The Northlands Saga (Inactive)

Game Master Something Wicked

Stepping to the north, as is his wont, Ramundr calls upon a raging fire, and unleashes a fury of blows and shield bashes.

Signe's initial target quickly disappears with a hiss leaving her with only two choices. This time she takes shots at the monster since it was still looming in front of the idol protectively.

MWcomposite longbow,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 1 = 26
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
MWcomposite longbow,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Still feeling weak, although the skald's words do begin to lift his spirits, Þyrnir turns to bestow the goddess' blessing on Ragnar's spear, which begins to glow with a brilliant gold light. Confident in Frigg's protection, he steps behind the golem, hoping to distract it from Ótryggr.

"You are very ugly, for a statue!" he taunts. "Whoever carved you was as clumsy as a newborn seal!"

Blessing of Good on Ragnar, weapon deals an additional 1d6 points of damage against evil creatures and is considered a good weapon for the purpose of overcoming DR. Also flanking with Ótryggr now.

Otryggr grins as his blade strikes true, the satifying thunk of iron on wood accompanied by a shiver that rolls up his arm from the force of the blow.

As Pyrnir moves into position, he snarls and hauls his blade free, only to swing once more!

Power Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Damage: 2d6 + 10 ⇒ (3, 6) + 10 = 19

Power Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Ragnar roars out, as he clenches his fist. Sparks of lightning begin to cover the skald as he raises his spear to the heavens. "Press on!", he roars, closing into the melee with blinding speed.

Otryggr, you need to make a Fort save to avoid 1 Strength damage from the prior round.

EFFECTS:

CONDITIONS: Cure Spells 50%, Inflict Spells 150%

Round 2!

Stepping to the north, as is his wont, Ramundr calls upon a raging fire, and unleashes a fury of blows and shield bashes. His magical blade has little difficulty hacking deeply into the dark wood, though the fire seems not to affect the creature in the slightest. (both sword strikes hit, overcoming DR).

Signe's initial target quickly disappears with a hiss leaving her with only two choices. This time she takes shots at the monster since it was still looming in front of the idol protectively. One arrow strikes the golem, though its force is stunted by the density of the wood. (one hits, subject to DR).

Still feeling weak, although the skald's words do begin to lift his spirits, Þyrnir turns to bestow the goddess' blessing on Ragnar's spear, which begins to glow with a brilliant gold light. Confident in Frigg's protection, he steps behind the golem, hoping to distract it from Ótryggr.

Otryggr grins as his blade strikes true, the satifying thunk of iron on wood accompanied by a shiver that rolls up his arm from the force of the blow. As Pyrnir moves into position, he snarls and hauls his blade free, only to swing once more! (Hit, overcoming DR)

Ragnar roars out, as he clenches his fist. Sparks of lightning begin to cover the skald as he raises his spear to the heavens. "Press on!", he roars, closing into the melee with blinding speed.

Elk-Running’s mist-draped forms gestures and releases a magical, ice projectile that barely misses the golem. It slams into the wooden wall behind it.

icicle, ranged touch: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 = 81d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5 miss

Seemingly undeterred by its certain defeat, the golem again strikes out at Otryggr, slaming its massive wooden arm over the Vastaviklander's skull.

golem@Otryggr, slowed: 1d20 + 17 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 17 - 1 = 232d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 7) + 5 = 20 Hit. Make another DC 14 Fort save or take 1d2 ⇒ 2 Strength damage.

Round 3!

The golem, hacked near to the point of inoperability, shortly succumbs to the fury of the Northmen.

Combat Over! Otryggr needs make 2 separate Fort checks to avoid 1 and 2 Str damage, respectively.

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Actions here? Do you interact with the idol, or leave it in favor of pursuing the shadowy figure above?

Ramundr eyes the idol...Ragnar, should we smash it?

Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Despite the thunderous power of the golem's blows, Otrygrr shrugs off their shocking aspect, the part that shivered him down to his soul and weakened his knees, and rises up to stand tall as the golem crashes to the ground.

Heaving for breath, he puts up his enchanted blade, and slowly rubs at his shoulder, nearly dislocated by the golem's last blow. Then, for good measure, he steps up to the idol and spits upon it.

"Smashing it is a good idea."

Upon which he roars and swings his blade up and down, seeking to cleave the idol in twain.

As Otryggr's ancient blade nears the idol, he can feel the presence of a dark magic, a protective wyrd that lashes back at him with a savagery of its own.

Otryggr must make a DC 10 Fort save or suffer a negative level. You may go ahead and roll damage, subject to the idol's hardness. Others may also attack, subject to the same Fort save and failure consequence.

Fort Save+Superstition: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 3) + 8 = 14

Fort: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Damage+4Str+4power+attune: 1d8 + 9 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 9 + (5) = 16

Even though the wood golem had been turned to firewood, Signe remains on guard. She doesn't trust that the shadowy figure isn't going to return. She nocks another arrow and keeps it at the ready while the others attempt to smash the idol.

"There are you who have favor with Frigg or Wotan. Can their goodness counter the idol's evil somehow?"

"Ragnar's weapon has been blessed by the goddess. Strike it, Ragnar!"

Meanwhile, Þyrnir moves to heal Ótryggr with his last blessing for the day.

Ótryggr heal: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10

Despite the dark energy cocooning the idol, Otryggr and Ramundr’s blades smash the it into kindling. As though its form were somehow tied to the tree itself, the altar begins to darken and wither, a process that begins where the idol sat and extends outward through the entire tree. Mere moments pass before cracks and rot are noticeable in the wood of the tree and the leaves above begin to fall off.

Thyrnir is able to mend Otryggr's wounds. Following the destruction of the idol, the pall over the oak seems to lift, and the healing energy flows freely once more.

Diminished healing is at an end!

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perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

As Signe's attention is drawn to the altar when the idol is smashed, she notices something slightly off about one of the panels. Upon closer inspection, she also sees that there is a trap protecting whatever is inside. "It appears that someone has hidden something inside the altar and has gone to great lengths to keep it safe. I think that I can disable whatever trap is protecting the compartment. Give me a moment."

disable device: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Otryggr steps back, nodding gratefully to Pyrnir for the healing, then watches curiously as Signe works her deft fingered magic upon the trap. That done, he rises to the balls of his feet so as to watch over her shoulder and see what's in the altar.

"Careful," he murmurs. "Liable to be something evil in there."

Inside the compartment you find treasures doubtlessly the property of Thorvald and his old adventering companions:

The creeping rot spreading from the alter follows you along the wall as you ascend the final stairs leading into the dense foliage above.

Any actions before exiting up top?

Oytrggr takes the potion of cure moderate wounds, and without consulting with anyone else, tears free the stopper and drinks the contents with great, gasping gulps.

CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 3) + 3 = 10

A number of his worst wounds heal up, and with a grunt of satisfaction he tosses it aside, settles his grip on his blade, and takes the lead up the stairs.

Breathing in relief as Signe skillfully defeats the protective wyrd of the hollow, the warpriest shakes his head as the treasure is revealed. "Be it evil or not, it is likely the inheritance of Thorvald's kin."

Before the troop ascends to the top, Þyrnir channels again the will of the goddess to heal his companions.

Channel 2 out of 3, for 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 points of healing to everyone.

B7
The warmth of the sun greets you as you step out into the great canopy of the Black Oak. Branches reach in all directions, most large and strong enough to support your weight. Thick leaves prevent you from seeing clearly beyond a few feet, though many are smeared with fresh drips of blood and the branches in the area show many bloody footprints. However, even as you watch, these bloody patches are absorbed into the dark bark of the tree. As you watch, the leaves nearest the trunk begin to wither and fall away. A faint rumbling can be felt through the wood of the tree.

Maniacal laughter can be heard from among the concealing foliage. Through the leaves, you can make out what has become of Thorvald. The creature looks like a tattered and desiccated humanoid, over eight feet tall, covered in fresh blood which seems to ooze and weep from its body. Its clothes hang in rags and are soaked in blood as well. Its hands end in sharpened claws and its eyes display no signs of life. “Come for me, will you? Think you I am but another pawn of this darkling sprout? Even were you to fell the Black Oak itself would I remain and rule from the forest depths! For I am Thorvald, the Betrayed.” He levels a longbow, his arrow aiming at Ramundr.

Foliage: The omnipresent foliage provides concealment to anyone among these branches at a distance of greater than 10 feet. The branches twist and run about in all directions, but no one can move more than 5 feet in any given direction without having to make an Acrobatics check to jump to another branch. The DC is always double the distance of the jump. A jumper can move only in a straight line on a leap and can make only one leap per move action. On a failed jump check, the leaper must make a DC 15 Reflex save to catch smaller branches and foliage beneath to prevent a long fall. He must then spend his next move action to climb up to the point that he was trying to leap to. On a failed save, the leaper falls 1d6 x 10 feet and can then make another DC 15 Reflex save to catch another branch (though he will have to climb the full distance to reach where he first came from with a Climb DC of 15). After falling a total 100 ft. + 1d6 x 5 ft., an individual has reached the pool at the base of the tree. Successful bull rush attempts allow these same Reflex saves to avoid falling.

EFFECTS:

CONDITIONS: Foliage (see above)

Surprise Round! Elk-Running, Thyrnir, and Thorvald may act in the surprise round in the order listed. Remember, only a standard or move action, and you are flat-footed until you act. Following the surprise round, everyone is up in the order listed.

Elk-Running flies up into the limbs, undeterred by the challenges of the environs. Her vaporous hands gesture and she speaks in a commanding voice. A peel of thunder reverberates overhead, and a torrent of stone-sized ice pelts Thorvald and chips away at his bones. (ice storm. Given the terrain challenges already present, we will ignore the “difficult terrain” component of the spell).

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Initiative (bold may act):
Elk-Running
Signe
Otryggr
Ragnar
Ramundr
Thyrnir
Thorvald

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Knowledge religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

"Ahhhh, Thorvald, a foul thing you have become!" To the others, the priest whispers. "He is a blood wight, its claws wyrded, should it capture you hold your breath, else you will drown!"

Seeing the arrow pointed at Ragnar, he calls upon Frigg's protection for the skald.

Cast Shield of Faith on Ragnar, +2 deflection to AC for 6 minutes.

EFFECTS:

CONDITIONS: Foliage (see above)

"Curse you!" Thorvald's voice gurgles, as though he were choking on his own blood. He looses his arrow, which strikes the tree's trunk just past Ramundr's head.

longbow v Ramundr, flat-footed: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 161d6 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0 miss

Thyrnir did you intend to cast shield of faith on Ramundr? Not a big deal, since the shot misses.

Round 1

Elk-Running conjures an icicle that she launches through the limbs at Thorvald. It impales him in the stomach and releases a spray of hot blood that steams upon the snow-covered branches before, strangely, being absorbed by the tree.

icicle, ranged touch v Thorvald: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 161d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 hit

”Thorvald you are not!” Elk-Running cries. ”You are but a shade of that great warrior! Friends, listen not to his lies. He is mortal, as we shall soon see.”

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Initiative (bold may act):
Elk-Running
Signe
Otryggr
Ragnar
Ramundr
Thyrnir
Thorvald

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Otryggr's revulsion at the sight of the gurgling, blood soaked wretch lifts him once more into a cataclysm of fury; shrugging off the pain and fatigue, he clenches his blade and leaps toward the wight, taking great, dangerous bounds through the branches.

Jump DC 20: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

Despite his eagerness, however, Otryggr is unable to close with the wight this round; instead, he bares his teeth at the monster in a feral grin that promises nothing so much as annihilation within moments.

Ramundr drops his sword Free Action, unbuckles his shield while drawing his bow Combined Move Action Re:+1BAB; if not two move actions.. He draws back and fires.

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 Ignore if it took two move actions
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Signe already has her bow at the ready. Hoping to maximize her chances of hitting through the foliage with sheer numbers, she looses multiple arrows at her quarry.

MWcomposite longbow,rapid shot,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 17
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 1 = 5
MWcomposite longbow,rapid shot,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
MWcomposite longbow,rapid shot,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 28
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

I assume that you're taking care of the concealment to determine whether we hit or not?

Yes, my bad, Shield of Faith was for Ramundr.

Þyrnir unslings one of his axes and hurls it at the wight, the weapon carving a trail of shredded leaves and broken twigs.

Attack, throwing axe: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 4

EFFECTS:

CONDITIONS: Foliage (see above)

I don't mean to rush, but I'm opting to bot Ragnar because I feel it's advantageous to progress the round while I'm able to post.

Signe already has her bow at the ready. Hoping to maximize her chances of hitting through the foliage with sheer numbers, she looses multiple arrows at her quarry. One of them strikes true, burying its head in the creature’s thigh with a disgusting wet noise. (hit, 9 damage).

Ragnar clutches his newfound spear. Bracing two feet on the thick limb below him, he raises it over his head and heaves it at Thorvald. The wight ducks out of the way as it sails over his head before returning to Ragnar's grasp.

returning spear, two-handed thrower, arcane strike, range penalty: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 2 = 101d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9 miss

Ramundr drops his sword, unbuckles his shield while drawing his bow. He draws back and fires, but his arrow is deflected by branches (miss due to concealment).

Þyrnir unslings one of his axes and hurls it at the wight, the weapon carving a trail of shredded leaves and broken twigs. (hit, 4 damage).

Thorvald, grinning in triumph, steps closer to the fated Vastaviklander. ”Yes. Come to me willingly,” he gurgles. ”Fearless you will meet your doom.” Still grasping his bow, his arms fly out. Floods of blood-wet flesh dangle, like wings, and envelope Otryggr, and he is engulfed in a wave of blood. The creature's claws dig into Otryggr's flesh, pulling him closer in a blood-choked embrace. 5 damage to Otryggr, who is now grappled, bleeding, and holding his breath. He can break free with a successful grapple check (DC 25). Until then, half of all damage done to Thorvald is transferred to Otryggr.

Round 2

Elk-Running hurls another icicle at Thorvald, but this one shatters against a tree limb.

icicle, ranged touch v Thorvald: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 201d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8 (miss due to concealment)

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Initiative (bold may act):
Elk-Running
Signe
Otryggr
Ragnar
Ramundr
Thyrnir
Thorvald

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Otryggr roars in disbelief and disgust as the bloody sheets of flesh envelop him, pulling him deep into the wight's embrace. He thrashes, fighting for freedom, wrenching himself away with everything he has.

Break grapple: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

With a roar he bursts away from the bloody embrace, and falls into a deeper fighting stance, ready to attack when the opportunity presents itself.

Breaking a grapple is a standard action, so I remain in place in full defense.

I live!

Ragnar recalls his spear with a twist of the arm, and the weapon follows home like a loyal dog. He roars out a defiant cry at the warrior bursts out, blood beginning to boil at his words. "We will drown you in your own corruption, beast!", the skald marches forwards, spear at the ready.

Þyrnir takes a cautious step forward, trying not to think of how far one would fall should a foot slip on these twisting and treacherous branches, aiming his second throwing axe at the creature that was once a leader of men. "Forgive him, goddess, for he strayed from the path," he whispers as he souls swells with the knowledge that he stands shoulder to shoulder with worthy heroes.

Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14 Damage, Raging song: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 1 + (2) = 4

Ramundr releases a scream of rage but takes steady aim.

Attack 1 with raging song+swift for+2: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 8 + 1 + 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Attack 2 with raging song: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The tree begins to quake as large cracks form in the trunk. Leaves fall like rain.

EFFECTS:

CONDITIONS: Foliage (see above)

Botting Signe.

Signe holds, fearful of harming Otryggr while he’s in the wight’s clutches.

Otryggr roars in disbelief and disgust as the bloody sheets of flesh envelop him, pulling him deep into the wight's embrace. He thrashes, fighting for freedom, wrenching himself away with everything he has. With a roar he bursts away from the bloody embrace, and falls into a deeper fighting stance, ready to attack when the opportunity presents itself. His blood flows freely. (-1 bleed).

Ragnar recalls his spear with a twist of the arm, and the weapon follows home like a loyal dog. He roars out a defiant cry at the warrior bursts out, blood beginning to boil at his words. "We will drown you in your own corruption, beast!", the skald marches forwards, spear at the ready.

Ramundr releases a scream of rage but takes steady aim, just as Otryggr tears free. His arrow strikes Thorvald just below his neck, disappearing into the torrent of dark blood flowing down his body. One hit for 5 damage. Ramundr, note that the +Str from raging song does not increase your ranged attack roll, but it would increase your damage with thrown weapons.

Þyrnir takes a cautious step forward, trying not to think of how far one would fall should a foot slip on these twisting and treacherous branches, aiming his second throwing axe at the creature that was once a leader of men. "Forgive him, goddess, for he strayed from the path," he whispers as he souls swells with the knowledge that he stands shoulder to shoulder with worthy heroes. Unfortunately, his axe embeds itself in a branch just 10 feet ahead. It could be reclaimed.

Seeing Otrggyr clear of the wight’s clutches, Signe fires, the speed of the gods in her hands.

Signe longbow, rapid shot, point blank shot: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 201d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12 hit!
Signe longbow, rapid shot, point blank shot: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 261d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8 hit!
Signe longbow, rapid shot, point blank shot: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 261d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10 hit!
confirm?: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 192d8 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (7, 8) + 6 + 2 = 23 yes!

Thorvald screams in agony and fury. ”You are mine!” he rasps, desperation in his voice. Again his blood wings unfurl. His clawed hand rakes over Otryggr’s back as he secures him in his talons, and again the blood overtakes the Vastaviklander as he is submerged in raven’s wine. 11 damage to Otryggr, who is now grappled, bleeding, and holding his breath. He can break free with a successful grapple check (DC 25). Until then, half of all damage done to Thorvald is transferred to Otryggr.

Round 3

”Otryggr!” Elk-Running cries as she flies closer. ”Release him, fiend!” Otryggr can feel the strength of her magic, even from the blood-grave. (liberating command on Otryggr, +14 on check to break grapple).

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Initiative (bold may act):
Elk-Running
Otryggr
Ragnar
Ramundr
Thyrnir
Signe
Thorvald

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Otryggr's roars, muffled as they are by clotted blood, still ring true as he fights his way free once more.

Break Grapple: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (15) + 24 = 39

Not the marksman that Signe was, Ramundr nevertheless manages two shots, being careful not to hit Otryggr

Attack 1-4 into melee: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 - 4 = 16
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Attack 2-4 into melee: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (14) + 3 - 4 = 13
Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

I should always let you roll for me...nice!

A knot of dread begins to form in the pit of Signe's stomach as Thorvald takes hit after hit but continues to wreak havoc. She reaches for more arrows and pauses for a second as Otryggr is swallowed up again by the creature Thorvald had become. She nocks her arrow and waits for the Vastaviklander to break free again. As soon as Otryggr breaks free, the ranger releases another volley of arrows.

longbow,rapid shot,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 22
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
longbow,rapid shot,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 12 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 2 + 1 = 18
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
longbow,rapid shot,pointblank shot: 1d20 + 7 - 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 2 + 1 = 20
damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12

Signe’s arrows slam into Thorvald. Upon impact, his form explodes in a wash of hot, crimson blood, though the magical items he bore remain upon the branches.

The rot overtaking the tree intensifies. Sections of the tree’s trunk and branches begin to collapse and fall away as the oak becomes increasingly unstable. You claim your spoils and race down the stairs, as you go passing the remains of your slain enemies. The quake is so severe that entire portions of the stairs fall away, forcing you to leap and climb over certain portions. At last, you reach the pool at the bottom. Though the roots through which you crawled are now crushed by the weight of the collapsing tree, a whole section of the trunk is missing, allowing you to jump clear. The entire tree collapses in a thunderous roar of splintered wood, falling debris, and crushing force.

Then, silence.

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THE NORTHLANDS SAGA
The Long Night of Winter
Oath of the Predator
Part Four: Contrition
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The return trek to Thorvald’s Gift will take days. Yet, with the Black Oak destroyed and Thorvald slain, the woods seem to have reclaimed their peace. There are no monsters lurking behind the trees, no hags swimming below the surface of the pools. Instead, you see harts and hinds, birds and beasts--natural creatures who belong in this verdant forest. It seems as though corruption is already fading from the deep woods.

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It is on the second day you find him. The burly, aged man standing before you is wearing the tattered, bloodstained remains of what were once workman’s clothing. He clutches a logger’s axe and his black hair is streaked with gray and silver. His pale blue eyes are weary and filled with guilt. He looks to you and your companions with almost pleading eyes.

He falls to his knees, his axe landing on the mossy earth. ”The truth is more terrible than Bóthvarr knew. I, his own father, am a vlkodlak. I came across you days ago in the wood. It is and has been my great shame. I swore an oath to Thorvald, years ago, and took up service with him in hopes of somehow finding a cure for this curse. When we discovered that the Black Oak was corrupting the deep woods, its evil--it took hold of me. I--I slew my boon companion Thorvald. I slit his throat where he stood and drained his blood into the pool at the roots of the tree.

”Fearful that I had finally succumbed completely to the great evil within me, I swore an oath to any god that would listen that night, that the blood of my battle-brother would cleanse the deep woods until the full moons vanished from the sky. I...I knew my oath was fulfilled, but I knew not which god accepted my promise.

”To my woe, the being that heard my cries was a demon, a god of pain and death, of ice and darkness. And of hunger. Oh gods, the hunger. Not so many days ago, the full moons of both the Pale Sister and the Dark Sister were eclipsed in the night sky. I was overcome by the vlkodlak. I tore through my own hall, killing my own men, and nearly my own son. I fled into the deep woods. But in shedding innocent blood, I disturbed the spirit of my murdered friend, and with it, corruption returned. My sins had doomed us all.

”And now you have come and slain Thorvald. Yet there is one corruption that yet lingers in the forest. There is one remnant of that evil oath which fouled these lands. I am Ivar the Stout, and I would ask on behalf of Thorvald’s Gift that you carry out one last act of heroism.

He tilts his head back, staring at the sky.

”You must claim my life as well.”

Signe barely has time to revel in the destruction of the monster that Thorvald had become before the tree began to crumble beneath her feet. Grabbing everything she can that was left behind, she flees with the others down through the great tree and tumbles out the bottom along with everyone else.

The silence that now engulfs the forest seems to magnify the sound of her own beating heart in her ears. She allows herself a moment of rest and enjoys the peace which has descended on the environment.

⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕

As Ivar the Stout tells his tale, Signe's eyes widen in surprise as he reveals that he is the vlkodlak that they had fought.

When he finishes with his request, the ranger's heart is heavy with the burden he places on them. "Must? Are you sure this is the only way?"

She looks at the others, many of who are more versed in the ways of the gods than herself. "Is there no other way for redemption? Something he could do to atone for his actions? Is the only way for Thorvald's Gift to truly be free really through killing this man?"

Signe isn't really in favor of killing Ivar unless that is their only choice. The good of the many over the one and all that...

Þyrnir is more at ease on the journey back, sensing the forest's renewal around them. He had spent some time rooting through the remains of the great oak, trying to find a piece of uncorrupted heartwood on which to carve the tale of their journey and their battles. Should he find one such, he whittles at it every time they camp, humming to himself.

Thus, when Ivar appears to tell his part of the tale, the dark-skinned priest listens well, and commits the words to memory. As for judgement...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Ragnar clears his throat, then nods his head. "It isn't heroism to strike down a man unarmed, regardless of their crimes.", he says, as he leans on his spear, seemingly in thought. "And those who yield forsake their claim to the Realm of the Gods."

He ponders, scratching his chin, before looking into the eyes of Ivar. "Rise, Ivar. No man or woman of the North should die on their knees. " Bending downwards and picking the man's axe, he grasps it by the blade. "I will face you in fair battle, Ivar. If you can restrain the beast, you will have shown that despite your curse, you belong in Valhalla." The skald leans away from his spear, looking at the others. "What say you?"

[spoiler=OoC]
I'd imagine redemption is usually achieved by a glorious, or at least good, death in the Northlands. And being struck down kind of forces you into Hel's realm.

So Ragnar's idea is to fight him, and thus, grant him the chance to fall in battle. Although, if someone else has an idea, we should hear it![/ooc]

"Is there no other way for redemption? Something he could do to atone for his actions?

"And those who yield forsake their claim to the Realm of the Gods."

”No! I am already forsaken!” Ivar pleads, desperation entering his voice. ”By all the gods of men, I am shunned. My salvation is only to offer all that I can give. I do so willingly. You must do this for me, for Thorvald. You--” He crawls toward Elk-Running, who remains cold and silent as she glares at Ivar. ”I know you. Yes. You know what I have done, what it cost me? I--”

"I will face you in fair battle, Ivar. If you can restrain the beast, you will have shown that despite your curse, you belong in Valhalla."

Ivar slowly stands, clutching his enormous axe. ”You know not what you ask. Have you not heard? I am no mortal man. I am corrupted by dark magic! I have caused enough death. Killing you is not my desire, lest it should provoke your allies to turn me back to the earth. I offer you my life willingly, but if you refuse, I shall force your hand! Choose, Northmen!”

"Slay him," Elk-Running urges. "Or, allow it by my hand. It is just. The gods would not judge us for it."

Actions? Slay him where he stands, or allow him to fight Ragnar?

Ramundr proceeds forward, raising his icy sword. Kneel then, for you are guilty, and I am happy to have this blade drink your blood.

A look of relief washes over Ivar, and he falls to his knees, letting his ax fall by the wayside. "Do it..."

Let the man that once was find his debts paid. Ramundr raises his blade high, tensing his muscles for a clean stroke through the man's neck.

The cut is clean. Ivar's head rolls to the side. His eyes are closed, his expression peaceful. His debt is paid.

Elk-Running kneels, stabbing the longsword she claimed from the fallen heroes of the Black Oak into the earth. She chants words in Nûklander to usher his spirit on toward its next destination, wherever that might be.

Actions/Reactions before returning to Thorvald's Gift?

Þyrnir says his own prayers over the slain Ivar.

"It is as he wished. He truly wished to die, and perhaps by his death the evil wyrd that corrupted these lands can not return so easily." He sighs. "We can only hope. There seems to be much darkness in the world these days."

As for Ivar's possessions, he former thrall refuses any claim on them. They rightfully belong to those he has wronged, as blood price.

Perhaps we should have bound this him and brought him back to be judged by all. Ramundr muses over the decapitated man.

Signe watches as Ivar the Stout's life is claimed for the good of Thorvald's Gift. "In the end, Ivar is blessed to have those to say prayers over him as well as those courageous enough to do what needed to be done. We will need to return to Thorvald's Gift to see if our actions this day have truly brought peace to them."

As Ramundr contemplates his actions out loud, Signe says, "Now is not the time to second guess actions. You did what needed to be done."

How far away from Thorvald's Gift are we? Close enough to take the body back with us or do we have to deal with it here?

His head is not hard to carry, once its bled. Ramundr says simply. Twould be enough to prove the deed.

Otyrggr stands to one side, visage grim, his hirsute form bloodied and muddied from their sojourn into the tree.

"Take the head if you think we need proof. The curse is clearly lifted. Let's return to Thorvald's Gift, recount our tale, and then head home."

He sniffs as if testing the wind. "As far as we've come, my heart yet calls me northward to avenge our jarl. I would return to our stedding sooner than later."