Sister Mara's page

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Mara's expression turns introspective for a moment at mention of the cold fey of the north. "Sounds like your Lady Argentea's in danger," she says to Rolly and Ben, genuine concern evident in her tone. "What do you plan to do about it?"

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"Who? Who got you?" Mara gently asks the injured man as she kneels next to him, tending his wounds.

"And who's Lady Argentea?" she asks, looking up at Rolly.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"Gyl found him by the forest, Mother Theodora," Mara explains as Muninn wings into the tavern to land on the young woman's shoulder. "Rolly here says the man's name is Yuln Oerstag - he was with the last caravan. There's a number of small slashes and puncture wounds through his armor and flesh, although no signs of bolts or arrows and no exit wounds. And he's suffering from frostbite..." she lets the oddity of that last statement hang in the air.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Still here!

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Slowly, Gylwinth recuperates. She sits up and offers: "Frostbite? It is odd, for it wasn't cold where I found him. Perhaps some wild creature using frost is hunting in the woods?"

"I haven't heard of such creatures around here before," Mara replies with a frown. "Maybe Mother Theodora will know better than me."

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"This man has frostbite," Mara announces incredulously. "Muninn, please fetch Mother Theodora. She has the healer's touch; I'm afraid there's not much more I can do for him."

The raven perched on Mara's shoulder bobs its head and then takes wing, flapping out the open window.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

As the woman bursts into the room, Rolly chokes on the blackberry wine, spilling a bit more down his front.

Mara slaps Rolly on the back and gives the dwarf a look with one eyebrow raised, giving the latest wine-stain on his shirt a meaningful glance.

Gylwinth accepts the hand offered and gets back to her feet, then blushes somewhat as she takes in the sight of Ben. She caches herself, drops her gaze and says: "I found him dying. He needs help!" The words are blurted and she turns to Mara for support.

At Gylwinth's call Mara rushes over to tend to the injured man. "What happened, Gyl? Where did you find him?" the tavern girl asks without looking up from her patient.

Heal check: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Perception check to learn anything about the source of the man's wounds: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

As she inspects the man's wounds, a midnight-black raven glides down from the rafters and perches on the young woman's shoulder, studying the wounded man as well with its beady eyes.

Muninn's Perception check to learn anything about the source of the man's wounds: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"I'm fine," Mara replies, giving Rolly a half-hearted smile. "Just a strange... feeling... is all. Like something's not quite right... Or something's about to happen. Maybe it's Krepp's talk of giant white weasels or Farmer Dansby and his crops..."

"Or maybe it's that last cask of wine I opened and just served to you - it smelled a little off," she adds, her expression regaining her usual mischievous grin.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Mara has had quite the day. It’s Fireday which means pay day for the folks who work the lumbermill. This also means that Mara is forced to abandon her studies and her true joy, the arcane arts, for an evening of helping her adopted parents, Menander and Kale by waiting tables at the Stoat. Normally it’s not so bad since her parents do all of the prep work during the day, but today the first cask of summer blackberry wine has arrived from Oppara and the stuff is insanely popular. It also stains absolutely everything it touches.

To make matters worse, a local hunter named Dryden Kepp was in here all afternoon, deep in his cups, going on about some wild white weasel the size of a horse that he had spotted a day or two back. When he caught a few of the patrons chuckling, he downed the rest of his ale and stomped off vowing to catch the thing. Now, it’s only sun down and Old farmer Dansby is yelling to anyone who will listen about something destroying his crops. It’s going to be one of those nights it seems.

"Mara!" he yells out, not content to wait his turn. "Why dontcha bring me some o' that blackberry wine? An' don't be stingy, lass!"

Mara huffs, blowing her raven-black hair out of her face to reveal the livid scar stretching across her right cheek as she picks up another tray of full wine goblets from the bar. "Just hold your horses, Rolly Skullsplitter! And if you think I'm being stingy with the wine, just wring some out of your shirt and into your cup!" she retorts. "Honestly! If you want to take some home with you, just buy a cask instead of pouring it all over your beard and clothes!"

The young woman delivers her drinks throughout the common room, trying to avoid old farmer Dansby as he launches yet again into a tirade about his destroyed crops. Finally she deposits two full goblets before Rolly and Ben Shrike. "A temple shaped like a giant beetle?" she asks, picking up on the end of their conversation. "Let me guess - a dung beetle, right? I could see why that would interest both of you."

Mara turns away and then suddenly staggers, hissing in a sharp breath as she clutches Ben's shoulder to keep her balance. "What is it Mother Theodora says? 'By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes'," she whispers to herself. Seeing that she still grips Ben's shoulder, she quickly releases him and straightens. "Sorry. Just got a sudden... chill... Like someone just walked over my grave," she explains, smiling apologetically despite the worry evident in her eyes.

"Anyone seen Gylwinth today?" Mara calls to her father as she makes her way back to the bar.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

I'm going to be out of town for the next 3-4 days. My internet access will be sporadic at best, but I'll try to check in if possible.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Ben and Rolly could know Mara from helping her parents at the tavern.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

It would male sense that there would be some sense of competition, though benign, then, no?

I think that would definitely make sense. Mara is also the adopted daughter of Menander and Kale Garimos, owners of the Silver Stoat tavern, and she refers to the gnome carpenter Tengezil Frimbocket as her uncle.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

How is the winter witch version of Sister Mara coming along?

I've got Mara's crunch done; I just need to finish purchasing equipment... And get the background that's in my head down on paper.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

I prefer to level when the story dictates - that seems easier all around.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

I've almost got my winter witch together. I hope you don't mind, but I read the section on Heldren to be able to tie her history to some of the people there (particularly Old Mother Theodora and Tengezil Frimbocket).

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

I'm planning on a Winter Witch. I imagine I'll have a bit of healing ability.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Thanks for offering to run something, Jam!

I'm currently in several AP PbP's: Age of Worms, Rise of the Runelords, Council of Thieves, two Kingmakers, and Carrion Crown; plus a Serpent's Skull game that's just died out near the beginning of the second book. I would definitely be up for Reign of Winter, Jade Regent, Curse of the Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, or Skull & Shackles.

Oooh... Skull & Shackles... I could re-purpose Sister Mara as a pirate!

Of course, with Reign of Winter, I could re-purpose her as a Winter Witch...

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

I'd definitely be on board if you wanted to run something, Jam.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

No worries, James. Totally understand the time crunch issue. I had a blast with Godsmouth Heresy. Please keep us in mind if/when you decide to run something else.

Best regards!

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara reloads her crossbow and keeps the weapon trained on the goblins' hiding place, ready to fire if another of the creatures shows itself.

Readied Action - Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Crossbow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara crouches in the doorway and trains her crossbow on the crates hiding the goblins.

If possible, Mara takes any cover provided by the doorway, and readies an action to fire on the first goblin to become visible.

Here are the rolls, if needed:
Crossbow Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Crossbow Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Happy New Year!

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara loads a bolt into her crossbow and steps over to the beam. "I'll go first and provide cover from the goblins. The next person to cross can secure a rope to help the ones following after," she suggests.

Putting words to action, the inquisitor dashes nimbly across the beam and crouches in the doorway at the other end, training her crossbow on the crates hiding the goblins in the room beyond.

DC 15 Acrobatics check to cross beam moving at full speed: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

If possible, Mara takes any cover provided by the doorway, and readies an action to fire on the first goblin to become visible.

Initiative (when needed): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Could we get Oren to use a Channel Energy on us before we move on? I know that Kua and Sister Mara are still wounded - anyone else?

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara will help herself to one of the quivers of crossbow bolts if nobody minds.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"Kua? Are you alright?" Sister Mara calls to the Duskwarden as she retrieves her scimitar from the slain thug. She grimaces as she wipes her own blood from the finely crafted blade before replacing the weapon in its sheath on her belt.

"I told you I would sing songs of your deeds if you tried to hinder us," Sister Mara mutters under her breath, sparing the slain Varisians one last glance. "May the Dawnflower's radiance illuminate your path to Pharasma's Hall of Judgment."

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara steps forward and tries again to hit the scimitar thief as he hides behind his shield.

Assuming I'm flanking with Jhaik(?) - Hanbo Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Sister Mara's AC: 17
Sister Mara's HP: 13/19

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Another vote for the summaries. As Shifty said, we can always ask for clarification if needed.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Grimacing in pain, Sister Mara takes a step back and casts a spell to heal some of the damage inflicted on her by her own scimitar.

5 ft step back. Standard action to cast Cure Light Wounds on self.
CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 hp healed.

Sister Mara's AC: 17
Sister Mara's HP: 13/19

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara's AoO:

Sister Mara swings her hanbo at the mouthy thug's head as he attempts to rise to his feet.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Sister Mara's AC: 17
Sister Mara's HP: 6/19

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Round Three:

The thug grins, spinning the Sister's fine scimitar in his greasy hand. "Oh, that's a damn shame. How much d'you think this is worth, cousin?"

"More than your life, now," Sister Mara growls in response as she draws her hanbo from her belt. The inquisitor begins to swing toward the thug's head, but nimbly ducks low to hook the weapon around the man's ankle instead. With a quick yank she attempts to pull the thug off of his feet.

Move action to draw hanbo. Standard action to attempt to trip the thug.

Trip Maneuver: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 vs. Thug's CMD to knock prone. This maneuver provokes an AoO from the thug.

Sister Mara's AC: 17
Sister Mara's HP: 14/19

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Round One:

Not sure if Sister Mara had a chance to cast Guidance on herself as Kua was crossing the plank. If so, please add +1 to her Fortitude save.
Fortitude save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

"You've just forfeited the eight gold I was going to pay you," Sister Mara hisses at the treacherous man who cut her with her own scimitar. The inquisitor takes a step back and throws up her hand to unleash a scorching bolt of divine fire toward the offending thug.

5 ft step back. Standard action to use Fire Domain power to toss a Fire Bolt at the thug. If Mara is not sickened, she will also use a move action to draw her hanbo.

Fire Bolt (ranged touch attack): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Fire Bolt Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Sister Mara's AC: 17
Sister Mara's HP: 14/19

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara offers a brief prayer to her Goddess and follows Kua's example after the half-orc traverses the wooden plank.

Cast Guidance on self. DC 10 Acrobatics check: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 1 = 16

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"I'm beginning to think you don't trust us," Sister Mara replies to the thug's suggestion that the companions wait in the open street while he and his accomplice warn Natalya of their presence.

"Here's an alternative. My friends and I will go with you to see Natalya, but we'll keep our weapons sheathed. If my friends agree, we'll promise not to attack your people unless they attack us first. By the holy radiance of the Dawnflower, you have my word," Sister Mara solemnly swears, placing her right hand upon the holy symbol of Sarenrae on her leather armor.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"We could rough you up a bit, if that would help," Sister Mara replies, a hint of a smile twitching her lips. "But you seem like nice young men. How about you take us to Natalya for eight gold each, and we promise to protect you from her wrath?"

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"Like we said, we just want to talk to Natalya," Sister Mara replies in the Common tongue. "There's five gold for each of you if you secure us an audience with her."

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"Yes," Sister Mara says, ghosting out of the shadows behind the two Varisian thugs and pulling back the string of her crossbow with an audible 'CLICK'. "As my companion said, we're here to talk to her peacefully," she reiterates, before adding more in the Varisian tongue.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara joins Kua in scouting around the building, whispering a prayer to invoke a bit of her Goddess' divine guidance to aid in her inspection of the area. (Cast Guidance to aid with Perception.)

Perception check: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 = 11
Stealth check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

'Southeast corner of the Shadow' - would that be the southeast corner of the Shadow Clock?

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara's eyes narrow as she studies the sickly man for any sign of deception.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

As the group departs she keeps a wary eye on Fenster's hovel to make sure the man doesn't try to make any surprise attacks.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"We understand the Tower Girls have been staying with you. We're looking for one of the them - Natalya Vancaskerkin. Know where we can find her?" Sister Mara asks bluntly.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara follows Kua's example and tosses another couple of gold coins onto the tin plate.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara flicks a gold coin through the air to land on the tin plate with a metallic *CLINK*.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"Anyone know what to expect from these Szcarni? Are the generally reasonable or should we just skip diplomacy right off the bat?"

"Any negative stereotype you've heard about Varisians is true about the Sczarni," Sister Mara advises. "Like any other bandits and thieves, you can negotiate with them - just be sure to count your fingers afterward if you shake their hand."

Survival check once we get to the bad part of town: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

I'm good with either way - whichever is easiest for the DM is fine with me!

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

DC 20 Sense Motive check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara stands back, content to let her more diplomatic companions question Sergeant Kasadei and listening intently to all that is said.

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

Sister Mara approaches a guardsman leaving the building. "Excuse me, sir. We're trying to track down a young woman who may have been apprehended by the city watch. Could you direct us to the appropriate official with whom we should speak?"

Female Human (Ulfen?) Witch 1 (Winter Witch)

"The Dawnflower will provide for me as well. I suggest Kua, Yang, Auron, and Svetlana take the potions. I'm also fine for coin now. Why don't the rest of you split the 100 gold advance - it will divide easier among five than six."