Wood is limited in the tundra, but with some gathering efforts, you could find enough to slap something together - you would need to make a relevant Craft check, though.
At the head of your small army, you carefully settled in to get cover from any observers and wait for nightfall. The camp was fairly quiet - nobody wanted to let sounds carry across the plain. Finally, the light dimmed as evening came - and this was as dark as it was going to get so far north, given the way the sun still hadn't set beneath the horizon. According to the locals, it wouldn't actually do so for several months yet.
If you want to sneak close, give me some Stealth rolls. Otherwise, feel free to use a different skill and tell me how you want to try and apply it. (For example, you could use Intimidate to try and make your opponents afraid as you close in.)
Utilizing what skins or furs they found that matched the color of the ground, Sigurd was among the first of those to close in towards the structure.
Stealth:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
When they got too close for the camouflage to work, or someone careless got the attention of someone on watch, he throws off his cover, draws his Axes, and storms forward with a mighty Warcry.
Intimidate:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Unless someone in the camp steps to oppose the Northern Warrior, Sigurd will head straight for the main structure.
Intimidate:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Subtlety was not among Blommhilde's skills, so she separated from the other three, in order to provide a diversion. She strode forward like a juggernaut, lighting up Fellfrost with its flames to attract the foe's attention. "Elvanti!" she roared. "Come meet Corpse-feeder, you limp half-wit milk-drinker! I'll send you to him myself!"
Eydis followed, bellowing a wordless warycry. It wasn't like they would understand the poetry of there death or how there fear's hold of them shamed them in the Gods eyes.
Up close, you could see the massive raised mound of dirt the building was perched on top of - possible to scale, but not without at least some effort. The ramp was on the far side, so you'd have to circle around if you wanted to take the easy way up.
Of course, while you'd gotten close, subtlety was definitely gone now... and a group of slaves charged out towards you, driven from behind by their masters - about a dozen cultists wearing the symbol of Althunak. There were but a few moments before they'd crash into your force.
You have one round of actions. Nobody is in melee range.
Perception to try and identify a leader:1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 Intimidate:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Sigurd watched the cultists for but a moment - were any wearing different insignia, did several look to one for direction...if a local leader of the cult could be identified, slaying him would further their goals significantly.
Then, having learned the basics of the language of these people, he shouted:"Slaves, your towns were liberated and Althunak will fall. Abandon your shackles and fight with us, or die and face your ancestors in shame!"
Blommhilde planted her feet in the ground, gripping Bjorntand with both hands. A rolling cackle came spontaneously from her throat as she waited for the wave of foes to crash against her hedge of steel.
Move action to use Barroom Brawler and get the Gladiator Sphere. Standard action to set up a patrol. The area in a 15' radius from me is difficult terrain for enemies and I can make attacks of opportunity in it. I imagine we are somewhat divided, but if not, attacking any enemy other than me provokes an AoO.
Up to 5 AoOs:
Attack, Power Attack, Heavy Swing:1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 12 - 2 = 12 Damage, Power Attack, Adamant Patrol:1d12 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 6 = 23+ the target is battered and needs to make a Fort save, DC 16, or be staggered for 2 rounds. Attack, Power Attack:1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 = 27 Damage, Power Attack, Adamant Patrol:1d12 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 25 Attack, Power Attack:1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 = 27 Damage, Power Attack, Adamant Patrol:1d12 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 19 Attack, Power Attack:1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17 Damage, Power Attack, Adamant Patrol:1d12 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 19 Attack, Power Attack:1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17 Damage, Power Attack, Adamant Patrol:1d12 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 25
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Her adrenaline surging forth, Asta let forth a roaring shout, and pulled two arrows from her quiver. Loosing them at the nearest foe, she waited for them to come. She would not drop her bow this fight; instead the girl would weave through the enemies, dropping them a blade's length, a showing of skills fit for the sagas.
None of the cultists you saw was clearly a leader - although a cult like this one definitely had someone at the top. Asta launched some attacks into the enemies a moment later, followed by more ranged attacks from the crowd you'd brought with you. A few cultists fell, but then the rest crashed into your battle line and spread out. Blommhilde began bashing heads as they closed, and two more fell from the injuries sustained.
Asta takes 9 damage. Sigurd takes 28 damage. Blommhilde, you made all of your AoO's - nice damage there. XD Patrols are *really good* in these kinds of mass battles.
Finally close enough to attack, Eydis roared a battle cry and charged at the cultists with Rokksper. It was good to be free to charge at a foe again, although she was frustrated that she couldn't channel her powers as well.
"Meat! Nothing but mere meat!" yelled gleefully Blommhilde, someone's blood on her face. She roared as loudly as she could, trying to get everyone's attention on her. "Face me! It would be shameful to leave a battle unbloodied!"
Since I brought someone to zero, I can use the Prowess boast and roll the next attack twice. For not moving, my CMD is 21.
In case Sigurd gets attacked, I'll use Defend Other to give him +3 to AC, and if the attack still hits I'll take the damage.
Btw: I also need to know how many guys hit me for the Tension to update. I'll simply say I spend all of it on AC - so AC is higher by however many hit me last round + however many I hit this round(max 4).
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Blood ran from Asta's brow, a minor cut as a spear tip grazed her head. Swiveling, she drew two arrows in quick succession and unleashed them on the nearest foes, smiling as both bit deep.
"Do not let dear Blommhilde have all the fun, meat! The fates desire a saga for me as well!"
Between you, you took down four more cultists - they weren't running around the battlefield as much, so Blommhilde wasn't able to pummel quite as many in the face. Maybe they were learning their lesson...
...but on the other hand, they didn't manage to land any strikes on you this time around. A moment after their strikes, however, you heard a roar from the platform above... and a massive white bear with blood caked around its mouth darted over the edge of the built-up platform and slid down it, charging your line from behind the cultists. It would take the beast a moment to get through them, but it was clearly coming for you.
"That looks like a worthy foe, at last! And you fools stand in it's way, so I have to cut you down first!", Sigurd shouts at the cultists close to him.
The prospect of getting to star in the Saga by taking down that monstrous white bear empowered Sigurd. The danger did not faze him...the bear had to die, and for that, the cultists between Sigurd and the bear needed to go down.
"Finally, a worthy foe!" roared Blommhilde in delight, ignoring the cultists for the new challenger. "Let me stand in front of this beast, that I may repeat my father's deeds!"
With these words, Blommhilde steeled her resolve and charged the bear herself, white hair standing over white snow against white fur.
Move action to move closer to the bear, taking any AoOs that may come. Standard to patrol (remember that it creates difficult terrain, so it may not manage to charge). Swift to expend a Resolve point and get 15 temp HP. I'll avoid doing any AoO that may require me to move so as to provoke from the bear.
Up to 7 AoOs:
In case I killed someone last round, I'll take the best of the next two attacks. Attack, Power Attack, Heavy Swing:1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 = 27 Attack, Power Attack, Heavy Swing:1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 = 17 Damage, Power Attack, Adamant Patrol:1d12 + 7 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 7 + 6 + 2 = 19+ the target is battered and needs to make a Fort save, DC 16, or be staggered for 2 rounds.
A small voice in the back of Eydis mind screamed in fear and anger at the sight of the vast bear. It wasn't her voice, Eydis noted in surprise, and she could barely place it now...but the bear had to die. Joining in the scream she chose to attack with the others, her magic slipping into the spear.
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Asta waited until the bear drew near, and then let forth the most frightful roar that the girl, slight by the standards of her companions, could muster. It was a shout that belied the girls stature, deep and resounding, and curdled at the end with the promise of the deaths of their foes.
Using frightful roar, Will DC 17 or foes within 25' radius are shaken for 2 rounds. Hoping to catch the bear with the effect if possible.
Sigurd smashed through several cultists, his fury adding power to his blade so he could strike through his enemies and move on. For Blommhilde's part, the cultists seemed to be growing wary of her, and instead parted to clear the path for the bear... though Eydis managed to stab one of them as they moved, twisting her spear and downing them. Two more were made afraid by Asta's roar, but the bear was not among them.
Instead, it was among you - charging forward and focusing first on Blommhilde, who realized immediately that its hide was heavily resistant to her weaponry. It reared back slightly after she hit it, then began to try and tear into her.
Yanking Rokksper out of the attacker she felled, Eydis advanced on the bear with murder in her heart and her eyes, attempting to stab the monsterous beast with her own enchanted weapon.
Spending 3 Tension on Swift Step to move to the Bear as a Swift action, trying for a flank with Bloomhilde or Eydis(-2 on to hit if not possible).
Having cleared the way, and seeing the others clear away from the beast which charges at his companion, Sigurd rushes forward, trying to surround the beast with his allies:"Over here, beast! Don't you dare ignore me!"
Once, twice, thrice, four times his axes flash, trying to make contact with the bear.
DR 2/-, so I only take 10 damage and keep 5 temp HP. And I'm going to do something inefficient but I just have to do it.
As the two stubborn, white beasts prove unable to wound each other, Blommhilde takes on the mantle of her father, Bjorn Bearwrestler. Uncaring of the beast's teeth, she reaches for its neck and locks it in a steely grip, leveraging its head against her shoulder.
Grapple:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29 "Asta!" she shouts through clenched teeth, fighting to balance her strenght against the bear's. "Simi-tar! Slays! Beasts!"
I provoke an AoO but that 20 should be an automatic hit anyways. If so, I control the grapple and have a +5 to rolls to maintain it. Since I didn't move, my CMD has a +2 bonus from Guard Wall.
Too bad nobody has the Beastmaster Sphere.
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Dropping her bow, Asta pulls the simi-tar and makes a quick, silent plea to her benefactors. The Fates are kind today; the girl instantly finds the weapon balances easily in her hand, as if no lighter than an arrow, and just as simple to use.
Move: move to bear and draw scimitar. Standard: use channel spirits to gain proficiency with the sword, and weapon focus with the blade. I also have the below note regarding weapon finesse on my character sheet, but don't know/can't remember how much damage it provides. Is it like gaining slashing grace?
My character sheet regarding weapon finesse wrote:
**** Gained via the Finesse Training Talent, stacks with Weapon Finesse from Automatic Feat Progression to give bonus to damage with finessable weapons
As Blommhilde grabbed the creature, it bit out at her, though it visibly flinched as Eydis' Roksper sunk into its body.
Bite (Blommhilde):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
The fates seemed to be favoring the old guardian, because she twisted aside before clenching around the beast's body. Meanwhile, Sigurd landed several blows from the other side, but they barely seemed to affect the creature (except the last - that one sunk deeper). With a bellowing roar, the creature swiped at Blommhilde-
Grapple:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21 Not gonna lie, this bear's having teeeeerrible rolls. XD
-and this time, it just barely managed to maneuver enough to grab her with one of its paws and wrench her away, squeezing tight to make her the grappled instead of the grappler.
Several cultists charged at Asta a moment later, recognizing the danger in the blade she'd just drawn - sadly for them, there weren't enough of them free to attack all of you. Not when so many were occupied with the rest of your raiding party, anyway.
Sigurd does not care that the beast's fur seemed to ward off his blows. Hacking at it enough, one Axe had finally found purchase, biting deep into the beast.
He needed an impressive deed to his name if he meant to try and court Fastvi after their glorious return. Slaying this bear would certainly qualify...if it were fighting back or actually lived up to its fearsome impression.
But right now, it was clumsily mauling an old woman while he was hacking ineffectively at it's back. Hardly as glorious as imagined. With a sigh, he turned towards the cultists trying to stop Asta from using the wondrous ancient beastslayer. "Get the bear, I'll take care of those!", he called out to Asta as he rushed to cover her.
Uncowed, Blommhilde looked for leverage with Bjorntand's handle, clutching the bear's throat. "Bow to me!" she roared at the animal.
As her battle-lust ran free, so did her magic power, and cold winds whirled around her, subtly linking her mind with those of her allies who would accept it.
Grapple:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (16) + 10 = 26
Spending 2 spell points to create a Tactical Totem for 4 rounds as a move action, granting Outflank. Allies (who accept) within 70 feet have a +4 to attack when flanking. Current CMD 20, AC 17/9/17.
Eydis did as she was asked and focused on the bear. Not that she had any other plans. She felt...compelled to destroy the attacking creature, an ache in her leg that drove her to obliterate it.
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Asta moved quickly, nodding to Sigurd as she slipped through the barrage of foes, her feet, however, slipped on gore, and Asta moved clumsily, inviting attack.
Finding herself next to the bear, Asta slashes at the beast, the blade light in her hand as she draws it across the bear's flank. The beast's hide however, is tough, and the blade bounces aside.
sim-tar:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11+ whatever bonuses the sword has damage:1d6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 3 = 8+ whatever bonuses the sword has
As Blommhilde gathered magical power, the bear bit out at her again-
Bite (Blommhilde):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 Man, these guys can't roll worth a darn. XD
-but she managed to squirm away from its slavering maw as Sigurd landed several hits on the cultists and managed to bring two of them now. Asta's attack was, sadly, completely ineffectual, though Eydis managed to drive her weapon deep into the creature's body and land a solid blow. It had definitely been hurt, but it wasn't ready to give up the fight just yet.
Grapple:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
It managed to seize control of the grapple again, and the two looked like they were going to continue to tussle as the remaining two cultists nearby teamed up on Sigurd.
Blommhilde just laughed at the beast trading blows back and forth, so larger than her and yet so unable to harm her.
"Weakling!" she roared. "Big and strong that you are, you didn't even draw blood! Come on, big fat ball of fur, aren't you a predator?"
Listening to Bloomhildes taunts, and taking note that they seemed to playfully wrangle each other, without one hurting the other, he can't help but shout back: "That Bear, it's a pet, not a predator. Imposing and scary, but it probably never in its life stood against an enemy that fought back. Asta, make an end to this farce!"
I actually think it's kinda funny how we all were "Oh, worthy beast/enemy!" and it rolls in a way that utterly betrays it's role. Right now that nonlethal back&forth feels a bit like comedy relief. Don't get me wrong, we'll still tell stories of Bloomhilde the Bear-Wrangler, but it would be more impressive if it was really a voracious beast locked in a deadly battle.
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Asta scowled as her first swipe bounced off the beast's hide. Determined to not give Blommhilde all the glory, the girl slashed at the beast's weakest bits - its underside, belly, and neck.
simi-tar:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15plus any bonuses from the blade damage:1d6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 3 = 8plus any bonuses from the blade
simi-tar:1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (18) + 10 - 5 = 23plus any bonuses from the blade damage:1d6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 3 = 6plus any bonuses from the blade
simi-tar crit confirm:1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 10 - 5 = 21plus any bonuses from the blade damage:1d6 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 3 = 9plus any bonuses from the blade
@Sigurd: Right? XD And I don't really think it's fair to inflate the difficulty just because it rolled bad - after all, Fate is an important thing in the North, and one should not idly mess with it.
Blommhilde managed to get her arms around the beast again, though Eydis' spear went wide. Meanwhile, Sigurd managed to finish off the cultists there. Asta slashed out a moment later - and while her second attack hit the creature, it didn't trigger any magical effects. Whatever the sword did, this... didn't actually seem to be it.
Seeming to grow angrier and angrier, the bear just began biting and clawing at Blommhilde.
This time, it seemed like it was actually managing to strike her... and it provided a reminder of why getting up close with a bear could be... painful.
Well, watch half of the damage going through DR become nonlethal, then the passive regeneration of life-sphere taking care of it 2 points per round until she's all fine again a minute later. We are using frigging Dwimmer to alter fates already...smh
Sigurd sighed, looking around for more cultists, or priests, or...anything he could fight. But those close by were already locked in battle, or dead, leaving only the oversized bear.
"Oh well", he comments when the Skim-I-Tar fails to lay the bear low, then rushes over and starts hacking at it relentlessly but with little hope to penetrate the hide properly.
Most of my tankiness is non-magical anyways. DR reduces the total damage to 24, my remaining temporary HP take it to 19, fast healing 2 for 17 total damage. Fast healing remaining: 58.
Blommhilde felt the three blows as little more than scratches, as she tried to leverage her position. The bear's muscly neck, however, wouldn't be bent so easily.
Grapple:1d20 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 5 = 17 In the unlikely event that this succeeds, the bear is pinned.
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Frowning, Asta dropped the sword and drew her longspear. It seemed this fight was not hers to gain any glory from.
Thinking quickly, the girl thought back to the tales of her childhood, that served as her education. Was there anything there about a particularly fearsome bear?
Then, gripping her spear tightly, Asta plunged it towards the bear's neck.
Swift action scout ability, move action draw spear, standard attack
scout:
As a swift action, you may identify a creature’s weaknesses (DC 10 + creature’s CR) as described under the Knowledge skill, but may substitute a Perception check for the appropriate Knowledge check at a -5 penalty. This only reveals the target’s weaknesses, or lack thereof, (such as damage reduction types and vulnerabilities), and does not reveal any additional information about the target. Once you have succeeded at a scout attempt or Knowledge check against a target, any talents or effects that require you to scout a target may be used against the target for the next 24 hours; after this period you must successfully use the scout ability against the target again to continue benefiting from related effects.
Blommhilde was unable to pin the beast, and it broke free of her a moment later. Sigurd's attacks were mostly accurate, but heavily blunted by its side. Asta's silvery weapon sunk much deeper into its body (though she didn't remember any stories about especially fearsome bears - not like this, anyway. Bears were hunted a lot in the North). Eydis, too, managed to land a blow on the wounded-but-standing beast, and it continued its efforts to maul the one who was trying to grapple it so much.
WhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhy wontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywon titdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdieWhywontitdie. The thought streamed through Eydis' head in a stream as she lashed out again, once more pouring magic into the attack.
Sigurd watched Eydis drive her spear deep into the creatures neck, Dwimmer flaring as it forced it's way past the beasts protection. Chances are the attack would lay the beast low - even if he wished it would have been done without the dark arts.
Alas, there was no way to be sure with demonic beasts such as this one, and Sigurd kept attacking until he was reasonably certain the creature was dead, and going to stay so.
Fighter 1|Hp 2/20 | AC 18/20 w/shield| Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +5 | Per +5 | longsword +9 (1d8+4) | xp: 180
Wordless (for once), Asta plunged the spear at the bear again and again, forcing her lean frame into every strike with all the strength the girl could muster.
11 effective damage counting healing and DR. Healing remaining, 56 Grapple:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
Blommhilde felt Eydis' blow through the mass of the beast. Whether it was living or dead was to be discerned, but she was still under a disgustingly heavy mass of bones, meat and fur, and labored to find a way out.
The bear was tough, but there were finite limits to its endurance. A single overwhelming blow - too strong to be blocked piecemeal, for example - was going to get through it. As Eydis plunged her blade in and set off all the power she could, the beast detonated, exploding into pieces and covering you in more chunks and liquids than even the warriors of the north were used to.
The creature's messy death was too much for the last remaining cultists, who were overrun as their morale simply shattered. In less than a minute, the battle was finally over.
Eydis screamed as the blow obliterated the bear, then stood, panting for a moment before slumping to her knee. The power arching along Roksper faded after a moment. Breathing deep she looked around, confused. "What happened?" Eydis looked baffled by the scene of carnage. A last whisp of power grounded out.
"Your dwimmer took possession of you, Eydis. But with the Bear dead and the Cultists fleeing, I dare say the Gods used you as an instrument of their wrath to speed our advance. Let us not waste that gift, and proceed quickly!"
Saying the words, Sigurd points at the fortress-like structure with one blood-smeared axe, then starts moving towards the enemy stronghold.
