Variel's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Neltji

Venja scowls and looks at the others, sighs... waits a few seconds and then dismisses the webbing... She then moves forward so she has line of sight through the door into the room, though not standing directly in the doorway, but back a bit.

"OK!" Beck shouts over the sound of his swing at the man that just attacked him.
1d20 + 6 + 2 - 1 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 - 1 - 4 = 12
for 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
"Now Backoff and quit tryin' ta stab me!"

Sheelah is less than accommodating as she unleashes a flurry of tooth and claw.
Bite: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 4 - 1 = 17
for 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
Claw: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 1 = 5
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 - 1 = 5
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6

Dunno what hits or how hard. "I surrender." Raising his hands into the air, still primed and ready for a fight, but unarmed.

"Down girl," he adds, chuckling silently to himself that he was remiss in teaching SHeelah to stop attacking...
DC25 HA check to Push: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

Gabryjel knocks another arrow -

He takes 20 on Stealth and preps his arrow to fire at the enemy as soon as he sees him stick his head out, hoping to remain hidden from any enemy and drop the threat without being noticed.

Gabe to take 20 like that would take 2 minutes. If you want to be stealthy you will need to roll it. Thanks.

Xanxan is able to free himself from the webs and is able to peek through the doorway of the house. Inside he sees a man, presumably the commander, holding Nadya with a dagger at her exposed throat. 3 other guards are in the room. They all look they have been hit with dishes and goblets and other flying debris. The house is a shambles.

Before complying with the orders Beck tres to get one last attack in. His club misses but Sheelah is there to clean up for him almost biting the head clean off of the guard. Needless to say the guard slumps to the ground.

Venja makes an intricate hand gesture and the webbing dissolves into thin air.

Variel unbuckled his belt dropping his rapiers to the ground but leaves his spell component pouch on his side should he need it.

Helgash remains in the kitchen and thus far remains undetected with the noise and mayhem from outside. If he chooses to move closer though he will have to make a stealth check.

Gabe on the outside tries to hide by the corner of the house and get the drop on the commander holding Nadya hostage.

Is there a move where Xanxan can interpose himself between Nadya and the dagger? I guess provide cover kind of? I'm not too up on some of the combat options

Gabe on the outside tries to hide by the corner of the house and get the drop on the commander holding Nadya hostage.

Stealth Check -

Gabe what happened I saw three stealth checks with the first 2 having a roll of 1 and 2 on the die in one post and a second post with the 12 on the die? Now the first post with the poor rolls is deleted...explain... And I am taking the first post I saw with the result of a 13 even though that post is gone now.

Xanxan to answer your question the best I can come up with is either a grapple maneuver or a reposition maneuver. Both will require CMB checks against the commanders CMD. However his readied action is to slit her throat so I am going out of normal group Init and doing a new Init. This is to simulate everyone having readied actions to do something at the same time.

New Init...
Beck 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11 +1/2 level in cold
Gabe 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Helgash 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Variel 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12
Venja 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Xanxan 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Nadya 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Commander 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Guards 1d20 ⇒ 3

New Init order is...
Xanxan
Gabe
Nadya
Venja
Beck
Variel
Helgash
Commander
Guards

Xanxan you are up and the commander has not seen you or helgash yet so he is flat footed to you both. Xanxan you are 5 ft away and Helgash it will take a move action to get to him. Everyone else is also a move action away.

People, first of all, my apologies for the sparse posting - I've been immersed in some RL issues this week. Now, two questions for Variel, and regarding the situation at hand:
- Even though he is flat-footed, the commander should still be able to use his readied action if we trigger it, right?
- Would a retcon for the last round, in which Helgash did not act be acceptable? He would have moved out from the kitchen most likely, being in the same room as the commander and Nadya are at the moment?

The reason I went with a new initiative is that once the commander is seen everyone would have had readied actions to try and free Nadya or attack the commander. The new Init is representative of whose readied actions would go first. Hopefully that helps explain things a bit for you and why the commanders readied action can be interrupted in this case. As for the ret con I am going to say no as if he saw you then the Init would be just you and him in the building.

So if I'm reading the situation right, we have one round of actions to gank this commander, and hit him hard, right?, either that or do something to stop his readied action. So Xan can try nail him in the back with a sneak-attack?

Venja moves so she can see through the doorway, but doesn't enter the house. When she can see the commander, she targets him with a ray of enfeeblement, hoping to reduce his strength, and therefore the damage he can do if he does try to cut her throat.

ranged touch to hit: 1d20 + 2 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 2 - 4 = 17

oops, forgot the damage

strength penalty if does hit: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 fort save dc 16 for half penalty

Thanks for the clarification Variel. Indeed it helped me understand the current situation better. In that case, I guess Helgash swifts his Smite Evil, moves in and swings HARD (hopefully)

Moving through the doorway, Helgash's eyes flare at the man - "You WILL pay for this!" - he roars, swinging his polearm.

Ok, so I think I will go for a Trip, since Helgash's weapon has reach anyway. A few things though - My interest on a trip is to get the guy away from threatening Nadya with the blade to her neck. If this maneuver can work, Helgash will try it (if it is possible he will go down by himself, without dragging her along for example). Will also try it only, if smite evil would apply to boost my to-hit numbers. Otherwise, will go for a normal attack. If it applies, his CMB will rise to +9

Trip Attempt: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Can Sheelah also rush in? She cant attack with a readied action, but she could get to an advantageous position where she can AoO the commander if he provokes or a guard trying to get to Nadja

Ah, sorry, went looking for Reposition in the Corebook for a long time only to come up empty.

Xanxan tries to flip and land between the dagger and Nadya, hoping to kick the commander backwards away from her even if it means taking the cut himself.

Not sure if Acrobatics would help or apply but...
Acrobatics 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Reposition attempt 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 Not sure of any bonus for sneak attack or flank

Xanxan performs a perfect back handspring with a 10 on the landing completely throwing the commander off balance he just stands there watching wondering what this gnome is doing. It isn't until Xanxan reaches out to switch places with Nadya tht he understands what is going on. The commander keeps his grip tight and ovens Xanxan from successfully breaking his grip.

Gabe's action then Nadya tries to break the pin effect.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22 Nadya manages to wiggle some space between her neck and the knife but is still being held by the commander.

Will give Gabe a bit longer before I bot him.

Gabryjel watches the actions on Nadya with horror.

He contemplates shooting the guard, knowing that even a dagger at it's most critical threat wouldn't like likely kill her in six seconds; still, he thinks things through and lowers his weapon slowly.

Gods damn! If I hadn’t been shooting my bow, likely they could have talked it out with her… This is all my fault!

Gabryjel's mind tacks over the decisions that he has made with his allies thus far. He recalls clearly that his constant un-charismatic ways coupled with his "Shoot First - Ask Questions Later" attitude has not been as helpful as it could have been.

Realizing that his continued presence would likely cause problems for his companions, he grabs his gear and disappears into the woods.

Knowing what he knows of tracking, he elects to search for and find Aneira and make sure that she is safe – wherever she is.

For a moment he reflects that leaving the quest will have dire consequences – but that is the path he must now walk….

Gabryjel will do a full withdrawal from the combat, not wanting to cause any other issues. Then, once he's gone, he'll Take 20 on his Survival check to find the path back to the portal that Aneira was sent through and try to find her, hoping that she is alright.

Through a combination of guile (Xanxan), elusiveness (Nadya), damaging magic (Beck), weakening magic (Venja) and sheer power (Helgash) the commander falls to the floor releasing Nadya. No quarter is asked for nor given as Nadya runs the commander through the heart with a dagger that sprung from a writs sheath. the remaining guards throw up their hands and surrender stating that they were just following orders and just want to leave to go home now that their commander is dead. With no one to order them or report to they can leave and have normal lives once they make the journey back home where ever it is their individual homes are.

"Well, I guess we're not going to interrogate him..." Venja shrugs as if this wasn't that important anyway. She makes sure there are no reflective surfaces showing before continuing any discussion with Nadya, covering mirrors, shiny pots, anything that might be used to scry through. Then she turns to Nadya and speaks very softly, just in case.

"You still up to go confront this winter witch, hon? Who will watch your boys for you while we are all gone? Or do you prefer not to say? - which I fully understand and respect, considering the potential consequences."

Nadya looks white with the effort that she has just been through and sits on a log before answering. Finally she looks up at you Venja with determination, Indeed, I am more resolved than ever to go now as they threatened my 2 sons as well. You are wise in that I will not divulge who will take care of them while I am gone as even whispers seem to be overheard around here.

On the bodies of the 6 you are able to liberate 6 sets of:
cold iron longswords, daggers, light crossbows, 10 bolts, chain shirt, lt steel shield, cold weather outfit, and a potion of endure elements.

Also in total is 107 gp in coins.

On the commander you find MW cold iron longsword,, lt wooden spiked shield, MW lt crossbow with 10 bolts, potion of cure lt x2, potion of endure elements, an unidentified potion, 2 magical bolts, a magical mirror, a cold weather outfit and 36 gp

Venja casts detect magic on the unknown potion and tries to identify it.

spellcraft, +1 if it's cold related: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

It is a potion of interrogation as the spell at caster level 4

Variel will check the mirror and the bolts as well to help out
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16 and
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17 but is unable to determine exactly what the items in question are.

sorry missed that those two items were magical too... Venja will check those as well

spellcraft, +1 if it's cold related on bolts: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16
spellcraft, +1 if it's cold related on mirror: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

The bolts also elude you as their make up is beyond your ken. The mirror however you identify easily, your heritage coming back to you as you look at it. The mirror is an attentive mirror.

This small, ornate mirror is mounted inside an enclosing case, such as a locket, small jewelry box, or even just a leather flap. To use an attentive mirror, the owner must spend 1 hour gazing into the mirror in a ritual to attune herselfto it. At the end of this time, the owner can willingly give the mirror to another creature. Thereafter, the creature that has the mirror can use it as an emergency means of communication with the mirror's owner. Up to three times per day, the mirror's possessor can open it to alert the attuned owner. This functions as a mental alarm with a range of100 miles. The White Witches of lrrisen frequently provide attentive mirrors to their loyal minions and monstrous allies so the witches can be notified when their agents have important news. Once alerted, an attuned witch can then send aid or cast lrriseni mirror sight to view the situation through the mirror and receive a minion's report directly.

1800gp

glad I covered all reflective surfaces before talking to Nadya then, eh?

Venja explains the mirror to the others. "Given time I might be able to attune it to myself, and wrest it away from the one who currently has it attuned to her. I assume it belongs to the witch from the Pale Tower, but I could be wrong. However, we may not have time for this right now. I could start on it while we wait for Nadya and hope I can do it in an hour. Or We could keep it wrapped up and I could try it later. The sooner we take control of it away from the current 'owner', the better."

She sighs. "Or we could just smash it and destroy the magic, but I am loathe to do so, as it could be useful to us."

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

"Is the mirror supposed to do that? the frosting and the blackening and the hey hey hey?" The gnome mutters

Dot

Venja looks at the mirror with some concern and wonders the same things that Xanxan is voicing.

spellcraft, is it supposed to do that?: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

"I'm not sure, Xan, I don't know enough about the workings of the thing."

I'm assuming with only a 15, Venja has no clue

perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29+1 if Arctic takes effect
lol, that roll was unnecessary...
"I'd close it if it can be used by the owner to look through." Beck suggests when it first starts to frost over. When the case of the mirror is shut, he adds, "And if attunin' to it'll steal it from whoever had it first, then do it." with a nod.

"It's gonna get mighty nasty, dealin with the witch an' her folk. Ltes check in with Roth an see bout gettin us-selves some potions afore word of this spreads, eh?"

Indeed, shut the thing until we know that you can control it completely. We don't know what is all going on with it. And I agree with Beck, lets visit Roth again and see if he has anything that an aid us.

Venja, are you shutting it?

I didn't realize it was closable, I thought it was just a bare mirror... in which case...

Venja shuts the mirror immediately as it begins to blacken and frost over. "I don't trust the thing nor the woman who attuned it to herself. We need to go deal with this witch. Not that there is inherently anything wrong with witches, per se... but this one seems quite evil and needs to be stopped."

Nadya stands there looking at the group with almost a tear in her eye. This is the first time that you have seen the anguish that she is in come to the surface. Outside of the initial wave of grief everything else has been a stoic resolve on her part. Now though is a different matter. Thank you all for what you have done and what you are planning on doing as well. There are lots of good people in this world and in this country. Unfortunately, we are ruled over by those who have a different disposition than us. As you say Venja, perhaps not all witches are this way, but it seems that all of the ruling class withes are. I don't know exactly where this journey will take us once we step out of this house but I am not turning back until I have done my part to make this a safer place for families. They should not fear the loss of a child as I have had to, nor hear threats from commanders about one's remaining children.

I have made my arrangements and my children will be taken care of. The person who is going to look after them will be here in the next hour. I suggest you head then to Roth's then to see what he can do to help. There is one other individual that may look favorably upon our mission. He is likeminded in regards to the winter witches and has no love for them. He has accompanied me before on some of my trading trips when I have to travel farther than normal. He is an accomplished guard and skilled in the ways of archery. He may be a very valuable asset to have with us. His name is Jetro and you can find him on the southwest corner of the main square. Tell him that Nadya sent you and he will listen to what you have to say. You may need to convince him yourself to come along but if I am correct once he hears that we are looking at ridding Waldsby from the threat of the Winter Witch he will be willing to assist us.

Stiffening her resolve the tears dry on her face as she is stoic once again.I will have the dogs ready when you return. Oh and Hatch has agreed to come with us as he has learned some valuable insights into the tower while he was there. If nothing else he knows the layout of the first florr and can describe it to us so we may better plan that route at least.

"We will go see Roth and this Jetro fellow... An archer to replace Gabe would be most welcome since he has left us without much ranged support. We will return as quickly as we can and get started with our travel as soon as possible."

Venja places a calming hand on Nadya's arm and gives her a little squeeze to show her support. "You are very brave to be coming with us, and hopefully you will get a chance to help stop this evil witch."

Take care and good luck getting assistance with Roth. He means well but I don't know if he has anything available for us to use. I never knew him to make much in the way of healing items.

Leaving Nadya and Hatch to their own devices for the moment, the group makes their way to the building indicated by Nadya. The building is a nondescript building that does not have any form of advertisement on it indicating a trade or business that you can see. Perhaps it is covered by a light layer of snow. Regardless there is a simple iron knocker on the door.

Venja knocks, then waits a few moments for Roth to answer. If no answer comes, she calls out just loud enough (she hopes) to be heard inside, but not carry to far beyond the building, "Roth, Nadya sent us... please open up."

If that gets no response, she'll try the door, hoping it's not locked.

I meant tht Roth may not have items at the temple but we are currently at the house where Jetro lives.

Venja, I think this is where this Jetro fellow lives. I could be wrong though as I have not been in town as much as the rest of you.

Variel will step up and call out as well. Jetro, we are here on behalf of Nadya. She sent us to talk with you. Please let us in.

oops, my bad, she would have said and done the exact same thing, but substitute Jetro's name for Roth's in the above post.

Nadya looks white with the effort that she has just been through and sits on a log before answering. Finally she looks up at you Venja with determination, Indeed, I am more resolved than ever to go now as they threatened my 2 sons as well. You are wise in that I will not divulge who will take care of them while I am gone as even whispers seem to be overheard around here.

"I am truly happy that you and your boys have been unscathed by all this" - the tiefling smiles - "I felt aprehensive for a moment, but fortunately we managed to defeat these curs and cowards" - he nods - "I can understand your resolve, as my own has steeled itself also at this desplay of wanton violence and aggressiveness towards you and your family... For me it is irrelevant if a witch or a priest or a commoner are at the bottom of this - they need to answer for their actions, and I intend to offer my assistance in making it so" - his voice is grave and deep.

She sighs. "Or we could just smash it and destroy the magic, but I am loathe to do so, as it could be useful to us."

"I will defer to your knowledge on this Venja - if any point you believe this artifact should be destroyed, just let us know and we will do so" - Helgash comments with Venja.

"We will go see Roth and this Jetro fellow... An archer to replace Gabe would be most welcome since he has left us without much ranged support. We will return as quickly as we can and get started with our travel as soon as possible."

"Agreed" - the tiefling nods - "I still don't understand what possessed Gabryjel to act as he did..." - he ponders for a moment, shaking his head - "I guess it is irrelevant now. But any who are willing to join us are certainly welcome, as I am sure this will be no straightforward endeavour"

--------------

At Jethro's homestead:

Helgash is still somewhat on edge from what has recently happened - he stands protectively close to his companions, waiting for the one they have come to meet.

Guys, is anyone wounded?

Beck's horrific visage fades and he returns to his normal, slightly ugly, visage. Following along, Beck waves and pleasantly says, "HI!" when he notes signs of movement behind the door.

Beck took 3 damage. I'm good for a bit, i think

Nah, I want you top shape :D

Noticing Beck's wounds, Helgash approaches him - "Allow me to relieve you of your injuries friend Tavis - though minor they are not unimportant" - and lays a hand on his companion's shoulder.

CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

The door unlocks and a man looks out. He is not attrective by any means, somewhat bad teeth and a complexion battered by life in the cold north has taken it's toll, but he is wide of shoulder and strong of arm and has the look of someone who has hard experiance with combat.

Nadya sent ya aye? Well come on in then. He steps aisde to let you into a cramped home that has the usual detrius of life and some bowmaking tools on a bench.

Venja steps in gingerly so as not to disturb anything. "Hello, you must be Jetro?" she both states and asks at the same time.

Assuming the reply is a 'yes' in some way, she continues on. "Yes, Nadya sent us. She said you might be willing to join us. We intend to go to the Pale Tower and rid the area of the witch who lives there. She has made it clear through her actions that she is quite evil and means nothing but harm to the people of Waldsby and the region. Will you come with us and aid us in this task?"

VAriel enters in after being bid welcome. He remains in the back so the more charming and diplomatic of the group can be front and center to talk. He keeps his arms at is sides and tries to look relaxed as he takes in the man before them. I wonder what his story is and why he would be willing to join with us? What hardship has befallen im from this Winter Witch or is he just tired of seeing the oppression of his neighbors. If the former than revenge is what he is after. If so then how long will he stay with us. If it is the latter then he is altruistic and may help us to the very end even without the quest placed upon us by the dark rider. Perhaps there is a way to grant him the boon and geas that is upon us. First we must know his intentions though and then fid a way to make it happen.

He looks dependable, you can trust him. ;)

Aye, I'm Jetro. I've helped Nadya on her erronds along with others who need some protection for their trips. As for that witch, Nadya has told me before how that is someone who needs killen, plus I've seen what her lickspittles have been up to when given a bit o' power by that witch. I'll back you up as long as we see this all the way through.

"There is more to our mission than just killing the witch or removing her from power. Far more. Would you be willing to hear more and join us beyond dealing with your local winter witch at the Pale Tower?" Venja does her best with tone of voice to make the mission sound ominous, at the very least. Diplomacy or bluff are not her strong points, however.

diplomacy (or bluff, same bonus): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Jetro doesn't seem very phazed. Well tell me what you have planned and then we'll see.

lol, I wouldn't be phazed with that roll either

"We have been tasked to find Baba Yaga's hut and stop the current queen, Elvanna, from bringing to fruition a plan to spread ice and freezing cold all across the face of Golarion."

She looks a little confused for a moment as she continues. "We're not sure exactly how we're to bring about this plan, but we intend to succeed, one way or another."

She looks at Jetro curiously as she speaks, trying to gauge his reaction to her words while she speaks.

sense motive, also not her strong point, le sigh: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Jetro looks skeptical. Baba Yaga? Don't reckon I have ever heard that name. Elvanna is a pretty big name though in these parts. Unless you have yourself a plan, I reckon that wrestling a Linnorm bare-handed will be more sucessful.