GM thunderspirit's Reign of Winter AP

Game Master thunderspirit

LOL!

Worth mentioning: you can probably do one last shop via the Heralds of Summer's Return, if desired (you've another child to return there, after all). You know your end foe to be a dragon, with all the dragon-like challenges that implies.

Maybe a couple scrolls of Resist Energy or Protection from Energy?

You hustle back downstairs, grabbing Inga along the way, and maneuver back to the Heralds' hideout. Solveig is happy to try and procure what you need clandestinely, once she knows of your successes. She expresses hope that you can finish the job and vanquish Logrivich, allowing the true revolution to begin.

Go ahead and list what you're hoping to buy.

We're excepting a white dragon?

Davosh can't cast Resist Energy, so either we score some scrolls for Ali & Edward, or we get some potions. I haven't checked my Gp bank in a while.

My GP is a bit low

Please be sure to check my And Treasure! spoiler for group treasure (which includes a scroll of Resist Energy (cold)) and unsold loot.

We're excepting a white dragon?

Yep.

Ali, take that scroll and use it when it's time. I'd like to get those feather IDed too.

Vojtek needs that Enlarge potion.

Let's do this.

LEEEEEERRRRROOOOOYYYYY

You hustle back downstairs, grabbing Inga along the way, and maneuver back to the Heralds' hideout. Solveig is happy to try and procure what you need clandestinely, once she knows of your successes. She expresses hope that you can finish the job and vanquish Logrivich, allowing the true revolution to begin.

Go ahead and list what you're hoping to buy.

Since it looks like we cant get the scrolls. Then Kappi will take a Potion of Resist Energy.

2nd level potion, 300gps

Haven't forgotten about you guys, I promise.

Anyone feel strongly about something for Vojtek?

I feel strongly that Vojtek needs to find a nice northwoman...

I think Vojtek would want protection from the cold and some way to fly. If he can get a potion of fly, he would.

Potion of fly is 300 gp, and would be available.

Vojtek buys a potion of fly and is about to chug it right there in the shop when Davosh catches his hand mid-swig. He seems genuinely crestfallen to learn that this potion will not grant him the ability to fly in perpetuity.

Vojtek starts eyeing the shopkeeper in a most unseemly way because he has the impression he was ripped off. Once again, intervention seems to be in order, so Ali rolls her eyes, huffs in exasperation, and hustles the northman outside before anything awful can happen.

Stellar. :-D

Inga's safety secured and a rapid resupply achieved, you race back to the Clock Tower, dodging mirror men and sparse Winter Guard contingents along the way, and make your way up the stairs to the third floor of the Tower.

The flight of steps climbs to a platform where a short ladder is mounted to the wall, leading to a closed trap door in the ceiling just above it. The area is mostly barren except for a column of clockwork gears that rises right through the ceiling above it. An icy draft wafts from above, and the ticking and ratcheting of the giant clock drowns out any other sound. A single door is set in the eastern wall. Kappi finds the door is locked. but one of the keys found in Granny Nan's possession opens it.

This comfortable suite holds a bed, dresser, chair, and bookshelf. A large mirror hangs on the eastern wall above the bookshelf. A wide-eyed young woman sits upright in the bed, astonished by your arrival. Who is it? Who is there? she asks, her voice melodious yet quavering with fear.

Edward remembers a conversation he had with Solveig. Approaching the fair maiden Edward pulls out his water skin, and fills a goblet on the dresser.

Bella Belvorica I presume. My name is Edward Fell, someone you used to know sent us, and we are here to rescue you.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Davosh looks at his friend and looks at the woman.... He asks the Ancients for Guidance, and looks about the room, expecting a trap (or maybe another devil child!) Perception: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 1 = 7

Resisting the temptation to ask Edward why he's so short for a Stormtrooper, the woman acknowledges that she is, in fact, Bella Belvorica and appears overcome with emotion for a moment. She was unaware anyone knew she was being held prisoner here, and has lived in constant fear of being eaten — either by the ice trolls or Logrivich himself, if he finds her music displeasing; he calls her his "pet songbird". And Bella hadn't dared to hope of rescue. Who? she asks. Who knew I was here?

The dragon... Kappi blurts out. Im mean he isnt the one who knows you're here... Well, uhh... I guess he does know you are here. The lad says awkwardly and even his olive complexion shows his red embarrassed cheeks. I mean we are here to slay the dragon. Where is... ahh it? The lad awkwardly holds his sword as if to be a fierce wyrm slayer but in a few moments he lowers his blade and cant meet their eyes but looks to his companions. With his free hand he makes a pantomime of closing his mouth, locking it with a key and tossing it. He moves to the side and doesnt try to talk again.

Davosh watches Kappi talk and the shakes his head. "It's okay lad. I would flunk out of bard school too."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Resting a comforting hand on the bards back the paladin chooses his words carefully.

Someone who is very concerned about your well being. I can say even with all the responsibilities that she has, her concern for you weighed on her conscience. The lady I'm talking about is Solveig.

He gives her a moment and then continues. Miss Belorica, I promise that we will return you as soon as we can, but our time here is running out. We need to defeat Logrivich quickly. What can you tell us of the rest of the tower, and about Logrivich himself?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Wait a sec...I thought we were resting. Am I mistaken, or did we actually rest?

Nope, no rest. Just a quick resupply run.

Aye, supply run only, no time to rest.

If it is anywhere near dawn, I really would like to take an hour and pray. For some spells.

Hmm, we didn't specify a time you guys set out, actually. So we'll say you began the strike after dusk — say, 7 p.m. normal reckoning — and it has been 3d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) = 7 hours since then.

"Tis a right hale gift you give us mi'lady. We'll do what we can about this draconic foe."

I don't want to devolve into analysis paralysis, but we should go in prepared. Davosh isn't getting anywhere near that thing. I intend to use Hexes, as I have little magic to help now. Someone ought to use that oil BEFORE we go in. Rub it on Vojtek's head or some such. It lasts for half an hour.

I've got a few spells, couple self-buffs and a couple attack spells. We've got 3 oils of magic weapon; since I"m out of arcane power, I'll use one on bow; vojtek gets one. Who gets the third? I'd like a minute or two of prep time--maybe 3-4 rounds?--before we fight, if we can manage it.

Kappi has a +1 blade. He also has a potion of magic weapon. He will give it up if soeone else needs it. Or maybe use it on his offhand weapon. He also has a potion to drink before going in. Otherwise he is ready

Feel free to buff up; just please keep track of rounds as you do.

I would say 2am isn't close to dawn, so no recovery of healing for me. I would love one of the magic oils for my bow, but I still have a smite available, it will be used. I also have 2 of the Bless Weapon spell. It will last for 4 minutes.

I would say 2am isn't close to dawn, so no recovery of healing for me. I would love one of the magic oils for my bow, but I still have a smite available, it will be used. I also have 2 of the Bless Weapon spell. It will last for 4 minutes.

Have the party's third oil of magic weapon go to the paladin's bow.

In the last two or three rounds before going thru the trap door to face the dragon.

Kappi first drinks the Potion of Resist Energy (cold), this lasts for thirty minutes.

Then he takes out this very small bottle. He has been carrying it in the bottom of his pack for many levels now. He had always felt it was "too precious" to use. But now that the party will be facing a fragging dragon, it seems as good as time as ever. The lad sits down on the floor crosslegged. He bows his head and speaks quietly, Tender of Dreams, we have a great dream this day. Let our weapons strike true and pierce this white wyrm of evil. A lot of children in this town are depending on us. Please Lady Luck...
As he prays the lad draws his magical short sword. He brings it to his lips and gives it a gentle kiss on the flat of the blade near the cross guard. The sword is placed across his lap. Then he reverently pulls his favorite dagger. He lays this on top of the sword along the blade. He opens the precious bottle and carefully pours a measure of the oil onto the dagger's blades. With an old scrap of a scarf he rubs the oil into the blade. He then does his best to get out every last spec of magic oil from the bottle. He again goes over the blade and just for good measure he rubs the oiled scarf along the dagger's hilt and pommel.

Kappi gets up ready to go. He as very stupid looking confident smile on his face. I'm feeling pretty good guys. Kinda... sort of invincible really. Lets do this!

Nicely done, Kappi. :-)

Okay, I would like everyone to chime in with preparations and in what sequence, so we can get to the TPK epic combat! Tracking rounds will be important for some buffs so please take that into consideration.

Ali sits next to Kappi as he makes his preparations. She pulls out a vial of oil and applies it to her bow, with the same care as he took to tend to his own weapons. She casts a spell, and Mirror Images: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 duplicate images of the elf girl appear around her.

She then pulls out a scroll, and casts its magic on Vojtek (Protection from Cold: 60 points of cold immunity yo). Finally, she draws out her wand of Shield and uses it on herself, then stows the wand back into the wrist sheath.

Let's go.

Oh--there's also a potion of Enlarge Person, as well as acouple of un-accounted-for cure potions. Maybe Vojtek should take at elast one of the CMW's...

Davosh is mostly out of spells.

1. Make sure everyone is at full HP.
2. Cast See Invisibility (50 minute duration)
3. Take a scroll out of my robes.
4. Pat a patch on the magical robe.... just in case...

I plan on Hexing the dragon with the Evil Eye right off and affecting it's saves. I know it's tempting to try a Misfortune Hex or affect it some other way with Evil Eye, but I have got a couple of tricks left that all hinge on Saves. Once I'm out (Round 3) I'll try to hit it with Misfortune.

Davosh: Posted and ready
Kappi: Posted and ready
Ali: TBD
Edward: TBD
Vojtek: TBD

change Ali to Posted & Ready. Looks like I posted just before you did, so I won't rag on you for ignoring another of my posts.

Edward sits with his companions, applies the oil to his bow, and nods at Kappi's prayer. After the potions are handed out, Edward will lifelink with Ali, and between he and Davosh we will cast Guaidance and Resistance on everyone as we take out positions on the ladder.

Comrads we face a dragon we do so with our eyes open and hearts readied for the battle ahead. Apsu has shown us here, and he will get us through this challenge. Take these blessings from the Apsu and the Ancients, and lets make the next bold step towards ending the reign of Elvanna, and freeing Baba Yaga.

If Ali thinks Vojtek should take the life link then I will do that instead.

Davosh: Posted and ready
Kappi: Posted and ready
Ali: Posted and ready
Edward: Posted and ready
Vojtek: TBD

Vojtek chugs the Enlarge Person, the Fly, and douses the Greatsword with Oil of Magic Weapon in a much less ceremonious manner than Kapi. Although, as he notices Kappi's reverence, Vojtek feels a bit ashamed of his brash efforts and settles down for a quick chat with the Ancestors. He sort of hopes Davosh isn't somehow able to talk to the Ancestors later about what was said, because the Northman would be a bit embarrassed.

Vojtek take a few seconds to hover over the ground to get the feel for flying, and unconsciously begins mimicking The White's manner and physicality. Vojtek's lips curl back, his arms extend, and the man seems to almost transform into the human version of a dragon. It is a momentary non-transformation, but Davosh notes it gravely and makes note to speak to the young man privately about the path he seems to be starting along.

Angr-o quietly sits just around the corner and out of sight. The only noise he makes is the steady metallic scraping as he drags a piece of volcanic pumice along the edge of his blade to hone it. He peeks around at the party and looks to the door to the dragon's lair. He shakes his head in resignation and continues to sharpen his blade...

Angr-o quietly sits just around the corner and out of sight. The only noise he makes is the steady metallic scraping as he drags a piece of volcanic pumice along the edge of his blade to hone it. He peeks around at the party and looks to the door to the dragon's lair. He shakes his head in resignation and continues to sharpen his blade...

I want to find the scene from Conan after he's crucified and saved, when the three thieves are planning to raid Thulsa Doom's Mountain of Power. Subotai and Valarea are talking, and Conan is simply sharpening his blade. Alack, I cannot find the clip--but you all know it, so please picture it now. (Or, as Thulsa Doom might say, "...seek!")

Nice visual, Ali. :-)

With preparations made, the party moves to the trap door. It will only allow one person up at a time, and will require a full-round action to get up the ladder and through the door.

Who is first through? Asking for a hungry dragon friend.

I'm going with Vojtek.... He can fly, so it's likely easier for him to fly through once opened.

So maybe Edward opens it, Vojtek flies through. Then Ali, then Kappi. Davosh last.

Sounds good

Edward opens the trap door, as a scattering of coins can be heard clattering about as the door swings up and away from the ladder.

This large chamber contains the workings of an enormous clock, with huge clock faces on the north, west, and south walls. To the east, the entire exterior wall has been knocked out, and a platform of gleaming ice extends out into the open air. A chill wind blows through the opening. Tracked rails weave in and out of the corners of the room, passing through five-foot square openings in the walls. A block of clockwork gears and mechanisms runs to the ceiling toward the west.

Vojtek can hear the wind howling about, as the tower and icy platform is easily 50 feet off the ground, with the interior ceiling some 15 feet above the floor. The openings in the walls lead to ledges on the exterior of the tower extending below the clock faces. Suspended off the floor inside the tracks on each of the clock face ledges, is a gigantic bell.

Vojtek makes his way through. (Still a full-round action, unfortunately, even flying.)

Point of order, after checking Vojtek's stat block for his DEX modifier: typically you can't take ranks in the Fly skill until you have the natural or spell-like ability to do so.

You cannot take this skill without a natural means of flight or gliding. Creatures can also take ranks in Fly if they possess a reliable means of flying every day (either through a spell or other magical manner, such as a druid's wild shape ability).

This makes a difference in the case of hovering, although the potion provides an additional +2 bonus to the normal DEX modifier.

Yeah the Fly skill thing came up in Crimson Throne. Typical ruling is potion use, even habitual, doesn't make the grade.

Are we in initiative?

Yeah the Fly skill thing came up in Crimson Throne. Typical ruling is potion use, even habitual, doesn't make the grade.

Are we in initiative?

We will be shortly. Wait for it...

Ali climbs up immediately after Vojtek, nocking an arrow and stepping aside to make room...

he's waiting for more targets to breathe on

On round three Kappi pops up and moves over.

The Varisian rogue scans for the dragon.

perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12 or sucks at it...

Does Kappi think a pony or bear could fit through the doors in the wall where the track runs through?

This is where I point out that it doesn't go that smoothly, right? ;-)

As Vojtek takes in the scene, he sees an uncoiling serpentine creature with wings. Its scales are frosty white, like the snowy ice below its claws, and its head is crowned with slender horns bearing a thin membrane stretched between them.

Ah! a snarling voice rings out through the chamber. You must be the insignificant gnats making trouble downstairs. That ends now!

Bella is correct that Logrivich is about the size of a pony. While Vojtek knows this is not The White, it is the same type of beast that destroyed his tribe. Logrivich is considerably smaller than The White, but no less fierce.

Round 1
Edward
Logrivich
Davosh
Ali (Move action only)
Edward
Vojtek

The white creature takes to the air and breathes on Vojtek and Ali's head!
Vojtek and Ali each need to roll a DC 18 Reflex save; Ali gets a +2 bonus on hers.
cold dmg: 8d4 ⇒ (4, 1, 2, 4, 4, 4, 2, 2) = 23

Ali and Vojtek are up! The white area is all ice, so will cost double movement on the ground and add 5 to the DC of Acrobatics checks. Kappi will come in next round.

Vojtek: to remain airborne at the end of your turn you'll need to make a DC 15 Fly check or else you will need to land.