Sigma and Co.'s Reign of Winter

Game Master Justin Harrell 615

Arthrax remains as he has been, wary. He looks around, expecting trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Feinmeir draws his sword and looks about wary of the fetishes.

Something is afoot: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

when/if you look closer at the fetishes you notice something odd about them.

Arthrax remembers the warnings about fey from the guard Yuln. He thinks fey are little elf things that like to shoot bows. He draws his shield, slipping his arm in the strap as he loosens his axe in his grip. Just in case, he taps Demona on the shoulder, pointing out the tiny arrows.

"Lads and lasses I think we be having company" Feinmeir said tightening his grip on the sword.

The book has what I feel is an insane perception DC to notice the buggers (DC 30) so instead i'll do an oppose stealth check since that's essentially what it is. Their stealth is insane but who's to say one doesn't muck up while one of you rolls gold.

bugger 1 stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30
bugger 2 stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
bugger 3 stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (13) + 20 = 33
bugger 4 stealth: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (8) + 20 = 28

Arthrax perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Feinmeir perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Merisiel perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Demona perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Connor perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Ikkis perception: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (11) - 2 = 9

worth a shot. surprise round. I'll post the map in a moment.

red sprite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
orange sprite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
green sprite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
purple sprite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Arthrax initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Feinmeir initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Merisiel initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Demona initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
Connor initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Ikkis initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

And now the surprise attack keep in mind each attack hits your flat footed[/dice]
red attacking Merisie: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
orange attacking Demona: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3
green attacking Connor: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
purple attacking Feinmeir: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9
damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6

[ooc]Everyone who was hit please make a fort save

Demona looks where Arthrax points, nods, and subconsciously hunkers her head down lower, for once with no jokes to make.

Sorry, laptop decided it wanted to restart and update before i could finish my update. Demona, you're the only one that got hit so you took 1 damage, not 3 and I'll roll a fort save for you to see if you can resist it's wintery force

Demona's fort: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

ouch. Demona you're staggered

Round 1 Initiative
orange sprite
Demona (staggered)
Arthrax
red sprite
Ikkis
purple sprite
green sprite
Feinmeir
Merisiel
Connor

before i continue, make sure you're where you like for combat within the crude box i just drew. Also, they're all Diminutive, I just don't feel like making their icon that small.

I don't understand what just happened. Did she get hit with a tiny arrow? Is it 3 damage or 1? I'm assuming the staggered comes from poison or some sort of cold effect?

Seeing that they've walked into a crossfire, Demona wades fifteen feet southwest through the snow, and then drops prone in the snow.

Before he knows what is happening, little arrows start flying all around. One of them hits Demona, causing her to wobble. He starts to call out a warning, but sees her drop prone. He nods in agreement, pleased with her choice. Cursing the snow, he stumbles through it, moving to make it the 15 ft to Demona's side.

"Don't worry, my lady. These fairies will rue the day they fired on us.

Still the oppressive move restrictions, right?

yeah, sorry. my laptop decided it wanted to update before i could finish updating the monster post of mine. because they're so small, they only do 1 damage. because they're winter-touched, you make a fort save from any of their attacks or you become staggered because its so flippin' cold. the damage is untyped though. and no, the movement restrictions are gone. it was for the last map only because of how much snow was suppose to be there.

Round 1

Well then Arthrax charges at the fey, cold iron Battle Axe raised high as he yells, trying to get the creature to focus on him and not the prone Demona.

Axe Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Effective AC 17 until my next turn

Careful they shoot tiny arrow that can numb you for a few seconds she says as soon as the creature appears but she was not fast enough to prevent someone from getting hit.

First Dragons, now ice pixies?! What's else can happen?!"

Not knowing what else to do in this situation, Ikkis follows Demona's example and drops to the ground, holding his shield over his face, which at this point is his only exposed vital area.

Ikkis drops prone as a free action and uses the Total Defense action for his Standard Action. This combined action gives him a +4 dodge bonus to AC and an untyped +4 bonus to AC from ranged attacks.

herp. just noticed Demona's post. Since Ikkis already posted his action, I'm going to post for the last three sprites

Arthrax's ax cuts at the sprite. What was once a cocky grin of confidence has morphed into a horrific grimmice filled with pain. She hisses as her cut smokes.

"you dare weird a weapon forged in cold iron?" What most likely meant to sound intimidating came out somewhat squeaky and high pitched due to the sprite's size.

As Arthrax gets chastized by one sprite, another flies towards the party. She stops five feet away.

"cum his ita clara colores oh / Inimici autem mei vivunt, mittere ad somnum nocte" She squeaks.

Spell hits a 15' cone and affects those in still in the square formation.

Ikkis' Will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Merisiel's Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23
Connor's Will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18
Feinmeir's Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Bright colors wash over you from the sprite those most of you are able to shield your eyes in time. When your eyes are able to refocus on your surroundings, you notice Ikkis has collapsed to the ground. The Sprite chuckles slightly, though you could tell she's displeased that she only affected one of you.

Ikkis. you are unconcsious, stunned, and blinded for 2d4 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 rounds. after that, you're stunned and blinded for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds. after that you're only stunned for a round.

Another sprite from farther back flies up and tries her luck. With a similar chant, she releases a flood of bright colors over you.

Merisiel's Will: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Connor's Will: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17
Feinmeir's Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

When the light dies down this time, only Connor stands.

Meri and Feinmeir. You are unconcious, stunned, and blinded for 2d4 ⇒ (4, 1) = 5 rounds. after that you're stunned and blinded for 1d4 ⇒ 1 rounds. after that you're stunned for a round.

The last sprite stays back, not wanting to get to close and save her magic for when she needs it. Instead, she draws her bow and takes aim at the foes still standing.

attack vs. connor: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
1 damage

connor's fort: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Round 1 Initiative
orange sprite
Demona
Arthrax
red sprite
Ikkis (unconcsious, stunned, blind)
purple sprite
green sprite
Feinmeir (unconcsious, stunned, blind)
Merisiel (unconcsious, stunned, blind)
Connor

Round 1
hp 8/13
Effects: None

Standard Action: Swipe at purple sprite with glaive-guisarme.

Glaive-guisarme Attack w/ Power Attack vs Purple Sprite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Connor blinks his eyes to clear them of the back-to-back eruptions of sprite 'color' all in his face. Growling, Connor is ready to let his blood boil into a rage but a quick glance around him shows everyone else but Arthrax is down, snoring away. The young man attempts to calm himself as he swipes at the closest sprite with his pole-arm, using it almost more like a giant fly-swatter then its intended purpose, "Why are you attacking us, little pests? Fly back to your nests before I sell your little bodies to a taxidermist to turn into children's toys."

Feinmeit lays in the snow unable to process that a tiny little pixie had taken him down.

good luck to those still standing :)

The orange sprite backs off, saying an onslaught of nasty things in sylvan. She turns her attentions to the trees and shouts something. Other sprite-sized lights start glowing in the trees. She then speaks in the squeeky voice of hers, "I'll tell you once. Take your friends and leave now or face the furry of a winter the likes of which you've never seen."

turn over, Demona and Arthrax, your go. Also, i can't edit the map on my phone so if someone could move orange back one. It's a five foodt step... or can diminutive not do that, i can't remember.

"Ummmm, Demona? Connor? What do you think? Looks like there's more..."

Speaking as a free action before I act.

whoops, forgot a roll, sorry. Feel free to retcon that free action

bluff: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Not knowing any better, Arthrax will listen for a quick blurb from his allies. If none is forthcoming, he steps up to the fey and strikes at it again with the cold iron axe.

Axe: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Connor spits into the snow beside him, "I don't like taking orders from wee folk no bigger than my big toe. We meant no harm and would gladly be through your territory quick as we could but why do I feel like that isn't going to be enough for your merry band of cutthroats?"

Should a telepath come across the scene, the approximate thought process of the unconscious, blind, and stunned Ikkis would be something along these lines:

I can't even right now. I just can't. I'm can't even-ing. I... how do I eyes I have no see. Arms... like noodles. Legs... like fish on river barge. Life is struggle.

"My friend speaks the truth," Demona calls out from the snowbank. "We are just travelers, looking to pass through."

Know Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

2 bits of info. herp. They're called winter-touched sprites. they have DR/cold iron and a can stagger you with any of their non-magical attacks.

sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

wow, i only beat you by 1. still enough to sniff out the lie.

"Liar!" The sprite squeals. "You wish to close the portal and save that smelly human girl."

I hate being unconscious, I has quips for days.

Seeing that the sprite didn't buy her story, she sends a jet of flame at the one near her, then shuts her eyes for the round.

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 Reflex 14 for half or catch fire

purple reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

The sprites scream in unison. "She wields the fire magic! Run! one of the sprites squeal. Each of the sprites take off into the woods. When they do the forest erupts into hundreds of sprite sized lights. the one adjacent to Arthrax withdraws into the woods instead of run

Momentarily surprised, Demona quickly stands and shouts, "That's right, you better run, before I burn all your asses!"

She casts prestidigitation to wreathe herself in cantrippy flames, and uses soark to set small twigs ablaze.

Arthrax swivels from side to side, hardly believing their luck. He hears Demona's empty boasting and winces. He then nods...if fire intimidated them best to use it to intimidate to full effect. After making sure the sprites were not going to make a surprise appearance, he walks over to the woman, quickly reaching down and removing the tiny arrow sticking out of her.

"You alright, my lady? Perhaps we should help Connor wake our companions?"

Demona smiles at Arthrax.

"You know, with my mother not around, you really don't have to call me my Lady, unless you want to." She casts spark on the tiny arrow he's holding, and grins.

Arthrax eyes Demona warily at her words and manner. He is a creature of habit, and this is unexpected and therefore problematic. "Ahhhh!" He quickly drops the newly flamed arrow he was holding. Yes, that was more like the woman.

He gives her an uneasy grin of his own before quickly moving to the closest unconscious companion, thinking as he moves. 'My lady' was the standard, but that might offend her or imply something, now that she had made that statement. Using her name sounded too personal. Maybe he should just start saying 'you'. Hmmmm, he'd have to think on it. The wretch might just be teasing him.

I really hate that spell was all that came to her mind as she recovered from the color spray effect

As people come to, Demona makes sure she's there to calm them, and reassure them the blindness will soon pass.

Once everybody is ready, she suggests that they should move out before the winter sprites locate what's left of their courage and return.

"I swear by Torag if I see one of them pixie things again I'll kill it." Feinmeir says agrily as he sits shaking the snow out of his beard.

Arthrax nods at Feinmeir's assessment, readily agreeing. He gets back in formation, ready to continue.

Ikkis, literally stunned, eventually regains his coordination and sight and wordlessly follows the other . He wasn't entirely sure as to what had just transpired, but at this point he had learned to accept it and move on.

Connor plucks the fey's little arrorw from his arm before flicking it away like the toothpick it is. He looks to the others as they drag themselves up from their stupor, "Everyone alright?" He nods to Feinmeir, "I have a thought to do good on my threat to the wee bastards if we run into one another again. I'm sure some girl-child would love her very own stuffed pixie doll."

Connor spends a moment looking for the trail again as he motions everyone onward, "So it seems the guard's stories were true. These bandits are working with the fey or at least bribed a few to work for them. Best be on our guard for further mischief."

"Let us move on then and deal with these bandits." Feinmeir says standing up.

Tracking: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

"Everyone alright?"

"I'm... good? I really don't know anymore. I just don't want to get hit again by whatever rainbow-beam-thing that was. Also, is everyone mumbling? I can't hear you very-"

Before he can finish his sentence, a bit of snow falls out of Ikkis' ears, making a soft 'plop' sound as it connects with the ground.

"-nevermind. That's why. Let's move on."

Arthrax has what for him is a very strategic and thoughtful comment. "Hey, should we light a torch or something? Those little things didn't seem to like it when Demona shot fire at them..."

"Well hopefully she can keep the fire up cause I do not have a one." Feinmeir says trying to pick up the trail where they had left off.

We should move faster cause they might alter those that are holding the woman captive of our arrival and that isn't good as we would loose the initiative and surprise

As you continue through the woods, you notice a narrow game trail winding its way through the trees and undergrowth. Hoofprints mark the underlying snow, leading in both directions.

Arthrax looks at the game trail, quickly growing confused. This seemed like a job for Connor or Feinmeir...or really just about anyone else. Instead, he takes a look around for anything out of the ordinary, remembering all too keenly the little bastards from a short while ago.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Demona keeps herself wreathed in prestidigitation flames as they move out, and randomly fires off spark cantrips to ignite small twigs on the trees as they pass through. She briefly contemplates how well Arthrax's hair would ignite, but stops herself halfway through her casting, as she realizes that's probably a slightly dumb idea.

She keeps glancing at him and smirking, however, as they proceed.

Arthrax frowns as the sorceress keeps turning back, glancing at his hair before smirking before turning back around. Every time, the warrior runs his hand through his hair, searching for something comedic. Every time it was free of debris, maybe in need of a wash, but otherwise fine.

Hmmmm....from his brief time in the young woman's company, he could draw only two conclusions. One, a wash and a comb and she was ready to woo him, or two, she was contemplating giving him an entirely new hair style, one that would save him the hassle of a comb altogether. Step after step, he became more and more convinced that it was option two.

is someone trying to deceive us with those tracks ?