm up with the clay, he doesn't put up too much of a fight if magical aid is offered up.

Let me try the checks as well.

Fort 1: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 17
Fort 2: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 25

If those make it, then hopefully Trill is not fatigued??

Lannior braves the cold, occasionally moving by the burning fire to take the chill off, then standing where the wind could be felt the least. Keeping an eye out for potential foes.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Everybody except for Gwendolyn is good to go. She is fatigued with 1 point of non-lethal. You do have time to fix that before this encounter.

Naldak's Point

Round 1
Effects none

• Wolf - ready
  
• Lannior
  
• Ŧrill
  
• Gwendolyn
  
• Lasaraleen
  
• Ironshanks
  
• Khellek
  
• Hera
  
• Haltani

Ŧrill braves the cold for the sake of the party, and does a good job of it. After one hour, Khellek successfully melts an entrance through the ice. As you start to enter Naldak's Point, a white wolf jumps out of a nearby snowdrift and speaks, "Uliyara, why do you wear that lowly disguise? Are you not proud to be a Jadwiga? Your loving aunt, Baroness Urgalaena, requests your company in Saarbotten."

Khellek looks astonished at the talking wolf.

"Excuse me.." he says tentatively.

"We don't have any 'Uliyara' here. I think you are mistaken."

And quietly mentions to the others "Saarbotten is where those folk who attacked the Ulfen village came from."

He wracks his mind, wondering if "Uliyara" might be a titled used to describe academics in Irrisen.

As the white wolf appears Lannior is shocked by it's sudden appearance and even more shocked by the fact that it can talk. He moves into a better position, as he draws his bow and notches an arrow, but does not yet take aim.

Looking to Haltani, the realization hits she is perhaps, Uliyara, a white witch in disguise.

Haltani are you really a Jadwiga?

Ironshanks looks up from warming his hands over the strange clay block to take in the exchange, then shakes his head in disgust "Oh fer Torag's sake! We're not interested in dealing with the local politics 'round here! I ain't even supposed to be here! Can't we just get this damn piece of old junk and get back to warmer climes? Then you witches can get back to fightin' with the locals all you want."

Gmork?..., Trill stays silent, ready to faint.

The light dawns on Khellek finally.

"All the questions about other cultures..."

"Excuse me Mr Wolf, but Haltani, that is 'Uliyara' is employed by us as a guide at the moment. Should she want to accompany you after finishing her employment, that will be her concern, but for the moment we have need of her services."

diplomacy(aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Since everybody still denies being in Irrisen and wants to talk first, fight second, we can drop out of initiative. If it turns into a fight, we will just start at the top with no surprise round.

Haltani removes her hat, and suddenly a pale, blonde woman stands before you, "I'm sorry, I . . . I feared that nobody would trust me if they knew who I was. My mission was to establish trade between Dalun and Whiterook, but when my Aunt's forces ambushed us and killed everyone . . . I disguised myself and slipped away. Then there you were, seeking trade with Dalun. I had a second chance, and didn't want to ruin it."

The wolf merely laughs at Uliyara's plight, "I care not for your mission nor your lives. Give me Uliyara now, and you may have your lives and perhaps still finish your mission. Or face my whole pack. The choice is yours."

PS Knowledge (arcana) to identify the wolf.

Comon! It's the Gmork! I'm too old.

Lannior doesn't like the wolf's tone. Addressing the wolf:

You care not for our lives, well I care not for yours either. I would just as soon wear your pelt on my back. But we can not give you Uliyara, because she is here of her own free will. And she must decide what she will do. Not us and certainly not a mangy animal such as you.

Then turning to Uliyara, You must decide what you will do. If you choose to stay with us, and then beast does move on quickly, I'll gut it. If you choose to leave with the wolf, then I thank you for your guidance and assistance; and consider you friend. But,there is no time for due consideration, you must choose!

Lannior's bow is cocked and he is ready too loose on the wolf, should it take a wrong step.

GM, how long has it been since the gate battle?

Lasaraleen eyes both the woman/witch and the wolf with equal suspicion.

She meditates on a proper action.

Oh Sarenrae, are we wise to seek council with witches and enter the den of the wolf? Aid us mistress of fire.

Uliyara? If you still want to aid us and establish trade, we are willing.
The deception did not score you marks, but your friendship still may. What alliance do you have with this wolf
and the city of Dalun at this point? Speak openly now.

SenseMotive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

@Ŧrill: over 4 hours

And now we're in combat. Multiple people have said they won't turn over Uliyara, so Rigrory is done talking.

Naldak's Point

Round 1
Effects none

• Wolf - ready
  
• Lannior
  
• Ŧrill - 3 damage
  
• Gwendolyn - 3 damage
  
• Lasaraleen - 3 damage
  
• Ironshanks - 3 damage
  
• Khellek - 3 damage
  
• Hera - 3 damage
  
• Uliyara

Rigrory breathes a cone of cold at the party (DC 14 Reflex for half), then runs over toward Uliyara and Ironshanks.

Everyone is up.

Comon! It's the Gmork! I'm too old.

knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

It just never ends does it?

reflex save (fatigued): 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 2 - 1 = 9

5-foot move.

"Alright, I think I have had just about enough of all the c-c-cold!"

With her move action she pulls out her alchemist's fire.

reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Hera grabs the alchemist's fire from Gwen and ascends in a tight spiral.

fly: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Reflex Save + Hardy: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 2 = 23
Ironshanks quickly ducks his face and exposed skin away from the blast of cold from the wolf, bits of ice clinging to his beard and mustache. "That there was a mistake dog! Now I'm gonna cut yer f!@+in head off!"

He pulls out his war axe and steps forward swinging his axe from low to high, making the swing a bit wild but adding in significant power.
2H War Axe + Power Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 = 121d10 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 Unfortunately his aim is off.

Is shield other still going or no? Was it a 4hr duration or longer Las?

Ref: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Trill was already miserable beyond measure from the life-sucking cold weather; the wolf’s soul-sucking cold breath didn’t add much to the pain. He steps behind Ironshanks and urges him on like bullied child, ”Yea! Big mistake!”

grant Bit of Luck reroll next round