GM RePete's "From Under Ice" (Inactive)

Game Master RePete

At the question of her genealogy, Haltani jumps away, blushing. "Uh...yeah, I'm Jadwiga..." Turning to the dwarf, she asks incredulously "You all knew?!" Her hands involuntarily going to the crystal upon her neck, rubbing it for comfort.

The woman seems less affected by the cold than the rest of the party, though she keeps looking over to the shivering pathfinders. As Sash begins his bombardment of questions, she shrinks away. "Uh...I grew up here. I wish to open up trade with the outside... This is my home but you outsiders are quite...intriguing. I've no desire to reign when it comes my time." As the stranger continues to pester away, she hurries to the front of the group.

As John and Syndra get the clay situated and light it, Haltani looks about nervously. "You really think she sent someone after you?"

Standing near the ice wall, as the materials heat up, the icicles in Khardum's beard quickly melt away.

Any that stand within 10ft of the ice wall while the clay melts it lose their non-lethal damage from the cold and their fatigued condition.

New Map is up by the way - For the hour it takes to melt the ice wall, none need to worry about making fort saves for the cold.

Rerois points at Swift Grey, then points at the ground near the burning clay. As his horse stands by the fire to warm up, he pulls out his crossbow. "Honestly, she probably would have sent spies even if we didn't have a big mouth."

"Not at first," Khardum consoles the guide, "I figured you were Irriseni by the way you kept quiet at Whiterook. The trolls gave away your station. But that's fine. Plenty of stories about well-to-dos looking for adventure disguised as commoners." He chuckles and slaps the woman on her back.

The woman turns to Kardum with a look of horror.

will save sir dwarf! :-)

-Posted with Wayfinder

Willpower: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 12 vs. spells and SLAs, but that still doesn't seem good

For timing, this should be sometime before reaching the tunnel.

Understood. Other than the look she gives you, you don't notice anything

John smiles as the clay is whisked from his hands, "I'm more than happy to allow one with more experience in such matters to take the lead." He wanders over to Faliana and whispers that his wand might help Rerois if the warmth doesn't kick in quickly enough.

As the news breaks about Haltani he just raises an eyebrow in thought, I guess using that finger wave to antagonize a local probably wouldn't be the rude gesture Haltani claimed it would be...

"Haltani, you said 'your time to rule', are you in line for leadership or how does it normally work?"

When enough ice is melted away, John pulls a small wooden stick from a pocket and taps himself on the arm before slipping it away again.

"I would expect that the Baroness sent someone to keep an eye on us. It's what I would do if I was her. I just hope that if she did, that they are loyal to her and not off on their own agenda." Syndra says looking at the necklace. "That is a very interesting necklace Haltani" Syndra says still keeping an eye out on the perimeter.

Still feeling odd about sitting in the open, Syndra uses another wand on herself. Casting Mage Armor

As the final bits of ice melt away, revealing the tunnel beyond, a white wolf steps out from inside a snowdrift. The creatures thick white fur crusted with ice seems to shield it from the cold conditions. Sharp blue eyes glare down at your group.

Speaking, it demands "Hand over the woman, and I'll let you live. That 'guide' you have with you is none other than Uliyara, daughter of the baroness of Dalun. If you refuse to hand me my prize, I'll call upon my pack and we'll take her from you!"

The Varki woman looks to each of you, awaiting your reaction.

Not yet in combat.

K: Arcana: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

John takes a step back away from Faliana and glares at the young winter wolf, "you DARE threaten us! Flee now with your tail beneath your legs and you may yet live at least one more day!"

If combat does not begin, John will continue his efforts to intimidate the creature to leave.

Khardum concentrates on spiritual eminations as the white wolf appears and, remarkably, speaks. Detect Evil (paladin version: move action = 3 rounds worth of data)

He slaps his silver hammer against his palm. "I don't care what her name is. She's with us. And I'm with John. Don't make me crack your fangs."

Since I don't think we have time for adjust attitude...
Intimidate, Demoralize: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7

Syndra smirks at the rest of the party "Like I said, expect an ambush." She turns to the wolf. "Although the Dwarf and I don't always see eye to eye, on this we agree. Uliyara is under our protection." With that she looses the notched bolt in her crossbow.

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 7
Knowledge Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Take the higher of the d20 for the result

Rerois glances at Sybdra. "Like you said? We all were sure someone was after us!" Rerois turns to the wolf and levels his crossbow. "She's with us." The crossbow twangs as he squeezes the trigger.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5

Rerois' projectile soars through the air and connects with a solid 'Thunk'.

The wolf howls in response, lowering its head. "You'll pay for that!"

Round 1
Order:

Syndra:
Wolf (-5)
Faliana
Rerois
Khardum
Haltani
John

Combat Start: Bold May Act

Dangit, ninja'd by the GM

As soon as Syndra lights up the clay, Faliana takes back over and backs away form the fire. She gives everyone a glance and quickly explains, "Sasha isn't stupid, but he occasionally does very stupid things. I don't trust him around a fire in my body. Anyways, it looks very nice from over here." she then sits down on a relatively flat piece of ice and starts maintaining her weapons.

Startled by the wolf's unexpected entrance, Faliana grabs up her lance. She then gives the wolf a condescending glare, "I don't really believe you, but, assuming for a moment that your story is true and you aren't just hungry, Haltani is with us of her own free will, I doubt she wants to go with you." She then threateningly advances on him.

Syndra sensing the battle about to begin takes a glimpse into the future to help her aim as she looses a bolt from her readied crossbow.

Prescience: 1d20 ⇒ 1
Ranged Attack vs FF AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Prescience allows the roll of a d20 for use. Take the better of the two dice for to hit.
Move action to reload

Other bolt roll vs FF AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 3
Crit Confirm vs FF AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 7

Round 1
Order:

Syndra manages to nail the beast in the eye with one bolt. She follows it up with another well placed attack.

Howling in pain, blood running down the beasts face, he turns to flee. His white hide, now streaked in crimson, he continues to howl as he withdraws.

Syndra:
Wolf (-22) Fleeing
Faliana
Rerois
Khardum
Haltani
John

Bold up. Wolf fleeing. 100ft off the map. Fliana/Rerois/Khardum up

Faliana gives a shout, "Oh, no you don`t!" She releases her spear and pulls out her loaded crossbow. She steadies it on her arm and takes aim at the wolf. With a twang she sends the bolt speeding at the wolf.

As the winter wolf leaps over a snowdrift, Falilana's projectile connects just about it's back shoulders. As blood sprays from the wound, the beast lands face first on the icy plain. Sliding to a halt, streaking the white landscape with a frothy, red trail, it lays still.

Combat over
If you decide to search the wolf's body, it has no gear

Sighing heavily, "Haltani" speaks up. "I suppose there's no use hiding it now." With a flourish of sparkling magic, her image changes in an instant. "Yes, the wolf was right. My actual name is Uliyara, daughter of Baroness Nadya. I sincerely apologize for my deception, but surely you understand? Many of our enemies would happily use me as leverage against my mother. Well, that and I was raised to distrust outsiders...I just really think increased outside trade would be good for our nation!"

Looking towards the ice covered tunnel the group had revealed just before the wolf's engagement, she frowns. Sitting upon the snow, the woman removes her snowshoes and begins strapping a set of spikes to the bottom of her shoes. "As we continue, I suggest caution. That looks overly slick down there."

Feel free to finish any conversations with Haltani/Uliyara before continuing. On slide two of the maps/handouts link is an updated picture of the woman

As you head into the cavernous location, you find the entrance adorn by intricate gilded stonework, 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. Large sheets of ice cover most of what you see.

Each square counts as 2 squares of movement due to icy conditions - Acrobat checks increased by 5 (Not relevant currently - but if combat arises keep this in mind

"Nice shot. Shots"

"It's fine, lass. Matters what you do, not what you call yourself," Khardum consoles the jadwiga.

John walks over to Uliyara and bows, ”I am pleased to meet you, Uliyara. Deception is often necessary and I hold no ill will towards the actions you took. I know for sure that our organization is actively seeking new allies. I hope that this mission can show how useful we can be and we can work up something to improve relations.”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

He then walks over to the edge of the tunnel, looks down it and then back at the open snow-covered plains. ”That whelp’s allies or worse may be here soon with all that racket he put up. Shall we continue?” He waits for the normal marching order to pass before heading into the hall.

"Yeah, you're right, John," Khardum agrees with a nod and then heads into the tunnel.

He pauses in the tunnel and begins to feel the wall. "Here," he says as he pushes something and then the wall slides open. "Oh. Nicely made, these. I could use the shield for now."

Rerois presses his fist to his chest. "No apologies are needed, Milady. Just try to keep your mother from taking our heads as we leave."

Looks like I'll be dismounted from here on in.

Rerois leads Swift Grey into the cavern and points to the entrance. "Stay here, keep your ears pricked." He leaves his lance in the saddle and grabs his backpack.

Handle Animal to push Swift Grey to watch the area. He'll raise the alarm if anything approaches.

Faliana gives a small exclamation of joy as her bolt sinks home, but after a moment of examining the carnage left behind, her face quickly takes on a look of mortification. She continues to watch after the wolf as Uliyara makes her big reveal. Faliana gives her a wane smile and a deep bow. "It's a distinct pleasure to meet the real you, Uliyara. I do hope you can help build better relations with other countries, and trade is always a great way to start. But before that, I think we should clean up some of the carnage we just created, and, Uliyara, I would like to learn more about the creature I just killed."

She loads her cross bow and retrieves her spear, and then starts moving along the path the wolf took. She stops every few seconds to cover the exposed blood with fresh white snow. As she gets to the wolf, she gives a sigh. "He was beautiful, maybe a little too arrogant, but beautiful nonetheless." She then sinks to her knees and starts a short prayer to Ashava, inviting the goddess to bless the wolf's soul and see that it reaches the boneyard safely. After a moment she rises and leaves her Lucerne hammer sticking up in the snow drift the wolf dies on. She turns and heads back to the group.

When she reaches the group she explains, "It's in case he gets covered in snow while we are in there, I want to give him a proper burial later, if I can. But let's get going."

"Thank you all for your understanding." replies Uliyara with a weak smile. Raising an eye as Faliana marks the dead animals location, she nods at the explanation. "Ah, that is unusually kind of you."

Once inside, Khardum retrieves the shield from within the secret room. To the south, you see a vast open area. Thousands of icicles cover the ceiling of this cylindrical chamber. The outside edge forms a perfect circular curve, cutting into stone without mark of chisel or tool, impossibly smooth. Only places where ice flows over the stone, or where the structures have collapsed, mar the perfect precision of the cylinder. The remains of workshops and living spaces, still furnished, peak through holes in the cylindrical void. At the southern and western edges of the cavern, large portions of the stone and ice have collapsed, cutting into the immense void with piles of rubble.

Continuing to explore the ruins, you carefully inspect the first room you encounter. Having seen nothing suspicious on the door, and the lack of explosion when opened, you feel comfortable investigating. Within the dilapidated structure, you find empty desks, a few scraps of meaningless paper strewn about and an empty weapon rack in the southeastern corner. The northwest corner holds an iron cage, padlocked shut. Peering in, you see only the tattered remains of what was once a cot and some rusted manacles.

Stepping back out into the cold, a second door sits closed to the east. Again, the party checks it as best they can for any insidious devices awaiting their arrival, finding none. Opening the door, you see the frozen corpse of a dwarf slumped against the table before you, perfectly preserved in a block of ice. A hexagonal hematite bear clasp with a single dwarven rune inscribed on the face sits below his chin. In striking contrast to the rest of the structures, this one seems fully intact. Past the dwarf, atop the table sits a waraxe of dwarven design alongside a tattered backpack.

You are still outside this door. What do you wish to do

Faliana nods at Uliyara's words. "We killed it without knowing who or what it is, just that it threatened us. It could have been just doing it's job. And anyways Sasha wouldn't stand for anything less."

She then follows the group into the cave taking off her skis before hand. She keeps her spear at the ready in case anything pops up to attack them. She gives the first room a quick inspection, after she sees the cage though she shortly heads back to the hallway, looking somewhat unwell. "Good things did not happen in that cell, I just need a moment to breathe."

She gives the second room and it's frozen occupant a long look seeing if she can find any information about who he might have been and if his spirit had successfully moved on. Her face contorts slightly.
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
After a moment, Sasha exclaims, "Oh this looks like a poor ghoul! We should send him on his way! Anybody channel? No? Well then, anybody want protection? Or healing? A hug? Oh and be careful, he doesn't want to hurt you but he is hungry and his claws and bite aren't pretty."

K: History: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"That's a sad way to di--What? He's a ghoul? Stuck in a block of ice. Terrible."

Syndra approaches Uliyara and speaks "So I wasn't wrong with thinking that you were not who you said that you are. I hope that telling your mother the truth about us sits well for future diplomatic relationships."

Kn Local: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Kn History: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Kn Nobility: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16
Kn Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Syndra entering the second room, notices the frozen corpse turns to Khardum "I'm surprised by your lack of recognition of the clasp that he is wearing Khardum. It appears that it signifies the head of a clan. King Lutheran's line if I'm not mistaken?"

Turning to Faliana, Syndra nods. "It is definitely a ghoul" Syndra says taking a step backward and loading her crossbow.

"Who said I didn't know? Pssh."

John, to this point had been trying to quietly follow behind everyone, taking a look into each area and casting detect magic as they moved along.

Stealth: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (12) + 0 = 12

When the latest door is opened and everyone starts chattering about the ghoul he steps up next to Syndra and Faliana, "excellent work, how do we 'send him on his way' exactly? And can we even attack through that ice block?"

Standing next to Faliana, he readies to cast acid orb on the ghoul if any of his allies attack it.

"He used to be a dwarf. I'll go first," Khardum volunteers. He hefts the newfound shield AC 20 and enters the room.

Faliana calls out after the dwarf, inturrupting Khardum before he goes into the room."Hold on! Before you go in there, I, well Sasha, has a spell that might help you here."

She then digs out a full wooden holy symbol from the layers of her clothing and takes a deep breath. A few moments later Sasha's jerkier hand movements and voice, for once moving at a steady pace, start flowing from the woman. She then opens her eyes and touches the dwarf. He then is veiled in a soft glow, reminiscent of moonlight.

Casting Protection from Evil. For one minute, if the ghoul is evil, this gives a +2 deflection bonus to AC and a +2 morale to saves from the ghoul. If the ghoul is summoned and evil, it can't touch Khardum.

As Khardum moves into the room, Uliyara moves up to get a better look. "Dwarf you say? Use to be a clan living around here..."

Suddenly, the block of ice stands up and starts moving towards the group. Walking past Khardum and Rerois, it stops directly in front of Uliyara.

Surprise and Rnd 1
Order:

Syndra And surprise round action
Rerois
Dwarf Ghoul
Uliyara
John
Khardum
Fliana

Combat? Something is starting at least. Syndra gets a surprise round action. Syndra and Rerois for round 1 actions.

Syndra seems to react before the Ghoul does anything. Almost as if she knows that something is coming. The party sees a bolt fly past into the creature, followed by her reloading and firing a second bolt before anyone can do anything else.

Surprise action: Fire crossbow, Move Action to reload, SA to shoot. I'm guessing before the creature moves?

Ranged Attack vs FF AC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 4
Ranged Attack vs FFAC: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 1

Yes - Bolt shot goes off as described prior to technical movement - changes nothing on the ghoul's part. John - your readied goes off when Syndra shoots (feel free to roll)

John's twitchy hand does a quick motion and he points at the ghoul. A small glob of acid zips towards it.

Acid Orb cast

To Hit vs. Touch/FF: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Acid Damage: 1d3 ⇒ 1

Rerois pulls his pick from its belt loop and swings it at the frozen ghoul.

Draw weapon
Standard attack
Pick: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Syndra nails the ice block with a couple bolts as John lobs a glob of green goo at the ghoul. All three land their attacks, though the frozen dwarf doesn't seem concerned with them currently.

Lashing out with a Pick, Rerois tries to pick the undead's brain.
Yes - that was lame. Forgive me. ;-)

Rerois Cold Damage from Aura: 1d6 ⇒ 4 Fort DC 15 for half

"RaRg UGH LEAVE RRrrr ME" Roars the abomination as it attacks Uliyara. A flourish of pointed claws and gnashing teeth shower the woman, yet somehow it misses with every swing.

Bite vs Uliyara: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Claw 1 vs Uliyara: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Claw 2 vs Uliyara: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

"Uh....Y-Yeah, you can kill it." stammers the woman. Attempting to put some distances between her and the dwarf, she spins away. The Irissen native momentarily loses her footing on the ice, and the beast jumps on the opportunity to try tasting her flesh; failing again. Once out of it's range, she begins reciting a poem from her childhood.

"Here comes the soft snow
Its pretty and chilly
Fluffy and frilly
It falls down very slow
Covering up the blood flow"

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Bite AoO: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Rnd 1/2
Order: --> All Allies Benefitting from Inspire Courage <--

Syndra
Rerois (Need Fort Save)
Dwarf Ghoul (-6)
Uliyara
John
Khardum
Faliana

Join, Khardum, Faliana Up rnd 1; Syndra Rerois Rnd 2

John flips another glob of acid at the frozen abomination, peering intently to see if it has any effect. He then carefully moves to the back of the group, trying to stay out of the way.

Casting Acid Orb - Standard
Move 15 feet - Move Action

To Hit Touch + I.C. - No Precise Shot: 1d20 + 1 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 1 - 4 = 16
Damage + I.C.: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Rerois follows up with a second blow, smashing bits of ice from the ghoul.

Standard attack
Pick: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Fortitude, DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Shouldn't everyone be getting Inspire Courage?

Yes. ALL allies have IC from her --> The ghoul & horse don't benefit

Syndra reloads her crossbow, and fires again.

Ranged vs AC into Melee: 1d20 + 6 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 6 + 1 - 4 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"I thought you were a block of ice!" Khardum chases the ghoul out of the room and swing his silver hammer.

Silver Warhammer, IC: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10
Damage, IC: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Visibly startled by the ghouls movements and the flurry of actions from Syndra's and John, Faliana takes a moment to get moving. She then finally picks up her longspear again and tries to puncture the ice surrounding the ghoul. She gives a short laugh, "And Sasha still thinks it isn't a threat.

longspear, with IC: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16
Damage with IC: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

I just realized I hadn't moved Faliana up behind Khardum when she cast her spell on him. I'm not certain if I should now, though.

Khardum was next to you prior to going into the room. Thusly you were able to cast your spell prior to his moving away. You're good.

Cold Aura - Khardum: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Cold Aura - Faliana: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Cold Aura - Rerois: 1d6 ⇒ 6
Each have Fort Save DC 15 for half

John lobs another sticky blob at the creature, nailing it again. The beast flinches slightly at the strike.

Khardum moves up to the undead dwarf and swings, his warhammer going wide.

Faliana trying to strike their foe, becomes distracted by Sasha's empathy for the poor creature. Her dagger comes up short of its target.

Firing another projectile from her crossbow, Syndra's bolt burries itself deep within the frozen man. Turning to her, it seems to notice the woman for the fist time.

The cavalier swings his pick hard for the unholy opponent, managing to scrape away a few slivers of ice from the block. But the blow misses connecting with anything vital by mire inches.

"RaGWaRR" growls the inhuman being. Stumbling towards the elven wizard, it turns it back to those surrounding it. Khardum and Faliana's strikes go wide as the beast lumbers away. Once within range, it lashes out with yellowed, frozen teeth. Seemingly connecting with...something...an invisible force holds it's mouth just shy of the woman's flesh.

Bite vs Syndra: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

"Oh Dear!" exclaims Uliyara. "Uh..."

"This is a dead dwarf from Irissen
Trust me, there is no comparison
Poor thing needs to eat
It must think we are meat!
Would you consider a Heineken?"

She spouts. Desperately trying to put some distance between her and the beast, she attempts to carefully step away while it's distracted with Syndra, and narrowly avoids a set of jagged teeth.
Continuing Inspire Courage Performance
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Bite AoO vs Uliyara: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

Rnd 2/3
Order: --> All Allies - Inspire Courage <--

Syndra
Rerois (AoO?)(Need Fort Save) (-2)
Dwarf Ghoul (-14)
Uliyara
John
Khardum (Need Fort)
Faliana (Need Fort)

Rerois can take an AoO if you wish vs Ghoul --> John, Khardum, Faliana Up rnd 2; Syndra Rerois Rnd 3

Ah, good! One other question, Did the ghoul move in ways to earn multiple AoOs from Faliana? She has combat relfexes and extra AoOs.

Ice starting to form on her hands, Faliana flits back a step. She stats muttering curses to Sasha to "Shut up or do something useful." She then takes a moment to compose her self and lashes out at the ghoul again.