Return of Winter by Artofregicide (Inactive)

Game Master Artofregicide

Wulfgang tries to break free again.

CMB: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

"Rrr..

Tusk blade Attack on Net: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 - 2 = 5 Well shucks.

Concentration: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Attack: 1d20 + 10 - 1 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 1 - 2 + 1 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Goliath focus through the strain of the entanglement increasing his size and putting the woman in reach.

Therm and Goliath 5ft out of reach.

Sighing in relief as the resin finally stopped restricting her moving the priestess held the loaded crossbow in one hand while she reached out with the other and let divine energy flow through into the wounded Wulfgang, hopefully getting him back to fighting shape.

Cure Moderate Wounds (converted Lesser Restoration): 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11

That should heal 11 lethal and 11 non-lethal, I believe.

Road to Whitethrone: Day Three

Battle Map Link

I knew I'd get the two brothers confused. Aiven is conscious, Petri is unconscious. Mechanically speaking, they're identical- hence the confusion.

The chaos of battle continues, but clearly the party has the upper hand...

Now free of the entangling ooze, Cylina invokes the healing power of her goddess, restoring much needed strength to the haggard looking Wulfgang. She also draws her crossbow, as the most dangerous foe appears to be the most inaccessible.

Irina takes a shot at the armored woman atop the carriage, but between the entanglement of the net and her own frustration, the bolt flies off into the horizon.

Goliath finishes his primal incantation, and grows twice in size- now literally a giant. A single swipe from his scimitar is more than enough to free Therm from the net, which falls to pieces around the now unencumbered beast.

Anguished and exhausted, Wulfgang still fights against the leather cobra but fails to break free of its constricting coils...

Nadya rushes across the snow, finding another spot to fire from and loosing yet another arrow. This one slams into Dunya's back, finding a chink in her armor and burying itself almost to the fletching maximum damage!. The slaver shouts in frustrated pain, but does not fall...

Aiven fights ferociously, though a bit dismayed to see his foe continue to stand with the power of Milani behind him. Nevertheless, he brings his deadly polearm to bear yet again on his fellow Skald, striking him severely 10 points of lethal damage. And the magical whip continues to constrict around him 5 points of nonlethal damage, Wulfgang should be at 24 hp/17 nonlethal hp. He is no longer staggered.

Realizing the situation has turned entirely against her but also that she may very well turn this to her advantage, Dunya shouts down to her fellow:

Skald "Aiven! These are adventurers, interloping in Irrisen! We'd get a small fortune to report them to the Winter Guard- quickly, let's go!"

Eyes wet with rage, Aiven screams back, shaking his head furiously:

Skald "No! Not without my brother- I cannot leave him!"

With a bemused snort, Dunya abandons her ally:

Skald"Suit yourself then- best of luck fighting six against one. Idiot!"

She turn grabs the reins with one hand and drives the sleigh onward- nearly crushing Cylina under hoof.

The sleigh moves 80 ft. north west, no one is close enough to reach Dunya with an attack of opportunity. If she wishes, Cylina can take an attack of opportunity against one of the Hoarwood reindeer pulling the carriage (Wulfgang is grappled and cannot).

Initiative:
Dunya 11
Nadya 9
Aiven 8
Cylina 8
Irina 8
Petri 7
Goliath 4
Wulfgang 4

GM, could they take AOOs and aim for the harnesses cutting them free? Like when someone draws a potion and you target it.

Irina casts Boneshaker on the fleeing woman. "Not so fast. We can't have you reporting us."

DC 17 Fort Save for Half and she's not moved: 5d6 ⇒ (5, 4, 4, 4, 5) = 22
The range is 100 ft + 10 feet per level for 140 feet. If she fails she's pushed five feet. I'd like her pushed off the sled seat.

In the interest of fairness, I had drawn my crossbow, so I don't think an AOO is a possibility.

Nearly getting trampled by the giant reindeer, Cylina tried to shoot at Dunya as she retreated, though her aim was way off as she tried to regain her balance after having stumbled to the side. Cursing, she stepped forward a couple of paces as she reloaded the device.

MW Light Crossbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Fire, 5' step forward, reload

Stone call Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6

The woman, the reindeer and the cart are all in the radius with all of the rest of the rocks in front of them. Hopefully, that will give us a few more shots at her. Then goliath will follow along 20ft.

Road to Whitethrone: Day Three

Battle Map Link

Still in the tangelfoot bag, Goliath moves at half speed

Cylina takes a shot at the fleeing woman, but her bolt soars off into the distance, not coming close to the swiftly retreating carriage.

Irina instead draws from her most terrible hexes, and attempts to wrest control of the slaver's very bones. But Dunya is hardy from years of survival, and no stranger to the power of witches- and resists the call. Nevertheless, you can hear at least one of her bones snap painfully.

Still effected by the tangelfoot bag, Goliath moves at half speed

Goliath too attempts to stop or delay the sleigh, creating an erruption of sleet, ice, gravel and churned permafrost. The hail of battering materials slows the carriage, which instinctively veers away from the center of the earthen maelstrom. Despite taking serious battery, the sleigh continues its desperate flight.

With building, feral rage Wulfgang fights against the constricting coils yet again. He finally breaks entirely free of the whip, which uncoils and prepares again to to strike.

Nadya charges forward, dropping her shortbow in favor of handaxe. She leaps towards Aiven, who is distracted by dealing with Wulfgang and fails to turn in time- despite his incredible combat reflexes. She buries the axe in his hand, and he drops to the ground, incapacitated and in agony- though not in reach of death.

Both of the brothers are incapacitated but not dying or dead.

Pulling some distance away from the heroes, Dunya cackles back to you, blood streaming down from her mouth:

Common "Too late, adventurers! You'll regret crossing the Cold Chain Gang, I swear it!"

Though none of you see it, she wipes away the blood from her lips and draws a small vial, takes a swig of it, and continues her course. Her worst wounds begin to lose, and her bleeding stops.

The sleigh moves a total of 80 ft., veering away from the center of the stone call effect- spending 40 ft. of movement in difficult terrain, and 40 ft. in regular terrain for a total distance of 60 ft. The sleigh is now 200 ft. away.

Oblivious to its owner's condition, the serpent-like whip mindlessly lashes at Wulfgang again, striking him yet again with agonizing force
9 nonlethal and yet again wrapping around him tightly grappled.

I can't find anywhere that says that a dancing weapon deactivates when its owner goes down, so the whip is still up.

Initiative:
Dunya 11
Nadya 9
Aiven 8
Cylina 8
Irina 8
Petri 7
Goliath 4
Wulfgang 4

Just to keep it above board. I hate status effect in PVP I keep forgetting them. I will try to be more cognizant in the future.
Concentration: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

"What now? I used my best spell on her, and it didn't work." She sighs. She looks to the whip. "What do we do about that?"

Theme tusks : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

A now free Therm will see if he can finish the man off provoking an Aoo as he moves

Goliath will double move in the direction of Avien get the guy and hopeful it stops moving.

Therm will double move toward wolfgang to try and move him next turn.

"Dammed thing"

Wulfgang tries to break out. He looks frustrated.

CMB: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Seeing that trying to continue shooting at Dunya was a lost cause, the redhead stomped over to where Wulfgang was continuing to be assaulted by the animated whip, attempting to grasp the thing and bring it under control.

CMB: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

Road to Whitethrone: Day Three

Battle Map Link

The carriage fades into the distance, as does the slaver woman's maddened and rage filled cackling. She is gone, and likely beyond any of your abilities to pursue.

Seeing Wulfgang's continued and painful plight, Nadya charges forward with handaxe, hoping to sever the magical cords. Instead she missteps in the snow and nearly falls to her feet, barely catching herself. She curses to herself quietly.

The whip itself again tightens around the man 4 points of nonlethal damage before falling completely slack. It unspools around him, shrinking until the once mighty weapon is but a small length of braided leather cord no longer than a foot. It lies in the snow, harmless.

The whip only lasts for 4 rounds, so now combat is over.

As do your remaining foes. Both of the brothers remain incapacitated by their injuries, completely at your mercy. You may restrain them or kill them without any resistance. Should you search their bodies, you find that they're quite well equipped:

You are also aware of the redheaded teen, still hiding. And of course, Hatch still shelters the boys- they are unharmed and did not watch the battle (though likely heard it).

After a few seconds, the tarry residue of the tanglefoot bags begins to disintegrate on both Goliath and Wulfgang, leaving behind an unpleasant smelling powder and some stickiness but nothing debilitating.

Both of you had about 1 round left. Before now, I had no idea tanglefoot bags were so helpful. Every adventurer I play going forward is going to have them.

Experience:This was a CR6! encounter, but as Dunya escaped (and undoubtedly will plague you again) you instead receive 1,600 XP total or 400 XP each. If I wasn't expecting to have you face Dunya again, I would have given you the full 2,400 XP. If you disagree with my decision (and that's fair), go ahead and post on the discussion thread.

Wulfgang looks at the glue on his body. "Dammed things." He turns to the group. "Is everyone ok?"

Irina nods. "I think so." she turns to where the teen is hiding. "Young one. Come out we aren't going to hurt you. We are certainly not going to sell you."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

"Hey, you can come out. We are here to help."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

While the others talk to the young woman, Wulfgang strips the downed men of their gear.

Road to Whitethrone: Day Three

As the sleigh carriage disappears on the horizon, Nadya curses to herself quietly:

Skald"May you reap what you've sown, witch."

She first goes to gather her bow and then makes her way to Hatch and her children to check on them.

Wulfgang finds the men well equipped, but quickly relieves them of their weapons and gear.

Irina and Goliath attempt to convince the newly freed slave girl. Timidly, and with no small amount of fear, the teen approaches slowly. Her arms are held rigidly at her sides, a learned instinct- slaves that fight back don't last long in Irrisen. Nonetheless, she makes her way to the two of you. With a brief glance to the two unconscious men and generally bloody scene, the girl asks matter of factly:

Skald "Did you kill them?"

She pauses, and then eagerly adds:

Skald "I can cook, clean, and do hard labor. Any jobs you wish I can do. I've been trained as an apprentice apothecary."

I'm inclined to let them freeze to death in the snow myself. We'll take you up on the help with cooking, and healing is always helpful. We aren't going to keep you as a slave. Where are you from? Can we return you to your home? Will that be safe for you?" Irina asks as she glares down at the two laying in the snow.

Cylina stared with hate at the woman as she rode her sleigh off into the distance, seething. People like that were almost as bad as the oppressive winter witches themselves. Taking care of all three would have been a great boon for Irrisen. The two men would have to do for now, though, it seemed. Hearing Nadya's parting words for Dunya, the priestess met the other woman's eyes and nodded in agreement.

When talk turned to the fate of the two brothers, the redheaded woman scowled, then shook her head. "I don't feel I can condone executing these two, but we also don't have to help. I like the idea of leaving them out here and letting fate decide."

Hearing Irina ask about the girl's whereabouts, the priestess agreed in principal. Depending on the answers, though, Cylina wasn't sure if the group could follow through at this time. The compulsion of the Mantle would prove difficult should the girl's home not be close by or on the way.

"Would you leave an injured dog to die or put it out of its misery. I would not leave them for the wolves. I will kill them and shoulder that burden or carry the bodies myself but I would rather not be cruel. I would not bring slavers along with children, so I only see one option. However, I respect you all enough to not go against your wished and I am currently out voted."

"I don't want them to die nor kill them without mercey. But I would not help them with extra care."

Wulfgang drags them, leaves their clothes on and ties them to a small tree wrapped in a blanket and gags them.

Road to Whitethrone: Day Three

I'm assuming you go with Wulfgang's actions. If you want to discuss further, go ahead and do so in the discussion thread.

Wulfgang binds and gags the wounded men quite securely to a hardy if knobby tree trunk. Mercifully, he also covers them in blankets- otherwise they would likely not wake again.

In the same matter-of-fact tone that non-Irriseni find hard to get used to, the girl notes:

Skald "They deserve to die. They would have done much worse to you. But nothing compared to their mistress. She is worse than even the trolls, maybe. Thank you from saving me from her... I think she was going to keep me for herself."

The words are chilling, even from those accustomed to these lands. Sometimes the more vicious and foul monsters wear human skin. Not to mention the Jadwiga... ever present on your mind.

When asked of her home, the girl shrinks back:

Skald "I was sold by my father to the Burgermeister of Riba. But I displeased her, and so she sold me to the slavers. I'm lucky it wasn't to a hungry troll... but I have nowhere to go. I will gladly come with you, if you will take me, mistress."

Again, not an unusual story in these harsh lands. But it's the banality of it that is most striking. And though you've made it clear to the girl that she is not a slave, she clearly sees herself as beneath you. Probably believes your claims of being a Jadwiga.

Shyly, she pauses and then adds a final thought:

Skald"I am called Lizaveta or Liza, though you may call me as you wish, mistress."

She bows slightly, and gives Irina pleading eyes- despite the fact that you've already said she can come along. Almost as though she doesn't think you meant it, or that she's worthy of gracing your presence.

At about this point, Nadya has returned with Hatch and her boys. She gives a pitying look to Liza, but says nothing as you seem to have things in hand.

"Let's get some distance then between us and this mess. Liza you can some with us if you choose but you have to make that decision. We will try our best to protect you like we do the others but and some food is all we can offer."

GM how long have we been traveling today? It looks like 2 hours.

Cylina looked disgusted at the thought of the girl's father selling her into slavery, though she had heard of such things before. Desperation created difficult decisions, and those with weak wills sometimes took the easy way out. They had done good work freeing this girl, even if Dunya had escaped. Once Wulfgang had bound the slavers, the priestess smiled at Liza, nodding at Goliath's words.

"He speaks truly, Liza. In truth, our path is probably dangerous. If you choose to travel with us, we would enjoy the company, but once we reach a settlement you might decide to stay there and try to find work. It will be YOUR decision though, I assure you." Heeding the large druid's advice, the cleric started gathering up the new gear and headed back to their conveyances.

skald "Liza you are not our servant. We will see you earn your fair worth as worker if you wish or you are free to leave a free woman."

Irina nods in agreement with all that's been said to Liza. "You aren't a slave here. You will be paid for your work, and we'll do our best to keep you safe as we travel. Cylina has the truth of it. We're headed into the heart of the enemy. if you want to leave us somewhere along the way, that's your choice young one."

Wulfgang nods after Irina finishes. "We should gather their weapons and armor and be off." He finishes gathering the weapons and gear.

Road to Whitethrone: Day Three

You've been traveling about 2 hours, it's a little past 8:30AM now due to the fight and aftermath.

Liza just smiles at all of your encouragement- as serious as the dangers are, being treated like a person, much less as an adult is new and exciting.

Skald"I... I'll come with you. I'm not afraid. All of Irrisen is dangerous. But now my... I travel with danger on my side. And I will make myself useful! You won't regret it!"

Nadya looks the girl up and down, then turns to you.

Skald"A foundling. You kind souls. But not all is as it appears in our lands. Remember that. But I think this one is harmless. Perhaps we leave her in Ellsprin. Hatch could use another set of eyes to watch the boys."

You continue down the road, and see only a few peasants and their miserable donkey pulling a cart full of what appears to be fertilizer. They don't look at you- fearful that you're Jadwiga.

At some point in the journey, Liza shyly asks Irina:

Skald "Mistres- er... M'lady- er... what should I call you?"

You eventually must make camp- and you find yourselves deep in a patch of the Hoarwood Forest that intersects with the road. The trees shelter you from the worst of the weather and firewood isn't hard to come by. But picking a good spot to set camp is another matter Goliath (probably) should make a survival check. Others can assist with a DC15 survival check. Nadya succeeds and gives you a +2

Irina looks to the young woman. "When others are about please call me Mistress. We're trying to convince them I'm a Jidwaga most of the time. Makes things easier." she winks. "Otherwise Irina is fine. It's been years since I've been in these lands. I was sent home when I was younger than you. A failure at becoming one of them. I'm happy about that." She helps set up camp as best she can.

Goliath is prepared he pulls out a map compass some family stories about places they have camped in the past (Survival Kit). Therm helps by stomping the ground flat and moving fallen branches with his trunk.

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Survival Threm: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

"I think this will do."

At the campfire Goliath inquires, "Is everybody feeling ok? Today was a big day. We were tested and though with some stumbles we walked away."

Cylina traveled with the others after they had stripped the equipment from the brothers and left them to the elements. She replayed the fight over in her head, wondering what she could have done differently to help bring down Dunya and put an end to her particular evil for the good of Irrisen. She sighed as dusk approached, shaking her head in resignation. There was no use beating herself up about it.

Survival Assist: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

When Goliath told the group that they had found a suitable spot for camp, the priestess gladly went about the work of helping clear the site, thankful for a chance to rest and commune with her Goddess before getting much-needed sleep. When the large man asked about the well-being of everyone, Cylina's brow furrowed before she said, "I am glad we won against those slavers, but I am angry that the main force behind them escaped. Why anyone would consider such a disgusting way of life is beyond me. The witches are bad enough for Irrisen."

With that the redhead huddled in her cloak, green eyes blazing as she stared at the fire.

Wulfgang looks around the area.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

He turns to Cylina.

"I agree priestess. If we meet them again, that cursed woman will feel the blade of my axe." He turns to the young girl. "No fear, Liza, if you wish to stay in Ellsprin feel free, as you've been invited. Your life is yours to decide."

Road to Whitethrone: Night Three

As always, with the dark in Irrisen comes cold.

Yet Goliath manages to find a pocket of surprising warmth and comfort along your path, unknown to any but he that this is the work of his fellow druids in defiance of the White Witches. Certainly, the chill is present but its bite is considerably dulled. The man also manages to provide a considerable bounty of fresh and dried ingredients for the cookpot- these left behind by the creators of this shelter for those in need.

It's a much needed reprieve after a day that began with a brutal battle.

Nadya grins a bit, then goes somber.

Common "Any day we survive is a good one, no? We must cherish what we have, for in Whitethrone things will not be so easy, I think. I have been to the Frozen City only once in my life- with my uncle Ringeirr."

She pauses, thoughtful.

Common "I have decided to accompany you to Whitethrone. Anything I can do to fight the Jadwiga- I will. I have not yet told Hatch or the boys. But I'll leave them in Ellsprin- I think this girl Liza may be a good watcher for them too."

I presume you're going with your normal watch order, and the campfire wall spell as per normal?

Due to the magical heal properties instilled by the creators of this grove, everyone heals x2 hp HD for the night's rest instead of just hp = HD.

Everyone roll perception. Therm's scent ability isn't an auto-detection here- even if it was, the heavy smoke of the campfire would interfere.

Wulfgang looks around the camp.

A day of rest is welcome

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Irina sits quietly by the fire. "I think she might be at that. I really don't want the young woman to end up in Whitethrone with us. It won't be safe there at all." she replies in common.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

The priestess smiled at the older woman, saying, "We'll be glad to have you along, if you feel that is best. I'm sure Hatch will dutifully watch the children, and the girl seems a hard worker that would take such a charge seriously, should she wish to accept it."

The place Goliath had found for the group to camp was wonderful. Cylina wondered briefly if this was what the rest of the world endured during their cold fall and winter nights, unaware of the brutal and never-ending freezing weather in Irrisen. The redhead agreed totally with Irina's comment, also worrying that Liza would freeze if and when confrontation took place.

The priestess smiled at the older woman...

How old is Cylina? Nadya is only 26... which is not super old :p

Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Perception Therm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

"You are all far too good of people to be in this awful place."

I'm thinking maybe 20ish...hey, 26 was a seasoned veteran back in medieval times!

I'm thinking maybe 20ish...hey, 26 was a seasoned veteran back in medieval times!

That's fair. And Nadya has been through some serious trauma. Also has 3 kids. I guess I'm just old and think everyone younger than me is a tiny baby child. It's just that Nadya looks really young in her portraits

"Nadya your help against the Jadwiga is most welcome! We are glad to have your axe in the fight. If we're anything you need just ask. You risk much for your family."

"Yes, if you need anything to help you defend yourself or your family just tell us and we will see what we can do."

Road to Whitethrone: Day Three

Nadya nods, thankful.

Skald "I will never be able to repay your kindness. Nor the cruelty of the Jadwiga. But I will do my best."

As the conversation dies down, the sounds of the woods begin to creep like shadows into your camp. Rustling and a crack- just the wind, or an animal, or...?

Nadya is too caught up in staring at the fire, deep in her own thoughts, to notice that you are being watched. Cylina feels the disturbance, but peers in the darkness and catches nothing but shapes and shadows cast by the firelight. Therm snorts catching the scent of something familiar, but not soothing... and Irina and Goliath catch a glimpse of a pair of glowing eyes peering out at you. The eyes same as last night... Goliath manages to spot a second pair, watching from the other side of the camp.

What do you do?

Irina keeps glancing into the woods, but does not move from her position near the fire. "There's something in the woods again tonight. I see two sets of eyes instead of just one. Should we wait and see what they do?"

"I'm not keen on provoking anything that is just being curious."