GM ShadowLord's Reign of Winter

Game Master The Rising Phoenix

"She just doesn't get it...I doubt she ever will."

"The black rider doesn't matter. Sure, it's power, but power without purpose is like Samuel's musket with no target. And she seems pretty irritated for being emotionless." Alec couldn't help but smile. "But she means well enough. She just sees things differently. That ain't bad...just different. We all see things different. We're different, but that doesn't change anything."

"Don't you get it? She's the key to all this" he said with a nod towards Letitia.

"She knows their ways, the way they think, likely what they'll do next. She knows more about the rest of this place than any of us do, even if she's forgotten most of it. She knows what they're capable of, how they'll respond, how they'll try to fight us, even how they may guard their holdings, and she knows their magic. She's the only chance we have at seeing this thing through."

Alec turned to head towards one of the private rooms, stopping long enough to put his hand on Letitia's shoulder.

"She's not your enemy. None of us are. I will stand with you until the end, whatever end that may be. And I will try to learn whatever language you can teach...although I am not a smart man."

"We should all get some rest. Sleep well my friends."

before leaving, Solveig answers Samuel's questions:
she is a minstrel of remarkable talent. and a remarkable person. she was taken by agents of the white witches after composing some pieces that were... controversial. i am afraid i may never see her again...

the barrier around the hut is made up of thick vegetation, like a twist of vines forming a massive hedge. it grew overnight, and seems to grow back just as quickly when cut down.

the group settles in for a few days, making equipment orders, crafting gear, learning spells and discussing next moves.

Letitia is able to identify the robe from Nazheena's tower as a robe of useful items. it has extra patches for a bag of 100gp, 3 flasks of alchemist fire, a ladder, an open pit, a potion of cure serious wounds, a rowboat, a pair of war dogs and a window.

after some time, Solvieg returns, with two young men helping haul in the various equipment items that were requested.

Thank you all for your patience. It sounded impossible at first, but i think we have come up with a plan that could work. we have been scouting out the thicket around the hut and MArket Square. it appears that it is now heavily guarded by a small army of the Winter Guard. they are there under the command of one of Elvanna's great-great-granddaughters, a witch by the name of Nazheena Vasilliovna. they are attempting to cut down the thicket of branches, but it continues to grow back as fast as they cut it down. regardless, you would have to wade through an entire garrison to get to the hut.

for you to have a chance, we need to draw the Winter Guard away from your prize. and for that, I took some inspiration from you. you have convinced me that maybe it is time to lay aside some old differences and use whatever we have at hand. there are members of the old Iron Guard, the previous defenders of the city who are loyal to Baba Yaga, who survived Elhanna's purge when she took away their position and gave it to her own troops.

"they have been forced mostly underground, but we managed to meet with some of their leaders. they obviously don't trust us, and we know that they are completely loyal to the Witch Mother, but for now our goals align. they are willing to help us fight the Winter Guard.

she pauses and looks to each of you.
There is one problem, however. there is a lieutenant of the Winter Guard that was largely responsible for the swiftness with which Elvanna was able to route the old guard. As long as he lives, the Iron Guard are not willing to openly fight the current rulers of the city. Remove him, and the iron guard and the heralds will be standing ready to kick off a series of raids, demonstrations and other rabble-raising that will demand a response from the winter guard currently on weed-control duty. that will give you a window to sneak in and attempt to capture the Hut.

she takes a deep breath, obviously worried that this next part will be met with resistance. "of course if this sounds too easy, that's because there's a catch. the Lieutenant, Logrivich, is a dragon. he has built a lair in an old clocktower just inside the north gate of the city where he can see anything going on in Whitethrone and respond to threats quickly."

She waits to see what your reactions might be to her plan

Samuel thanks Solveig for his answers and takes good note of them.

"You are cunning Letitia. If you can secure a headband to teach us Tien, Shory, Azlanti, Old Osiriani or anything like that which might be useful once I come back to Taldor, I will make my best to learn so we can speak among us without being easily understood" the Taldan man agrees with the language plan.

--------------------------

On his typical stoic stance, Samuel does not truly show any emotion back. The man merely keeps cleaning his musket while giving a stare to Solveig "A dragon you say... you mean true business. No surprise the Iron Guard is not willing to openly go against the Winter Guard when they have such a powerful member."

Samuel blows over the cannon of his firearm taking out the dust "Well. What type of dragon are we talking about?"

Letitia grows quiet after Alec says that she is the key. Humility was never a virtue among the Jadwiga so she always felt that she was important, and knew the value of her knowledge and insight. But hearing it spoken and laid bare by the woodsman, she couldn't help feeling an unfamiliar cold shiver run through her. Much of their success depended on her.

Which was why the Jadwiga would want her dead most of all.

===================

When Letitia identifies the robe, she smiles. "Useful indeed. While it would fetch a good amount of coin in the markets, I believe we could find better use for it. Spare coin, some hounds, a healing potion, lanterns, rope, daggers... a very nice bounty indeed. And usable by anyone."

The robe is worth 3,500 gp if we sell it, but I think we could get some use out of it. Thoughts on keeping it?

===================

Letitia listens to Solvieg's plans and finds herself agreeing with them. Using the Heralds and the disgruntled former guard as distractions would be ideal to let them make their way to the hut.

The dragon, though, would be a major problem. "Likely an ice dragon of some kind. The cold of Irrisen draws many here. My potions to ward off the cold will be of use against its breath, but not its fangs and claws."

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20 +1 if it's cold subtype

GM, what are my choices for an exotic language for the headband? Will you choose it, or let me pick one?

Callix asks, "Is it a true dragon, or a linnorm? Something to keep in mind, here in the north."

I'm fine with you picking your language for the headband. doesn't matter to me which one you take

Solvieg is a little surprised at how well you all took the news of her sending you to fight a dragon.

yes, he is indeed a white dragon. not a Linnorm, but a true dragon. he is young as dragons go, but still a formidable threat.

Letitia nods to Solvieg for confirmation of the dragon's type. She then addresses the others. "Younger dragons are weaker, so we may have a chance when we face it. White dragons have breaths of cold, but they also are masters of a frozen domain. They can see through falling snow and ice, and no matter how slick the rime can get, they will be sure-footed."

Letitia turns back to Solveig. "Can you give us a layout of the north gate with the clock tower? Are there any approaches that we can use so it cannot see us?" She taps her lip in thought. "Though, if the dragon takes flight, I'll wager Samuel's weapon would be quite useful. However, if we can catch it in a close space, we can try to overwhelm it. Radosek's cauldron could assist us greatly in that."

"It is too late to ask for dragon-slaying arrows?" Alec asked with a grin.

"A dragon of winter" looking at his musket Samuel keeps up cleaning the cannons with a small cloth "Well, younger or not, a freezing breath is equally lethal. If we fight in a building though, all those special snow sight and snow sure-footed skills will not serve him anyway"

"The only thing I really need to know is whether if bullets will hurt him or not" then reassured by Letitia's words he adds "If Letitia thinks it is possible, then count me in"

"Yes, do you know what things does this dragon like? Any excuse we can use as a cover to approach the building? Like... bringing a cake for his birthday?" Samuel pads his musket and offers a cocky smile "Little surprise inside"

Callix says, "I think we should certainly use magical protection against cold before we enter the lair. I could do one or two of us, but there are spells that could protect all of us at once. Not that the claws and teeth aren't still deadly."

She pauses, then says, "So, it can see through snow and ice, won't ever slip and fall, and is, I assume, immune to cold. Any weaknesses? Would it be useful to try to find some fuse grenades?"

"Creatures at home to the cold are commonly vulnerable to fire," Letitia surmises. "But fire magic is something that eludes even the most powerful Winter Witch."

Fuse grenades, you say?
Craft (alchemy): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Callix takes her new magical axe in hand and smiles, "The reason I wanted a magical weapon so much was...this", she says as she calls on the power of the Drunken Hero, pushing it into the axe and causing it to burst into flame.

"We also have a stock of alchemist fire vials" Samuel adds.

Approaching the clock tower under concealment will be most difficult. the dragon lives in the top of the clock tower, so unless you can fly or teleport up there you will have to ascend the tower to reach his perch. of course, being an officer of the Winter Guard he is not alone. the tower is usually manned by a group of frost trolls and an older witch named Zivia who is there to make sure that Logrivich doesn't overstep his authority.

Solvieg chuckles at Alec's comment. "I'm sure you can imagine, finding dragon slaying arrows in this city is basically impossible. unless you know how to make one yourself, that is one thing we will not be able to procure for you."

the group takes stock of their fire-based equipment and Letitia creates a grenade. as the group gets ready to head out, Solvieg pulls Samuel aside

"Ok, it seems we will have to ring the front door and improvise from there on" Samuel smiles mischievously "I like the plan though. It's what we do most of the time after all"

Letitia's eyes glitter in the orange light of Callix's flaming axe. "Impressive. I'll try to keep the dragon stymied long enough for your axe to do its work."

She looks less certain about fighting their way through trolls and a witch to then fight a dragon. She sighs. "It cannot be helped, I suppose. Let's see what fate has in store for us."

"Does anyone...or any...thing, visit the dragon? To provide supplies, or patrols maybe? Could we get close as the winter wolf?"

Callix pauses a moment, then says, "Could we scale the tower from the outside? Or levitate? I'm not so worried about fighting the trolls as raising an alarm and having the dragon ready for us when we get to him."

"I am good at climbing a slope or even a tree, but I doubt I could climb a whole stone tower" some idea crosses Samuel's head "Actually... it is a stone tower, isn't it? Or the dragon made the tower out of ice?"

"Do dragons sleep? Can they see well in the dark? Would approaching in the night be better?"

"Dragon senses are legendarily acute. They can see extremely well in the dark. We would be more hindered in the dark than it. Though, I have the spells to allow us to see in the dark."

Alec nodded at Callix. "If the alarm is raised, this whole city may come running."

Letitia turns to Alec, brow furrowed. "That's true, but the Heralds and the Iron Guard will be occupying the rest of the Winter Guard. Without them, we would have no hope."

"I know, but I thought that wasn't going to happen until the dragon was defeated. If we're spotted before that happens and the alarm sounds, isn't it likely that more soldiers from outside the dragon's perch will come running?'

Letitia thinks on that. "Only if this particular dragon does not possess their kind's legendary pride. Most dragons would be insulted if an ordinary soldier thought it needed help. Their fearsome reputations cut both ways. Its own allies will assume it needs no help."

"I do agree with Letitia. If we force the dragon to show himself as weak in front of the Iron Guard, that might be enough to gain them to our side" Samuel nods.

Callix adds, "Its hubris may also make it assume it doesn't need help until it's too late."

there are occasional deliveries made to the tower, food and supplies. they are usually handled by trolls as the garrison is mostly trolls. the dragon stays in the top of the tower and doesn't seem to interact much with the other inhabitants. I believe you are correct, his pride keeps him from interacting much with his guards. i have never seen a winter wolf make a delivery there, why do you ask?

the tower itself is stone, but the dragon has made the top into his lair, which involved spreading an awful lot of ice. what was once the bell tower is now a cave of ice, and that ice extends in sheets down the sides of the tower a good ten feet or more.

"If the upper part of the tower is made of ice, climbing is not a compelling option" Samuel soothes his beard thoughtful "Maybe we should try to pass as humanoid food delivered by a troll. If we do not find someone large enough to pass as a troll, we will have to try out the winterwolf delivery. I see no other way"

"That or we wait for when they deliver the food, then once the delivery trolls are gone, we try to sneak in during lunch time" the Taldan breathes deeply remembering those times at the High Sentinels lodge "That is usually the quieter time of the day, when they might be less attentive and more relaxed"

new map is up

the group follows directions from Solvieg to get to the clocktower. she gives you several colored smokesticks with instructions to use them from the top of the tower once the dragon is dealt with. that will signal the iron guard to start their disruptions, drawing the winter guard away from the Hut.

you make it through the streets with no incidents. your papers are checked once, but you are passed through much quicker when not passing between the howlings and another district. soldiers are everywhere, but they are not hyper vigilant.

a small courtyard stands outside of the clock tower behind a delicate-looking white fence. on second glance you see that the fence is made of bones. a single step leads to a landing and a recessed set of double doors. the doors are flanked by two stone statues of regal women in matching poses, reaching skyward as if to catch snowflakes. neatly trimmed evergreen bushes surround the statues.

Samuel picks up the color smokesticks and saves them in the haversack acknowledging Solveig's idea.

-------------------

Not knowledgeable in history or heraldics, Samuel just climbs over the bone fence and enters the small garden, examining the area expecting some guards to the tower.
Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

If the area is clear he makes a sign to the others and draws his musket out of the handy haversack "Ready for some dancing"

I'm always ready to dance she draws her Scimitar.

stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22

Letitia's blue eyes glitter when she recognizes the statues. "Ah, Queen Betyrina and her daughter. Famous for clockwork constructs. They probably had a hand in building the clock tower, and setting up its guardians. We'll have to be mindful of traps, as well."

Alec, you handed me some coin for potions. What exactly did you want? Keep in mind you've already got a couple potions of mage armor from the night in Ringheir's place, and everyone should have a potion of resist energy (cold)

Callix pauses, "My weapons cut flesh easily enough - will they work on these constructs? Is there something we should be fetching to help us before we go over the wall?"

"Nothing that I can think of that won't require the time or coin that we don't have. Shall we proceed?"

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"Ready as I'll ever be I suppose" Alec said, feigning a smile.

I suppose fly potions would have been the best option looking back, but I'd settle for darkvision, cure moderate, and/or false life.

Samuel stumbles over the fence, breaking one of the bone slats in half, making a loud noise. still, no one comes running.

he looks around on the other side, and sees that ironically the gate to the fence is unlatched.

there are no creatures in the courtyard. the double doors leading into the tower are closed, but unlocked.

Samuel looks back to the others and grimaces, waiting for a long second for every guard in Whitethrone to fall on him. When it seems that is not what will happen he returns to his serious stance and proclaims "Just a small test"

"It seems the doors are unlocked and undefended. This is our chance" the Taldan advances to the doors and there he waits for the others. Once everyone is in position he opens the doors to see what is beyond inside the tower.

Callix says, "Undefended seems... worrisome," even as she walks toward the open gate, axe in hand, her body tense and ready to tumble away from anything dangerous.

Letitia frowns as it becomes evident that the courtyard is unguarded. "I agree, Callix." Her eyes dart around the courtyard, and again fall upon the statues of her distant cousins. "This is a lovely tower, Jadwiga. Please don't let it attack us. We're just dealing with an intruder," she entreats the statues, or more specifically, their likenesses.

Before Samuel opens the door, she whispers, "Keep in mind that we're playing the part of Jadwiga ourselves. Trolls are not known for their intelligence. Let's not waste an opportunity to use our wits."

the group nervously enters the courtyard, thinking this all seems just a little too easy. Letitia speaks to the statues and reminds the group that they may not have to immediately attack whatever they find inside.

Alec and Ashling move into the courtyard and take up positions in front of the group. I went ahead and moved you both onto the map

once everyone is in position Samuel carefully opens the door to find...

very little.

this room features hardwood floors kept clean and free of dust. double doors stand to both the East and West, with a smaller door leading North.

the low rumble of some large mechanism is clearly audible in the background, accompanied by a ratcheting sound at regular intervals.

what do you do?

Letitia inclines her head to the statues. "I believe my ancestors have granted us permission to enter." She steps forward boldly into the foyer.

"Sounds like gears from the clock above us. The noise should cover our approach, though I'm not sure about Samuel's weapon." Her voice drops lower. "I've little doubt we were allowed past by some force that recognized me as Jadwiga. However, one of those statues possessed a great treasure. A sword of adamantine. Though I fear that whatever trap we bypassed just now would be triggered if we attempted to obtain it."

She looks at the various doors. "Alec, do you still possess that magical bear trap? It might be good to place it invisibly as a trap to defend our backs."

"Cool Letitia. Let's remember to pick the sword once we are down and coming back. Adamantine is indeed very rare material" Samuel positions himself in the middle of the hall, where he can have a good shot at all possible directions if someone appears.

While Alec sets the trap he proposes "Where to next? Let's say east for example?" dressed on his Taldan winter coat to preserve his cover identity at Whitethrone, Samuel has to force his voice a bit to make himself listened through the gear's noise.

"We need to choose a door. Left, right, or straight on?"

Any ideas? How about left for starters?

"Left seems good. My father always said left was the best direction before lunch time" Samuel smiles cockily while he loads the musket and let's Alec or Callix open the door.
Perception (trapped door?): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

With a nod, Alec headed to the left door and began to give it a once over. He looked back at the others one last time before he moved to open it.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11 +2 to find traps

Sigh. I want Samuel's dice!

Callix tenses, closing her grip on her axe, before nodding to Alec.

like the other doors so far, this door is also unlocked. no traps are found after thorough examination, which makes sense since this tower is actively lived in

Ashling keeps quiet and goes to scout ahead through the door hand on her Scimitar

Letitia nods in agreement with Ashling opening the door, and she readies herself for whatever may lie beyond.