Snows of Summer (Reign of Winter I)

Game Master lucklesshero

Wassilissa sits there and smiles on the inside. All those strong men make such a fuss about a little cold. And none of them is prepared.

She boggles as Newmark rants about fey, but as the dwarf's attention moves to the ground and his mug she is happy to not enter that conversation.

As one after the other leaves and finally Arrac turns to leave too, she gets up. "I'll get some armor and take the advice of Mr. Dwarf to buy some cold iron arrows. Clothes for cold weather I have..." and for more I don't have the coin anyway.

"Where and when will we meet again to leave for the forest?" she asks as long as there is still someone to ask. Not wanting to waste a good beverage that is already paid for, she downs the content of her mug.

With the meeting point clarified Wassilissa leaves the Silver Stoat before she is left alone with the drunken dwarf and gets his ranting attention again.

A short walk across the road she enters the smithy, just as Hassan comes out again. She is glad not having to ask in front of him what her coin can buy. There are a few nice pieces that are pleasant to the eye. Especially one silvery chain shirt. But for what little money she has she has to choose from the hand me down pile. After inquiring about the price for a quiver full of cold iron arrows, the selection is down to a new leather armor, a hand me down hide armor or a well used studded leather.

The latter she chooses, not willing to spend more than she got as an advance. She pays the coins, packs her new belongings and leaves for her home, to pack what else she needs.

Hassan gladly gives over the cold-iron longsword for it to be re-forged into a scimitar, the holy weapon of the Dawnflower. He can hardly wait the two days for the weapon to be prepared. As Wassilissa does not choose his Hide Armor to equip herself, he offers it in trade at the post for the cold-weather gear or other needful things.

Before they leave the village again, he stops by the rectory to visit with the priest and his wife. After sharing the news of the forest and its fey inhabitants he asks for the father to bless him and his mission. And he leaves 5gp in devotional offering. But finally he asks a favor. "Father, it is said in my lands that in the very southern deserts where the sun burns hottest, priests can create a blessing that lets the holy warriors not feel the hot sun, nor be harmed by exposure to it. Is that so? And if so, can the same be done for the extreme cold we face in the Border Wood? Do you know this ritual? Could you prepare it on paper for us when next we return to the village? Not sure we have the coin to pay you properly, but Sarenrae willing, we will by then."

I say let us meet on the outskirts of town, here, why don't you let me accompany you eh? He offers after handing her the used studded leather with a chuckle.

Sorry for the short post, will admit to being in a bit of a rush atm.

Father, it is said in my lands that in the very southern deserts where the sun burns hottest, priests can create a blessing that lets the holy warriors not feel the hot sun, nor be harmed by exposure to it. Is that so? And if so, can the same be done for the extreme cold we face in the Border Wood? Do you know this ritual? Could you prepare it on paper for us when next we return to the village? Not sure we have the coin to pay you properly, but Sarenrae willing, we will by then."

Father Natharen Safander looks at Hassan with compassion, Yes Erastil, much like your patron offers his servants such blessing as to protect them from the elements of cold or sun...I could work on penning a scroll tonight if you like. Your Druid friend might be able to read it if I showed him the particulars of Erastil's divine script... Father Natharen measures Hassan with a studied glance. Then again perhaps you could learn as well. I understand Isker (the blacksmith) is back-loaded with orders at the moment and it will be a couple of days before your group sets out to find the Noblewoman again? Pity what happened to her entourage...wonder if she's still alive? Anyway, perhaps you could see your way to donating 50gp to the temple. In exchange I could pen two magic scroll that would help you endure the elements. Father Natharen spreads his hands wide as he relays his offer. Oh my wife asked me to thank you for your generous offering at the alter of the Dawnflower...she figured it was you that gave the 5gp since no one else that worships Sarenrae around here could afford 5gp.

Hassan Take 55gp off your character sheet and add two scrolls of endure elements.

Small bit of Table Talk. I can prepare Endure Elements and had planned to do so. Having said that having a couple scrolls would be handy to take the load off my small spells-per-day if we need it. I would give you 25gp when we met up later to cover the cost of 1 scroll.

Wassilissa packs a blanket a bedroll, her grooming set, a wooden plate and a cup. The longer she thinks about what she needs the more nervous she becomes. What if I forget something essential and then I look like an idiot?

She lies down on her bed of straw that is topped with her most precious belonging. Her wool cape, with black sable fur trim at the rim of the hood, the shoulder part and the bottom rim. It was once a cape made fully of pelt but she has grown out of it a long time ago. It was reworked to still be useful. It's the one thing she has to remind her of her childhood in the snowy lands.

A torch she needs, and that sunrod, that lies for no special reason on the hayloft on top of a beam. When she finally got everything she finds that this is quite heavy.

As time takes forever to pass on Wassilita sneaks out of the house again to go back to the village. Nothing would be worse in this situation, than to be sent to do farm work. She seeks out Arrac. He is the only one who took the time to introduce himself. She caught the name of Hassan too from the conversation. But besides that?

As she finds him - which is not too hard, in a village where you can see the other end of it no matter where you are in Heldren.

"Hello Arrac. I wanted to ask - who are the other guys in your group. The one who seeems to be from southern lands you called Hassan. But the others I have no clue."

Arrac scratches his beard.
hm. Would you not get better answers by asking them? To be honest little one, I do not know much. Hassan is from the southern deserts, or so I heard him claim, and follows the God of fire. nuemark..
is the one that gathered us together. He claims to work with some society of magic users, I didn't deem the group important really, so I don't recall the name. And lannfred is reserved, he often keeps to himself, so I cannot say much. To be frank, it will be nice to have another similiar to me to talk with on the trail! he lets out a loud laugh.

and not to mention someone nice to look at! Hahah!

As Arrac finishes his sentence Lanfried joins the pair. Grawlic is, as always, at his heels. Did I hear my name?

He reaches down absent mindedly and runs his hand through Grawlic's thick fur. After a moment the cat seems to become bored and wanders over to lay before the hearth.

[ooc[ I am not sure where you are at, but I assumed you were in the tavern [/ooc]

"Well..." Wassilissa tells and smiles, not sure what to make of the compliment. But there comes Lanfried. Saved by the bell.

"Yes, I wondered who you are as I didn't get the names of all earlier." Wassilissa replies. "A nice and a little scary cat you have there. How did you come to have him?"

Oh, my name is Lanfried. I range through the hills around here trapping. It can be lonely since I only come into town rarely to trade my furs. So when I had the chance to befriend Grawlic I took it. We hunt together, we live together and we help eachother. I am afraid I don't get to practice my social graces often, so forgive me for not introducing myself earlier.

"Nevermind. Could as well being me having forgotten it. So you're a hunter too?" Wassilissa replies with some excitement. "You know, in Irrisen the pelts of the animals caught for fur were much better than what you get around here. The animal's pelts here look like they try to get rid of all hair because of the heat. Do you have traps where there is now snow?"

I have no traps set at the moment. As the weather turned I pulled in what I had set and have not set more. It was my time to come and trade anyway so I would not have been able to attend to them. Roughly half the time Grawlic and I run down our prey. He is quite swift and I have some gifts with the natural magics so we make a good pair.

Wassilissa's eyes widen on the mentioning of magic. She bites her tongue not to ask Lanfried to show her.

I'm busy today and don't know if I will have internet. But if all goes well I will be able to post in breaks.

so, are you all prepared to head out again? I would rather not tally long here. I wish to see our new warrior in action as well!

Wassilissa shrinks as Arrac calls her 'new warrior'. But she is eager too, to get there, just for other reasons. And as for the 'in action' part she hopes that it would be reasonable as an archer to not stand in the front line against whatever dangers they will face.

"I think I'm ready." Wassilissa tells, not sure if she should have brought more stuff, but adds "I'm eager to go too."

Newmark see's the rest of his group gathered in the town square on the morning of the third day back in Heldren. Well that's it asked everyone in town including councilor Teppen, no sign that our former ally Krestimbunt ever came back to Heldren... Newmark spits on the frosty ground in disgust. So ..we'll be moving on from that gnome I suppose. Nemark looks at the tall red-headed girl standing with his other companions. Well welcome aboard, guess I haven't formally introduced myself...I'm Newmark of the Stoneseers, I know that your Irisenia by birth so you might be used to the chill...that'll be good...I'm hoping you can handle that thing on your back Newmark says pointing to the girl's bow. Me be thinkin' you're gonna be needin' it! Newmark looks towards the southwest and the Border wood. Well we best get going...don't look forward to trekking through thigh high snow without proper snowshoes again I tell ye'! Pity no craftsmen in town was capable of making a pair. I should have thought to have brought some when I was told I'd be investigating unusually cold weather...mores the pity... Newmark starts to spit but refrains..*Bah*! Let's just get moving...I'm wasting daylight prattling on like a schoolboy!

I'm going to assume, that Lanfried makes good on his promise to give Hassan 25gp back for one of the scrolls of endure elements and that Hassan uses one of the scrolls on the first day to avoid having to make Fort Saves....Lanfried, Arrac, and Newmark need not make Fort saves..that just leaves Wassilissa (and she has some DR cold) Wassillisa going to need you to make the following saves vs cold.
DC:15, DC:16, DC:17, DC: 18. (the saves need to be made in order)

After a three days of gathering yourselves new equipment, magic, and a fresh faced party member you set out for the frozen woods again. You move silently through the frozen timberland. There's an enchanted yet ominous quality to your surroundings. Even the soft crunch of your boots breaking the fresh snow fall seems to echo eerily. You make your way through the woods to roughly the same location you turned back to Heldren. There's a sense of anticipation like the woods are watching you.

everyone please make a stealth check.

Ok, I'll be frozen to death, before we arrive at the scene. The rolls are good for 4 hours, I assume?
For Save DC15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
For Save DC16: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
For Save DC17: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
For Save DC18: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
NL Dmg for failed saves: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 5) = 12

On reaching the snowy woods, Wassilissa gets really excited. She runs ahead, drops what she has in hand and lets herself fall onto her back into the snow. Flapping her arms she creates a snow angel. Seeing that her companions don't share her excitement, she picks up her stuff and keeps silent. Especially as the wood becomes creepy.

After two hours of moving through the woods Wassilissa starts to feel the cold. That is not how she remembers it from her childhood. But that might be because her mother made shure she is back in before the cold got to her.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Hassan uses the scroll to magically protect himself from the cold. For this day at least, he loans his recently acquired fur coat to the new ranger, seeing that the cold in the woods is greater than she bargained for.

As the group moves through the woods, the clank of Hassan's scimitar against his metal breastplate precludes any need for stealth.

Stealth: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0

If Wassillisa can use the cold-weather gear, it adds +5 to her Fort saves

I actually own and wear cold weather clothes. And plus five totally saves my ass, because then I only fail once and only for two damage, which are covered by my cold resistance.

"Thank you." Wassilissa whispers through her blue lips as she accepts the additonal fur coat. It is kind of embarassing to be the only one being cold now.

Yes, Lanfried hands over 25gp to Hassan

Lanfried carefully places his boots on the snow as he moves through the vegetation.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

But perhaps was not as careful as he could have been.

Wassilissa giggles to herself on Lanfried's attempt at stealth. No wonder he uses traps or sends his cat to do the hunting. It is a bit of a relief that she isn't the only one who goofs around here in the woods. She then concentrates on not ruining her own stealth with chattering of teeth.

She also carefully watches if there is something to see that would explain the creepiness of the woods. Because snow should make it calm and soothing. Maybe it's the unnatural combination of snow on a broadleaf forrest that hadn't had the chance to get rid of the leafs?
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Not feeling the cold due to the divine protection of Safander, Hassan can at least empathize with the girl after is exposure to the elements yesterday. Knowing that she is of northern blood is of little use, seeing her teeth chatter and her body shiver uncontrollably. "Let's move along quickly," says the southern man. "Every minute we are in this damnable cold, we suffer. I do pray that the Dawnflower's light will reach us and warm this terrible place" He moves more quickly, giving up any chance at stealth to do so.

Wassilissa your cold dmg actually was your first roll so I'll accept you took no dmg. In the future I'll roll the dmg. you can roll the saves ok? :) For now you're chilly but not fatigued or damaged in any way. you move along the Path as stealthy as you can but the chattering of teeth and the clank of armor seems to echo in the wilderness. I will roll for those who don't catch this post but how about perception checks? Wassilissa you already rolled and you'll get a +2 to that result. (we'll be using slide '11' again for the next encounter)

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

While his feet may be clumsy Lanfried's eyes peer into the greenery (or whitery?).

Knowing that evil fey lurk in these woods, Hassan keeps a sharp eye out in case something is creeping up on the flank or from the rear. He has his bow out and at the ready should something appear that is threatening.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Arrac seems unphased by the cold and creepy aspect of the woods, his heavy boot falls crunching into the snow
perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

perception: 1d20 ⇒ 4 Newmark is trudging along as best he can in the near hip deep snow when he notices several of his friends suddenly stop and look up at the trail ahead Grawlic the cat lets out a low ominous growl of impending danger ....before he can determine what's happening... arrows are flying...let loose by friend and foe alike!

Surprise round (one action difficult terrain)
Lanfried
Wassilissa
Blue
Hassan
brown
Grawlic

R 1
Arrac
Hassan
Brown
Lanfried (Grawlic goes here to per GM ruling)
Red
Wassilissa
blue
Newmark

Bold May go

Lanfried moves off the path and into the snow at the side of the road.

Her bow in the gloved hand, an arrow nocked, Wassilissa suddenly notices some armed men in the bushes. As they draw their bows and Lanfried goes for cover she takes quick aim and lets the arrow fly.
(At brown.)
Bow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 231d8 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

I know a bad guy goes before Hassan, but in the interest of time, will post his Surprise Round action anyway, as I don't think Blue's actions will change his response.

Surprise Round

With bow already in hand, Hassan quickly reaches and draws an arrow, loosing it at Blue who seems nearest of the attackers. "By the warmth of the Dawnflower, we are under attack!" he cries with his tendency to overstate the obvious.

Hassan longbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19
Dmg, if hit: 1d8 ⇒ 3

A flurry of arrows cross paths in the sky blue @Hassan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4brown @Arrac: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 4 with only the thugs coming out of the exchange worse for wear.

Surprise round (one action difficult terrain)
Lanfried
Wassilissa
Blue (-3hp)
Hassan
brown (-5hp)
Grawlic

R 1
Arrac
Hassan
Brown
Lanfried (Grawlic goes here to per GM ruling)
Red
Wassilissa
blue
Newmark

Bold May go

Lanfried gives a head gesture and a click of his tongue and Grawlic moves through the snow and underbrush ahead of Lanfried.

I don't have access to the map atm. So can some one move me?

Arrac moves towards the closest thug, if possible he will make an attack, if not he just makes sure to get as close as possible to the thug.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

I don't have access to the map atm. So can some one move me?

Arrac moves towards the closest thug, if possible he will make an attack, if not he just makes sure to get as close as possible to the thug.

[Dice=attack] 1d20+5
[Dice=damage] 1d10+4

Moved you but it's 60' away in difficult terrain, so unless you have some cure for the snow, it's a double move to get adjacent, and no attack.

Round 1

Hassan trudges through the snow slowly while reloading his boow. Since Brown is no locked in melee combat with Arrac, the southern man switches targets, firing at Red instead.

Move action to advance 10' in difficult terrain. Standard to shoot at Red.

Longbow vs Red: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Dmg, if hit: 1d8 ⇒ 5

The red thug takes a solid hit from Hassan and the brown thug drops his bow in a panic drawing his sword and attacking Arrac sword: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 the great Northman easily bats away the sloppy assault by the thug leaving a panicked look on the man’s face. not going to copy and paste the intitiative order till next post Lanfried and Grawlic you’re both up!

Grawlic moves toward the Blue enemy and snaps his jaws at the enemy.

bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12 Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Lanfried follows Grawlic through the snow. His short legs struggling in the deep powder.

Red takes a shot at Lanfried with his short bow short s: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16dmg: 1d6 ⇒ 1 scratching the Dwarf while his attention was drawn elsewhere. He then throws down his bow and draws his short sword moving closer to brown.

R 1
Arrac
Hassan
Brown (-5)
Lanfried (-1)
Red [ooc](-5)
Wassilissa
blue (-3)
Newmark

Bold May go

Wassilissa follows Arrac, to shoot again at the bandit, or whatever they are. "Arrac, don't move!" she calls, before shooting past him at the waylayers.
Bow: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 7 - 4 = 201d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Shooting red, leaving brown for Arrac.

For future reference Wassilissa I gave red a full soft cover bonus from your shot as you line of sight was blocked by not 1 but two combatants..something you may want to consider in future fights though with the terrain be as tough as it is to maneuver you didn't have much choice this round. That being said you rolled well.

Wassilissa sends a arrow down range past Arrac and the other thug. It strikes squarely in the chest of the red thug causing him to drop to the ground with a soft thud in the fresh but now blood stained snow. The blue thug looks over to his fallen comrade and proclaims, "b+$@%*%s on this! I'm outa here! Blue drops his bow and moves away from the fierce cat. (withdraw action)

Newmark seeing the enemy already beginning to flee double moves through the thick snow loaded crossbow held ready to support his allies.

R 2

Arrac
Hassan
Brown (-5)
Lanfried (-1)
Newmark
Red (-14)(down)
Wassilissa
blue (-3)
Newmark

Bold May go

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
damage: 1d10 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Arrac strikes swiftly back at the thug with a hard thrust right after popping his blade up high out of the way with his shield.

Brown goes down with a cry of pain...Newmark ask, should we let the other one go or cut him down?
Combat is effectively over unless some of you want to try and stop the blue thug.

R 2

Arrac
Hassan
Brown (-15)
Lanfried (-1)
Red (-14)
Wassilissa
blue (-3)
Newmark

bold may act.

Wassilissa closes up to Arrac, and send another arrow after the remaining guy, but the shot goes wide. "You think there are more, that he could warn of us to set another ambush?"
Bow: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Wassilissa sends an arrow down range that just flies over the shoulder of the thug who looks back in terror... I quit! I quit! don't kill me! I ain't going back to them! The blue thug keeps chugging through the snow glancing back in frantic terror to see if the large cat or more arrows pursue him.

Newmark readies his bow , So it's good night sorry you shouldn't have attacked us right? Newmark looks questioningly to the others.

"Who are they? And why did you attack us?" Wassilissa demands to know. She knocks another arrow but points it at the ground for now.

Hassan draws the arrow to his cheek, but relaxes it just before firing a shot at the escaping foe. "Be fierce among your foes, but be merciful when the fight is won, says the Dawnflower. I offer our fleeing foe her mercy."

The southern man stands down, looking at the others. "Is anyone hurt?" he looks at the fallen enemies with a discerning eye. "These do not look like fey, but like men. Why do men attack us here in the Border Wood? Is that how things stand in Taldor these days?"