VoA's Fairy Girl vs the Winter Witches(RoW)
Game Master
Monkeygod
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
It has been just over six months since you first arrived in the sleepy little town of Heldren, within Nirmathas. After you completed your training within the Hoarwood, you set out to wander the wilder world, offering your particular and rather unique services to those in need.
Joining a caravan heading east as both a healer and bodyguard, you made your away across the Tusk Mountains, and down into Ustalav. You spent several weeks assisting the people of a small village battle and eventually make peace with a band of fae and their skinwalker allies, then moved on.
As you traveled the Hungry Mountains, you began to hear rumors of some trouble within the Fangwood, which was about as uncommon as the sun rising every morning. However, this was rather unusual even for the infamous wood: A small town had been placed under a curse which prevented its residents from ever sleeping.
Heading to the village, Heldren, you found the source of the curse, a witch who had been spurned by the man she loved. After much convincing, and a ton of bartering, you managed to get the curse lifted. The people were so thankful, they made you their official Wise Woman, and provided you with a small cottage.
In the past six months, you have settled into your role rather nicely, though part of you longs to get back on the road again.
You have become fast friends with the town soothsayer Old Mother Theodora, and the two of you often spend your evenings together.
Thus it was that you were in presence when a group of hunters arrived from the Fangwood, speaking of unnaturally cold weather, despite it being the height of summer just days ago. They claim heavy snows followed and that there's an uneasy presence within the woods, as well dangerous new predators.
At this revelation, Theodora's eyes roll back into her head, as they do right before she speaks of omens and ill tidings. "Beware the winter that does not belong, it foretells a doom centuries in the making."
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve crossed her legs thoughtfully. At least half of being a wise woman was attitude - when people thought you knew things, they were more likely to behave deferentially, and that let you get things done with a few words instead of great works of magic. It didn't really help that prophecy had been on the fritz ever since Aroden died, and none of the powers were explaining why.
"I see. That's straightforward enough." she said, looking at the group of hunters. "Myself, I'd recommend traveling and hunting elsewhere for a time."
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"Um, no disrespect, but uh, you don't find it odd that it's heavily snowing in the middle of the summer??" The 'leader' of the hunters asks.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve raised an eyebrow. "Of course it's odd." she answered. "But when something so far outside of the norm occurs, there's generally a reason that will be revealed in due course. What really matters is what you do in response to it. For myself, I plan to look into it. If the spirits of the wild are upset, I may be able to calm them and return things to normal."
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"We are going to stay far away from the Wood, till hopefully whatever is going on is fixed."
Just as you're about to respond, there's a commotion outside. Should you go to investigate, you find a badly injured mercenary stumble into town, and collapse a few yards away from Theodora's home.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve indeed went outside - and promptly bent down near the mercenary, holding a hand over his body. A small jolt of life-giving energy shot out of her hand a moment later, infusing him with a little bit of life.
Life: Invigorate: Give 1 temp HP.
"Stay with me. What happened?" Neve asked as she examined his injuries in more detail.
Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
His wounds a really bad, and he'll need either more healing magics, or some serious care in order to recover. He can talk however.
"Lady Argentea Malassene's coach was attacked, by bandits and some wintry creatures. Never seen their like before. We were near the Fangwood when the attack came. I'm the only survivor, though the lady was dragged into the woods."
You know that Argentea Malassene is a minor noble who lives in Heldren. She's fairly well liked, as she hosts feast every other month for the children of the town, and their families.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Wintry, was it...? Irrisen was a long ways away, though. (There were also the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, but they generally didn't hold much stock with mucking with the weather, possibly because of their witchly neighbors.)
"I see. The Lady's shown great hospitality with her feats - I do not dislike such things." Neve said. "Hold still." She focused, and a greater surge of healing magic flowed into him. It probably wasn't going to be enough to completely restore him, but it would at least stabilize him and get him into a place where bed rest ought to be enough. "Tell the townsfolk to be on guard. I will see if I can retrieve the Lady." With that, she beckoned for others to come tend to the man, then set off towards the Fangwood.
Life (Cure): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
As your healing energies flow into the guard wobbly stands to his feet. Taking a moment to steady himself, he takes a few steps and sits in a large chair. Placing his head in his hands for a few moments, he seems to be trying to clear his mind.
"It would seem I suffered some slight memory loss from the attack, but your healing magics have seemingly restored some of them. The bandits were no match for us, but then came the cold fey of the north. They appeared among us and the battle turned quickly. My people speak of the winter-touched all the time, but I never expected to meet them this far south.” He seems like he has more to say, but pauses to let this sink in.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
"'Tis unusual, yes. There gets to be a bit of chill here, but nothing at all like the northern lands." Neve observed. "The spirits of the wild do not appear without purpose, strange though it may seem to others. Do you remember anything else?"
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"Not really, no. But I do have a warning. The winter-touched are Fey creatures who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen. Tiny sprites no taller than the length of a man’s forearm. But don’t be fooled by their small stature. Legends say they have taken a sliver of ice into their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter. They cut my battle hardened men down as if they were mere boys. If they’re here, it’s because a White Witch sent them. And much worse will follow.”
He pauses, then says grimly "If you're going to take the fight to them, burn them with fire and cold iron."
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve smiled and pat his arm. "I appreciate the warning, but fear not, I know how to deal with the fey. Still, you did well to bring as much information as you could." she said. "Would that more men were as brave - the world might be better."
If there was nothing else, though, there was no time like the present to get this resolved.
Ready to move on when you are. ^^
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
As the guard, who introduces himself as Yuln, gives you directions to where the attack took place, and further imparts the dangers of the cold, you realize it might be a good idea to grab a cold weather outfit Though your bonuses will help, of course. It's relatively easy to obtain one, should you decide to get one. It's about six miles north to the ambush site.
Near the forest, the temperature grows noticeably colder. The road ahead is littered with debris and the corpses of slain humans and horses. A carriage stands in the roadway, its team of horses missing or cut free, while another overturned carriage lies sprawled and broken next to the tree line. To the south, more bodies have fallen around what appears to be a statue of ice. A snowy trail leads deeper into the forest.
There's a light dusting of snow on the ground, and the temperature hovers just above freezing.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve didn't bother with the cold weather outfit - part of her body (and she'd never been too clear on the exact 'how' involved, not that she'd admit that to anyone else) made her extraordinarily resilient to the worst of the chill. You couldn't live in Irrisen if you couldn't handle the cold. Besides, she was probably going to need her energy soon enough.
She paused for a few moments near the carriage, then dragged the bodies together while keeping an eye on the bigger hunk of ice. People slain by fey far from their home were pretty much destined to return as undead - frost wights, perhaps, or something similarly nasty. The best way to do that was to give them a proper service. She wasn't overly religious, but she'd learned a few tricks just in case.
Know Religion (Funeral Rites): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
"Dearly departed, know that you are mourned and not forgotten. Yet though it may be unfair, your time in this world is at its end. I go to resolve the problem that led to your demise, so do not tarry in this world with unfinished business and instead let your souls receive the judgment of Pharasma. As it was ice that brought your doom, I give your bodies to the fire, that your remains may return to the land and bring new life. May all be found in balance." With that, she pointed at the pyre and sent out a small burst of flame, just enough to ignite the flammable components. Surrounded as the little pyre was, there was no chance of the fire spreading out of control.
Assuming nothing animated to attack her, she'd head down the snowy trail.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
Meant to ask this earlier, and promptly forgot lol, but did you set the carriage on fire, or just the corpses?
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Just the corpses, though she'd have checked inside the carriage and generally around the site to be sure she got everyone/everything.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
Two of Lady Argentea’s handmaidens lie dead inside the overturned and wrecked carriage. There are various outfits and spare clothing strewn about, likely belonging to the two dead girls.
The other carriage is mostly intact, save for the damage it took from the many arrows fired in the battle that took place here. A spear has been wedged between the handles of the door to keep them closed.
As you approach, you can hear muffled sounds of movement inside.
It's a move action to remove the spear, should you decide to investigate
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
After a moment of consideration, Neve knocked on the door. The odds were either "people trapped inside to spare them notice" or "undead that got held there to keep them away from others", and whether or not they gave an intelligent response was a pretty good way of figuring out which it was. Not every solution needed to include mystically peering through the fabric of the world.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
You hear a mumbling, unintelligent reply, though whether it's from base undead or living prisoners who have been gagged, you aren't sure.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Well, it was worth checking just in case they really were living people. With that, she began to pace around the tent. As she did so, her body changes - two legs became four, skin became fur, and her sense of smell got much better. A moment later, she sniffed at the door, trying to figure out if anything inside smelled undead.
Animalistic Transformation - yay, Scent!
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
The overwhelming stench of death and decay assault your heightened sense of smell, confirming that whatever is inside is definitely undead.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve wrinkled her nose as she pulled back from the carriage, then shifted back into her human form. A moment later, she tossed some makeshift kindling underneath the carriage and ignited it. Unless they were abnormally strong undead, the flames ought to finish them off before the carriage finished burning - and that was the safest and most merciful thing she could do for them.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
It takes some time for the carriage to ignite, but it does finally catch fire.
Should you go investigate the ice statue, you recognize Nirmathas heraldry adoring the captain of the guard. Sadly, his body is not fully intact, as whomever attacked him used him as an example to warn off others. Several pieces of him lie at his feet, slowly melting.
Finally, at the edge of the massacre, you note an obvious trail going into the woods, as the bandits clearly were unable to cover the tracks of the horses they stole. No need for a survival check, once you decide to follow it.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
There wasn't really anything she could do for the ice statue - and Neve wasn't the type to worry about that. She was basically a benevolent person, but it was better to save the people you could reach than worry about the ones you couldn't. With that, she headed off down the trail.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
As you enter the full expanse of the Fangwood, the trail passes through a small clearing among the taller trees before continuing uphill and out of sight. A large chest lies half-buried in the snow, apparently dropped or discarded by those who hastily passed this way.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve raised an eye at the chest, but she kept going. She was interested in the people and didn't know how important the timetable might be. If they needed to retrieve the chest, she could probably find her way back to it later.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
A narrow game trail winds its way through the trees and undergrowth. Hoofprints mark the underlying snow, leading in both directions.
You soon come across a majestic beast that stands the height of a man at its shoulders, a many-tipped rack of proud antlers crowning its head. It's currently blocking your path.
It looks at you, but does not move, either out of the way, or to attack.
Perception check.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Blech. XD
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"Hello, haven't seen many travelers through here lately. My name is Fawfien." The stag says, as you pause on the path.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve curtsied slightly. Talking animals were far from the strangest thing she'd encountered, and she wouldn't be much of a wise woman if she freaked out over every little thing. "A pleasure to meet you, Fawfien. I am Neve, a traveler visiting these lands. If you do not mind the question, could you tell me what you know about the strange weather and frozen visitors that have come to this place?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
The stag nods it head, "I can, but first, answer me this. You are the first traveler we've had since the weather turned wintry. Why are you here?"
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
"To put right what is wrong." Neve answered sedately. "I am content to let things take their course when it follows the edicts of nature, but this is a decidedly unnatural event and I would see the proper order of the land restored."
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"Are you so sure that what is happening is actually wrong? Perhaps this is the correct course?" The stag questions.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
"Pretty sure, yeah." Neve said mildly. "Weather that is extremely out-of-place for a region has a cause - usually someone doing something they really shouldn't be. If I'm wrong, and there is a truly natural explanation, I can always change my actions later."
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"Wise words. If this winter is unnatural, how will you go about fixing it?"
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
"History suggests that what is done can be undone." Neve answered. "I don't like to make promises about methods until I understand exactly what has been done. I'd like to simply talk them into stopping if I can, but I'm not afraid to use stronger measures if I must."
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"I do not know who or what is responsible for this weather, but I can take you to someone who might have the answers you seek."
At this point, a small, tiny blue fae with dragonfly wings stands up on the back of the stag. "I am supposed to warn them of travelers asking too many questions about the unnatural weather, but I don't really like them, and they are mean to Ithil here." He says, patting his stag.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve smiled at the fey and curtsied to it as well. "I would appreciate that. Lead the way, please, and I shall follow." her body abruptly shifted as she entered her wolf form - rapidly wagging her new tail and smiling so as to come across as more friendly than dangerous. She didn't want to spook the stag, after all.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
The stag backs up slowly, but a reassuring hand from it's master clams his companion. Following the fae's lead, he guides you through the forest, to a nearby frozen stream. There is a lopsided snowman in the middle of the the path, with a crude sign that warns: Trespassers turn back.
"That's a rather nasty trap, but thankfully I know the password to bypass it." Fawfein says, speaking a nonsensical word in Aquan.
As you cross the frozen stream, a pair of icy snake-like creatures with oddly humanoid faces jump out of the water, and appear ready to attack. However, a outstretched hand from Fawfein makes them pause.
No initiative just yet. You may talk to them or opt to attack, your choice.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve shifted back into her true form, then curtsied slightly to the creatures. "Greetings." she said, determined to display impeccable manners. After all, she was not some buffoon trampling all over the forest. "I am Neve, a visitor to these lands looking into the unusual weather. Would you be so kind as to allow us to pass?"
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
"I'm Szassh, and that's Skrikks. We're supposed to waylay travelers to in order to prevent them from crossing the river. But, we like Fawfein, who feeds us yummy treats. What will you offer us in order to pass?"
Feel free to make a Diplomacy check here. They are currently indifferent, but leaning slightly towards friendly due your traveling with the fae, so DC is 13.
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Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Neve considered for a few moments. Elementals had little need (or care) for wealth or riches. And unlike some people from her home, she was no barbarian to say she'd give them their lives if she allowed them to pass. On the other hand, they did seem interested in food...
"If food is what you like, I shall be happy to oblige." Neve said, smiling at them. She stepped off the trail, searching for a few moments-
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
-until she found the kind of plant she was looking for. She smiled at it for a few moments, gently running its finger down the thickest part. "Life awaiting, there are those in need. Come forth, food of the land." As she spoke, the plant began to tremble... then berries began to grow with faintly ridiculous speed. In moments, the plant was laden with fresh treats, and with practiced movements the druid collected them. Then plant shook slightly as the last of the berries were plucked, none the worse for wear after experiencing one of the secret druidic techniques.
Nature: Plantlife: Growth. -1 SP.
With that, Neve brought the food over to the elementals, letting the chilly air do the work of dropping the berries' temperature as she set them on a reasonably clean patch of frozen ground. "There you are. They may not be the food of your home, but I think you'll find them quite sweet and flavorful."
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
Nicely done!
The two elementals each scoop up several of the berries, and pop them into their mouths. They both grin when done. "That was indeed a most excellent treat, thank you." Skrikks states.
"Yea, they were quite tasty! You might need to come back with more!" Szassh exclaims excitedly.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve just tilted her head a little and smiled. "If I pass back this way, perhaps I shall." she answered. "For now..." she paused for a moment, then Warped across the stream, landing on the opposite bank. "...If anyone asks, you didn't see me cross the stream, right?" she winked impishly at them, then beckoned for the fey and his wild steed to join her so they could continue on.
As for her little trick there, she genuinely didn't want the elementals to get in trouble over her. They were often called and bound against their will, and she saw no reason to harm entities of nature just because they'd had that kind of misfortune. While she could have simply made her way across anytime... well, they were kind of cute, and she'd enjoyed watching them eat. Besides, it was better to make friends than enemies. Her name would be in the mouths of others, and she wanted them to say good things.
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
The trail begins to climb a ridgeline to the south beneath snow-laden trees. The prints of boots and horses mar the freshly fallen snow on the trail.
Feel free to make a stealth attempt here, you get your +5.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve shifted back into her wolf form as she followed the trail, occasionally stopping to sniff the ground as she crept forward. Despite her generally relaxed personality, she couldn't totally suppress a few pangs of anxiety. She didn't know what was actually here, and it never hurt to be careful... fortunately, she was pretty good at hiding in the snow.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 5 = 27
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
Scouting ahead, you are easily able to sneak up on a trio of arguing bandits. They're apparently fighting over their shares of loot from the caravan.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
Neve snorted slightly, but settled down a bit to listen in and see if she could glean any more information. She was no heroine of justice who felt compelled to right every single wrong in the world - bandits tended to get cut down by guards before they could do too much harm to others, and she wanted to save her strength for resolving the main problem she was here for. On the other hand, if these men were part of the problem or had useful information, that changed things...
(Helping people was all well and good, but her time up in Irrisen had given her a strong pragmatic streak on matters like this. The fire that burned too hot was the one that got quenched by the ice - if you wanted to solve things, sometimes you had to have a discreet melting instead of a raging bonfire.)
Male Archangel of Awesome Paladin of Badassery 20
These men were obviously among those who waylaid Lady Argentea's caravan. It would seem that Yuln missed a few, and the three of them are fighting over who gets how much of the Lady's coin.
They provide no useful information, but it's clear that they are just petty thieves the world wouldn't miss, should you chose to rid it of them.
Female Human Level 1 | HP: 19/19 | AC: 20, T: 17, FF: 17 | Fort: +8, Ref: +4, Will: +2 | CMB: +4, CMD: 21 | Init: +3, Perception: +5
After a moment of consideration, Neve nodded to her companions and began to move away from the group of bandits and further along the trail. They'd done wrong, to be sure, but this area had guards tasked to deal with matters like this. She wasn't in the habit of doing people's jobs for them - spoil a town too much and they'd rely on you for everything instead of learning to handle it themselves. If that meant the occasional loss for them... well, sometimes pain was needed to help someone grow. A wise parent would not coddle their child forever.
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