Saga of the Taighean Dubha - a Reign of Winter PbP (Inactive)

Game Master Mark Sweetman

toothpick? :D

There isn't much of a corpse to butcher on the side of the fae... though one could always harvest the bones or wings to use for fetishes.

The stag yields a poor pelt given the rents in it's surface, but could be salvaged given time, salt and a steady sewing hand. Any bones, organs or antlers that are thought to be butchered can be done so. The antlers themselves are also still coated with velvet, mostly intact despite their spattering with your blood.

"I've no more healing to spare today. On the morrow if I ken you to be safe companions I'll have more. As for my purpose and the signs, I've come to discover the cause of this unnatural winter. I've some dealings with the fey of Irrisen, like this one, and to the North there is a frozen river with a unmoving statue made of snow. I know nothing else about it as I didn't risk getting closer."

Because it's too difficult for me to go back and respond to each thing that Annalisa would have responded to (the painkillers fuddle my brain a bit... oh, I guess not everyone in this game knows, I was in an accident Saturday night, nothing bad, just a little banged up) I'll just go from this point.

Annalisa nods to Klo when he states his agreement. Soon after though, listening to the argument as a whole, and hearing Skane's comments on it, Annalisa can't help but to find herself laughing quite loudly, head thrown back to the sky. When she's caught her breath she looks more relaxed but still serious with her words.

"Elghund, my vow didn't bind you so much as it bound me to pay for your actions. I have no problem that you attacked our enemy, I have a problem that you didn't wait for it to reveal itself as our enemy first. If it had revealed itself as an enemy, which by the by, I'm fairly certain the elk was just an elk being controlled by the fae, then my word would have no longer held. If it had behaved aggressively towards us first, my word would have no longer held. As Klo has said, we could have gained so much more from the encounter than what we have and even more so, had we moved as a group on this it would have been more efficient and you wouldn't have lost half your life blood on the snow. Don't worry, I won't make such a mistake again."

"As for needing a leader, well I suspect the group will decide who they want to lead. Perhaps that is something that we should decide on much sooner than later. For now, I suggest we take what we can from this and move on. The heart, eh? Truly you honor me, perhaps more than I deserve."

To Katherson, "Welcome. Thank you for seeing to our fearless Elghund. Which direction is your journey taking you?"

Skäne nods at Katherson's council as he packs some snow onto his rent jaw to further cool the pain.

"Your magicks will be indeed be needed Katherson Walker-In-The-Snjár... As for the deid fae... nail it to a branch and carry it high... let the little bastarðr see their fates nei?"

Just need a final move on or rest statement. I think Skane is still at 2/12 HP

I think that we're resting, at least for a short while so that people can heal up some. Elghund, what is your HP at now? Skane definitely needs a rest. Klo, you healed Annalisa once, are you able to help Skane?

5HP at present, the Elk charge and the Fey hits certainly added up! was all the way down to -8 at the end of the fight.

Resting sound good to you then? If we get in another fight with both you and Skane so low, we'd be kinda screwed.

Yeah we can rest up in the snow some more

Not a lot of places around to rest up that aren't in the snow. But hey, you can have a nice, new, bloody elk fur blanket!

Klo, you healed Annalisa once, are you able to help Skane?

Nope. I'm going to try to prep a casting of my highest level Cure spell daily – for clutch situations – and I used that on Annalísa earlier. since we're resting now, I'll do the same for this next day. Basically i'll be prepping my same spells (Entangle, Cure Light Wounds, and my Domain Enlarge Person).

The towering Kló nods to the newcomer's words, and he watches the group begin to look for a place to settle in for a longer stretch of much-needed rest. "If you're willing to help us, you're welcome to share our path and fire... if we decide to make one, I guess."

Without further comment, Kló begins workign with Elghund to find the best place for the group to spend a long stretch resting.

Perception/Survival to fidn a good place to set up camp, paying attention to any game trails or other natural markings and whatnot
Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Survival 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Elghund grunts with appreciation at Klo's excellent spotting of a suitable campsite and attention to detail, and with the job done so quickly he sets about cooking up Elk, setting the heart aside for Annalissa.

Grimacing Skäne settles himself down for the night, his slow, pained movements a far cry from the warrior in combat earlier.

"Pass me some of that elgr meat... it'll go well with a good gufa..."

As he hunkers down the vikingr packs his elegent black pipa with some course blended tabac.

Auld Tunga: gufa = smoke

"I'll share your fire for now, your friend here will need more than snow for that jaw and I won't be able to help until the morning."

And if one elk gave them so much trouble who knows what the проклет will do.

Skäne grunts a laugh at Katherson's concern;

Nei... the jaw is fine, minn shoulder on the other hand..."

The warrior prods a finger into the hole left by the elgr's antler, raising a crimson tipped digit through gritted teeth.

A camp is soon made and given that the sun is rising it is easier to stay warm this time than it was the last you stopped to rest. Watches are taken, sleep is succumbed to and the burning orb that passes overhead does not touch you deep within the depths of winter. You rouse once more to press on as the sun begins it's inevitable descent back below the line of trees. There is perhaps a few hours of daylight left before shadows and night o'ercome the woods once more.

Rest successful - gain back 1 HP and restore all daily consumables to full.

Having spent time camping with the newest addition to their group, those around Katherson will note he speaks with a strangely cultured accent for an Ulfen, and that he takes care to keep his hands covered.

"Luck was with us that time. Like as not we'll need it against the проклет. Let me look on those final wounds."

Will use 2 CLW, one on Skane and one on Elghund. The last two I'll keep for stabilization and other emergencies unless you guys feel differently.

CLW Skane: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
CLW Elghund: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

retconned into above before rest...

Skäne puffs away at his pipa, taking deep drawls as his talk takes on a more melocholy and lazy intonation;

"Ahhh. Daldowie's Blend minn friends... damn god Taldan weed... and in minn beloved Afi's Pipa it neiver tasted better..."

Clearly contented the usually grim and forthright Vikingr smiles broadly to himself with each puff. Once finished the warrior looks clearly spent and falls into a deep slumber without finishing his supper.

...zzzzz...

When he rises Skäne looks somewhat bleary eyed but his wounds seem much better. With the attentions of his newest companion the Vikingr stands completely healed.

His grim look restored, the warrior looks eager to sally forth.

"Har! Let us see what dráp this day brings..."

Auld Tunga: dráp = killing

With rest, some good gufa and Katherson's magicks Skäne now sits at full hits... Who says the drugs don't work! :)

Kló grins at the warrior's grim excitement, shaking his hands to work some warmth into them as he prepares once again to take up his position as rear-guard... shield and shortspear once again in-hand.

Elghund is happy with the healing, and appears in rather high spirits, especially after a good feast on Elk.

"Now we know, Fae not so tough, one good hit makes them die. Not needing cold iron to do the job, hit hard and they die just like anything else."

He maintains polishing his equipment with a well worn rag as he waits for everyone to be ready.

HP 17/17

Annalisa spends a few minutes in the morning melting down snow so she and Hundur can have a drink, as well as walking around with the dog to stretch her legs. She stays within sight of everyone else, with the exception of ducking behind a tree quickly to relieve herself. All that can be seen of her is her hand pushing Hundur's head away a time or two as he tries to lick her face to death while it's on his level.

After sharing some of the leftover bits of the elk with her furry companion, she is ready to move on.

"If you think all проклет are so frail you are in for a rude surprise."

The newcomer nods grimly as the group breaks camp then points to the North.

"Care to see what I saw along the river?"

If the group consents the man will turn and lead them in the direction of the statue, his steps moving lightly through the snow and leaving no trail.

You break shelter and after ablutions are spent prepare for the road ahead. The trail still shows clear in the snow despite the slowly fading light, and makes for easy following. Silence and snow laden trees are your companions for an hours trudge before you spy the statue that the newcomer told of.

A human-sized snowman stands in the middle of the trail before a frozen stream. A crude wooden sign leans against it and bears the words “Trespassers Turn Back.” A solid sheet of ice extends across the frozen stream, while snow-covered rocks line its banks.

Note: you are still a little bit back from the stream and screened by some trees.

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Knowledge (nature) aside from the frozen man, does anything seem off? 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Skäne eyes the snowman and spits with a grim set to his scarred jaw;

"Feh. If they truly wanted to give us the œgis-hjálmr, then a Nithing Pole or Wickerman rather than a snjármann..."

"... do we look like mewing barnr?"

Auld Tunga: œgis-hjálmr = terror helm/snjármann = snowman

To punctuate his point the vikingr stomps toward the snjármann and brings his langsword to bear on its head as he walks angrily by;

MW Langsword (if needed?): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage to Frosty?: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

These people are going to get me killed.

Katherson watches as the Ulfen male viciously attacks the snowman.

"I hope they didn't make that out of one of the people you're tracking."

Elghund just looks dumbfounded from his position toward the rear of the party, watching with shock as his fellows advance on what is either an obvious trap or an ambush.

His hand was already half way to his trusty grapple, but now moves to his sword fearing it is too late for that.

He watches to see what happens to Skane and Annalissa.

Annalisa DID NOT approach. She stayed with the group and looked from there, that's it.

Annalisa sighs heavily and rubs her head as Skane goes stomping off. She readies her sword and waits to see what happens, if anything.

As Skane approaches the snowman and draws closer, it animates and begins to speak "“Can’t you read? The s...' but the red minded Northman has other activities on his mind. As he swings his blade towards the snowman's head a tangible scream of frustration rushes forth from the frozen sentinel. The scream explodes with a chest thumping force of impact to those a little distant from the snowman... Skane is closer, and less able to easily react, the explosive force of the sonic scream tearing over his body...

1d8 ⇒ 4 Sonic damage to Skane and DC 18 Fort save or stunned for one round.

Please give me one combat rounds worth of actions.

Annalissa is out in front of the party though, not with it... in Elghunds old spot. Elghund is up the back.

Elghund takes a knee in the snow to keep a lower profile, looking for cover against what he suspects should be a lot of inbound arrows. It's what he would do with an ambush like this. Until the enemy reveal themselves, charging in any particular direction is only guesswork.

If that's where he wishes to be... DM VoV made it clear we were in tree cover. She didn't move out into the open.

Annalisa likewise ducks down and moves closer to the magic users to whisper to them, "Is there anything you can do to destroy that ice man from here?"

"...but I do know I won't be led by some blood-minded orc who nearly gets himself gored by a talking stag because the rabbit-sh!t that he calls his brain can't understand the merits of a little patience when valuable information could be gained."

You merely walk in the front of the group because of your tracking abilities. Looks to me Hundur can do that same thing just fine."

So Elghund is now towards the rear, letting Klo and Annalissa walk their talk at the spearhead of the party's advance.

Fort Save DC 18: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Skitt! 8/12 HP and Stunned

Skäne grunts as the wave of noise hits him, then staggers slightly as its true effect is felt; his langsword slipping from his fingers as the warrior sways...

Rikka can only shake her head at the lack of caution as Skane boldly marches across the ice. The blast of sound opens her eyes.

Annalisa likewise ducks down and moves closer to the magic users to whisper to them, "Is there anything you can do to destroy that ice man from here?"

Rikka gives a brief shake of her head. "Not from here, I can't. But..." She considers the magics involved and whether this is a one-time trap or a snare that could catch them all if they approach.

Spellcraft 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

The newcomer readies and loads his crossbow.

"No doubt the guards will be along shortly."

*cough cough* *hack* *spit*

Loading the normal bolts for now.

Not sure if you wanted 1 round of actions from everyone so...

While she tries to puzzle out the magics involved, Rikka pulls the crossbow and bolts that Klo has been carrying for her and loads one.

MOVE: Retrieve Crossbow & a couple bolts
STAND: Load Crossbow

So Elghund is now towards the rear, letting Klo and Annalissa walk their talk at the spearhead of the party's advance.

Ah, I didn't' realize you were at the back of the group, Elghund. I guess Kló would have taken a place up-front to help track, then. I'll act according that.

Kló frowns when the warrior strides out, and he remains rooted in the safety of the trees. He's about to object when Skäne strikes.

"Well, damn," is all he says as he hunches down behind his shield, gripping his shortspear as his dark eyes cast about.

A round of actions: Full Defensive and a proactive Perception check.
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20

Rikka believes that the trap is spent, but cannot tell for certain without getting closer to the partially beheaded snow man.

As the band reacts and makes ready to defend their eyes rove and as yet do not find any further threats to be wary of.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Klo, ??, Annalisa, Elghund, Katherson, Rikka, Skane

Mapski

The black dot next to Skane is the snowman, the trail continues past you guys as does the tree cover... it's just the AP map doesn't extend that far.

Elghund continues to look for attackers the alarm would have summoned.
Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

Elghund doesn't manage to find sign of potential attackers... but does get wary of the ice on the stream across the trail... something seems off.

"Watch the ice, maybe more traps!"

"I'm going out there, I'm going to bring Skane in if I can get him to listen. You guys be ready, it seems quiet but there could be trouble still about." Staying low, Annalisa begins to move in to where Skane is, she's moving a bit slower than normal as she is somewhat crouched and looking around as she moves. When she reaches Skane, she checks to see that he's not suffering any lasting effects from that blast. Hearing Elghund's warning, she encourages Skane to pull back from the ice some, "Let it come to us. If there's something down there, we want to fight it on land not in a frozen stream."

Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

The scream of the snowman finally fades from your ears as Skane begins to come to his senses once more.

Action Tracker (Round 1): Klo, ??, Annalisa, Elghund, Katherson, Rikka, Skane

Skäne groggily raises a hand to acknowledge Annalisa's words.

He wearily stoops to recover his dropped blade whilst bracing his shield for any attacks...

Perception1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21Close but no cookie.

Cant make that Perception DC even on a 20...

The huge man's dark eyes continue to scan the trees and frozen water around them.

"I don't like it."

His shortspear and shield are returned to their home on his back before his hands begin opening his pack.

Stow shield and shortspear.

Perception DC 29: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"In the future you should know I have some facility with traps."

Katherson continues to wait for a response to the alarm.

Cant make that Perception DC even on a 20...

Ha neither can I, but it was 2 am and I thought it was funny at the time to roll anyway. :P

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23