GM Lorenzo's #8-99C: The Solstice Scar (Tier 7-8) PbP Gameday VII (Inactive)

Game Master Lawrence Smith 2

Tessara cackles with glee, seeing Valoria effectively use the Hex. She next uses the ability on Arazni, figuring the horse could be fortunate just as well as the rider.

At 8th Level, Fortune Hex lasts two rounds. So Arazni has the Hex for two rounds and Valoria has it for one more round.

Hovering near Undiana, faerie wings buzzing, Riddywipple points his wand of magic missiles at the frost drake and squeezes the trigger on both barrels. Two arcane bolts slam into the dragon.
Force Damage: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (1, 1) + 2 = 4 (32 charges remaining)

Undiana recalls a couple of things about ice newts like the one right in front of him. "The ice newt's will is weaker than its fortitude or dexterity, and while it has no special attacks, it has a wicked bite. Its spongy feet seem ideal for moving about on the slick ice or deep snow, but they aren't weapons."

The wizard delays, trying to decide what to do.

A cackling Tessara floats in the air a few inches off the ice and hexes Arazni with good fortune.

Then Riddywipple sends two magic missiles rocketing into the frost drake.

Map & Images

Conditions:
Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Spirit Aura - All allies within 30ft gain a +2 bonus on all non-spell damage rolls.
Heroism - Seren
Resist Energy (cold-20) - Valoria, Arazni, Neptune and Eldritch.
Communal Protection From Energy (cold-96) - Undiana, Riddy, Alexander and Seren.
Fortune hex - Valoria and Arazni can each roll 2d20 on an attack roll this round and choose the better result.

Round 2
Bold may act.
Eldritch (-11)
Neptune
---
Ice Newt
---
Seren
Alexander (-14)
Valoria (Fortune Hex - 1 round)
Arazni (Fortune Hex - 2 rounds)
---
Frost Drake (-55)
---
Riddywipple
Tessara
Undiana (Delay)

Eldritch & Neptune,you're up! Undiana is in Delay.

The Eldritch, giving into his instincts, decides to take a step backwards from the newt and unleash a full powered attack upon the creature. Then he could concentrate better on the dragon.
5 foot step,onto the snow part of the diagonal left bottom square. Posting from my phone so this is kind of hard.

Swift Action Arcane Strike

Eldritch unleashes a torrent of lightning against the Newt, annoyed that his target of the Kobold couldn't withstand long enough to be his plaything.

The Eldritch leaves the ice and steps onto the snow bank. Unleashing a flurry of shocking bolts, he zaps the poor ice newt with his first two.

The shocked creature snaps at the warlock. Its jaws bite down just a hair's breadth from the vigilante's left elbow.
Bite; Damage: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 171d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Map & Images

Conditions:
Entering a square of ice, such as that of the frozen creek or lake, takes 2 squares of movement, and the DC for Acrobatics checks increases by 5. Areas on the map occupied by trees count as difficult terrain and grant partial cover.
Spirit Aura - All allies within 30ft gain a +2 bonus on all non-spell damage rolls.
Heroism - Seren
Resist Energy (cold-20) - Valoria, Arazni, Neptune and Eldritch.
Communal Protection From Energy (cold-96) - Undiana, Riddy, Alexander and Seren.
Fortune hex - Valoria and Arazni can each roll 2d20 on an attack roll this round and choose the better result.

Round 2
Bold may act.
Eldritch (-11)
Neptune
---
Ice Newt (-20)
---
Seren
Alexander (-14)
Valoria (Fortune Hex - 1 round)
Arazni (Fortune Hex - 2 rounds)
---
Frost Drake (-55)
---
Riddywipple
Tessara
Undiana (Delay)

Seren, Alexander, Valoria & Arazni,you're up! Undiana is in Delay.

You dare attack the Hand of Asmodeus and then attempt to flee?

(Alexander moves towards the Frost Drake while drawing yet another javelin, grinning as he does so). *Range is 35' plus elevation, Swift Action Bane.

Attack Frost Drake: 1d20 + 7 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 2 - 2 = 21, Damage: 1d6 + 8 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 8 + (1, 1) = 14

"The creature is fleeing... NO QUARTER!"

Arazni bites and stomps at the ice newt.

[dice=bite (inspire courage)]1d20+9+3[/dice]
[dice=fortune bite (inspire courage)]1d20+9+3[/dice]
[dice=bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, magic (inspire courage, spirit bonuses)]1d4+6+3+2[/dice] damage

[dice=hoof 1 (inspire courage)]1d20+9+3[/dice]
[dice=bludgeoning, magic (inspire courage, spirit bonuses)]1d6+6+3+2[/dice] damage

[dice=hoof 2 (inspire courage)]1d20+9+3[/dice]
[dice=bludgeoning, magic (inspire courage, spirit bonuses)]1d6+6+3+2[/dice] damage

Valoria drops her sword, draws a javelin, and lets it fly at the frost drake.

[dice=javelin (inspire courage, range penalty)]1d20+9+3-4[/dice]
[dice=fortune javelin (inspire courage, range penalty)]1d20+9+3-4[/dice]

[dice=cold iron, piercing damage (inspire courage, spirit bonuses)]1d6+6+3+2[/dice] damage

Seren is momentarily distracted by all the gore flying from the kobold she slew, and doesn't notice either the ice newt or the fleeing drake. "Did ya see tha', I think this stuff is gonna be soake' into my boo's, bu' it was pretty nea', righ'?" Then Alexander shouts and hunches up like the devil himself just snuck up on her and screamed. She may have been about to shout something in return, but her spirit gets control of the situation first while the medium is screaming. "We will stop it, cowards get no mercy!"

She never stops spinning as she drops both of her swords, draws her bow, and takes a single shot at the creature's eye when her dancing gives her an angle.

Free action to maintain my dance, free action to drop both swords, move to draw my bow, standard to fire once.

Longbow (Heroism, Inspire Aid): 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 16 + 2 + 3 = 41
Damage: 1d8 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 3 = 16

Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 16 + 2 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 16 + 2 + 3 = 23
Crit Damage: 2d8 + 12 + 6 ⇒ (4, 1) + 12 + 6 = 23

Spirit Aura: All allies within 30ft gain a +2 bonus on all non-spell damage rolls.

Arazni bites through the ice newt's throat, then churns the ice newt into bloody slush on the ice.

Then the party masses its fires against the frost drake. Alexander hurls another javelin at the monster, and again, his aim is true. Valoria, thanks to Tessera's good fortune, lets fly with a javelin of her own, adding another strike to the frost drake.

As the dragon plummets, Seren's arrow pierces the frost drake's right eye, burying itself deep in the creature's brain. Its corpse crashes through the branches of the trees, and it hits the earth in a mushroom cloud of snow.

Map & Images

Victory!

The dryad approaches you, smiles, and offers a slow clap.

With combat over, The Eldritch whistles to Neptune to return to him while he pulls out a Wand of Cure Light Wounds and begins shaking it to try to get it to patch up his shoulder injury.

After waving around twice he gets the hang of using it and is able to patch himself up fully.
2 charges for 11 hit points. Effectively taking his attention.

The less diplomatic and more practical members of the party begin searching through the belongings of your erstwhile foes.

You retrieve and identify several useful items among the mounted kobold's gear: +1 banded mail, a masterworkk heavy steel shield, a +1 lance, a masterwork short sword, and a cloak of resistance +1. You also find a small pouch.

Tessara didn’t understand the creature’s language, so she hoped a smile and a wave would be interpreted as nonthreatening. She looked at the magical item closely.

Spellcraft 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

She identified the dust of dryness to the others.

(Alexander remains guarded as the Dryad approaches).

(Not understanding her language or anything she has thus far said), "Do you speak the common tongue on men?'

If appropriate:Diplomacy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Disappointed that no one speaks her native tongue, the dryad switches to Common.

"Well done, strangers. I am Enzial," she says. "You have my gratitude for your assistance. Who are you, and what brings you to the realm of erlking Vallahk and the hamadryad Quiselle, King and Queen of the forest?"

(You still have your Aid Token. Do you want to use it, hang on to it, or pass it to another table?)

I think it is a combat token, so let’s send it to a table in co,bat that might need it.

Seren finishes her dance as the dragon crashes down in the distance. She doesn't even look at the eruption of a landing as she's busy both with gathering up her dropped weapons, and with not falling onto the ice while dealing with how sick she's feeling. Being possessed tends to upset your stomach, and she's looking vaguely green as she wanders over to the dryad. "Eh, hiya Twigs. I'm Seren, and I go' lotsa frien's here wha' say hi, too. Ya welcome, bu' who the heck are Vally and Quis?"

She makes several attempts at stowing away her weapon as she talks before finally giving Enzial some mostly undivided attention. "We're pathfinders! Came to help these goofy tribal folks find their Ivvora lady, who I think may be a dwarf? It's har' to remember. Anyways, explorin' basically."

"Hrmmm?" The Eldritch looks up to see Enezial for the first time. "Oh my, a non hostile Fey. Excuse me for a moment." And then he poofs into a cloud of smoke...

And in his place stands the bookworm diplomat Naetrelo. He clears his throat then speaks.
"Greetings. We may have not met before. I am Naetrelo and these are my colleagues; Seren, Undiana, Tessara, Alexander, and Valoria." As he motions his hands to each member of the party.
"On behalf of the Kellid tribe known as the Twinhorn we seek heroes of their past and history. Particularly one who could slay dragons and end plannar apocalypse invasions." He says before adjusting his glasses.

Enzial nods as she listens to Seren and Naetrelo. "Although I never met Ivvora, I know that the powerful wyrm Grathatonhakis terrorized this region for centuries before dying unexpectedly nearly a millennium ago. The white dragons were too fearful to return in force until the last century."

The dryad frowns. "White dragons from the mountains have hatched a new clutch of wyrmlings. This has spurred the kobolds who serve these dragons to hunt a staggering number of local animals for meat. We fey normally don’t mind hunting, but the kobolds’ predation threatens to wipe out several prey species in the area entirely."

Enzial pauses, thoughtful. "If you wish our aid," she says, "I suggest you might speak with Vallahk and Quiselle, the stewards of this region. But I warn you, these two are difficult to convince of anything, but if you persuade the two to aid your cause, the pair could provide considerable assistance."

"If you're confident you and your friends can tackle the problem on your own, I could show you the way to the kobolds’ and dragons’ lair. I know of a large front entrance and a lesser known entrance much higher in the mountain. I believe both will lead you Pathfinders to the dragons."

[You're at a Decision Point: Seek assistance from the fey (social encounter) or have Enzial take you directly to the kobolds' and dragons' lair (hack-and-slash).]

I'm sorry to be so slow to post - between the site outages, vacation, and personal life stuff, it has been hard to keep up lately. I'll try to do better.

If it matters..Riddywipple speaks Sylvan and also can communicate telepathically. He cheerfully greets Enzial and inquires if she would care for some refreshing sushi.

Undy listens to Enzial's words with interest and searches his memory to see what he might recall about White Dragons and their wyrmlings.

Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22

Riddy, Knowledge (Arcana): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

His ears perk up when Enzial mentions the assistance the fey lords can provide. "Perhaps we should speak with them before we go up against a clutch of dragons? And who knows, perhaps they will be interested in opening a franchise of Undy's City Sushi?"

Undiana and Riddywipple recall that white dragons are chaotic evil chromatic dragons with the cold subtype. Their abilities grow increasingly dangerous as they age, including damage reduction that only magical weapons can bypass; immunities to cold, paralysis, and sleep; and devastating breath weapons of freezing cold and numerous spell-like abilities.

Given the potential danger, Undiana convinces the party to appeal to the fey court for aid against the dragons.

Enzial suggests, "You should speak with Vallahk and Quiselle, protectors of the forest, directly." She adds a warning, "The fey royals are unlikely to act unless you can win the approval of both leaders, not just one."

She turns on her heel and beckons you to follow.

(It's okay to vote on these things ooc in the Discussion thread, but for those who actually enjoy role-playing, feel free to express yourselves, in-character, here in the Gameplay thread.
Just sayin'.)

Enzial leads you into a nearby cluster of birch trees so dense that it seems not even a sparrow could fly between them. As she approaches, the trees seem to leap aside, clearing a short path. Traveling this path causes the scenery to blur, as though each step were carrying you several miles at a time. After walking what feels like a few dozen feet, you arrive in a clearing surrounded by a living palisade of birch trees. At the center stands a lopsided oak tree with green leaves, and two regal fey sit atop the roots while holding court before several dozen other First World beings like dryads, pixies, satyrs, and awakened animals.

Enzial informs you, "This is one of the courts held by the erlking Vallahk and the hamadryad Quiselle, the self-declared king and queen of the forest."

When you arrive, the king and queen are discussing the 'dragon problem' and considering what to do.

Vallahk perches on the oak, looking down on you and everyone else. Birdlike wings covered with pine needles instead of feathers extend from the back of the regal, elf-like humanoid. "I tell you, Quiselle, there is no viable option other than all-out war!"

Quiselle, an elf-like woman, wears a dress of pine needles and crown of geraniums. The oak’s branches twist and bend, creating a throne as she shakes her head in disagreement and sits down upon her living throne. "Vallahk, I'm concerned about the safety of those under our protection. I'm concerned that if we lose and upset the dragons, no one will remain to protect the forest."

"Ah, Enzial, you've brought guests," Quiselle smiles in greeting.

Vallahk snaps his fingers at a nearby pixie, "Please, provide our guests refreshments."

After Enzial introduces you and relates what happened on the frozen lake, the royal fey couple exchange a long look and then turn to you. Quiselle speaks, "Perhaps, you'd care to offer your thoughts on a wise course of action?"

Vallahk interrupts. "I have watched the kobolds hunting to feed the dragons, and I have some respect for their tenacity. 'Survival of the fittest' is the most natural of philosophies, and I feel nature should be able to take its course."
[You can attempt to influence Vallahk with an Average Intimidate, Profession (hunter or trapper), or Survival; or a Hard Perception or Stealth check.]

With a mere shadow of a frown on her shapely forehead, Quiselle disagrees. "I prefer a gentle approach that would slow the kobold’s hunting. I know deep down that with a new clutch of wyrmlings, the dragon problem will only grow over time, but I am reluctant to give in to violence."
[You can attempt to influence Quiselle with an Average Diplomacy, Handle Animal, or Heal; or a Hard Knowledge (nature) or Perform (any) check.]

Mechanics
* You have the opportunity to attempt 12 skill checks to impress one leader or the other during this encounter.
* The king and queen like to hear from all of their guests, so they prompt each of you to participate; 10 of the 12 skill checks must be split as evenly as possible among you, and the remaining two checks can be performed by any PC.
* Each PC can use the aid another action once during this encounter.
* Particularly persuasive strategies can earn that PC up to a +4 bonus on the check.
* Three successful checks are needed to earn a leader’s favor, and you must successfully gain the favor of both to win any assistance from the fey.

Valoria bows to both of the fey rulers.

"Queen Quiselle, as I understand it when Ivorra slew Grathatonhakis it drove other white dragons from the mountains for several centuries. I have no desire to slay every kobold here, but as you say the current situation isn't sustainable. If we slay one of the more powerful dragons, would that not drive the less powerful away for a significant time?"

Take 10 Diplomacy: 10 + 16 = 26

(In the interest of time, please consider making two attempts each in your posts, after noting any earlier successes by other PCs.)

Queen Quiselle nods as Valoria lays out her strategy. "While cutting off one of the hydra's heads is violent, it might avoid even more bloodshed," the hamadryad agrees.

"But only if you're successful," she adds, clearly doubtful.

Vallahk sneers, put off by Valoria's diplomatic effort with his queen. "If, you say, you slay one of them. Show some confidence, some self-assurance!"

Enzial whispers, "The erlking is not over fond of diplomats, new friends."

Influence:
Quiselle - 1/3
Vallahk - 0/4

Naetrelo stands before Vallahk and takes a bow. "Greetings to you, oh powerful Vallahk. There are those who would call me Naetrelo on some days. On others..." A puff of smoke appears before Naetrelo.

Gone from the smoke and hidden amongst the trees, the Eldritch appears.
"They call me The Eldritch."
Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20
Thats too cool to not use my reroll on.
Stealth GM Reroll 3 Stars: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (7) + 22 = 29

The gathered fey courtiers gasp and murmur at the spectacular vanishing of Naetrelo and the surprising appearance of The Eldritch.

Vallahk smiles, flashing a predator's grin. "Impressive, mortal. You would make a fine addition to the next Wild Hunt."

Influence:
Quiselle - 1/3
Vallahk - 1/4

Perception 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

Tess points out what she has observed from the conversation between the king and queen. ”From what I’ve seen, mighty king, you aren’t one for diplomats. However while we have skill with words, we also have skill with magic and weapons. I believe you respect that as well.”

———-

To the Queen, Tess tries to rely on her knowledge of the forest.

Know. Nature 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27

”Milady, you’ve seen the animals flee from a fire consuming their home. If we burn out these dragons, perhaps the rest of the animals can be spared “

Addressing Vallahk "Delaying is for the timid and faint of heart!"

Intimidate: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

"The creatures of the forest must be protected from the chaos that wanton slaughter will bring."

Survival: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (5) + 11 = 16

Turning to the Queen, Alexander takes a more regal tone and politely adds, "If balance is your goal, some force, albeit tempered is called for."

Diplomacy(AID ANOTHER): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Seren, not surprisingly, is getting distracted by the various gathered fey folk. While the others are speaking of thoughtful things, the small woman is being mildly disrespectful by cavorting about their clearing with twirls, whirls, and slides. She seems to like it here, and would undoubtedly be content to relax after all the trekking about if something didn't catch her attention. She pauses mid dance to stare at one of the trees and talk with it. "Well I dun wanna, they're too snobby even if the foo' is nice... but I... wha'... oh fine."

She kicks at the earth a moment before turning back to the more proper gathering and careening her way across the clearing in a series a leaps intend to have her land on one of the roots making up Quiselle's throne with one final pirouette to introduce herself. It's all rather puckish as she gives a mock bow and adjusts a scarf. "Y'know, I don' really care for all this blabberin', but all the spiri's keep tellin' me to pipe up. An' this looks like a nice place, so wantin' to keep it nice I get, but... sometimes ya gotta be a bit rough with people bustin' into yer house, yeah? It's mean, but even a dragon or a ghost needs a good knockin' about."

Perform(Dance): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31 + 2 if Heroism would still be up

All her flouncing about is stylish, but makes it harder for her to keep track of her surroundings, including the Erlking and his expressions. Stay stays standing on her toes upon the Queen's throne and gives him a bit more attention by squinting one eye at him. "Ya remin' me of this grumpy barbarian I me' recen'ly tha' didn' wan' to do his job either. S'weird tren', doncha want to punch a kobol' or two? They ain' exactly natural, they're all magicky and upse' nature and stuff."

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20 + 2 if Heroism would still be up

As perceptive as Tessara is, she fails to impress the erlking. However, her knowledge of the natural world almost impresses the queen.

Enzial whispers, "Friend witch, your knowledge of the forest is impressive, and Her Grace knows it. If only one of your companions could add just a little je ne sais quoi... "

Alexander's Chelaxian status is usually quite intimidating, but Vallahk seems unaffected by this particular demonstration, nor by his appeal to spare the creatures of the forest. The erlking purses his lips, when Alexander attempts a diplomatic overture to the queen. But Vallahk doesn't seem any more displeased than he already was.

Seren's dance, on the other hand, delights Quiselle, and the hamadryad bursts into applause. Her perceptive assessment of Vallahk aids Tessara's earlier attempt, but the combined efforts are still a bit short of the mark. The fey's hard facade is tough to crack.

Enzial offers some encouragement to Tessara and Seren's companions. "Another perceptive nudge, and I think you'll have him figured out, new friends."

Influence:
Quiselle - 2/3
Vallahk - 1/4

(I took the liberty of converting Seren's attempt to influence Vallahk as a successful Aid Another assist to Tessera's attempt. So, Valoria and Eldritch may each make one more attempt to influence either Vallahk or Quiselle, and Undiana can make two influence checks. Valoria, Eldritch, Tessara, and Undiana may also attempt one Aid Another check.)

Valoria frowns a bit at the king's comments as she responds to the queen's concerns.

"Your Majesty, I didn't want to sound boastful, but as you can see we are doughty warriors and bearding this dragon in its lair should be no trouble."

Take 10 Diplomacy: 10 + 16 = 26

Valoria tries to take the measure of the king with sidelong glances and whispers what she observes to Tessara.

Aid Another Tessara's Perception on Vallahk: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

The Eldritch, having seen a fair share of the details of the forest and understanding the landscape of this area, decides he should show the King a little entertainment.
"Now behold, Vallahk the powerful, for I will demonstrate my prowess to you even further as to what it is," He discharges lightning from his hands into the sky, "THE GREAT AND POWERFUL ELDRITCH IS CAPABLE OF!"

From a nearby brush, Neptune watches and communicates in silent with her master, and readies to prepare her work.

Another puff of smoke from the Eldritch appears, and it covers the lower half of his body, but not his torso. When the winds pick up around his body and swirl the smoke into a coalescent turmoil that wraps and weaves the very air around him. He begins to chant words of arcane and of gibberish and of Geb, Elven, Ignan, Celestial, Abyssal, Orc, Undercommon, Infernal, Aklo and Thassilonian into a strange melancholy display.
Casted the Prepared Spell: Alter Winds

He chants more and more as the spell continues its spin around his form, and at points he is visible and at others he is not.

Neptune from the bush uses her own powers to help the illusion, by continuing the chanting from the cloud itself.
Neptune is using one of her 3/day 1st level spells to use Ghost Sound.

The smoke then billows up and poofs away...
Stealth Take 10: 10 + 19 = 29
... To which the Eldritch is no longer there.

He then walks around the king's side from behind him with a decanter and two drinking glasses from the air of plane, and pours wine into both air glasses. (Yes, I actually own these.)

"Would you care for some wine with the show, milord?" And extends the glasses to both monarchs.
I am hoping for some RP bonuses here as well.

Valoria ignores the erlking's now obvious disdain for diplomacy, and showers Quiselle with more honeyed words. The hamadryad seems willing to believe almost any line as long as the presentation is appealing.

The queen smiles, "Yes, I am convinced you deserve our aid, mortals." Perched on his branch, Vallahk scowls at his consort's naiveté.

In a sudden flash of insight, Valerie realizes that Vallahk embodies the aggressive, dangerous, and vengeful aspects of the wilds. He is quick to judge and even quicker to anger. His words are fast and fierce. That completes Tessara and Seren's profile of the erlking.

Stealth worked once to impress Vallahk, so The Eldritch follows up with a second act, displaying even more dramatic showmanship than before.

"A splendid trick, mortal! You really must reveal your secret!" The erlking's eyes sparkle, as he and Quiselle accept the offered libations.

Influence:
Quiselle - 3/3
Vallahk - 3/4

(Undiana can make two influence checks. Tessara and Undiana may also attempt one Aid Another check.)

Undy listens to the various comments and suggestions made by his companions and sees that they have nearly succeeded but that the King is still somewhat doubtful. This fellow could use a bit of a snack, if you ask me.

"Your majesties, all of this talk must be making you hungry! Please, take a moment to savor some of this special fare, which I have prepared for you with the freshest of ingredients!"

Craft (Sushi): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22
Riddy, aid another, Craft (Sushi, sous chef): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

The platter of sushi appears to hover in the air, making its way to the royals almost of its own accord, as it is carried to them by an invisible faerie dragon.

Riddy Stealth, Greater Invisibility: 1d20 + 17 + 20 ⇒ (20) + 17 + 20 = 57

As Riddy sets the platter down before the royals, he speaks to them telepathically in Sylvan, "Your majesties, I know something of these dragons, for they are my kinfolk, after a fashion, and I can promise you that they will give you no peace until they are destroyed. And my master and his friends are just the ones to do it, with your permission and assistance if it pleases you, of course."

With that, Riddy dismisses his invisibility and offers the two royals his most winsome tiny dragon smile. "Now do be sure to try the Reefclaw! It's one of my master's specialities! I don't suppose you already have a sushi establishment here at court?"

Since it seems there's only 1 more goal needed, I hope this is a reasonable way to use two influence checks and 1 aid another? Undy can also use Knowledge (Nature) but it seems like that's already covered.

Vallahk looks on with interest as Undiana and Riddywipple prepare some raw fish. The erlking raises one eyebrow and looks at Quiselle with an almost imperceptible shake of his head.

The hamadryad's face blanches and she pats her stomach. "No thank you, master undine. I'm afraid we've already supped this evening. We wouldn't want to retire with a full stomach."

Riddywipple then demonstrates just how stealthy a faerie dragon can be. The entire court erupts in applause at the magnificent little creature's display. Vallahk beams with pleasure.

The two monarchs whisper among themselves, conferring about what to do.

Quiselle gives you a sly smile and says, "Your proposal intrigues us. We shall consider giving you our blessing when your need is greatest."

The hamadryad Queen of the Forest then waves her hand, causing a rush of oak leaves to fall from the tree and whirl around you. When the leaves clear, you and Enzial are back along the frozen lake’s bank.

The forest path leads northeast, where dense evergreens give way to steep, rocky foothills. Several intersecting trails lead up to the cave system’s main entrance partway up the Tusk Mountains. The raised outcroppings in this area are about 10 feet tall.

In the distance, you spy a large white creature with fearsome bony growths protruding from several spots in the massive animal’s snowy fur.

You also see three kobolds lurking nearby.

Scaling one of the raised outcroppings requires a successful DC12 Climb check. The frozen ground is not difficult terrain, but it does impose a –2 penalty on Acrobatics checks.

Map & Images

Know. Nature 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

”Not sure what that thing is, but it’s big!”. When the group gets ready to start their climb, Tess uses another application of her Flight Hex.

"Aw man, why are we here again? It's col!" Doesn't matter if she's properly bundled up, it didn't make it any less cold and the clearing from before was much nicer... and less slippery. She stops occasionally to dig her toes or a heel into the earth just checking if it's going to decide to slip her around again. "Well I can't skate, so than don' help me none, Wynn... not gonna learn, neither."

When the big whatever it is gets point out she chews on the bottom of her lip and considers the situation. "Soooo... we goin' in the fron', or findin' another way?"

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Riddy, Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

"That's a dire polar bear!" Riddy whispers to the others. Special Attacks

If it's possible to do so without alerting the bear or the kobolds, Undy and Riddy will both use charges from wands of Mage Armor and Heightened Awareness, and Undy will cast False Life on both of them.

False Life, Undy: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

False Life, Riddy: 1d10 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Knowledge(Nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Blind their eyes oh Lord of Darkness

(Alexander casts Invisibility upon himself)

"Allow me to get into a position of advantage before we strike."

(Alexander activates his Boots of Levitation)*CL 3, Duration 3 minutes, Move 20' upwards per round as a move action*

Eldritch looks to where his Chef companion is pointing and sees the bear.
Know Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
"Ah yes, I have seen these before somewhere.. I know that, as far as its hide is concerned, its fairly resilient to..." Special Defenses, Please.
Upon seeing Alexander go invisible, Eldritch rubs his hands together. "The Asmodean has a smart idea. Grant me the signal, friends, and I will make us far more deadly."
Eldritch readies to cast Haste.

UMD Longstrider: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23

Seren follows suit with the rest and fiddles with a wand for a moment in order to put a little spring in her step, even if Eldritch can really send her bouncing around with his prepared magic. If she's feeling less heroic she'll also pause to give herself a good hard stare and pep talk before the group moves on.

Seren will cast Heroism again if it's been 80 minutes since we fought the drake. She's also going to Longstrider herself.

Valoria sits astride Arazni, who snorts at the smell of the polar bear. She rests her longsword across the saddle horn and unconsciously fidgets with the blade while staring past the creatures to the cave entrance. She notices the fidget and quells the motion.

Inheritor, help me.

Has the communal resist energy from the first fight run out?

(It's been over an hour, so yes, resist energy, communal, has expired. Anything that lasted longer than 60 minute's is still in effect.)

Undiana recognizes the creature is a dire polar bear. He remembers their special attacks include the ability to grab their prey with their claws. The Eldritch recalls no special defenses in particular, but it looks like the large four-legged bear would be tough foe to grapple or trip.

Undetected so far, the party buffs up before approaching the bear and the kobolds, catching them by surprise.

Conditions:
Haste - Everyone
Invisibility - Alexander
Levitation - Alexander
False Life - Undy & Riddywipple
Heroism - Seren
Longstrider - Seren
Fly - Tessara

Scaling one of the raised outcroppings requires a successful DC12 Climb check. The frozen ground is not difficult terrain, but it does impose a –2 penalty on Acrobatics checks. The trees provide partial cover and are difficult terrain.

Map & Images

Surprise Round
Bold may take a single move or standard action.
Eldritch
Seren
Valoria
Neptune
---
Purple Kobold
Dire Polar Bear
Maroon Kobold
---
Riddywipple
Undiana
Alexander
Tessara
---
Pink Kobold

Everyone may take a single move or standard action in the Surprise Round.
If a buff is missing, please mention it in your next post.
Please post as often as possible; we only have two days to complete this section. There's another encounter possible, if you complete this one quickly.

Valoria points her sword toward the enemy and spurs Arazni forward. Her tack jingles as she gallops toward the enemy, her nostril exhalations visible jets in the cold air.