Return of Winter by Artofregicide (Inactive)

Game Master Artofregicide

"Perhaps one is around here"

Wulfgang looks for a good campsite.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"Let both check the immediate surround area."

Survival : 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Road to Whitethrone: Night One

You press forward, not wanting to waste daylight- you have at least another four or five hours until nightfall. Your trek through the Irriseni hinterlands is tense but uneventful. You hear isolated bird calls, but there is no additional attacks to be had. But how long it will be until the Jadwiga come after you in earnest, it's hard to say. Nonetheless, you march along your path until the sun begins to set.

Goliath, with his innate knowledge of the surrounding area picks out a campsite sheltered in the hollow of a thicket, insulated from three cold and prying eyes. He also manages to forage enough food for himself, Therm, and the other three members of the party. Wulfgang is confounded by how barren these lands are. An expert huntress herself, Nadya tracks a white furred stag but it flees before she can take a shot, and this comes home empty-handed.

With bellies full and the fire burning low, but before you settle in to your tents and winter blankets you sit together. Nadya returns from her tent after her sons drift to sleep, watched over by the ever vigilant catch.

The tragically young widow asks rather abruptly to all of you:

"I know why I go to Whitethrone, even if it is my death. A woman can only take so much before she rises up. But why are you so adamant in delving the icy jaws of death? If you don't mind me asking, that is."

You can see the flaming embers reflected in her eyes and in her fiery spirit.

Do you set a watch, and if so, what is the order?

"My family has been in Irrisen for many generations. I was born free of Jadwiga rule but my ancestors were not. So, my family helps people. We help people leave and we help them fight. The tyranny of the current queen is especially awful. That quest lead me to seek the Blackrider, which in turn lead me to these brave people to how I have been joined."

First, watch would be best for Goliath as he can do it in a form with darkvision and scent. Goliath can also cast a campfire wall around Nadya and the kids.

After Goliath spoke, the priestess offered, "I saw the tyranny of the jadwiga in my village, and vowed to myself that I would leave these frozen lands behind me when I was old enough. But when I came upon my Goddess, I found that such an action would be selfish. I would be saving myself, but condemning others to suffer under the winter witches. So I dedicated my life to helping others escape Irrisen, much like Goliath, until I discovered you all and found a much more straightforward path to throwing off the yoke of oppression."

Cylina would prefer last watch...I imagine she likes to watch the sun rise.

Irina needs either first or last for spells.

"We didn't intend to come to these lands. We're from a land far to the south called Taldor in the village of Heldren. It was snowing in the summer and fey had come through the portal there. Our village asked us to investigate. The next thing we know there was a man asking us to go through the portal and find out what happened to Babba Yaga. She has not returned. We cannot go back the way we came and our quest takes us to Whitethrone. If I had a choice I'd not be in these lands again. I got free once." Irina looks troubled as she explains why she's headed to the city.

"Aye I am from this area but as Irina says We are looking for the Old Witch. But if you fear Nadya to stand up we will lend a hand out to you and help you on your quest as well. We are here for you"

Wulfgang cracks a rare smile.

Road to Whitethrone: Night One

For just a moment, the usually serious woman lets her guard down as well and grins.

"It's nice not to be alone in this. The White Witches won't know what hit them..."

She grows more somber.

"For my husband. And for my little Thora. But we should sleep now, tomorrow will be long, and I fear the Jadwiga are not done with us yet."

Unless requested to stay, she adjourns to sleep in her tent alongside the twins and the house spirit Hatch.

What you do next is up to you.

Goliath might as well include the whole encampment in the campfire wall spell? Up to you.

How is this for watch order:

Goliath
Wolfgang
Nadya & Hatch
Cylina & Irina

If you're happy with it, we can make it default and not go through this every time you rest. Also, this way you have two characters with +3 on the last shift instead of just one.

Campfire wall means you can't see out and going into it causes damage so it's better for the people who are not going do any watches to just say in it and people taking watch it say out once they leave. Best use is everybody but Goliath starts in and people bring their bedrolls out and not reenter once the take a watch.

Goliath is happy with the order

"Spend the night with your family. It will be good for all of you."

I'm happy with the watch order.

Cylina offered a wave and a brief smile to Nadya before the woman wandered to her tent and family, wishing that her own were also here. The priestess offered a brief prayer to Milani to watch over the group before she spread out her bedroll and prepared to get what sleep she might. The winter witches were a spiteful group, and the priestess was sure rest would be hard to come by before long.

that's good

Wulfgang watches over the party on his turn, worrying about an ambush from agents of the witches.

Road to Whitethrone: Day Two

The night passes uneventfully.

You wake early, as the suns first rays begin to crawl across the snowy landscape. Breakfast is simple but satisfyingly warming. Working together, you break down the camp and pack up the sleigh. And then you follow the lightly trodden path before you.

About two hours later, the morning sun is in full swing, but the inescapable chill pervades despite your exertion. You suddenly pause at the sound of the cries of a wounded animal, clearly in pain DC 12 nature to identify, DC20 perception to know more. The sounds are coming from a tangled pine grove nearby. But you can easily ignore it and continue on.

What do you do?

* * * * *

Cylina opened her eyes as the others woke her for her shift, smiling at the dark sky beyond. Not that life here in Irrisen had gotten any easier, but she had lived another night after the mayhem they had caused at the Pale Tower. Another night of defiance. The priestess spent the remainder of the night watching intently around the camp while silently giving Milani praise. Surely Her hand was at work with the group's actions.

When morning came Cylina helped Irina wake the others, the normal morning routine calming the anxieties about the journey to Whitethrone. It was cold out and the sun's rays did little to help, but the cleric was a native of the land and was used to it. Later, when the group heard the cries, the priestess furrowed her brow, taking a look around before saying in her relatively thick accent, "What do you all think? This land is brutal, and we can't go about investigating every distressed animal, I say."

"I don't want to explore any potentially dangerous animals with the kids around so maybe some take a wide birth, someone with some ranged ability Therm, Wolfgang and I can go inspect."

Know Nature: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Irina listens carefully, "It's timber wolves, and one is in pain. The other's are crying with it. I can't stand to hear a creature in pain. Can we just take a quick peek and see if we help, please?"

"I understand the concern for the children. We should keep them far away."

"We need to price compassion when we are given the opportunity too."

"Let's go check it out."

Will : 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17

Knowing they are dealing with witches Goliath trys to hear for any tell of an auditory illusion after a quicck prayer for strength.

Cylina just nodded wearily when it seemed the group had decided to investigate the noises that Irina had identified as wolves. The priestess had a quick word with Nadya to let her know to hide with the children while the others went to investigate, then she got ready to head out with the rest of the party when they were ready.

knowledge nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Wulfgang tries to calm the wolves.

"Perhaps I can help"

animal empathy: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Road to Whitethrone: Day Two

Leaving Nadya, her children and Hatch with the sleigh on the road, toy cautiously move into the copse of pine trees. You push through the evergreen needles only to hear the sound of growing. Inside a small clearing are four hulking grey timber wolves. Three canines circle the fourth, a clearly pregnant female whose leg is caught in a vicious looking beartrap. You believe she has been held here for some time.

As Wulfgang moves forward and attempts to calm the beasts, the three free wolves turn and begin advance menacingly. They're clearly distressed and trying to protect the female, and thus very much on edge. If pushed any farther, they'll undoubtedly attack Wild empathy failed by 5 or more, causing the wolves to drop in attitude to hostile.

Though as far as he is aware Goliath hasn't interacted with any potential illusion, he doesn't feel misled.

I'm assuming these are medium creatures? If they are not large or larger I cannot wild empathy them.

"Back away. I will go in alone and let them attack me while I get the trap of. I'm going to cast bark skin but if anyone has some protection magic they want to send my way I will take it."

Cylina looked at Goliath askance, clearly taken aback at his suggestion. "Are you mad!? Those wolves will tear you apart!" The priestess shook her head, but still prepared to call upon Milani's blessings should the druid be hardheaded enough to try anyway.

"We can fight them And try not to kill them or walk away but Irina seemed to want to help.

"Yes I want to help them. The poor mother. I have a Mage Armor spell, but that won't help much." She looks toward the group of wolves with sadness. "She can't have her cubs like that."

"Please try. I'll cast Glitterdust on them if they attack you Goliath."

Cylina frowned, but as it seemed the group as a whole was intent upon the venture of freeing the pregnant wolf, all she could do was stand ready to assist should the party's good intentions not be satisfactory to the savage beasts.

Road to Whitethrone: Day Two

Irina and Goliath seem determined to assist the trapped to-be mother wolf, whilst Cylina prepares for the worst and Wulfgang hangs back silently. The druid casts an abjuration on himself, his flesh growing as hard as gnarled wood. The witch prepares a radiant burst to temporarily blind the beasts but not harm them, while the cleric braces herself for unfortunate injuries...

Goliath cautiously steps forward, one step, then another as the growling intensifies and hackles raise. On his fourth step, the wolves charge and many things happen at once:

Irina unleashes an explosion of shimmering, blinding light which overwhelms two of the canines, who nonetheless dash heedlessly forward relying on their keen senses scent and hearing to guide them and their natural ability to keep them from stumbling. They snap and snarl at Goliath but their jaws never get closer than 3 ft. away. The only unhindered wolf, a powerful charcoal pelted alpha leaps at the druid but his fangs fail to find purchase on his stone plated armor. Still, he's surrounded by these furious creatures, desperate to defend their own.

Everyone may act

I don't think this encounter is important enough to warrant creating a map, so we'll play this theater of the mind.

Initiative:
Goliath 21
Wulfgang 12
Irina 8
Timber Wolves 7
Cylina 2

Therm follows on Goliath heals protecting him from attack. Goliath takes the most direct route assuming that his unexpected actions will have left them flatfooted and to off balance to attack. He pulls out an exotic knife that also works well for prying (Kunai acts as a crowbar but can be drawn as part of a move action) and tryies to open the trap.

Strength : 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Irina casts Mage Armor on herself, and moves closer into the fray. She tries to distract the alpha wolf while Goliath does tries to open the trap. "Hey you!" She waves her arms as she rushes forward.

Cylina sighed as Goliath and then the much less armored Irina waded into the snapping morass of wolves, hefting her shield and morningstar and following along tightly on their rear. The priestess wasn't overly concerned about the wolves' ability to tear into the group, but she wasn't excited about testing the idea, either.

Goliath looks back at the group. "If you are wondering I know precisely how stupid this is."

Therm Bodyguard Rolls: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 71d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Wulfgang swings at the male.

I hate to kill this beast but...

attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Road to Whitethrone: Day Two

Goliath and his trusty companion push though the wave of snarling and mostly blind canines, breaking past the beasts with surprisingly little issue. The alpha snaps at Goliath's heels as he passes but the other two are too distraught by their sudden loss of sight to react. Reaching the vicious trap, the burly man tries to pry open the jaws and nearly manages it before his hold slips.

Wulfgang too rushed forward, but decides not to follow the others in their decision not to harm the creatures. He swings at the alpha wolf with his terrible axe, but the wiley beast sidesteps his blow.

Irina wards herself with a ghostly set of armor and rushes forward, attending to draw the attention of the alpha but failing to do so. The beast is fixated on the man who attacked him.

A creature of instinct, the charcoal black furred wolf leaps at Wulfgang, sinking his teeth deep into the man's arm. As he does this, the gray and white wolves also move into position using smell and strike. While the viking fends off the snow pelted wolf, the gray haired wolf catches his leg and pulls him to the ground. And then the white wolf lunges, she too biting him, this time on the hand. In the end, the man is laid sprawling and bleeding between three very angry wolves 29 points of damage and prone. Worse yet, the gray beast seems to have regained his sight.

On the other hand, the pregnant female barely manages a snarl and a half-hearted snap at Goliath, but nothing more.

Cylina moves forward just in time to see Wulfgang get pulled down. It's clear the man won't be able to take much more punishment from the pack. She's well aware how savage the wilds of Irrisen can be.

Initiative:
Goliath 21
Wulfgang 12
Irina 8
Timber Wolves 7
Cylina 2

I have realized that with scent the wolves can pinpoint your location within 5 ft. and therefore do not have a miss chance. I won't retroactively roll for last round due to the "hands off the chess piece" rule.

Strength: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

"This thing is on there tight."

Therm Bodyguard Rolls: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 131d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

"No! We're trying to help you! Don't hurt us." She continues to rush into the fray. She pulls out a dagger and gets next to Wulfram, .

She'll attack any creature that attacks Wulfram.

Readied Attack +1 Silver Dagger: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Yes I am aware this is stupid. I asked to help the wolves, and I'm not standing back while they shred my friends.

It's all good it's what a bunch of us would do.

Cylina stopped her forward progress as Wulfgang was pulled down by a trio of the clever wolves. While the people might have thicker armor, on the ground they'd be much easier targets for the creatures. She whispered a quick prayer to Milani, grasping her holy symbol before stepping out towards the barbarian and touching his arm, relieving some of his pain and healing a fair share of his wounds.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 4 = 13

Wulfgang stands and swings at the alpha male.

"Bah he is too quick"

attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

damage: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Road to Whitethrone: Day Two

Goliath continues to fight with the mechanism, his efforts so far failing to make any progress. Therm guards his back as he works.

Wulfgang pulls himself from the snow, but in doing so exposes himself to the infuriated canines. The newly unblinded gray wolf misjudges the distance and misses his with his jaws. The black wolf is more precise and tears yet again into his flesh 10 points of damage again!. In great pain, he swings at the alpha but again the beast is too fast for him.

Seeing Wulfgang's predicament, Irina rushes in with dagger in hand. She swings wildly in attempt to draw attention away from her heavily bleeding comrade, but fails to a land a blow.

As the party surrounds the park, the timber wolves become desperate yo grenad off what they perceive to be a terrible threat. The alpha turns tail and answers the pained cries of his mate charging, provokes AoO from Wulfgang only. Unless downed in a single blow, the wolf leaps on Therm, nearly getting a grip on vulnerable throat. Nevertheless, he finds a hold and drags the tusked beast to the ground Almost critical threat, successful trip knocks Therm prone,
10 hp again, again!. Despite lacking eyesight, the white wolf manages to catch her teeth on Irina's arm, but fails to get a hold to drag her down 8 hp damage. The pregnant wolf again feebly snaps at Goliath but doesn't even touch his thick stone armor...

Cylina rushes forward to save the towering northman, laying her healing hands on his wounds- closing some of them but also bloodying her fingers and palms.

Initiative:
Goliath 21
Wulfgang 12
Irina 8
Timber Wolves 7
Cylina 2

Strength: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"I think I got it."

Therm Bodyguard Rolls: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 201d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

The redheaded priestess cursed in frustration as multiple companions are inflicted with injuries by the vicious and terrified wolves, shouting, "Quit getting bitten, damn it all!" Rosy red light pulsed out from the holy symbol she held as she called upon her Goddess for healing power, making sure to exclude any of the wolves who had been damaged so far.

Channel Heal: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 5) = 7

If I still can I will have Therm stand up in total defence. If not I will save it for next round.

Wulfgang swings as the wolf moves.

attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

damage: 1d12 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Road to Whitethrone: Day Two

This time, the alpha turns his back to Wulfgang and pays the price for it. Deadly axe clips the hulking canine, drawing significant blood but failing to halt his charge at Therm.

Finally, Goliath manages to force the metal jaws of the beartrap open, freeing the pregnant timber wolf. She yelps with surprise, but it's enough to draw the attention of her pack. The feral beasts quickly withdraw, circling the still wounded female and slink back into the forest. It isn't long until the last blinded wolf regains her sight as well and the glowing fades. If Cylina allows them to benefit from her channel, the alpha and the female look close to full strength, otherwise they limp.

Regardless, you've accomplished your goal here.

2,400 XP gained, 600 XP per character.

"Sorry all. Sorry Therm. You all were not supposed to have to get hurt. I can cure someone if they need."

Looking over to the cart. "Nadya are you and the kids ok?"

Irina plops down on the ground in the bloodied snow. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean for anyone to get hurt. I should have thought this through. I'm so glad they were freed though. I can't imagine being caught and near giving birth." She rocks back and forth a little bit. "I can, well, cast Infernal Healing on someone who will take it. I know not all are interested in that."

Goliath plunks down in the snow beside Irina. Then lays in the snow trying to be as causal as possible. Hands folded behind his head.

"Hey, it's ok, we all survived. Think of it this way. There is one pack of wolves out here that knows our scent and won't want to attack us; we helped a mother in need; and all it cost us was some spells. Resources well spent if you ask me." then trying to lighten the mod further Goliath says, "Some even say scars make you look 'cool' and dangerous."

"Ah devil magic or not. I need healing. Thank you Irina"

Cylina sighed and patted Irina on the shoulder as the woman sank to the ground. "You meant well. There's little enough of that in the world." The priestess stepped a few paces away and then addressed the group.

"Gather round and Milani's grace will ease your hurts so we can continue onward."

Channel 1: 2d6 ⇒ (1, 2) = 3
Cure Mod on Wulfgang (drop Spiritual Weapon): 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (2, 8) + 4 = 14

Road to Whitethrone: Day Two

The wolves are now fully out of view, but you can hear the sound of howling- answered by a larger chorus. Apparently the four beasts you met were part of a much larger pack. Goliath, being a man of nature, recognizes these are calls of excitement and joy as the mother is reunited with her kin, and not a rallying cry to hunt or retribution.

You apply healing to yourselves, both the gentle balm of the Everbloom and the fecund vitality of fiend blood go ahead and cast any additional healing you need. You also find that Nadya, her children, and Hatch are unharmed as they remained with the sleigh on the road.

Seeing how bloodied you are in conjunction with the sounds coming from the woods, Nadya raises an eyebrow inquisitively but says nothing.

You continue on your path for another six and a half hours, meeting no one. You stop for a brief rest at a surprisingly cozy inn before pushing another three hours. The sun had just begun to set when you spot three hulking figures on the horizon, heading in your direction. Two appear to appear to be about ten feet high, the third standing maybe six. All are an ethereal blue color that blends into the landscape.

Ice Trolls. One is carrying what appears to be half an elk over it's shoulder, entrails dragging gruesomely behind. The larger pair carry an axe and a spear, the smaller one lacks a weapon other than its wicked claws.

They don't seem to have spotted you.

What do you do?

"Do you all want to hide or face them head on. I warn you this Borland this body and this are hid about as well a a barn on a plan. Plus we have to hide this northern elephant."

"Quick off the road. Let's avoid them if we can." Irina encourages the group to hide as best they can.

"If we can't hide, and ambush might be our best bet."