The Faceless GM's Irrisen: The Realm of Winter Campaign (Inactive)

Game Master kamenhero25


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R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
Stats:
AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
Skills:
+14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

Inire sprints across the snow towards Lily to retrieve another alchemist fire, in the hopes that it would be of some use... she didn't like the idea of more guests...


[img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

Nathara looks a bit confused for a moment as the troll goes down. Inire is amazingly powerful with her elven blade and Eirikr and Ashen are quite an unbeatable team. "Thank you." she whispers as Eirikr heals her. It gnaws at her that they were so easily caught in a trap that they knew about while trying to explore it. But between all the tricks to hold the troll back and a few really massive blows their enemies did not last long either way. A victory. Not exactly an elegant one, but a victory. "That was an amazing fight."

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11

"I am sorry, I just can't make sense of this. I can tell that there is a huge amount of magic flowing through its fabric." She says as she beholds the portal. She has seen the alomst blinding light coming from that direction earlier.

"Coming?" She raises her sword again and looks at the entrance. "I hope not, we have to go through there... What makes you think so?" She narrows her eyes as she stared at the opening. Slowly she takes a defensive position besides the portal entrance, so that she can't be seen from the other side but will be able to strike at anything coming through.

She looks around to see whether Vosi is anywhere nearby. She calls out to him: "Vosi, do you happen to know what's on the other side?"


Female Aasimar (Angel-Blooded) Skald 3 / Marshal 1 | HP 34/34 {conditions: none} | MP 4/5 | AC 17 (Tch 11 FF 16) | F +5, R +3, W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +6, darkvision

What I've learnt from this battle: I should really have f~$~ing taken Expeditious Retreat as my new 1st level spell. Also, Mithral Breastplate, but that's just a variation of Inire's 'Oh I can't wait to be 7th level' song ;)

Also, did we search the troll's body before setting it on fire? That spear looked powerful, though if it was magical, mundane fire shouldn't have hurt it (I think).

Panting, grunting, and roaring, Tiferet emerges from the diaphanous veil that has shrouded her to finally unleash her fury on the Witch's minion... only to see it crumble in front of her, already torn apart by Inire and Eirikr's concerted efforts. Those were the Witch's strongest agents this side of the Portal. And my companions were able to dispatch them in the time it took me join the fray.

The thought finds her both proud and humbled, as her eye can't help but linger on the deadly gashes marking the blows from Inire's sword, gashes whose depth not even her strength could hope to match. This Mouse truly has grown claws.

"Watching you all fight has been a thing of beauty" she says, seconding Nathara's statement as she joins Eirikr in tending to the wounded.

CLW on Inire: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
CLW on Eve: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

"Too bad my admiration and my meagre healing powers are the only things I am able to contribute."

The shame, the guilt in her voice are palpable. Coward she can imagine her ancestors calling her. Weak.

You shame us. The demoness, the wolf, even the Mouse half your size are all ten times the warrior you are.

As if to shake them away, she detaches herself from the group and joins Morgraine as she makes her way through the pillars of ice and examines the Portal, probably the greatest magical manifestation this side of the world has seen in centuries.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Even then, the purpose and scope of such a powerful display of arcane energies are far beyond her limited, empirical knowledge. Still, one thing she's sure about. There's a distinct sound of galloping coming from the other side – and Morgraine seems to have picked that up too.

"Indeed. I'm hearing that too" she grimly says, corroborating the fair-skinned sorceress' claim. Whatever the Witches' plans were, it would stand to reason what they've just defeated was but the first wave in a larger scheme; the scouts, so to say. For what they knew, there could be a whole staging ground on the other side of the Portal, teeming with troops and trolls and fey ready to invade. And wouldn't now be a perfect timing? she reflects sarcastically.

Stronger than any sense of shame, an urge not yet scratched, a thirst for battle not yet quenched pervades her. She positions herself straight in front of the portal, legs wide apart as she braces herself for an incoming assault, unfazed by the howling wind.

This time, they'll find me ready she thinks as the raging storm abruptly dies down.

Are Bless, Alter Self and Protection from Evil still active? They last 3 minutes, but it strongly depends on how much time we've spent searching the camp...

Addendum (just a bunch of random points):

  • Alter Self would work, but only lasts 3 minutes and is restricted to (generic-looking, non specific) humanoids. Too bad I've already squandered my daily usage to get a +2 bonus to STR. I'm the worst. Tiferet would still volunteer to be the first to step through to wash away this battle's (perceived) shame.
  • I think the hardest boss in Secret of Mana was the tiger in the witch's castle. You already had magic, but the girl had been taken away from you so no healing, if I recall correctly.
  • I also think Secret of Evermore was awesome, and I thought I was in the minority for that – it being overshadowed by Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger and all that. Those games were my crash-courses in English, basically.


  • [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    While Tiferet is is without any doubt an impressive figure, holding out in the unnatural storm to stop whatever is coming through the realm of infinity which lies beyond the portal (metaphorically thinking, since the only true realm of infinity was that which left its mark on Nathara, not that of the white witches), Nathara's delighted look for seeing her friend approach is mixed with a raised eyebrow.

    "I would strongly recommend that the next time we walk into something that looks like a trap, we do it together. Desna's hand helped Inire and myself survive this time... Anyway, I am somewhat concerned that they might be able to see through the portal from the other side."


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    Buffs are still active for a little less than a minute. About 8 rounds. I'm waiting to give everyone a chance to react, so once Eve is ready, you'll find out what's coming through.


    [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    That means 1 minute buffs? So for the shield two minutes on top?

    While it is risky to use the oil before the fighting starts, it turns out that it is better to do it before than after. Very carefully Nathara applies it to the blade. The blade feels a little strange, without any doubt better balanced than her own but... not her own.


    Female Human Mesmerist 3, AC/FF/T 16/13/13, Initiative +3, HP 23/33 CMD: 14

    If possible Evelyn implants her same trick onto Mouse before drawing her sword in ready for the next fight.

    feint trick on mouse drawing came that's about all I got.


    HPs: 35; AC: 13 |Touch 11, FF 12; CMD: 12; Init: +1

    Morgraine moves back behind and to the left of Tiferet.


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    A surge of wind erupts from the portal, blowing everyone nearby off their feet. The wind sends a stinging spray of ice and snow into the air and a dark figure steps through. Ram's horns curl off his head and black armor completely covers his towering form. He sits astride a black warhorse, surrounded by tendrils of dark, cold mist. His breathing comes in ragged gasps and two jagged icicles the size of spears jut from his back. His coal black eyes scan the clearing, silently assessing the situation. You hear a gruff, old voice echo, speaking directly to your minds. "Interesting."

    Morgraine or Knowledge Arcana or Nature DC 23:
    The dark armored figure before you can only be one thing: Black Rider. Baba Yaga's most powerful servant, the herald of night, he is utterly loyal to the Queen of Witches and infused with her very essence to grant him agelessness and great magical power. This is a foe well beyond anything you could ever hope to confront.


    Male Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Lunar Oracle 3/Guardian 1 HP: 37 AC: 15 CMD: 15 Initiative: +1

    Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

    "It's a--a demon?" says Eirikr, as the wind knocks him back; he rams his spear into the ground to try to keep himself upright. Looking back up, he pulls his spear out from the snow and holds it up at the advancing horseman. He searched his mind for anything this could have been--a few half-remembered fairy tales floated to his mind but none of them said anything about a black knight with power over ice. Still, it came through the portal--that meant it had to work for the Winter Witches.

    "Stay back," says Eirikr, twirling his spear in his hand and stepping towards the approaching horseman. "We finished off your guards--we can handle you as well."


    HPs: 35; AC: 13 |Touch 11, FF 12; CMD: 12; Init: +1

    Morgraine sputters as she gets blasted off her feet and thrown down, arms flailing into the snow. She starts to scramble to her feet, but then catches sight of what had come through and stood before her.

    The color drains from her face until she is white as the snow piled about her. She suddenly falls back onto her knees as if all strength had fled her limbs. No... not he! Not her! Please ..let it not be her defending this thing.

    Eirikr's voice pulls her from her stupor. Kettu too had darted forward in alarm and tugs the back of Eirikr's pant leg with his teeth. No! Stop! You can not fight this. He will kill you!


    Male Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Lunar Oracle 3/Guardian 1 HP: 37 AC: 15 CMD: 15 Initiative: +1

    "What--what is he?" says Eirikr, looking back Morgraine and then back up at the advancing knight. He feels a pit in his stomache--for a moment he is reminded of the time he got in a fight with a noble's son back in Ustalav, a boy twice his age and height, and walked away with a broken nose and two black eyes--and later, a good thrashing from his father. He had a feeling, looking at this black knight--he was about to be on the receiving end of far worse than that. At least he might be able to buy the others some time. He looked back up at the man and steeled himself, ready for whatever was about to strike him.


    [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

    Nathara fights herself out of the heap of snow which her landing created, rather confused than afraid. It takes her a moment to realize what's going on.

    Impressive horse... but I still like Lily better. she thinks, still not able to fully grasp the situation, and answers to Eirikr's question with breathy voice. "No, not a demon. Maybe a daemon. But first and foremost one of the three riders which herald Baba Yaga's return each century. They say the riders can see straight into the heart of her followers and see whether they submit to Baba Yaga or not."

    Uncertain what to do with it she puts her sword away. "You will forgive us when we do not bid you welcome." It is difficult to remain calm, graceful and dignified, rather than defiant in the face such a creature, but she tries her best and it appears it becomes easier once she starts talking. She looks around and tries to give Vosi and the others who still can a sign to hide between her back. "Is this the work your mistress, or that of a rogue witch who wants to resist her calling?"

    Innerly she speaks a prayer, but she might let the rider know that there are powers even beyond him that will take notice of his presence. "Sarenrae, Falayna, Iomedae, hear my plea and see through my eyes. One of the witch's riders has come to Taldor. Give me the strength to uphold your values in the face of them."


    R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
    Stats:
    AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
    Skills:
    +14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

    Fire only deals half damage to an object, pre hardness, so you'd have to direct blast it for max damage to damage wood.

    Everytime I read about people learning a language through videogames or television, or comics, it's always so... strange. Even though I know my own command of language was bolstered significantly by such media.

    WRV (Aid): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15 Have a +2, Nath. :)

    Inire slowed to a stop some forty feet from the... thing. On the other side of several long spears of ice, with hands already holding an alchemist fire. It was a lot easier to be brave when you had a wall of spiky things between you and the enemy.

    She listens, and noting Morgraine's response, spoke quietly, 'He must be tied to the North. And if someone else jogs Nathara a bit, -bam- suddenly it makes sense for her to know what she knows!

    Inire's eyes squint as she takes over the rather imposing figure... but her thoughts are on the fact she hasn't finished her journal entry for the day... which would be a terrible thing if everyone's reactions to the thing were correct.


    HPs: 35; AC: 13 |Touch 11, FF 12; CMD: 12; Init: +1

    Morgraine nods wordlessly at Eirikr, confirming what Nathara had said.


    Female Aasimar (Angel-Blooded) Skald 3 / Marshal 1 | HP 34/34 {conditions: none} | MP 4/5 | AC 17 (Tch 11 FF 16) | F +5, R +3, W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +6, darkvision

    Let's pool competences together :)

    Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

    So the Witch Queen herself moves against Taldor.

    Tiferet's understanding comes swiftly and suddenly, prompted by Nathara's words. They won't reach Irrisen, after all. They were never meant to reach Irrisen. The foes marching against them - too powerful, too formidable. But Heavens, how glorious our last battle will be.

    "Look into our hearts at your leisure, Ser Rider" she defiantly says, adjusting her battle stance. "I'm afraid you'll find precious little loyalty for the Witch Queen."

    Posting from mobile, sorry for the short post!


    [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    "Indeed." comes from Nathara and she adds a mental: ... and to Tolc. to her prayer.

    She steps closer to her friends and lines up with Morgraine.


    R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
    Stats:
    AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
    Skills:
    +14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

    Inire looked between Nathara and Eirikr, Tiferet and Morgraine. "I don't think he works for the Witch Mother any longer. Alecto mentioned 'Her Riders did Stray'. It was the last riddle it gave." she finished, before looking over her shoulder to Eve.


    Female Human Mesmerist 3, AC/FF/T 16/13/13, Initiative +3, HP 23/33 CMD: 14

    Once Evelyn had regained her footing she watches the Knight with suspicion prepared to distract him if he attacks and using her gaze to make sure he was weakened if the fight starts.

    Ready action silent image, troll charging the rider DC 15 when interacted with and using stare for -2 will and damage


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    The Rider doesn't move in the slightest, simply observing. "You have potential and... yes. The touch of destiny..." He slowly dismounts from his horse, stumbling for a moment as his feet hit the ground. "My loyalty to Baba Yaga will never waver, little one. But the Witch Mother no longer rules the kingdom she forged. She is betrayed." He stumbles again, falling to on knee as his horse, weapon, and armor vanish like smoke. Beneath his helmet, a wrinkled old face stares at you with tired eyes. "Please, put aside your weapons. I wish only to speak."


    R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
    Stats:
    AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
    Skills:
    +14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

    Inire continues to hold the flask in both hands, but doesn't show any more outward signs of wanting to attack him. She was glad simply to not have to fight again... but she wasn't letting her guard down, and she wasn't solely focusing on the man, either. The woods were still full of fey, after all... and one not wishing for their demise did little for the rest. Her eyes tracked each movement, but her eyes were still primarily focused on the withered man.

    Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14


    Female Aasimar (Angel-Blooded) Skald 3 / Marshal 1 | HP 34/34 {conditions: none} | MP 4/5 | AC 17 (Tch 11 FF 16) | F +5, R +3, W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +6, darkvision

    Is that it? Tiferet thinks, unconsciously lowering her weapon as her muscles suddenly relax. Baba Yaga's Rider... a frail old man?

    It could be a ruse, of course. Deception and misdirection have always been among the Witches' strongest weapons, a lesson they have been learning with every step they have taken through the frozen Border Wood. And yet, if only half the tales about the Witch Queen's legendary servants were true, she strongly suspects he would have no need for such tricks – if he wanted them dead, they would be already.

    No. There will be neither death, nor glory today.

    "Speak then" she says. "But know that at least as far as I'm concerned, my previous statement still stands."


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    Inire:
    The clearing is dead silent, nothing moves, save for the party and the Rider.

    "No... I see your heart young celestial. Your hate for the witches is obvious to anyone who can see it. But tell me, what would you do to stop the whole world from suffering the fate of your clan? For that is what will happen should the traitor queen's plans come to pass." He gives a rattling, strained cough and reaches back, pulling one of the ice spears from his back and letting it fall to the ground. "Tell me, how much do you know of Irrisen?"


    Male Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Lunar Oracle 3/Guardian 1 HP: 37 AC: 15 CMD: 15 Initiative: +1

    "There's snow there. All the time," says Eirikr, lowering his spear--but not putting it away entirely and still keeping it pointed in the direction of the rider. Ashen trots behind, glaring at the old man--he bares his teeth, and Eirikr makes no effort to quiet him.

    "And there's a lot of witches there," says Eirikr, his eyes darting towards Morgraine. If this was all a trap on her part, than this would almost certainly be the moment she would take to betray them. She had seen frightened when the rider arrived--maybe they weren't actually working together. "And fey, and probably worse things. And now there's snow here, and fey, and it doesn't belong, and it was probably witches that did it, right? That's why you're here?"


    Female Aasimar (Angel-Blooded) Skald 3 / Marshal 1 | HP 34/34 {conditions: none} | MP 4/5 | AC 17 (Tch 11 FF 16) | F +5, R +3, W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +6, darkvision

    Tiferet stands transfixed in front of the Rider, as if her soul had been laid bare by forces far more powerful and ancient than she, a petulant child scolded by a wise yet strict teacher. Time and time again, her answer builds up and then dies in her throat, a bitter bite she finds herself unable to either swallow or spit.

    Never she wants to scream, to toss the Rider's intimations of doom back into his wizened face. Never shall I swing my axe in Baba Yaga's name, the world be damned. Let them have my life, not my bended knee.

    And yet, her lips don't move. She realizes how foolish, how selfish that sounds. This is what Nathara was saying. This is bigger than just Heldren, or even Taldor.

    So, she opts to avoid the question entirely, and focus on the Rider's latter enquiry. "Very little, it would seem, if your words bear even the slightest hint of truth."


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    "My mistress does not rule Irrisen by her own hand," the Rider continues. "Instead, her daughters have ruled her kingdom since its inception. And once a century, Baba Yaga returns to take her current daughter away and to place a new daughter upon the throne. We three Riders are sent as her heralds, announcing her return to the people. But this time... this time Baba Yaga did not appear. And only days after her failure to arrive, Queen Elvanna began to slaughter all who still swore loyalty to her mother. My brother and sister... I am the last Rider."


    [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    Seeing the weary old man Nathara is almost tempted to offer him a place by the fire and a tea. However, he still is one of the most vile and powerful creatures that walk Avistan and a sworn enemy.

    "I am listening. Betrayed by the daughter she put in place?" She presents her hands to show that her claws are empty. (Even though it is indeed comforting that they are still claws.) She is careful to indicate only herself, not her comrades. It remains to difficult to judge what the best curse of action is in this situation; not so much for themselves but for the future of civilized peoples of Avistan. "However, there is still an open portal behind you."

    She glances to Morgraine to see what she makes out of the rider's claim that Baba Yaga was no longer in power. It does not sound very likely, for all Nathara knew Baba Yaga was way beyond the reach of a mere mortal in power and her own daughters could hardly accumulate the required power within a single one century. A civil war in Irrisen was not necessarily a bad thing from a strategic point of view, even though it was usually the poor and the few innocent who suffered most.

    This post is outdated, I didn't take the more recent posts into consideration.


    R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
    Stats:
    AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
    Skills:
    +14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

    "Wait... those aren't just... attached?" Inire asks surprised as he pulls one out. Her eyes move to Morgraine. If he'd been stricken in the back as he went for the portal... "I think we can trust him." she says, letting pieces fall into place. "They attacked him as he went for the portal to warn us.."

    Her eyes stayed on Morgraine, whose healing hands had restored an entire building full of bandits to their feet. "Can you help him?"


    Female Aasimar (Angel-Blooded) Skald 3 / Marshal 1 | HP 34/34 {conditions: none} | MP 4/5 | AC 17 (Tch 11 FF 16) | F +5, R +3, W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +6, darkvision

    Figure. The best news in centuries comes with the end of the world attached.

    She knew about the cycle, about the hundred-year rulers who disappear as abruptly as they came once their time is spent. But for it to be broken – that was unheard of.

    "I have a hard time believing this, though your wounds do give credence to your tale. Baba Yaga is said to command powers beyond a mortal's imagination, powers not even her daughters could hope to even remotely match."

    She makes no movement to help the – man? (Fey? Outsider?), however, though she does not interfere if someone's willing to do so. More than a thousand years of hostility are not easy to wash away. "Warn us? I don't think it was benevolence or concern towards Golarion's races which guided him."

    Yes I'm too being consistently ninja'd ;) I have a feeling this is the defining moment of the campaign, so no surprise here. Also, I hope Tiferet isn't coming as excessively antagonistic, but from her point of view this is just... I dunno... Himmler coming out of a time machine and saying 'Hitler's been betrayed! If you want to save the world, you've got to save him too' (stupid example, I know). So she's going to strike a deal with devil, but it's going to leave a distinctly bitter after-taste in her mouth ;)


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    The Rider reaches back and pulls the second ice spear free. A groan of pain escapes his lips as he lets it tumble from his hands. The party can see that the tips are coated with blood. "I do not know how it is possible, but Elvanna has managed to overcome her mother. I cannot fault her intelligence, for outmaneuvering Baba Yaga herself is truly a feat of legend, but now Queen Elvanna seeks so much more. She uses powers beyond her means, powers that can only have been stolen from her mother, to open these portals and spread Irrisen's winter across the world. She wishes to see all Golarion as her personal kingdom, a trophy to show her dominance over her mother."


    [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    Nathara takes a step closer to Tiferet. From a strategic point of view this was not necessarily a bad development if it was true. An upstart witch queen stages a coup and rends havoc amonst her own people. There are probably still houses of the former queens around in Irrisen which oppose her, even if they cannot do it directly. That Elvenna reaches out beyond Irrisen seems logical. An usurper can only consolidate her power by reaching beyond the current limit as swiftly as she can, before anyone realizes how weak she really is. But the time to take back Irrisen and end this, once and for all would be now. Given an army that is.

    On the other hand all of this will create suffering and death for countless of people and the world would look differently before it ends.

    "Whatever you choose", Nathara whispers to Tiferet, "I am with you."

    Loudly she says: "Such power in such short time often comes with a price. I would not be surprised if she made a deal with a devil. Literally, I mean."


    Male Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Lunar Oracle 3/Guardian 1 HP: 37 AC: 15 CMD: 15 Initiative: +1

    "A winter without end, a year without summer, years without summer, a canvas of white to paint across the world," whispers Eirikr, his dreams flooding back into his mind. "A queen with a crown of ice and a queen who wears no crown. Baba Yaga's daugher opened the portal--is there a way for us to close it?"


    R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
    Stats:
    AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
    Skills:
    +14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

    "From the other side." Inire says, absently. While Eirikr had his dreams, she had her books. And that's what the answer would be in a story.


    Female Aasimar (Angel-Blooded) Skald 3 / Marshal 1 | HP 34/34 {conditions: none} | MP 4/5 | AC 17 (Tch 11 FF 16) | F +5, R +3, W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +6, darkvision

    "But one week ago" Tiferet whispers back, letting Eirikr and Inire do the talking. "I would have probably chosen stubborn defiance, a senseless death against impossible odds, Golarion be damned as long as my ancestors were satisfied. Even now, my blood screams for it."

    She smiles shyly. "Now, I'm not so sure. How glorious can my battles be if countless innocents have to suffer because of them, because of my pride?"

    "Blessed be Sarenrae, for having given me a dark Sister who taught me such a precious lesson."


    [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    Nathara beamed all over her face and had to restraint from giving the taller human a hug.

    Trying to focus on the task at hand she turns to the rider: "So you are suggesting we help make Baba Yaga's arrival possible, which would restore her power and thus that of Irrisen, but would also lead to a restoration of the previous status quo? And how would we do that? I would also be interested in having the soul shards of the fey given back to them."

    As far as Nathara saw it, Baba Yaga was indeed not interested in Golarion, she merely needed Irrisen as staging area for her real arena and cradle for her daughters. But to help that witch, even reinforce her power... The though made her shiver in a way that all the ice and snow could not. The only thing good that would come out if they succeeded - apart from saving the world, of course - was that Baba Yaga might still be somewhat weakened and her power would certainly never seem absolute again.


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    "It may be the only way to save your world. As long as Elvanna holds Baba Yaga's power, no one will ever be able to defeat her." He coughs again, covering his mouth with his hand. The hand comes away bloody. "It is strange... my mistress warned me that this may come to pass. She foresaw that something would attempt to impede her return, and left each Rider with a way to try to find her, should something go wrong." He laughs softly, his voice growing weaker. "But we have failed. My brother and sister are slain by the traitor queen's hand, and my wounds are mortal. All I can do now is pass on the key granted to me and hope that my instincts are sound." He reaches into his cloak and draws out a small brass key. "I feel the touch of destiny on you six. So perhaps... perhaps you have the potential to succeed where I have failed."


    Male Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Lunar Oracle 3/Guardian 1 HP: 37 AC: 15 CMD: 15 Initiative: +1

    "A destiny--a strand of fate, like spider's strings, the kind that wraps around your neck and chokes you, the spider sitting at the spindle wheel" whispers Eirikr, more to himself than anyone else. He can't tell where the words are coming from, they just seem to spill out, one after the other.

    "There's six of us--that's a pack, easy, but Elvanna's pack is bigger, a whole nation, a pack of thousands and thousands, and army of wolves to devour the world. Baba Yaga is--was--is the king of the tundra, a beast above all others, and if she couldn't stop her--how can we? We're barely whelps compared to her--and to you."


    HPs: 35; AC: 13 |Touch 11, FF 12; CMD: 12; Init: +1

    Morgraine gradually became more calm, the color starting to return to her cheeks again as the earlier fear slowly seeped away, returning at least to a more manageable level. That was not to say she was not still shaken. Fear and awe of Baba Yaga and her three servants had been ingrained in all of them since early childhood. Neither the Great Queen nor her riders had been seen since long years before her birth, and she knew them only from legend, tales, and her history lessons.

    Emaciated, tired, mortally wounded as he may have been, it was difficult not to be still in awe of "Night". He was a legend turned real before her eyes. Although she technically was no longer of Irrisen, it was hard not to squirm nervously when his eyes shifted in her direction, not the least because she herself was not entirely certain of where her loyalties should be.

    She was not exactly condoning of much of the things the tales say the Queen of Witches did - but how much of those tales were true, and how much legend? She herself had not been witness to any of it - while she did have first hand experience with what Irrisen was under Elvanna. Even if the stories of Baba Yaga are all true, which is worse? The one that shows up once a century, or the tyrant ruling every second of every day?

    Morgraine rose slowly to her feet, her expression changing from pale awe to compassion, then hard determination. Legend or not, it was hard not to feel sympathy for the bent figure in front of her. The a slight, almost cruel smile lifted one corner of her mouth. She had long dreamed of returning and dealing with that b*$ch Lydilia. That had always been out of reach of her grasp while she lacked any support, but if she were to aid Baba Yaga herself? Who could say?

    It was a dangerous game to play, especially for something as petty as her own personal revenge. Yet looking about at the snow smothered land around her, where it should be what they called summer, she knew it couldn't only be about that, as delicious as that might be. No, Elvanna needed to be stopped. If she was not, not only would Irrisen never be changed or reformed, but it would grow and spread and engulf the world. Elvanna's Irrisen would be everywhere, and that was a chilling thought.

    The once-witch approaches the rider slowly and kneels next to him. "I do not have the power to restore you to health, but if you allow, pershaps I can deaden the pain somewhat." So saying (and if he doesn't refuse), she moves as if to get in a better position, (which just so happens to place her back to the others) and then casts her healing hex on him. Then, eyeing the key for a moment, she hesitates before turning her palm upwards, then asks after he has had a chance to reply to Eirikr's question, "How and where should we use it? What does it unlock?"


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    The Rider looks at the young skinwalker. "Elvanna is clever, but she cannot possibly have overcome her mother with pure power. Even with an entire nation at the queen's command, Baba Yaga would be victorious in battle against Elvanna. Elvanna must have used some trickery to defeat her mother and capture her so she could siphon her power. If Baba Yaga can be freed, then Elvanna's work shall all be undone." He presses the key into Morgraine's hand. "Thank you," he murmurs to the spell caster before he continues his tale. "This key. This key opens the path to finding the true witch queen. For this key is the key to Baba Yaga's own dancing hut. Elvanna has captured the hut and even now holds it as a trophy to her triumph over her mother, but with this key, the hut could be reawakened. It's intrinsic connection to Baba Yaga will allow whoever controls the hut to follow Baba Yaga's trail to wherever Elvanna holds her captive."


    Female Aasimar (Angel-Blooded) Skald 3 / Marshal 1 | HP 34/34 {conditions: none} | MP 4/5 | AC 17 (Tch 11 FF 16) | F +5, R +3, W +5 | Init +3 | Perc +6, darkvision

    Tiferet eyes the key dangling in front of her, much like a suspicious fish would eye the juiciest of baits. So it's the Jadwiga who bites first. Interesting.

    "Fighting fire with fire – this is what you suggest, then. And promptly lay in front of us a trail of breadcrumbs that would lead us straight into a smouldering inferno. 'The lesser evil' is a sobriquet seldom attached to Baba Yaga's name."

    Her usually smiling face contracts in an angry grimace. She wants to walk away from this unholy bargain, to cross the Portal on her own, to yell she has no need for keys or huts to bring the Witches down. In so doing, her gaze once again falls upon Nathara's gentle features, and she's immediately reminded of the person she was, and of the person she's trying to become.

    "And yet, for all the tales of terror that surround the Queen of Witches' myth, no-once can say for certain what Baba Yaga's plans for Irrisen and Golarion are – while Elvanna's are very obviously and accurately depicted in the white hell all around us" she states, slowly and carefully as if every word costed her a great pain to even utter. "If that's what it takes to stop it, I will follow this breadcrumb trail of yours, Ser Rider" she concedes in a defeated tone.


    [img] [sheet] Female Elven Tiefling Spelldancer 3 / Mythic Champion 1 HP: 32 AC: 17 Touch: 13 FF: 14 CMD: 18 INI: +3

    Nathara does not feel the hatred for Baba Yaga within herself that Tiferet feels. For Nathara Baba Yaga was always an old enemy, one of many threats to Avistan... and Golarion as a whole. A mysterium. A challenge. An evil that must eventually be driven away or otherwise mitigated. But that is not the same as hate. And whether or not he's a dark rider, to help him and healing seems to be the right thing to do, so she is relieved when Morgraine helps him.

    "I happen to believe..." Nathara starts speaking, primarily addressing Tiferet, but she also involves the others, the dreaming wolf, the brave... witch, the charming liar and outstanding tactician, which has a greater heart she realizes as far as Nathara is can tell, the woman of two peoples which calls herself mouse, but is truly one of the most fierce and elegant swordswomen Nathara ever beheld. "I happen to believe, that nothing is predestined and while we cannot always know the consequences of our actions, it is always our own choice what to do with the hand we are given and what world we believe in our hearts. Whether it is a Dark Rider that hands us a key or Desna I cannot tell. And neither what it will unlock. But I will not leave myself behind should we accept it. Those who choose evil, often have advantages over those who choose to see the beauty in a world larger than themselves. Often they are more consequent in their recklessness. Often they simply remove an obstacles when we would accept it as a part of this world. But let us not forget our own strengths."

    She does not really like to be so cryptic, but neither does she wish to be more clear in the presence of the dark rider. She did not believe for a heartbeat that the choice he presented them with was their only choice. Nor did she believe they were all alone. If this was happened all over the world then there were others who made the link to Avistan. They should take the key for now and see where it lead them, but not blindly free Baba Yaga, just because one of her minions said they had to. Apart from that Nathara wished they had a way to send messengers, to report what they just learned and to have herself a better glimpse at the big picture of what was really going throughout the world.


    Male Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Lunar Oracle 3/Guardian 1 HP: 37 AC: 15 CMD: 15 Initiative: +1

    "Right then. So we're off to save the witch from the wicked princess," says Eirikr; furrowing his brow. That didn't sound right, like the stories they told back in Ustalva--then again, they told all sorts of stories back in Ustalav, stories about monsters that wore the skin of men, and he knew for a fact that those stories weren't true--well, not entirely, not in the way that people thought--just because you're a monster doesn't mean you're not worth saving. "Sounds like a plan to me."


    R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
    Stats:
    AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
    Skills:
    +14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

    "I was going through, anyway... if I could figure it out. We made a promise." Mouse says, quietly, still holding the same alchemist fire, but no longer holding it in even remotely a threatening way. "Is it... safe on the other side?"


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    "I managed to slip away from the hunters sent to finish me off after a confrontation near the source of this portal. I was forced to retreat to the portal itself, in hopes that passing through would find me someone who could aid me. The portal is isolated in the woods some distance from the witch's stronghold, so there should be no one around to witness a crossing at the moment." He slumps over, his breathing growing more labored. "Please, come closer. There is one last thing that I must pass on to you if you hope to succeed."


    HPs: 35; AC: 13 |Touch 11, FF 12; CMD: 12; Init: +1

    "Are there any left that may be loyal still? Any who might become allies, or is the kingdom lost completely?" Morgraine asks quietly as the others gather (or not gather) closer.


    Male Skinwalker (Witchwolf) Lunar Oracle 3/Guardian 1 HP: 37 AC: 15 CMD: 15 Initiative: +1

    At last Eirikr lets his guard drop and steps towards the knight. Maybe this really was a fairy tale--they were about to be sent off on a quest by a knight to rescue a witch from a princess--well, that was good enough for him.


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    "I... I cannot say. Many still held loyalty to Baba Yaga, but Elvanna has been vicious in her purges. I hope that those who still honor the Witch Queen have managed to safely go to ground, but I was forced to flee almost immediately. Elvanna was quite brutal with her attack."

    I'm going to wait for everyone to check in before he gives his final gift, but feel free to keep asking questions.


    R20 Half-elven Rogue/Bard 3 (VMC)//Trickster 1 HP (31/31) IP (1/1) MP (5/5)
    Stats:
    AC/Touch/Flat/CMD 21/15/16/16 | Fort/Ref/Will +04/09e/02 | Init +05
    Skills:
    +14: DD; +11: Stealth, Acrobatics; +8: Perception, K(Dun, Loc), L(Heroes); +7: P(Oratory), Linguistics, A(Stories); 5: K(History, Geo)

    Inire moves slowly forward... as timid as ever. "What is your name? Your brother and sister's?"


    Female Human Mesmerist 3, AC/FF/T 16/13/13, Initiative +3, HP 23/33 CMD: 14

    "But what about the town here? We've already drawn attention to this portal and the town if we leave it undefended after pissing her off they'll get wiped out before we even get close the this hut."


    Universal Buffs: Nothing right now

    The Rider turns his head slightly, his eyes staring into Inire's. "I have been Black Midnight for as many generations as Irrisen has seen winters. My sword brother was Baba Yaga's Red Sun, and my sword sister was Baba Yaga's White Morning. But... yes. Many years ago I was Illarion Matveius. I swore my service to the Witch Queen so that my people might know comfort in the harsh land she was forging in her image."

    His eyes drift over to Eve. "This portal can be closed from the other side. The portal originates from the Pale Tower, one of many nodes along a long network of magical hubs that power the portals all across Avistan. If the Pale Tower were to fall, then this portal would be sealed. The people here would be safe. At least until Elvanna prepares her march across all Golarion."

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