Reign of Winter - The Snows of Summer (Inactive)

Game Master Slyness

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Round: 3
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Skrikks, in a fit of rage at the loss of his companion, continues to charge at Totho, but his efforts are ineffectual. All of this while being injured by the party.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Initiative: Aerryndöl(22) | Totho(24) | Skrikks | Risk(16) |

The frozen creek acts as an ice sheet; entering a square covered in ice costs 2 squares of movement, and the DC of Acrobatics checks increases by 5 in such squares. A successful DC 10 Acrobatics check is required to run or charge across the creek.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Skrikks: Bull Rush: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Calling upon Desna's surefootedness, Risk steps on to the ice to take the fight to the creature. She take a round about path to avoid the dark shape and trap the creature between them. Agile Feet (6/day) (Su) For 1 rd, you ignore difficult terrain.

Starknife, +bardsong+flank: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 + 2 = 18 for damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

With 40' move and Agile Feet, I have enough movement to get into flank. Have used 3 of 9 rounds of bardsong.

In square I,6

Aerryndöl fires another set of arrows at the creature all the while cackling in delight at the sight.

Mwk Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 1 = 8 for piercing damage of: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Mwk Longbow: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 for piercing damage of: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

(who suddenly cursed our die rolls....)

"Stop trying to push me in the river and go away." Totho admonishes the icy critter.

Flurry1: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 9 (bardsong, divine favor)

Flurry1: 1d1d6 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 10

Flurry2: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 4 + 1 + 2 = 22

Flurry2: 1d1d6 + 6 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 + 2 = 10

the left punch goes wide, but he finishes strong with a right cross.

And with that punch, the sad tale of Skrikks and Szassh comes to its inevitable conclusion, their crumpled remains laying on a frozen creek. Once you cross the creek, you see some boots sticking out of a pile of snow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Risquelyn & Totho: It's time for a Fortitude check(DC15) against the cold weather. Failure means 1d6 points of nonlethal damage and you suffer from hypothermia(fatigued). Cold-weather outfits give a +5 bonus on the check.

I will use Endure Elements and leave the cold weather clothing in my bag for now. However, I will put on my cleats and strap on my snow goggles.

That was from 'page 1'. Is it actually so cold that the magic failed?

Fort: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Just in case.

Risk notices and points toward the boots, "This bodes ill for the others. However, I do not think the Lady would be wearing boots, so we must still hold out hope."

Brrr Check: 1d20 + 5 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 5 = 15

"Best check who it is...."

Totho walks over to the snow drift, grabs the boots, and hauls the body out into view.

Then he looks the poor soul over to see what he can learn.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Knowledge(local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

It seems to be the body of a local farmer, though there is no way to know beyond that. He kept his possessions in good repair, and they remain with his body. They include a composite longbow (+1 Str) with 12 arrows; a dagger; a masterwork handaxe; and a pouch containing 14 gp, 25 sp, and 18 cp.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

That was from 'page 1'. Is it actually so cold that the magic failed?

Nope. As long as you have EE up, you're good. It simply slipped my mind.

Loot.

Aerryndöl nods but remains silent as she watches Totho drag the corpse into view.

Know(Local0: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

"Great Lord of Libations, watch over this poor man's journey to the afterlife." Totho says respectfully over the body of the fallen hunter.

He pulls out the flask the mysterious stranger gifted him with the day before and pours out a measure as a sign of respect.

"One more life to avenge when we find the cause of this unnatural cold and snow." Totho says to his companions.

"This bow doesn't look as well made as one of yours Aerryndol, but I think I it might come in handy when we finally get the opportunity to settle the score."

Totho we see to quickly burying the body under some brush and snow. He will take the bow, arrows, and axe, but leave the purse behind.

"We'll probably have need of weapons before this fight is done, but the man's relatives will most likely need the contents of his purse."

There isn't anything else to glean from the body. He seems to have been a victim of the elementals.

Risk looks to press forward, searching for any sign of the Lady or her abductors.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Totho follows along behind Risq as she points out the trail.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Pursuit
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Traveling along the obvious trail left by the bandits, the temperature is not warming the way one would expect in the middle of summer. The path winds through the trees and natural obstacles. Again, you encounter a flock of ravens that have been killed with tiny arrows and hung, dangling from the branches. As you take a moment to look them over, you hear the crunch of snow on the path ahead but there is a large boulder blocking your view. Cautiously, you creep up to see what lies ahead.

A narrow game trail winds its way through the trees and undergrowth here. Hoofprints mark the underlying snow, leading in both directions. The source of the hoofprints is obvious, as a large white stag stands here, staring at you from 20 feet away. A long moment passes and the stag seems unafraid. It bobs its head down briefly, then raises its nose, sniffing the air. Snowfall snorts, her breath visible in the cool air. The stag lowers its nose, meeting your gazes. "Why do you venture into my domain?," the stag asks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

DM: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 4 = 22

"We mean no offence or challenge. We have come seeking one who was taken without her consent and to perhaps find out why the winter has come to these lands so early. The Summer should be near its height, yet the snow piles up and embraces the land as if the nights are long."

cast Enhanced Diplomacy

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 2 = 20

"Well what do you know? First a talking snowman, then talking ice cubes, and now a talking deer. Will wonders never cease!"

Totho address the magic deer: "Don't worry mister deer, we're not hunters. We're just passing through these woods on our way to rescue a damsel in distress from a naughty necromancer. We only ask your leave to pass by peacefully."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Meanwhile, Totho looks about casually to check and see if there are more deer waiting in ambush.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

The white stag nods ever-so-slightly at Risquelyn's words, then stands erect, managing to appear haughty in reaction to Totho's wonder. "The winter goes where it must and I am the king of wherever it goes. I do not concern myself with the doings of two-legs. But a herd such as you describe did come through my domain. Who are you and why do you seek this doe?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not ignoring your Diplomacy rolls. It just takes a minute of conversation before they kick in.

"I apologize if we have come to your territory. We mean no challenge to your authority. My name is Risquelyn, and these are my friends. Totho is the male stag, and Aerryndöl is a doe like myself. The two-legged doe we seek is important to her herd, so we have volunteered to bring her safely back from the predators who took her. You mentioned that Winter goes where it must. Can your eminence explain to me why it must come so early?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Pursuit: The White Stag
-------------------------------------------------------------------

"It is not early, it simply goes where it wills. Now it expands into these southern lands. Tell me, what talents have you that you think you can take a herd that is much larger than your own?"

Aerryndöl looks on in delight as the bard ceremoniously dialogues with the great, white stag. What a thing of beauty... both the stag and Risquelyn speaking with such elegant tongues. I wish I could talk with such grace... The witch looks down, not wanting to challenge the "king" or disrupt their discourse.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

I apparently have no reason to be suspicious of a talking deer

"Do a pack of wolves outnumber the herd they prey upon? No, they use cunning tactics and rely on their strengths to create opportunities for a successful hunt. We too work together effectively. We also rely on something wolves cannot, the divinity and knowledge of powers greater than us." With a wry smile on her lips, "Any we hunt would do well to be worried about their fate once we have their scent."

"But wolves do not attempt to take down an entire herd. They seek out one, or they find death. Why should your fate be different?"

Totho: You've never heard of a talking deer before, but there is a lot of strange things going on.

However...

Risquelyn: ”Thank you, dear. That’s very sweet. And true,” she says with a wink. Her wry smile turns dark as one of the locals enters. With only a little prodding, she says, ”Jon there has a farm out in the Border Wood. His boy took ill a few days ago after falling through the ice over Wishbone Creek. The boy says he spotted a white stag in the forest—and heard it talking—then tried to follow it. Can you believe it? I should go ask after the boy.”

"The wolves merely follow their base instinct for food. While we are stalking this herd, we only desire to take back she who does not belong to them. We do not seek or wish to destroy them. However, if it comes to a fight, they will feel our fangs in their hides. Tell me Magnificence, did you speak with the other herd as they migrated through your land? Also, there was a fawn back in our herd who took an interest and tried to follow you. Did you speak to him, or did he catch words intended for others?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Pursuit: The White Stag
-------------------------------------------------------------------

"I spoke to none such as yo describe. So, you must be great warriors to think you can accomplish such a task. Or perhaps you are powerful spellcasters like the witches of the north? If not, perhaps you should turn back now."

"I am just a simple man who is good with his hands...." Totho says to the chatty buck.

At the mention of witches, Aerryndöl looks up. "Your, um... Highness, what can you tell us of the Witches of the North? That is, if we are to follow the... herd... to find our doe, and should we encounter these witches, what should we expect?"

"Interesting you should mention magic..." May as well cast Detect magic to see what I can see. "May I inquire as to your role in all of this?

-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Pursuit: The White Stag
-------------------------------------------------------------------

The self-proclaimed King of the Forest turns to Aerryndöl . "You should expect death. And a curse on all those whom you hold dear." As Risquelyn begins to cast her spell, the stag's head quickly turns to her. "Wh-what are you doing? What treachery is this? I shall take my leave now!" The stag backs up a step as it turns to leave.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

DM: 1d20 ⇒ 16

"Please, I meant no offence your Eminence. I merely cast a minor enchantment so I may further appreciate your magnificence. Surely one so attuned to magic and experience with the Witches of the North has nothing to fear from a meager cantrip. My apologies if I broke an unspoken protocol of our meeting. Please stay. Or, if you would rather, I will step away. No need for my friends to be denied your Grace and Wisdom because of my poor decision." There is an aura of magic. We have cunning adversaries, could this be an illusion?

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 Looking for tracks in the snow or other indications an "illusion" is at work.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 2 = 26

Hmm...can I tell what school of magic yet?

"Don't go Lady Deer, we mean no harm...." Totho helpfully supplies.

diplomacy aid another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Pursuit: The White Stag
-------------------------------------------------------------------

The stag continues to walk away, saying over its shoulder, "No, it is best if we all leave. I'll leave your company and you leave my forest." He isn't running away, but he isn't walking slowly either.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

The bard whispers, "All is not what is seems here."

know, arcana: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 to know if the spell is line of effect or not.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 To catch any observers she is now convinced are in the vicinity.

"He knows more that he is telling us, that much is certain."Risk makes the impetuous decision to follow the stag.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Knowledge(Arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Perception Aid Another: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Aerryndöl, taking her cues from Risquelyn, tries to determine the nature of the spell and to assist her in discovering the stag's true nature and intent.

"Not what it seems? What was your clue? The talking deer?" Totho pushes through the snow.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Round: Surprise
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Once Risquelyn starts chasing after him, the stag calls out, "Pym! Shor! Vosi!," as he takes off at a run. Each of you feels something tiny hit you in the back of the head or neck. It doesn't really hurt, and whatever it is bounces off Risk and Totho. However, Aerryndöl, a very unfamiliar sensation starts to spread from the spot that you are hit; it actually feels cold. As each of you instinctively turns to look, you see three very small lights in the trees that suddenly wink out.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Initiative: Aerryndöl(22) | Totho(24) | Risquelyn(16) | Pym, Shor & Vosi |

Six inches of snow covers the ground, reducing overland travel rates by half(difficult terrain). The snow also reduces visibility by half, imposing a –4 penalty on Perception checks and ranged attacks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Aerryndöl: Fort(DC13) or Staggered: 1 round

All: Perception checks each round, please.

Kn: Nature is the pertinent skill.

Map updated, on to Round 1.

know,nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Perception: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 8 - 4 = 23

Fort: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Know(Nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Aerryndöl turns and fires her bow at small winged creature (at D9).

Deadly Aim Mwk Comp Longbow: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 - 1 = 17 for piercing damage of: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6
Deadly Aim Mwk Comp Longbow: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 1 = 19 for piercing damage of: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

perception: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 4 = 11

Aerryndöl & Risquelyn: You can see all three.

Totho: You can still see the southwest one.

Totho uses Agile Feet to cancel movement penalties from the snow and charges the deer. (move to K6)

Unarmed Strike: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13

damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Round: 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Aerryndöl shrugs off the arrow's effect, confident in her innate resistance to the cold. Then she fires twice, but the sprites are just so small that both shots go wide. (Ranged penalty is -4) Totho runs up to the stag, punching it in the haunch, but the blow seems to just glance off it. The strike doesn't stop the stag from running away. Risk doesn't seem to know what to do and the tiny creatures fire again. The arrows are more annoyance than anything except when they strike true.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Initiative: Aerryndöl(22) | Totho(24) | Risquelyn(16) | Pym, Shor & Vosi |

Six inches of snow covers the ground, reducing overland travel rates by half(difficult terrain). The snow also reduces visibility by half, imposing a –4 penalty on Perception checks and ranged attacks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Risquelyn: Fort(DC13) or Staggered: 1 round

All: Perception checks each round, please.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Stag withdraws.

Pym: Aerryndöl: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 4 = 11
Shor: Risk: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 8 - 4 = 18
Vosi: Totho: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 4 = 12

Pym: Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Shor: Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 15
Vosi: Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Your perception checks match up against their stealth. The names are left to right.

Sorry, it looks as if the boards ate my Round 1 post from last night. I cast Hideous LaughterWill DC 14 on the baddie @ N10. Depending on the save, that may effect how the bad guys act?

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Perception: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 4 = 8

Losing sight of her assailant, the drow call upon her innate magic. One of the attackers becomes limned in purple flames.

Faerie Fire 1/day, targeting K 12.

perception: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 = 8

Totho casts Longstrider on himself and then wade through the snow to M9.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Round: 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------

After Risquelyn casts her spell, one of the creatures begins to glow purple. As soon as that happens, the creature yells out, "Flee!" Each of the creatures begins to glow and then twelve more glowing spheres burst forth and weave their way through the tree branches erratically.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Initiative: Aerryndöl(22) | Totho(24) | Risquelyn(16) | Pym, Shor & Vosi |

Six inches of snow covers the ground, reducing overland travel rates by half(difficult terrain). The snow also reduces visibility by half, imposing a –4 penalty on Perception checks and ranged attacks.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Spellcraft: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Aerryndöl yells out to the closest sprite, "You there! Approach me!

Cast Command DC15 Will

"Perhaps, we can catch one of these small creatures and get some information from them."

If the faerie fails his save, Totho will use martial flexibility to learn Improve Grapple and prepare to snatch the little fella