Snows of Summer (Reign of Winter I)

Game Master lucklesshero

Wassilissa helps Hassan building a fire, as the cold won't leave her, even though the magic protects her from getting colder. "The elk didn't say a word after the Atomie died. Was it some fey magic to make it talk?"

Once the fire is ablaze she stands as close as possible to it, turning around every now and then, always checking that her cloak doesn't catch fire. It's a funny dance that could be seen as self turning roast at the camp fire.

Wassilissa helps Hassan building a fire, as the cold won't leave her, even though the magic protects her from getting colder. "The elk didn't say a word after the Atomie died. Was it some fey magic to make it talk?"

Once the fire is ablaze she stands as close as possible to it, turning around every now and then, always checking that her cloak doesn't catch fire. It's a funny dance that could be seen as self turning roast at the camp fire.

** spoiler omitted **

I assume you meant Endure Elements Wassillisa not endurance the feat (though I would rule people with this feat recover much faster from cold and heat dmg) unfortunately I've run into this before..Endure Elements doesn't count as a dry warm place furthermore it states the following: Endure elements doesn’t provide any protection from fire or cold damage, nor does it protect against other environmental hazards such as smoke, lack of air, and so forth.: However, sicnce Hassan made a fire I will allow you a DC:13 survive check to create a temp shelter (Lanfried can aid) If your successful the fatigued condition will be removed.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
As turning around at the fire doesn't help, Wassilissa tries to build some protection from the cold wind, but it keeps falling over.

Hassan shrugs at the ranger's question. "I know not if the stag ever truly spoke. As it left the last time, I suspected a trick, but we were going separate ways. Seeing the tiny fey makes me wonder if it was all wild magic that fooled us the first time. As in the harsh climes of my homeland, nothing here is friendly it appears. We should treat all we come across as foes until proven otherwise."

The inquisitor looks at the grey cloud-filled sky and wishes for the sun, for the face of the Dawnflower to shine on him once more. But there is no answer to that prayer.

"That's what my mum always suggested." Wassilissa comments.

After finishing up, arrac ties the hide up and attaches it to his pack.

So, nuemark, did you find anything that may have been what the little fellow was digging for?

Newmark comes trudging back to the others with a handful of gear, Unfortunately, found another dead solider. Newmark throws a half frozen tunic on the ground with a bundle of gear in it..Dansby, was his name according to the name sewn on them hem of that garment.. *tsk!* poor sod...his wife probably told him to be careful not to tear it after she sewed it for him. Newmark claps his hands free of snow..evident he'd been digging through it with some gusto.. Another former soldier of Taldor. Probably froze to death trying to figure out how to rescue his lady liege from the brigands that are holding her.

Newmark pulls out a wine skin and takes a deep pull handing it to Arrac strait after. We've no time to bury him proper..but I'll drink to his courage and keep the cloak... Newmark looks off to the north, maybe someday we'll get a chance to return it to his kin. For now, lets make use of the rest of his equipment and try to avenge his death. Newmark motions for the wineskin to be passed around..have a feeling might be the last drink some of us ever have. Newmark suppresses a shiver that has nothing to do with the cold.

"These bandits do have some warm place, don't they?" Wassilissa asks. Even though more of these bandits don't sound that good, a worm place does.

Here, who wants this bow? And perhaps, I say we should continue on our way. Let us find this hideout, clear it out, and get back this noble. Then, we can escort her back to town before searching further into this strange snow. What did you call that fey creature again? Do they normally have masters? If so, what do they serve?

Wassilissa tries the bow, but it his not to her liking and she hands it back to Arrac.

Lets keep moving, try to find the hide out

As Wassilissa passes on the composite longbow, Hassan tries it and finds it to his liking. He also stuffs the arrows into his quiver, offering any to the young huntress first.

Updated the loot tracker with the gear found, trading in Hassan's longbow for the composite. Updated the cash tracker with the coins found as well. Hassan is not proficient with the handaxe, so unless someone claims, it is sell pile.

is everyone ready?
He pauses a moment, but Before really giving people time to object, he nods. good. Let's be off. I'm eager, and ready for a fight worth my, our, time. he gives a confident smile before leading towards the direction of the bandit nest.

if a hand axe can be thrown, arrac will take it. As that could proce useful alongside his javelins.

Lanfried follows Arrac, with Grawlic at his heels.

Wassilissa moves along, watching out that nothing jumps out of the bushes again.

if a hand axe can be thrown, arrac will take it. As that could proce useful alongside his javelins.

Per the description of Handaxe, it is not well-balanced like throwing axes and tend to be heavier at their head. Comparable to a tomahwak or war hatchet. They cannot be thrown typically and have no ranged stats, just melee.

Arrac finishes skinning the great stag. The rest of the party cleans up the battle area and prepares to move out. You venture back into the woods heading down the game trail. After a few minutes the trail starts to traverse steadily uphill. In the distance you can see two parallel tails of smoke snake up into the sky...the smoke is coming from a position on top of the ridge. Your group proceeds cautiously towards the smoke. (assuming your whole party is 'taking 10' on stealth checks)

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 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.

Map is up please discuss strategy on the discussion page...(try not clog up the game-play with too much occ). Move your paws to where you want to go as you approach the lodge (or ask me to do it if you're on a phone). I'll place your pawns where they start.

Staying behind the bushes Wassilissa takes a look around. For one to see if someone keeps watch at the lodge, either outside or behind a window, or a dog, or whatever could give their presence away.
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"Careful," whispers Hassan gravely as the cat and his master move off behind the building. "The prisoner told us there were a dozen or more men here, some with an illness that may be contagious."

He nocks an arrow to his bow, and covers the others as they move around the building, holding is own position until it appears the coast is clear.

well, some of us could always just cause a distraction. And one or two of the others could sneak around and see what's going on, maybe even rescue the lady if they find them. arrac says with a grin, glancing down at his blade.

Though, stealth does have its uses in battles. For those with wits enough to use it.
For now, the large Ulfen will stay in the treeline, so as to more easily stay out of sight.

well, whats the plan? Charge in and catch them by surprise? Or do as the girl suggested, and attempt to win them over? haha!

Hassan considers, but urges caution. "I don't believe a frontal assault against superior numbers is in our interest until we know more about the lay of the land. I think the right approach is scouting first, seeing if there's any easy mark, and if none are found, we can try treachery first before relying on brute force."

"Scouting it is then." Wassilissa concludes. Seeing nothing obvious that could give their presence away Wassilissa sneaks in direction of the lodge to take a peek inside.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Hassan uses his bow to cover the approach of the girl, internally berating himself for letting her go forward into danger instead of him. She certainly could move quietly, more quietly than he could with heavy armor on, but he was determined not to let her get hurt in his place.

He said a silent prayer to the sun goddess to smile on her, and stood ready should this all go wrong.

Lanfried peers at the door of the building. He is looking to see movements or any indication of who is inside. What do you think Grawlic he whispers to the leopard.

Lanfried Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Grawlic Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

R 1

Newmark
?
?
Hassan
?
?
?
Wassillissa (-2 hp)(-3 NL dmg) *fatigued*
Arrac
Lanfried
Grawlic
?
?

Bold may act... Just tell me what you're doing this round ..Wassillissa please remember to take -1 on all dmg checks from melee attacks and -1 to hit on both melee and ranged..also your reflex saves also take -1 hit while fatigued... As does your AC...(until u rest in a dry warm place your AC is effectively 16)

What direction did the crash come from?

Lanfried freezes for a second, determining what direction the clatter came from. His hand shoots down to Grawlic and halts him in his tracks also.

Round 1

Hearing the stirring from inside the cabin after Wassilissa tripped the primitive alarm system, Hassan rushes over to stand next to Newmark, bow raised at the front door, readying an action if (or when) a bad guy exits the cabin.

Hassan readied bow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Dmg, if hit: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

heh, oh well. So much for that, looks like we get a good fight! Wassilissa, get to the trees!. Lets fill 'em with arrows before we close for a fight!

Arrac draws a javelin, moves close enough to the cabin to use it, and readies to throw it at the first person to leave

sorry, Can't see the map atm, if he is already close enough to throw it he will remain where he is.

attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

rage still 7/7 for now

What direction did the crash come from?

The back...you and Grawlic sneaked up near the front porch...Wassillisa went towards the back porch..

sorry, Can't see the map atm, if he is already close enough to throw it he will remain where he is.

Arrac doesn't see an assailant... just a crossbow bolt that came from the back porch some stacked chairs turned over boxes...he could use a move action to make a careful perception check...but it doesn't appear that anyone actually is on the back porch...there does appear to be some kind of mounted swivel attached to the porch railing..but you cannot tell what it is without focusing on it (ie move action)

"Sorry guys." Wassilissa tells as she ruined the stealthy approach. "I didn't see that."

As she stands in the open anyway and she really wants into that warm and cozy looking lodge she only readies her bow to shoot at any of those guards coming out.

Bow: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 261d8 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 - 1 = 6
Confirm: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 232d8 + 2 ⇒ (3, 7) + 2 = 12
+2FE-1fatigued

applogies, I meant for it to be a readied action in case someone came out the door.

Lanfried and Grawlic move back into the treeline and make their way back to the backdoor and the rest of the party.

Lanfried starts trudging back towards the others, double move half speed but he veers toward the tree line first so perhaps only 10 ft closer to his companions : Lanfried should move his own pawn if not I’ll get to it... The rest of the party freezes in place waiting and ready for someone to come out the back door. Inside you can clearly hear shouts of alarm now.: it sounds like those inside are getting ready for a fight they didn’t expect. ok it’s round two now actions? PS no one has come charging out that door yet.. you hear the sounds of voices.. the alarm being raised and controlled alarm at your arrival ..

Round 2

Waiting for a head to pop out the door, Hassan steps several feet to the south, taking cover behind the small outbuilding but still keeping his bow trained on the door.

"In the name of the Dawnflower, come out and surrender yourself or face the consequences!" he calls now that stealth isn't an option. "We know there is sickness inside, if you give up peacefully, we will show our mercy. If we must come in after, you may meet your judgement sooner than needed!"

Move south 20' near the small outbuilding, continued readied actino to shoot anyone who comes out ready to attack. If they come out surrendering, he will not shoot.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

Lanfried just keeps moving back to the group, keeping an eye and ear out for trouble.

Wassilissa waits with the bow ready until someone sticks the head out.

The party waits several more tense seconds as Lanfried and Grawlic continue to trudge back through the snow towards them. A general alarm has clearly been raised inside the lodge now. A couple of you spot the curtain of a window move aside and then drop back quickly...someone inside clearly peaking out to see what they're up against. Newmark loads his bow and stands ready.

After a few moments of standing and waiting Newmark speaks up, We're just waiting here? They're obviously not going to rush out in a hail of bolts and arrows! Can't you fools hear! They're preparing as we speak! We're giving them time to grab their weapons and armor! Newmark spits in disgust... Did you expect them just to file outside the back door one by one and let us pick-um off?! I thought I was working with professionals! Looking up and seeing Lanfried returning to the back portion of the house Newmark is incredulous ... Who's going to cover the front now?! What's to prevent our enemy from just exiting the front door now.... Bah! Without waiting for guidance Newmark starts stalking toward the front door.

You can still hear them preparing...beginning of the 3r round. All players may act.

R 3

Newmark
?
?
Hassan
?
?
?
Wassillissa (-2 hp)(-3 NL dmg) *fatigued*
Arrac
Lanfried
Grawlic
?
?

Wassilissa takes her bow down and walks back to Arrac. "Let's call the assault off and try later, maybe at night? For now we can hide and see if they dare to come out."

She moves further to the back of the group.

speaking out of character, we should likely have left, and come back later after the alarm was deemed a false one. Though arrac isn't one to suggest such actions ususlly. So he didn't

what sort of fight would we get from bandits with no weapons? Would be easier than slaughtering farmers! arrac bellows back before moving towards the door to the small section at the bottom.

When wassilissa speaks up.

hmm. Aye, that could work as well.

Lanfried will try to fade back into the brush.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

"I agree with Newmark," says Hassan, gritting his teeth. "Slinking back into the woods is the soft way out. Every moment we give them in there strengthens their hold. We are out here exposed to the elements. They can wait us out. Hard as it may be, we have to go in and get them."

"Once Newmark can cover the other door, I will open this one. Girl, you can shoot who comes out, and Arrac, the cat, and I will go in or attack who spills out. Dwarf you work your magic or whatever it is you do."

Provided the others agree, Hassan steps onto the porch, stowing his bow and drawing out his scimitar. He readies to open the door when the others signal they are ready.

Wassilissa waits for Arrac's decision.

We are here now, and they know we triggered the alarm, we should just take what advantage we can find here still and press onward. Arrac says at the door.

All are ready then?

Wassilissa thinks about smashing in a window, but then it would get cold inside too. So she simply follows Arrac to the door he wants to get into.

Seeing the girl and the big man in place, Hassan cannot tell if the dwarf is with them or not, but every moment makes the assault more difficult, so he grabs the door handle of the lodge and pulls it open, ready to slash anyone who stands to defend it with his scimitar.

Move action to open door, readied action to attack anyone who comes out, or comes within 5' of the door when its opened.

Newmark nods at the others and trudges towards the front door announcing, I'll cover the front porch...maybe I'll summon a friend to help me!

ok moving this combat forward to round 4 assuming Hasan and Arrac approached the back door and are on the porch. Wassilissa may place her pawn anywhere that's reasonable (ie she could have reached in a double move through difficult terrain.) We'll start round 4 with Newmark having already gone. And Hassan having used a move action to open the back porch door.

Newmark trudges through the deep snow cursing as he makes his way towards the front. Frustrated he finally stops and mutters to himself.. This is going too slow! $#^%! He then uses some arcane gestures to cast a spell upon himself.

In the mean time, Lanfried and Grawlic both conceal themselves in the cover of the forests while Wassilisa keeps her bow trained upon the back door. Hassan and Arrac move towards the back door and on Arrac's nod Hassan reaches over to check the handles on the double doors. Finding that the latch turns..Hassan waste no time and flings open the door.

Readied action...bandit archer# 2 fires at (1 Hassan 2 Arrac) random: 1d2 ⇒ 2 the big Ulfen. bow: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 5 however the shot flies over the big man's head. Wassilissa looks into the now open door perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 and clearly sees a bandit, but doesn't know if it's the one that fired at Arrac. She hesitates for just a moment unsure is she should take the difficult shot with her new friend standing in the way.

Both Arrac and Hassan notice another man move around a large dining table inside the lodge and raise his sword to meet any attackers..his eyes seem a bit nervous and darting around looking for assistance. Several other men are in the room..they turn their heads suddenly at the sound of the door opening and the familar *twang* of a bow string. A shout comes up from one of those standing in back, Here they come boys...let um have it!

Hassan will have one action left. If Wassilisa takes her 'readied action shot' she will move near the top of the initiative order but that is her only action for round 4 (remember you are fatigued so please adjust your rolls accordingly Wassilissa)

R 4

Newmark
Bandit (orange) 2
Bandit (brown) 3 ( has a readied action available)
TPT (purple)
Hassan one action R 4
Roh (black)
Bandit 4 (blue)
Wassillissa (-2 hp)(-3 NL dmg) *fatigued* (take readied action?)
Arrac
Lanfried
Grawlic
Bandit 1 (yellow)
Bandit 5 (red)

You don't see purple or black yet..if Wass wants to take a readied shot she can only see brown right now.

Round 4

With the door already opened, Hassan sees a room full of bad guys stirring around. Quickly praying, he activates his judgement, adding a bit of divine help to any damage he does. He takes one small step into the cabin and brings his scimitar around. "In the name of the Dawnflower, you are judged and found wanting! Let the light of her fire burn you till you are clean!"

Hassan scimitar: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16
Dmg if no crit, judgement: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 1 = 8
Dmg if Crit, Flame of Dawnflower dmg, judgement: 2d6 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3, 2) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 13

Move Action already taken to open door. Swift action to activate Judgement of Sacred Destruction for +1 dmg. 5' step to enter the lodge. Standard to attack Brown. If a crit confirmed, Hassan adds +2 fire dmg from his Flame of the Dawnflower trait.