Jawhar will move to where Craggark is (into a space that is not threatened) and cast Shield of Faith on him.
Tusk withdraws his axe after dropping his worker tools as he moves forward, he will move straight forward 20 feet without getting in the way of his allies, if he can't move straight, he will go to the right to go around his allies.Then he will swing or ready to swing his axe when the wolf gets in melee. hit: 3 + 1d20 ⇒ 3 + (6) = 9 {*miss*}
Rigory the young winter wolf snarls at haven taken so many blows early in the fight. He lashes out with his maw trying to bite Craggark and pull him to the ground.
Total=22 dmg.
The group is shocked when the fierce animal takes hold of Craggark's thigh and nearly rips his leg off! Craggark is left lying in a bloody heap on the icy ground.
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Craggark's momentary pause at wonderment after he connected with the wolf's hide is poorly-timed. The sleek beast spins and lunges, sinking its maw deep into the half-orc's left thigh. Then, like a rag doll, Rigory flings Craggark around, blood spraying in all directions as the group hears a thickening crack that could only be his thigh bone.
Left in a quivering heap, the half-orc looks done. But like many of his kind, Craggark won't go so quietly. As the blood-stained maw of the winter wolf turns to sneer at the other would-be assailants, Jamir can see the half-orc's fists ball up anew.
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** spoiler omitted **
Over his scarf, Jamir’s eyes widen when sees the big frostkin go down, then narrow with his grin when Craggark’s fists clench, showing that the brawler is ready to fight on. Jamir adjusts his grip on his rapier and buckler, and shouts, “I do not understand! I would have thought the cold would kill the fleas, but just look at them on this junkyard dog!”
Faenethor, mumbles a few words of arcane power and another force missile issues forth from his fingers and strikes the wolf
Craggark bleeding and broken on the ground is yet un-bowed. Summoning the strength of the more savage portion of his ancestry, He lunges at the wolf from all fours. The wolf's attention caught up in the flourish of Jamir's rapier, is just enough of a distraction for Craggark's heroic lunge to take hold. For a moment there is a life and death struggle as Craggark's left powerful arm encircles the back haunches of the beast. Craggark's right arm disappear beneath the beast toward's the unfortunate creatures nether regions.
Startlingly, a shrill screech issues forth from the viscous white wolf. It's hind legs react suddenly, mule kicking Craggark free of the merciless twisting. Cracggark is tossed violently free of the scuffle and lands face down into the snow. He attempts to rise again, a bloody feral grin plastered across his half orc visage, only to collapse helplessly back into the snow.
A yelp like that of a puppy issues from the once fearsome animal as it kicks Craggark free. It seems confused and frightened for a moment as a low whining escapes it's muzzle. Rigory is hurt and limping now but, may not be for long.
Haltani is startled by the sudden viciousness of Rigory's attack on Craggark. However, she is encouraged by his bravery and his un-willingness to "give-in." A song of hope and inspiration issues from her lips as she moves toward Craggark in hopes of aiding him.
Jamir steps forward and proceeds to do a classic fencing thrust towards Rigory's vitals. The wolf however is not as distracted, knowing that the enemy at his flank no longer threatens him. Although his aim is true. The rapier simply fails to penetrate the tough hide of the Winter wolf.
That's what I will do then. I will Rebuke so that he stops stabilizes and then move forward. Jamir, if you want flank next round, delay until after my turn.
That's what I will do then. I will Rebuke so that he stops stabilizes and then move forward. Jamir, if you want flank next round, delay until after my turn.
Jawhar cast death's rebuke on Craggark and then steps forward to straddle his prone form, trying to protect him from the winter wolf's wrath.
Tusk swings at the wolf with his Greataxe, assuming it is still alive, otherwise he moves to a new enemy if a new enemy does in fact in an unlikely event enter the battlefield; hit: 3 + 1d20 ⇒ 3 + (4) = 7
Rigory the winter wolf looks to the left and right. Realizing his enemies will not fall easily, he attempts to step back, while inhaling deeply. The group members closest to the fearsome wolf realize that, it's scampering back, to create enough distance, to maximize the spread of it's breath weapon. It's time to strike now....or maybe die a frozen death.
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For a second the dwarf's heart sinks as his companions press in No, you fools! He'll rip you to shreds same as he did Craggark! Apparently the wolf has other ideas and steps back, sucking in a deep frigid breath--uh oh.
Acting quickly, Torvald slaps the clay seal over the jar and shakes vigorously. "Hey beastie! Here's a riddle for you: What do you get when you mix dragonlily extract, liquefied Sutr's Breath, a pinch of red salts, and air?" Winding back his gauntleted fist, the dwarf lets fly with the glass vial.
As the vial shatters and a billowing cloud of orange flame spills forth, the dwarf whoops. "BURNED!! You get burned!"
Rigory the young winter wolf,looks to the left and right. Realizing his enemies will not fall easily, he attempts to step back, while inhaling deeply. The intelligent monster knows he needs to reduce the numbers in order for him to succeed. He attempts to move back a little so his breath is put to it's best use.
As he breaks for better position the southern holy man takes a wild swing with his gauntlet clad fist. Rigory easily dodges the clumsy blow but, backs right into the painful needle like sting of the halfling's rapier. Seeing the silent dwarf approach and wind up for a mighty swing with his great axe, Rigory launches himself backward.
As he does so; he see's a flask of bubbling red liquid, arc over the heads, of some of those he fights against, and head strait in the direction, he was heading. Rigory has no idea what the liquid could be but, is sure he doesn't want it to hit him. But, it's too late. The Dwarf that had been holding the flask had both aimed and timed his shot perfectly. Rigory was already in motion when he noticed the bomb. His weight and forward motion carried him right into the trajectory of the evil object.
pain everywhere, his fur nearly burnt off from his haunches to the mid section. The strange sensation of burnt meat wafted towards Rigory's nostrils. It was the smell of him, his own scorched flesh. Rigory howled in pain and abandoned all hope of defeating these powerful fire wielding heroes. He howled in pain as he fled back toward the open ice plain.
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Using additional Rebuke Death's until Craggark is conscious. Currently at -6
* Now at -4, 4/6 Rebukes remain
* Now at -2, 3/6 Rebukes remain
* Now at +2, 2/6 Rebukes remain
Wounded now gather for a channel
Craggark at 2/13, Jamir at 7/12, Tusk is only down 2, I think.
3/7 Channels remain
Craggark at 7/13, Jamir and Tuck full.
I'll leave it there for right now.
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"Well, that went as well as could be expected, don't you think?"
Craggark grimaces as he tests his left leg, half-expecting it not to bear his weight. When it does, he gives the Sarenrite a smirk of approval. He pats Jamir on the back as he hobbles to the icy hole.
These fellows aren't so bad in a fight - better than me, in any instance, at not getting mauled.
"That pup will be back with its pack in short order, I think," the half-orc continues, gathering up his hand-axe as he dusts the snow from his clothes and returns his wrap to his face. "We likely have a time limit on how long we can stay here. With Abadar and Sarenrae's help, we won't encounter more of those mange-hounds."
The half-orc pulls a small coppery rod out of his pack, along with a lantern. Striking the sunrod on the ground to activate it, the half-orc opens the lantern and places it inside.
"Haltani, I don't think we have time for your drama right now," he says as he prepares his equipment, "but if sharing a little of what you know about Rigory and those others who might wish you harm might avoid me losing my leg the second time around, I'd be grateful. You can tell us however---" and here the half-orc swings his lantern toward the entrance to the ancient ruin ---"in there.
Damn you and your shifty ways. How many chances are we going to give you to be truthful with us?
Craggark moves into the ruins. "Gentlemen?" he calls in a not-quiet voice. "I doubt anything in this ruin didn't hear that scuffle, so it's not polite to keep them waiting."
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"Eegads! I haven't seen a wound like that since, since...well, ever!" Faenethor reaches out and places a hand on Tusk's shoulder, woozy from the sight of so much blood. "You should have seen the amount of steam billowing from your life's blood spilling into the snow. It was like a chimney! Oh...oh, I think I should sit down a moment..." Faenethor grasps his knees and bends forward, exhaling forcefully to fight the feeling of nausea. After a few moments, he composes himself and stands upright.
"Well now, that's better. I've been out of my head for a bit. But now I feel much better." He looks at Haltani, perplexed. "Dear friend, do you care to explain the complex web of relationships that talking wolf was alluding to?"
The elf points toward the ground, then winds his hand up through the air in a grand spiral, as though stirring an invisible cauldron. From the ground emerge four lights that spin and bob up around him before dancing on the path ahead toward Craggark .
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The amount of divine energy Jawhar was required to channel in order to repair the wounds inflicted by the wolf leaves him a bit unstable.
He kneels in the snow for a moment, quietly praising Sarenrae for her intervention until he feels able to stand again.
Seeing that several members of the team have started for the cavern, he follows.
Briefly turning to Uliyara, he gives a stiff bow. With absolutely no hint of sarcasm in his tone, he addresses her feet. "Your highness, you owe us no explanations. We lowly explorers are hardly worthy of your wisdom.
However, if there is some way that we can keep your personage safe without losing more of our blood, please inform us before the danger comes hunting for us."
With that, he turns and follows the others into the cave.
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Ha! Sorry about the gore, Fayneethor - I tried to give some small amount back before Pharasma knocked on my door, yeah?
The half-orc reacts in a startled fashion to the glowing orbs. Hesitantly, he tries to reach out and touch one as he moves inside the ruins.
"I've never seen...magic like that...what do you call them?"
Craggark replies to the wizard.
"In my people, there is a legend known as the "Flickering Death" - orbs of light that lead those who are lost in the white to their deaths, or even worse fates..." He glances over his shoulder at Faenethor. "These are not those, correct?"
Uliyara blows out a relived sigh as she watches the Winter wolf flee. She rushes to Jawhar's and Craggark's side and says, Here, let me see if I can help. Positive energy healing magic flows from her hands into Craggarck's body knitting his flesh.
She, looks at Craggark satisfied. Touches his face gently as she helps him to his feet. Rarely have I met such brave souls in my travels, thank you, She turns to Jawhar specifically.Thank you all.
However, if there is some way that we can keep your personage safe without losing more of our blood, please inform us before the danger comes hunting for us.
Rigory was almost certainly sent by aunt, Baroness Urgalaena. My aunt would want to capture me aiding outsiders, most likely to use me to embarrass my mother, whom you've already guessed is Barroness Nadya. I had no idea he was tracking me. I guess he was the same wolf you all spotted on the Thundering river, the way he spoke. My only regret is that we left him alive. Now we must hurry and explore these rooms before he comes back with his pack. Uliyara looks uncertainly toward the Ice cave entrance.
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2
* 5 channels remain, might as well channel again
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2
* That will heal Jamir, not comfortable leaving Torvald uninjured when there is probably going to be a battle coming up. Does heat attract Remorhaz?
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Just noticed that I also need to roll the original Channel
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4
OK, my frostbite had been healed after the second channel. Guess I was walking around frostbit for a while but pretending to be healthy. Everyone has recovered now.
I still have 3 channels remaining.
On to the requested fortitude save while digging the trench (after the first hour)
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The half-orc reacts in a startled fashion to the glowing orbs. Hesitantly, he tries to reach out and touch one as he moves inside the ruins.
"I've never seen...magic like that...what do you call them? In my people, there is a legend known as the "Flickering Death" - orbs of light that lead those who are lost in the white to their deaths, or even worse fates..." He glances over his shoulder at Faenethor. "These are not those, correct?""
Faenethor chuckles lightly at the question. "Alabaster, Amaranth, Carnelian, and Vermillion at times. Sometimes just white, pink, red, and orange. Don't worry. They are harmless."
Faenethor forces his eyes not to roll at Jawhar's supplications. Royalty or not, we're putting our lives at stake to aid this woman. A little candor wouldn't hurt, would it?
He steps carefully toward the entrance, staying toward the rear of the party and closely examining what features might be discernible beneath the ice. He tries to commit everything to memory for later recollection and report.
Uliyara, walks up to Faenethor just before entering the cave I'm sorry Faenethor, I wasn't ignoring you. I just needed to make sure Craggark was O.K. To answer your question about Rigory, he is from a brood of pups of a very famous winter wolf named Marvory. She is a particularly large female Winter Wolf; famous for slaying ...er..outsiders and perhaps even more famous, for murdering male Winter Wolves, seeking to mate with her. At least the males, she considers unworthy. Rigory is a child from one of the worthy fathers. He took up in my aunt's service last year. I've only met him twice before. Once in Saarbotten, and again about 3 months ago, when a trade delegation came to Dalun from Saarbooten. He was rude to me both times.
Uliyara looks down at the icy floor; looks slippery in there! better put on these! says Uliyara as she digs a pair of cleats out of her pack. After securing her snowshoes Uliyara picks up a an ice shard of the ground and cast light on it. She then puts in on the clear icy ground of the tunnel and slides it in the entrance about 25 ft. The entrance way seems to be about 20ft wide and 50ft or so long. The hole you melted into the ice leads into a complex formerly on the side of a hill. The ceilings appear to be 8 or 9ft high.
Intricate gilded stonework adorns the entrance, and a complex marble mosaic paves the floor. Arrow slits flank the north and south sides of the hall, but the north side has collapsed and is choked with rubble. On the eastern end, two 10-foot-tall marble statues of armored dwarves
flank a fresco depicting an opulent throne room. The faces of the statues have been broken off. Just before the statues at the end of the hallway, there's another 10ft wide passage that leads south.
Uliyara, looks at Craggark and Jamir, After you? she says pleasantly while sweeping her hand toward the entrance.
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Jawhar will cast Light on his shield (recasting every 10 minutes) and take up the rear guard.
Other light sources include Craggark's sunrod and Faenethor's Dancing Lights. I'd say we are well covered.
It sounds like Craggark is leading, Jawhar will trail. I will guess:
Tusk<-Uliyara<-Faenethor<-Jawhar
Craggark<-Jamir<-Torvald
Probably 5 feet of separation between each group
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...Rigory howled in pain and abandoned all hope of defeating these powerful fire wielding heroes. He howled in pain as he fled back toward the open ice plain.
Jamir shakes his rapier at the quickly retreating wolf.
"Hey! Come back with my cloak, you poltroon!"
The halfling starts to give chase, but stops when he realizes just how bad Craggark's injuries are. He waits in respectful silence while the healers do their work.
"Well, that went as well as could be expected, don't you think?"
Craggark grimaces as he tests his left leg, half-expecting it not to bear his weight. When it does, he gives the Sarenrite a smirk of approval. He pats Jamir on the back as he hobbles to the icy hole....
Jamir feigns shock.
"As well as could be expected?!? Jawhar, come quick! You need to heal Craggark again - the poor man is raving!"
Turning back to the brawler, Hamstring adds, "Mark my words, my friend: I will have that creature's pelt for my cloak!"
Rigory was almost certainly sent by aunt, Baroness Urgalaena. My aunt would want to capture me aiding outsiders, most likely to use me to embarrass my mother, whom you've already guessed is Barroness Nadya. I had no idea he was tracking me. I guess he was the same wolf you all spotted on the Thundering river, the way he spoke. My only regret is that we left him alive. Now we must hurry and explore these rooms before he comes back with his pack. Uliyara looks uncertainly toward the Ice cave entrance.
As they enter the ice cave, Jamir bows to Haltani/Uliyara with his usual grin.
"Your mother would like you to visit her, My Lady. And I think I shall continue to call you 'Haltani,' unless you object. Haltani has been our friend, even if she did not entirely trust us; this Uliyara, she is still a stranger."
Jamir follows her into the ice cave.
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When the wolf howls and flees Torvald throws scathing curses at its back in Dwarven. As the healers patch up Craggark the dwarf moves over to stand by the halfling, whispering out of the corner of his mouth, "Turns out winter wolves don't like fire much, wonders never cease!" with an exaggerated knowing look and lightly tapping his temple.
"Look at the intricacy of this stonework! The craftsmanship! The artistry! You don't find work like this these days!"
"I do believe I take exception to that. This is good stuff, but hardly the best. Come visit Janderhoff sometime friend, I'll show you stonework! Or rather, I'll have someone in my clan do it, because that's really not my speciality."
" Careful now, the stones are slick with ice, a tumble here wouldn't be pleasant. Yes, I'll bring up the rear. Shall we proceed?"
He doesn't speak to or about Haltani/Uliyara--he's said his piece already.