Adventure Path Reign of Winter

Game Master Almonihah

Most of what Tezuzu says seems to fly right past Quasit, as she stares blankly ahead of herself. A few times she even sighs and looks skyward in mild annoyance at the tengu's rather professorial sympathies. She nods vaguely, perhaps in an effort to make him stop.

But then he says something that makes her look back at him curiously.

"I do not know if frankly there is just something inherently wrong with me or if growing up here amongst the cold cruelty of this city has tempered my feelings... but to be truthful I feel 'almost nothing' after having witnessed today's horrors.." he lets that notion linger in the air for a moment before continuing "..and what truly frightens me is that there might come a time when it is not just 'almost nothing', that this place will eventually grind me down and instead of 'almost nothing' there will be a void and my heart will become as cruel and cold as this damned frozen city."

Quasit nods glumly. "I know what you mean. I worry about that too. I saw it happen often enough among the cutthroats of Cassomir. For a while their last vestiges of pity or empathy would make them laugh at the pain. You know, joke around about it with their friends. As a way to keep that tiny voice away from themselves. But the really scary ones were the ones who didn't even do that. The ones who felt nothing about murder and revenge, didn't even get angry about it. Just did it like a machine would. I think you can only kill so many people before you lose something in yourself forever -- even if you do it for the best reasons to the worst creatures. I really believe that."

Tezuzu looks repulsed for a moment eying the handkerchief "It has served its purpose. I do not cry often myself so no need for haste in replacing it..." he pauses for briefly considering something "....you snotty little monkey." he jokes tussling Quasits hair playfully...

Quasit smiles politely at the mussing and the affectionate diminutive, but mostly just seems embarrassed by her recent display of raw emotion before this strange, sympathetic bird man.

"Heh. Nice." she says with some perfunctory cheekiness. "I'll remember that one, Feathers."

The awkward moment leads her to change the subject quickly. She narrows her eyes a little as she asks Tezuzu "What was the gruesome thing you had to do that you couldn't tell anyone about back at the tower?"

The awkward moment leads her to change the subject quickly. She narrows her eyes a little as she asks Tezuzu "What was the gruesome thing you had to do that you couldn't tell anyone about back at the tower?"

Tezuzu becomes anxious and nervously fiddles with his robes as his voice lowers to a wisper "Well, we should not speak of it in front of the children. If you are sure you want to know hand me your handy magic sack and I shall tell you. Lets go to another room away from the children's ears."

Given the opportunity away from the children Tezuzu will fish out the ball sized object wrapped in a torn blanket and stuff it into his own pack. Looking up at Quasit he says with a tinge of guilt in his voice "Well...to put it delicately...and remember I did say this was morbid before..." he pauses unsure if he really wants to continue "There is a ritual that can be used to communicate with the spirits of the dead. It can be used to gleam a few answers from the spirit every week, but over a long enough period of time you can gain quite a bit of information and insight."

He looks around nervously and continues "I am unsatisfied merely disposing of the witch and her minions. There is far too much filth that could have had a hand in what went on in that tower.....I intend to use the notes and approval documents and more gruesomely the late granny Nann's head, which I have collected as an unfortunately necessary component to that ritual, to discern a list of garbage who might have been involved....and then well...prevent them from doing something as vile again."

His eyes widen and dilate as though Quasit is some kind of predator "It is considered unnerving and gross by most and it was not the time to explain at the tower. I hope that is acceptable for you and that you do not share this with the others as it has been informed to me that it tends to 'creep people out'." he then will bow profusely as a servant might "And my apologies if it is not acceptable, of course."

Quasit's lip curls back in distaste when she sees the gory head unwrapped, but she is otherwise silent through Tezuzu's backpedaling explanation. At the end she nods.

"You're right, it is morbid. But it makes sense to me. And she deserves it. I'm not really sure what big secrets she can tell us though. It seems like most of the treachery and villainy is out in the open around here. But maybe you can make her sing 'Humbledon's Mare' to amuse us."

She puts the head back in the bag. "I won't tell the others if you don't want me to."

Rising and draping herself around Bulvi, she hiccuped a few times before looking up at him with wide, teary eyes. "I like your face. Tell them about the money!"

"We got a Dragons Hoard... it was a small dragon so it was a small hoard but still a hoard."

-------------------------------------------

"Solveig, as a priestess do you know anyone with the power to do so who might be willing to help resurrect Selena. She's not always the easiest to get on with but she has skills and was pulling her weight back at the tower."

Tezuzu will listen to Solveig and ask "It is unfortunate we don't have a longer window to act, but I understand. We should head out in the morning. I have some toys to mend for the children but, that shouldn't take long."

Upon hearing Bulvi ask if Solveig knows anyone that can resurrect Selena he leans forward with eager interest before adding ".....and if perhaps you don't would your raucous god grant you the magic to preserve corpses?" her leans closer and gives a stern look "You had said earlier that you would 'see to the child's remains'. If you can't call upon the power to bring him back to life, then I would ask that you aid us in preserving his corpse as well as Selena's. I wish to correct their unfortunate fate myself, but I would need time which I am in short supply of."

Crossing his arms he adds coolly "Your holy relic is very nice and all, but this is of grave importance."

Fin returns from the baths with Maka and Izzy, tired physically but more refreshed emotionally than he’d been in years. Upon entering the room with the others, he thought he noticed a look from Q...but then Solveig started speaking so he tuned into her...

When she finished, Fin asks, ”I assume there’s no intel on the area where Baba Yaga’s hut is located since it’s been sealed off...so we’ll kinda be going in blind, right?”

Solveig clarifies that she only intends to preserve the child's corpse as it is unsafe for a proper burial. Similarly, all that is known is that the hut was in the market, which is now suddenly surrounded by a strange wild plant growth.

Solveig is troubled at what happened to Selena. Though she can also make sure Selena's body is preserved, there isn't much she can do at this time in terms of restoring her.

Working on map still. Hope to have it up this morning. Most of the maps in the AP are pretty straight forward for copy / paste. This one is a little more involved. Going to see if I can find a decent substitute. For now what I have should work fine, but I'd rather have everything lined up before we get started. Waiting to hear back from Selena so at this point planning on moving into next part with the group as is. Can work at an appropriate arrival when ready.

Morning finds everyone well rested and making preparations. Solveig has at least a bit of good news. Both bodies have been preserved and she has initial reports that the resistance is holding out well and much of the city is still in chaos from the power imbalance left by the dragon's death. There shouldn't be any issues getting to the Merchant Quarter, but from what she was told the wild life around the area still holds fast.

A path inward is visible, she has been told, but any attempt to make it through the plant growth has proven ineffective. Further, even yesterday the entrance was still guarded. Although darkness might offer the group a bit more cover, she openly shares her concern that darkness might prove an additional obstacle in navigating the area.

Feel free to RP some more or other wise prep. Transition into the next bit is below. Map is up. Be aware, 10 ft squares. Will try to adapt it further when I can.

"Anyone have any ideas on how to move into this area? There could be more trolls or fey creatures lurking in the area guarding it. They'll have a lot less trouble in the dark than half of us do."

Fin nods in agreement with Bulvi. "Good points...I could scout ahead and try find the best path for us. I see well in low light, albeit not as well as creatures with darkvision...but I'm pretty good at moving unseen so I'll volunteer, if we think that our best option. I could also use the serpentine owl in conjunction with sneaking in; might prove very useful here...

"Any other ideas?"

Maka sat down next to Burmli with a towering plate of food. "Mmm yeahhumaneyesaren'tgoodwithdarkness." Maka mumbled through a mouthful of food. "Probably better to attack when the sun is out, but either way I say we go in blasting. I've never met a plant I couldn't burn through!"

Tezuzu ponders the facts presented over and adds ”The only reason I could guess for the winter guard to keep the hut at the market square in the merchant quarter would be as a trophy to queen Elvanna’s defiance of Baba Yaga.”

He will scratches his beak pondering ”The fact that the whole area is quarantined and this report of strange plant growth is concerning. Perhaps things have gotten out of the winter guards control? As much as it is shrouded in mystery I do know that the hut is a powerful object. It is possible that the problems the winter guard are dealing with are some sort of contingency set in place by Baba Yaga herself or a defense mechanism? We should be cautious; I suspect it won’t just be the witches minions we will have to deal with.”

Looking around the room at his likely bored comrades after subjecting them to his rambling he asks ”So supposing we reach the hut, how exactly do we plan on using it? I am afraid that was not made clear to me. Or are we simply winging it?”

Addressing Findurel he adds he throws out his own opinion ”I would prefer to make the attempt in daylight as well. As for scouting, if we get caught or noticed then it will be likely heavily reinforced and our gamble is bust. As much as it pains me to go in blind without a strong plan it seems necessary here.”

"The Winter Guard has been pulled away. We all go in together this morning." says Quasit.

"A strange forest springing up out of nowhere? That's get fey written all over it, if you ask me. So nothing new there. We'll deal with it."

"And as for what we'll do when we get to the Hut -- we have the two keys. We'll just have to use them and see what happens. If we'd needed anything more, the Black Rider would have said something."

She stands. "Gather up all your stuff. One way or another, this is probably a one-way trip."

Tezuzu agrees ”Sounds good to me, not ideal, but good.”

"And as for what we'll do when we get to the Hut -- we have the two keys. We'll just have to use them and see what happens. If we'd needed anything more, the Black Rider would have said something."

Tezuzu perks up at this information ”Two keys? Do you mind if I examine them a bit? “

Fin grins widely at Maka's gung ho enthusiasm and nods at Tezuzu's studied input.

When Quasit lays out the plan, Fin says, "Sounds good, Q. Izzy and I will hang back a bit and try to conceal ourselves as we move...that way I can cover the rest of you, in case of trouble, and our full strength won't be revealed...if that's fine by you. I can also send the serpentine owl ahead of us, as needed...

"I better go gather my gear...c'mon Izzy, heel."

Fin heads to his bunk to grab his stuff with Izzy shuffling close behind...

"Sure"

She pulls a couple of strange objects out of the bag of holding. The first is a plague doctor's mask. The second is a lock of white hair from a frost giant. She hands them to Tezuzu.

Tezuzu’s brow furrows when confronted by the plague doctors mask. ”I find this highly offensive!” he chirps.

He will examine both keys throughly casting detect magic poking and prodding them curiously before giving up. He will hand them back to Quasit and shrug.

”We have a busy morning, pulling off the heist of the century. We should get some rest” he mutters as he heads off to bed.

He will sit and read his puzzle book before giving up in frustration and makes notes in his journal instead before finally falling asleep.

Int Check (puzzle book): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 DC 10

Moving us to the morning and the approach to the forest

As the group approaches the path into the strange forest, Quasit notes the three large figures loitering near the entrance.

"More ice trolls probably. Saki, will that rainbow wand work on them, do you think? Even if it can blind them or daze them for a few seconds, it should give us the time we need to overpower them."

Fin draws his bow and hangs back a bit from his friends, keeping alert for any signs of their foes...as they get closer, he reverts to Stealth mode, taking and moving by what cover he can find, closely eyeing the three figures that loom ahead...

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 12 + 2 = 25
Stealth: 1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 19 + 2 = 38

Figure it'll be easier to read Izzy's rolls here for now...
Izzy's Stealth: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 9 + 2 = 29

"I don't like Saki going in first, what if they all attack her? Let me get their attention!"

@Saki, could I get a casting of Mage Armor please?

"Who said anything about Saki going in alone?" answers a smirking Quasit.

Findurel finds cover easily enough at the buildings that surround the Market quarter. He can evenly easily approach the tall growth of plants and circle closer to the entry area to get a look at the figures.

Fin will sneak back to the others and report, whispering, "You were right, Q, ice trolls...guarding the entrance...they seem pretty nervous about the plants though. How do you want to proceed? I can easily conceal myself in bow range...and can fire before, or in conjunction with, a charge or Saki casting her rainbow thing..."

10 seconds or so before we make a move on the ice trolls, Fin will cast Gravity Bow.

Identifying items the prior night:

Spellcraft (Owl Figurine): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Spellcraft (Wand of Silent Image): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Spellcraft (Wand of Truestrike): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

I would roll for the scrolls, but apparently I don’t have to so that’s neat.

Whew! 54 game posts. Skipping all of that but it looks like I missed lots of good stuff... Haven't leveled up yet.

Sakitu follows along with the group, also trying her best to stay hidden despite the bright morning light. Yesterday was hard but there's a lightness to her step. And even a happiness, somehow.

"Oh yes! I can twirl this wand again. I mean, if the dragon couldn't stand against it, I'm sure some stupid trolls won't be able to either." She reaches into her bag and shuffles around until she finds the stick. "Aha! Here it is." She raises it in the air, pointing straight up.

"But no, I don't want to go first. That would be too scary for me. So maybe one of you first? Oh, and I need to get pretty close to use this thing. You would think that they would make these things so you could use them from a distance. But, well, I'm not an expert in magic. It just flows naturally in me. There's probably some book explanation for all of it." She looks an Tezuzu, expecting him to start expounding.

Maka nudges her and asks about mage armor. "Oh yeah, of course. Just tell me when."

"Well, two choices then. Choice number 1: Saki goes in flanked by Maka and Bulvi covering her. Choice number 2: Yours truly sneaks in with the wand and blasts them by surprise."

"Fin, you said the trolls looked worried about the forest? Maybe we can use that. Tezuzu, you said that one of the wands made illusions? Maybe we can take advantage of the confusion at the opening of the fight and you can make it look like the trees are attacking the trolls? Or at least make them scarier looking."

"But mostly, yeah, once we do our opening moves, we just overpower these punks and move in. Agreed?"

Fin nods. ”Yes...kinda looked like they were going outta their way to keep their distance from the woods...

“Sounds solid, Q...I’ll sneak back to where I was observing the trolls and cover you, or Maka, Bull, and Saki, depending on which plan we go with...I’ll wait to fire when you, or the others, are ready to make your move...”

Fin tells Izzy to stay, pulls the hood of his cloak up over his head, and quietly moves back to his spot, keeping his eyes on the trolls and wary of the trees, using their shadows for concealment...when at his spot, he’ll be ready to fire his bow when needed...

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

Fin will cast Gravity Bow before moving out...

Tezuzu perk up and ask Saki "I would request your protection magic as well, but would prioritize my furry companion if your generosity knows a limit.."

He will shrug at Sakitu when she asks about the spells design "Not sure, I am terrible at illusions." before quickly adding "With the exception of a bit of shadow magic."

He chuckles at Quasit's planning "Both plans sound viable to me, but I like the second a bit more since it has already been proven you can take a beating and keeping delicate Saki away from those troll's disgusting claws sounds preferable." He looks the wand up and down. "I determined it's function, but that wand doesn't draw its magic from the spiritual aether. It's all geometry and math not something I am familiar in using. Might as well be a stick as far as I am concerned or a sub-par back-scratcher."

He kneels down and mutters a few incantations and touches his ring to Yangs collar they both glow a brightly for a moment before fading continuing his incantation his feathers begin to harden. Casting Shield Companion & Barkskin

Yang grows to the size of a wolf and Tezuzu whispers a final word as his hand glows pale with negative energy. Touch of Fatigue "You know I woke up extra early and spent over an hour fixing the broken toys for the children that could have been this filth's lunch. I am in the mood for a good workout."

Looking back at Quasit he states sharply "You are the boss here. I will follow your direction, but I would like to get my claws a little bloody this morning." as he cracks his knuckles he gives Maka a quick glance "Make sure you burn them all. Remember they regenerate otherwise."

He quickly adds towards Bulvi "If you wish I can make you larger again as well or you may choose to hold off for later if you like."

Findurel has no problem stealthily approaching the trio of ice trolls.

Crazy morning at work. Typically try to get an update in sooner than this. May have to wait until lunch to get the map set. Will keep you posted.

EDIT 2: Map updated with ice troll tokens. Please read position spoiler.

"I think we should hold off on the strong stuff, we know they are there now and will hopefully get the drop on them."

"Seeing as Quasit can use wands and everyone else has one kind of magic or another I've been feeling left out. I've been working on something special but it'll be best to save it for something a little tougher."

Tezuzu suppresses a chuckle and remarks to Bulvi ”We all have our own talents. Your skill with a sword and imposing stature is impressive in its own right. Wielding magic doesn’t suit you; it would take away from your rustic charm. Your abilities are raw, visceral, and straight forward; I quite like that about you.”

He will add ”I am eager to see what you have come up with, but a bookish Bulvi in a robe and pointy hat just seems...well...unsettling.”

Tez, Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Yang, Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

@Lareg: My sympathies on the difficult map issues; I have my own issues dealing with that kind of thing on a Roll20 game I run. Sometimes seems like Paizo intentionally makes their maps difficult to use for VTTs or online play. Also you have been keeping a really good pace update wise, thanks for that, hope work gets less crazy for ya any slowdown is nbd as far as I’m concerned.

"All right then, I'll sneak up and use the rainbow wand. When you guys see a flash of light, charge in."

Attempting to sneak up into range of the trolls, preferably through the trees to get north of them, then using the wand of Color Spray, hopefully before they see me, as a surprise round action. If she can't move to that spot, Quasit will just come at them from the east as best she can.

Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
UMD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Your abilities are raw, visceral, and straight forward; I quite like that about you.”

"I like that about him too!" Running her fingers along Bulvi's braids, Maka gave him a quick peck on the forehead before following after Fin. "Don't take too long moving in or we'll steal all the fun."

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Maka follows along behind Fin, ready to start throwing fire at trolls.

Just as the ice trolls take notice of the sounds of Yang and Maka making their way closer, Quasit gets the jump on them with the wand.

Surprise round: Find, Quasit, and Tezuzu are up.

I found a solid source for a map for this AP. Just need to find the time to download it at home. Just seems so silly to make 10 ft square maps because they don't do separate non-print formats.

Fin takes careful aim, breathing slowly, until he sees Quasit as she starts casting the wand...he releases the arrow and it speeds to the nearest troll (yellow)...

To hit: Base/Dex, Magic, PBS, Deadly Aim, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot
Damage: Gravity Bow, Magic, Strength, PBS, Deadly Aim

Longbow vs FFAC: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 11

Just as he shoots, Fin whispers to Maka, "Light 'em up, girl!"

Surprise round: Quasit uses the wand of Color Spray, trying to get all three trolls if she can.

No one expects a rainbow attack!

Once fin looses his shot Tezuzu darts forward recklessly slamming a fist into the closest troll.

I assume yang doesn’t act in the surprise round. I hope I can pop off my misfortune before Quasit activates the wand to give yellow a second save.

-2 to my AC till start of my next turn due to charge.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
The group moves forward through the trees and Sakitu follows, trying her best to step in the same places as the others. Soon she is situated and Quasit, Fin, and Tezuzu continue on.

She squeezes Maka's arm, excitement and nervousness in her voice. "We're going to win again, right?"

Fin whispers encouragingly to Saki. "Yes, we will win...stay behind me, Sakitu, when the others charge...fire your bow or do your magic thing...I will keep you safe..."

Maka gave Saki a wide, toothy grin and a pat on the head. "Of course we're going to win! And we aren't going to lose anyone this time either."

Findurel and Tezuzu hit the troll solidly while the turn of misfortune ensures that more than one of the trolls are impacted by the rainbow. Two of the trolls blue & yellow) are blinded and stunned for blue: 1d4 ⇒ 1 yellow: 1d4 ⇒ 2 rounds respectively, with additional round of stun after. The troll furthest from the group (pink) remains unaffected.

The remaining able troll steps toward Quasit, attempting to grapple her CMB: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24. It is able to do so. Quasit is grappled.

Round one: Party up.

"I'M THE ONE YOU WANT TO FIGHT!" Maka roared before pulling her arms back and thrusting forward a blast of fire. The flames shot forward like a geyser, clearly more powerful than Maka's previous blasts.

Standard action Fire Blast(Extend Range infusion) against Pink Troll, Apply Empower Metakinesis for 1 burn, Move Action Gather Power to reduce Burn by 1.

Fire Blast vs Touch AC; EO, Melee: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 1 - 4 = 12
Fire; EO: 3d6 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (6, 5, 2) + 1 + 3 = 17
Empowered Dmg: 8 = 8

With empowered that is 25 total fire damage for Maka's attack. Let me know if the formatting is okay. 34 total if they are weak to fire.

"Hang on, Q!"

Following up Maka's attack, Fin will move 5' and unleash on pink...if pink drops while he's still got arrows to fire, he'll switch to yellow...

To hit: Base/Dex, Magic, PBS, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, Precise Shot, Improved Precise Shot
Damage: Gravity Bow, Magic, Strength, PBS, Deadly Aim

Longbow: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 12

Longbow (Iterative): 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 18
Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 11

Longbow (Rapid Shot): 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 11 + 1 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 17
Damage: 2d6 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (1, 1) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 9

Tezuzu calls out to Fin "I've got this one Fin!" as he unleashes a furious barrage of claws and beak on the troll in front of him. Yellow Troll.

This should be pretty quick. That wand + misfortune combo was clutch. :)

GM: if allowed, Fin’s secondary target, if pink went down, would switch to blue if Tez took yellow out...

Quasit struggles to escape the troll's grasp. "Sorry ugly, but you're not my type!"

Escape Artist: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Unable to escape the ice troll, it holds Quasit snuggly. Clearly relived as the onslaught of fire leave is unscathed (touch 13). As Findurel let's loose a series of arrows it turns Quasit toward them CMBvsCMD: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 (body shield ). The cover it gains isn't enough to protect from the first shot, but the second hits Quasit instead of the troll. As she lurches from the pain, she no longer provides cover for the large creature. The third arrow misses it's mark all the same.

Meanwhile, Tezuzu and yang beat, scratch, and bite away at the blinded and stunned troll. It falls to the ground, but Tezuzu can see that the wound from Yang's bite seems to be closing a bit.

Miss. 12 hp to pink, 11 hp to Quasit. Miss. 30 hp to yellow.

Round one Bulvi & Sakitu up.