Variel's Reign of Winter

Game Master Neltji

Duardlara peers around, looking for clues.

Perception Aid for Venja's good roll: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Will Save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"Well done Jetro" - the paladin compliments the archer, then turns to Greta with an approving nod - "Thank you for pushing, and standing by my side"

So maybe we're going to just have to drive off these fey to get to the hut? Jetro points to a path in the clearing that appears to head north.That way I guess.

"Jetro is right - let us proceed"

Perception (no chance so Aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

zzZzZzzZzzzz

No way Jetro can make that

Jetro whistles along.

Beck is a perception monkey... Literally
Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (10) + 17 = 27
You can always roll low...

I show Beck as taking 25 hp damage but no healing yet other than Helgash's life link. I assume you want to correct that before we continue on. I will go on that assumption just let me know who is healing and how. right now Beck is still at 15 hp down and Helgash has taken 10hp from life link.

Monkey beck hobbles over to Venja and tugs her sleeve, pointing to a bleeding hole in his side where he got spiked.

Venja touches Beck and heals him with her hex.

healing hex (ie cmw): 2d8 + 6 ⇒ (4, 6) + 6 = 16

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18 hit ranged touch flat footed
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 hit ranged touch flat footed

The Perytons dive from the tree tops once the party is past hitting both Venja and Jetro in the rear. What makes the attack worse is that the perytons' shadow seem to meld into the shadows cast by the them mimicking their movements.

Partial charge attack on Venja 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 25 for 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10
Partial charge on Jetro 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 9 + 2 + 2 = 16 for 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 2 = 10

The first hits Venja with a powerful gore attack. The uncanny movements of her own shadow being struck by the Peryton's shadow threatens to overcome her senses requiring a will save DC 14 or be frightened for 1 round.

Good guys up.

will save dc 14: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

that should do it, lol

"shoulda stayed in the front with Beck!" she mutters softly. She takes a diagonal step to the southwest and fires a lightning bolt into the two creatures.

cast defensively, dc 21 for 3rd lvl spell: 1d20 + 6 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 6 + 5 = 29

dmg, reflex dc 18 for 1/2 dmg: 6d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 5, 1, 4, 6) = 21

Jetro five steps back to Q-29 and fires at the one at R-29. Nimble little bugger
PBS,PS,Deadly Aim: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 261d8 + 11 ⇒ (1) + 11 = 12
PBS,PS,DA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d8 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Helgash would have channeled Venja ;)

Otherwise he heals himself with CLW before proceeding.

CLW: 1d8 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 2 = 9

"Avast damned creatures!" - Helgash steps forward, swinging with the massive greatsword.

Moving to R:28 (top left of the square), and attacking.

Greatsword: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 2 = 13
Damage: 2d6 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (1, 2) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 3 = 16

Greta growls, moving in on Jetro's previous position, and swinging hard.

Greataxe: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 11 - 2 = 15
Damage if it hits: 1d12 + 7 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 3 + 3 = 23

One can only use Vital Strike in place of a Full Attack action, correct?

One can only use Vital Strike in place of a Full Attack action, correct?

Not by my reading of RAW - a vital strike can be taken "when you take an attack action" - it cannot be used with a spring attack or a charge because they specify "one melee attack" according to FAQ and not "an attack action". You would be precluded from using it during a full attack, but any single attack, you should be good - my opinion.

Knowledge check to identify: 1d20 ⇒ 6 I don't know which bonus is appropriate, but that's not likely enough to matter.

Duardlara steps forward (down and left, like Venja) and casts a spell, careful to not open herself to an attack from the closest creature.
Concentration to cast 1st-level spell defensively, DC 17: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23

When she reaches the successful conclusion of her casting, a cone of flame shoots forth, engulfing both of the creatures.

Burning Hands, Reflex DC 15 half: 5d4 ⇒ (4, 2, 2, 1, 4) = 13

reflex lightning 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
reflex lightning 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
reflex burning 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
reflex burning 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

knowledge arcane DC 14 to identify perytons and know something about them Duardlara.

In a marvelous graceful dance of avoidance both perytons avoid most of the flames and lightning. Likewise the graceful movements are too difficult for Greta and Helgash to keep track off as both powerful blows miss the elusive creatures. Jetro has some luck as his arrows hit squarely thanks to his training in firing into melee. The 2 arrows hit but don't seem to penetrate as far as he would have liked. The thick skin absorbing some of the damage. Still the 1 is hanging on by a thread while the other is enraged that its mate is hurt.

Beck and Sheelah to go then next round.

map update thus far. Had to redo the map so some coordinates are slightly off.

Beck moves around the back to take the flank, as does sheelah, and targeting the and bloody beastie first, then the mate.

Nature: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Beck takes a ham-fisted primate-slam
slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23
for 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

SHeelah snaps at the creature
bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
fpr 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Beck and Sheelah circle around to try to get tot he far flank of the peryton. They get their eventually and make attacks. Both manage to hit but only Beck is able to deliver enough force to get past the enhanced skin causing any real damage.

The perytons continue their assault on the 2 that they marked with their shadow blend ability earlier.

attacks on Venja...
gore 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12 for 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 2 = 11
hoof 1 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 2 = 17 for 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5
hoof 2 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 2 = 12 for 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5

Attacks on Jetro...
gore 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 = 22 for 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8
hoof 1 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 3 + 2 = 22 for 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 2 = 6
hoof 2 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 + 2 = 18 for 1d4 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 1 + 2 = 5

Good guys up

Jetro seks to polish off whichever is the worst off and then turn his arrows on the other
Arrow,PBS,PS.DA: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 211d8 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15
Arrow,PBS,PS.DA: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d8 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Jetro peppers the injured peryton on the left and it collapses with an arrow piercing its body. The remaining peryton lets out a howl as it makes to unload again on the killer of its mate.

If Jetro steps back to make some space for D'lara she can get in for some flanking action. [ooc]Move into position and ready an action to attack with a flank. Beck moves to give the flank, D'lara's action goes off with Sneak-attack, then beck attacks with a flank?

SHeelah moves to Flank with Greta
Bite: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 - 1 + 2 = 16
for 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 + 2 = 10
Claw: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 6 - 1 + 2 = 25
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5
Claw: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 1 + 2 = 20
for 1d4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 = 5

Then beck moves up into a flank??? and slams down on the Peryton with simian fists!
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
for 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Slam: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
for 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

at least Greta and D'lara get the benefits of the flank for their attacks...

Jetro steps back to let his banana loving friend get to work.

With some fancy footwork the company shifts around to give those able more of a chance to attack and surround the enemy. while the tactics are sound the result thus far has much to be desired. Sheelah misses with her bite and her claw can't get through the skin. Beck steps over and misses once but connects barely with the second but only really scratches the peryton.

Her knowledge (arcane) bonus would make that check an 18. Enough to identify, no extra goodies, though.

Seeing Beck's strategy, Duardlara draws her new-to-her magical short sword and attacks the beast.

Attack with flank: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18

Damage with sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 1 + (1, 1) = 6 Wow - that was sad.

Venja aims a small bolt of ice at the creature.

ranged touch attack, ray of frost: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
dmg if hits: 1d3 ⇒ 2

Thanks for the input Duardlara, I believe you are correct - Greta would be able to use it, since she did not charge ;)

Helgash sees the value in his companions' tactics, and tries also to reposition, swinging the greatsword again - "Down wretch!"

Not sure if I can flank, will do if I can.

Greatsword attack: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 - 2 = 13< +2 if Flanking.
Damage if it hits: 2d6 + 6 + 1 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3, 5) + 6 + 1 + 3 + 3 = 21

---------

Taking advantage of her current position, Greta unleashes two attacks, surprisingly fast for such a big weapon, her eyes glowing with savagery.

Also trying to flank if possible.

Greataxe: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 - 2 = 24< +2 if Flanking.
Damage if it hits: 1d12 + 7 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 3 + 3 = 22

Greataxe: 1d20 + 6 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 - 2 = 7< +2 if Flanking.
Damage if it hits: 1d12 + 7 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 3 + 3 = 16

Thanks to her magical sword Duarldara is able to hit and bypass the skin of the Peryton. That attack along with the hard blow from Helgash even though great and Venja missed is enough to cause the second Peryton to drop where it stands.

Combat over as I assume you are going to kill it and not just leave it unconscious.

Anyone want antlers for their helmet?

"Well done friends" - Helgash clears his weapon with a nod of approval to his companions, and a smile at Greta - "Duardlara, will you check ahead?"

Jetro keeps an eye on the skies for any aerial threats.

Duardlara likewise cleans her blade. At Helgash's request, she just nods and moves forward.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Wow, not getting much help from the dice roller lately.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Moving forward ahead of the others Duardlara spies another building ahead of her in a small clearing. This house is situated on the ground and not in a tree however. As she approaches it she is confident in her abilities to remain unnoticed until the front door burst open and a winter wolf rushes out. Strangely enough this winter wolf does not attack you on sight. Instead it stops 20ft away and starts riddling off questions demanding answers. Who are you and where did you come from? Did the others send you to find me? What is the state of the area south of here? Clearly you made it this far. As commander in this area I am taking command of you and order you to escort me out of the Market Square safely.

She has not seen the rest of the party yet as they are farther back.

Jetro you see nothing else plaguing you from the treetops but do see that the trees extend overhead high enough to completely cover the sky but still manage to let some light in.

Speaking loudly so the others definitely know she's in a conversation, "I am Frostborn. I was not sent to find you - I don't know who you are. How do I know you are the commander in this area? Who are you? How were you trapped here?"

The elf makes no threatening moves.

My name is Bragda, Commander Bragda to you. The fey creatures and trees attacked while my troop was here. We battled to the house for safety. We have been trapped here for weeks. Now I demand that you escort me out of here even if you weren't sent for me.

"Let me check the path is still safe, Commander Bragda. Please wait here or within the house and I will return shortly. If I don't... well, it won't be because I didn't try to."

Very well scout ahead but return in short order. I must get out of here to report what has happened to me and my men,. As she says this she looks back at the house where she came from.

Duardlara nods, says, "I will return soon," and turns to retrace her steps. She moves slowly and carefully as though using stealth to avoid a threat.

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

When she's out of sight of the winter wolf, she waves the others to get out of sight from her backtrail before moving up to them and telling them about her encounter. "Greta, do you know Commander Bragda?"

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25 If I can make that roll

"What do we do? I can escort her out, as she asks, and be done with her and possibly have a future favor, though I suspect not."

Greta thinks for a moment and then nods affirmative. Yeah I have heard of her. Seemed to get along well with the new regime and was promoted quickly. Outside of that though I don't know her personally.

Duardlara, you recognize the name that you overheard in the market a few days ago while you were spying the clock tower. It seems her and her detachment of Winter Guard had gone missing and people thought she went AWOL.

So, she gunna be a hinderance to us on our job?

Greta shrugs her shoulders, Dont know but it might be easiest to just agree for now and get her out of here.

"Care to join me in escort duty or would you prefer to hide so she knows less of our apparent capabilities?"

Changing into wolf form Greta growls her affirmative I will join you. That way she will not think to take advantage of the situation if you are by yourself.

Jetro shrugs and waits.

I'll be bringing her past where you are standing, so if you intend to be unknown, you will need to move.

To Greta, "Good idea. I appreciate the support."

The elf and the winter wolf wait a moment while those that wish to hide their presence do so, then proceed into the clearing to locate Commander Bragda.

"Commander? Is there anything or anyone you need to bring with you?" As they start to leave, Duardlara offers, "I remember why your name is familiar to me. A couple of days ago, I heard your unit had gone missing. The worst was feared. How many of your unit were lost when you were trapped here?"

Venja hides as best she can, but fears with the winter wolf's preternatural senses, it will be futile.

Retconning just a tad :D

"What do you mean we will escort this commander Bragda out of here?" - Helgash seems incredulous - "We have much more pressing matters on our hands, do we not?" - he questions - "Not only that, but the path behind us should be somewhat safer now, that she may risk the trek on her own?" - the paladin presses on.

"If this is the decided upon course of action, then I will not let you go alone. But even as if a last resort, she should be able to wait here, until we return?" - his eyes glow red as he stares at his companions inquisitively.

Grunt, grunt. thbptbhthpbh Beck then waddles over to Jetro, scratching his head with one hand and patting his belly *Chimp Noises* in agreement

Joining the retcon

Shrugs, "She seems quite certain of her importance in this area. I heard rumors of her disappearance - apparently when she and her unit were trapped here - while scouting the clock tower, so she was missed. Helping her get out may pave the way to a future favor. Or it might just mean she doesn't go out of her way to be a problem for us. Either way, abandoning her in our path won't help us, so we might as well do as she asks and hope for the best."

"On second thought, don't try to hide. These trees prevent it, anyway, and it will help explain how I made it through. Greta and I will escort her out - while we are gone, you should be able to investigate the house that Bragda has been holed up in, but I suspect it might not be pleasant."

Nice Beck...
You guys just let me know what you guys decide on thought. Once 3 of you agree I will go with that.

Venja stops trying to hide, which is probably abysmally unsuccessful anyway. "I agree... escort her and hurry back."

2 to 2 currently with Jetro being the split decision unless someone else changes sides. In this Greta doesn't count but for what it is worth she is willing to just escort her out to make it quick.

Jetro hands Beck a banana. Get her out, but if she tries to take you with her then thigns are going to get ugly.