"Interesting about the oath... I didn't know it would be transferable. I'm glad you are with us on this quest, 'Lara. I won't inquire as to your tough times, and wrong roads. But any time you want to talk, I am here and will listen." She flashes Duardlara a warm smile, then shrugs. "As for the decor, I suspect it never varies here... always cold, white, icy."
She reaches out takes her shawl back and casually wraps it around her own shoulders, though in truth she doesn't wear it for warmth.
"It seems now, we have a new task before us. We must travel elsewhere and find Baba Yaga's hut, and free it. I feel the pull of the Oath calling me forth from this place. Still, I think we must rest before we set out on a protracted journey with unknown dangers. We don't know when the local witch will return. Should we rest here, or move out to a defensible campsite before we rest?"
She looks to the others, one brow lofted in a questioning glance to see if they agree with her on this point and garner their opinions on where to rest, if at all.
When she does so, she realizes she hasn't introduced 'Lara to the others yet. "'Lara, this is Xanxan, our gnomish tailor, scout and trapsmith, Beck the druid, and Sheelah, his extraordinary cat, Helgash, you've already met, and Jetro, our exceptional archer. Everyone, this is Duardlara, Variel's kin and inheritor of his Oath."
A stark contrast to the Aasimar witch Venja, a thoroughly ugly Tiefling with Satyr's horns, cloven hooves and a flicking tail listens intently to Duardlara's introduction, starring intently and unblinkingly. He leans in close and sniffs.
For the briefest of moments he almost appears thoughtful, but it quickly passes. A friendly crooked smile opens up and the fellow straightens and throws his arms out wide and gives her a big hug, lifting her off of her feet. Hey there, I'm Beck Tavis! Know Venja, Anee and Variel from back in Wal'sby. Yea smell jest like him! well, not jest like 'im but kinda like 'im yea know? he pauses a moment then adds "Lemme set yea down..."
He hangs his head, and his pointy ears turn down slightly. He glances at his cat, which gives him a look. The young tiger pads delicatelly over to Duardlara and allows the elf to pet her, nuzzling the elf gently with a pur. "Sheelah likes yea."
Knowing from Anee and Variel that elves tend to be a bit reserved, Venja looks momentarily horrified when Beck hugs 'Lara and picks her up. She scowls slightly and shakes her head at Beck, then gives a little nervous laugh when he puts her down, hoping he didn't make too awful of an introduction for himself.
As he's introduced, he bows, "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Frostborn. Any family of Variel is a potential customer of mine." The gnome smiles.
To Venja he says, "We seem to have gotten the worst of the threats gone here, and this will certainly be more comfortable than a camp site, so I'm for it, but I'm quite amiable either way. And yes, if the oath is pulling you that hard, then freeing the hut is a must."
Hey there. I joined up with the group just recently, getting rid of these bloody witches is something that was a long time comin so I signed up.
Duardlara laughs delightedly at the bear hug and tentatively pets the tiger before crouching down to look the big cat in the eyes and rub her cheek against it. She murmurs, "Such a beauty."
She puts a hand on Beck's arm. "I worked rigging on a merchant ship for a captain just like you, but you're more handsome. He claimed to come from the far north where enormous white bears roam. He said one got the jump on him once and he wrestled it for a day and a night before it got tired and went to find easier prey. Glad to meet you both."
She bows to the tailor gnome. "Master Xanxan. We will have to discuss your wares, I can see. I like the cut of your jacket - is it one of yours?"
At Jetro's introduction, she nods. "Well, I know nothing of the witches, but I have committed to coming in Variel's stead and he said the lot of you were like family and knew the score. I will have your back and do my best to find this hut that is so important."
Looking at her hand, she adds, "I suppose the oath, once given, would have to have a willing recipient to transfer it. If the magic is powerful enough to bind your soul to a task, maybe it is powerful enough to measure your intent." She laughs, "That sounds so serious, doesn't it? I really don't know - I've just begun my magical journey after denying my birthright for decades."
Absently stroking the back of the tiger's head, she offers, "I think we are going to have some fun."
"These magical items I think I can help with. I did not prepare the right spell today, but I have a scroll that should tell me everything there is to know about them unless they are very, very powerful." She looks up, "Do you think they are very, very powerful? That would be exciting! Where did you find them?"
"Well I ne'er wrastled no bears an Sheelah only plays, but that fella sounds like someone worth meetin.
"Nifty!" Beck says about the items, still content with his gear. Oye, 'Gash, yes think the ring'll heal the wounds yea take from us?"
Helgash's intense stare and silence eventually breaks, and the massive tiefling approaches Duardlara, wrapped in winter clothing, and easily holding a large polearm across his shoulder with the left hand. As he does so, his hand is extended in a greeting - "Well met friend Frostborn - Variel was a true companion in the times we trekked together - I am happy to hear that both Aneira and himself have successfully returned to the safety of their homes, and are now able to properly raise their child" - he breaks a fanged smile - "As I have told the others, if you have his trust then you have mine also - I make Venja's and the other's words my own - well met and welcome"
With a more somber look, he adds - "I don't think we yet fully understand what we are up against, but I feel it at the back of my head - maybe the Inheritor is piking my alertness - but the fact is we strive against forces bent on re-shaping the face of the world in ways we can only fathom - all the help we can get in changing the course of events is a meaningful one, even more so one with your references Miss Frostborn" - he bows, but keeps his eyes on the elven woman, his eyes sparkling as fiery as his own hair, in contrast with the tiefling's bronzed skin - "I am Helgash"
"Nifty!" Beck says about the items, still content with his gear. Oye, 'Gash, yes think the ring'll heal the wounds yea take from us?"
"Indeed I believe it will Beck - this is a most amazing magical item, and would contribute in a definite manner to improve on the abilities the Goddess has granted me" - Helgash nods, staring at the magical ring.
"You certainly an unusual bunch - this is going to be fun!"
She bows to the tailor gnome. "Master Xanxan. We will have to discuss your wares, I can see. I like the cut of your jacket - is it one of yours?"
"Oh yes indeed, though with all the travel and fighting, I fear the poor thing will soon be on its last legs, figuratively speaking. Had I the material, I could make you one much like it."
"You certainly an unusual bunch - this is going to be fun!"
At that, Xanxan looks to the others, "I think I like her. She's chipper!"
All too soon those with the geas feel a pull directing them to move onward. The group has rebalanced after losing Variel but finding well qualified replacement in Duardlara. Items have been divvied out and there is nothing really keeping anyone here any longer.
Naday has heard the talk and knows that you are all on a mission to literally save the world from becoming exactly like Irrisen. She also knows that without your timely intervention she would not have gotten the revenge she sought and possibly as well protected the lives of her 2 sons. As such she offers her assistance of a detailed map explaining how to get to Whitethrone. I do not know what the current conditions are in the city as my own thoughts and actions have dealt with my daughter and surviving here. My uncle though. Ringierr, should be able to elp you though it that manner. Search him out on the outskirts of the city and tell him 'little naughty Nadya' needs help. He will listen and trust you. it will take you 9 days to get there if the weather is clear. Follow the map and bring along plenty of winter gear. I wish you the best and hope that you are able to do what you need to do so save Golarion and hopefully bring some order to Irrisen as the same time.
"Rightio then." beck says looking at the map, holding it up rotating it upside down turning in circles and looking around. A few moments later he says, "Got it! This'll be a big help miss! Thankee kindly." with a deep bow.
"We'll have no trouble findin' yer uncle I'm sure.
"Thank you Nadya for all your help. We will miss you, but I know you have others that need you as well. Take care and be well. Go with our prayers and blessings."
Nadya makes sure to correct the map for Beck so he is holding north to the top. Um, that way Beck, otherwise I think you would be heading home instead.
Looking at the map you are gong to skirt the forest a bit more as you head north. Then you start to angle your way north by northwest till you hit a tributary river that eventually runs into the lake that sits by Whitethrone.
Good luck finding my uncle. He is good at hiding if he doesn't want to be seen. He may hear about you before you find him. Be careful of who you talk to and try to keep it from people that you are not from around here. Perhaps Xanxan can alter your clothes as you go to make it look more local.
When Nadya flips the map over, Beck says, "But I'm facing south," and points at where they are on the map, and turning to face north, he points from a peek to the image on the mountain, "and when i spin around," spinning the map, I keeps it orientated what that the mountains are where they are on the map, an I ken know that it's that mountain what's got the river runnin down it, an that there's a pass over there what we gots ta take." he adds rather pleased with himself.
Only makes sense tho if yer crazy. so yer fine he adds with a smile.
Beck pulls out the winter garb that he pulled from the Guards they killed in the town. "Yea think yea ken alter these or use em fer out Local Garb? They is still a li'l tettered e'n after warshin em. No hot water an' such."
Helgash nods to Nadya, and then to the others - "Thank you for this - again your help is invaluable in us finding the path to thread" - he holds her by the shoulders - "I do not know if and when we will meet again Nadya, but I wish all the blessings of the world for you, your sons, and Waldsby. Thank you again" - then moves off to gather his gear, turning to the others - "And now we must go"
Good luck Nadya, we'll make sure you and the boys won't have to wrry about those witches any more.
Duardlara chirps, "Nice to meet you!" and at the human.
Whispering to Venja later, "Uh, who was that lady again?"
"Ah, to blend in in a land where everyone is a winter. Let's see... I think I might be the hard one to fit in given my excellent if unique around here stature..."
Xanxan will work hard on the clothes to 'fit in', but he doesn't stop there. It would appear he understands a bit about dye not just applied to clothing but hair, and can smudge complexions if need be.
The guard is staying at the tower as that is the agreement you came to. He bids you farewell and quite honestly is fine if you never come back as you paid him in advance and it seems like easy work.
Xanxan, you are quite the capable artisan in your work and the 'new' outfits are ready to go by the time you leave.
After getting a final night's rest the group is ready to leave in the morning. The sun is shining and the weather is a bit warmer than normal for this area, perhaps an omen of good luck as you start the journey. About midway through the day some clouds are just starting to form in the sky but it does not look like a storm is brewing.
You see some birds flying high in the sky coming from the northwest.
You can tell that these are ravens gathering together like you have experienced in the past. The winter witches have found out about your actions and are sending their scouts out. You and you alone get a surprise round as the birds form into swarms and dive quickly own to 'investigate'.
Jetro idly looks up.
"Damn crows," beck hisses as he pets Sheelah on the head, casting causing her to become more dangerous, lamenting that he lacks the power to hide all his companions from these spies. "It's the witch's, Kill 'em all"
"We need things that do damage to an area... are there any alchemist fires left?"
Helgash retrieves a flask of Alchemist Fire from his pack, and gets ready to throw it once the creatures get close.
Looking around at the others' reactions, Duardlara reaches for the bottle of fire she was given rather than her bow. "Is there a place to hide? Won't killing the spies tip off the one sending them?"
If they know we are here, killing them will deny them any more info. Jetro gets his bow ready.
Beck casts bristle on Sheelah giving her +1 to damage but a -1 to AC.
Beck +1/2 level in cold
Helgash
Jetro
Duardlara
Venja
Xanxan
swarms x3
Helgash and Duardlara each grab and alchemist fire but hold their toss till the ravens get closer.
Jetro gets his alchemist fire ready when they swoop closer
+50% for swarms
Beck gets his Club and readies to swing.
For
Sheelah circles impatiently
For
Jetro can crit with a splash weapon, right?
Duardlara readies her alchemist's fire for when the ravens come closer.
Venja waits until the ravens get close enough to get a good dose of alchemist's fire when thrown.
+50%= 3
Xanxan had hesitated for the same reason Frostborn had, but the thread is out of the weave as some say, so he fires at one of the birds.
crit confirm for Jetro for
Every successfully targeted the swarms doing some damage even Xanxan with his crossbow. The marksman of the round goes to Jetro who lands a flask of fire in the exact center burning numerous birds and having them fall to the ground twitching.
Beck, Duardlara, Helgash, Jetro, Sheilah, Venja, Xanxan
Each of the three swarms dives after a different member of the party to cover as much area as possible. Beck, Duardlara and Xanxan are all covered in birds taking damage. I also need a reflex save from all three at DC 14 or you are blinded from the ravens pecking your eyes and a DC 14 fort save or you are nauseated for 1 round by the birds distraction.
Group up and Beck can take an aoo...
Jetro draws his warhammer and will move to add Xan
Jetro you can draw as part of your move so go ahead and take your attack on the swarm.
By the way the injured swarm is attacking Duardlara.
Stats
HP 39/39
AC 18
Spells in effect:
do we get AoO's for the swarm entering our squares too because of
Beck mostly dodges and tries to hold himself together, moving toward the weakened swarm to attack from the edge
missing by a wide margin due to his distraction
Sheelah, on the other hand takes a 5' to the edge of the nearest swarm and gleefully claws at birds chomping and slashing at them.
for
for
for
Venja tries to stay out of the way of the swarms but swings her staff at the nearest one, trying not to hit anyone it might be attacking.
Xanxan tries to tuck and roll out of the flock on him...
Moving forward towards the swarms engulfing his companions, Helgash draws his mace, swinging as hard as he can - "Stand fast friends, we will not be deterred by such vermin!" - he encourages them.
"MY EYES!!"
Duardlara covers her wounded eyes with both hands and moves toward where she thinks Venja is. She ends up exiting the swarm to the witch's left.
Xanxan reflex and fort save
Reflex failed
Fort failed
Sheelah enjoys the taste of raven as she bites and rips into them hitting everytime. Beck has trouble with the swarm and fails to hit. Duardlara and Xanxan completely succumb to the swarms and are blinded and nauseated but the attacks. Helgash manages to finish the swarm that is on Duardlara leaving only two of them remaining. Venja and Jetro get in on the action with melee doing some damage still to the two swarms.
The remaining swarms stay where they are and peck on Xanxan and Beck some more for and need both reflex and fort saves again from both.
Good guys up.
Jetro is shocked to see the ravens fly off the Duardlara and Xan's eyes!
Ew.