GM Chadius's CORE Shades of Ice Trilogy (Inactive)

Game Master chadius

Hortensia checks over the attackers to make sure none of them are dead. I would wake one of them up to find out what's going on but, well, none of speaks their languages. I suggest we make them comfortable and get out of here on our way.

I think the one Hortensia crit for 52 is probably dead.
"From the prior battle it looks like the Kellid natives are fighting against other outsiders - probably Shadow Lodge agents searching for Jedrek's Shard. We are just more intruders."

Well yes, accidents do sometimes happen in battle...

Hortensia checks the bodies. Three of them are alive but unconscious. The fourth warrior caught everyone off guard, and Hortensia instinctively protected her allies. Some things can't be helped.

Hannar casts Detect Magic and looks over what our adversaries had on them...

Spellcraft vs. DC=16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Spellcraft vs. DC=16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Spellcraft vs. DC=18: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Hannar shares anything he may learn with the group...

Darven confirms the ones are still alive and says a small prayer for the deceased.

"We can make amends later if we have time and can find their tribe. Hopefully they can withstand the cold while unconscious. Darven looks around for some brush, to make a fire in hopes to keep them warm while they recover.

"Let us move on"

After tending to the warriors, you move on.

As the second day of travel begins, the sky is cloudy and ominously gray. A storm is quite apparent.

Take 10 to get a 18

"Storm is closing in. We better move it." With that Darven begins a light job, looking over his shoulder to make sure the others get the sense of urgency.

Darven begins jogging ahead, as he recognizes the signs of a snowstorm. He knows a forced march will be required to reach the nearest source of shelter, a cave Skagni marked on your map.

Please make a DC 12 and DC 14 Fort Save. Each failure means you are fatigued and take 1d6 nonlethal damage. Feats like Endurance can be applied to the save.

Survival: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (7) - 1 = 6

Hortensia is oblivious to the approaching storm. If you say so, I suppose we can pick up the pace a bit she says as she hustles after Darven.

Fortitude save vs. DC=12: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Fortitude save vs. DC=14: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20

"Running in the snow. It has been awhile since I left home."

Fort vs DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Fort vs DC 14: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
"Bracing!"

fort + endurance vs DC 12: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 = 26
fort + endurance vs DC 14: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 4 = 21

"come on, the cave is just up ahead."

Fortitude 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Fortitude 2: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Hortensia easily matches the pace Darven sets. Well, this is invigorating she mutters as the group jogs across the barren frozen landscape.

Join the society they said, travel to exciting new places they said. No-one mentioned running across frozen wilderness, give me city cobblestones any day

Fort (Loni): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Fort (Loni): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14

Fort (Drootina): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Fort (Drootina): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Loni uses his short legs to catch up. "Snow is nice, but blizzard are dangerous!"

Carini notices the party running along. "Doubletime!"

Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

"All of my exercise, training and wheat recipes paid off!" She hustles along.

The entrance to the cave is three people wide, and faces away from the mouth of the storm. This seems to be suitable coverage for the night.

Ten feet into this dark granite cave, a large cavern opens up, its ceiling rising as high as thirty feet. Warm, humid air fills the chamber, and colorful fungi cover the floor and walls. Beneath a layer of iridescent algae, the faint images of cave paintings can be seen on all the cavern’s walls. Signs of a rockslide block what may once have been a passage farther into the cave.

As you enter, a duo of lizards squak at the party, bare their fangs and charge.

Round 1
Hortensia
Loni & Drootina
Carini
Enemy
Kavor
Darven
Hannar

Combat Map

Hortensia, Loni and Carini notice the animals turn hostile.

Woah, those look dangerous shouts Hortensia

Bah, I have the stupid wilderness

Ducking forward she swings at one of the lizards.

Glaive, charge, pa: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 2 - 2 = 15
Damage, pa: 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 6 = 20

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15 - Trying to identify the creatures

Standard Action
Loni casts Speak with Animals to try to communicate with the creatures.
"Gonna try to communicate a bit, dudes."

He holds Drootina back for now.

Fortitude DC 12: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Fortitude DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Carini reacts with Hortensia, moving forward quickly and bringing her guisarme to bear on the other lizard. However, she holds her blade a moment while Loni tries to communicate with them, though she remains ready to strike should the creature continue to be aggressive.

Another encounter where the enemy fights to the death...

Hortensia rushes one of the lizards and hacks into it. Carini decides to be a bit patient and trips the lizard as it bares its fangs.

The Black lizard stands up before trying to rake with its talons.
Black lizard provokes as it stands up.
Talon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The Red lizard, meanwhile steps up and attacks Hortensia.
Talon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Talon: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Bite: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Foreclaws: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (7) + 0 = 7
Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Round 1
Enemy (Black 20, Red 14)
Kavor
Darven
Hannar

Round 2
Hortensia
Loni & Drootina
Carini

Combat Map

It looks like Carini got fatigued from the forced march. Hortensia will have removed it with a lay on hands, she has the faigued mercy.

Taking a step back Hortensia swings again at the angry little dinosaur that attacked her.

Glaive, pa: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 - 2 = 16
Damage: 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 6 = 23

Carini was botted to make the Fortitude saves earlier.
"Lizards of some kind. They think we are food?"
Kavor Doan moves up and strikes at Black, but it dodges.
Attack, PA: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 1 = 10
Pretty sure that a 10 doesn't hit.

Carini is not fatigued as I rolled her Fort Saves earlier.
With a quick swing, Hortensia fells the lizard with Black stripes.

On my tablet for a few more days. Please move move me 10' East. If the black mark provides partial cover, 5' South as well.

Hannar says, "I wonder how they taste? Probably like chicken." , as he raises his hand to fire an Elemental Ray at the remaining lizard..

ranged Touch vs.Red: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 1 = 7
possible Fire damage vs. Red: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

Applying Point-Blank and Precise Shot feats.

knowledge nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Darven comes up and takes a swipe at red.

Power Attack
slashing damage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 261d8 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

The lizard ducks under Hannar's flame bolt, but Darven hacks into it.

Hortensia jogs through the mushrooms to get into a flanking position on the annoying dinosaur.

Glaive, flank, pa: 1d20 + 10 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 10 + 2 - 2 = 28
Damage, power attacl: 1d10 + 7 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 6 = 21

Loni shakes his head at another animal being lost and lets Drootina go forward.

Move Action
Drootina moves up to her target.

Standard Action
She attacks!
Gore Attack (Power Attack): 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 - 1 = 9
Gore Damage (Power Attack): 1d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 3 = 9

My bad! I play in a couple of games with players who use that avatar for their PC, so I didn't notice that Carini's saves had been botted. Thanks for that!

Carini steps around an enormous mushroom and brings her guisarme down to the lizard's feet and pulls up in a sweeping motion. She stands ready to strike it down if it tries to stand.

Hortensia is sick and tired of whining lizards, and she kills the other one in a single blow.

Combat Over

Now with some free time, the party is able to investigate the beautiful cavern and its painted murals.

There seems to be another end to the cave, but it collapsed at some point.

The paintings depict a castle at the base of a mountain. Outside the castle, a large creature with wings and a long neck lies on the ground before a figure lifting a huge red axe over its head to strike. Other humanoid figures cluster around the scene. The mural is then interrupted by a repeated design: two mammoths with a smaller one in tow marching east. This motif is repeated over and over in an orderly line from the top wall of the cave to the bottom. There are 30 copies of this design.

The next scene shows the wielder of the red axe lying on a raised mound within the castle, his weapon clutched to his chest. Other figures leave the castle carrying large bags on their shoulders.

The drawings continue on the other side of the cave, showing an avalanche cascading down to cover the tower. The last drawing shows more of the humanoid figures standing over the edge overlooking the castle’s previous location, while four drawings of the moon in various states arc above the scene. In this last picture, all of the humanoid gures have a smear of white color around their lower faces.

With the snowstorm raging outside, you decide it's best to spend the night within this cave.

Wisdom vs. DC=12: 1d20 ⇒ 19
Perception vs. DC=18: 1d20 ⇒ 3

I don't have either Knowledge skill.

Perception vs. DC=15: 1d20 ⇒ 8

Hannar shares anything he learns, (probably nothing), with the group.

He does, however, helps make camp, eats a day of trail rations, and settles down to sleep.

Do we make it through the night undisturbed?

Wisdom DC 12: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14
Perception DC 18: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Knowledge (History) DC 15: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Perception DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Kavor Doan is on a roll! (Up until the last Perception check, which Loni will auto-succeed at).

"We know that Ranulf used the greataxe known as Jedrek's Shard to slay a white dragon that attacked his keep. That seems to be the scene depicted here. See how this figure with the axe looks different? He has a white beard, not usually seen on Kellids. Ranulf was Ulfen, not a Kellid, you recall. These symbols suggest to me that he reigned for 30 years after slaying the white dragon, then passed away.

And finally, these moon symbols suggest it was 'a very long time ago' by Kellid reckoning, perhaps hundreds of years."

After his watch shift ends, Kavor Doan removes his armor and prepares for sleep. "I need to get that Alarm spell."

take 10 on perception for 18 on remaining check.

Darven listens intently to the tale that Kavor tells.

While looking for a place to bed down for the night, Darven sees a mount of dirt that looks like some items sticking out of it.

Jackpot

"Hey, found something. Looks like they will not be using it no more." Darven says running a finger along the fine ax head. He looks at the wand and shrugs. "This may be useful as well."

Hortensia has little in the way of knowledge skills. She spends her time cleaning her weapons and armour as the others investigate. Well, this place loos cozy enough for us to stay here tonight.

When Dawn finds the treasure trove she pokes through them, Anyone know what these things are?

(Oh, those who can use that wand of longstrider can share it, and we may as well put the snowshoes on)

Loni says a little prayer to the lizards before starting to cook them. "We probably shouldn't waste it, dudes."

He smiles at the history Kavor conveys, paying close attention.

He prepares to sleep.

Carini joins Hortensia in cleaning her weapons and armor, and making sure the guisarme's blade is as sharp as possible.

"Should we set up a watch for the night? I'm happy to take a shift."

You all sit down for some lizard stew and Kavor recalls an interesting history lesson. You set up watches for the evening but the only thing you witness is the rage of a winter storm.

By the morning of the third day of travel, the storm is gone and rays of sunlight peek through the cavern entrance. The map's route continues through an icy gorge, about half a mile long.

Perception DC 25: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20
Perception DC 5, take 10: 10 + 11 = 21
Perception DC 10, take 10: 10 + 11 = 21
Heal DC 15: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (8) + 0 = 8

Carini's sharp eyes quickly note a few things about their surroundings. She points out some tracks that approach the mouth of the gorge, but turn around, and she notes the remains of a large saber-toothed tiger, partly eaten by scavengers.

"What do you make of this," she ponders aloud.

"I'm not sure what happened here, but I don't like the look of it." grumbles Hannar. He then casts Mage Armor on himself, tightens his grip on his staff, and looks around nervously...

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Hortensia scans the area, Yes, I agree with Carini She looks over the body of the big cat.

Heal: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (11) - 1 = 10

Yes, its definately dead, I think

Can't make the DC 25 Perception.
Perception DC 5: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Perception DC 10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Heal DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19
"Looks like it was trampled by many large beasts," says the wizard.
"Something to be wary of. Herds of... mammoths, I'd guess, by the name of the land."

perception DC 25: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 +2 vs humans
I make the next to by taking 10
heal DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

"That would make sense." Darven shrugs, agreeing with Kavor. "I say we keep moving, so our fate does not match theirs.

In addition to the usual Endure Elements spells, Kavor Doan will cast False Life before donning his armor.
False Life: 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Perception (DC 25): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"Uhhh... there's something moving in the distance. Some humans and aurochs..." Loni points.

You analyze the remains of the tiger and choose between entering the gorge as the map indicates, or taking a long detour around it. Which way do you choose?

Hortensia scans the surrounding region.

The canyon is quicker but I would not want to be in there if a herd of mammoths came charging down on top of us. I suggest we take the detour unless anyone has a way to handle many tons of charging mammoth.