AP #67-72 - Reign of Winter: Misfits Unchained (Inactive)

Game Master Wilmannator

Still following closely behind Ringeirr, the child looks over her shoulder mid-step to see their fifth column losing one of its members as Ishbaad remains behind with the terrifyingly powerful white-haired woman. Once they are well beyond earshot of the gate Aoife speaks to the guide, the child waits until their group is fully triple the distance that any normal man could hear out of fear these strange shapeshifting creatures had keen senses in this form like true wolves. "If these wolfish people found out who we truly are... and what our true purpose is in Whitethrone... would they tear us apart in these very streets?" she asks Ringeirr, though oddly their is not fear or trepidation in her voice, only an oddly distant, emotionless quality to the question.

Still confused about the the true nature of the creatures around them, she cannot help but wonder to herself about the winter wolves. Wolves walking as men... these are not werewolves... not men walking as wolves...

Looking up to the nearby structures on either sides of their path, Aoife envisions menacing claws and glistening incisors hiding just beyond her sight and cloaked in the ever shifting shadows cast by the dim light. Whether from the chill air or the tormenting thoughts of vicious wolfweres hiding their pure and utter animalistic savagery by masquerading as normal men and woman, the child shivers as tingle traverses her spine.

Ishbaad watches the others move further into the Howling district, and begins to walk off with Greta. He allows her to lead, assuming she knows the right place to go for whatever privacy they might need.

Only moments before this his mind and mission were focused and singular. Protect Aoife, no matter what. Even if it meant protecting her from himself.

But now there was a discordant thrum in his mind. A spanner had been thrown into the precise machinery of his faith and purpose.

Temptation.

And he had not hesitated for a moment, so nearly overwhelmed with the rush.

Ishbaad allows himself a self-serving smile, pushing the logical thoughts of prudence and mission to the back of his mind.

It's only for a short time. Just a little... distraction... he thinks, taking temptation's bait completely. Hook, line, and sinker.

Greta runs her strong, feminine hands through his white hair and Ishbaad locks his icy blue eyes with hers as they walk into an empty room with an opulent feather bed in the corner. She kicks the door shut behind her with a devious and playful snarl.

...

.....

..

Ishbaad reclines on the feather bed, Greta nestled in his arms as the afterglow settles, the sound of howling still ringing tantalizingly in his mind. He looks down on two nearly identical rows of 42 puncture holes on his left shoulder. 22 teeth sized holes stretch down to his pectoral muscle and back up while another 20 dip down to his shoulder blade. Flecks and smears of blood mingle with sweat on the deep claw marks on his back that travel all the way to his legs. A myriad of other bite and scratch marks, both canine and human cover both of their bodies and the smell of pheromones is powerful in his nose, and equally intoxicating.

"Surely if the Queen of the Witches has such passionate allies, this uprising of Queen Elvanna will never last, will it?" he says, staring at the ceiling as they lay, catching their breath. He hopes the question comes off as aloof and flirtatious instead of leading. He turns his head to hear Greta's answer.

She would likely tear out my throat if she knew who, or what I really was. Winter Wolves loyal to Baba Yaga would be a powerful ally indeed. I may need to get this cloak re-enchanted. This woman... or wolf... is intoxicating. Like a drug...

After the post-coital conversation...

Ishbaad hurries along, suddenly paranoid of the amount of time left on his enchanted rimepelt. He follows the directions given to him to meet up with his waiting friends.

It is only when he sees them again, all waiting for him, that the guilt of his transgression washes over him.

I am such a fool...

Wordlessly he follows, keeping his ever-present stoic expression locked on his face.

Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight looks up at Jorvik with his big,sad eyes. "But he yelled at me. Me good goblin, me do nothing to hurt Boss or make him mad. Me no steal, and me only be good goblin... Announce Jadwiga. Be good herald.

"Me know Whitethrone hard place to live, but me know it, too. Goblins is citizens here... Better even than Ulfens. But not better than witches.... Or winter wolves, me know that. But witches and Longshanks like it when we praise them. Make them feel good."

He sniffs more than a little. "Boss Ishbaad... He was like one of them. Not like Uncle Ishy."

playing up his drawback.

"They are not wolfish people, child. They're wolves. It is only Baba Yaga's magic in the Howlings that allow them take human form. But despite their form, they are merely beasts. So you best hope the wolf-b&!%$ doesn't tear your uncle's throat open once he is done with his sodomy." Kuragin doesn't even try to hide his disdain for Ishbaad's mingling with the winter wolves.

However, Ice Melts Quielty in Sunglight's request is enough to take the witch's attention away from the matter of winter wolves. "Yes, yes. It is a big city, so there must be enough of those with the magical might and need for coin to remove your ailment. Temples, of course. The priests of Zon-Kuthon might also accept a payment in pain, if we feel we are short in coin. On the other hand, they might not want to remove such pain-inflicting item from you. So we best be quiet about the nature of the ring. And there's plenty of witches as well, but we should be careful not to choose one too closely affiliated with Queen Elvanna. Hmm, someone of older bloodline might work." Kuragin is as much talking to himself as he is to the goblin. Sometimes, thinking out loud is the best ways to sort one's thoughts.

"And we can also buy the scrolls, and I can try to cast the magic on you. But there always a risk of failure, and the cost in gold goes up with that."

Unless Kuragin feels a tingle of upcoming level-up being close...

Kuragin does feel that tingle... Boss Damo hinted at it when IMQiS asked a few posts up... We should be able to wait.

-Posted with Wayfinder

"Surely if the Queen of the Witches has such passionate allies, this uprising of Queen Elvanna will never last, will it?" he says, staring at the ceiling as they lay, catching their breath. He hopes the question comes off as aloof and flirtatious instead...

"Do not speak of such things openly," Greta hisses, surprised that Ishbaad would. She lies there with him for a while without speaking. To describe the pair as 'bedraggled' would be an understatement of the highest order. The oread in disguise looks over and is perhaps shocked to see an equal amount of damage on Greta's body when compared to his own. Where his own savagery came from, he is not sure.

"The uprising will last," Greta says in time, "For as long as Baba Yaga is gone. No longer. But how long will that be? I do not know how she has done it, but she has. The Winter Wolves made a pact with the Queen of Witches, as we have known since we were pups, but the details of that pact mean that we also agreed to serve the Queen of Irrisen. For now, that is Elvanna."

Greta rolls over and looks intently into Ishbaad's eyes. "Let us meet tonight," she does not ask, but demand, "At the Last Howl. An hour before sundown."

We will obviously be continuing this conversation, but let's assume she lets you leave eventually... and make some excuse about not being able to meet. Ishbaad later finds out that rimepelts are available from the black market in Whitethrone, too... but are quite expensive (most are made by magic, and not by skinning a Winter Wolf, but are still contraband - for obvious reasons - in the Howlings).

"If these wolfish people found out who we truly are... and what our true purpose is in Whitethrone... would they tear us apart in these very streets?"

"Queen Elvanna would certainly have them do so," replies Ringeirr, "However, after Greta's comments earlier, perhaps we might find allies here. Regardless, if they found out they had been deceived, they would likely kill us out of anger alone. They may hold their own views, but they are still savage and proud."

"They are not wolfish people, child. They're wolves. It is only Baba Yaga's magic in the Howlings that allow them take human form. But despite their form, they are merely beasts."

Ringeirr looks at Kuragin doubtfully, "Do not mistake them for 'beasts'. They are winter wolves. Such wolves speak and are intelligent even without the form of man. They have icy breath that can freeze rivers and the blood in your veins. Add to that, they hunt in packs and are more physically powerful even than the worgs, and you have a foe to be feared above all in Irrisen save the witches themselves... and even then."

It is at least an hour before Ishbaad returns to the group. Ringeirr scowls very deeply at him, but says nothing while in the Howlings. Instead he waits for their 'leader' to take the lead.

"This way," Ringeirr whispers occasionally at this turn or that as the companions pick their path through the Howlings. Groups of winter wolves walking as men occasionally stroll past, usually too engrossed in their own business to pay much attention. Occasionally, they do draw some stares, but the site of Ishbaad at the lead is enough to avoid questions. That is, until...

When taking a side street, a growling and husky voice calls out from behind the group, "So! This is the wolf Greta shirked her duties to bed is it?" Ishbaad and the others turn to see a trio of hulking, pure-white wolves stalking up the road behind them. The lead wolf bears scars along his neck that are eerily similar to the bite marks Ishbaad has suffered.

"Not more than a few days after she is done with me and this pathetic yokel - who has never walked as a man before - is the one she picks for a new mate," he snarls, barring his ample teeth, "Let's see if he's worth it. This is your pack? Huh. Six against three... you freaks don't stand a chance."

There is a possibility that you could talk these three down, so I won't start combat just yet. No surprise round if/when I do, unless you sneak something in. Ishbaad, you may feel free to change form at any time (standard action, but you've got time now). It is as per beast shape IV, winter wolf stats here.

"Wolves. I am Jorvik. My friend here, he accepted the invitation of your friend. Is this how wolf society works, you do not let the women decide for themselves who to ....mate with? Rather you would keep her kenneled, ready to obey your every command? I did not know that about our noble neighbors. Quite different from my days in the palace. There the woman decides.

"So friends, do you still choose to attack us and our servants?" Jorvik motions to Kuragin.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

"Jadwiga, what would you have me do? Big scary wolves want to eat us! What me do?" Preparing for the worst, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight gets ready... one hand near a bomb, one near his mutagen.

'Me better not use big booms... attract too much attention. Save that for last ditch.'

They are smart, but they are still wolves. They respect the Alpha and those above them. Don't antagonize, Intimidate.

Ishbaad reaches back, face lifted to the sky and lets out a gutteral howl as he feels the transformation come over him again. The sensation of his rising blood pressure, the confrontational anger inside of him is remarkably similar to his tryst with Greta a short time ago.

Intoxicating.

In a few moments he brings his arms down in front of him, now shifted into forelegs and he shakes his white wolf mane. He lifts his head proudly, reaching to have his gaze high enough to look down on the three males across the way from him. He lifts his lips in a snarl, his hackles raised down his spine.

"You said it yourself, she was done with you days ago. Only a pathetic whelp stalks the ones he is jealous of after the fact."

Don't antagonize, Intimidate.

"You could have confronted me before territory was marked, but you decide to instead whimper in the corner, and come find me later. The jadwiga is right. You know it is her decision, and this is your pathetic attempt at picking up the shattered pieces of your ego."

So this is more antagonizing than intimidating... Perhaps there is a little too much wolf in me now... Perhaps I like it...

Ishbaad plants his front paws firmly in the ground in front of him, leaning forward slightly in the most threatening posture he can muster. His tail is lifted straight up and bushed out along with the raised hackles along his spine.

"Run away little pup. Come find me when you are weaned from your mother's teat."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 I used my stats for my intimidate check. Not sure how that should work. If I incorporate my skill along with the Winter Wolf's physical stats, the intimidate would jump from 7 to 8 (difference in charisma). Feel free to rule it how you think it should go - it was a pretty average roll anyways.

Another note - this is precisely why I was excited about the opportunity - to make a decision and have our experience change because of it, for better or worse. Maybe not either better or worse, just different. Whether I scare them off (doubtful with that roll) or not, this is a fun and awesome way to get acquainted with the Howlings, and Whitethrone in general. I love being able to paint a picture in my mind. So awesome.

The child stands amidst the group and shifts her weight from one foot tom the other trying to better see the winter wolves. Through the tower forms of her friends she can make out the pure white hair of the newcomers, so much like Greta's at the gate to the Howlings, and even like Ishbaad's own hair now. It is then that she finally realizes the strength and force with which her guardian is pushing pack against these creatures with his antagonizing words and Aoife ponders only for a moment how Ishbaad's reaction is so much alike the true nature her uncle seems to have tried so hard to suppress since she could remember knowing him.

Aoife does not reach for the hilt of her gigantic blade and instead tucks her precious harrow card away, then prepares to reach out and wrestle one of these creatures to the ground should it move toward her.

"This isn't no matriarchy," sneers the winter wolf, the surrounds of the Howlings giving him enough strength to show Jorvik less than the respect due to his station, "Males make the rules in wolf society. If there's a quarrel between alphas, we fight it out. Winner gets the bïtch*. Simple as that."

* Despite the sheer quantity of disrespect he is showing, this word is not one of them - it is a perfectly acceptable and accurate word for a female wolf.

When Ishbaad has his say, the winter wolf's anger is evident, and his lips pull back in a vicious snarl. "Agilur is no coward!" he yells, though clearly Ishbaad's words have hit quite close to home. It is pretty obvious he did run for his buddies before confronting Ishbaad.

"What say we do this snout to snout?" he asks, assuming Ishbaad knows what he means, "Let's see who is best while my friends here take apart these... filth you're traveling with. We've got no quarrel with you Jadwigas, you can step aside if you like - but get in our way, and this'll go south fast."

Knowledge Arcana w/Monster Lore: 1d20 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 3 = 11

OOF... Ishbaad will have to make a SWAG that 'snout to snout' means one on one. (Sophisticated Wild Ass Guess) Was hoping to use the knowledge check to know about some of the customs, such as what snout to snout means.

"It's clear I am bigger than you. Time to put you down like the petty little whelp you are. Snout to Snout it is then. Fitting that a coward like you would so easily throw his friends to the..." Ishbaad stops himself short, looking back over his shoulder to his friends and allowing a perfectly sinister snarl, "to the slaughter."

Aoife looks up, turning from Jorvik to Kuragin, upon hearing this Agilur's comment that the judwiga can step clear of the danger. As she attempts to make eye contact with both, she speaks softly. "It's ok if you two want to walk away..." the child's words are emotionless and just as chilling as the frigid air.

Placing a reassuring hand upon the child shoulder, Jorvik begins in his most commanding voice.

"Wolf, I have lowered myself to try and reason with one such as you. I have been gone long, too long perhaps.

"Slink away while I allow it. Tarry and prepare to die."

Ok, to start Inspired Rage is a standard action - are we rolling for int or can that be my first round. Regardless I am not going to let a challenge slide by my first 5 minutes back in Whitethrone.

"Run off wolves, and you'll live to see another day, " Kuragin says, but his heart is not into it. Ishbaad brought this to himself, so he should be the one to clean the mess. But the witch has a nagging feeling the others are not going to let this play out without intervention.

Jorvik intimidate, great roleplay bonus: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 4 = 9
Kuragin intimidate aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

Despite being visibly worried about the Jadwiga, the two wolves are more worried about Agilur. Jorvik starts a mystical rage inspiration at the same time that Ishbaad mutters a religious chant of some kind. Blue flames dance about Ishbaad's mouth while blood fills the eyes of the Bloodspeaker's companions.

That's the surprise round. The certainly weren't expecting it. No more surprise round actions from the others, though, as that probably 'surprised' your companions also (ie. no chance of coordinating that one any further).

"Halgren, Bathor... get them!" screams Agilur as he leaps for Ishbaad.

Ringeirr curses as his near-frozen hands cause the cart to slip out of his hands at such a crucial moment. He struggles to right the cart and save the fish intended for the mouths of the destitute and hungry.

I'm going to leave Ringeirr out of (at the least) round 1.

Regarding the tactical, my apologies for the blurry 10ft squares. On the plus side, though, this is from an actual map of the Howlings!

Next up: Jorvik, Kuragin.

As a refresher: nspired Rage (Su) At 1st level, affected allies gain a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC.

"Prepare this day to be your last. Run away before you die."

Moving though the ice rimmed path, Jorvik alights out and swings Frostreaver down in a viscous arc, channeling all the hurt and anguish in his strike.

Lucerne Hammer Rage vs wolf at top: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18 hoping that hits FF AC
Lucerne Hammer Damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Forgot Heafoc

Hearing the shrill whistle of her master, a brown blur streaks out of the sky. Diving right towards the soft eyes of the wolf, she flares out with beak hoping to peck out an eye.

Beak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

On a hit, the enemy is shaken for 1 round.

Hells! Three winter wolves... They'll freeze us to death should they want to. I hope they'll just want to sink their teeth into the one they think is one of their own.

Knowledge (arcana) : 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

The idea of letting all three winter wolves attack his allies feels quite awful, so Kuragin tries to remove one from the fight with his hexes. He steps behind Aoife, and hexes the black wolf into slumber.

Slumber hex vs the black wolf, will save DC 18

I know that Damo's dice hate Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight...

@Kuragin: Just so you know, the black wolf has challenged Ishbaad to single combat. Do you really want to hex him, or would you be just as happy hexing another wolf? It will make a big difference about who attacks who, and with what attacks on my turn.

Will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 -- Passes regardless, but I still want to know who was targeted.

Actually, that brings up a good point. Please everyone let me know explicitly if you are targeting Agilur at any point. This includes 'accidental' splash damage from a thrown bomb and any other AoE that he happens to be within.

The combat table has the color codes, but for further reference:

• Agilur (black)
  
• Halgren (blue)
  
• Bathor (orange)

Attacking Halgren (blue)

I think Agilur was the only one on range without Kuragin moving to first row. Besides, Kuragin couldn't care less about any wolven honorary codes on dueling and whatnot. He just wants to finish the battle asap.

Aaand I knew you were going to make the save...

Well this should get interesting..... Curse my low initiative...

-Posted with Wayfinder

Jorvik's hammer strikes home, giving Halgren pause as its spike tears into his flesh.

"Your friends have no honor!" growls Agilur as he blinks the magical sleep from his eyes, "So be it!"

Agilur and his friends advance upon the companions, their icy breath causing the little moisture that remains in the air to form snowflakes. Both Agilur and Bathor breathe chill air in a freezing burst from their mouths. Ishbaad winces instinctively, but feels none of the cold as the two breaths wash over him. He then realizes that he was never the target.

Bathor breath weapon
Cold damage: 6d6 ⇒ (1, 4, 4, 3, 4, 4) = 20

Aoife reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 -- 10 damage total
Kuragin reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 -- 15 damage total
Reset in: 1d4 ⇒ 3 rds

Agilur breath weapon
Cold damage: 6d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 1, 1, 6) = 21

Kuragin reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 -- 5 damage total
Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight reflex save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 -- 10 damage total
Reset in: 1d4 ⇒ 3 rds

Halgren snarls and opts for the more visceral approach, stepping in close and snapping at Jorvik with his massive, powerful jaws.

Halgren bite vs Jorvik: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Bite damage, cold damage: 1d8 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 7 + (5) = 17
Trip: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

15 damage total, and prone.

As Halgren tears at Jorvik's flesh, even his stout constitution cannot resist the cold of a winter wolf and some of the blood seeping from his fresh shoulder wound freezes in place. The next thing he knows, those same jaws have flung him backwards and he is lying on his back with the hulking wolf growling over him as though he were little more than a frightened rabbit.

Next up: Ishbaad, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, Aoife (Round 1), Jorvik, Kuragin (Round 2).

"Me no like the cold! No, me really hate it! Fire is much betterrer! So much warmerer! So, BOOM!!! Boss Jorvik!!!" Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight puts on a good front, though all he wants to do is run away crying from the freezing pain. He runs around Ishbaad, and throws a bomb (excluding Jorvik and the bird).

bomb vs. Halgren into melee vs touch 2nd range band: 1d20 + 13 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 13 - 4 - 2 = 11 fire damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (4, 1) + 5 = 10 (if hit, catch on fire, 1d6 fire damage, Ref DC17 to put out. If splash, 7 fire damage, Ref DC17 or half)

Free Action: Aoife accepts raging song. Gains raging condition.
Move Action: use martial flexibility to gain power attack

The small child shakes off the crippling icy breath hit like a cataclysmic blizzard, already feeling a lingering burning sensation from the extreme cold sapping her strength. Grinding her teeth together she lets the brewing anger bubbling up within her release, manifesting as a howl of rage. Her enormous gauntlet-clad hands spring forward and reach for the wolf's throat.

grapple attempt vs. Bathor(+11 grapple, +2 coordinated maneuvers, +2 because of spending a stamina point): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 28

Aoife's CMD for Bathor to escape the grapple is currently 26.

@ GM Damo: Aoife has the strangle ability. So, if she maintains the grapple, she will deal 1d4+11+2d6 damage. Additionally, she does not suffer the -4 dex penalty to AC while grappling.

"WELL THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAUNT A WINTER WITCH IN WHITETHRONE! You are as stupid as you are cowardly." Ishbaad growls, admonishing Agilur.

He snaps his head around to his companions, snarling just the same. "Leave him to me dammit! Slaughter the other two if you care, but this one is mine!" He says, letting out a frosty snort from his nostrils.

I really want to accept the inspired rage, but I also really want to try to salvage the snout to snout combat, so I won't take it for fear of it being misconstrued that he is being un-honorable.

Ishbaad turns back to Agilur and rears back on his hind legs, allowing his massive frame to blot out some of the sky. He holds his position for a split second, unleashing a wicked growl. "You picked the wrong Alpha to fight, whelp. You will be judged and found wanting!"

Activate Judgement of Justice and Judgement surge, +2 to attack total.

[dice=Attempt a Bull Rush - If successful, I will move with Agilur in an attempt to seperate us from them.]1d20+13+2[/dice]

Going to assume that pushes at least 5 feet

"Me dammit! Fight me! Let me see how pathetic you truly are so I can tell Greta how lucky she is to have me instead of you!"

Take the rage. He'll never know. It'll be fine. Pushes back 10ft. Also, the bomb misses.

Halgren reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Ishbaad's eyes glaze over as he revels in the inspiring words of his snowcaster elf friend. The flames that wreath his muzzle roil and lick at his face without burning his heat sensitive fur.

"I will break you..." He snarls, up close and personal with Aligur.

Accepting the rage then!!! Wooo!!!

"Oof" the northman exclaims as he is bitten and knocked to the ground.

"Wolf, we are sons of the north. You will not defeat us. We will rise up and smash your brains into pulp. Not even the b&++@ that whelped you will know who you are!"

From his position on the frozen ground, Jorvik rolls over and begins to call upon Desna's blessings.

"Осколки стали летать верно и сорвать этот волк в клочья"

Concentration Check DC 17: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Jorvik opens his mouth as wide as it will go, wider then people though humanly possible. A stream of razor sharp, crystalline shards issue forth from his mouth and slice through the wolf.

Piercing Damage, Reflex save DC 13 for 1/2 damage: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

Free - maintain raging song, recover 2 hp from Skald's Vigor, Cast Cord of Shards defensively

Moments before

Once again Heafoc lashes out with beak and claw, trying to rip the wolf apart.

Beak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Bite Bamage: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Talon #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Talon Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Talon #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Talon Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Not able to pierce the wolf's tough skin, she flies up to a position of safety.

Fly 5 feet up, so she is 10 feet up

I moved Aligur and my tokens left 10 feet. Slap my hand and let me know if I shouldn't have.

Just as he suspected, the torrent of cold breath was too much even for Kuragin to bear. But he still stands, and it looks like his companions are now fully engaged also. He might not agree with Ishbaad's plan to engage the alpha alone, but he will honor the request and target another wolf. (Perhaps because Bathor is far too close for comfort)

Using his witching ways, the Jadwiga casts his evil eye on Bathor, making it's strength wane and hopefully keeping in the child's surprisingly strong grasp. And then, unconsciously, the witch retreats a few steps.

Evil Eye hex and move action to chant. -2 to attack rolls for 9+1 rounds, DC 18 will save to shorten the duration to 1+1 rounds. 5ft step away from the wolfie.

I moved Aligur and my tokens left 10 feet. Slap my hand and let me know if I shouldn't have.

Perfect. Thanks. Also, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight did hit the touch AC. I got confused with its flat-footed AC. Thanks for getting me to double check that, Jack.

Halgren reflex save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Halgren howls in rage and pain as half of Jorvik's ice shards still manage to pierce its skin and the goblin's flames scorch its fur. As it does when affecting many winter creatures, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight notes that his fireworks are far more effective.

Bathor finds itself being strangled by what it considers to be a strange-looking halfling with large gloves, and tries as hard as it can to twist free (on its turn).

Meanwhile, Ishbaad pushes his opponent back down the street and out of the way and Kuragin turns his attention to the nearby threat.

Bathor will save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

Gasping for air and perplexed by the look this Jadwiga is giving him, Bathor cannot manage the same vigor he used to with his attacks.

Agilur focuses his attention on Ishbaad and snaps down with much more skill and ferocity than Ishbaad would have imagined from a winter wolf - certainly more than the others are showing.

Agilur Bite vs Ishbaad, power attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 - 2 = 28
Bite damage, vital strike: 1d8 + 7 + 4 + 1d8 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 4 + (8) = 27 -- Ouch!

Blood streams down Ishbaad's shaggy neck, staining his once pure white fur.

Trying hard to ignore the flames on his back, Halgren decides to take a final chomp on Jorvik.

Halgren Bite vs Jorvik (prone): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Bite damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Halgren delights in the warm blood that fills his mouth and he steps towards the action, but yelps again as the flames continue to burn his coat.

On fire: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Seeing the pain his companion is in, Bathor decides to risk himself by breaking free and charging the little fire hurler.

Bathor break grapple, evil eye: 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 - 2 = 23

As much as he wants to, however, he cannot break the little girl's hold on his gigantic neck.

I have real trouble visualising this.

Wow. That took ages. Hopefully I didn't leave anything out or make any mistakes... made a mistake fixed it... so, hopefully no more mistakes. As always, let me know. Happy to retro if needed.

Next up: Ishbaad, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, Aoife (Round 2), Jorvik, Kuragin (Round 3).

Okay, fixed it all. Sorry if you read that and freaked out.

Note that he automatically starts on fire if I hit with explosive bombs. The reflex save is to put himself out, and is a full round action.

Confused by the map, so waiting for verification that Bathor could move next to Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight

Yeah, fixed that. Was part of my earlier mistake. Forgot about the tactical. As for the reflex save... that was vs Jorvik's ice shards.

Seeing that his spell was less than effective, Jorvik shifts his grip on his hammer, leaving on hand on the haft and one hand free.

As the wolf bites down on his calf, he punches out with his spiked gauntlet.

Spiked Gauntlets, prone: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 4 = 17
Spiked Gauntlets Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Heafoc once again attacks the wolf's eyes, hoping to blind flavor the creature that is mauling her master.

Beak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Bite Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Talon #1: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Talon Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Talon #2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Talon Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Heal 2 maintain rage

kn:nature or arcana (same bonus): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 (Do these things have reach, is his most important piece of information needed)

Seeing that his friend is holding onto Bathor, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight moves around, and throws a bomb at him. He excludes Aiofe, and himself from the blast.
bomb!: 1d20 + 13 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 13 - 4 = 28 explosive bomb: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (2, 6) + 5 = 13 (Catches on fire, DC17 full round action to put out. 1d6/rd)

"Fire! Fire! BURNS!"

Winter wolf lore: No reach (you get that for free, since they are large quadrupeds or 'length large'). They also have a breath weapon (you knew this), are immune to cold (also knew this), can trip for free if they hit (knew it), are vulnerable to fire (found that one out), their bite does cold damage (1d6), can move as fast as a wolf (50ft), they have darkvision (60ft) and can change shape in the Howlings. ;-)

Jorvik lashes out with a gauntlet spike, drawing a bloody line across Halgren's face. One of Heafoc's talons also gets through the wolf's tough skin, but Halgren barely notices.

Bathor screams and howls almost at the same time as his beautiful coat explodes into flames.

Next up: Ishbaad, Aoife (Round 2), Kuragin (Round 3).

"Aoife!! Push him closer to the other one! Then I can boom them together! Bwah ha ha ha ha!!!"

The snow goblin is laughing in glee. Perhaps he is remembering a time when he was tormented by wolves such as these.

"You don't even bite as hard as Greta!" Ishbaad taunts, flexing his shoulder and lowering his head to make his hackles look larger.

Demoralize, swift action via Omen trait (1/day): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Shaking the wound off, he lunges, impossibly fast for such a massive creature, using his skull as leverage to lift Agilur's muzzle up so his jaws can clamp down on the tender throat area.

Power Attack Bite, Raging Song, judgement of justice: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 11 + 2 = 32 for Damage, PA, Raging Song, flames: 1d8 + 13 + 3 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 13 + 3 + 2 + (4) = 30 The d6 die is fire damage

EDIT: I read through that and my heart sank at the 2 for my intimidate. Then I saw the attack. I shouldn't have this much anxiety over a game. Ha! On a less cheery note, Anything higher than average damage and this one on one fight might be over... Which would be an interesting development (and bruise) to Ishbaad's pride.... Hrm...

Forgot I get a free trip if I hit...

Trip Attempt, Judgement of Justice, raging song, coord maneuvers: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 2 + 1 + 2 = 27

Ishbaad pulls hard once he has clamped down, trying to drag Agilur off his feet.

EDIT: For crap's sake. Have I ever played my character before? Yeesh - I edited to add my +2 for coordinated maneuvers for being adjacent to Aoife.

grapple(improves grp, coordinated maneuvers, maintain grp): 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 2 + 5 = 35

The enormous white wolf rolls and strains against Aoife but her powerful grasp encircled around its neck remains steadfast. With each second she tightens her clutch, continuing to squeeze, twisting and pulling with her hands painfully against the creature's windpipe.

The child continues to hold the wolf, attempting to squeeze the life from it as if she cannot her the goblin's words.

After maintaining the grapple, Aoife will inflict her unarmed damage
damage, unarmed strike (pwr attk,strangle): 1d4 + 11 + 2d6 ⇒ (2) + 11 + (4, 2) = 19

Breathe, concentrate... Ignore the giant wolf next to you... The child seems to handle it well..

"Jorvik, are you managing with that one? Do you need help?" Kuragin pauses his humming chant to inquire his friend's status. He could of course help him straight away, but the half-Jadwiga is too far for his hexes. And moving between two winter wolves doesn't sound too lucrative.

Best deal with the closest one first. And the best way to do that is to help Aoife. So Kuragin resumes his chanting and utilises the powers granted by his mystical patron, and starts looking for favourable threads of Faith for the girl.

Fortune Hex on Aoife, chant to increase the duration of both hexes by one round

Ishbaad's teeth give back to Agilur even better than he got. With a mouthful of fur and a twist of his neck, Ishbaad very nearly manages to flip the winter wolf on his back. Agilur manages to tear free at the last moment, though, and a stream of chilled blood flows freely from a wound on his neck.

Aoife starts to squeeze, slowly choking the life from Bathor. A muted gurgle is all the wolf manages as Kuragin blows the winds of fate gently in Aoife's direction.

Agilur Bite vs Ishbaad, power attack: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 2 = 24
Bite damage, vital strike: 1d8 + 7 + 4 + 1d8 ⇒ (6) + 7 + 4 + (3) = 20
Agilur trip attempt: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25 -- Fails, +4 CMD for being a quadruped.

Agilur responds in kind to Ishbaad's blow, tearing a massive hole in the opponent for Greta's affections side. Ishbaad almost falls to one knee, only having the energy to summon a single other attack before falling unconscious.

Ishbaad is now disabled at 0 hp. He can attack, but won't be awake to see the results... or he could submit. Or I will allow a hero point for him to stay awake... or...

Bathur grapple: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Bathur twists in an unexpected direciton and breaks free from Aoife's vice-like grip. Growling, he steps a little closer to Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, hoping to deter the goblin from flinging another bomb.

Halgren Bite vs Jorvik (prone): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Bite damage: 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Halgren delivers another mighty bite to Jorvik, tearing at the man's leg. His coat continues to burn...

Burninating: 1d6 ⇒ 3

... and he turns tail and runs.

Jorvik Spiked Gauntlets AoO, prone: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 7 - 4 = 14
Heafoc Beak AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Neither Jorvik nor his falcon can land a blow as the winter wolf bounds off down the street. "Cowards!" yell his two companions from back in the fray.

Next up: Ishbaad, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, Aoife (Round 3), Jorvik, Kuragin (Round 4).

"Coward" yells Jorvik in unison with the wolves.

He draws a quick look at the fleeing wolf, before focusing on the fight in front of him.

Standing up, he rushes over to going the fray with Bathur. Though he does not have time to swing Frostreaver, he is in a much better position to attack than on his back.

Heafoc streaks towards Bathur, hoping to cause a distraction.

Heafoc Beak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

If that hits, Bathur is now Shaken

With a surprising twist of its large neck, the wolf slips from Aoife's grasp. She shouts, screaming in frustration as the wolf shrugs her off then quickly steps close to the goblin, threatening her dear friend with its mighty jaws. Reaching out again the gauntlets strain to get ahold of the creature's neck in attempt to remove the danger from Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight.

Using Fortune Hex on grapple attempt. Thanks, Kuragin!
grapple attempt 1@ Bathur, impr grapple, coordinated maneuvers, 1 stamina point: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 30

grapple attempt 2 @ Bathur, impr grapple, coordinated maneuvers, 1 stamina point: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 24

I assume this is how Fortune Hex works, Aoife basically gets a free reroll and can use the roll #1 since it was better. Is this right?