Variel's Reign of Winter (Inactive)

Game Master Neltji

The decision made, the group surrounds the cart once more and takes off for the forger. Rounding the corner from where they wre hiding int he house they see 2 white haired humans that they realize are winter wolves in human form. It is easy to hear them as they are arguing between the two of them. With slurred speech and vile curses at each other you make out that they were drinking and gambling late into the morning and now they can't remember which house is theirs. Unfortunately even in their drunken state they see you approacha nd on e of them snarls at you. What are you looking at and coming towards us for? Move along now!!

The other one though catches a glimpse of the cart and licks his chops. Not paying attention to Helgash at all he shouts. Ignore him and stop that cart. I see fish and I am hungry. Give me that fish now before I take it from your dead bodies.

Map for reference.

Thanks for the white haried icons Maelchar and So'rien (wherever you are)

"But these fish are destined for the white tower... we wouldn't want to disappoint the Lady, now would we?"

bluff: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

Venja hopes he will back off from his demands if he thinks the fish are for the local witch tower. Under her breath, she whispers, "Be ready in case he doesn't buy this..."

Jetro waits tensely

Sense motive 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 12

Sense motive 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 5 - 2 = 7

The winter wolves look at you suspiciously but their clouded judgement makes it easier to bluff your way past them.

Perception 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 - 2 = 13
Perception 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 2 = 24

However the second one picks up the whispered words from Venja and growls changing into wolf form to attack. Liars! I will kill you and take your fish.

2d20 ⇒ (12, 8) = 20

Good guys up...

dammit

Venja casts web and webs the two wolves together and to the buildings on both sides of them. (centered at the intersection of R,S & 36,37, dc 17 refl save).

"If this works, let's get the heck out of here."

assuming we are moving east, then moves to X37

They can track us by scent, we'll have to do something else.

reflex save 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 - 2 = 15
reflex save 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 2 = 13

Thanks to their inebriated state neither winter wolf is able to move out of the web strands. At least they get cover now from the web strands.

Jetro is correct that as a wolf and a winter wolf at that with heightened intelligence and scent they would likely track you down and the fish once they are free.

Map after web cast. Still actions from the rest of you.

"Well this will at least give us a few extra seconds to prepare for a fight then. Position yourselves where you wish to be, cast any spells you want, then let me know and I will dismiss the webs."

a good time for any buffs I guess

Or grabbing weapons!!

Jetro grabs his bow. You folks messed with a Winter witch, so you're gunna get kilt.

Duardlara grabs her bow, arrows, and rapier. "I would suggest we do what we can while they remain in the web. That last one was a tough adversary. Two are unlikely to be easier."

Apologies for not posting before - New Year and all ;)

"No" - Helgash urges his companions - "They are drunk and defeated - let us leave this place"

Turning to the winter wolves, he adds - "The fish is mine, and the humans are with me - the reasons do NOT concern you. Instead of simply lighting up this web and burning you to a cinder, we will let you leave. Try to chase us and you will die" - he growls, eyes blazing, then turns to move away, nodding at his companions.

Intimidate?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Ringity pulls out his sling and loads up a shot. how long is that web gonna last?

Helgash, using intimidate to demoralize is a standard action but only makes them shaken. To change attitude would take a minute and is not combat effective. You did succeed on shaken them up a bit though.

At Helgash's words the winter wolves recoil but the snarling and gnashing of teeth leads you believe that while drunk and caught they are beyond reasoning at this time.

Everyone else starts to grab weapons preparing for the upcoming fight.

CMB #1 to escape 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 2 - 2 = 20
CMB #2 to escape 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 - 2 - 2 = 26

CMB to move #1 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 12 - 2 - 2 = 28
CMB to move #2 1d20 + 12 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 12 - 2 - 2 = 18

Yet despite their shaken and sickly condition the mighty strength of the winter wolves is too much for the webs to handle as they come rushing out of the webbing to come at the group from different points. It was all they could do though to just get free as they can not attack.

Good guys up. Helgash you would get an AOO as the winter wolf moved out of the webbing.

HP 48/48
AC 18
Spells in effect:+2 Saves vs. Cold +5 Survival, -2 perception to hear when hatflaps pulled down.

Jetro spits and mutters about making cloaks as he rapidshots into one of them
at U-33

Rapid Sht #1,PBS,PS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 101d8 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Rapid Sht #2,PBS,PS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 251d8 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

RIngierr motions to SHeelah to make a Flank, pointing,
Hangle animal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9 but the cat doesn't quite get the command

So RIngierr, drawing his dagger, takes a step up to V:35 and readies an action to attack with flank. D'lara, Get behind that one, pointing to the back of the wolf (X:37).

Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
for 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (3) = 9

Since they are attacking, can Sheelah still attack

"There are wolves, and then there are dogs - you are the latter, and will soon come to understand it" - Helgash finds himself growling as their opponents try to get past him, striking with his dagger in a quick thrust.

Dagger AoO: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Shifting his position, he attempts to strike again - "Even in your stupor you should understand you are outmatched"

Dagger Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Damage: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Move: To V:33
Standard: Dagger Attack on U:33

D'lara, Get behind that one, pointing to the back of the wolf (X:37).

Duardlara sees the wisdom in the suggestion and attempts to comply.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Attack with rapier: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11 With flank

Damage: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (5) + (3, 4) = 12 With sneak attack

D'oh! Natural 1!

you didn't need to acrobatic to get there. Go to Y:35, Y:36, X:37 with 20' of movement. Those squares look open

Acrobatics at half speed would prevent me from attacking when I got there. I was hoping to make my presence known when I got there and not have to wait a round.

But nobody is threatening you. You can skirt their range. Diagonal from X:34 to Y:35 won't provoke. Y:36 is out of reach, and the diagonal into X:37 moves into range which wouldn't provoke. Var, please correct me if I'm wrong

Correct unless they have reach.

Fine, I could have moved in that fashion. Feel better? I chose to tumble instead. Get off my back.

I'm sorry, after first mentioning it, I thought I was missing something, and wanted to check if I was off-base. I'm sorry it came across as hauling you for that. I didn't mean to come across the way I did, and in hindsight I realize I should have just sent Var a PM. So, again I apologize.

I seem to have a thin skin lately. She's a rogue first, a caster second, so she thinks like a rogue when it comes to melee. I didn't look for a different way for her to proceed. I could have used the skill roll as an attack and would have had a crit threat, but that's not how I play. Once I have previewed the roll, that's where it goes.

Thanks for being honest Duarldara. Your next to hit gets a +2 DM bonus.

Helgash takes the opportunity granted to him to stick a dagger in the side of the winter wolf for some serious damage.his following strike wasn't good enough though to get past the wolf's defenses. Jetro continues on where Helgash left off and lands an arrow into its chest weakening it further. Ringeirr tries to get Sheelah to attack but the cat resolutely refuses as she is guarding her master's body. He waits for Duardlara to move into position for a decent sneak attack. Duardlara tumbles over with drawn rapier but finds the cold numbing her hand as the blade moves on her just as she strikes.

The winter wolves turn into their more primal form and bite at those who struck them.

Bite attack on Helgash 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 10 - 2 = 14 for 1d8 + 7 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 2 + (6) = 12
Trip if successful 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 12 - 2 = 11

Bite attack on Ringeirr 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 10 - 2 = 11 for 1d8 + 7 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 7 - 2 + (4) = 17
Trip if successful 1d20 + 12 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 12 - 2 = 16

Wow those were some pathetic rolls. Good guys up but no map again as I am work. Wolves are large now.

HP 48/48
AC 18
Spells in effect:+2 Saves vs. Cold +5 Survival, -2 perception to hear when hatflaps pulled down.

Jetro 5' steps back and unloads into the wolf he harmed once again.
Longbow,PBS,PS,Rapid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 251d8 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11
LOngbow,PBS,PS,Rapid: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 91d8 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Attack with rapier: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 32 With flank and DM's bonus

Damage: 1d6 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + (1, 4) = 9 With sneak attack

Crit confirmation: 1d20 + 8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 + 2 = 23

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

RIngierr will 5' to keep a flank with Duardlara and give SHeelah another Push
Handle Animal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

He then attacks
Sneak Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
for 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 2 + (4) = 8

Sheelah then takes a 5' step up and rips into the wolf
Bite: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 5 - 1 = 6
for 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 + 2 = 8
Claw: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 5 - 1 = 19
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6
Claw: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 1 = 14
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 2 = 7
Add 2 to the attack rolls if she is flanking with D'lara as well (depending on where D'lara moves when they get big)

Variel, I am not entitled an AoO when the wolves transform? Also, they transform quickly as far as Helgash can garner (as in a Free or Swift action?)

Helgash presses on his attacks against the wolf assailing him - "You will regret your choice to face us" - he glowers.

Not sure of the positioning, but will try to move for a flank if possible, or starting to move to such a position, preferably away from the others (we have already seen their breath right?).

Move: As described above
Standard: Dagger Attack

Dagger: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Damage if it hits: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Dagger crit confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Additional damage if it crits: 1d4 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

As he moves, the tiefling urges Sheelah to join in on the fight, trying to somehow coax her into moving to a more tactically sound position - "Come Sheelah, we need your strength!"

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Looking for confirmation on the rimepelt and will get to you tomorrow on it. But off hand I think so as that is why it is a one use item only. The rest will be answered tomorrow as well once I can think clearly.

No AOO for changing form and calling it a move action. Correct on the abilities from the rimepelt once it was activated. You also get cold resist 20 and fire vulnerability. There is a reason it was a one time use item. The breath weapon is only good though in wolf form not human form.

Helgash targets the wolf with his dagger again hitting it massively and drawing forth a lot of blood. Jetro strikes again as well planting another arrow into its chest. the two of you bring down the normally formidable beast quickly as it begins dying from blood loss.

On the other side the winter wolf is flanked by Ringeirr and Duardlara. Together they also beging to land some nice blows but with more finesse than brute strength. Being adjacent to the wolf, Sheelah is able to join in the combat now an pd she lends tooth and claw to the fray. Blood is piling up but not enough to bring the wolf down yet.

Venja dismisses the web as it is ow just a bother and hindering th group from moving.

Oh Venja where have you gone?

Acrobatics 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 2 = 13
The last winter wolf move backwards trying to avoid the flank and get into a better position. His attempt while drunkis laughable though as he provokes from the three combatants. If he makes it he turns and breathes a blast hitting Sheelah, Ringeirr, Duardlara, Helgash and the cart in the frigid breath for 6d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4, 5, 2, 1) = 19 cold damage reflex save dc17 for half.

Good guys up and map update once I get a chance on the computer when my wife is done working. Wolf is on other side of Duardlara and is a move action for everyone else to get there.

Stats
HP 48/48
AC 18
Spells in effect:+2 Saves vs. Cold +5 Survival, -2 perception to hear when hatflaps pulled down.

Jetro keeps doing the twing-twang
Longbow,Rapid-shot,PBS,PS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 281d8 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Longbow,Rapid-shot,PBS,PS: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 131d8 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 182d8 + 14 ⇒ (6, 4) + 14 = 24

I'm here, but not sure what I can do at this point, my spells are all cold based or web type things.... I'm afraid I can't do much right now that won't impact the party negatively, but here's a probably failure: (lol)

Venja loads and fires her light crossbow, hoping to hit the last remaining wolf.

to hit: 1d20 + 3 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 3 - 4 = 9
dmg if hits: 1d8 ⇒ 7

tolja it'd probably miss

Attack of opportunity: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 Did not include flank as I'm not sure it still applies

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Sneak Attack: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 5) = 10 In case it does apply

Bah! Not very helpful, that!

Wow I come back to update the map and check the boards only to find that Jetro confirmed a critical hit which puts my poor winter wolf down and out for this fight. No map update needed and Venja you can save your bolt then. Just wanted to make sure you didn't lose your dot.

There is still a chance that Sheelah and Ringeirr both hit with the Aoo and if do almost max damage then it would drop but if not I still need reflex saves from Ringeirr, Sheelah and Duardlara. Helgash you are out of the range as I was looking at the map before I moved you based on you trying to get flank.

Reflex save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Doing the evasion happy dance!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, nat 20 :)

I would have liked to have had it on the attack with nice sneak attack damage, but being relatively squishy and already injured, I'm very happy to have it now!

With both wolves down, Venja moves to heal the injured... She starts with D'lara, touching her gently, and healing...

healing hex: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (8, 6) + 5 = 19

"Anyone else need some healing before we move on?"

Best throw them into the wagon, slaying winter wolves is going to make us real unpopular.

Ringierr takes a stab at the wolf
Sneak-AoO: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
for 1d4 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 2 + (6) = 12

and SHeelah snaps at him
bite: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
for 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
SHeelah reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

wow that was crap

I n-n-need s-s-some ringier says, shivering. Sheelah does too...

Venja touches Sheelah and heals her....

healing hex: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 3) + 5 = 9

Then does the same for Ringeirr as well...

healing hex: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (3, 7) + 5 = 15

I feel guilty getting the good healing... but thanks!

But... Why am I under the impression that only one of them went down??

I just realized I completely forgot about Life Link... From now on, we assume it will be on Duardlara, Ringeirr and Sheelah by default - you guys agree?

"Very well done my friends - we are becoming a force to be reckoned with, like these buffoons have learned" - Helgash nods appreciatively at his companions.

Best throw them into the wagon, slaying winter wolves is going to make us real unpopular.

"I don't think we will be able to explain two dead winter wolves in our cart friend Jetro - wouldn't you say it would simply be best to leave them here?" - he asks his companion, quickly searching them for valuables and items of use - "Wolves are honorable creatures like most animals - they prey to survive. These creatures are a mockery, preying on those they believe weaker than themselves. Whatever we can gather from them will contribute to compensate Ringeirr for any possible loss, and to assist in our own travels" - he adds decisively.

If we leave their bodies behind:

"Let me assist Venja" - he adds, as they move away, meaning to establish the life force link between himself, Duardlara, Ringeirr and the mighty animal Sheelah - "You were brave Sheelah, thank you for your aid" - he attempts to pat her on the back if she allows it.

Handle Animal: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

However, when he approaches his companions, it is not the miraculous link that manifests itself, but instead his body begin glowing softly with a discreet golden light that emanates from him, enveloping his companions, and mending their wounds - "I..." - the tiefling stammers, standing there in silence staring at his companions, as once and again the event encompasses them.

MUAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! Channel Energy FTW!

Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Channel Energy: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8

I think that'll do to get Ringeirr, Sheelah and Helgash almost topped off? It was a bit overheal but I wanted to make it an impressive thing, mainly for Helgash I guess ;)

awesomely crafted post... love the channel!

OMG! Helgash went Akira!

Nicely written, Helgash. For the record, one of the winter wolves fell to Helgash's dagger and Jethro's arrows, I believe, while Ringierr and Duardlara kept the second one busy until Jethro could crit on it.

Nodding at Helgash's plan for any gear the winter wolves carry, Duardlara quickly and expertly searches for any gear they might be carrying. If either of them is still breathing, she will apply the coup d'grace. I will leave any rolls to the DM if they are required, but she will use her rapier.

I am curious what happens to their gear when they die. Do they return to humanoid form when they die here or do they return to wolf form or do they stay in whatever form they were in? If they return to/stay in wolf form, does the gear just remain incorporated into them? Puzzles...

Very nice Helgash!!

One of the wolves, as wolves they remain, wears a pouch containing 20 blue quartz "ice diamonds" worth 50 gp each . The other's pouch contains a curious magic stone. Any other gear must have been just part of the magic of transforming into a human ;). Hope that answers some of the questions Duardlara.

spellcraft: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

"Oh, that's a steadfast gut-stone, I've heard of those. They help protect the user from critical attacks... I guess he should have swallowed it before fighting us." She gives Jetro a wicked smile, though in truth, she's not sure if this is the one he crit or not.