Bright Morning's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master JankInTheTank

"Ought to make sure everybody has a cold iron weapon while they are laying around like this. Let's get through these doors and find out how deep we've fallen in. Start with that one, and we can roll around the room if we need to." He indicates the same door he told Brominate to check first. he stops to pick up one of the cold iron longswords on his way.

Porablum picks up one of the cold iron longswords. It is almost as long as she is tall, and the incredibly clumsy way in which she seems to handle it shows she has absolutely no familiarity with such a weapon. Still, she says, "Right, we'll show any of those witch's guards what for." She swings the sword, spinning herself around and falling to the floor on her butt.

"Erm...maybe I shouldn't have one of these, now I think of it."

Appologies, the small door Brom was looking at was not locked. I thought it was a storage room but it is not.

Brominate opens the door and finds a small privy. it is simple, but has actual plumbing! there is nothing else in this room. there is a matching room to the south.

the group looks all around the bottom level of the tower. the guards outside seem to have left. perhaps to get reinforcements, or perhaps out of cowardice when they saw their larger force get destroyed. in any case, the room is very still as the group looks around. there do not seem to be any stairs leading up, only the ones that go to the battlements.

"Ought to make sure everybody has a cold iron weapon while they are laying around like this. Let's get through these doors and find out how deep we've fallen in. Start with that one, and we can roll around the room if we need to." He indicates the same door he told Brominate to check first. he stops to pick up one of the cold iron longswords on his way.

Grim, do you mean the door we entered from?

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Catching the tossed vial absentmindedly and stowing it away, Brominate leaves the larger room and searches through the barracks for anything potentially helpful...or valuable.

I meant the privy, I think. "Q4"

"Looks like we'll have to use the magic transport. I don't like the sound of that at all. A quick toss of the barracks to see if there's anything useful, and let's keep moving!"

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 Focused Enemy Human, +2; Cold Terrain, +2; Forest, +1 - I doubt any apply

nope, nothing useful in the barracks. just extra sets of clothes, the guards were wearing their combat gear when they fought you. nothing else of any use in there

"You're not the only one." Easlis responds looking at the cylinder-shaped object like at something that came from another plane. "I would rather climb the inner tower using the grappling hook. Yet in our current state, I don't think we have that is an option." The magus sighs and gets close to the area where the guard disappeared looking for an orifice that would fit the key or any reaction from the teleporter as he drew closer.

"Are you coming? I don't know if this is a two-way teleporter and I don't want to think what would happen if I get sent who knows where and you'd end up stuck here. "

GM, how many of us can fit on the teleporter at a time?

Looks like they are 3 squares big, so 6 medium creatures can squeeze onto it at the same time.

"No, the Southerners can't risk that, can they, Hjorleaf?" Grim moves over onto the spot on the floor, waving the others over.

answers to your questions, for anyone who can roll high enough!

Just wishing for this all to be over, Brominate complies to Grim.

"Gladyur still with us, Grim." he says sincerely.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Easlis gets closer to the teleporter and starts feeling a chill at the bottom of his feet. He takes a step back from the marked area and turns to the others: "Everyone, gather around, do a big hug and prepare for an icy trip. I will join you once you're all set."

Porablum walks over with the others, taking up less space on the pad thanks to her shorter stature. She holds on to Grimgisli's cloak and says, "Okay! Ready to go!"

This would be so exciting. She'd never teleported before. Maybe there would be gold or jewels or something on the other side. What was it like to turn into ice and then teleport? This was going to be so much fun!

Grimgisli stands and waits for the weirdness to begin.

the group gathers at the teleporter and as soon as Easlis joins the connection, ice begins to climb up each of their legs from the floor. within seconds, ice encases each person completely. just as fast, the ice melts away, revealing a completely new scene.

the group find themselves in a dining hall, with a massive table laid out in front of them. massive windows lay behind them looking over the courtyard of the Pale Tower. before them is a small raised platform with 2 statues of ice nymphs holding up an arch above a short hallway. under the arch is a familiar face of a blue horned woman.

Well hello there. funny to see you again so soon. Mierul says to the group Have you come to kill me like you did the poor man who was transported up before you?

she indicates the body of the guard, laying quite dead several feet from the teleporter that you arrived from.

"Depends, he died because he and his team were trying to kill us. Do you intend to force us to make the same choice for the same reasons?"

Outwardly, Brominate stares directly into Mierul's eyes and gives a slight, yet confident, smirk.

Inwardly,
Wow, he's good. That's way better than what I would have said...

Looks like they are 3 squares big, so 6 medium creatures can squeeze onto it at the same time.

"No, the Southerners can't risk that, can they, Hjorleaf?" Grim moves over onto the spot on the floor, waving the others over.

Might get thier dresses dirty...

The large human turns and looks at the half elf.
Might have to put that one down before this is all over. No use at all and just sits in the back while the rest of us fight.

Glancing at Brominate, he nods slightly in appreciation for his help in securing the area.

He turns to the Gnome and placing a large hand on her shoulder. His gentle touch feels odd in contrast to his size.

Easlis frowns at first when hearing the criticism from Hjorleaf then shrugs and drinks the health potion. "I haven't come all this way to waste my life needlessly on a bravado."
Clear light wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Once teleported Easlis appeared surprised noticing the horned female from before but regained his composure quickly.

"Oh, there's my arrow." The magus says as he walks next to the corpse, puts one of his feet on the guard while he draws the arrow from his neck. "Nice to see you again Mierul. Guess we won't be having a singalong would be?"

Is Hjorleaf teleported in his black rider state?

Laughing slightly to point out just how he feels about the half elf.
Wasting your life being a coward is just fine then.

Hjorleaf is his normal self and not the black rider

Walking over to the teleport he give the half elf no more thought. When the new location comes into view, he lifts his ax in preparation of battle.

A smile and a slight laugh comes to Hjorleaf at the sight of the horned woman.
Mierul...the "traveling" bard. Kill you, maybe..depends on your story.

Mierul holds her hands up defensively

You misunderstand, I am not trying to kill you. I am just a messenger. I was sent out to look for suspicious groups that may have had interactions with a certain foe we are looking for. your stories didn't really add up, so I let my employers know that you were around. apparently I was right, seeing your little band launching a full assault on a witch's tower.

Of course, I have no interest in fighting you. especially after you killed so many armed guards downstairs. and a troll. No, I would much rather be on my way and turn my back on this place. so if we have no quarrel, I'll just be on my way?\

she looks towards one of the telepoerters, but doesn't move towards it unless allowed by the party

"Could you answer some questions for us first?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

"Things like where would you go? Who would you tell about us? How likely are we to not end up facing off later? Or did you have other questions in mind, Little One?"

"Well, I was mainly thinking if she could tell us who else is in the Tower, where that teleporter," here Porablum points at the one Mierul had been eyeing, "goes, and if her going that way before we do will alert whoever is on the other side of the teleporter. Also, can these teleporters be used in reverse - could we go back to the entryway using this teleporter, or can we only go forward?"

You certainly have a lot of questions, small one. I am afraid I cannot give you many answers. though I don't think I can defeat all of you myself, even with these little fey backing me up, I have little doubt that you will all die in this tower. I do not want to face the wrath of the masters of the tower if I gave you information before I left. I will tell you that both of these teleporters lead back down to the main hall. there are others scattered around the tower that lead to other places...

"As much as it pains me to say this, killing her outright would not bring us closer to our goal here. We're not exactly in the best of shape either." Easlis says checking the face of each member of the group to see which way the wind is blowing.

"She knows the people who gave us shelter, and they were afraid she would have them killed. Letting her walk free unfettered will betray those who tried to protect us without knowing who we are, where we came from, or what we might do. Without some assurances on their behalf, I'm afraid that those of us raised with either manners or morals would have to object to your eagerness to watch her leave."

It doesn't pain that lying, selfish little prick in the least to find an excuse not to risk immediate harm . . ..

I'm getting the feeling the Ulfens don't like that elf, much.

Porablum frowns at Grimgisli and Easils for ignoring the more pressing question, then looks about the room, still only seeing Mierul. "What little fey? I only see you. Do you have allies invisibly hidden within the room?"

The GM's description of the beings in the room only includes Mierul, and she just said there were little fey backing her up...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Brominate moves south towards the other portal.

"You're not leaving. Not with your tongue, at any rate."

sorry I must have forgotten them in the description, and just put them on the map. there are 2 sprites in the room as well.

What assurances would you require from me to let me go, good sir? I don't know about you southerners, but I always thought that proper manners and morals would require not attackign and killing an unarmed woman

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
(Looking to see if she's actually unarmed)

"Sometimes words are weapon enough. You proved how great a storyteller you are at the campfire the other night. You're unwilling to exchange information. As you yourself said, we disposed of all those guards, and killed that troll too, yet.. you're gonna try to appeal to our morality and peacefulness, offering nothing in return??"

"As much as it pains me to say this, killing her outright would not bring us closer to our goal here. We're not exactly in the best of shape either." Easlis says checking the face of each member of the group to see which way the wind is blowing.

Hjorleaf looks at the elf in disbelief.

What assurances would you require from me to let me go, good sir? I don't know about you southerners, but I always thought that proper manners and morals would require not attacking and killing an unarmed woman

At these words Hjorleaf laughs loudly.

I am thinking that i will be changing into the black rider in hopes that it will tip her over to our side. First want to see how this played out.

Porablum considered the sprites and Mierul. The sprites could be just as problematic as the bard, what with their small size and ability to fly. She wondered if she'd be able to disable one of them - along with Mierul - to make the fight easier, since it looked like it would come to that.

You want to know what you will find in this tower? fine. if you really have a death wish and want to fight the Witch's apprentice you have to make your way to the top of the tower. you will find the correct teleporter behind the far door in this hallway. but you will need a key. if you want the key, you'll need to go over this way...

Mierul says as she moves towards the door to the south and reaches for the doorknob

After hearing the angry words from both of the Ulfren the half-elf frowns and crosses his arms:

"If you would have been so concerned about their safety you would have done away with Mierul the first time we met her. She might have given her report already if the events haven't been seen through her mirror already. "

Even now, you're letting her get away. Easlis draws the scimitar and points with it at the door Mierul is trying to open, steps on a chair and hops on the table.

Porablum said, "Please don't open that door without telling us what's on the other side."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

As she said that, Porablum began moving around the table.

If you would not have gotten your dress all bunched up we would not be in this situation in the first place...She was correct in that you are ill-prepared for...just about everything.
Except letting others do the fighting.
Hjorleaf lifts his hand and gestures towards the horned woman.
By all means master of combat...Go and stop her. I will wait here and see if you need any help.
Hjorleaf smiles at the half elf.
Go on...you can not expect us all to do the work for you. You can handler her. Do not worry we have faith in your abilities to do anything you want without the rest of us here to help you. Go and stop her from getting away. Show all of us how things are done. If you should need help just ask...

Without looking at either of them, his eyes focused on Mierul, Brominate snaps,

"Both of you shut up! You both need to swallow your arrogance and pride!"

At the winter-touched Bard he urges:
"Wait!! Just a moment."

Mierul stops, her hand on the door as Brominate calls out to her

"speak quickly. your companions do not seem willing to talk. if any of you come closer to me, I will open this door and call for help.

for their part, the sprites seem confused as to what to do. maybe they don't understand the words being said, or maybe they are waiting to see what Mierul decides to do

With no rush to his movements, but no effort to disguise them, the hunter draws an arrow from his quiver and lays it across his bow. "I truly don't want to kill anyone here, but I don't know if there's another path that solves the Southerners' problem. I was hoping you might have an idea that would help us both out, but you seem intent on conflict, and then blame us for that."

If she makes a move to open the door, I'll shoot. Seriously hoping not to, but expect to.

So there is someone, or many someones, on the other side of that door... and whoever it is might have the key we need to reach this "apprentice."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
"I'll speak quick. Mierul, you come across as quite the intelligent individual. I urge you, then, not to do something foolish! I have a compromise. Neither you, nor your friends here shall be harmed. Let us bind you and leave you here; answer a question or two. That way, we know you're not off somewhere blabbing, and you... aren't dead. But believe me, if you touch that door, we will kill you, and anyone else who stands against us. Do you know how much sleep I'll lose over killing you? None. So please, be wise, and live. What say you?"

Mierul pulls her hand back from the door and backs away. Very well. if you promise not to kill me I will allow you to tie me up and i will give what answers I can. but i warn you I likely don't know much that you haven't learned already if you've gotten this far. I am a messenger, not a confidant

The hunter simply waits. Someone will make a first move, but he didn't plan on being that someone.

Porablum asks Mierul, "Can you tell us of anyone notable here in the Tower?"

Hjorleaf looks over at Grimgisli and seeing the Ulfen still ready, he pulls forth a throwing axe.
I can still split her skull from here...so I guess I will let them talk? What of them? They will not willingly give up on there false ruler.
He points to the fey.

Seeing that people started throwing questions before the enemy was immobilized Easlis took the initiative and, jumping down from the table he quickly bounded Mierul's hands. Then took a step back in case Hjorleaf would find the opportunity of hitting two birds with a single stone, or axe in this case, too tempting.
Noticing the two smaller fey around him he exclaims:

"With the two of them free it would be as letting Mierul off the hook. Do you know how much this rope costs?!"

Realizing that their presense is no longer going unnoticed, the two sprites look at each other and as some signal passes between them they both go invisible.

Mierul accepts being tied up calmly.

"as I'm sure you're aware, the Lady of the Tower Nazheena is away in Whitethrone. in her stead her apprentice manages her affairs. his name is Radosek, and he is a powerful witch in his own right. the tower also has a full complement of guards along with their commander, and there is a woman who cares for the tower's Ravens.

"Tell those two to show themselves." Brominate addressed Mierul.

Turning to Asvidrson, "Do you think we could chop up these chairs some? Let's make a circular bonfire around Mierul. It should keep the sprites away and her contained within."

"I'll do my best to come back and free you, and if I die, well the fires will too, eventually."

Easlis raises an eyebrow and tries to guess whether Brominate was serious or not about making a bonfire. "You do realize we would be setting fire to the tower we are in?! Let's just take her with us, what harm would she be able to do?"