After rummaging through the bodies, a gruesome task as always, the Pathfinders see little that aid them in their quest.
After performing the Northern last rites, and a few whispered words to whatever deities the group worship, they repack the boat, free it from the net, and continue downriver. Cyrus take a seat next to Haltani. He brings up the ice diamond, a rare an powerful gem found in the north.
She removes a pale blue necklace from under her furs, and shows him. "I have one, though it seems that you are familiar with all the basics, and I can add little to your knowledge. If you are interested in acquiring one, well once we reach Dalun, there is a merchant that I know, Alexei Kartov. You can usually find him at a gambling hall." She lets out a small laugh at this. "He has been know to place an occasionally wager or hundred. I am sure that if you are persuasive enough, you could negotiate for a fair price, maybe even use your letter of credit."
The sailing goes relatively easy for the Pathfinders, though their with heightened sense of awareness, the often spot a winter wolf following them on the banks. Each thinks it is a trick of their imagination, until someone blurts out, "What is with that winter wolf that is following us?"
Haltani shrinks back from hearing this, but answers no question about it.
As they travel into Irrisen, the temperature drops dramatically, falling to well below freezing. In the distance, log cabins march across the snowy fields, walking on knobby wooden legs. During the trip, they see a winter wolf on the north bank, following the boat.
As they approach the gates of Dalun, Stone cliffs mark the border of Irrisen on the northern bank. Chill winds send flurries of snow over the edge, landing in the river and on the grassy bank of the southern shore where maple trees fight the icy doom of Irrisen’s endless winter. A long, narrow cart path winds its way up the side of the cliff from the docks to Dalun’s iron gates. Three Guards and their Irriseni ice bear companion stand ready at the gates, along with a superior in the background.
"Who are you and what business do you have here in Dalun?" bellows one of the guards.
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"Winter wolves? I thought they were myths!" says Lort, turning to the withdrawn and reticent Haltani, "Is it true they steal babies in their sleep and bring them to the witches of Irrisen that they might use babies' blood in their savage rituals? If you kill one and eat its heart do you become one?" Lort's impression of Irrisen seems far fetched indeed, but it is steeped in lore passed down from generations. Alas, but the last of Lort's generation to be actually born in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings was called Jort the Insane with good reason.
Lort considers answering the city guard, but he is not quite so well versed in the ways of Irrisen than he is of the north. He also fears his accent might prejudice the guards somewhat. As such, he steps aside to allow the more honey-tongued members of the crew have their say.
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Kill and eat its heart to become one? If only... Well... maybe if I could freely change back and forth. And without that whole stealing babies stuff. Would make the next time I see Sheeba a bit more interesting...
Cyrus snaps out of his daydreaming at the barking of the guards. He repeats what he had mentioned earlier, hoping this time they don't have to fight the whole town.
"We are explorers, looking to stock and resupply before setting out in search of riches and artifacts."
As before, Cyrus steps back to allow Miro and Gunari to take center stage.
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"Miro, you are up..." he whispers to Miro.
"All true! Explorers, seekers of knowledge, observers of the ancient past. Myself, I seek The knowledge of brewing and of tasting, may the two go hand in hand! Where might a thirsty, and weary, traveler get a pint and a bowl?" proclaims Gunari, looking quite proud of himself.
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"Exactly! Just a passing band hellbent on exploration and thrill-seeking, and a bit of merry-making in between. Putting ourselves against the elements and the dangers that only the Northern Lands can provide. Or at least my companions. I'm just here for moral support!" The halfling winks at the guards, smiling amiably.
I'd also like keys to the city and your eldest child, thank you.
The Pathfinders relate the story to the Jadwiga guards. They listen intently and begin to bob their heads to Miro story. Upon finishing, they flash the affable halfling a smile and relax their arms. The Ice Bears, towering above all the other, promptly fall on their behinds and begin licking their paws.
"Enjoy your stay." one guard calls to them as they enter the town.
The grey stone buildings of Dalun stand huddled together, as if the stonework was attempting to withstand the cold. Snowy cobblestone streets lead to a tall white spire in the center of town, its sharp point piercing the blue sky; an icy sheen covers the surface, glistening in the muted sunlight. Colorfully dressed merchants stand out against the blue, grey and white clothing worn by the citizens of Irrisen, who trot through the white cobblestone streets with immediacy. The occasional ice troll lumbers along, giving non-Jadwiga humans a disdainful snarl.
Haltani breathes a sigh of relief. "You all continue to impress. As deadly with weapon or word is seems. You will find Dalun urbane for such a remote location. The Jadwiga are cultured, cruel, and often precocious. Be wary." Turning to Cyrus and Amaranti, "As I said before, you might want to inquire with Alexei about the ice diamonds. Head towards the gambling hall. When your afairs are in order, you should seek the permission of Baroness Nadya, ruler of Dalun. It is always best to have her blessing on your continued journey north. Should you meet any resistance." she glances at Lort and his Ulfen features, "You can always say Haltani sends her regards. I will meet you east of town in the morning. Good luck."
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'Enjoy your stay'? Lort looks thoroughly confused as they are ushered through, Was that sarcasm, or was someone from Irrisen pleasant to a foreigner?
"Well, shall we stay together or split apart? I'm happy to try to strong arm some contracts out of some of the less reputable merchants on the list," says Lort confidently, "But someone else is probably best to do the speaking with Baroness Nadya. I would like to meet witch royalty, though. I am ever so curious to see if the Ulfen tales I heard as a child were accurate or not."
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Itching to go to the gambling hall to meet with Alexei, Cyrus weighs in, looking to Amaranti.
"So we search for the ruins of Naldak’s Point, just north of here. And we need permission to do just that. Perhaps placating the Jadwiga first would help our cause. Amaranti and I will go meet with Alexei first and get our business out of the way, so that once we have permission we can be quickly on our way, and not give anyone any extra time to change their minds."
With that, Cyrus and Amaranti head towards the gambling hall.
A gambler eh? I wonder if getting this gem will be easier than I thought...
A sly smile begins to creep across the ninja's face.
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"Friends, I would be happy to go speak with the Baroness to garner her permission whilst you handle your business. While splitting up is usually a bad idea, I think in this case it will only improve our efficiency in getting on to the next portion of our journey."
If there is no dissent among his companions, the halfling heads off towards where he is likely to find Baroness Nadya, talking amiably with any who accompany him.
Cyrus, Amaranti, and make their way to one of Dalun's gambling dens. Similar to the gambling dens in the south, this one is filled with vagrants, cloying smoke, and the smell of unwashed bodies.
The Pathfinder quickly discern that Alexei is at a table in the far corner, playing a game with both dice and cards.
As they draw closer, they can hear him, "Come on. That is silly. None one puts that kind of money down when we all know that it is garbage that you hold Niki. Come, let us make this swift. You give me your money, and I go f&#% your siser." The crowd around the table explodes in laughter, and even Niki breaks a grin and shakes his head.
Niki responds, "Alexei, you know you wouldn't know what to do with her. Your little prick would freeze first. Best stick to humping Sergei's frost sheep."
With that Alexei gets a dangerous glare in his eyes. Out of nowhere he produces an 18 inch knife. The crowds' sharp intake of breath is palpable, and the Pathfinders look on in interest.
"Alexei, I thought we were just joking. Come on, fight you, here. Be reasonable."
"No, you say I bugger of sheep, you loose an eye. Come, let us be swift. I see outlanders that want to talk with me. Left or right?"
"Alexei, neither. I am not losing an eye." with that he pushes form the table and heads out the hall to the amazement of everyone. A huge Jadwiga approaches.
"Alexei. Knife?"
"Yes, Vlad. I know. Here." With that, Alexei flips the large man a small crystal. The man snatches it out of the air, tucks it in his belt, and turns and walks to the back of the den. Alexei flips over Niki's cards, and the crowd whistles. Apparently it was a good hand. Then he pulls all the money that Niki left on the table, tucks it away and moves to greet the Pathfinders.
"Hallo, I am Alexei, what do you need my services for?"
The Pathfinders make their way to what can only be Baroness Nadya's palace. As they enter, they can see her seated in a garden whose “foliage” is intricately sculpted out of ice. A group of guards stands nearby, and they eye the Pathfinders with open suspicion. As the group approaches, on of the guards yells, "Halt. Lay down your weapons and explain why you would dare to enter the Baroness’s presence without an invitation."
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Coming indoors, Amaranti feels odd for moment inside his heavy furs. Usually coming indoors means coming to a cooler place. Here it is the very opposite. The Garundi takes off the first layer of furs to prevent himself suffocating from the heat. He watches passively the scene over at the gambling table, and remember the first and only time he tried a game of cards. That game ended more or less like this one - Amaranti was a strong man even then, and of short temper.
After Alexei has presented himself, Amaranti nods to the man. "Hello Alexei. I am Amaranti, this Cyrus. We look for ice diamond, from Wintercrux." Straight to the point, as always.
"Ah straight to it then. No 'Hallo, Alexei, I know your name because ...' no 'Hallo Alexi, I am blah blah from pig's knuckle southlands' no 'Hallo Mr. Kartov' though you say that and I look for father." he chuckles a bit. "Ok, Mr. Too Big Southern man that is freezing testicles off, you and your friends, come, let us leave this place of theives and murderers and join some civilized company."
With that, he spins on his heels and Amaranti, Cyrus, and leave the gambling den, proceed through a winding street where the dilapidated huts lean too close together, and stop in front of a nondescript shack.
"Come come, let us get inside before big man s*~$s ice brick."
The pathfinders enter what would be considered a hovel even in the poorest district of Absalom.
The smell of feces quickly assaults all of the Pathfinders. They see Alexei break off a chunk of some brown organic matter, strike a flint, and a brazier springs to life emitting a more pungent offal smell, along with a modicum of heat that only serves to remind Amaranti how cold it really is.
"So you want ice diamonds. Not furs for big man, snowshoes, or rare witch-tree seeds? Can get lots of fine items here. How you pay?"
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When the Scarab Sage members are done procuring their diamond (which Gunari will help with, as needed - but only assisting, auto-succeeding), he says to Alexei.
"Now that that is over, perhaps we can talk about a more... long term... arrangement. I represent an organization that is always looking to expand trade. As I am sure you have heard, often times those in charge don't quite understand the full ramifications of their rules and regulations, and honest merchants such as ourselves must find ways to... slightly bend the rules... as I am sure you know what I mean. Perhaps it would be to our mutual benefit if you and I could agree that our interests lie in the same direction, and that if my friends were to want to move some goods, perhaps you would not be adverse to helping them make it happen... at a healthy profit for both of us, I might add?"
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"Yes, Ice Diamonds. The two of us have some... ahh... ladies we would like to impress back home, and there is nothing like an exquisite foreign rock to impress a lady, if you know what I mean. Now I am looking for something big. And by big I mean 'makes you wonder if he is compensating for something' big. Lets see what you got, then we can discuss how we will... pay..." Cyrus says with a twinkle in his eye, suddenly playing with a set of dice in his right hand.
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Lort stands uneasily next to Miro as he approaches the baroness. "Um..." he begins, before remembering that he promised himself that he would stay silent unless absolutely required.
The big half-orc remains wary throughout the introductions and continues to struggle with his tongue that wants to shout obscenities at this representative of his peoples' ancient and hated rivals.
"Ah, I see what you say small man that must be Cyrus. I have that one, perfect for you. You come home with it and the ladies, well, they so things like those Varasian whores we hear so much about, yes? So here it is, I have diamonds, but let Alexei count, 1 ... 2... 3... men, lots of weapons, seem to know how to use them, and then there is little old Alexei. I have just me, the one. No one knows where I keep diamonds. So I see how you pay - and do not insult Alexei with some no milk giving, missing one leg, goat that smell like s!#+ wrapped in sour milk on fire. No, must see how you pay, get diamond. kissy kissy, we shake hands, be like brothers, get drunk, have fun. But need to see how you pay first."
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Miro hands over his weapons without a fuss, knowing his greatest weapon is his tongue. He smiles over at Lort, silently imploring him to leave his weapons behind, as well. The halfling was pretty sure they weren't among enemies here.
"Greetings, Baroness! What a pleasure it is to see your folk surviving so hardily in this beautiful, yet dangerous land. The resiliency of the folk of Dalun will be sung of when we return to the south, mark my words." He grins, bending over in a low, well-practiced bow.
"Baroness, my companions and I should like to continue our journey north to test our fortitude against that of your land, but first we thought it prudent to ask permission from the highest executive in the area. So, without further ado, would you please grant us a boon and favor us with your gracious permission to proceed with our journey?"
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"Yes, well money we don't have a lot of. Favors though, my large friend is right. Favors we are good at. What do you have that needs doing?"
pretty sure I should be afraid of what this man might ask for... Pretty sure I'm not though...
-Posted with Wayfinder
Alexei looks at the Pathfinders. "Tasks? Like sweep shop? No, no. Alexei needs something more useful if you will. I hear your friend, the one who look drunk, say 'letter of credit'. Alexei would like to see."
One of the Pathfinders passes the letter over. "Oh my. That is impressive. Listen, Alexei like you, like illegitimate son I never have and deny if you say I do, can get you diamond, drunk man makes sense though Alexei know not how with all beer he drink, you give me letter of credit, I give you ice diamond size of fist, itty bitty baby fist, then we friends for life. Drunk man send Alexei things, Alexei send drunk man things, we all happy. What say you?"
Miro and Lort hand over their weapons. Lort can be overheard saying, "Stupid Jadwiga." and one of the guards can be overheard saying, "A@###$! Ulfen", but that is as far as it goes.
Once ushered into the baroness' presence, Miro and Lort observe all the courtesies.
"Any what exactly do you intend to do in my lands?" she asks with the merest glance in their general direction.
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The old man keeps his mouth shut for the most part, knowing he does not have the social graces of his esteemed halfling friend, or the powerful, frightful swagger of Lort. After a moment spent wrestling with his pack, the old man produces his journal and holds it aloft for her ladyship. With a slow flipping of the pages, Ibid allows his copious notes, sketches, and dangerous accounts to be displayed before Baroness Nadya, even if only for a few seconds on each page. "There is much to learn from these lands... to document and to see," he says, his legitimate excitement getting the better of him. "But we believed it proper and polite to humbly request your permission before setting out."
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"Yes, yes, that is the favor that we meant. We aren't here for menial tasks, our shills are suited for more, particular, things " Cyrus says with a sly grin.
"Yes, we hope to discover things we can learn from. Oh, I almost forgot. Haltani seems her regards. Thank you for your hospitality." Cyrus says, dipping into a polite bow.
-Posted with Wayfinder
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"We have also heard that there is a town hereabouts called 'Naldak's Point'," Lort sees no point in lying to this woman. She will either grant them permission or she won't. "It is like to be in ruins now, and probably under several feet of ice, but we have uncovered documented evidence of its existence in ancient times. We simply ask that we be allowed to excavate the site and poke around for items of historical significance."
Lort is surprised that he is able to hold back the bile long enough to form a coherent sentence.
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"So, I noticed you were quite the gambler back there. Any chance I can try to get a couple more smaller diamonds off of your hands? Then I can tell you what kind of tail you can get with them when you bring them in earring form and come visit us in Absalom sometime..."
Cyrus continues chatting with the man once he has finalized deals with Gunari, and the overly large diamond is secured in the possession of the pathfinders. Any man that can intimidate another out of a winning hand at the gambling table is someone Cyrus is interested in picking up a few tips from...
Cyrus, Amaranti, and Gunari finish up with Alexei. The ice diamond is a mirror image of the one that Haltani showed them on the boat. Handshakes are exchanged, Gunari gets a smelly hug, and the Pathfinders depart.
They meet up with the others at the palace. Relinquishing their arms, reluctantly at that, they make their way into the courtyard and Baroness Nadya. Her icy demeanor is thawed somewhat by Ibid curious journal. The Baroness, though she tries to hide it, finds it fascinating. Upon hearing the name Haltani from the Kelishite youth, her eyebrows raise. "She does, does she." She listens and nods at their request, surprised that their destination emanates from the large half-Ulfen, she turns to Lort for the first time.
"I must say that this is such a unique group of adventures. So many from the far south." she looks at Ibid, Cyrus, and Amaranti, "and an Ulfen here in their hated lands. Yet you relinquished your arms peacefully, and your halfling friend has quite convinced me. You have leave to travel no more than 5 miles from Dalun, close enough to visit the dig site at Naldak's Point. I do request that you stop by here upon your return. I am most curious as to what you will find." They Pathfinders rightly guess that htis missive is meant for Ibid and his journal.
They hear that the 5 mile trek to Naldak's Point, will take about 3-hours. The Pathfinders wisely decide to browse the shops and wares of Dalun.
With the sun barely risen, the Pathfinder scarf down whatever warm breakfast that they could find, and head to the front gates. There, they see Haltani bundled up and ready to go.
The Pathfinders set out. The temperature is much colder than their previous travels. The all shiver in their cold weather gear, and even Lort moans as he relieves himself in a snowbank.
Ibid +7+ 4 take 10 for DC 21 to avoid getting lost w/ Haltani assistnace.
DC 15 - 5 for cold weather gear
+6 for hot conditions
DC 11
+6 for hot conditions
DC 12
+6 for hot conditions
Kaisharga
Miro
Amaranti
Gunari
and the four are Fatigued until you get warm.
As the vast plains give way to rugged hills, the ground becomes hard and icy. An enormous rocky mound protrudes from the ground, covered in ice and snow. On the northeast side of the mound, thick walls of ice cascade down the side of the hill like a miniature glacier. Two shapeless stone monoliths stand near the base of the mound.
The entrance to Naldak’s Point lies beyond a collapsed archway. Several feet of ice have frozen over the once splendid foyer; those who look closely can still see the remains of chiseled stonework beyond the frozen wall, and a tunnel leading into the rocky mound.
As soon as the wall is melted, and the Pathfinders are ready to proceed, a huge wolf bursts from a snow bank. Large and imposing, it stares at Haltani.
It speaks, "Huuumans. Steeep awayyy. I justttt commmme for Uliyara." it barks,
Haltani, steps forward, removing her hat . She instantly transforms from Haltani, the Varki woman, and becomes Uliyara, the beautiful stilyagi Jadwiga. Click here for an update picutre.
"Rigiroy, though mother may have sent you. I am not returning with you. I am with these men now, and they have impressed me greatly with the words, and deeds. Who knows, maybe I will leave the north with them and join their society."
"So be it, huuumannn."
With that he attacks.
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Its a winter wolf! Its what we saw! And she is a witch! And a hot one at that! Maybe she will know if I can eat its heart and turn into one of these! And uh... not be stuck like that... It all seems too good to be true! Oh, got to kill it first...
Cyrus chuckles at the thought, his confidence boiling over.
"So, I noticed you were quite the gambler back there. Any chance I can try to get a couple more smaller diamonds off of your hands? Then I can tell you what kind of tail you can get with them when you bring them in earring form and come visit us in Absalom sometime..."
"Come to south. Ha! I sweat my balls into nothingness. You see friend Cyrus, when I was young lad, less fat here." he motions to his stomach, "None knew me. So I get in fight with big man like him, he motions to Amaranti, " and I stick my knife in his dick. He no have dick now. Too bad him. Now people scared of Alexei. Think he bad man. Really, Alexei just want to sell goods, have nice house and be happy man, You cut off dick Cyrus?"
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Lort channels the power of Kurgess to all in near him.
"I was willing to consider giving up this woman, when she revealed her true origin," begins Lort, striding forth and drawing his greatsword, "But you are the crueler embodiment of your cruel people. We shall deal with her and her deception on our own terms later. For now, you die!"
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"Big men here have no big weapons? Back home best cut head off small men before they stick small knife into privates!" Amaranti wasn't sure if Alexei was threatening or boasting, but he'll brandishes his lance just in case.
"What!? Pretty northwoman is not pretty northwoman, but another pretty northwoman. All northwomen look same, but not so same. Amaranti confused. Who is new northwoman?" Amaranti stares confused at Uliyara, scratching his head. Luckily, the winter wolf attacks. Nothing like a good battle to clear one's head of confusing thoughts.
The Winter Wolf, Rigrory takes a viscous slash from Lort. It steps away from him and unleashes a blast of cold air.
Cyrus takes 25 cold damage, and Uliyara takes 13 cold damage.
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"Talk later, fight first!" Amaranti decides to leave the issue with the mysterious Jadwiga for the moment. It is very cold already, and the winter wolf's breath seems even colder, judging from the wounds Cyrus and the lady received.
And a little bit of fighting does good to warm up the Garundi, so sprints to the wolf's flank, and thrusts the winter creature with his mighty lance.
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Lost in thought about what it would be like to be a winter wolf, Cyrus gets a twinkle in his eye when he sees the beast step back and begin to breath the cone of cold.
I can't wait to be able to... "Yeeeaaap!"
His overconfidence and distracted mind cost him greatly as he realizes a split second to late that he needed to get out of the way.
Humbled and beyond cold, his rage allows him to forget the pain of the ice momentarily. With a quick step he dodges in the shadows of the remnants of the cloud to get past the wolf, his magical boots helping him to avoid an opportunistic attack.
"I will eat your heart!" he shouts with a mixture of pain and rage. The full context of his declaration lost on everyone, since his entire thought process was in his head. With Amaranti in flank on the other side, Cyrus' blade flashes out, reaching for the softer underside of the magical beast.
for
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Seeing its master already running to battle, Kaisharga has no option than to fly in and protect the fool mortal. With a buzz of its wings the eidolon jumps in, placing itself between the master and the enemy. Four-legs are famously difficult to trip, but Kaisharga will try nonetheless. Once an enemy loses its footing, the battle is practically over.
[ooc]Damn, the dice are on fire...[/dice]
As the Ninja tries to tumble past, Rigrory lashes out with a bite.
and just barely misses the young ninja.
Coming to a rest, he lashes out and slices across the winter wolf but cannot pierce the wintery hide.
Amaranti and Kaisharga however, manage to hit the wolf, and it howls in pain. It however, remains standing and give the Eidolon a toothy smile.
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You should state 'My attack happens after Miro sings' or 'adding in IC if Miro sings'. Since that is normal for us, if he does last, I will factor Miro's IC in Cyrus' attack, because THAT IS HOW WE ROLL!
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Lort favors the wolf with a toothy grin of his own, "Did you like that last blow, foul creature? Well, have another!"
In his eagerness to kill a winter wolf and devour its heart, Lort overbalances and slams his blade into the icy ground instead. Thankful that he won't need to hone his adamantine blade afterwards, he wrenches it free.
The slightly embarrassed half-orc hopes that he has at least managed to convince the wolf to attack him next instead of Cyrus. The jadwiga guide, he's not so concerned about.
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Cyrus: Peers behind curtain - His CMD is 27, 31 for trip. You missed avoiding the AoO by 1, and to hit by 1.
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gunari moves up and strikes with his rapier. Beset by multiply foes the wolf looks around him.
"Foolish humans. Kill me and my pack will get you. Give up the girl "
Up next ibid and miro
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The old man cringes as he watches the freezing breath erupt from the deadly maw of the white wolf and fall upon Cyrus. He springs forward without thinking twice, even passing through area covered a moment ago by the deadly, icy breath and draws his longbow. After a few strides, he has moved into a position to better see the creature and quickly pulls back on the string, aligning his shot, but hold and waits a second longer for the familiar call of Miro.
After the halfling has bolstered his resolve to slay the creature, Ibid releases an arrow.
With deadly aim the ranger strikes the winter wolf in the eye. It turns tail and the Pathfinders quickly strike it down. Combat over. Feel free to heal up, discuss the events, and proceed when ready The spoilers can be deleted once 3 or more are ready to move on.