GM Bali's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Bali

Yikes...how many HP do you have Cyrus at now?

I've got him at 2 but feel free to double check me.

Will: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Visions of the vile looking fey dancing around a spit and carving off flanks of meat best left unidentified fill Droguks mind and send him fleeing.

Frightened for 4 rounds

No... that's right. Are we out of cmw's or do we still have one left?

-Posted with Wayfinder

Just did a quick count and I believe the party currently has 1x CMW potion and 3-4 CLW potions all from the tower.

finally someon knows my name he mumbles as another ball of flame forms in Kobad's hand. hurling the flame at the gnome that seems to be a caster of somesort.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
fire damage: 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1, 1) + 1 = 5 -- DC 18 fort save or staggered for 1 round

The gnomish creature who had been cackling in laughter at Druguks fear stops abruptly when a ball of flame strikes him in the face.

Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

He seems to shrug off any effects beyond the burns and glares daggers at Kobad.

That's what I thought. I remembered we had found a couple at one point or other, and that Cyrus and Droguk had each taken one and Droguk had used his, but I couldn't remember if Cyrus had actually found one. But nothing in my post history mentions using it, so I assume he still has it. Yay for Cyrus!

Cyrus cries out in pain as the blades strike home, leaving him barely clinging to consciousness, his vision beginning to blur at its edges. Still, one had to give him credit for his tenacity, the memory of his pledge to Nadya and his duty to his companions coming to mind.

"Not...not yet, you bastards...I'm not goin' down yet! I've got a promise to keep!!" he cries aloud, yelling a battle cry as he again slashes at the foe who has been successfully dodging his attacks so far.

Falchion Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Falchion Power Attack Damage: 2d4 + 4 + 3 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 3 = 12

Whether the foe goes down or not, Cyrus will quickly hop backward, taking advantage of the movement to rip the potion tied to his belt free from its strap, quickly downing the contents.

After the attack, five-foot backwards and drink the CMW.

CMW Healing: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (6, 3) + 3 = 12

The potion does its work, knitting together some of the wounds suffered by the ranger, though many remain open and untended.

You can strike one of the guards (I'll assume the one south of you), 5' step back and then take out a potion (move action) but won't be able to drink it this round. Also you can either step straight back or NE into the plant room as the doors are open.

In a frenzy Cyrus swings and cuts down one of the guards assaulting him. The Taldan steps back nimbly before the mans body even hits the floor and draws forth a vial.

Just need Droguk

Well, let's hope I stay standing long enough to drink the darn thing, then...

Just need Droguk

For what? With being frightened, I'm pretty much done in this combat unless everyone keeps on missing. Otherwise, either they or we will all be dead.

It certainly limits your options but keep in mind you're frightened and not panicked so you still have your faculties. Granted you need to flee from the source of the fear but beyond that you have options on how you do that and what you do once you get to a "safe" distance.

It doesn't really matter. Just move me somewhere "off screen" or whatever until it wears off. Personally, I hate fear spells because of this but it's even worse in a pbp. Because for the next week or three in real time, I'm pretty much waiting for combat to be over. It really puts a damper on things, BUT, it is what it is and I get that, so, Droguk will simply move away however he can and wait for 4 rounds to end. There's really nothing else I can add to that as far as what he's gonna do so don't wait for me; continue on with the combat as if he's not there.

I can certainly understand what you mean Droguk. no worries.

Overwhelmed by the feys spell Droguk withdraws from combact, retreating back towards the room where Nadya and Natasza stand.

Seeing a chance the guards push forward towards Cyrus.

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The first misses but the second strikes true and sends the ranger to the ground.

Still glaring at Kobad the fey calls out, "Aye little wizard, no more warriors to defend you now!" With that he begins to grow until he is nearly the size of an ogre. With murder in his eyes he begins to advance behind the guards.

Meanwhile in the mirror room the guard attacks Tough using both his sword and shield.

Attack (Sword): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Attack (Shield): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The mammoths thick hide and fur stymie the attacks however.

Nadya cries out at the sight of her companions plight. Dropping her bow she rushes to stand over Cyrus' fallen body.

Attack (Axe): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Attack (Pick): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Neither strike finds purchase but her ferocity does manage to hold off the men.

Stepping around the guard Natasza again tries her luck with her spear while Tough continues his own attacks.

Attack (spear): 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 2 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 2 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Again his tusks strike home goring the man further.

Kobad you're up. Cyrus DC 13 Stabilize roll please

Stepping to the side to not bring any more harm to him Kobad remains out of reach of the warriors if only for a second.

the with some quick hand motions a wave of fire erupts from him engulfing the two guards and the giant gnome

Burning hands DC 18 reflex for half

fire damage: 3d4 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3, 3) + 1 = 11

Save Guard 1: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Save Guard 2: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Save Fey: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

The flames flow over the closely clustered guards and the large fey behind them. Their screams are short lived as the fire burns out their lungs. Both men collapse to the ground, their features seared by the flames touch. Behind them the huge fey bellows out his own pain but retains his feet.

That was rather effective

In the wake of the flames he move forward and attacks the sorcerer.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 2) + 5 = 12

The damage to his eyes clearly effects his aim and the massive morning star falls short.

In the continuing battle between Natasza and Tough the guard steps to the side, putting a wall to his back, and attacks the mammoth again.

Attack (sword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Attack (shield): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

The loss of blood sends his attacks, now becoming frantic, wide of their target.

Tough returns the favor.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Confirm: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Fearful of the beasts tusks the guard focuses on avoiding their sharp points but this leaves him exposed when Tough slams into him with his trunk. The blow bounces the man back into the wall and a sickening crack can be heard just before his body falls to the floor.

Freed from the battle with the guard Natasza moves up behind Nadya and hurls a spear at the fey.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 - 4 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 4 - 4 - 2 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

The spear sails high but Nadya attacks in it's wake to take advantage of the creatures distraction.

Attack (axe): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Attack (pick): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Neither strike lands.

Back to Kobad. Cyrus make that a DC 13 followed by a DC 14 if the first didn't succeed.

Con Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

As Cyrus lay on the ground, it quickly becomes clear that, even though he is unconscious, his wounds have quickly stopped bleeding as badly; it seems as though, despite the grievous wounds to his body, he is not in immediate danger of dying.

Nice roll, back to Kobad. Note that the creature is currently threatening your square.

By golly...that was a heckuva Burning Hands there, Kobad. We might survive this fight after all.

Kobad spins to avoid the giant fey's attack, moving back to avoid a second swing.

as he spins another ball of fire forms in his hand and he hurls it at the giant Fey.

ranged touch: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
fire damage: 3d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3, 3) + 1 = 12

snowball, converted to fire
DC 18 fort or staggered for 1 round

as the flames swirl over him, You think you're some really hot s~!#, don't you? meh, I guess you're right!

Keep in mind the -2 to ranged due to him being in combat.

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

The ball of flame hits the already grievously injured giant and sends yet more hungry flames clawing at his flesh. Still he stands but it seems only just. His taunting now having devolved into a bestial snarl as he strike at Nadya so he can close with the source of his pain.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Damage: 2d6 + 5 ⇒ (5, 1) + 5 = 11

His frenzied strike, fueled by rage and hate, carries enough force to crack the wall but is wild enough for Nadya to avoid it.

Dancing around the blow Nadya follows up.

Attack(axe): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Confirm: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + (4) + 1 = 12

All of it's focus on Kobad the fey does not even see Nadya step in to put her axe into the back of his knee. The creature drops down to it's knees and the lithe ranger spins and buries the hand axe in his throat. His weapon falls from his hand and he places once over the horrid wound at his neck while reaching towards Kobad with the other. He sways a bit and then falls to his face on the icy floor.

The feys collapse clears your view down the hall. Still standing...watching...in the dinning hall is the woman in blue. Wand still in hand but at her side she considers the group.

Natasza eyes the woman as she scurries forward to retreive the vial Cyrus dropped and begin to administer it to him. Move to pick it up and beginning a full round to administer. Cyrus you can roll it next round

Nadya steps up also eying the woman warily but not leaving Cyrus' side.

The woman makes no motion to hinder your efforts to heal your fallen companion. Looking at Kobad she says, "I see you are not without skill and so assume you are not fools then. I ask again, what is your purpose here?"

Kobad you're up, Droguk one more round and you're free of the effects of the scare

I'll go ahead and roll the healing while I'm checking it now. Hope that's OK. Also...Kobad, your post made me snort-laugh.

2d8 + 3 ⇒ (8, 6) + 3 = 17

-Posted with Wayfinder

The woman gives a little clap "Well, now we can get the all sorted out now that you are done with that lot. It looks like your friend could use some help?" she asks. She puts her wand away and steps down the hall with her hands held up to show she means no harm.

"You come near any of them, you're dead lady! I don't know you, but you are with those people and they just tried to slice up MY FRIENDS!!" she screams at the top of her lungs!

She gives Tough the command to defend her through whistles, and stands behind him.

"Ever been gutted by Mother Nature's finest? Coz you will be, I can assure you."

Her voice is shrill and eerie, but she doesn't manage to hide the fear in it.

We're dead, we're dead, we're dead...

Intimidate for the heck of it: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (2) + 0 = 2
I'm back baby!!

Welcome back

At Natasza's words the woman stops at the top of the stairs, a slight smirk on her face. "As you wish, though why you would prefer to have your friend lay their unconcious rather than recieving aid is beyond me."

"In any case, as I told you I'm not with these people." she waves her hand dismissively at the bodies lieing on the floor. "They merrely escorted me here."

She puts her hands on her hips and looks at the group appraisingly "I am still very curious what your purpose is here. By the look of you, you don't seem to be from around these parts." she points at Nadya "Except yourself and this one perhaps."

As conversation has started up I'm going to drop initiative for now. Cyrus the potion takes effect and Droguk is free of the fear effects. If the killing starts again we can go back on the clock. :)

Kobad looks at the lady, she seemed to be addressing him. We are here at the request of an anonymous benefactor. we are looking into a missing girl. among other things.

bluff: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Looking to the fire master the white haired woman smiles "Rather mysterious..." She looks back and nods toward one of the mirrors "Perhaps there is somewhere more private we can go to talk further?"

While Kobad and the woman speak Nadya helps Cyrus back to his feet.

"Are you well?" she asks. Taking a moment to look over his wounds she whispers, "I do not know this woman. She has the look of a Jadwiga but she is not Nazhena."

The healing potion having worked its magic, Cyrus gasps when he returns to consciousness. His entire body ached for a moment, then the sensation dulled as the healing continued mending wounds and open cuts. He gives an almost imperceptible nod to Nadya and a quietly-spoken thanks. "Well enough. Certainly been better, but I don't feel nearly as bad as I did a few moments ago." he whispers in reply.

"Forgive my interjection, but our purpose here is not yet completed. I certainly cannot speak for my companions, but I would be remiss to leave our present goal to the wayside while we go wherever-else it is you wish us to go with you."

The woman lets out a brief sigh at Cyrus's words "Well... I may be able to assist you but I need to know what has drawn you here from whatever realm you call home. I have my own purpose here and if it aligns with the other things you are here for then we may be better off working together."

Cyrus hesitates for a moment, eying the woman. It was certainly true that if she were looking for an opportunity to attack them it was now long past. Only moments ago, they were practically at her mercy...which was exactly what she showed them. The question then was why. For the moment, at least, he didn't see wisdom in revealing to this woman that they were also looking for Nadya's daughter, nor that that was their main reason for being here, as far as he was concerned.

"Our original home is far south of here; a strange winter the likes of which were never before seen set in on our home. When we investigated, we found a portal and an elderly horseman in black armor. The Black Rider tasked us with restoring rightful balance to the world, else an unending winter will blanket all of Golarion. The portal led to a forest near Waldsby. We have since been guided here."

"I can tell you more...however, I would like some further guarantee of our safety before I speak further of it."

Natasha's eyes widen in understanding as Cyrus talks "Before we talk further smash the mirrors. We don't need anyone listening in on our conversation."

Cyrus' mouth very nearly turns up into a smirk at the request. "Gladly." he answers simply, quickly making the rounds with any other volunteers to smash any and all mirrors that haven't yet been smashed already.

I'll assume that in the immediate area (hall, dinning room, statue room, library and plant room)

The sound of shattering glass fills the air creating a cacophony of sound. Each time it seems done the sound is repeated from another room as the vile reflectors of image and light fall before the pummels of the parties weapons. Eventually the only remembrance of the once great and elegant kingdom of mirrors is the quiet crunch of silica under foot and the unnerving sense of many lifetimes of ill fate to come.

THE MIRRORS! I KNEW IT!!! I KNEW IIIIIIT!!!

Droguk makes his way back and catches the end of the conversation between Cyrus and the witch. A fairly large fellow with a great deal of facial hair and a plethora of scars upon his face, looks to her curiously. "The mirrors? Yes, the mirrors. I do not trust the mirrors." The barbarian then moves to aid the ranger in destroying all the mirrors. Once finished, he returns back to the others, studying the witch a moment through narrowed eyes. "You are Irrisen?" he asks, cutting his eyes left to right as if expecting an ambush - his hand tightening upon his greatsword.

After the mirrors are smashed she nods to herself as if saying well done. When Droguk asks his question she lifts her head up high "I am Natasha Aelena, long descended of Queen Aelena. I too came across one of Baba Yaga's riders who impored me for aid in putting an end to the madness of Queen Elvana. This is what has brought me here."

She looks amongst each of the others "This is why I will help you. Queen Elvana has gone too far and must be stopped." On her final words she stares off for a moment as if recalling some painful memory.

At the admission, Cyrus releases a breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding. She had to be telling the truth. To even be aware of Baba Yaga's riders she would have to either really be under the crone's geas or working for Elvana...and if she had been, it would've made no sense whatsoever not to just kill them all and be done with it moments ago. Returning his falchion to its sheath, he extends a hand to the woman.

"Then it is an honor to meet you, Natasha. I am Cyrus Laskaris, originally of Taldor. After we came through the portal we learned that the only way to close it was to come here and do so by force. Nadya and Natasza here have been helping us. Though it's true we originally came about the portal, we've also learned that Nadya's daughter, a girl of seven, was taken from her because of some perceived slight committed against Nazhena. We truthfully do not know her fate...my prayer is that she lives, but we have yet to find any clues that might tell us what happened to her. Nadya...you said her name was Tho..." he begins...then suddenly stops mid-sentence.

His eyes go wide as memory returns to him, and he very nearly drops his weapon. "Oh...oh, gods..."

Droguk eyes the witch a moment longer, Hm. We shall see, before relaxing his grip. "The Landwarden speaks truth. Do you know where they would keep such a prisoner?"

Cyrus reaches over to Droguk, his hand tightly gripping the Kellid man's sleeve. His gaze is far-off, as if he is lost in his mind.

"Droguk...just before we met the Black Rider and came through the portal. When Nelosse was still with us. The spirit girl that she talked to at that hut, where the doll attacked us. Didn't...didn't Nelosse call her Thora..?"

Here is a link to the relevant post in the gameplay thread.

Kobad had that look as though his suspicions have been revealed to be true.

Thora, of course, why didn't I see that. he mutters to himself.

putting the thought aside for the moment, he steps up to the lady Natasha, I am Kobad, of the Qadirian deserts. he introduces himself.

Droguk cuts his eyes toward Cyrus as he listens intently. "Hm. I believe you are right, Landwarden." He strokes his beard a moment as he turns to Nadya. "Lady of the Tent, what did you say your daughter's name was? It is possible you have told us but I do not remember."

"Her name is Thora." Nadya responds. Speaking the name brings a mix of hope an hurt in her eyes.

Natasha welcomes the greetings and introductions but seeing some other interworkings between the members of the group working themselves out she keeps quiet, not having anything helpful to add.

A low grumble of frustration echoes from within the barbarian. After a moment, he gathers his resolve and turns back to the newcomer. "We need to find the child. Can you help us, Witch Queen? Do you know the secrets of this place?"

Natasza looks at Aelena with a mixture of fear and disgust in her eyes, an emotion Tough picks up on instantly. His tail is still and his tusks lowered, ready to defend his gnome mistress.

"You.. You are a winter b~~!+!" she spits out the words as she keeps focussing on her.
"Already now you are placing these people under your spell. You will not succeed, as the Scarred one is too strong for you, the Landwaren is too agile and Fireborn will melt all your ice magicks before you can utter them. Stop speaking lies!"
Her eyes turn in her head as she looks for a way out, and looks to her companions. Why they are not picking up their weapons at the sight of a winter witch is beyond her, but it's the only thing holding her back.

"Resist her charm, friends. You must!"
Her voice, intended to be strong and hard breaks up rather quickly, and she seems more fragile than before.

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Natasza is not really intimidating is she? :P

Cyrus thinks for a moment before looking to Natasha, believing she might be the one who is able to solve the quandry for him.

"Gods above, I'm such an idiot...I can't believe I didn't remember all these things earlier...Natasha...you are one of the jadwiga, are you not? You have their look about you, it seems...if you have knowledge of them, maybe you can find an answer here when we cannot."

"Before we stepped through the portal that brought us here, we met a spirit that called herself Thora. She led us to a hut atop a hill, where a small doll attacked us. Not an ordinary doll...it looked a great deal like the apparition that had spoken to us only moments before and it had a blue gemstone for one eye and a mirror for the other. Do you know of any jadwiga magic that would involve such a thing? Or Nadya, do you?"

Cyrus is hesitant to bring this up while they are in the middle of their explorations of the tower, but he wants badly to solve this mystery for Nadya's sake as well as their own. With each passing moment, though, his fear that it is already far too late to help Thora grows stronger.

Nadyas eyes go wide at Cyrus' words and she draws an audible breath. She staggers back a step until he back hits the wall and then slides down to sit upon the cold ground. A look of abject horror twists the young womans face.

"Are...are you sure of the name? Was she blond of hair? She pauses and then asks in a voice both desperate and hesitant, "Was there a hut?"

Seeing her reaction, Cyrus own breath catches in his throat...it was what he feared it would be. He kneels on the floor before her, giving a gentle nod. "A small hut on four legs. And it was blonde, yes...like the color of wheatstraw. The spirit we saw spoke as if she saw someone, but I don't think it was to us. She said...gods, what was it...there was someone there she didn't want to go with...that she missed her mother..."

"After it attacked, we had no choice but to destroy the doll. We burned the hut to the ground and shattered the gemstone and mirror eyes."

Tears cut tracks through the blood and grim on Nadyas face.

"It was her...it was her...it was HER" she cries in an voice of anguish. Her shoulders rise and fall with the sobs that issue forth as she beats the ground with her fist.

Kobad thinks for a moment. then he tries to comfort Nadya.

there are magics in this world that allow images of individuals to reach out and seek help. There is still hope for her, I think that the image we saw was your daughter using some sort of magic, possibly an item, to reach out for help. whoever it is that has her needs her for something, we will find out what and get your daughter back.

looking to the newcomer, Natasza, has called you a witch, I really don't care weather you are a witch or a wizard. If you are to help us then I welcome you for now, unless you prove yourself a danger to me or the others.