Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Just a Mort

Crummock's face remains impassive, but nods at Einar's questions.

"Aye, what is wi' the Unseelie that be working wi' ye?"

"My boss Rokhar is a powerful wizard. He has armies of the dead at his beck and call. When he finds out what's you've done, he'll make you pay!" She sounds almost smug when she says that.

"The Unseelie?"She shivers involuntaily, as if trying not to think too much about it. "Those guys give me creeps. So cold and inhuman. As warm as an ice statue."She shudders."But boss says work with them, so we do. They're useful, like they never seem to miss with those icy arrows of theirs. And oh, there was a bigger one that flew and breathed out ice shards. Froze a whole bunch of caravan guards up. Nasty thing, really."

'Rokhar, how interesting. Einar looks over at Cadence to see if she recognizes the name, then continues asking, "Zis Rokhar, how long have you been vorking for him und how long have you been vorking vit zee fee?" As the woman answers he takes off his pack reaching in and removing the bag with the fey prisoner in it.

"We've been under him for 3 years. The fey, six months."

cadence knowledge local: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Cadence recognizes the name. The Sentinels(Borderwood rangers), used to have frequently clashes with a bandit gang named Rokhar's Raiders led by a man named Rokhar, but the Sentinels always got the upper hand...

The fey prisoner is still unconscious. Einar notices she seems a little paler then before.

'Sounds like a bit of bravado.' Laying the fey on the ground, Einar turns and asks the woman. "If zee boss Rohkar iz doing zo vell, vere is he now?" Turning to Crummock he asks, just loud enough for the prisoner to hear."Shall ve awaken zee fee to zee if it collaborates vit zis brigand?"

don't really have a plan here, just looking for more information, I'm assuming were going to hang them all, but figure that should be a group decision.

"Look I've been answering all your questions, are you going to let me go if I answer this one?"

Crummock gives the bandit a polite nod.

"Ye have cooperated, i'll be grantin' ye that; but I cannae forget the mercy ye offered the lady, her handmaidens, and the guards. Still, I be feelin' that ye've at least earned a quick passing."

Certainly quicker than hanging, which unless you get the drop right, is a slow, agonising death.

The bandit pales when she realizes what her eventual fate is going to be. "Damnit! You b@stards had me fooled! I thought you would set me free for information I gave! You can burn in hell for a thousand years after Rokhar gets through with you!" She kicks and screams as she attempts to get out of her bonds.

When Crummock announces the woman's fate, Mr. Whiskers twitches and looks over at him in surprise. He makes no immediate comment.

She really only cared about saving her life. I heard no regret at working as a bandit under a necromancer. Not exactly a candidate for redemption. Too bad we didn't get any information about the Sentinels or the location of the lodge. Really didn't even get enough of a description for me to guess what the other fey were.

After a moment, he looks over to see what Cadence's reaction is.

"My first plan was to get you to surrender and turn you over to Heldren for a trial." Cadence looks at the woman. "But now I find that you lot are working with Unseelie, and you murdered poor Dansby, didn't you? You or someone else hit that old man. I'm not sure why you didn't pick him clean... Maybe he wasn't quite dead after you hit him, and he ran from you away into the blinding snow."

Cadence bites her lip, and tears are streaking down her face. Her hands tremble a moment, and then she steadies them on the guisarme. She's never killed a prisoner before. This isn't something she wants to do.

But I swore to protect Heldren from bandits, fey and snow, and this woman serves all three. She's coldly murdered others by her own admission, and with no sign of remorse. What other verdict would a trial in Heldren offer?

"What is your name, and what gods do you pray to? If we're to have a trial here and now, I'd like to have it. Does anyone here wish to speak for the accused?"

"Who the hell are you talking about? Who's this Dansby person you're accusing us of murdering?" She retorts.

"My name is Yadira, and I believe in no god." She spits on the ground, staring at Cadence, defiantly."Gods are but a ruse used to fleece the gullible of their money!"

’My father went on many raids, If he had been caught on any of them the sentence would have been death.' Einar goes to the other unconscious human, and begins to bind him. Looking up to his companions, he asks, ”Vere I am from, zair is one sentence for zee raiders and zee brigands, Death. If it is different here, zen it is Different here, does it matter who is zee killer und who is zee robber?”

"The old farmer's name was Dansby." Mr. Whiskers says. Looking to Cadence, he adds "I don't think they are directly responsible for that crime. They may have allowed the fey to come -- most likely their boss made a deal and this one foolishly thought she would benefit from it."

Oops...guess I just spoke in this despicable woman's defense... Still, she likely has enough crimes that we don't have to add any she didn't commit to the list.

Looking to the woman, he asks "What other crimes are on someone else's heads? Was the gate Rokhar's doing or did the fey do it and he just sought to profit from it?"

"What gate are you talking about? Have you been drinking so much you see ivory gates everywhere, rat?" Her eyebrows furrow for a moment.

Mr. Whiskers sighs, and then looks at the woman and explains "We were told that the fey have created a gate. That is what is causing it to be like winter here."

She just keeps making it harder to defend each time she opens her mouth.

Looking to Cadence, he says "Is it too late to withdraw from speaking in her defense?"

"I don't need any of your false sympathy." She snarls at Mr Whiskers. "If you got the balls for it, then kill me now and be done with it, since that was what you w*oresons were planning right from the start!"

'we have two more prisoners we can question.' Einar, finished with tying the unconscious man, stands and reaching behind his back draws the womans own shortsword. Walking toward the woman, towering over her he grabs the head of her hair with is left hand placing the sword to the womans throat. He turns and looks to Cadence, raising an eyebrow.

Yes, it really would be easier if this woman quit talking.

Looking at Yadira, he says "It isn't sympathy that I feel for you, sorry if it came across to you like that. I just didn't think we needed to make unwarranted accusations against you." Mr. Whiskers tries to keep the distain he feels for this woman and her life choices out of his voice and mannerisms as he explains this to her.

Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

He does a respectable job of keeping it civil, but his stance is a little too rigid. Most anyone could see signs of his feelings on this woman.

Seeing what Einar plans to do, Mr. Whiskers steps back a bit so he will not get splashed by any of the woman's blood. Though he is uncomfortable with the situation, he doesn't look away.

Cadence nods and doesn't look away, but she breaks down in tears after the job is done. "Sorry. You must think me soft. Let's get on with the rest of it."

Since Yadira had no god, Cadence kneels in the snow and says a prayer to her own. "May her soul find some light and a better path."

Once Einar has executed Yadira, he looks away.

Taking a moment to compose himself, he then looks back and says "We will need to do something about the bodies. If we don't, their boss may bring their bodies back to fight us again."

I do not know if the Rokhur is capable of raising skeletons and zombies. Doing so is not a simple task. If he is capable of it, I am not sure we are powerful enough to defeat him.

He helps gather their gear and the loot they were fighting over, stowing it in the dog's packs.

1h later after the executions and following the trail. Its about 2pm in the day now.

After climbing at least a hundred feet into the hills, the snowy trail finally levels off. In a clearing among the trees, a large wooden lodge(which Cadence recognizes as the Sentinel's lodge) overlooks a ravine spanned by a long rope bridge. Smoke rises from the lodge’s two snow-covered chimneys, and large woodpile is stacked against the outer wall. A small outbuilding stands east of the lodge, and a stone well nearly blanketed by snow is barely recognizable to the north. Several tracks lead southwest toward a detached stable.

Something is a little off. Usually there would be guards at the door, someone practicing with the archery targets, but no, the snowfield around the targets is deserted.

Crummock looks to the others.

"The bandits were guarding the path, and we know that the Sentinels have gone silent... so it stands to reason that the bandits might have taken over here. I say we go in, and find out!"

Sending NodwickEinar first?

Before moving on after the execution

"We best heal anyone who is hurt now."

At the rise overlooking the lodge

"It would be best to not attract attention. Voices carry." Mr. Whiskers whispers while looking at the lodge ahead.

"As to your theory, it seems reasonable. The bandits did mention meeting at a lodge. Any suggestions on how best to approach it so that they don't shoot us full of arrows as we move up?"

Lifting a handful of snow, he adds "At least the weather will help cover any approach we make."

Mr. Whiskers has a Stealth +6 = +2 Dex +4 Size +0 ranks

Crummock shrugs.

"The hurtyn don't seem to have any other guards; I say we stealth forward, and go for the front door."

He then cautiously heads for the main entrance.

I'll roll, since I have a terrible bonus, but anyone with a half-way decent bonus should probably 'Take 10'.

Stealth: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (16) - 3 = 13.

"Let's take a minute watching, make sure we don't see any guards hiding." Mr. Whiskers suggests. "We will also need to get the dogs to stay back and be quiet until we are in."

Assuming Crummock allows us time
Perception, Take 20: 20 + 2 + 2 - 4 = 20

When everyone is ready, Mr. Whiskers starts creeping along the snow ridge with the wand at the ready. His other hand is free in case he wants to cast a spell.

Stealth: 10 + 6 = 16

earlier
’This is why I am here.’ Seeing Cadence nod her head, Einar drew the shortsword across the bandits throat, letting her carcass drop to the ground. Looking over to the ‘leader’ and the fairy Einar adds, ”I vill finish zem as vell.” Putting a quick end to the other human and fey he drags the bodies off while his companions gather the weapons. When Mister Whiskers comments about “doing something about the bodies;” Einar calls back, ”I vill take care of it, ya.” As Einar returns to the party, he walks up to Mister Whiskers and softly says, ”I removed zee heads, so zey cannot be brought back,”

seconds ago
Taking the point Einar follows the trail up to the crest of the hill, hiding behind the tree line they look down on the lodge. ’Nice place, I would build something like this.’ Einar nods in agreement with Mister Whiskers and Crummock, ”Ya, it stand to reason zat zee brigands have taken zee lodge.” Looking at his shoulder, ”Healing vould help a bit, but I am villing to go on.” Pointing down to the lodge. ”Does anyvone see any hidden archers or another look out?” Einar takes a moment to look carefully at the scene before him.

perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Mr Whiskers spots a trip wire in the snow just as Crummock is about to go harrying off! Tripping the wire will result in a crossbow bolt being shot at the party and will trigger an alarm!

Now what, guys?

Walk *around* the tripwire?

That works.

A large table and two benches run the length of this hall, and a twenty-foot-high vaulted ceiling rises into the rafters overhead. To the west, a roaring fireplace provides a welcome heat and light while to the south, a flight of stairs ascends to a wooden balcony overlooking the room. A set of double doors stands in the wall to the east. 5 bandits are seated at the room engaged in a game of poker, using Lady Argentea's belongings as collateral for their bets. They are wearing mismatched armor, and have a shortsword at their belt, and shortbow and buckler on their backs. ”Intruders! Sound the alarm!” One of them shouts.

Party gets 1 full round after Einar kicks open the door. Once indoors, the penalties to all ranged attacks and perception disappears, no DT, you can 5 ft happily. Chairs, tables are DT, though.

Cadence Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Einar Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Mr Whiskers Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Crummock Init: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14
bandits: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Seeing all the bandits in the room, Mr. Whiskers starts casting his sleep spell, expending a point from his arcane reservoir.

Target to prevent the alarm if possible, otherwise maximum number of bandits without a party member. Bot me after that, lots of Daze cantrips.

So... no surprise round? Or was the surprise round Einar kicking in the door? ;-)

You have a full round to do whatever you want. Then init starts.

Oh! I misunderstood. I thought that was just because the bandits were going last in the initiative order ;-)

'Surprise' Round:

Crummock strides forward, and stabs a bandit.

MW Cold Iron Starknife: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 1 = 25, for 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9 damage.

'Round 1':

Satisfied with the body left bleeding at his feet, Crummock continues on to his next target.

The bandit behind the one he is currently on the map adjacent to.

MW Cold Iron Starknife: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 1 = 20, for 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 1 = 9 damage.

In a display of knifesmanship, Crummock stabs one in the chest, them slits the other's throat. They both tumble to the ground.

stabilize: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10
stabilize: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (15) - 1 = 14

earlier
While hiding in the treeline above the lodge, Einar ask Cadence. ”Zis shoulder is still bleeding, cvould you use zee vand und heal it?” After Cadence casts he moves his arm and smiles, ” Danke”
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

at the door
’through the door, maintain control, I need my head about me’ Einar kicks down the door, moving into the room, he hears Mister Whiskers begin his spell, ’I need to stay clear of that.’ Feeling Crummock move to his left and seeing a blur that side, ’Crummock has the two on the left, I will go to the wall on the right.’ Einar steps to the right, thrusting his glaive at the nearest thief.

surprise round: 10 ft move, Attack: Glaive
attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 for damage: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

first round
seeing the thief duck under the blade, 'I must get out of the way.' Einar drops his glaive, loosing control he begins to rage,his body tranforms: His ankles and feet shift becoming more animal like, his hands also grew larger with talons, now appearing as claws, his maw extended and his eyes grew red, his small black horns became more prominent as his skin went from pale to shiny, emphasizing and enlarging the scales. Biting his tongue he resists the urge to shout and attacks the thief tooth and claw.

Rage round 1/4 remain, 5 ft step Full Attack: maw, claw @ 2
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23 for damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 for damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8 for damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Einar's first bite rips his throat apart,splattering Einar with gore, and the man falls. Do you want to continue?

Mr Whisker’s spell goes off.

will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
will: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (12) - 1 = 11

One of the bandits fall asleep, the other doesn't.

cold iron guisarme+flag: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 4 + 1 = 17
Damage: 2d4 + 5 ⇒ (1, 4) + 5 = 10

Cadence comes in and hits the only one she sees standing. "Did we get them all?"

Crummock gives a satisfied nod when the last bandit falls to Cadence's glaive.

He then gestures to the sleeping one.

"Dylai rhywun wneud rhywbeth am y un. Wedi dweud hynny, dylem gadw symud ymlaen. Nid ydym am i adael i'r bobl eraill yn paratoi i ni."

He then moves to open the door south of his current position.

Einar releases his rage, slightly fatigued, he nods his head in agreement with Crummock. Moving toward the sleeping thief, he whispers "Hold einen Moment" He quickly pulls out his rope and ties the sleeping thief up. Returning to where the dropped his glaive he picks it up, nodding to Crummock, pointing to the door."Now?"

Cadence cuts the remaining standing bandit down.

The sleeping thief wakes up as Einar is tying him up and Einar quickly gags him. ”Mmmph mmmph mmph mmph!” is all that comes out.

Four beds, two large chests, and a single table with four chairs occupy this room. Three windows look out to the east, west, and south, providing a grand view of the snowy gorge outside the lodge. 4 sick bandits lie bedridden, shivering from chills and shakes, despite being tucked up in sweaty wooly blankets.

Cadence Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Einar Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Mr Whiskers Init: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Crummock Init: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (18) - 2 = 16
Bandits: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

stabilize: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (19) - 2 = 17

Crummock strides into the room, and quickly stabs the closest bandit.

MW Cold Iron Starknife: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15, for 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 1 = 10 damage.

"Os ydynt yn sâl, byddwn yn osgoi eu cnoi, Einar. Dydych chi byth yn gwybod beth y gallech ddal ..."

Crummock stabs the first bandit in the guts and he collapses, staining the bedsheets and blankets red with his blood.The other attempts to stand up, and Crummock stabs him in chest, sending a spurt of arterial blood splattering against the wall so he never rises again.

Crummock Aoo: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
dmg: 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

The other bandits get out of bed unsteadily, and pull out their shortswords from under their beds.

Cadence, Mr Whiskers, Einar, Crummock and bandits

stabilize: 1d20 ⇒ 14
stabilize: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (16) - 2 = 14

Crummock crosses the room, and takes a swing at one of the two remaining bandits.

MW Cold Iron Starknife: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 1 = 19, for 1d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7 damage.

so are we getting a surprise round entering the bedroom as well? since Einar is moving last, I will have him step into the room, does he have an attack before the bed ridden thieves? If he is in the room would he get an AOO against the one in the corner standing up?

These people look sick.Einar steps into the room, seeing the bed ridden thieves, he waits for any of them to move.

AOO with Glaive or bite?

They move before you(and stood up before you), so no AOOs. You do not have combat reflexes. That said, feel free to move in the room and murderhobo.