6-18 From Under Ice (Tier 1-2) (Inactive)

Game Master Jamesui

Fortitude: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Fortitude: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Fortitude: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Huron grins and unbuttons his coat a bit. "As much as I've enjoyed my extended visit to the south, I have to admit there's something comforting about the chilly air up here."

Nicholas uses an extract of EE each day as noted earlier.

Also, Blackfire clay is listed under Alchemical items with a DC20 to create: link. Can Nicholas attempt Craft(Alchemy) check to use it?

It's not a matter of activation. It's a matter of application. The ice wall's the rub, not the clay itself.

Gregor knows that he can figure out how to use all the clay to melt a passage through the ice in about 2 hours. If there's a quicker solution, he does not know it. Anyone with two brain cells to rub together can probably figure out that standing close to the clay while it does its thing will ward you against the weather enough to heal up frostbite and not need further saves.

Yakanzi just might have 2 brain cells to make it work...

Nicholas grabs a brick of clay and palpates it with fingers, then sniffs it, attempting to gather his academic knowledge of alchemical effects in order to intuit the best way to apply it to the real-world circumstances.
untrained Knowledge(engineering): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Nicholas knows what Gregor knows.

Rogzul will wait patiently near enough to stay warm. Hell coax Grizak over so the mule does not need to weather the cold for the time being.

"I hope we find what we are looking for. This has been a long trip. I will be happy wheb it is over. Kashag does not like these cold winds."

No one stated so, but I guess I'm assuming my saying "you know you can do something" means "you do something." In the future, I'd prefer not to dictate player actions, though.

Gregor and Nicholas work together and suss out a solution to cut a hole through the ice by the warmth of blackfire clay. Everyone huddles around it and shuffles along as it progresses, until after two hours you can see through the channel in the ice to the stone room beyond.

Before anyone can step through, however, you are distracted by motion in a snowdrift near the rock face and a snarling and growling that seems to shift into a booming, ponderous tongue before settling on Taldane. A man-sized white wolf erupts from the drift, kicking up a flurry of powder as it speaks at you through bared teeth.

"You possess my quarry," he snarls, "the dark-skinned woman among you. Relinquish her to me, and my fangs will find other flesh than yours upon which to feast."

Knowledge (Arcana) to ident. Base DC gets you type, any subtypes, and all properties thereof. State any other questions in order in advance. That said, you're not in initiative.

Bardic Knowledge: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

"No. Why do you even want her?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 To determine if he wants to harm Haltani, if I can.

Rogzul growls low in his throat as the creature appears and demands their guide. He doesn't draw a weapon but he does take an aggressive posture.

"We will not give her up. We have fangs too."

He bares a mouth full of pointed teeth at the wolf.

"Hmmm that is a big wolf...are we ready if this goes bad?" Yakanzi asks his companions as he grips his weapon and pulls the target of the wolf behind him for her protection....

"Wolf, we will not give up our companion. If you attempt to take her by force, we will stop you. Why do you want her? Does this have anything to do with why you and your allies attacked the Whiterook village?"

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Huron eyes the wolf cautiously, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Clearly you're no ordinary animal, so why not explain to us your motivation. Perhaps we can help."

Nicholas draws the rapier but keeps the blade lowered. He cautiously steps to the side of Yakanzi. "I wouldn't take any bets... But neither would I willingly surrender one of our own to this beast."
To the wolf, he says, trying his best to keep his voice from trembling:
"Your quarry is currently under our employ. Besides, she is close with the Baroness of Dalun. If you came here to hunt, you would do wise to turn away, lest you become prey for Jadwiga justice."
This is a bit of conjecture and wishful thinking on Nicholas' part; I suppose bluff should cover it?
bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Nicholas, Yakanzi: drawing is a combat action, and requires you be in initiative first. We're entering initiative with you not having drawn yet.

Nicholas Init.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Huron Init.: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
Gregor Init.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Yakanzi Init.: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Rogzul Init.: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Baloo Init.: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (13) + 0 = 13
Rigrory Init.: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

"Not good enough!" the wolf snarls. As he readies himself to attack, the brutish Yakanzi beats him to the draw.

Initiative, Round 1:
Yakanzi
Rigrory
Rogzul
Baloo
Gregor
Huron
Nicholas

Map is here. The blue rectangle is the hole through the ice wall. The ice counts as difficult terrain for its slipperiness, and the DC of any acrobatics checks on icy terrain is increased by +5.

cant edit the map
Yakanzi draws his weapon and moves closer to the wolf on the slippery ice...

Permissions fixed. Sorry about that. Yakanzi, the wolf's movement will provoke.

Totally forgot this earlier. Huron identifies this creature as a Winter Wolf, albeit a very small one. He's probably a young one, and the runt of the litter at that. Huron knows it is a magical beast with the cold subtype, and all that implies.

The young wolf tries to sidestep Yakanzi and bears down on the rest of the group, howling forth an icy wind.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 3 - 5 ⇒ (1) + 3 - 5 = -1 Provokes from Yakanzi
Frost Breath, Reflex DC 14 for half: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4
1d4 ⇒ 4

Initiative, Round 1:
Yakanzi
Rigrory
Rogzul - Need a save against the breath
Baloo - Need a save against the breath
Gregor
Huron - Need a save against the breath
Nicholas

Reflex save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Cursing under his breath, Huron draws his sword, adjusts his position, and attacks the wolf.

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (6, 6) + 6 = 18

If it's not too late, Huron will accept Balooo's raging song! That brings his attack roll up to 13 and his damage up to 19, but his AC down to 17.

Flex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Baloo grits his teeth at the biting cold as he inspires ferocity in his allies. "We will destroy you!"

Raging song. For anyone who accepts, that PC gets +2 Str/Con and +1 Will save, and -1 to AC. They can make the choice at the start of their turn. Yakanzi can use his own rage bonuses/penalties instead.

Reflex: 1d20 ⇒ 8
Cast Defensive Touch, DC 15: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 4 = 16

Grunting from the pain of the cold breath Rogzul steps forward into the square in front of me, can't move because I'm on my phone and channels energy into his hand as he reaches out at the wolf hoping to slow it down.

Touch of fatigue Fort DC 14 or become fatigued will take the +2 to con leaving Rogzul at 6 hp and 15 AC

Rogzul: If you take the raging song, you can't cast. That said, where you start, you and the wolf have mutual cover on account of the rocks.
Huron: You can't share a space with the rocky outcropping. You can make it one square above it and still attack, but you and the wolf will share mutual cover.

oh, duh! So health is at 5 AC 16
Edit to respond to your edit: break is over, will have to reevaluate my action when I get home. Will be around 2am est

Huron: You can't share a space with the rocky outcropping. You can make it one square above it and still attack, but you and the wolf will share mutual cover.

Sorry, didn't see that was a rock and not just ice. Huron will just stay where he was then. Is he on higher ground than the wolf, or is that discoloration just for show? If he's got the high ground, that's another +1 on his attack roll. :)

Also, did we all get cover bonuses on our Reflex saving throws?

I'd be inclined to say yes if it made a difference, but the point of origin is that lower-left corner of his square. No obstruction there. Instead be glad that if he has an opportunity to breathe again, you'd deserve what's coming.

actually, I can fit in a quick question , when I made my move I'd have been where Huron is now, meaning my attack would have been made through the same point that did not obstruct the breath, if Huron moves can I get my attack off?I'm kind of confused about the order of events now that adjustments have been made, sorry.

You can cast, move, and then deliver the touch spell from up and to the left of the wolf. you still take a cover penalty, but you don't lose the charge, and you count as threatening.

Yakanzi swings at the wolf as it moves past him...
Nodachi: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18...DMG: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Rogzul stops daydreaming about attacking the wolf through the rock outcropping with his bare hands and moves along the ice to a safer spot. As he clears the rocks he lifts his hands in the air, and for a moment, his eyes go black as the color drains from all around him and seemingly springs from his fingers more vivid and stunning.

Using my 1/day Spirit Magic to cast Color Spray, DC 15 will save or wolf is unconcious stunned and blinded for 2d4 ⇒ (1, 1) = 2 rounds, stunned and blinded for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds than stunned for 1 round.

Will Save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

The wolf laughs off Rogzul's spell with all the social grace of a school yard bully.

I realize I forgot Ironclaw. Please place him wherever you think would have been appropriate, Gregor. Ditto Rogzul and your spirit animal, unless you'd prefer to leave it out of harm's way.

Gregor barked a word an Ironclaw moved around the others to attack the wolf from behind. The dwarf then moved behind Huron and cast a spell to make the fighter's attacks more accurate.

Double move for Ironclaw to get behind the wolf (1 square above the wolf). Casting Guidance on Huron.

Your bear does not have the flank trick, so you need to actually roll the "push animal" usage of handle animal as a move action to make him attack from a flank. DC is 25 now, and your effective Handle Animal modifier is +8. You can instead order Ironclaw to simply attack from the nearest obvious square as a free action, and only fail on a 1.

Forgot to mention: Yakanzi struck true with his attack, so the wolf is now bleeding a bit upon the snow.

Edit: By any measure and by almost any starting point, Ironclaw will be closes to that square to the upper-left of your enemy. Point is moot. My request still stands that you include your Handle Animal rolls unless you cannot fail them.

I wasn't trying to get him to "flank", simply that I had no means of knowing that he could get to any square other than that area. I will, of course, roll "handle animal" checks as necessary in the future.

Nicholas has discovered that the hilt of his rapier has actually frozen to the scabbard, so by the time he has managed to break free the blade, the combat was already raging around him. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he circled around the melee, waiting for an opportunity to make his strike count.
standard action - draw weapon, move action - move 30ft. beside Yakanzi and Baloo.

Start Round 2. Yakanzi's up. In hindsight, shoulda just lumped you all together across the round break. I'll be very happy if you save me the trouble of needing to run the wolf another round.

Yakanzi takes 5 foot step to flank with Huron and once again swings his weapon at the wolf...
Nodachi+PA+Flank: 1d20 + 5 - 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 - 3 + 2 = 7...DMG: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

and he loses his balance on the ice and misses...

Ugh. Roll better, please.
Yakanzi, where's that -3 coming from. You only take -1 for PA. No difference now, but if you're taking a penalty, I'd prefer it to be with reason.

The wolf ducks under Yakanzi's swing and tries to wrap its jaws around the rager's legs.

Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Well at least it's bad luck all around. Saves me from typing the damage. But not this comment, apparently.

Round 2 Init:
Yakanzi
Rigrory
Rogzul
Baloo
Gregor
Huron
Nicholas
Round 3 Init:
Yakanzi
Rigrory
Rogzul
Baloo
Gregor
Huron
Nicholas

Baloo will furiously punch the wolf.

Flank, Rage, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 5 + 2 + 1 - 1 = 15
Rage, Power Attack: 1d6 + 4 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 2 + 1 = 13

Going to keep Kashag by me, with 4 HP it's too easy for him to die. I only have one remaining 1st level spell that isn't a cone. Let's see what I can do...

Channeling negative energy into his hand Rogzul steps into the combat, hoping he doesn't live to regret it.
Inflict Light Wounds, touch: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (16) - 1 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

The white wolf yelps as an entirely unfamiliar cold takes hold.

Baloo finds it difficult to strike the wolf around the rocky formation and fails to land a telling blow.

Once more, Gregor will reach forward and touch Huron, giving the man an extra bit of divine guidance.

Casting Guidance on Huron once more.

Ironclaw lashed out at the wolf with a lunging bite, followed by a pair of sweeping claw attacks. The young bear connected solidly with a paw, and growled at the wolf for good measure.

bite, flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12
damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
claw, flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 = 21
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
claw, flank: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7
damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Huron drags his greatsword back over his head and brings it down at the wolf again.

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Greatsword damage: 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 = 13

It's going to be this kind of session, eh?

Nicholas finally catches up with the party. Finding a spot between Baloo and Yakanzi, he is glad that his rapier doesn't need a lot of space to pierce the enemy hide.
Atk: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24, Dmg: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Both Nicholas's rapier and one of Ironclaw's paws strike true. Yakanzi is still up, and the wolf still stands defiant before you.

Nodachi+PA+Flank: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 19 DMG: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Yakanzi brings his blade down in a hard swing against the wolf...

Again, sorry for the delay, all.

Yakanzi's blade strikes deep and true through fur and hide and muscle, and the young white white wolf falls to the snow, bleeding profusely.

Stabilize: 1d20 + 2 - 11 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 11 = -8

You hear a no-longer familiar voice behind you. "I suppose there's no need to continue the ruse," says a woman of hair like gold and eyes like the sapphire she wheres around her neck, wearing the clothes Haltani had worn and standing where she had stood. The conversation in the ice garden still fresh in your minds, you realize immediately that this woman must be related to Baroness Nadya.

"Stay your blades," she asks. "I bore no intentions to harm you as Haltani, and I bear none now as Uliyara."

She steps over to the dying wolf. "All will be explained shortly," she promises, "but I would first ask that someone attend to this young one. The death of one of Irrisen's native creatures, even an assailant as this, will complicate matters more than it simplifies them."

Gregor took Haltani's/Uliyara's transformation rather well, he thought, given the circumstances. "By Eraastil's grace and guidance, Lady, I bear ill will to no living creature. I will heal him, but if he should attack my companions once more there will be no second chances."

Gregor pulled his wand from his belt and touched it to the dying wolf, invoking the divine magics and seeing the greens and browns of Erastil's healing energies pouring into the wolf.

clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

"And now perhaps would be a good time for the explanations that are so necessary."

Huron shrugs and puts his greatsword away. "Why deceive us at all? You know we're not here to upset any of the locals."

"So... no more fighting...just checking to be sure." Yakanzi asks his companions.

Rogzul grunts in surprise at the transformation but he had already sensed that Haltani was more than she seemed.

"An orc would kill him, but I will follow the rules of your land."

"Indeed. The Ursine do not appreciate deception."

She's only looking for a stabilize, Gregor. She'll stop you before you tap the wolf a second time.

"You have two Ulfen among you. Can you say, honestly, that you would not conceal your heritage from those who spit upon it if you had the ability? I am Jadwiga. We are mistrusted outside the walls of our city, considered enemy by most who share our borders. If I were not disguised, I would likely be hanging from the trees of Whiterook with you as my grim companions. Truly, my purpose among you is evaluating you and your society as partners to Dalun. To secure trade, I masqueraded as an explorer. To secure exploration, you masqueraded as traders. Are we so different?"

She gestures towards the hole in the ice. "The road behind was my realm," she says. "The path ahead is yours. I have heard of the Society's penchant for studying the lost places in this world. Let's see how you've earned the reputation."

Intricate gilded stonework adorns the entrance, and a complex marble mosaic paves the floor. Arrow slits flank the north and south sides of the hall, but the north side has collapsed and is choked with rubble. On the eastern end, two 10-foot-tall marble statues of armored dwarves flank a fresco depicting an opulent throne room. The faces of the statues have been broken off.