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

Game Master Mark Sweetman

As the group stands mostly idle, unsure of what to make of the snowman and icy river... the river does not wait. With a sound halfway between torn paper and breaking wood, the ice comes alive and twin man-like forms of living ice emerge and rush towards Skane. They swim through the ice covering the river as though it were air and the surface is left unbroken in their wake.

With practiced movements smoother than it would seem a beast of ice could make they veer up as they near the red-handed vikingr and swat at him with thick icy arms as thick as a swarthy man's thigh...
Slam at Skane: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14 for 1d6 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (2) = 8 Second d4 is cold, if struck DC 14 Fort save or staggered for one round.
Slam at Skane: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 2 = 15 for 1d6 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + 4 + (3) = 8 Second d4 is cold, if struck DC 14 Fort save or staggered for one round.
...though he has the luck of the Æsir upon him as both blows are well wide of the mark.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Beasts of Ice, Klo, Annalisa, Elghund, Katherson, Rikka, Skane

Updated Mapski

"Elghund!" Kló barks out over the strange sounds of the rushing ice-creatures, "I don't know what these things are, but my guess is that a monstrously-sized orc could crush them back into tiny ice chunks. If you'll step over here, I'll see if I can make you twice the orc you already are."

The big man steps forward, waiting to see if Elghund will take the offer.

Kló will 5' step forward to L.3 (free action), and then delay until Elghund (or Annalísa, I guess) steps to K.4. At that point, he'll begin casting Enlarge Person on that person (which will obviously go into affect the following round).

Round 2

K. Planes?: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Not sure what he is facing nor how difficult it might be for the group to deal with them, Katherson fires a bolt at the closes ice creature.

Light X-Bow !PS: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (1) - 2 = -11d8 ⇒ 2

That was just a warning shot...yeah that's it.

Kló recoils slightly as the errant bolt just misses his shoulder.

:D

Annalisa should be up there with Skane on the map.

Cold Iron longsword 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Damage 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Bloody hell, my rolls with Annalisa have really sucked so far.

"Kill everybody, don't kill everybody; wish you make you mind up, confusing me!" Elghund roars as he positions to take advantage of Klo's delightful offer.

Can't see map at the moment, so unsure of what the go is, will repost later when I am on a different PC as this work one is sucking hard

I think that even an orc can see the difference between something that is attacking us and something that isn't. :P

"I never said not to kill anything," Kló grunts as the orc rushes past, "I said try to apply half as much brain as you do muscle, and maybe next time you won't get a gutted."

He puts a big hand Elghund's back, dark eyes unfocusing as he begins to chant out a rolling series of rustic words.. words once again echoed by the trees, by the icy river, and – Elghund realizes – by the thick muscles in his own heavy orc limbs.

Initiative drops down just behind Elghund's, and Kló begins to cast Enlarge Person on Elghund.

Shifty - you can just move into base to base with a 30ft move to K4.
Annalisa is up with Skane on the map (just behind him).

As Klo steps forward to wait for Elghund the first volleys from the Ulfen rescuers is similarly ineffectual against the creatures of ice.

Katherson knows of beings born of the primordial elements and given life, perhaps this is similar yet the get of ice? But he not know enough to predict what strengths or skills the creatures may bear.

Action Tracker (Round 2): Beasts of Ice, Klo, Annalisa, Elghund, Katherson, Rikka, Skane

Ah, yes I see, I still had the old one opened, my bad, thanks!

Ok cool, sorry flying blind here because the work computer isn't opening the maps, so wasn't sure how far I was from the action, and whether I could move and attack or just attack etc. Thx for the infoz!Still not sure as still at work, but lets go gettem!

Elghund moves in to attack, heavy blade in heavier hands, and swinging with bad intentions...

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage 2d4 + 7 ⇒ (2, 3) + 7 = 12

Elghund has more success moving up to stand before Klo and delivering an ice cracking smite with his falchion. His target is rocked by the impact... but still stands firm.

Rikka and Skane to go.

Aha! I have mappage now. Black dot was the snowman? I only JUST made it in 30' assuming I am now in K3

VoV - any chance of getting a map update? I've got Klo possibly at L3, and Elghund possibly enlarged at K/L 3/4 which would be a contradiction. Needless to say, positioning affects our options. Are there any other terrain mods we should know about? i.e. - is anything off the trail considered difficult terrain or impassable?

Rikka moves to trail's edge to find a clear firing lane then raises the crossbow to her shoulder and fires at the ice-creature in her sights.

~ Round 2 ~

MOVE: Into the open and 'forward' just off the trail.
STAND: Shoot crossbow

Slammed at work so will keep it succinct!

Round 2

Faced with two frigid foes Skäne does what comes naturally; hunkers behind his shield and swings his blade down in a cruel intended arc;

Langsword on I3 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Kló is in L.3. Elghund moved to K.4. Until the beginning of Klo's next round, Elghund still only takes up K.4. But at that time, he has room to expand to K/L 4/5. Does that help?

Some. Thanks.

Rikka - I moved you to the left of the trail, but you could've gone right if you wanted. Nothing in this instance is difficult terrain, it's just window dressing. If you didn't want to go that far forward I could also move you back - was just going off clear firing lines.
I've also embiggened Elghund on the map.

Skane's attack bounces off the ice beast's armor, as does Rikka's quarrel. Both of the icy elementals keen a soft wail before resuming their assault upon the swarthiest of those that attack them...
Slam at Skane: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12 for 1d6 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (2) + 4 + (3) = 9 Second d4 is cold, if struck DC 14 Fort save or staggered for one round.
Slam at Elghund: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 for 1d6 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (1) = 11 Second d4 is cold, if struck DC 14 Fort save or staggered for one round.
...though the gods smile once more upon your group and both swings hit naught but air.

Action Tracker (Round 3): Beasts of Ice, Klo, Annalisa, Elghund, Katherson, Rikka, Skane

Map

That's perfect VoV, thanks! I'm good with Rikka's position. My basic plan is to cut the corner and flame both of these clowns, assuming no allies get in the way.

Kló rips Blóð'steinn from its sheath as he steps up between the group's two black-handed warriors, trying to stab past the snowman and into the ice creature attacking Elghund.

Round 3
Draw Blóð'steinn.
5' step to K.3
2-handed Ferocious strike on J.4 (does the snowman give cover to the ice thing?
.
Blóð'steinn 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13; (reduce by cover if applicable)
---> Damage 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Round 3

Frustrated Skäne clangs his blade off his shield as he utters an oath...

"Minn leiðr hjarta svíða harðliga heitr ísskvikindir!"

... afore stabbing hard with his blade at the iss beast's throat;

Langsword: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Round 3

*cough*

"Move to the flanks! Elk to the left, Skane step through!"

Seeing that his crossbow will serve him poorly Katherson slings it and draws his morningstar.

Hurray for BAB 0. 5' to M2.

"Will the ice hold?!"

Perception (?) to guage the strength of the ice on the river 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

R3
Enraged
Cold Iron Longsword attack on I3 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
Damage 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Red begins to swarm around the edges of Annalisa's eyes, her first blow missed her target and she curses the blasted cold iron sword... I've not hit a damn thing with this bloody sword! With a growl of anger and frustration, Annalisa swings once again at her target.

R3

Elghubnd laughs mightily in surprise and enthusiasm at his new stature, swinging his now way oversized weapon at the ice cretaures...

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Damage 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (6, 3) + 9 = 18

His swing is less well placed as he comes to terms with his new gigantic size.

Klo expends the energy of his incantation, but his thrust is spoiled by intervening flesh. As the enlarged Elghund struggles with the balance of his swelled form, Annalisa's blow is better measured crunching heavily against the ice elemental's midsection. Skane shares similar success, a heavy thrust knocked chunks of foully animated ice to the snow floor where they melt slowly away to nothingness.

Klo cannot tell from this distance and with the distraction of battle whether the ice is thin or thick.

Action Tracker (Round 3): Beasts of Ice, Klo, Annalisa, Elghund, Katherson, Rikka, Skane

Both elementals are still upstanding and functional.

Rikka slides from between the trees near the river's edge. She skirts the treacherous ice, raises a hand and calls upon spirits of flame and light. A sheet of fire dances across the ice creatures.

~ Round 3 ~

MOVE: H2
STAND: Cast Burning Hands defensively

Rikka's conjured eldsvåda dances across the creatures wrought of ice their forms expand and crack...
Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7 and 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
...the one rocked by the blows of Annalisa and Skane succumbing and exploding with a thunk, spraying half melted ice outward. The second flails with cracked limbs slicked wet with melted ice...
Slam at Elghund: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 for 1d6 + 4 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 4 + (2) = 12 Second d4 is cold, if struck DC 14 Fort save or staggered for one round.

One still up - but I'm not guessing for long. Haven't bothered updating map as it won't add anything tactically - you can all move to encircle the last one left.
eldsvåda - outbreak of fire

Action Tracker (Round 4): Beasts of Ice, Klo, Annalisa, Elghund, Katherson, Rikka, Skane

R3
HP 1/13

Fort 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Giant Elghund gets pounded well and truly by the ice, his anger palpable as he readies for a return swing.

Those can pack a whallop!

Elghund - that they can... but staggered still allows you to take a standard action if you choose to?

Oh ok, wasn't actually my turn yet in the init order so thought I should resolve the outcome of their attack and wait for the other players in order before resolving my own :) Didn't want to killsteal on Klo and Annalisa...!

Elghund unleashes his return assault,

Attack 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Damage 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 5) + 9 = 16

Elghund's second swipe of his enlarged form is more telling, and strikes the elemental in the midsection. Ice parts as easily as snow and where one elemental stood before... two severed halves stand melting slow thereafter.

Combat over

Attack with sword 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage 1d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Looks like Annalisa won't be taking this one down!

Annalisa grunts and swings again, cursing loudly as her blow is ineffective.

Its ok, Elghunds turn ends the creature :p

Elghund stands rubbing the large welt where he was hit by the frosty creature... he appears to be rather angry still as it crumbles, and smacks it a few more times with his sword, and its friend for good measure.

HP 1/13.

"Walking into traps is bad idea, me just sayin"

Skäne watches the jotunn sized orc pound the elementals with a grim faced impassiveness;

"Feh We all still standa nei? Traps are the hrafnasueltir's way... they will pay for it when we drykkr from their skulls..."

Auld Tunga: hrafnasueltir =raven-starver/coward

"These have no skulls to drykkr from! Only ice for the drink itself!" Elghund feigns annoyance, whilst trying not to laugh at his own observation... the pain of his wounds also helping the retention of a straight face.

Katherson eyes the two wearily.

"You're going to get yourselves killed. I've but a few prayers of healing left for today, and when those expire, so do you."

The oracle moves to Elghund and heals him.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

His work done he examines the site.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Now that the threat of combat is past Katherson can more clearly see that areas of the ice had been thinned from beneath. If weight was put upon it then it may have parted. He can also see what looks like boots protruding from a snowdrift on the opposite side of the frozen river.

There is a place to safely cross, just some areas are thinned.

Did you totally get hit because I Enlarged you, Elghund?
/facepalm… at east you got to explode somebody, I guess.

As the second ice creature is shattered by the huge orc, Kló relaxes, his own large blade dipping into the snow at his feet. He seems about to step up to Elghund when Katherson beats him to it. "Thanks," he mutters to the man as he heals the still-huge orc.

"Walking into traps is bad idea, me just sayin"

"Agreed," Kló rumbles, looking over at Skäne. "Next time, let's at least consider such obvious traps before rushing in."

His dark eyes stray to the frozen river, [b]"Do we think this will hold us as we cross? If we act quickly, Elghund's enhanced size could make him an excellent rope-holder as some of us try to cross. If the ice breaks, he can pull us back in. Without waiting for an answer, he sheathes his blade and begins getting out his rope.

For clarity - there are sections of the ice that are weak, but the other bits are strong - you can cross safely.

Oh, i had missed your post as I was writing my own. People can ignore or respond to kló's idea – whichever they like.

Kló looks at the crew, then indicates the boots, "Let's stay sharp." He begins moving forward, nodding in a wordless request for Elghund's assistance in moving forward.

Annalisa shakes her head in bewilderment as the Orc informs Skane that walking into obvious traps is unwise, as in her opinion, he did much of the same with the elk. She shrugs it off though, and prepares to follow Katherson who seems to have spotted the safer areas to travel across the ice.

"Walk where I walk. There are thin patches in the ice."

With that the strangely tattooed man will begin heading across the ice.

Skäne flashes a grin at the Orc's black humoured advice before falling in with the rest of the group.

At Kló's comment he cannot resist more gallows humour:

"Oh do nei worry Jotunnsonn, minn blade is always sharpa..."

The warrior points his sword toward the boots as he follows Katherson's path.

Kló glances back, "I believe that."

[ooc]Did you totally get hit because I Enlarged you, Elghund?[ooc]

No, Elghund got hit because the gods of battle like to see both sides of a conflict bloodied and bruised and ensure that both sides pay proper tribute in their struggle. The gods then gift the righteous winner with fame and glory, and the vanquished earn a place in the halls. :p

Elghund smiles at Kathesons healing, but rankles at the comments.

The ice is crossed with a minimum of creaking, careful placement of feet warding against unwanted drenching in frozen water.

Doing anything with the boots protruding from the snowdrift? - or forging on?

Elghund smiles at Kathesons healing, but rankles at the comments.
"Not blaming me, I not walking into traps and setting off ambush, just saving friends. Maybe you go up the front in the next fight, show how it's done. I will stay up the back and see how things get done, but so far not so convinced."

Who is he talking too?

Annalisa looks at the boots protruding from the snow and then to the others. "I think I'll give those a closer look." Before approaching the boots, however, she looks for any sign of further ambush or trap. Perception 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Annalisa sees no sign of ambush or trap, and the boots remain steadfast in their motionless position.

Katherson shrugs at the half-orcs ire.

"Think what you like, I've long ago learned rushing in gets good people killed."

As Annalisa approaches the boots he will also look for a trap.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23