Variel's Reign of Winter

Game Master Neltji

"Thank you for the warning... I wonder what we did to anger him. Perhaps he is allied with someone who doesn't want us to complete our quest?"

Maybe some witches.

"We will definitely be attentive, in case this Vsevolod tries to arrange for an attack on us again" - Helgash comments - "Thank you for the information Master Kaag - if our paths cross, we will remember your words about him, and take heed"

Variel, 'a friend of my enemy is my friend'? :P

We ready to move out?

My enemy's enemy is my enemy's enemy. Mo more no less.

All set

It is an iobarian translation issue. Um yeah that is it. Clearly your iobarian is faulty somewhere. Thanks for catching that. :p

Karat chuckles slightly at Jetro's words. As much as Vsevolod and I are against each other I will say this about him and all of us iobarians. Should the winter witches of Irrisen ever try to invade us they will find all of Iobaria set against them. We are free peoples here and not to be subjugated by outsiders. We would join forces long enough to repel any force arrayed agasint us. After that though we would be opposed one again.

Now as to the other end of my arrangement. Erdija will accompany you as far as the end of the Hoofwood to the Deeprung Crevasse. From there yet must follow the Crevasse on ya r own till legend has it you see the figures of Artrosa.

"Thank you, good sir... Your guide will be more than welcome, and we will follow the Crevasse til we arrive at Artrosa, as you have said."

Duardlara is checking straps and buckles in preparation for another journey. She looks up, "Yes, your aid and information are greatly appreciated. We will do as you say."

If you are successful in your journey, please return here and share in your adventures. Perhaps then we may be more hospitable to you and bring you to our true home of Virnirn before you are on your way again. Until then you are free to wander the southern half of the Hoofwood with my permission. As long as you remain with Erdija you will remain safe and travel smoothly in the Hoofwood.

Anything else before you head to Artrosa? AS you accepted the guide you automatically avoid all random encounters in the Hoofwood! Congrats.

All set to go

I guess I didn't consider asking if they had magic we could procure, but I don't think Duardlara would ask that, anyway, so... all set.

Gone Tuesday through Sunday on vacation with limited wifi. Will post when I can but the next stage on your journey is the entrance to the Crevasse and that will have to wait till I get back.

Kaag sends you off with loaded packs and silk rope that has an oily sheen on it. While the oil does not cause you to slip when holding it it does prevent the elements and cold from destroying the rope too quickly.

Jetro rope a dopes.

Arriving intact and whole and for the most part well fed and happy you leave the Hoofwood forest behind you along with your centaur guide. She directs you to follow the Crevasse north till you find your destination. You only travel for a few minutes when in front of you at a narrows in the pass is an icy looking creature on a massive winter elk. This cold rider is a terrifying fey creature of the north, a skeletal humanoid with icy blue antlers wielding a glaive and armor of magical ice. It lowers its glaive at you as it readies to attack.

crevasse fight map

You guys are up first as a boon for me being on vacation!

what would it be knowledge-wise to identify and know stuff about this creature?

know nature for both the cold rider DC 17 as he is a fey and the elk DC 12.

know nature dc 17: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
know nature dc 12: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 haha

can i know immunities and dr on the fey plz?

Jetro aims two arrows at the elk, seeking to limit it's mobility

Arrow #1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 311d8 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
Arrow #2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Confirm Arrow #1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 222d8 + 12 ⇒ (4, 2) + 12 = 18

Venja the large thing the cold rider is on apparently is so powerful that you have never heard or seen one ever lol.

Jetro slams both arrows deep into the creature as you all can hear the air expelling from the lungs. Just as the elk is about to crash to the ground toppling its rider the fey creature issues a word of command as a phantom steed takes the elks place. Immediate action used.

"The rider is a fey, fast, and highly perceptive... it's immune to cold and has spell resistance... but no damage reduction... I have no idea about the elk it's riding, it's beyond my knowledge. Must be very rare or powerful or both."

Or the elk is now dead thanks to Jetro's crit!

Dunno why it bothered with a real elk if it can do that.

"Jetro, how do you know we are facing a foe?" - Helgash grumbles, moving forward with his weapon ready to meet any incoming charges.

Using Bardiche for reach.

With his hand held high, he shouts - "My friend was mayhaps hasty in his attack, but we have been beset at every step of the way! Are you friend or foe?!"

Diplomacy....: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19

Greta takes her place next to the Paladin.

Helgash in G11, and Greta in F12. Why do I have the feeling I am going to eat a charge..?

Well moot point now.

Yeah Helgash you are going to be charged and he is definitely attacking first and asking questions later. Good news is that he used his swift/immediate action for the round already.

In that case, if I am entitled an AoO:

Bardiche: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Damage if it hits: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Bardiche CRIT?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Additional damage if it crits: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Knowledge (nature) for the rider: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 Thank you dice roller

Knowledge (nature) for the now-dead mount: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 <-- that's par for the course

"Venja, is it fair to assume it's more susceptible to fire?"

Assume away Duardlara. Most things immune to cold will at least take fire damage unless they are devils.

Venja Beck any actions?

Duardlara readies a scorching ray to cast when the creature is within range.

Ranged Touch Attack, Ray 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Fire damage: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 6) + 1 = 15

Ranged Touch Attack, Ray 2: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Fire damage: 4d6 + 1 ⇒ (3, 6, 4, 1) + 1 = 15

If Venja goes first...

She fires a lightning bolt at the creature (and his new mount)...

elec dmg, dc 18 refl for half: 7d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 2, 2, 3, 6, 3) = 26

spell resistance check lightning bolt 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17 fails
scorching ray spell resistance 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 success

reflex phantom steed 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 success (4hp remaining lol)

The cold rider spurs his phantom steed onward in a powerful charge aimed at and past Helgash! With grace hidden behind that icy look the cold one deftly avoids any opportunistic attack that Helgash may have tried to make. (ride by attack). For his troubles though he gets hit by Venja's and Duardlara's spells. The fire damage seems especially devastating even though only 1 of the rays hit but the electricity does not affect him at all though it almost takes the mount out from under him..

Seeing the effectiveness of Duardlara's attack Beck casts flame blade and orders Sheelah to protect the others in the rear.

cold rider glaive spirited charge power attack 1d20 + 12 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 - 2 = 25 for 2d10 + 24 ⇒ (5, 5) + 24 = 34 + 1d6 ⇒ 5 cold damage

The attack hits with devastating power as Helgash is rocked back and almost knocked over by the blow. To make matters worse it seems that he sucks in the cold air surrounding him as his wounds start to heal over. (fast healing 5)

Good guys up

Jetro tracks the rider and fires 2 cold iron arrows
Cold Iron #1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 161d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Cold Iron #1: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 91d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Hoping that his fast healing won't work against fire, which seems to hurt him more than normal, Venja pulls out an alchemists fire and waits for him to come close enough for her to throw it.

Helgash grunts at the strong hit - "That won't be enough to stop us" - he growls back at the rider - "So be it!" - as golden light envelops him.

Swift LoH: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 2 = 7

After healing himself, he runs toward the rider, trying to pin down its movements - "Surround him, do not let him move around! Sheelah, assist us!" - he requests.

Running to I:22 (3x20'=60'=12 squares).

Greta follows in the Paladin's wake, using a similar tactic, and running closer to the rider.

Running to M:23 (4x30'=120'=24 squares). Maybe I eat an AoO if he has reach.

"Run by this now will you?!" - the woman roars.

--Status Helgash--
HP: 36/63
AC: 22
--Status Greta--
HP: 67/67
AC: 17

Jetro fires a pair of arrows at the cold rider but this time lady luck is not with him as both careen off the icy platemail armor. Undaunted Jetro pulls another arrow to release upon an open shot. Venja pulls an alchemist fire out of her pack and readies it to throw when the creature gets close. Helgash heals himself slightly as he and Greta move quickly to surround their foe. Calling out to Sheelah and Beck to assistance all four converge to prevent him from moving anywhere forward.

Duardlara?

The latest map I see has him quite a ways from everyone - is that where he ended after the ride-by attack? To our right? If so, she prepares to cast burning hands on he and his mount when he approaches close enough if it can be cast without hitting allies.

Spell Penetration: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Burning Hands: 4d4 + 1 ⇒ (3, 4, 4, 3) + 1 = 15

Duardlara readies to cast another fire spell at the rider. However as the rider is surrounded at the moment he is unable to make use of his ride by attacks. Hoping to put somespace between him and the others he takes a 5ft step away from the pack and casts ice storm covering the area with hail and snow. The companions take 3d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 4) = 9 bludgeoning and 2d6 ⇒ (1, 6) = 7 cold damage from the spell and the area is coated in snow and ice hindering movement. difficult terrain unless have an ability to move through snow. I know Venja and Beck have that.

map update with Good guys up

Jetro sends two more cold iron arrows at the nasty
Cold iron,PS,PBS: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 181d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Cold iron,PS,PBS: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 91d8 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Variel I was looking at the lightning bolt from Venja a few posts up, and you say the steed succeeded against the Saving throw DC, but it rolled 11?

Helgash takes single step forward, even as again his body glows golden, and his wounds are mended - "You should have parleyed!" - he roars.

No Saving Throw? :P

Swift LoH: 1d6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 2 = 8

Moving to J:23, and attacking the mount

Bardiche, Cold Iron: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28
Damage if it hits: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

Bardiche, Cold Iron CRIT?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20
Additional damage if it crits: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Similarly, Greta moves forward from a different flank, and swings her axe as mightily as she can.

Moving to N:24, and attacking the mount - if the mount is dead, she attacks the rider.

Greataxe: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 - 2 = 25
Damage if it hits: 1d12 + 7 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 7 + 3 + 3 = 15

--Status Helgash--
HP: 33/63
AC: 22
--Status Greta--
HP: 67/67
AC: 17

You are right Helgash. My initial post had the saves first and then I remembered the Sr. I edited the post to add the sr checks and never checked on the save result. I will make it up to you later for that viscous hit.

Jetro fires at the cold rider but neither arrow can find purchase. Helgash moves through the hail and snow to strike at the phantom steed. It goes down in burst of smoke only to reappear under him again. Not to be out done Greta attacks and destroys the mount again. Without anything under him the cold rider tries to land safely on the ground.

Ride check 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

The rider ends up on the ground prone before the assault from the rest begins.

Duardlara? Beck? Sheelah? Venja? :D

Venja moves up to I21 and throws her alch. fire at the fey.

ranged touch to hit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
dmg if hits: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Duardlara double-moves to H24. I don't think she can maintain the readied action to cast with that move.

Beck moves up to N:24 and takes a slash with his flameblade

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
For fire: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Sheelah pounces the rider, claws out and snarling she should be large, and 10 ft away

POUNCE! To K27/J28 acrobatic steps to it not 20 ft of dificult terrain

Bite: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 31
for 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 4 = 16
Grab: 1d20 + 15 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 15 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 24

Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 22
for 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 4 = 15
Claw: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 21
for 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 4 = 12

Rake: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 21
for 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 4 = 16
Rake: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 28
for 1d6 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 4 = 11

Bite Confirmation: 1d20 + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 9 + 2 - 2 + 2 = 22
for 1d8 + 6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 4 = 14

Venja steps up and tosses her alchemist fire. The bomb explodes perfectly hitting the cold rider in the chest and melting him and his armor.

Duardlara moves to get into better position in case the rider makes a sudden change in tactics.

Beck makes his presence felt as he lands a blow with his flameblade. Sheelah though really shines as her training in difficult terrain allows her to move and attack with ease. She lands every one of her attacks thanks to Helgash and Greta taking out the mount and causing it to fall prone on the ground. The bite should have gotten a hold of the creature but the fey seems to be resistant to an form of grapple. It still managed to easily penetrate the armor though doing extra damage.

The fey, heavily damaged, prone, surrounded and out of mounts has few options left to it. reacting quickly it tries to cast a spell defensively to shroud the area in fog allowing it some form of cover to stand up safely.

cast defensively 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16 Really, the dice are agreeing that I screwed up on the horse's reflex save indeed.

Unable to summon the concentration needed for even a simple spell the fey creature is at the mercy of those it foolishly attacked.

You guys are up but no map update as you have this easily. And if Helgash detects evil, its soul is as black as it gets.

Jetro lets Helgash finish it off and saves his arrows

2nd round of alch fire damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5

"There is no redemption for you - your soul is as black as the Hells to where you will be sent" - Helgash roars as he moves on the rider - "I execute thee! By the Light of the Goddess" - he finishes, as the adamantine longsword bears down on their foe.

Do I need to attack?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
Damage if it hits: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

If that is not enough, I think either Sheelah, or Greta will finish him off :D

Greta Greataxe: 1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 - 2 = 21
Damage if it hits: 1d12 + 7 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 3 + 3 = 25

Once the deed is doine, and the corpse searched for valuables, Helgash cleans his blade, and heals some of his wounds.

Anyone else was wounded - just asking to see if I need to use Channel ;)

"Let us continue onward friends"

--Status Helgash--
HP: 33/63
AC: 22
--Status Greta--
HP: 67/67
AC: 17

All ok here

I am apparently carrying some damage. I don't remember when I took the damage.