Male Human (Sarkorian) (Holy) Halycon Druid 11 | HP 139/139 | AC 29 (30/31) | F +19 R +19 W +22 (S>CS) | Perc +19 | Stealth +16 | 30 ft (fly 40 ft) | Hero 3/3 | focus 1/1 | wand 1/1 | staff 0/6 | spells 1: 2 2: 3 3: 2 4: 2 5: 2 6: 1 | halcyon: 1 2 3 | Active Conditions: toughness, catfall, robust +11, resist swarm 10, fire 5, unholy 4 (+adj. allies), negative 1, cold 1, electricity 1, regen 1 hp/min, fly (49 min), sickened 1
"...but it is a foot race," he replies with an earnest tone. The light in his eyes and faint crinkle at the corners of his eyes serves as a clue that he is playing with the man.
"Our mission is to benefit the Pathfinder Society. What better way to immortalize our affiliation by winning the competition under an appropriately descriptive title? For the next year, everyone will remember that it was the Pathfinder Society that won the race."
The driver gives his own chuckle at "The Sleighers" before turning to the crowd and announcing, "And our final team this year is the Pathfinders!"
The crowd bursts into polite applause. One of the race officials hands a large pack to you, as well as a list of recommended supplies. The pack contains three minor healing potions, a single climbing kit, vouchers for lodging in Frostgarten, flint and steel and a signal whistle.
You have three hours of downtime for final purchases, as well as talking to other teams, getting advice from race officials or local residents, or doing anything else of interest.
HP 44/44 | 1/1 Hero Points | (Trap Finder) Perc’ +10 (+11 vs. traps) ; Stealth +8 ; Speed 25 ft. | (Deny Advantage) AC 19 (20 vs. traps) | Fort' +10 ; Ref' +10 ; Will +10 (+1 vs. traps)
Active conditions: Deny Advantage ; Exploration: Avoid Notice
Lilic nods to Chulyin:"I have my healer's tools also. As well as my own flint and steel and signal whistle.
We all have winter clothes now, water & food, and two tents, and I have 50 ft. of rope... as well as carrying my own week of rations and waterskin in case the rest we bought goes off.
So, we need to get a hatchet and a repair kit, unless some have?
And some more rope."
Lilic looks to see if there is enough coin to get whatever is left to purchase.
M Goblin Quack 8 | HP 82/82*| AC 26 | F+14 R+19* W +13 | Perception +10 Darkvision | Default Exploration: Avoid Notice (+18*) & Scouting
Dr Ripfang Muk Muk will go chat with the Bluetongue's Brawlers, hoping for make further friends as some strong locals could be handy if things go wrong.
"Dr. Rip Fang have at least a little time now, teach to lift and maybe tell stories of last year?"
The champion Faergrim Aexbinder, a silver-haired woman with snowflakes tattooed on her face, gives a wide smile as Nina approaches.
"This is my first year attempting this race, I must say," she says, pride bubbling with her words. "These are my squires, Thosse and Rikkun, and my skald Sassa. Of course, they're mostly here to watch. What team are you affiliated with?
Savna:
One of the race officials is checking the starting line as the gnome walks up to him. He looks at Savna with an air of disgust.
"You're probably here for advice, aren't you? Well, a few years ago, there was a team of lycanthropes that almost won the Balgridtrek. however, they misjudged the moon cycle and spent the last days of the race stumbling through the forest. They had to be rescued." He laughs. "If you're planning on any tricks, make sure you've done your homework!
Dr. Ripfang Muk Muk:
Jori slams her palm against Dr. Ripfang Muk Muk's back, nearly blowing him away.
You come here to learn to lift, yes? Well, before you lift, you stretch!"
She starts to demonstrate the magic of dynamic stretches, starting with one that involves standing on one leg and stretching the other leg behind her back.
Male Human (Sarkorian) (Holy) Halycon Druid 11 | HP 139/139 | AC 29 (30/31) | F +19 R +19 W +22 (S>CS) | Perc +19 | Stealth +16 | 30 ft (fly 40 ft) | Hero 3/3 | focus 1/1 | wand 1/1 | staff 0/6 | spells 1: 2 2: 3 3: 2 4: 2 5: 2 6: 1 | halcyon: 1 2 3 | Active Conditions: toughness, catfall, robust +11, resist swarm 10, fire 5, unholy 4 (+adj. allies), negative 1, cold 1, electricity 1, regen 1 hp/min, fly (49 min), sickened 1
Chulyin moves off to the local vendors. While shopping for another coil of rope and a repair kit to add to their supplies, he attempts to socialize with the local Ulfen to glean what he can about the region.
"This is my first time this far north," he says. "What should one watch out for up here, besides avoiding the wet and the wind?"
"The aptly named 'The Pathfinders.' We are here to spread knowledge of the Pathfinder Society and prove that we have what it takes to win with honor. Our creed is Explore, Report, Cooperate. And you, my lady, what brings you to this competition?"
HP 44/44 | 1/1 Hero Points | (Trap Finder) Perc’ +10 (+11 vs. traps) ; Stealth +8 ; Speed 25 ft. | (Deny Advantage) AC 19 (20 vs. traps) | Fort' +10 ; Ref' +10 ; Will +10 (+1 vs. traps)
Active conditions: Deny Advantage ; Exploration: Avoid Notice
Lilic goes off to the side, to find people selling hot wine, or some kind of little tavern, to share a drink with onlookers and talk about the race, trying to find out about weaknesses and other tidbits on the competition...
Chulyin finds a shopkeep who's happy to chat as they haggle over prices.
"Yah know," the shopkeep says while counting change, [b]"one year they had lycanthropes compete - werebears, if I remember. Turns out they misjudged the moon cycle. Officals rescued the whole lot of them! Need a moon chart?"
The shopkeep gives a hearty chuckle as they finish up this story.
Nina:
"Lady! Most people call me something more fitting, like "rival" or... Well, you get the drift." The elderly woman smiles. "I'm here to become a legend."
Lilic:
Typically, the last day of the trek is easy since it's downhill. This year, since the race is reversed, the first stretch is going to be a grueling uphill climb. One of the race officials gives Lilic a quick pointer is self-arresting on ice slopes - a skill valuable to keep the team from losing time. You get a +1 to overland travel checks between now and the first checkpoint.
Sanva:
One the men on the team nods as she speaks.
"It is good to be included this year," he says. "I am Marbin Slickhide and this is my twin, Ylva. Runa Frostleaf is our druid and Olin Tuskbringer is our ranger. How are you feeling about this year? Are the Ulfen treating you well?"
GM roll:
1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
All good, Nina!
---------------------------------
One of the race officials comes by, finding each member of the Pathfinders team in the crowd. "Please come to the starting line; the race is about to begin."
HP 44/44 | 1/1 Hero Points | (Trap Finder) Perc’ +10 (+11 vs. traps) ; Stealth +8 ; Speed 25 ft. | (Deny Advantage) AC 19 (20 vs. traps) | Fort' +10 ; Ref' +10 ; Will +10 (+1 vs. traps)
Active conditions: Deny Advantage ; Exploration: Avoid Notice
Lilic finishes his drink, wipes his mouth, and winks: "See y'all after the race!"
Then he follows the official to the starting line.
"Hey," he tells his comrades. "This year they reversed the race, so it starts with a grueling uphill climb... but I got some tips on how to climb those ice slopes."
We get a +1 to overland travel checks between now and the first checkpoint.
Male Human (Sarkorian) (Holy) Halycon Druid 11 | HP 139/139 | AC 29 (30/31) | F +19 R +19 W +22 (S>CS) | Perc +19 | Stealth +16 | 30 ft (fly 40 ft) | Hero 3/3 | focus 1/1 | wand 1/1 | staff 0/6 | spells 1: 2 2: 3 3: 2 4: 2 5: 2 6: 1 | halcyon: 1 2 3 | Active Conditions: toughness, catfall, robust +11, resist swarm 10, fire 5, unholy 4 (+adj. allies), negative 1, cold 1, electricity 1, regen 1 hp/min, fly (49 min), sickened 1
"That is good to know," Chulyin says, clapping Lilic solidly on the shoulder as they make their way to the start. "All I discovered was a tale about a team of werebears who misjudged the moon cycle and had to be extracted by the officials. And then the merchant tried to sell me a moon chart."
The starting line is a thick braided rope with wooden handholds at either end carved in the shape of a linnorm head. Bluetongue's Brawlers give a hearty cheer and the officials drop the rope - the race has started!
---------------------
The race is afoot! Between each checkpoint, your team will need to make an overland travel check. This can be a check of your choice, as long as you can justify it story-wise. Examples include Athletics to power through, Survival to help identify animal trails, or Nature. It is not a secret check. Your result indicates how well you're doing in the race.
--------------------
Light snow falls as the teams take off. The race begins with a grueling incline up hills. It's beautiful, though, as the race goes deep into the solitude of the forest.
The weather is snowy with severe cold. I believe everyone is wearing cold weather gear, though, which negates damage from severe cold.
HP 44/44 | 1/1 Hero Points | (Trap Finder) Perc’ +10 (+11 vs. traps) ; Stealth +8 ; Speed 25 ft. | (Deny Advantage) AC 19 (20 vs. traps) | Fort' +10 ; Ref' +10 ; Will +10 (+1 vs. traps)
Active conditions: Deny Advantage ; Exploration: Avoid Notice
Lilic follows Nina indications, and goes for the path that was pointed out.
He tries to clear it a bit, and make it easier for the others to use, moving along...
As snow covers his hair, Lilic pulls the recently purchased furs over his head, and tightens the heavy coat.
He huffs and puffs, going up the steep steep hill... but does admire the view every time there is a break.
Male Human (Sarkorian) (Holy) Halycon Druid 11 | HP 139/139 | AC 29 (30/31) | F +19 R +19 W +22 (S>CS) | Perc +19 | Stealth +16 | 30 ft (fly 40 ft) | Hero 3/3 | focus 1/1 | wand 1/1 | staff 0/6 | spells 1: 2 2: 3 3: 2 4: 2 5: 2 6: 1 | halcyon: 1 2 3 | Active Conditions: toughness, catfall, robust +11, resist swarm 10, fire 5, unholy 4 (+adj. allies), negative 1, cold 1, electricity 1, regen 1 hp/min, fly (49 min), sickened 1
Survival, Advice:1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 7 + 1 = 21
Wrapped in furs, Chulyin prowls ahead as he searches for shortcuts up the route, carving way marks on the trees and fashioning small cairns for his companions to follow and keep on the way.
The jaguar bounds upward, taking advantage of its ability to leap higher than its companion to take breaks from the cold in the shelter of crevices and fallen trees while it waits for the two-legs to catch up.
Rainesong slips and slides through the ice - emphasis on slipping. It's slow going and he makes several errors calculating jumps and narrow ledges, but does manage to mostly keep up with the group.
Athletics:1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 1 = 10
Sanva struggles through the snow. As the drifts build up with every passing hour, she has to work harder to keep moving forward. It's a grueling, uphill climb.
-----------------------------------
Eventually, the trail opens up. The tall pines ahead are heavy with snow, and the forest is quiet. Ahead, officials for the Balgirdtrek stand around a roaring fire. Several campsites have been cleared nearby as clerics stand ready to examine and treat any injured racers. Several teams are gathered. Without Trace or Fail, the Two Houses, and Bluetongue's Brawlers all check rest and their packs.
Beyond the fire and campsites, in a small, raised clearing, is a tall, thin pole carved with the intertwining necks of a Tarn Linnorm. Atop the pole rests is a small platform, an oval shape resting within it. The Wyrding Wayfinders are ahead by the pole, where Faergim Axebinder is attempting to climb it.
The offical by the pole smiles as the team approaches.
"Hearken!" they say. "This trial remarks on the time Balgrid survived in the wilderness. While searching for a Linnorm in the frozen reaches of the Saga Lands, he survived off the land itself. One day, he scaled a great tree and retrieved its egg from beneath it, so swiftly and carefully that the tree did not bend and bird did not notice the egg go missing. In honor of Balgird's successes, retreive the egg from atop the pole."
Each PC may either attempt to climb the tree or aid another PC. At least one PC must attempt the trial. You are welcome to be creative with your solutions.
Nina was pretty proud of herself for finding the correct path, but she is quite frankly surprised at her companions tracking skills as they charge ahead. I don't think the jungle surrounding my emirate will be much of an impediment to trackers like these. I hope the Pathfinders never have reason to attack ...
The pole is really more of a dead tree with the branches stripped off from it. At the top is a small wooden platform with a tiny lip. On the platrom rests the egg.
As Sanva climbs the pole, she does so with expert grace and drops to the ground with both egg and triumph.
Male Human (Sarkorian) (Holy) Halycon Druid 11 | HP 139/139 | AC 29 (30/31) | F +19 R +19 W +22 (S>CS) | Perc +19 | Stealth +16 | 30 ft (fly 40 ft) | Hero 3/3 | focus 1/1 | wand 1/1 | staff 0/6 | spells 1: 2 2: 3 3: 2 4: 2 5: 2 6: 1 | halcyon: 1 2 3 | Active Conditions: toughness, catfall, robust +11, resist swarm 10, fire 5, unholy 4 (+adj. allies), negative 1, cold 1, electricity 1, regen 1 hp/min, fly (49 min), sickened 1
"If this is part of the tradition of the trek, I will give it a try," he says, laying down his pack. "Good work, there," he compliments as he passes Savna on the way to the tree.
Nina cannot climb in her fine clothes (nominally she has +0 Athletics but I think she should take a circumstance penalty), so she stays at the base. She wishes she had mage hand but settles on casting a reached forbidding ward on the egg in hopes of sabotaging the other teams.
As Chulyin tries the tree, he gets close to top. However, the trunk shifts with his weight just before he reaches the egg. Thinking quickly, he descends, sparing the egg but not being able to complete the challenge.
Lilic's practiced movements pay off. He retrieves the egg with ease.
HP 44/44 | 1/1 Hero Points | (Trap Finder) Perc’ +10 (+11 vs. traps) ; Stealth +8 ; Speed 25 ft. | (Deny Advantage) AC 19 (20 vs. traps) | Fort' +10 ; Ref' +10 ; Will +10 (+1 vs. traps)
Active conditions: Deny Advantage ; Exploration: Avoid Notice
Lilic remembers all the nesting he did as a kid, in the forest... and blushes.
Didn't know enough back then, was not respectful of Nature...
But he is happy it somehow helped here.
M Goblin Quack 8 | HP 82/82*| AC 26 | F+14 R+19* W +13 | Perception +10 Darkvision | Default Exploration: Avoid Notice (+18*) & Scouting
Ripfang excitedly pulls out a glass mug that appears to be made from at least two dozen different sources of glass and pours some before gulping it one one big swig...
"Yum, could use some rust pepper though." exclaims De. Rip Fang excitedly.
