Adventure Path Reign of Winter

Game Master Almonihah

Sakitu pulls back shyly when Quasit approaches her. Her grey fox hair hides the blushing on her cheeks. She is about to reply to Quasit when Yu steps in and takes over the conversation. With a sigh of relief Sakitu keeps quiet.

Silent, and observant, Sakitu watches Bulvi and Findurel introduce themselves.

When Quasit mentions standing behind the big guy Sakitu grins a toothy grin and nods eagerly. Then she steps closer to the rogue and says quietly, "I agree. He looks safe. And maybe not so, uh, flashy, as the others." Then she remembers Quasit's earlier question. "Oh, I'm afraid I can't change into a fox. This," she gestures to her fur covered body, "is my natural form. Watch this." In a matter of seconds the fox-human body transforms into a wholly human figure of a beautiful and slender woman. Interestingly, her deep and dark sapphire eyes stay the same during the transformation. "Tada!" Sakitu says and holds out her hands.

Alex watches the others, waiting to see who will be the leader. She also waits to get a chance to discuss with Sakity the spells they each know and how they can help each other.

I witness Sakitu change her form, and I start a deep belly laugh and burst out clapping. Sensing the humor in what she did, I take a moment to compose a joke.
"Hey, did you hear the joke about the fox assassin who met a Basilisk? She is now a stone cold killer!"

"Oh, I'm afraid I can't change into a fox. This," she gestures to her fur covered body, "is my natural form. Watch this." In a matter of seconds the fox-human body transforms into a wholly human figure of a beautiful and slender woman. Interestingly, her deep and dark sapphire eyes stay the same during the transformation. "Tada!" Sakitu says and holds out her hands.

Quasit just grins and shakes her head. "Cripes. Some people have all the luck. Exotic fox lady or drop dead gorgeous, what a dilemma! Color me jealous. Man, if I could do that trick, then anytime some drunk lowlife in a bar was harassing me, I'd turn into a fox lady and bite his nose. Then I'd quick turn back and make him think he'd imagined it."

She thinks a moment, then shrugs. "Nah, I'd probably still just kick him in his goodies. The biting thing might just turn him on. There's some sick puppies out there."

Alex grins at Quasit. "Isn't that what a ray of sickening is for?" Although I've heard mention of magic horrid wilting, which might be appropriate.

Alex grins at Quasit. "Isn't that what a ray of sickening is for?" Although I've heard mention of magic horrid wilting, which might be appropriate.

Quasit giggles at this, interlaces her fingers, and flexes her hands forward.

"Probably. But I'm strictly low tech, I'm afraid. I can't shoot laser beams of necromancy out of my eyes or anything cool like that. Probably a good thing, actually."

"But I bet we're making the boys uncomfortable. C'mon, let's go find the lost damsel and save her from the snow fairies."

Findurêl turns his head to hide a smile as he listens to the ladies chat, thinking to himself I'd best be most careful around them...don't want to get kicked in the goodies...

After a moment, he turns back around. "If everyone's ready to go, let's hit it..."

Sakitu blushes a little bit at Yu Khan's laugh and smiles at the joke. "No, I hadn't heard that one."

She pauses for a few seconds, not sure what else to say to the bard, then turns to the girls. "Uhm. I may have tried that biting trick a time or two... And maybe a blast of cold frost too." Sakitu giggles again.

She glances over at the men. "Yeah, we should join them and go find the poor girl."

posted for when done with supplies

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.

"Wow, this must have been a serious battle."

I take [u]10[/u] to survey the area, especially the statue of ice and the carriages.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Bulvi looks over the area being wary of a potential ambush or traps left behind... or for anything else of interest.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

He draws his longsword and shield, the sconce attached to it still empty. As he advanced his eyes turned to the bodies and statue of ice. It was clear he was not assuming the Fey had left. Small clouds of breath came from him at a steady rate due to the unseasonal cold but his lips curled "Lets hope no one is here to bite my nose." He glanced over his shoulder at his new companions.

When the site is within view, Alex asks her companions to stop for a minute. She takes a scroll out of her scroll case and reads it.

Using a scroll of mage armor. Scroll removed from inventory, temp AC stats in header.

Is there a map?

"Lets hope no one is here to bite my nose." He glanced over his shoulder at his new companions.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13

"No promises," quips Quasit, but it's clear her heart isn't really in it. The scene of tragedy and murder sweeps over her, and she clearly looks unnerved by it.

"I hadn't expected so many," she admits quietly, to no one in particular. But then she tightens her lip and trudges forward to investigate the slain.

GM, I'm looking for a couple things in particular. Were these people robbed? We heard something about bandits as well as wicked fey, and whether bodies were stripped would speak to motive. If possessions remain, can I get any sense from them about what sort of group these people were? All armed retainers, some nobles or merchants sprinkled in? And what's a rough head count, it sounds like more than a handful. I'm still trying to work out what the Lady's business was that might make her a target for kidnapping instead of being blindly slaughtered like everyone else. Also, are they all wounded like Yuln, with frostbite in addition to more typical combat wounds? Thanks.

Also, if Winter Charlie left behind any boobytraps among the bodies, add another +1 to the perception check.

Findurêl draws his bow...he will survey the area, looking for traps, foes, clues, etc...as well as tracks...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

When the group gets out of town Sakitu transforms back into her fox-like form. The fur covering her skin provides a small amount of protection against the cold. As they approach the scene of the battle Sakitu's eyes grow wide and she covers her mouth with her hand.

"This is awful." she says slowly. Her gaze passes from body to body and across the carts. The ice statue catches her eye and she steps closer to it.

Perception to examine the ice statue: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Bulvi gave them time to get ready and cast their spells but then began advancing ready for an attack. "It's always worst when you can still make out the faces. Even if they've been dead a while, can't help but fill in the gaps of their life for yourself. I hate zombies, nice skeleton trying to claw your eyes out any day over a zombie." He'd been in more than his fair share of fights but this was a bit unnerving even to him.
He's got iron will so playing him as having a solid stomach when faced with the macabre.

there is a map, and I will get it linked tonight and the tokens on as well

Most of the bodies lie pierced with tiny needles and shards of ice, All of the bodies have been stripped of armor and weapons.

as you go to inspect the frozen statue the remains of the Taldan captain stand here as a gruesome statue, his slain body mostly encased in ice, Unfortunately, the captain’s body is no longer intact, as something carved away pieces of him that now lie in blocks of slowly melting ice at his feet.

The frozen captain still wears his breastplate, emblazoned with Taldan heraldry, and one of the chunks of ice contains the captain’s arm, still grasping his masterwork longsword.

What do I know about the Taldan? For that matter, what about the Lady Argentea that they were escorting? Especially anything useful.

Knowledge Nobility: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Also, I would like to do a Knowledge check to find out if the attack looks like it went down (mostly) like the Yuln stated. I don't know what check to use for that one

as you go to inspect the frozen statue the remains of the Taldan captain stand here as a gruesome statue, his slain body mostly encased in ice, Unfortunately, the captain’s body is no longer intact, as something carved away pieces of him that now lie in blocks of slowly melting ice at his feet.

The frozen captain still wears his breastplate, emblazoned with Taldan heraldry, and one of the chunks of ice contains the captain’s arm, still grasping his masterwork longsword.

After checking out the other bodies, Quasit comes up to the Captain-cicle and gives a low whistle. "Jeepers. Freeze him to death in a block of ice, then carve him into pieces? And took their time at it, it looks like. Either he ticked them off, or someone is sending people like us a message. Which we are now promptly going to ignore."

She glances back toward the snowy trail into the woods. "Even I could follow that trail. I don't think they expect that anyone is going to follow them. That might give us a chance. Unless this is all a set-up. But then again I tend to think everything is a set up."

Any part of the Taldan captain missing?

for Lady Argentea

A young noble lady from Oppara who was travelling to Zimar to be married off. She briefly stopped in Heldren so that her men and horses could be tended too and gifted the village some fine fine from her dowry.

She returned from Zimar less than a week later in scandalous circumstances after turning down the arranged marriage. It was on this return trip that her carriage was attacked.

its easy enough to tell with the light frost on the ground, that the attack happened similarly enough to what was described.

After checking out the other bodies, Quasit comes up to the Captain-cicle and gives a low whistle. "Jeepers. Freeze him to death in a block of ice, then carve him into pieces? And took their time at it, it looks like. Either he ticked them off, or someone is sending people like us a message. Which we are now promptly going to ignore."

She glances back toward the snowy trail into the woods. "Even I could follow that trail. I don't think they expect that anyone is going to follow them. That might give us a chance. Unless this is all a set-up. But then again I tend to think everything is a set up."

Any part of the Taldan captain missing?

"Well, yah, either they don't expect followers, or if they do, they don't care. I mean, they didn't even attempt to try to cover up their tracks. Worse case, though, is that it might be an ambush."

the missing chunks of the captain can be found scattered around the site, and some that should be there but were probably too small and just melted with the ice that froze him

"I think we should follow the trail...I can try to scout ahead a bit..."

Findurêl, bow still ready, will follow the tracks a ways, eyes alert for an ambush. He'll try to stay concealed, using the trees as cover as he goes deeper into the forest...and look for any tracks that might divert from the obvious ones he's following...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Fey are my favored enemy...if fey are involved, add 2 to my Perception and Survival rolls

Sakitu holds her hand over her mouth as she continues to survey the brutal damage. A seething anger builds inside her at the sights. "We can't let this go unanswered. We must follow the trail."

The trail is not creature trails, just a natural path that leads south, just to be clear, Findurel what are you stealthing behind by chance, just curious

The initial passage mentioned the trail leading deeper into the forest...I'd not walk the trail directly but follow along off trail, parallel to it, using the trees and any shadows for cover...

the snowy trail is just a normal walking trail, it is not footprints, just a walking trail as it was posted, and understood, I just wanted to make sure what you were going behind and such

"Have we seen everything there is to see here? Has someone looked over the carriages?"

"Alexia, I have not, have you? Well, lets go together and inspect them"

Walking over with Alexia, we both survey the wreckage.

Perception (Carriages): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

The elf seems to know where he's going. Which makes sense, because elves usually do. Quasit will start to follow him, pulling out her crossbow and winching up a bolt into it.

She looks back over her shoulder to the others. "Tally ho! It's fairy season."

Bulvi puts his sword away and drew a javelin as he stood at the begining of the trail trying to keep an eye on those still investigating and those moving forward. "Just scream if you need my assistance I guess."

Bulvi's feet shuffled and recalled a saying from his grand parents wishing he had listened a bit more. Goblins and dangerous beasts were one thing but Fairies were a bit harder to get your head around. "Up the airy mountain, down the rushing glen, we dare not go a hunting, for fear of little men!

so Quasit and Findurel, you are continuing on the trail, while the others check out the carriages, is that what I am reading?

That's how I'm reading it...

Quasit, while you are Findurel are traveling down the road, you both come across a chest, half buried in the snow

Alexia also walks over close to the carriages to look at them.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

yep

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Sakitu approaches one of the carriages cautiously while she looks for any useful information.

Findurêl will stay concealed and nod to Quasit, whispering "I'll cover you with my bow while you check it out..." From his position, he looks for anything about the chest that might be a trap...

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

So none of the inspections and investigations have turned up anything? At least with the rolls made? I suspect confirmation of this or not would get people moving along potentially.

There is something noticeable about the not ruined wagon, there seems to be muffled sounds coming from inside it, and there is an axe head wedged to keep the door shut

Findurel you believe its save to proceed to the chest

Seeing the axe head wedged to keep the door shut, I yell to everyone:
"Hey, look, come help me remove it and get whoever is in there out!"

I run over to it, and, using all my strength (and hopefully with the help of others) attempt to remove the wedge.

Strength Check(Remove Wedge): 1d20 ⇒ 18

removing the axe head, you know that if you were to lean in on the door a bit, it made it easier to remove, so as you grip it the axe head all but falls out. the door on the carriage is unlocked but still closed

Alexia if necessary moves over close to Yu as he removes the wedge.

Yu didn't need help, apparently they did strength drill in bardic college

Glad that removing the axe head was easier than I thought, or more likely I am strong than I think, I look at Alexia and go:

"I am going to open the door, be prepared"

Before I open the door, however, I say loud enough so that I hope that the person(s) inside the carriage don't think us an enemy and attack:

"You in the carriage. We are here to help. One of the guards made it back to town with news of the attack. We have come as soon as we could to assist as needed."

I open the door.

announcing out loud, you hear the muffled sounds shift a little, before stopping.

I put you roughly where you all are at, Findurel, and Quasit, you are out of ear shot of the area, its why you are positioned mostly down off the map at the moment

upon opening the door, you seem to notice two creatures, as one lunges right at Yu

Slam Vs Yu FF: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

after coming right at Yu, slamming right into him, Alexia and Yu can tell that it looks like it used to be two of the guardsmen from Lady Argentea's group, now they kinda look like they have rotted away some.

Round 1
Bold to act
Alexia
Zombies
Quasit 60' away
Yu
Findurel 60' away
Sakitu
Bulvi

Findurêl will stay concealed and nod to Quasit, whispering "I'll cover you with my bow while you check it out..." From his position, he looks for anything about the chest that might be a trap...

"Well, I certainly didn't expect to find this out here. Must be some of the lady's stuff they were carrying off that ended up getting dropped."

She kneels down by the chest and begins running her fingers lightly along the edges, scanning the surfaces carefully for traps.

Perception (vs. traps): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Alexia sends a hard little pellet of magic slamming into one of the creatures.

magic missile damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

If I can take a 5" step to the side (near Alexia) I will do so. I will then touch myself and cast [u]Cure Light Wounds[/u] on myself to bring me up in life points. (If I can't move-and I didn't change the map as I am not sure) then I don't.

Cure Light Wounds(Spell): 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

"HELP!!!!!!

sadly Yu, the Zombies do go before you and you are blocking the exit out of the carriage, so this is before your heal

red attack vs Yu FF: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

the bard falls in front of the carriage entrance, the other zombie walks out of the carriage

Sorry Yu

Quasit, you believe the chest to be fine, but as you approach it, you hear a "Twing" sound as some rope snaps

Trap: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

and as you turn your head to follow the string a moment, you find yourself staring down the spiked end of a log that seems to be coming at you at a rapid pace, though unable to move your feet it hits you with a decent blow

Round 1
Bold to act
Alexia
Red -4
Green
Quasit 60' away
Yu-7 bleeding out
Findurel 60' away
Sakitu
Bulvi