Variel's Reign of Winter

Game Master Neltji

All set here.

Helgash I am going to say no to healing before bed as you didn't know if you would need the spell during the night. You can keep the roll though and use it in the morning. Don't forget that you heal your level in hp for a night's sleep.

Well I won't begrudge anyone for taking the measures that we did even if it meant waking up in the middle of the night. I wonder what the man was doing though as he was just watching. Hopefully he didn't learn enough to make any plans against us.

Knows we are here and will be ready and waiting.

I am sure he will be ready for us, but I am hoping he does to have any one ifit plans laid out based on the information he may have gleaned, we have made enough of a problem getting rid of all of his support. The question is, what does he still have to throw at us?

Only one way to find out. Jetro string his bow.

Venja sighs, agrees with Jetro with a little nod, casting Mage Armor now while she has a chance. "As Jetro says, unless we have some way to scry him, which I lack, there really is only one way to find out what he is capable of other than flight."

see that you are ready. Once the others give their sign that they are prepared then I think we have no choice but to finish this stage of our journey. Where we go from here though I do not know as we are compelled to seek out Baba Yaga's hut. You are not as compelled as we are yet so there is no onus on you to continue on with us. If you do not come with us what are your plans? Would you stay here and claim this as your own and see the tower put to good use or take a different path?

Well I just might come with ya, if the witches are still about we better kick em in the face hard enough so they won't retaliate against the townfolk.

"Yay, face kicking!" The gnome exults. Then realizes blurted, "Sorry, sometimes I get enthused by all the violence. Very uncivilized of me. So, does anyone want me to sneak ahead in any particular direction?"

sneak? is there anyplace left to sneak here, or are we left with just the final teleportal to use?

Venja chuckles at Xanxan's outburst, then bites her lip, blushing at her simple enjoyment of his enthusiasm.

"Aye, we're ready to go. Lets take a look around on this floor and be ready for whatever comes at us"
will prep spells tomorrow

That is why I wasn't sure if you would stay here to make sure that the townsfolk would be safe Jetro. Having a person stand guard protecting them sounds like a decent idea and gives us a bastion to fall back to if need be.

Xanxan if you want to sneak ahead while we go back through the lower level I think that would be wise but I think we all should be going as a group through the teleporter as we don't know what to expect. I am glad to see your ready for some retribution finally. Too bad we didn't have that couple form the town that was trying to serve you that special tea here. We could have them go ahead of us so you wouldn't have to scout ahead. It would serve them right for what they tried to do to you.

Assuming that spells are updated and everyone stats are correct i will get to the encounter and map tomorrow as people are talking and not pushing it tonight.

Let's stick together all right.

"I suppose we should go through the teleporter together as you say..." though Xanxan will do that. he'll also scout ahead and report back throughout the lower level.

Some rolls to compensate for my terrible posting rate if need be
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19+2 for traps
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14+2 for traps
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11+2 for traps

Helgash I am going to say no to healing before bed as you didn't know if you would need the spell during the night. You can keep the roll though and use it in the morning. Don't forget that you heal your level in hp for a night's sleep.

Deal Variel - I'll cast the spell in the morning. Thanks for letting me keep that nice roll ;)

Colecting his gear, Helgash looks around at his companions - "I am also ready to move along friends - and I agree that we should try to put this to an end as soon as possible" - he ponders - "We do not know what sort of reinforcements may be available, and we may soon find ourselves overwhelmed"

--Status--
AC: 17
HP: 33/38
Spells spent: 1/5 Lvl1

Xanxan scouts ahead of the group on the way back to the other ice teleporter. It is a good thing that he does so as just as he is about to step into the room the hairs on the back of his head stand up. Trusting his instincts Xanxan scans the room for some nefarious trap without moving. Unseen to most Xanxan can still pick out the almost invisible telltale lines of an alarm spell centered on the teleporter. Knowing he only gets one chance at this Xanxan carefully starts to work his way thorough the trapped area avoiding the lay lines of the field as he does so. Once next to the ice teleporter he gets out his tools and works at removing the trap before anyone has a chance to trigger it.

DD 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Xanxan disarms it with ease and motions for everyone that the way forward is clear p to this point.

Go ahead and make any prep actions you want you are pretty sure that any minute level buffs will be available.

Beck and Helgash, if you are willing I will enlarge you to give you more offensive firepower and reach should you want it. I will likewise strengthen Sheelah as well to let her hit harder and more often. The spells are not the longest duration but should do to get where ever we need to go to find this flying man and take him to task. I myself will be adding to my defenses should we need to have me up front to absorb any blows. Anyone else think of anything we will need before we enter?

spells casting...
enlarge person on Beck and Helgash
shield and mirror image on Variel
bull's strength on Sheelah

Well I am all set, no spells or whatnot to cast. Just me and my bow.

Your bow and you make quite a combination though. I would be scared to see what would happen if you had any spell abilities to add to your arsenal.

"Any chance I can teleport with one of you taller folks using you for cover? Maybe I can hide behind a leg."

Your saying you tire of riding on Sheelah already? If Helgash or Beck consent for me to enlarge them I would not see why you couldn't hide behidn them. IF not then I will enlarge meyself and you can hide behind me.

"Well, Sheelah works dandy, in fact, I worry about taking her for granted. I was just thinking I might be able to hide in plain sight even if someone was waiting for us by using another as cover... then sneak around behind them if need be so forth and so on etc." The gnome explains, "But I'm hardly a tactician so whatever folks think is best. Truth, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this travel but it IS exciting." The gnome gives one of those almost too wide smiles

"Aye, You cast your magics, an' I'll place me own wards on SHeelah."

Since we healed, Beck casts Schillelagh on his cudgel for good measure, while Variel casts his enlarge, as well as Magic Fang on Sheelah.

What happens if I lockjaw Sheelah's Claws? Does she get a grab attempt with each claw attack that hits?

After buffs have been cast (please indicate in your next post what if any and who is the target) the group activates the portal to ascend higher into the tower.

A translucent image of a globe hangs suspended in midair slowly rotating in place above a summoning circle in the blue tiled floor of the large chamber. Lines of energy glow across the globe's surface, faintly humming with power as they connect multiple endpoints in a radiant glow bright enough to illuminate the domed ceiling overhead. Many tables and shelves covered in books, maps, and large scrolls line the room's circular walls and a large ornate mirror hangs between two open windows to the west. Twin ice sculptures of demonic fiends flank a bubbling cauldron in an archway leading into a deep alcove in the southern wall.

While you are still yet frozen in space from the teleporter the man that Xanxan spotter earlier can be seen casting an incantation into the bubbling cauldron. Another man in fullplate armor and a greatsword turns to face you as well. A smile escapes his lips as he makes a quick gesture with one hand. No sound escapes his lips though so you are uncertain of exactly what he is doing. The cauldron finishes bubbling as 4 wolves appear in front of the greatsword wielding man.

Good guys up now for round 2. the bad guys went with round 1 while you were thawing.

Beck, as for lockjaw only 1 of the natural attacks get the grab ability. Not 1 type so you could have the bite or 1 claw get the ability.

Jetro sends an arrow out to the man way in back.
Longbow,PBS,PS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

venja has Mage Armor cast on herself, fyi

Venja hopes not to frustrate her allies, but she casts web over the entire alcove, encompassing both men and all 4 wolves.

web, reflex save dc 17 or grappled

Beck gives the command, Get 'em Girl! and then attacks.

Sheelah moves us to AF:19 and bites the wolf in front of ehr at AF:20
Bite: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 6
for 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 8

Then Beck hits it as well
Large Shillelagh: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
for 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 6, 3) + 5 = 19

Shillelagh and Barkskin for Beck, and Magic Fang on SHeelah

How tall are the ceilings, btw?

Helgash would have cast protection from Evil on himself, and Bless on the group. Apologies for the delayed posting guys - new job bearing down on me...

Taking advantage of his large size, the tiefling swings hard at one of the wolves, and steps back.

Cold Iron Bardiche: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22
Damage if it hits: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (1, 3) + 7 = 11

Shifting 5' back after the attack if there is room, to try and fish some AoOs. Else Helgash stays put

--Status--
AC: 20
HP: 33/38
Effects: Bless, Enlarge Person, Protection from Evil

Can Xanxan sneak since he has 'cover'? if so...
Stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

And will try to sneak around past the wolves and get towards to the man he saw earlier.

Hoping to set up for a sneak attack next round

Variel steps up to the wolf and attacks it with an imbued rapier while also creating a burst of flame from a burning hands spell.

attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
concentration 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23 for 4d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 3, 3) = 14 fire damage reflex 14

After Variel's attack which drops 1 wolf, Venja tries to entangle all of the rest of the creatures and the 2 humans. Xanxan moves around behind legs and stays out of sight until he reaches the desk farthest east and within 10 feet of the flying man. Helgash takes a mighty swing with his extra long reach and punctures a lung of a wolf but doesn't drop it. Beck and Sheelah tag team to attack another wolf and drop it quite easily.

Jetro pulls back and lets go with a great shot through the mass of people and creatures in the way aiming for the soft target in the back. Before it can hit the wizardly man the bodyguard jumps in front of the arrow and takes the hit himself. (bodyguard feat)

reflex saves for Variel
wolves 2d20 ⇒ (18, 10) = 28+5 each
bodyguard 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

reflex for Venja
wolves 2d20 ⇒ (16, 8) = 24+5 each
bodyguard 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
wizard 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Their actions later

well, I got the wizard and one wolf... better than nothing I guess... was really hoping to get the fighter type

The 1 wolf that is entangled in the webs attempts to free himself as there is no one within reach at this time.

CMB check 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 as much as he tries the wolf struggles in the webbing.

The free wolf attacks Variel as he is within reach even though it appears that there are 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 images.

Attack 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19 for 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 and
Trip 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Variel hit on a 1 1d3 ⇒ 1

The wizard stays where he is at and pulls out an icicle wand from his belt. Pointing it at the ground where Jetro is located. A giant stalagmite erupts from the ground dealing 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 piercing and 2d6 ⇒ (3, 3) = 6 cold damage. Trip attempt as well 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 reflex DC 14 for half and no trip attempt.

The mighty warrior who took the damage for the witch Radosek waves his hand again and the damage he took heals 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

map at the top of the campaign tab for the next round.

I guess I need to know if I can target through the webs... the wizard did, but I'm firing a ray at the fighter if I can

If it is targeting a creature then yes but they get cover. If you are targeting a square as the witch did then there is no cover penalty.

Venja targets the fighter with a ray of frost.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 4 = 9

sigh

Sheelah attacks the wolf at AG:20 viciously
Bite: 1d20 + 5 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 - 1 + 1 = 22
for 1d6 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 9
Claw: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 1 = 5
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 + 1 = 9
Claw: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 - 1 = 5
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8

And Beck takes a swing at AF:21
Shillelagh: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
for 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 5, 4) + 5 = 16

Confirmation: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
for 3d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) + 5 = 17

HP 21/39
AC 18
Spells in effect: Bless(+1 hit/save vs. fear)

Jetro grunts in pain as he struggles to keep his feet.
Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
He pulls another arrow and steps to AD-24 while firing at the wolf at AF-22 to help clear the way for the others.

Longbow,PBS,PS: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 231d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Beck I forgot to tell you that the height of the ceiling is 30ft

As his flow is flying, Xanxan can't just stab him, but he's close enough, he hopes, to pop out and catch him by surprise with a crossbow

To hit wizard/witch/whatever 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Plus sneak attack if possible 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2

The witch is not flying currently just mentioned it so you knew that it was the same one as before. Ironically it is probably better to use the crossbow so you don't have to worry about the webs. Also since you were hidden the bodyguard could not interrupt the attack since he was unaware of it..

From where he stands, Helgash presses to attack one of the wolves menacing Variel - "Stand fast friend Variel, we are here!" - he encourages him.

Targetting the one in AF:21.

Bardiche Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Damage if it hits: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (1, 6) + 7 = 14

Beck, if you shift your position just a tad, they won't get soft cover from Variel against me.

--Status--
AC: 20
HP: 33/38
Effects: Bless, Enlarge Person, Protection from Evil

Beck and Sheelah account for another wolf while Jetro and Helgash eliminate the last of them freeing up some space between the witch and his bodyguard and the group.

Xanxan takes careful aim behind the cover of the desk and surprises Radosek just enough to land the sneak attack on him.

Without any wolves left Variel weighs the options before and chooses to move around to the other side of the plate mail wearing warrior. I trust you to have my back Helgash otherwise I wouldn't be up here with Sheelah.

Variel casts shocking grasp so it is ready for his next attack as he gets just to the outside of the webbing.

Bottom of round 3
The witch spots Xanxan after being shot and stares at him intently eventually forcing Xanxan to blink. When Xanxan does he is alarmed to find out that he is blinded and everything is black. fort save DC 15 resists the blindness/deafness spell and you can blink freely to see again

Finally engaged directly the ?fighter? swings with his greatsword at Variel hoping to cut him down quickly. 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 for 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (3, 2) + 5 = 10
image check 1d3 ⇒ 2 The blade comes ever so close to Variel but luckily for Variel the target was one of the images that he made. The image winks out of existence leaving 1 behind and the ?fighter? thwarted for the time being.

Good guys up round 4. Webbing still in place giving a +4 AC cover bonus while it lasts if you have to go through 5ft of webbing

Venja targets the bodyguard with a ray of enfeeblement.

ranged touch to hit: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (20) + 3 - 4 = 19
strength penalty: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

awwww.. too bad it's a penalty, not damage, so not subject to doubling on a crit

HP 21/39
AC 18
Spells in effect: Bless(+1 hit/save vs. fear)

Daddy needs a bullseye. Jetro fires on the bodyguard.

Longbow,PBS,PS: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 101d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Fort Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Xanxan blinks only a second, and then smirks, "Let's see if I can make YOU blink now."

And he fires again

To hit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Possible Crit, to confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
Dmg if that confirms: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The guardian takes a ray to the chest from Venja as some of his strength is sapped away. This does not prevent him from still taking the bolt from Xanxan to protect his master from further bodily harm. All of this he does without making a sound other thanthe slight clinking of his armor.

Jetro's bow twangs again but the sound is not the one that is typically heard. The string snaps and Jetro quickly restrings it ready again for his next opening shot.