Reign of Winter by GM Niles (Inactive)

Game Master nilesr

Survival 1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Survival 2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Survival 3: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Gauthier makes his way with the others to the Somir. Protected by the enchanted mantle, he does his best to keep an eye on the others, Winter in particular, to help them stay protected from the elements.

Survival 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Aid Another 1: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Survival 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Aid Another 2: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Survival 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13
Aid Another 3: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Winter Survival 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Winter Survival 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Winter Survival 3: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Survival 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Survival Aid 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Survival 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Survival Aid 2: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Survival 3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Survival Aid 3: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Survival #1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Survival #2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Survival #3: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

You can consider all those Aid Another rolls since they don't exceed the highest number rolled so far. With these aid, by my count the total rolls are:

Check #1: 32
Check #2: 32 (34 with Winter's Aid)
Check #3: 29 (31 with Winter's Aid)

We are a Survival heavy party, apparently.

This week is crazy for me at work, its state testing week

Kirraak 6 nonlethal
Merisiel 2 nonlethal
Winter 4 nonlethal
Argentea 4 nonlethal
Hassan 4 nonlethal

The excellent survival rolls subtract 1 hour of travel time.

The party travels for two hours under the expert guidance of Gauthier and Kirraak and arrive in the Somir Valley. As you approach the wind picks up and the snow falls even heavier, in some places the snow drifts are 6 to 8 feet in depth. However the party realizes that they are near the spot on the map marked "Teb". A clearing lies ahead some 100 feet and nothing stirs, at least nothing visible in the falling snow.

”Best be careful here…” whispers the strix while going ahead a bit to explore.
Kirraak will walk ahead 20ft at max. If he does not see anything, he will go back and report.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

of course after all this should be the location of one of the culprit we are looking for she says smiling toward kirraak

DM Merisiel had ER 2 Cold, therefore no cold subdual damage for her... :)

Shivering from the cold, Hassan readies his longbow, as the others seem to sense oncoming danger. He covers Kirraak, as the Strix scouts ahead a bit.

"Perhaps this is the source of this unspeakable coldness. I would not be surprised to find a weather-controlling witch behind all this."

Hassan is at 11/15 HP, with 4 NL dmg as well

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Gauthier takes note of Winter's low howling. The cold is getting to her! There is nothing I can do now but to find a shelter, and soon![/ooc]

[i]Should we head back? Are we taking too many risks? I have spent most of my magic for the day...

Kirraak you move a little closer and you think you can make out igloos. Gauthier unless you move closer you cannot make out anything beyond shapes.

Currently the party is 100feet away except Kirraak and Hassan who are 80' away from the clearing.

If you approach to within 50' make a stealth roll.

Kirraak waves to the party, so they get closer and will move more 30ft.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

As the party moves further inside the area Mersiel will cast a CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 on Winter.

I have one left so you all better be careful she simply says

Sven hesitantly follows Kirraak, sliding his longsword free of its sheath but trying to keep it low. It takes a lot of effort to trudge through the snow, and Sven is not known for subtlety, so he tries to keep his distance as not to alert others of their presence.

As Kirraak and Sven approach to within 50' of the clearing they notice a few things. Two tiny figures moving around in the snow, flying above it in fact apparently on watch. They do not seem to have noticed either of you. You also notice large sized footprints in the snow, leading towards a spot that is completely obscured in snowfall and wind.

Kirraak and Sven are 50' away

Hassan is 80' away

Meri, Argentea, Tenpenny, Gauthier and Winter are 100' away from the clearing.

Gauthier nods his thanks to Merisiel and moves forward to get within 20 feet of the scouts.

Hassan will move to support the forward group, traveling the next 20' as stealthily as the terrain allows. Which apparently isn't too much...

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"I'm afraid" whisper the strix to the big red haired men at his side "Should we fight it all out? I fear what we may find in that spot, blocked by wind and snow."
He will then prepare his bow, mocking an arrow. "What do you think?" he asks Sven

"Do we know they're hostile?" Sven asks, somewhat embarrassed that he isn't sure himself.

Are these demons like the one we fought at the cabin and the maze?

"It would be good to get the jump on them." he whispers, "If you can get them, I can brace for whatever made these tracks, as I'm certain it will come looking for us."

With blade already drawn, rather than his hammer, Sven steps forward to cut of any path toward the Strix ranger, and breathes deep.

As the barbarian north-man moves forward, Hassan takes a shot at the nearest of the flying creatures, trying to cover Sven and drop a target before he is seen.

Hassan Longbow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15 vs Flat Footed, I think...
Dmg: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Merisiel moves forward

Map updated

Hassan's bowshot goes wide due to the heavily falling snow which impedes his vision but it is so wide that the tiny figures don't notice. After a few seconds of moving around the tiny creatures duck into igloos leaving the clearing empty.

Kirraak is weighing his options as Sven steps forward to put himself between him and the monsters. He is caught by surprise when the arrow is shoot from behind, and has only time to think …now we are in deep danger… before readying his bow with one of the Cold-Iron Arrows he got from the frozen body some days ago. C-I Arrow: 6/6 - Hassan has the other 6.

I was not thinking about attacking. I was going to tell Sven to withdraw so we cold plan better. Being like that, and Hassan attacking without any warning, I’ll consider that I too was caught off-guard with no actions in this surprise round.

Edit:

Seeing that none of the tiny monsters noticed the arrow. The strix is quick to call Sven back.
"Let's head back, It's a fortune we were not noticed."

Assuming that Sven goes back

When he returns to where to others are, Kirraak describe what he saw and then says ”Any of you has the ability to see in the darkness? We could plan an ambush for then.”

Always one to listen to the whisperings of fate, Sven heeds Kirraak's words and draws back. The event did indeed seem fortuitous, which could very well be a sign as the strix pointed out.

"The heavy snow might work to our advantage, better than darkness perhaps, if we can fight our foes one at a time..." offers Gauthier.

Confused by the on-again, off-again attack on the igloos, Hassan sighs and follows the others back to make a plan of attack. He listens intently as the others discuss possibilities.

”But how can we draw one at time? I reckon we can do some noise outside, not a huge one, but just something that will attract attention. But if they are already expecting us, they will all come out.”

If they are aware and expecting us then lets go now and meet them in combat. Instead of waiting for them to warn their allies and come back and surprise us. We move forward.

Gauthier shrugs and remembers the Battle of Leftfield.

Lack of patience cost numerous lives. My brother among them.

He takes the left side, with Winter to his right. The wolf is nervous as she senses her master's unrest.

Ok so whats the plan?

If we must, then let's go. says the ranger.

I'm not so sure about a plan. Maybe go in screaming and attacking everything that moves?

"Could anyone approach undetected? It would be nice to know what we are up against and the lay of the land. Something massive is down there, and should it be alone I will hold it off for a bit if need be. Likewise, if anyone recognizes these tracks, we might be able to figure out what it is."

I all for the run in swinging approach, but this could be a nasty fight and made a bit easier if there's a plan.

Plan is rather simple we move in. anything that flies you shhot down, any caster in the back is for Kiraak and the rest of you all go into melee she says with a smile

With a broad grin, Sven nods at Merisiel. "I follow the woman in blue."

With longsword at the ready, he leads the charge down amongst the igloos, hoping to see the larger foe before it sees him.

"The fairies are no longer visible targets, but they shouldn't be able to see us either. If they appear, I will fire at them with my bow as I advance, otherwise, I will engage in melee." says Hassan looking to the others.

"We cannot move speedily or stealthily through this snow, so I will provide a bit of cover before coming forward to aid."

Hassan moves 10' forward (due to difficult terrain) and readies a shot if any enemy appears in the clearing.

Readied Bow shot: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Advance as Move Action, ready shot as Standard Action, begin judgement as Free Action (Sacred Healing, healling 1 hp per round).

Ok the party can approach with readied actions until about 50' unmolested. The wind and snow conditions impose a -4 to any ranged attack over 10'on top of range increment penalties. All squares count as difficult terrain meaning they cost 2 movement per square, squares with piled snow on the map cost 4 movement per square as the snow has built up considerably in those locations.

I labeled the map so tell me where you are headed, or will you wait for the fey to pop out of the igloos again?

We move forward until we are attacked by the fey

I'll continue moving forward. If Sven can get to the first igloo without anything emerging, he'll rush in (#2) and try to get the jump on anything in there.

I'll wait till this afternoon and if no one posts differently I'll move you guys in and begin combat.

With the restriction on ranged attacks, I will retcon my action above then and just move towards the igloos where we saw the fey creatures enter, still entering the judgement that heals one hp/rnd.

Seeing the conditions are unfavorable to his bow, Hassan shoulders his ranged weapon and draws his scimitar, ready to take on what is necessary for the group. Before they depart, he invokes the Dawnflower once more: "Goddess, may the healing light of your sun shine on our faces once more as we do battle with the evil that has brought this foul weather to this land. Guide our sword arms, and strengthen our hearts."

Cast Bless which gives +1 to attack and saves vs fear. Use it well.

Steeling himself in the face of mortal danger, Gauthier readies his longspear and places his companion in front of him.

With a hand that he wants reassuring, he plays in the wolf's pelt, while inside he mutters a soft prayer.

Sandrine, grant me the strength to survive, and take me in your warm embrace if that strength proves not to be enough!

Sven approaches the igloo cautiously but a few feet from the structure the fey hear his heavy breathing and footfalls through the falling snow.

Combat Round 1
Tenpenny moves up closer to Argentea.
Kirraak
Hommelstaub *unaware*
Argentea
Hassan
Merisiel
Teb Knotten *unaware*
Sprite Fighters
Sven
Gauthier
Winter

No surprise round, go ahead and post your actions.If you look at the map, the area you are now in is piled high with snow. Movement through one takes 4 squares of movement.Hassan for the purposes of your judgement and the bless spell we will say only 1 round has passed.

Flying over the snow, Kirrak stop at Sven side, bow in hand, prepared to shoot anyone that comes closer.

Ready action: Shoot anyone that appears.

Round 1

Merisiel will cast a Mage Armor on herself and move up to her maximum

Holding until after the Sprite Fighters act, as they have higher initiative.

Combat Round 1
Tenpenny moves up closer to Argentea.
Kirraak readies to fire.
Hommelstaub *unaware*
Argentea watches carefully, her blade drawn.
Merisiel casts mage armor Move where?
Teb Knotten *unaware*
Sprite Fighters
1 Teb! Hommelstaub! Intruders a tiny fey erupts from igloo 2 and fires a tiny bow at Sven Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 hitting for 1 nonlethal and forcing Sven to make a fortitude save or be staggered Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24the cold seems not to affect Sven's hardy northern constitution. Kirraak fires his bow at the figure but the driving snow hampers his aim and he misses.
2 flies out of igloo 3 and fires his bow at Sven also Bow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24Bow?: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 critically hitting for 3 nonlethal and forcing another Fortitude save Fort: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15 Sven shrugs off the blow.
Sven
Hassan
Gauthier
Winter

Trudging through the deep snow, Sven shrugs off the stinging arrows and wades as far through the deep powder as he can. He is barely able to reach the nearest fey before another volley can be released. His 40ft. movement reduced to 20 by difficult terrain is able to reach the corner threatening the "blue" fairy on the map.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Potential Damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

One square costs four, and -4 penalties to hit... There is little we can do but trudge forward.
Do the fey seem to also suffer from the snow when firing?

Crouching low to stay covered, Gauthier pushes forth, preceded by Winter.

Double move, so three squares forward (north on the map). Winter ends up in front of me (one square west of me on the map).

Oops, you're correct on the 4 squares per movement. So Sven couldn't reach them and still be able to attack. Instead, he'll take a double move to get to the same square I designated, but that becomes a full round action. Disgregard the attack.

@ Gauthier Yes, the fairies are effected by the snow. However, since they are flying they don't suffer from the movement penalties. Right now they aren't higher than 6 feet off the round so easily reachable. @Sven, I'll use your roll if anything provokes an AoO.

Not sure if you're remembering, but don't forget to add your +1 for Bless to any attack rolls

Hassan draws his scimitar and advances to lockstep with Sven cringing a bit as the Ulfen man is peppered with arrows from the tiny fey.

Move 10' to stay trudging with Sven, pick up 1 hp from judgement to be at 13/15.