Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Akulayok says to Daeron "You use elf magic to make warmer?"

"No. I believe that warming effect is generated by Pavel's blade. It's a powerful weapon and it possesses a number of useful properties. At least, so far as I can tell." Daeron answers, curious about the weapon himself.

Bluff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Has Daeron experienced that flashback sequence thing that the other party members have?

No, he's not a scion yet.

Akulayok grunts, "Good blade."

Now far north on the High Ice, you spent a cold night, but without incident.

The next morning, you rise before the sun, eat, pack and head out to hunt a white wyrm.

Fortitude check DC 10 for the night.
Survival rolls as well please.

Fort check1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Survival1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Stealth -5 moving at greater than half speed1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (2) + 17 - 5 = 14

Akulayok moves swift and silent, eyes scanning for signs of the white wyrm. He listens wings on the air or a claw scraping on the ice. He sniffs for the smell of the fresh kill.

Fortitude DC10: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Stealth moving at greater then 1/2 speed -5: 1d20 + 2 - 5 ⇒ (11) + 2 - 5 = 8
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Shivering, Daeron wakens from his meditation in the early morning hours. Not wanting to disturb any of the others still asleep, Daeron quietly recovers his spellbook and, over the next hour, finishes the rituals required to prepare his arcane arsenal. With the dangers of the day foremost on his mind, he retrieves his metamagic rod and uses it to enhance his arcane armor casting. Once the others are also awake, he assists in breaking down the camp and, once all are ready, he lends his small expertise towards finding signs of their quarry's passage.

Burn a use of extend metamagic rod and cast mage armor on himself for a duration of 16 hours.

Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

Fort: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Fort 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Survival 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12

Akulayok and Pavel find signs of landing and lead the group for the most part. The sun's warmth is nice, but the wind is bitter and the glare maddening.

You make your way quickly though, making the best of the landscape and reading the tracks correctly. The sun reaches its zenith, though it remains very low in the sky, as you catch glimpse of a set of ice spires, among which is a strange black monolith.

On top of the highest spire, a crouched draconic form, shining white and silver in the sunlight. even from so far away, you can see its head turned towards you. It shrieks its challenge, but remains on the spire...

You are 600 feet away. There is a ice field between you and the spires. For now, the dragon is not moving.

Pavel strings his bow and takes a skeptical look at the ice field.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28
Knowledge- Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Would it be safe crossing the ice?

Also- is it too late to change one of my prepared spells from Endure Elements to Gravity Bow?

Akulayok studies the wyrm with the keen eye of the hunter. His hand tenses around the bow grip. He says quietly in Elven, "Dragon watches us. Must not walk too close together."

Move action Favored Target. He is my favored target until either he is dead or I study someone new. Akulayok walks with bow in hand at the ready, even when sleeping he keeps a hand on it.

No problem with changing the spell.

The ice looks safe, but movement on it can become tricky in the heat of battle.

Meaning two squares of movement for one square (like difficult terrain, plus an Acrobatic check DC 5 to move more than half your speed, DC 10 for more than your speed. Prone halfway if failed check.

Curious, he spares a glance at the monolith, unsure of its provenance. Why would the dragon protect something like this? Turning his attention to the shrieking creature, Daeron considers its size and begins to extrapolate its powers based on what he can recall from his studies. As he does so, he chants rhythmically, drawing a piece of leather from his component pouch. As his chanting reaches its crescendo, he gestures at his familiar with an arcane sign and a nearly transparent mail armor settles on the little elemental's form. "I can cast those flying spells now, but they'll only last a short time. If I increase their duration, they'd last a quarter hour. Thoughts?"

Knowledge(History or Engineering) to determine what I can about the monolith: 1d20 ⇒ 1 +11 modifier for Engineering and +9 modifier for History
Knowledge(Arcana) to determine the dragon's age/powers: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

And for Manulani
Knowledge(History or Engineering) to determine what I can about the monolith: 1d20 ⇒ 12 +2 modifier for Engineering and +0 modifier for History
Knowledge(Arcana) to determine the dragon's age/powers: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

If I have time...

Daeron continues his casting, chanting in Draconic and making the necessary signs with his hand before touching Theoden's shoulder. A warming sensation envelops the man as magical protection against the cold takes hold.

Cast Resist Energy on Theoden with a duration of 70 minutes.

The dragon's behavior makes Garand suspicious, and he peers about to attempt to divine if what he sees atop the monolith is an illusion or trick of some sort, to draw attention while the dragon attacks from some other quarter.

Will save to try and beat an illusion? 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Perception 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23

If they begin to move forward, or the dragon takes flight towards them, he immediately casts his communal protection from energy (versus cold), assigning 20 minutes each to Théoden and Pavel, and 10 minutes each to himself, Akulayok and Daeron.

Noticing the white dragon, Theoden's eyes light up in awe. "Now that is a magnificent beast! An utter shame we are here to kill it. Can you imagine the tales it could tell?" He stares at the beast as he speaks, transfixed by the mere fact he's looking at a dragon. "Good Daeron, I think that flying spell would be good; and make it to where it lasts longer as well. I am thinking we are going to need it." Grabbing his sword and shield, he prepares for the fight of his life.

If I have time.

Daeron casts an amused, sidelong glance at Theoden before chuckling and saying, "I rather think the creature would be more interested in killing us and taking our goods then talking to us. That said, it might well have some tales to tell. They are rather long lived." Without further ado, Daeron retrieves his metamagic rod from his backpack and begins casting his flying spell on first Theoden and then Pavel, using the rod for both. As the spell completes, shimmering and translucent wings appear briefly behind each man, before fading from view.

As he completes his second casting, Daeron instructs his familiar, "Manulani, when we start to close with the dragon use the wand to enlarge both Theoden and Pavel. That size will be crucial in this fight."

Two castings of Fly extended by my metamagic rod. We have 14 minutes to kill this thing. :) Manulani should be getting his wand of enlarge person out of his pack.

The dragon keeps staring at you as you prepare and cast your spells. It shrugs and extends its great wings in challenge.

You haven't moved and are still 600 feet away.

Pavel shakes his head emphatically.
"Nuh'no, no, no. Luh'last time I was giuh'giantized I took a club to the fuh'face. I'm too easy to hit that way. I can cuh'cast a spell to hit above my weight, juh'just leave that to me. And Mr. Sword can let me walk on air, too- nuh'not sure if that's better or worse'n yours, though."

If it's ok, I'll hold off on casting the second fly spell as Pavel seems to have that under control. :)

"I'm a bit curious about this club, but there are probably more appropriate times to ask. If you don't wish it, I'm happy to oblige. As for the spell, I'm not so sure if it is better or not, but we may as well try your sword first." Daeron looks from Pavel to the drake and his mouth thins in worry. In a detached and analytical tone, Daeron recites what he can recall, "This dragon, based on what I can see, could be either just shy of adulthood or possessing some years as an adult. It will likely be wily and capable of certain magic. If you have magical arms, use those as they will be able to pierce its rather extraordinary hide. What's more, you may well find yourself overwhelmed with fear as you close. Shall we be about our business?"

Ok, I'm prepared as I'm going to get until we get close to combat. Let's do this. :)

Listening to Pavel, Theoden looks on with curiosity. "Too easy to hit, hm? If Pavel claims it makes it easier to be hit then I should probably remain my normal size as well. The last thing I need is to be an easier target for such a mighty beast," he states as a matter of fact, grinning.

Akulayok says to Daeron in Elven, "This dragon's territory. What is plan? Fight dragon on ice?"

"I should think we'll have to. I haven't the power to draw the creature to me and I'd hazard a guess none of you do either. I would suggest we approach with ranged weapons drawn and attempt to force it to come closer. I can summon a number of creatures to aid our fight at this point. Once it decides to engage, I can reposition either Pavel or Theoden magically to allow them the opportunity to attack the creature with their full focus." Daeron pauses and looks at the pair and sighs before continuing in a slightly vexed tone, "I'd still suggest you allow Manulani to grow you to gigantic size. The beast looks sufficiently large that you will have trouble approaching it without being hit. My spell may even the odds somewhat. You may be hit more easily, but you'll be hit fewer times. The decision is, of course, yours. When, and if, you wish to be put into combat with the dragon, please shout to indicate it. I will need to be fairly close by to do so. If you prefer not to be enlarged, I can perhaps make one of you invisible to aid you in approaching safely."

The magical repositioning I'm talking about is Telekinetic Charge. Daeron's vexation is all IC, do what you want. :)

Pondering the dilemma, Theoden relents. "You may have a point. Very well then... live life and live it large I always say! Well... not really, but one must start somewhere," he says with a wink. "Alright then, when we are ready, I shall draw the dragon to us. Gentlemen," he looks to them all, "let this be our finest hour!" He secures his sword and shield, nodding to announce he is ready.

Okay, enlarge it is. Typically it is getting hit easier which is annoying. But seeing how as I'm either gonna get hit with an AoO or I wait 1 round before I move into combat, probably wise I go large.

Nodding at Theoden, Daeron turns his glance at the ice, then the spires. It might be madness to attack a foe like this but our options seem limited. Daeron ponders for a moment as the rest of his companions finish their preparations. A sudden flash of memory from his training at the Acadamae came to mind, Dragons tend to have hoards and require rest as do other creatures. Where is this ones? This flash of insight started his thoughts and, in an offhand manner, Daeron says, "You know, it occurs to me this beast has to have a lair of some sort. It is going to be a difficult fight on the field with it flying and us on the ground. It's lair may well be more advantageous... or somewhere near it anyway."

How tall is the spire that the dragon is perching on? Can we see any more details from here about the monolith? Interested in openings in particular (dragon-sized ones).

Some of the spires seem to go as high as 150 ft. It's hard to see anything else from this far.

Are there any other ways to move forward out of the sightlines of the dragon? Can we circle around? We need to know a full set of options available to us within our sight to avoid combat on the ice field and approach the spires

The High Ice has little features. Think 'Expedition to the South Pole'. You've been in these condition since the start of the hunt. If you circle the spires, you might discover a different terrain, but you can't be sure from where you are without first moving.

Akulayok advances about 15 feet behind Pavel and Théoden.

Let's move towards the spires.

"I should think we'll have to. I haven't the power to draw the creature to me and I'd hazard a guess none of you do either. I would suggest we approach with ranged weapons drawn and attempt to force it to come closer. I can summon a number of creatures to aid our fight at this point. Once it decides to engage, I can reposition either Pavel or Theoden magically to allow them the opportunity to attack the creature with their full focus." Daeron pauses and looks at the pair and sighs before continuing in a slightly vexed tone, "I'd still suggest you allow Manulani to grow you to gigantic size. The beast looks sufficiently large that you will have trouble approaching it without being hit. My spell may even the odds somewhat. You may be hit more easily, but you'll be hit fewer times. The decision is, of course, yours. When, and if, you wish to be put into combat with the dragon, please shout to indicate it. I will need to be fairly close by to do so. If you prefer not to be enlarged, I can perhaps make one of you invisible to aid you in approaching safely."

The magical repositioning I'm talking about is Telekinetic Charge. Daeron's vexation is all IC, do what you want. :)

"Yeah... alright. I'll try it. Not fuh'fond of the spell, but I guess it's appropriate."

Do you only move fifteen feet, or do you move forward until...
Also, let me know what spells have been cast.

I am moving in a coordinated fashion with Pavel and Théoden. If that requires a delay action to synchronize movement, I use a delay action.

Ok thanks. Daeron and Garand, do you follow closely, a bit behind? Stay there?

All my active spell effects are in the spoiler below.

Daeron, seeing the others commit to action, gives them a moment to open a small gap (15 feet or so), before he too starts walking across the ice calmly. As he does so, he gazes up at the spire, running over scenarios in his head and trying to plan for multiple likely eventualities. Manulani, for once, simply trails along silently, gazing up at the dragon and periodically fidgeting with the wand in his hand.

Having had a chance to think a bit, Daeron has remembered some details of dragons in combat and has shared them with his companions (immunities, resistance, weakness and melee attacks).

Having had a chance to think a bit, Daeron has remembered some details of dragons in combat and has shared them with his companions (immunities, resistance, weakness and melee attacks).

So that would basically be the stuff in the bestiary entries for immunity, SR, weaknesses and attacks for young -> mature white dragons?

Exactly!

Garand follows as quickly as he safely can, attempting to stay within close enough range of the others to deliver touch spells such as healing and protective magics.

Not willing to risk the group splitting up, either because of an ice collapse or some similar unforeseen situation, he administers communal protection from energy, then communal resist energy (both against cold) as they begin their advance.

20 minutes each to Théoden and Pavel, and 10 minutes each to himself, Akulayok and Daeron, of communal protection from cold. Absorbs 84 pts. of cold damage, *before* the cold resistance from resist cold is applied.

20 minutes each to Pavel, Akulayok and Daeron of resist cold 10. 10 minutes for himself of resist cold 10.

You make your approach under the watchful eye of the dragon. He simply stand on his spire, stretching his wings once in a while, a mundane yet fantastic sight!

You are now within five hundred feet of the beast, not countimg his 150 feet of elevation.

Is there something we're supposed to do every 100 feet? Is there something new we're supposed to see? Do you want us to make Perceptions? We're all on the lookout for ice traps and hazards.

We're going to keep advancing until we reach the spires. Let us know if you need any rolls. Anyone else can feel free to do something else if we need to every 100 feet. I'm assuming get to the spires and start searching for an entrance that leads up to the top

Perception1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

We're going to keep advancing until we reach the spires. Let us know if you need any rolls. Anyone else can feel free to do something else if we need to every 100 feet. I'm assuming get to the spires and start searching for an entrance that leads up to the top

Perception1d20+13

That's what I needed. You mentioned 15 feet, and I didn't want to presume.

As you get within 200 feet of the spires, the great drake extends its wings and starts to fly, but directly away from you...

Akulayok frowns and says in Elven, "Only thing worse than dragon you can see is dragon you can't see."

Daeron shares Akulayok's frown as he watches the beast begin flying away from the group. That was... unexpected. Perhaps this creature is more clever than I was giving it credit for. Considering a few things at once, Daeron quips in deadpan tone, "It would seem that we're an intimidating party. I can't blame the creature for fleeing, really." His frown fading in lieu of exasperation, he continues in a more serious tone, "I'm in agreement, Akulayok. I suppose we should examine this monolith in more detail? It can't be coincidence that we found the dragon here. I'd suggest caution, however, as this dragon may be trying to lure us somewhere."

Know(Geography): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

So it started flying off, does Daeron have any idea where it's going? How far away is it? Also, assume I'm translating for Akulayok, it's just getting tiresome to say so in every post. :)

So, moving to the spires?

Nothing else we can do. Compose ourselves, keep an eye out, and move forward.

Sounds good. Does Daeron have any idea where the scaredy dragon is going?

Survival and knowledge (geography) to know bearing and link it to known landmarks.

Pavel draws the katana and his handaxe, continuing a cautious approach toward the monoliths.

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Know-Geography: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Has anything Non-Draconic been through here?
Survival- Tracking: 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 3 = 32

Knowledge (geography) roll above with a 16. That could be an aid another for Pavel's roll if you'll allow. Adding a survival here.

As the group continues its advance on the monolith by silent agreement, Daeron gazes off into the distance where the dragon disappeared from sight. Where is that creature going? In an inquiring tone, he asks the group, "Does anyone have some idea where that dragon is going? I've some decent knowledge of the surrounding area but I'm not sure tracking is my best ability." As they continue, Daeron keeps a wary eye out, expecting trickery. Sensing his master's nervousness, Manulani's fidgeting increases and he also begins to keep an eye out.

Survival (aid another?): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29
Perception(Manulani): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8