DM Standback's RoW AP: Snows of Summer (Inactive)

Game Master Standback

Sounds like a pretty useless bodyguard to me, Yahn. How about we go and save this noble and claim the reward? I can get a horse and cart to take me on to get what I need and then get back to the north

"Sounds like a plan to me. Care to give us some directions, sweetheart?"

Don't call me sweetheart

Groflek sees where Yahn was looking.

Oh. Well, just don't call me sweetheart.

I could ask the same of you, replies the pretty raven-haired girl. Her long, wavy locks bounce behind her as she walks, her feet girded in simple sandals.

She approaches to within a few feet and rolls her eyes behind her, indicating her mixed company. These men say there is a noble woman to be rescued. I care little for the idea of nobility, but I'll not see any woman help against her will. Do you know where I could find the search party?

Note, I am trying to find Shalewigg's voice, and I think I like one similar to Ygritte from the GoT series. A little playful, a little singsong, but always a bit of malice or savagery. Work in progress.

"I no longer live among my people, so there's no point in having a profession like you do. Having a profession implies working for money, and that is of little use in the cold wilderness of the north - though I can see that it may be necessary here. No, I don't have a profession, but I do have a mission, and that is breaching the borders of Irrisen."

After Willowbark points out the Silver Stoat, the elf pauses and asks her "Will you join us, Mistress Willowbark?" Arthorion walks up to the tavern and peeks inside. He smiles upon noticing the presence of a bear cub, and turns back to talk to the lynx. "They seem to have no issues with wild animals. Come in, Zeldax."

He moves towards a table close to the polar bear and its companions, an imposing half-orc with large tusks and a human to which Arthorion doesn't pay much attention. The duo appears to be engaged in a lively conversation with the tavern wench. Zeldax hisses at the cub as their paths cross, and the elf reacts quickly to hold the large cat. "Easy, Zeldax!"

Xanthippe allows a wry grin at Groflek's "useless bodyguard" quip. "Be that as it may," she says, "I wouldn't hurry to express that opinion too nearby the man."

"Sounds like a plan to me," says Yahn, "Care to give us some directions, sweetheart?"

"Don't call me sweetheart," Groflek retorts. Then he sees where Yahn was looking. "Oh. Well, just don't call me sweetheart."

Xanthippe's grin grows far merrier; as it does, the tavern door opens yet again. "You're in luck," she says. "She's got 'im." At the entrance stand a pale elven man with a large cat by his side, and an elven woman looking far less exotic. "That's Tessaraea Willowbark; she's got the town apothecary, and that's where our man is."

The male enters with his feline companion, which promptly treats Farrak to a bold hiss. Willowbark appears about to follow him, but then stops and turns in the other direction. She seems engaged in conversation, but she nonetheless holds the door open, letting in the night air, and glaring pointedly at the elf every few moments.

Shalewigg catches the elves just as they are entering the tavern. The male is already inside, but the female turns to meet her. These men say there is a noble woman to be rescued. I care little for the idea of nobility, but I'll not see any woman help against her will. Do you know where I could find the search party?

"Greetings to you, Mistress," she says, with a polite inclination of her head. She introduces herself as Mistress Willowbark, and continues, "Your interest and aid are welcome to us indeed. The fact of the matter is that we have not yet enough men willing to venture into the forest, but doubtless we soon will. We shall notify Councillor Teppen that you have volunteered, and she will know who else is already committed. I would also have you speak with Master Yuln - he was present when the Lady was abducted; he will certainly help you prepare, and he is now healing in my apothecary."

She looks away from Shalewigg for a moment, casting a baleful glance into the tavern. "However, I must find somebody to convey you to the Councillor and to Master Yuln. I have a person I am charged to guard. I cannot let him out of my sight, and I... well, I suspect going without us may be quicker."

Farrak looks confused at the sudden show of feline affection.

Groflek nudges Yahn and asks

What do you reckon? Should we call the pointy-ears over?

I need no escort protests the witch. Simply tell me where this Yuln is, and I will learn what I must before we continue.

Considering the elf's first comment, she adds, If there are not enough me to go after her, something is wrong. There is either great danger or no reward. Is undesirable that the noblewoman return?

Farrak looks confused at the sudden show of feline affection.

Groflek nudges Yahn and asks

What do you reckon? Should we call the pointy-ears over?

"I think perhaps we should take the initiative."

Yahn strides across the room and confronts the woman who was pointed out to him. "Mistriss Willowbark, I'm told? I heard there's a guard with a good story of an attack on his charge, and you can direct me to him."

I need no escort protests the witch. Simply tell me where this Yuln is, and I will learn what I must before we continue.

Considering the elf's first comment, she adds, If there are not enough me to go after her, something is wrong. There is either great danger or no reward. Is undesirable that the noblewoman return?

"Very much the first. Perhaps a bit of the second," Willowbark answers after a short consideration. "The forest grows icier every day, and we... we are a small village. Not many of us would know how to carry sword or arrow, and fewer still well enough that the attempt be anything more than plain suicide. The news of the lady's capture has not yet reached far - though it's reached you; that bodes well. You may simply be the swiftest.

"As for reward, as I say, we are are a small village, embroiled in danger far beyond our league. I dare say the village, the lady, and her noble family will all give sincere gratitude for any help offered; any help whatever. The event is so fresh, the Council has not named a reward; I suspect the lady's family has not even yet heard of her abduction. I cannot say what shape or form that gratitude may take. Is..." Willowbark hesitates. "Does this present a problem?

"I think perhaps we should take the initiative."

Yahn strides across the room and confronts the woman who was pointed out to him. "Mistriss Willowbark, I'm told? I heard there's a guard with a good story of an attack on his charge, and you can direct me to him."

Willowbark breaks off her conversation with Shalewigg. She looks momentarily flustered, and then delighted. "You as well! See, Mistress," she turns back to Shalewigg, "The first of many, as I hoped! Your companions as well, Master?" She is back to Yahn, and indicating the half-orc and his cub.

Then she turns away from both conversations, and closes on Arthorion in quick, long strides. "Well. Three travelers, all ready to come to Heldren's aid. I am sorry, sir, but your pleasure must wait. Take a flagon with you if you must, but you will accompany us to the apothecary." Before he can utter a word, she adds sharply, "That isn't a request."

The half orc rises, grunts and nods.

Arthorion has barely sat down to rest his legs when Willowbark summons him to her shop. He lets out an exasperated sigh and stands up. "Yes, I've noticed you are not one to make requests." He feels his stomach growling; the whole situation puts him in an even fouler mood, which he seems to share with the large lynx by his side.

"You never mentioned you needed aid," he says dismissively.

My ancestors would not look well on me if I simply allowed a woman to be taken against her will, and no one suffered for it. I will brave the ice, unusual as it is, and go after her. I will leave now if you direct me.

Brave the ice? Hur! It'll be good not to be baking in the heat for a change. Come on! Less dallying! Farrak, to me!

The bear rises from a nap and looks around disinterestedly.

Willowbark looks over each of you in turn. "Well," she says at last, "I hardly expected so bold an offer, and from such diseperate individuals. This... forgive me for saying so, but it nigh near miraculous." Xanthippe, leaning in on the conversation, makes a rude noise, which Willowbark serenely ignores. "I thank you all. Come, then. I will take you to Master Oerstag. He can tell you best what you may face."

With that, she turns to lead you from the tavern. Xanthippe immediately falls into step behind her, and as you walk through the town, several others begin trailing behind you as well. Upon reaching her apothecary, Willowbark ushers you in, and shoos the onlookers away - though they stay, hovering, out in the front garden.

The shop is neat and well-tended, with herbs, powders, and alchemical goods stocked, stacked and meticulously labled. Beyond a curtain is a room no less meticulous, save the bloody northman lying, hulking, abed in the middle of it.

Though they are wrapped in bandages, the mercenary's nose, toes, and fingers show the black hue of frostbite. His left arm is wrapped so completely and bulkily that his hand isn't visible at all, and it seems like the arm may be shorter than the right one. You can see him exerting himself merely to sit up, and then he waves you come closer. "You are bound for the forest, then? Would that I could got with you." His voice is cracked and dry - a voice used to speaking loudly and powerfully, now newly dulled. "My ancestors would ridicule my lack of valor for fleeing rather than fighting to the end. But I faced enemies that even the greatest warriors in the Linnorm Kingdoms have faltered against, though I think I slew at least one of them before they dragged Lady Althea away." He meets your eyes gravely, as though daring you to challenge him.

The raven-haired girl grimaces under the man's gaze, replying, "You may go or not go. Your courage is not at issue. Please tell us what we need to bring the noblewoman back."

Shalewigg's words seem to shake the northman awake. "The creatures that took her--" he shakes his head in the recollection. "At first we thought they were mere bandits. Outlaws of no consequence at all; when I roared, they trembled, and they died.

"You may not think it to see them - tiny sprites no taller than the lenghth of a man's forearm. But do not be fooled, not for an instant. The winter-touched are fey who have sworn themselves to the White Witches of Irrisen, those who stole our lands from us during the Winter War. Each has a sliver of frozen ice lodged in their hearts, and their touch bears the harsh bite of winter."

Oerstag pulls the coverings tight around him, hardly noticing that he is doing so. "The moment they could grab her, the fey and the bandits took Lady Argentea into the forest, back through the ice and snow. Beyond that, I don't know. I chased after them as far as I could, but the winter-touched were too many and too hard to fend off in the snow alone. I barely escaped, and rode to seek help here."

The mention of Irrisen grabs Arthorion's attention. Could these fey know a way into the frozen realm?

"I wish to find these winter-touched fey you speak of", Arthorion says bluntly. He looks to the other people in the room and proclaims "If you are heading to the forest to look for the kidnapped human woman, I might be of help. Not only am I accustomed to the climate, but I just came from there."

"Excellent," says the lithe human woman with the long hair. Now it is a company. Please, guide us so we can begin."

Willowbark explains precisely how to find the spot where the Lady's caravan was attacked, a few miles south of the village. This seems to be the best lead you have to beginning your search.

Is there anything else you want to do in the village before you set out? Any specific preparations?

Since evening is falling already, the party beds down at the tavern, and sets out before dawn the next morning. Willowbark, and several others, accompany you to the edge of the village - but no farther.

Six miles south of Heldren, the temperature growing cooler as you walk, you reach the edge of the Border Wood. 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.

"We'd better search the carriages for valu- uh... for survivors."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Here's a map of the scene. You're coming along the path from the west; position yourself however you like.

Yahn meanders over to the overturned carriage. There are no survivors here - no, just two young women, collapsed backwards over the upturned seat. Their faces and torsos are covered with pierced pinpricks - tiny needles and shards of ice. There is no smell of death or decay; the cold has preserved them perfectly.

Shalewigg stands at 8-F to survey the bodies and the carts. Do the horses have similar markings? Or did something else kill them?

The young girl walks amid the wreckage. She blinks purposefully several times in a row, whispering quietly to herself. When she finishes, her irises change to a bright blue and small gray streaks appear in her hair.

Casting detect magic.

Casting detect magic.

You don't sense any magical auras present at the moment.

Arthorion walks around the scene carefully, watching his steps and trying to figure out what happened here.

Survival to find tracks: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Arthorion walks around the scene carefully, watching his steps and trying to figure out what happened here.

The ground is still trampled from the fight. The trail, covered with snow, shows clear tracks leading into the forest. As Arthorion approaches to examine them more closely, he gains a better view of the icy statue. This is no work of sculpture - it is a bloody body of a Taldan captain, frozen in the ice. Frozen severed limbs and shavings lie strewn on the ground before him.

Shalewigg, standing by the carriage that's still upright, you can hear muffled movement from within. You now see that the carriage's door has barred from the outside, held with a spear wedging the door's handles together.

"Something is alive," the young girl states in low tones. "Barred form the outside. Either a victim the raiders had to subdue, an animal, or there is a survivor who locked away one of his assailants."

She steps toward the door and notes the spear haft. "We should open it, but we should be ready."

She kneels down by the door and raps against it softly. "The attack is over. We're here to look after any survivors. Are you hurt? Can you tell me your name?"

Yahn draws his spear and holds it at the ready. "Let's hope whoever it is plays nice."

-Posted with Wayfinder

The muffled noises grow louder, thumpier, and the entire carriage begins to rattle.

Arthorion grows impatient with the rest of the group, as everyone exitates to take action. He walks towards the carriage with sword in hand, accompanied by Zeldax. He signals for the lynx to be ready to pounce, and grabs the handle of the wagon's hatch. He looks around to Shalewigg, Yahn and Groflek and warns them "Be ready."

With a sudden pull, he tries to swing the doors open and peek inside the carriage.

Two zombies lumber through the open door, hissing and grabbing at you as they draw themselves out!

Encounter map - round 1

Initiative:
Zombie1: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Zombie2: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Initiative: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Does Zeldax act in the same round as Arthorion or should I roll separately?

Let's keep companions together with their PCs; it'll keep things simpler.

Should I roll initiative for everybody, to avoid an unnecessary round of messages?

I doubt the zombies have a higher Dex than Arthorion, so I'll declare my action. Assuming the Zombies move to J8 and K8, Arthorion moves to I8 and Zeldax is on J9.

Prepared for the worst, Arthorion reacts quickly to the undead attack. As the creatures stumble through the door, he steps to the side holding his blade horizontally and slashing against one of the zombies' torso. He looks back over his shoulders and whistles staring at Zeldax. The command is promptly understood, and the feral lynx jumps at the the other one, showing his teeth and tearing the rotten flesh with its sharp claws.

Zombie 1 - Arthorion's greatsword attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Damage (slashing): 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10

Since they were next to the door, I'm assuming Zeldax can perform a full attack. If not, just consider the bite.
Zombie 2 - Zeldax's bite attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage (piercing): 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Zombie 2 - Zeldax's claw attack 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage (slashing): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Zombie 2 - Zeldax's claw attack 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Damage (slashing): 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

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Round One
Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Move to L9, draw dagger

"Not alive." Shalewigg corrects as she draws her dagger and moves around the fallen horse to prepare for the zombies. "Undead."