Return of Winter by Artofregicide (Inactive)

Game Master Artofregicide

Looks like we are spreading out but only as far as we can do so safely.

Is this one I can take ten on. I know I'm going out searching and don't know the DC.

[dice=Survival]10+11

Sadly, you can't have your cake and eat it. Either you're close enough that it doesn't matter or you're far enough to effectively search separately. Also, you can take 10.

[ooc]It looks like the rolls are aids so we are going together.[/dice]

Goliath will party for guidance as he searches (casting guidance).

He set Therm to sniff about trying to help.

Aid Therm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Road to Whitethrone: Night Four

Goliath is an expert tracker, and everyone but Irina manages to expedite the process. You only find yourselves about twenty minutes walk from the shelter when you come upon the two huntsman. A rugged but handsome looking man and a boy of perhaps eight stand upon a large boulder, surrounded by a pack of at least a score of white pelted and blue eyed wolves. The man brandishes a woodaxe in one hand and a dying torch in the other. The boy has a shortbow with arrow notched, but only a few arrows stashed in his belt. Both look exhausted and very cold, and the pack continues to circle menacingly...

The moment you arrive, a chorus of howls breaks out. Before you can reach the two hunters, a trio of wolves intercepts your path - the foremost a primal and hulking creature. All three breathe clouds of pure frost as they step towards you, growling aggressively.

But the man calls to you desperately:

Skald"Friends, I don't know who you are, but you'd best run. These beasts are no simple wolves."

If you stay, he grows more desperate:

Skald"You can't help us, don't get yourselves killed! There's two women at the shelter on the road not far from here, tell them what happened to us!"

What do you do?

You are not currently in initiative, but any hostile action will immediately provoke combat.

Map has been updated (it's the same link that's at the top. Only the three wolves in the middle (an alpha and 2 regular ones) are in the combat. You can draw in other wolves if you want to... I don't know why you would. Link reproduced below for convenience:

Battle Map Link.

Remember, you are not in combat yet, but any aggressive action will lead to rolling initiative immediately.

Know Arcana?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

What would I know about the wolves with blue eyes?

Know Arcana 1d20+11

What would I know about the wolves with blue eyes?

These are boreal wolves, actually magic beasts and not animals. You know all the magical beast traits, and in addition have two questions you may ask. You know the alpha is just a bigger, stronger version of a regular boreal wolf.

Boreal creatures: In realms where the icy hand of winter seldom (or never) releases its frigid grasp, some particularly hardy creatures have evolved to better survive in these harsh environments, becoming stronger and much more dangerous. These boreal creatures mostly resemble members of their kind that dwell in more temperate climates, but their fur and skin are much paler, and it is not uncommon for parts of these creatures to be cloaked in frost.

"Should we try to talk them down?"

Having little to offer in the way of trying to calm animals, Cylina offered Goliath a non-committal shrug, her grip on her weapon tight as the huge wolves barred their way to helping the huntsman and his son. That the group would help the priestess had no doubt. Perhaps one of the others had a way with animals.

Do they have intelligence to speak a language, and what are their weaknesses?

Do they have intelligence to speak a language, and what are their weaknesses?

The Boreal Wolves are no more intelligent than mundane wolves and do not speak language. They might recognize a few words or phrases in Skald but cannot carry conversation. It's worth mention that their behavior and intentions would be identical to their non-magical kin, although more aggressive due to the harsh nature of their home environment in Irrisen.

"They are just wolves. Nothing like the ravens who spoke. Can anyone calm them?"

"They are just wolves. Nothing like the ravens who spoke. Can anyone calm them?"

Worth noting that as magical beasts with in INT of 1-2, wild empathy works in them at a -4 penalty. Handle animal would however technically not work as they are actually magical beasts. I'd be probably allow an exception (as they're basically just fancy wolves) at the same -4.

Are any of them large? My wild empathy has some limitations.

Are any of them large? My wild empathy has some limitations.

The alpha wolf is large, yes. The rest are not.

Do you want to try and empathy or otherwise calm the situation? If not, you really can only back off or roll for initiative.

Golaith is going to step up adjusting his body language and facial expression to be as calming as possible to stave off any aggression and try to move the pray away.

Wild Empathy: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 - 4 = 14

Golaith is going to step up adjusting his body language and facial expression to be as calming as possible to stave off any aggression and try to move the pray away.

Wild Empathy 14

Sorry, that fails by 5 or more and the wolves drop to hostile, immediately attacking. Everyone roll initiative.

Road to Whitethrone: Night Four

As the others do their best not to anger or spook the strange canines, Goliath steps forward and attempts to establish a sense of calm and rapport with the hulking alpha wolf. The massive beast, nearly the size of a dire wolf, does not seem to agree well to your intrusion and begins to growl. Goliath can feel his control of the situation slipping as the snarling wolves advance, hackles raised and preparing to charge forward.

The man on the rock says under his teeth:

"Don't watch boy, eyes on the rest of the pack. Damned fools should have run..."

And then the wolves leap to the attack.

Everyone roll for initiative

"You know what you're doing, friend?" Cylina asked their large companion as he stepped forward. Still, he seemed fairly confident, so she just stayed close as she watched. As it seemed things were devolving, the priestess made ready for combat.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

Irina Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Irina sighs and readies for battle.

Wolves of Winter: Round 1

Before any of you can act, the hulking Alpha leaps forward towards Goliath, sheer speed and might knocking him from his feet into the snow while savage, frigid jaws dig deep into his shoulder, burning his flesh with cold.11 points of B/P/S, 6 points of cold for 17 total and knocked prone. The beast snarls over him, attempting to push for his throat.

Wulfgang reacts first, hefting his axe and swinging at the brute with all his might, placing a glancing but grievous wound 16 damage. He shouts in adrenaline fueled rage:

Skald "Die to my axe, beast!"

Goliath may act, then the other 2 wolves do. I didn't put a pawn in the map for your AC, sorry, assume Therm is adjacent to Goliath.

Initiative:
Alpha Boreal Wolf 19
Wulfgang 14
> Goliath 11
Boreal Wolves 7
Irina 5
Cylina 5

Goliath will stand up. Then order Therm into flank. Finally, they release a coordinated attack. Therm has enough move not to provoke an aoo.

Flanking Power Attack CI scimitar (s): 1d20 + 9 - 1 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 9 - 1 + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Flanking Slam: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 2 = 25
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Cylina was horrified when Goliath was savagely attacked by the large wolf. She breathed a little easier when the big man got back up, but decided that she should ease his pain and bolster him. Calling upon Milani's healing grace, she touched his shoulder and healed some of his wounds.

Cure Moderate Wounds: 2d8 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 4 = 14

Then she glanced around at all the creatures around them and took a step back to stand with the lightly armored Irina.

Wolves of Winter: Round 1

As Goliath struggles to his feet, he opens himself to attack from the Alpha, who gladly obliges. Again it sinks its teeth into him and thrashes 11 bite damage, 3 cold.

Yet, once upon his feet, the man strikes back with his curved blade, matched by his faithful companion's skillful outflank. Tusk and sword simultaneously drive into the massive wolf, whose howl of pain is cut short. The beast sustains grievous injury to heart and lung and dies instantly.

The two smaller wolves bound forward, mad with fury. They set themselves on Therm but the beast shows no weakness, and the wolves fail to find purchase.

With the death of the Alpha, the remaining pack sans his two mates begin to back off cautiously, unlikely to interfere unless you show particular vulnerability...

On the rock, the boy shouts excitedly out:

Skald "Father! Are these the heroes from the stories?"

Irinia may still act this turn.

Initiative:
Alpha Boreal Wolf 19
Wulfgang 14
Goliath 11
Boreal Wolves 7
> Irina 5
Cylina 5

Wolves of Winter: Round 1

As the massive wolf leader goes down, Irina levies her weakening gaze upon one of the remaining wolves, making it even more vulnerable to attack. The woman gives out a triumphant laugh, then directs her allies:

Skald "Quickly, attack that one!"

Wulfgang charges forward, swinging greataxe overhead but slipping on the already freezing wolf blood and nearly topples. He keeps his footing but loses the opportunity to strike, having made himself vulnerable.

Wolf fails vs. Irina's evil eye. She cackles. Wulfgang charges but rolls a nat 1. Goliath may act.

Initiative:
Alpha Boreal Wolf 19
Wulfgang 14
Goliath 11
Boreal Wolves 7
Irina 5
Cylina 5

Irina gives the evil eye to the other wolf, and continues to cackle to extend her negative effects. "Get the other one too."

-2 to AC to the other wolf DC 17 Will Save

Goliath will move. Then Therm will make way then attack the one in front of Goliath.

Power Attack CI scimitar (s): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Bodyguard: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Wolves of Winter: Round 2

With a flick of his blade and another ruinous blow, man and beast bring down a second wolf, which lies in the snow unconscious and bleeding. The pack begins to howl in dismay, but makes no aggressive move.

The same cannot be said of the remaining wolf in front of you, who viciously snaps at Therm but cannot catch a hold.

Irina again unleashes her evil eye against the beast. Unfortunately, the supernatural wolf seems to shrug off the hex.

The man on the rock stiffly whispers to his son (but loud enough for at least Goliath to hear):

Skald "Don't say such things, boy. These are Jadwiga. They're more dangerous and cruel than the wolves. Animals hunt us for survival, the White Witches hunt us for fun. We are not safe."

Everyone may act, but Cylina goes first and then Wulfgang.

Initiative:
Alpha Boreal Wolf 19
Wulfgang 14
Goliath 11
Boreal Wolves 7
Irina 5
>Cylina 5

Wanting to bring the final beast down before it could do any further damage, Cylina strode forward from her place at Irina's side, swinging her weapon at the beast.

Morningstar: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Wolves of Winter: Round 2

Cylina's morningstar manages to graze the remaining wolf, drawing blood and causing pain but far from defeating the enraged canine.

With the beast's attention on Cylina Wulfgang swiftly moves to outflank his target and brings his mighty axe downwards. Even though the blade fails to find purchase, the sheer force cracks bone and takes the air from the wolf's lungs, dropping it to the ground rasping painfully.

With that, the remaining pack panics and flees, howling in dismay and terror. Tails between legs, you don't they'll be bothering you or any two-legged creatures any time soon.

Not at all loosening the grip on his weapon, the woodsman steps off the rock but keeps himself between you and the young boy. He takes a deferential tone, but his demeanor remains highly vigilant... and not just for a return of the wolves. Her addresses Irina, consciously avoiding eye contact:

Skald "My lady, we are on your debt. We have little to repay you with now, but we would happily see your kindness repaid in full if you give us time."

The man tries not to bring any attention to his son.

Initiative:
Alpha Boreal Wolf 19
Wulfgang 14
Goliath 11
Boreal Wolves 7
Irina 5
Cylina 5

Combat is over, everyone earns 600 XP each for defeating the Boreal Wolves, and an addition 100 XP each for saving the hunter and his son. Total 700 XP each.

"We may all be a little safer camping togeter tonight. That is not to say that we have not faced our own dangers, but strength in numbers."

Irina nods in acknowledgement of his words. "Come with us back to the cabin. Your family awaits you, and I tire of hearing them prattle on with concerns about your safety." She chooses to ignore the statement about being owed something, and that the wants to shield the boy from her.

Understanding the stance and tone of the woodsman all too well, Cylina remained quiet, lest the group break their cover of Irina being a winter witch. They had done good work here, though...surely the man and his son would have become yet another meal for the merciless wolves, and now they would make it back to their families and warmth. For another evening, at least. This land was unforgiving.

When the group turned back towards the cabin, the priestess tried to pick up any pieces of wood that seemed dry to take with them, hoping to help feed the fire in the Inn to bring a little more warmth to the humble place.

Road to Whitethrone: Night Four

You return to the cabin, the mood now more somber. You did what you had to do and saved lives for it, but the full, relentless cruelty of Irrisen is all the more real to you. The man keeps his son close to him and far from Irina... an unspoken tension exists between them entirely on his false assumption that she is Jadwiga.

The triumphant return and reunion proves to be an affair of hushed tears and whispered sobs, as the now whole family quietly celebrates the return of the two wayward members. They fearfully huddle away from you, consciously shielding the child from view.

A crackling fire is raised and you think perhaps the evening is over.

But the family's grandmother is not so timid. She rises and addresses Irina with a boldness that is unfettered by the silent pleas of her family. The weathered woman, not more than forty in your estimation, stares down the witch with an unflinching gaze:

Skald "You don't want anything in return, do you? You certainly have no interest in the boy, and the children you escort are not slaves. Who are you? You're no Jadwiga, that's for sure."

The man stands up abruptly, trying to place himself between Irina and his mother-in-law.

Skald "Please, forgive us Mistress! The woman is quite mad and knows not of what she speaks. I offer you a year of my free labor to repay the insult."

He stares daggers at the older woman, who doesn't back down an inch.

What do you do?

Irina sighs almost with relief. "Grandmother you are correct. I'm no Jadwiga. I began the training, but my temperament was unacceptable, and I was sent home. It's easier to let the assumption stand. Less fights that way." She grins.

"I don't want to hurt the children or want your free labor. Honestly, I have no place for you to labor. I'm from far south of here. A place where winter only comes for part of a year as intended. I've been brought here to stop the winter from spreading, and to seek out Baba Yaga. You may think me mad. Somedays I think I might be. I'm in the middle of a hostile land pretending to be something I'm not, and trying to keep people safe."

She waves for them to join her group. "Come join us for dinner. Tell us of the news of the area."

"Well people are starting to catch on. We will have to be careful the closer we get to the city."

Cylina breathed easier once the deception was no longer necessary, relaxing as she warmed up by the fire. Goliath's words were true...while the fact that Irina looked the part of the winter witches had served them well, it would also invite more scrutiny as they got closer to the capital of Irrisen. Would it be better to disguise her to make her less the part? Possibly...but first, the priestess waited to hear news from the grateful family.

"I'll do my best to be a "real" witch when we get closer to the capital. I just couldn't leave a boy out in the cold, and a pregnant woman without a husband if we could do something."

Road to Whitethrone: Night Four

The older woman exclaims, ecstatic, to her family and the party alike:

Skald "I knew it! The Witches are many things, but they cannot hide their cruelty well. I told you, I told you. Summer comes! It's heralds already march on Whitethrone. 'Dearest' Grandmother has failed to return, and her spawn barely holds the throne. Mark my words, you will see winter end in your lifetime!"

Sharing your meal, the rest of the family are far quieter than the matriarch, who is more than happy to share what little news she knows:

Skald "They say there's been an overthrowing of those loyal to Baba Yaga, and that her little queen has taken the crown for herself. Loyalists are being hunted down, but Elvanna is nowhere to be seen. In her absence, the forces of revolution gather... and she's no queen of witches, just queen of Irrisen."

Her family looks skeptical, but relieved that you aren't Jadwiga or working for them. Still, they remain demeanor and quietly guarded.

You may ask further questions if you wish. Also, what preparations do you make for sleeping? You're in a simple, but currently warm and cozy hunting lodge.

Cylina thought of what she knew of the current events, and what the others had spoken of from their encounter with the Black Rider. While normally the priestess would think that one of the Witch Queen's daughters holding the throne and denying Baba Yaga the chance to return would be a good thing, the results themselves spoke differently. Elvanna was apparently trying to spread Irrisen's endless winter across Golarion, and that would not do.

Listening to the elder woman, the cleric was respectfully silent until the end of her speech. "Thank you for sharing your wisdom, ma'am. Would that more had your courage. As for Winter ending, that is always the dream, is it not?" She shared a friendly smile before continuing, "The way ahead...are there many patrols or other perils we should be concerned about?"

I would think a normal watch should be the routine.

"After that, I would like very much to hear any specifics you may know about those loyal to Baba Yaga or anyone resisting the current monarch."

Irina gives the woman a smile. "Thank you. I'll endeavor to be more cruel in the future." she jokes. "Can you tell us more of Elvanna?"

Road to Whitethrone: Night Four

Having finished your simple but filling meal, you continue speaking with the elderly woman, whose name you learn is Ishka. Her family remains anti-social and skittish, eventually going to sleep on the opposite side of the hut. But Ishka is more than happy to indulge you.

Skald"Not a dream any more! You, my friends, will put a stake in the icy heart illegitimate Jadwiga regime! The White Witches' day is coming. But to answer you, the Winter Guard looks for you, closer to Whitethrone. They gave your descriptions, which is how I knew it must be you! Already they send scouts of all kinds - they say you overthrew the Pale Tower. Clearly, they're afraid."

Ishka pauses to sip some hot tea, provided by the young girl Lizaveta you shelter with you.

Skald"The Heralds of Summer's Return, of course, have long stood against Baba Yaga and her ilk. But with overthrowing by Eylvanna, the loyal in the old Iron Guard turn on her too. I've seen the bodies of the Red and Yellow Riders impaled on display at the Winter Palace, but they say Eyvanna's agents still search for the Black Rider. And there's rumors that those in the Howlings - home to many monsters - aren't so happy with the Queen's actions."

The elderly woman frowns.

Skald"Eyvanna's men took two husbands from me. I lost three girls to the winter and hunger. She sits on her icy throne believing she won't have to for her crimes, but she will! Promise me you'll make her pay for what she's done to us all!"

Ishka stares at you earnestly, despite having asked what seems to be a suicidal task...

Cylina listened earnestly to the older woman speak, sympathetic to her family's fear of speaking out but long past the point of letting those fears consume her. When the grandmother had finished, the red-headed priestess leaned forward eagerly, "These are terrible, powerful forces to oppose, but we will do what we must to bring the Endless Winter to an end." Her voice was firm, her green eyes flashing in the firelight. Her Goddess had given her a path to bring freedom to these people, and she intended to follow that path, no matter what end it might bring.

"I'm sorry for all that has happened to you. I know this all seems like too much to bear but we will bear the burden as far as we can. That will hopefully bring you some justice."

"It will take much power. Power I don't have, but I promise that I will do what I can to make her pay for what she has done to you and the people here." Irina touches the old woman's hand as she makes this promise.

Road to Whitethrone: Night Four

The woman grips Irina's hand with surprising strength.

Skald "You are not alone. The Everbloom stands with you. Do not lose faith. Seek out the Herald's of Summer's return. The reign of winter will be broken, I know it to be true. Dear Grandmother is strong, but she's nothing to a goddess! Nothing!"

Ishka rambles this way for some time before nodding off. Her daughter, the pregnant Majha, timidly makes her way over to the party making sure to not wake the sleeping woman.

Skald "I don't know who you are, nor should you tell me. But I think you for saving my husband and my son. If you do indeed head to Whitethrone, know that it is a very dangerous place. And my mother is correct that the Winter Guard is looking for you - not only within the walls. We fled the city years ago because... my mother's unwillingness to hold her tongue. I dare not dream of summer. I only wish to keep what's left of my family."

You may continue asking questions or go to sleep. If so, what watch/precautions do you take?

I propose the usual watches...honestly, I've forgotten them.

Perhaps Irina, Wulfgang, Goliath, then Cylina?

"Right then. Let's get to bed."

Former watch order.

Goliath
Wolfgang
Nadya & Hatch
Cylina & Irina