Rd Sun's Reign of Winter

Game Master JankInTheTank

Ashling stays quiet at first, considering her words, Consider the world outside your own... This wasnt meant to be, it's disturbing the balance. Winter is spreading beyond the borders, into lands that do not know its cold. If you continue on the path of interfering with us, there wont be a world for anyone other than the winter children! The emotion in her voice is growing as she shifts to the Black Riders Persona, You have a choice to make, Destroy the world and ruin the lives of innocent
children the world over, or get out of our way. Or i will be forced to move you... This is now bigger than usshe casts a glance and whisper under breathe, i am sorry.. the greater good must come before personal attachments...

Ariadna ignores what the others are talking about and speaks to Samuel, but stays close to Nazheena's side.

"I'm sorry I left the way I did. they found me while they were looking for that noblewoman who was passing through Heldren. the sprites recognized my appearance as one of the Jadwiga and brought me here. I thought it was a dream, I was following floating lights through a snowy forest. but then I woke up on the other side of the world in a beautiful tower made of ice."

"they are not hurting me Samuel. They are teaching me! we have powers, did you know that?! look what I can do now! a small ball of frost forms above her outstretched hand. "Nazheena is training me. I'm her new apprentice! our family comes from the magical line that the queen herself comes from! join us Samuel. she can train you too!

Meanwhile Nazheena smiles at Letitia.

"You have brought the keys to the hut?" she points at Ashling, now in Black armor. "and you brought in the last of the riders? I see that they were wrong to consider you weak, dear cousin.

But unfortunately you have it all wrong! Baba Yaga is in no position to be rewarding anyone. Elvhanna wouldn't risk another Witchwar. Queen Tashanna was a fool, flaunting her power against Baba Yaga. even the Torc of Kostchtchie wasn't enough to defeat Grandmother. Elvhanna has made sure that this time Baba Yaga will not be interfering. She is out of your reach, even with the Hut.

There is still time for you to repent and seek the forgiveness of the queen. turn the keys over to me and I will make the case to the Queen to have your exile overturned. you can come home! and with the power you have shown, your rank will be higher than it ever was before. we can be allies again. Friends. I would like that

She points to the two corpses impaled on the fence around the Dancing Hut. "as you can see, the riders are no match for me. Red Sun and Bright Morning tried to stop me and failed. why should a new Dark Midnight fare any better? Kill this pretender and join me Letitia.

Letitia puts a hand on the pouch at her waist which held the lock of hair and plague mask given to her by the old Black Rider. She had expected Nazheena to insult her, threaten her, belittle her.

She hadn't expected flattery.

Nazheena's words awoke a desperate hope in her. She had brought the keys to the hut. She had the black rider. She had triumphed. She could even turn over the names and hideouts of the Heralds of Summer's Return. She could be home, with her family, her sisters, and her mother. Queen Elvanna would reward her for all she's accomplished. What other Jadwiga had traveled outside Irrisen like she had? Her knowledge of the outside world would be invaluable as the queen spread winter throughout the globe.

The bodies of the other two riders set a ribbon of fear through her. Was Nazheena truly that powerful? What if this was folly? She had grown in strength since fighting Radosek, but if she could slay two of the riders outright and mortally wound the third, what hope did they have to defeat her?

She glances over at Samuel, who is reuniting with his sister. Ariadna is training to be a winter witch; Samuel invited to be one of the ruling Jadwiga. If he joined, it would mean she wouldn't have to betray all of her companions.

She looks at Callix and Ashling, considering.

Samuel clenches his teeth in tension "So it is true... mother was a Jadwiga, we descend from them..."

Raising up his voice after Letitia makes a proposal but Nazheena seems not receptive, he says "Ariadna. It does not matter where our blood come from. What matters is who we are. Remember how Varkun tended for us when our parents passed away. Remember how Old Mother Theodora took care of us. How Elder Natharen made time to teach us every night at the temple schools"

"Ariadna, remember how much love and care Heldren has given us" Samuel swallows and offers a hand to Ariadna hopping she will at least not fight against them "We are Taldan. It does not matter what awful power Nazheena is teaching you if they are using it to destroy our world"

The man waits a second and if he sees hesitation, he adds, also looking at Letitia "Through this weeks I have discovered a lot. The witches are not only freezing the world. They are starting a war among themselves. They think they can contain Baba Yaga, but what do you think it is going to happen to the rebel witches when the Crone finds a way to come back?" Samuel insists in his gesture "And she will find a way to come back at one point or another"

Callix shakes her head, "I was going to say you were lying to us, Nazheena, to try to sway Letitia by telling her what she wanted to hear so you could deal with her later -- either to carry out her sentence or to deal with a threat to your own position.... But the rest of it," she starts to chuckle, "You're lying to yourself... maybe even more so. But, answer your question, she'll fare better because this Dark Rider does not stand alone."

I have to trust that these last few weeks have opened Letitia's eyes... and heart, for that matter...

She listens to Samuel and Callix speak, and discards the fantasy Nazheena was offering.

Letitia lets out the breath she'd been unconsciously holding, and turns back to face Nazheena. "I must decline your offer, Cousin. My choices are either to find Grandmother wherever she is, or to seek the queen's forgiveness. One choice may be difficult, but the other? To go before the one who ordered my mother to strangle me and see if this time she'll reward me?"

Letitia turns her head to Ariadna. "Listen well, distant cousin. Know the ways of the White Witches, and what happens if you fail to impress your queen. The penalty is an ugly death."

She again focuses on Nazheena. "I will find Grandmother, no matter where she's been hidden. She has plans, Nazheena! Are you so sure that Baba Yaga cannot overcome Elvanna? Do you not feel even the slightest chill, knowing that she's out there, somewhere?"

Ariadna looks at Samuel, a hint of a tear in her eye.
"you got the love and care of Heldren. you always had a place in it. I didn't. I knew Samuel, I knew I was different. that I could do things no one else could. Mother Theodora? she saw me put a bird to sleep with a word, not knowing what I was doing. she tried to use herbs and awful drinks to make it go away. Elder Natharan? his teachings made me hate myself for the magic I didn't know how to control. I have no home there, not like I have been offered here.

We will not destroy our old home Samuel. it will be remade, rebuilt. stronger than it was before. I've been promised a place overseeing Taldor. you could govern with me, brother and sister.

Meanwhile Nazheena laughs at Letitia. Always the rebel. you think you are stronger than the queen herself, to go after the one she locked away? don't be a fool. you have done more than enough to earn your forgiveness. Elvhanna is not unfair. she rewards those who serve well. she seems to be saying this half to Letitia and half to Ariadna.

see little one? they throw away gifts that you would give anythign to possess. this runaway doesn't want the honor she could have for turning in this new Black Midnight and helping us unlock the secrets of the Hut. That honor could be yours instead. It is time for your lessons to reach the next level. watch these rebels and interlopers fall before the might of Winter.

Ice forms around Nazheena's hands and scythe and the wind seems to shift slightly in response to a gathering of magic. the ice soldier hefts a blade.

Nazheena rises into the air 15 feet as the ice around her forms into a model of her own hand.

bold may act
Calix, Ashling, Ariadna, Samuel, Letitia, Ice Monster.

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: none |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 49/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status:
Letitia: HP: 44/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: mage armor, 8 thp
Timm HP: 62/63 NL 6 - AC: 22/16/18 Status:
Samuel HP: 51/51 - AC: 22/18/15 Status:
Ashling HP: 42/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: ?? | AC: ??
Ice Monster HP: ?? | AC: ??
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

Callix sighs, I should have just cast silence and stopped this bloody discussion... and the spells that I'm sure are about to come.... Instead of shaking her head, she spins the enchanted axe in her hand, causing it to burst into flames, then hurls it at the flying witch.. smiling as it comes back to her hand, ready to be thrown again.

Pre-cast: Weapon of Awe, Bless and Returning Weapon, swift to activate Sacred Weapon: Flaming

+1 Flaming Throwing Axe: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 1 = 29 for 1d8 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 2 = 12 Plus Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Ashling steps forward, drawing her Scimitar, and casting Frostfall on Nazheena who should just barely be in her range.

Frostfall dc15 fort save or staggered

cold damage: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3

Ashling leaves the spell lingering on the witch before turning her attention to the ice monster

Samuel growls shocked "How can you say that Ariadna... they have done so much for us... perhaps... perhaps we have not understood you fully, but now we know... we can do better Ariadna"

He hears the proposal with disgust "Surveying Taldor as the dog of Elvanna? Never!" the Taldan grasps the musket with his two hands while frowning "We are a proud Empire and never receive orders from other nations dictators! If Elvanna wants that, she will have to kill every armored Taldan first!"

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17 +1 if ice or cold magic

"Ashling, she's a winter witch! Cold won't do anything! And shut off the Rider's mantle, or the cold aura will heal that golem!" Letitia shouts in exasperation. Though Callix's attack seemed true, Letitia feared the kind of impression her team was making so far.

I won't activate the Aura then!, The cloaks cold aura is something i have to consciously activate and my spell has a secondary affect useful against mages. Ashling turns her attention to the Golem, but keeps listening for any information Golem huh? Do you know anything else about it? i can hold it off while you all handle Nahzheena.

"Normal weapons won't hurt it," Letitia says quickly in response. "Use fire, if you've got it. Electricity will slow it down, but otherwise, don't bother with magic."

make sure you mark your positions on the map. Callix, you're pretty far back on the map now, I'm assuming you got closer than that to throw the axe? you're about 90 feet away right now

Callix throws her axe, hitting Nazheena and doing fire damage to her.

Ashling tries a frost spell, with cold sleet falling all around Nazheena. it seems to do nothing but somehow make the woman look more regal and intimidating, her weapon and gown glittering in the frost.

Ariadna looks back and forth between Nazheena and Samuel for a moment.
I'm sorry Samuel. you should sit this one out. I don't want to hurt you...

she casts a spell on Samuel and he finds himself suddenly unable to move!
Will Samuel (+2 vs divinations): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
I am having trouble finding the last time you used the 1/day reroll ability, so I don't know if it is still available for the day. if you have it available I'm assuming you would want to use it, and the roll is in the spoiler. decide if you want to use the roll, then look at the spoiler if you use it

bold may act
Samuel, Letitia, Golem, Nazheena, Callix, Ashling

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: Bless (+1 morale to hit and saves v. fear) |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 49/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status: Weapon of Awe, Returning Weapon
Letitia: HP: 44/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: mage armor, 8 thp
Llewellyn HP: 52/52 - AC: 23/21/13 Status:
Samuel HP: 51/51 - AC: 23/18/16 Status: paralyzed
Ashling HP: 42/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: -13 | AC: ??
Ice Monster HP: ?? | AC: ??
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

make sure you mark your positions on the map. Callix, you're pretty far back on the map now, I'm assuming you got closer than that to throw the axe? you're about 90 feet away right now

Sorry, yes, I assumed we all moved up during the talk -- didn't seem the sort of conversation we were shouting at 100' - but if nobody moved in during the conversation, then I'll change the action and start casting Silence under the cover of the trees.

Letitia scowls as Ariadna demonstrates real power and takes Samuel out of the fight. That left just Callix, Ashling and herself against two witches and a golem. She needed more allies, and she needed them now.

She stays floating in the air and begins the complex spell to bring in minions from beyond.

Casting summon monster III

I can't move myself on the map from my phone. I'll do that later today. Callix, I think we need to do damage so long as Samuel is held. An area of silence won't work very well with a flying witch, and messes up our own spellcasting. I think we all moved up.

Samuel freezes on place, unsure if for magic or just shock. Oath is already spent by my notes.

EDIT: If hold person as Callix suggests:
Will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Think it's good old fashioned Hold Person, Samuel - with a save every round.

Well, the thing about silence is that it can be cast on things. Like things you fire into flying witches. (But there's also the grounded witch able to make enough magic to hold Samuel) -- that said, if we've all moved up to where combat is feasible, as I said, I'm good and will stick with my original plan.

Like I said in my post, my assumption is that people moved up, I just need y'all to show where on the map. I think that makes the most sense, and we'll keep things as written with a flaming axe to the witch. I moved you up close enough to throw an axe (at 3 increments, but still a hit), but feel free to adjust the position

Samuel struggles against the magic holding him, and is able to break free after a moment. Likely Ariadna's inexperience made the spell easier to break?
it was indeed a hold person

The ice golem was too slow to block Callix's path as she walked past to throw her axe, but now it moves to defend the witches.
slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Callix dances out of the way of the attack

Nazheena recognizes the threat of another witch as the most important thing to deal with. She and Letitia face off, flying above the other combatants. Nazheena points at Letitia and the ice hand she created flies over to Letitia, touching her
melee touch attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Letitia feels her health drain away as dark light spreads from the ice hand
damage: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6, 2) = 10

Nazheena then flies back a little further, making it harder for Callix to attack her again.

the whole party may act I'm going to delay Ariadna until after the party just for ease of play on PbP

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: Bless (+1 morale to hit and saves v. fear) |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 49/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status: Weapon of Awe, Returning Weapon
Letitia: HP: 34/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: hex ward, flying, mage armor
Llewellyn HP: 52/52 - AC: 23/21/13 Status:
Samuel HP: 51/51 - AC: 23/18/16 Status:
Ashling HP: 42/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: -3 | AC: ??
Ice Golem HP: ?? | AC: ??
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

I think that's a reasonable position, though I don't love that I'm all alone there (with only a golem to keep me company)

Watching the witch drift back, Callix turns her attention to the immediate threat -- quickly and silently calling on the Drunken Hero for assistance, and feeling the energy of one of her spells flow through her in response. "I can't get close enough to throw at her again until I've chopped this thing into a gin slush," she warns, then turns the flaming axe on the golem.

Fervor to swift-cast divine favour

Modifiers: Bless (+1 to hit), DF (+3 to hit/damage); Weapon of Awe (+2 damage)

+1 Flaming Axe (melee): 1d20 + 10 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 3 + 1 = 29 for 1d8 + 7 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 + 2 = 15 plus fire: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Concentration DC 23: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Letitia winces when the spectral hand siphons off her life force, but she steeled herself and kept her mind focused. Perhaps it was because most of what Nazheena got was the false life of her earlier spell, but she doesn't lose the spell.

She completes the incantation, using the small cauldron she'd been carrying for just this purpose as a focus, and summons a number of air elementals that go streaking toward Nazheena.
Number of creatures (plus cauldron): 1d3 + 1d3 ⇒ (3) + (1) = 4

Before they get there, Letitia flies forward and targets Nazheena with a hex to strip away her defenses.

Evil Eye, DC 18, -2 to AC for 1 round, and for 8 rounds if she fails the save

Then the elemental surround Nazheena and begin pummeling her.

AE 1, slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

AE 2, slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

AE 3, slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

AE 4, slam: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Samuel shakes the magic holding him and steps forward through the path. He is clearly troubled by the development of the events, his usual cold stance lost "Ariadna, do not trust Nazheena, she is only using you. There are other ways" the Taldan looks a Letitia flying and summoning over the snow "Letitia tell her, tell you can also teach her the magic of the Jadwigas"

The man seems committed to talk, but then sees Callix suffering with the ice golem "Oh, damn it, do something Ashling! Help Callix there!" with a quick movement, he raises the musket and shots at the ice golem.
magic weaponed Musket+PB-DA (touch and precise shot): 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 23
Magic/Piercing/Bludgeoning damage+PB+DA+magic weapon: 1d12 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 = 15

Then quickly reloads the musket with a single movement.

HP 51/51 | AC 23 TAC 18
bullets 20
magic weapon 1 min

Normal weapons huh... Ashling pulls from across her Shoulder, the Black Adamantine Longsword rather than her Scimitar which is decidedly normal. She shifts her style to focus on the Rider persona's increased strength rather than her natural finesse.

Attack Adamantine Longsword: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Letitia focuses through the pain and sends a stream of elementals at Nazheena
will save: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Nazheena shrugs off the majority fo Letitia's hex, but still gets pummeled by 3 of the elementals.
as each one hits her, they are damaged by touching her icy flesh
cold damage AE2: 1d6 ⇒ 2
cold damage AE3: 1d6 ⇒ 6
cold damage AE4: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Meanwhile, Samuel Ashling and Callix all hit and deal good damage to the ice golem. Ashling's sword cuts right through, and the other two have enough umph to get damage through its resistance.

the ice golem shifts to the side, focusing on the enemy with fire

slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 3 + (6) = 14
slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (3) + 3 + (6) = 12
Callix is hit twice for 14 bludgeoning and 12 (reduced to 10) cold damage

Ariadna casts another spell, still trying not to hurt her brother but definitely trying to keep him at bay! she then retreats away from the melee fighters close to Nazheena
a storm of ice and snow kicks up, blocking everyone's sight and making the ground slick!
Sleet Storm

Nazheena glares at Letitia as the elementals surround her. but like Letitia she fights through the distraction of the summons and casts another spell
concentration: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

she summons her own storm. smaller in diameter than that of her apprentice, but much more potent. snow falls, making the ground difficult terrain. large hailstones begin to fall, pelting all in the area!
damage: 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (1, 1, 6) + (2, 1) = 11 8 bludgeoning and 3 cold to Letitia, Lazlo, and 2 elementals Letitia's normal resistance is reduced, and she still takes 1 cold damage.

The whole party can act!

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: Bless (+1 morale to hit and saves v. fear) |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 25/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status: Weapon of Awe, Returning Weapon
Letitia: HP: 25/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: hex ward, flying, mage armor
Llewellyn HP: 52/52 - AC: 23/21/13 Status:
Samuel HP: 51/51 - AC: 23/18/16 Status:
Ashling HP: 42/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: -3 | AC: ??
Ice Golem HP: -36 | AC: ??
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

AE1 AC 17, 13/13
AE2 AC 17, 11/13
AE3 AC 17, -4/13 | dead
AE4 AC 17, -1/13 | dead

Unable to see the golem - and hopefully, be seen by the golem, Callix starts moving toward the spellcasters, hoping to neutralize them, her well-trained grace allowing her to move across the ice - albeit more slowly than she'd like.

I have a +14 -- so I can't miss DC 10

By my math, 15' of move puts me on the edge - I assume that means I can see out (but not in?) Kind of affects what I do next (i.e. double move or something productive)

"Rats!" Samuel is forced to bring down his musket as the sleet starts to fall around. Tapping the snow in a failed attempt to see, he decides to move forward trying to see something and hopefully get out of the storm "Ariadna stop! This is no game! The lives of many people are at stake!"

Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20
Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28
Trying the air forward with his hand, Samuel advances slowly, until he bumps against the fence of the hut "Ok, Samuel... now to the right... they were to the right..."

That would be zero cold damage to Letitia. She has resist cold 5

"Nnnghh!" Letitia groans as she and her familiar are pummeled by the hailstones. Lazlo hoots weakly and flies off to the safety of a nearby branch.

Letitia rises up out of the cylinder of sleet left over from the ice storm. Per the spell description, it's 40' high.

When she spots Nazheena, she weaves one of her nastier spells and targets her with the intent to sew her lips shut.

Casting lipstitch, Fort DC 17 negates
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Meanwhile, the two remaining elementals flank and continue to attack the enemy witch.

Slam, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Slam, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 2 = 10
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Ashling's bright violet eyes glow through the sleet, winter itself seems to bend and move around her. not hindering the small girls movements and action, That is a good try, honestly. But i am far more than some child playing at the riders appearance...You see i was born to winter, of winter and speak for it. She continues attacking the Golem, letting out a somewhat ominous giggle as she does.

Longsword, Adamantine, bless, Flanking maybe?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Samuel and Callix are slowed down by the snow spell, slowly making their way out.
the spell specifically blocks all sight "within" the effect, so I'm going to say if you're in an affected square you're effectively blind. Callix would need to move again to get out of the effect. assuming that's what you do go ahead and position yourself one more move along.

Letitia attempts to fly out of the storm
you'll need a fly check for that I believe. going steeper than a 45 degree angle up is a DC 20 check, and there will be a -2 penalty to any fly checks from the storm. feel free to change your action based on that, or make a fly check

also, the cold resistance for Letitia is halved by one of Nazheena's abilities, hence still taking 1 point of cold damage

Ashling is completely unaffected by the snow magic, and freely attacks the golem, dealing good damage

the elementals attacking Nazheena miss her

Calix and Letitia make your adjustments to your actions as needed, then I'll post the next round

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: Bless (+1 morale to hit and saves v. fear) |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 25/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status: Weapon of Awe, Returning Weapon
Letitia: HP: 25/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: hex ward, flying, mage armor
Llewellyn HP: 52/52 - AC: 23/21/13 Status:
Samuel HP: 51/51 - AC: 23/18/16 Status:
Ashling HP: 42/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: -3 | AC: 21
Ice Golem HP: -46 | AC: ??
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

AE1 AC 17, 13/13
AE2 AC 17, 11/13
AE3 AC 17, -4/13 | dead
AE4 AC 17, -1/13 | dead

Fly: 1d20 + 6 + 3 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 3 + 4 - 2 = 19

I guess I'm staying put. But since the spell description of ice storm doesn't say it blocks line of sight, I'll still target her with my spell.

Edit: see discussion for a question about the fly spell

Then it's a double move and Callix is out.

Eh, nevermind all that. Apparently I can move up at a 45 degree angle without a Fly check. I'll end up somewhere over Ariadna, and should be higher than her hex can reach, and still within 40 feet of Nazheena for my spell to reach her.

Letetia and Callix emerge from the very isolated storms and Letitia casts a spell at Nazheena
fort save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

The ice golem attacks Ashling through the snow
slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
miss chance DC 50: 1d100 ⇒ 55
damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 3 + (4) = 11
slam: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
miss chance DC 50: 1d100 ⇒ 61
Ashling is hit once for 7 damage (cold resistance ignores the other 4)

Ariadna can't see Samuel anymore and turns her attention to the more immediate threats. She hurls a ball of ice at Callix
ranged touch: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19 15 cold damage
4d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 4, 1) = 17

Nazheena continues to mostly ignore the elementals around her, as she is entirely focused on the witch fight with Letitia.
It's cute that you think you can best me, little one. I am one of the queen's favored. facing me really is idiotic
the ice hand floats over to Letitia again, touching her and delivering another spell
concentration DC 19: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
touch attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Suddenly Letitia finds it really really hard to focus. she feels her mind slipping as things that felt clear a moment ago are hard to focus on. her thoughts slow to a crawl...
touch of idiocy, dealing a -5 penalty to all three mental scores

the whole party may act

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: Bless (+1 morale to hit and saves v. fear) |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 10/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status: Weapon of Awe, Returning Weapon
Letitia: HP: 25/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: hex ward, flying, mage armor, -5 INT/CHA/WIS
Llewellyn HP: 52/52 - AC: 23/21/13 Status:
Samuel HP: 51/51 - AC: 23/18/16 Status:
Ashling HP: 35/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: -3 | AC: 21
Ice Golem HP: -46 | AC: ??
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

AE1 AC 17, 13/13
AE2 AC 17, 11/13
AE3 AC 17, -4/13 | dead
AE4 AC 17, -1/13 | dead

Ashling continues to battle the golem, aiming for what would be its neck

Adamantine longsword: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Oblivious to the chaos happening around, Samuel holds himself against the fence and tries to make his way through the falling sleet.
Acrobatics DC 10: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (14) + 14 = 28

As he stumbles with the ice golem, he quickly reacts and shots wildly into the sleet towards the icy body he hit "Rats! What is going on?! Letitia, Callix, I cannot see anything in this storm!"
+1 Musket+PB-DA (touch and precise shot): 1d20 + 12 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 - 2 = 15
Piercing/Bludgeoning damage+PB+DA+magic weapon: 1d12 + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 + 4 + 1 = 21
Mischance 50%: 1d100 ⇒ 80

Through his extreme expertise, the gunslinger manages to find the powder and bullet to reload his musket despite the falling sleet.

HP 51/51 | AC 23 TAC 18
bullets 19
magic weapon 1 min

Given the sleet's total concealment Samuel avoids all the AoOs otherwise he would generate here. I am assuming on his movement east he stumbles with the ice golem, effectively pinpointing him, but if the golem just let's him pass, he will continue moving forward without knowing the golem's location.

Letitia recoiled from the spell that sapped her mental facilities. Sheer panic threatened to take over; desperation and fear that Nazheena was unbeatable nearly took total hold.

But the thunderous report of Samuel's rifle and his voice over the storms catches her attention, just as she sees Callix getting clobbered by a spell from Ariadna.

"Samuel! This way! Your sister is about to kill Callix!!" she shouts as she drops down from the sky, landing next to the Ulfen. She touches her with her healing hex.

Cure Moderate: 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (6, 4) + 6 = 16

She turns to the junior witch, whom she had once been friends with back in Heldren. "Do you realize that Nazheena will kill your brother?!?! Stop helping her!!"

Samuel yells out for help and Letitia tries to give him some indication of where to go. Samuel struggles through the storm, and can hear the sound of Ashling and the golem fighting each other. He tries to aim his musket through the snow to help.

Before he can act, Ashling manages to find a vital spot, dancing around the golem that is somehow more hindered by the snow storm than the human girl. the construct falls to the ground.

unfortunately, when it falls it shatters into a thousand shards of ice, spearing Ashling and Samuel!
Icy Destruction: 3d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1) + (4, 3) = 13
Reflex Ashling: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 + 2 = 16
Reflex Samuel: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
luckily it is not as forceful of an explosion as it could have been, and both party members are able to shield themselves in time to avoid some damage.
Samuel takes 3 piercing and 2 cold damage
Ashling takes 3 piercing and 0 cold damage

Letitia abandons the duel in the sky for a moment, dropping down to heal her Ulfen ally. probably much to the surprise of Nazheena! you're helping an Ulfen warrior??

Ariadna looks hesitant for a moment, but yells back at Letitia
You lie! Nazheena promised she wouldn't kill my brother. He's one of us! we can be together here! happy and safe!

Callix, Nazheena, Ariadna, Samuel, Letitia, Ashling

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: Bless (+1 morale to hit and saves v. fear) |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 26/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status: Weapon of Awe, Returning Weapon
Letitia: HP: 25/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: hex ward, flying, mage armor, -5 INT/CHA/WIS
Llewellyn HP: 52/52 - AC: 23/21/13 Status:
Samuel HP: 46/51 - AC: 23/18/16 Status:
Ashling HP: 32/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: -3 | AC: 21
Ice Golem HP: -55 | AC: ?? | dead
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

AE1 AC 17, 13/13
AE2 AC 17, 11/13
AE3 AC 17, -4/13 | dead
AE4 AC 17, -1/13 | dead

"Happy?!? Do you even know Samuel? Even if he's not killed, you'll have to keep him in a cage under Elvanna's rule! Will he be happy with that? Will you!?"

Whoops. Forgot my elementals.

Slam (flank): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Slam (flank): 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Ashling uncharacteristically takes a chunk of the golem that remains, something identifiable and tosses it out into the open with a somewhat deranged giggle One down, your next Nazheena, can you see me? Because i can see you clear as day

Samuel hears the burst on time and covers himself with his musket and arms. He tenses his face as the pointy shards pierce his flesh.

Without the golem there, the Taldan finds the way almost free out of the sleet storm.
Acrobatics for the second move action: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Emerging at the other side, Samuel makes a quick picture of all the situation "Your ice golem is no more, Nazheena. The Black Rider has destroyed it. Baba Yaga's arm is long" and looking at Ariadna "Forget her selfish and faux promises Ariadna, she is a traitor to the rules of her own country"

HP 46/51 AC 23 TAC 18
bullets 20
magic weapon 1 min

Nazheena is hit by both elementals, but they also take damage for touching her icy skin
damage AE1: 1d6 ⇒ 1
damage AE1: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Callix steps forward, closing with the flying witch to throw the flaming axe once again, then quickly calls on the Drunken Hero to mend her wounds, burning away some of her spell energy to do so. As she throws, she says to the younger witch, "She is our enemy. An enemy to all of us, even if you can't recognize it," clearly making no move to attack the girl.

Throwing Axe (into Melee, ugh): 1d20 + 10 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 3 + 1 - 4 = 21 for 1d8 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 8 + 3 = 14 Plus Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Fervor to CMW (From Silence): 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 5) + 6 = 15

Ok, the map seems to indicate there's a spot I can throw from without stepping into Adriana - or am I just being optimistic (for that matter, does she have a weapon in hand, because if she doesn't threaten, I'll step in)

Callix manages to just barely get the angle past the elementals to hit Nazheena.

she steps right up to Ariadna, trying to convince her not to keep fighting. she is not currently holding a weapon

Nazheena glares at the woman who just hit her with an axe and hurls a ball of ice in reply
concentration DC 17: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
ranged touch: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
damage: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 4, 2, 2, 3) = 13
Fortitude Callix: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
11 damage and staggered

The young woman steps back, attention now on Callix. I don't know you, Ulfen. and you know nothing about me! now stay back!

a familiar spear of ice shoots out of the ground under Callix, stabbing at her
ice spear damage: 2d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) + (6, 1) = 15
Reflex Callix: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
trip?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
does only 13 damage due to resistance, but trips Callix

the party may act!

Stat Tracker
Global Condition: Bless (+1 morale to hit and saves v. fear) |

Party Condition:
Callix HP: 2/51 - AC: 20/14/16 Status: Weapon of Awe, Returning Weapon, prone, staggered
Letitia: HP: 25/36 - AC: 18/12/15 Status: hex ward, flying, mage armor, -5 INT/CHA/WIS
Llewellyn HP: 52/52 - AC: 23/21/13 Status:
Samuel HP: 46/51 - AC: 23/18/16 Status:
Ashling HP: 32/44 - AC: 19/15/15 Status: Cold 5

NPCs:
Nazheena HP: -26 | AC: 21
Ice Golem HP: -55 | AC: ?? | dead
Ariadna HP: ?? | AC: ??

AE1 AC 17, 12/13
AE2 AC 17, 9/13
AE3 AC 17, -4/13 | dead
AE4 AC 17, -1/13 | dead

GM, could I see how Ariadna cast that spell? Was it from a wand like mine, or is she high enough level to cast third level spells?!?

Samuel double moves around the second storm of ice while raising his musket. As he moves through the frosted ground, he spins the weapon, reversing it, and reaching Ariadna, he pushes her softly placing the butt on her chest "Ariadna. Do you see what you are doing and saying? You are killing me sister" Samuel places the barrel's mouth on his chest, directly leaning on his own heart "If you truly want to rule over our homeland with a cold hand and a frosted heart. Then, I have already failed and I do not want to see the rest. You can well pull that trigger and blast me dead here and now"

The Taldan holds the barrel tight and straight and clenches his teeth while staring Ariadna with all his grit.

So Ashling has no way to actually hit Nazheena because shooting into melee and she's not a ranged person... like at all. So she going to go up to the Hut and see if she can open it.

It look like from the map that Nazheena moved out of melee. Which should provoke AoOs from my elementals, right?

AoO Elemental 1: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 2 = 26
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

AoO Elemental 2: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Letitia gapes at Samuel's reckless ploy. And I thought it was me that got her faculties reduced. "Samuel! We don't have time for this! Shoot Nazheena!" she shouts. Then, praying to all the powers of Winter that her diminished hex takes hold, she targets Ariadna with her Slumber hex.

Will DC 16 or fall asleep for 6 rounds (touch of idiocy penalty is already factored in)

Then she resumes flight, rising up into the sky as fast as her spell will allow.

Fly: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

Her two elementals resume pursuit of Nazheena, again flanking her.

Elemental 1: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Elemental 2: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Callix stands, spins the axe in her hands, and looks at the younger witch, then back at Samuel and says, "You're right. I don't know you. But I know Samuel... and," she hurls the axe at the flying witch once more and adds, "I know the Jadwiga... if you're not an enemy to her now, it's because she thinks you're useful.... and one day, you won't be anymore. Maybe you'll challenge her, maybe you'll question her judgement in killing your brother, or maybe you'll just not obey her fast enough... ." She shrugs as she catches the axe once more, "..but, no matter the cause, that day will come."

Throwing Axe (into melee): 1d20 + 10 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 3 + 1 - 4 = 22 for 1d8 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 3 = 19 Plus Fire: 1d6 ⇒ 4

Fervor: 4d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 2, 5) = 11 Well, that's not good.