GM Doug's A Frosty Mug [Outpost IV] (Inactive)

Game Master Doug Hahn

”Uh…Big bear…”

”Big mind controlled bear! Take care of the mirror on tip of it if you can! Also, might be a good to…spread out.”

Astrid grins at the gigantic bear.

"Ha! That's the second biggest bear I've ever seen."

She turns towards Feiya.

"Break the mirror you say? I'm on it!"

She taps her shield against Quinoline's before turning her attention back to the bear.

"Okay Quin. You got this. Remember, you're practically a shield maiden. I'll try not to take too long up there."

Astrid draws a small flask from a belt pouch, drinks and leaps twenty feet in the air landing atop the giant bear.

◆ Draw potion of leaping , ◆ drink potion, ◆ Leap

Jump Spell

That's a good item to have on hand!

While Rex repositions, Astrid leaps atop the bear. Now that she’s higher up, she can see into the mirror. It seems to be reflecting a fiery orb. Funny, the sun isn’t out…

Well, it should be easy to break now.

❄ ❄ ❄

Getting your Bearings

Ogthup is available to command!

Feiya
—
Flower-Bear, Frightened 1
—
Dranald
Ukh
Rextangalin Werzerial, concealed
Quinoline Silicate; -24 HP, shield -24, shield raised, block available[/b]
Astrid; -25 HP, shield -25, atop bear

Well the things seem to be well in hands by Astrid. I should not intervene to not disturb her. That would be a shame.

The goblin pulls out his special crossbow and loads it just in case before to move away.

Courage, go back! That's the motto for now.

The cleric casts a healing spell towards Astrid.

If we want her to do the job, better is that she stays alive.

Heal, 2 actions, Healing hands: 3d10 + 24 ⇒ (1, 7, 1) + 24 = 33

Then he moves away to not be in package for the beast.

Dranald heals Astrid to full. She feels refreshed. Meanwhile, everyone repositions for the incoming trample that you all knew was coming.

The bear HATES having someone atop! He lumbers up on two feet, roars, and then drops to the ground! He rolls around like a ginormous fur ball, catching Astrid, Quinoline, Ogthup, and Dranald in his wake!

As they are pressed to the earth under the huge bear, they can try to grab ahold his shaggy fur and go along for the ride.

This is a Trample effect; Astrid can hang on to the shaggy fur automatically but will be affected by the damage. In addition to the standard reflex save allowed, you can also get on top of the bear by grabbing his fur holding on tight. But it’s not easy — you’ll need a successful DC 27 Athletics check as a Reaction! Order of operations here should be Reflex —> Athletics.

Trample Damage to Astrid, Quinoline, Ogthup: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 5) + 10 = 19

Please attempt an optional DC 27 Basic reflex save (Frightened is included). If you fail you will be knocked prone. If you choose not to make the save you take regular damage and will be knocked prone.

As noted in the OOC, Trample provokes.

❄ ❄ ❄

Ogthup’s Saves…
Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (19) + 14 = 33

Ogthup screams goblin curses as she’s rolled over, threatening to cook Frostfur Bear stew tonight! She's dunked into a snowdrift upright.

Minions have no reactions so she cannot attempt Athletics.

❄ ❄ ❄

Getting your Bearings

Ogthup is available to command!

Feiya
—
Flower-Bear, Frightened 1 if Hex Sustained
—
Dranald, Optional Reflex save vs 19 Trample
Ukh
Rextangalin Werzerial
Quinoline Silicate; -24 HP, shield -24, Optional Reflex save vs 19 Trample
Astrid; -0 HP, shield -25, atop bear, Optional Reflex save vs 19 Trample

The bear is currently Frightened 1 so that should reduce his DCs by 1 down to 27 if I'm not mistaken

reflex save: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28

So Astrid does not need to roll athletics to stay atop the beast?

Yep, you're good Astrid. You earned your spot up there already. I edited in the Frightened DC for Athletics as we cross-posted. Also, as I read it the reflex save on Trample is OPTIONAL ("can make a reflex save"). I edited for that too, as some may choose not to risk critically failing against such a high DC.

With little option to affect the mirror, Rex tries to crack the whip with a mental jolt to keep it at bay.

◈◈ Cast a Spell - Daze (cantrip, enchantment, mental, nonlethal)
Tradition: occult
Components: somatic, verbal
Range: 60 feet
Targets: 1 creature
Saving Throw: basic Will (DC 23)
Damage (Mental): 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Additional Effects: stunned 1 on a critical failure

Grinning like a maniac and screaming at the top of her lungs, Astrid smashes her shield boss against the mirror, quickly following up with a gauntleted fist.

Shield Boss: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
damage-bludgeoning: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 1) + 4 = 10

Gauntlet: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (1) + 15 = 16
damage-bludgeoning: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (3, 1) + 4 = 8

◆◆ Double Slice

If the shield doesn't break the mirror I will use a hero point to reroll the critical miss with the gauntlet

Gauntlet: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
damage-bludgeoning: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (1, 3) + 4 = 8

Still one action remaining. I'll wait and see what happens first.

The mirror is hard to hit bouncing around on the bears back. The gauntlet reroll will crit but only do 6 damage after 10 hardness. The other attacks miss. You are looking to hit some number greater than 21 and less than 23.

I can't think of anything really clever to do for my final action so I guess I'll try a Hail Mary strike with the shield boss and hope for the best.

Astrid curses, unable to land a solid hit on the mirror.

"Vertu kyrr, fjandinn hafi það!"

shield boss: 1d20 + 15 - 10 ⇒ (10) + 15 - 10 = 15
damage-bludgeoning: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 4 = 8

Reflex: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Gonna Hero Point that.

Reflex, Hero Point Reroll: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

*sigh* The gods have spoken.

---

Quinoline will drink the mistform elixir and use Battle Medicine on herself.

Assurance 21, Godless Healing: 2d8 + 10 + 5 ⇒ (4, 4) + 10 + 5 = 23

Am I allowed to make a ranged attack on the mirror?

Astrid grasps the bear's long fur and tumbles along, like the surfer from the Shackles riding a vicious wave! She weathers the roll, and then does some damage to the mirror; a small crack appears in the glass. You also hear her shouting curses in Skald. Shield boss for 20 - 10 hardness.

Rex blasts the bear with some nonlethal damage. Will, Frightened: 1d20 + 18 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 18 - 1 = 26

You can target the mirror up there but I’ll give it soft cover from the ground (+1 AC); that will hit.

Quin takes a bear paw to the forehead as she's trampled Crit fail puts her at -62 HP, then battle medicines herself. -39 HP. She then lobs a bomb up top — Astrid sees some of the mirror’s filigree melt away! 10 hardness vs 15 damage = 5 damage. The persistent won’t eat through hardness.

Don't forget Quin is also prone! Even with the -2 and cover that 27 hits the Mirror's AC.

Feiya has posted her turn but we will resolve it after everyone else goes per her instructions.

❄ ❄ ❄

Getting your Bearings

Ogthup is available to command; Magic Shield at -15 HP.

Feiya
—
Flower-Bear, Frightened 1, -4 HP
—
Dranald, Optional Reflex save vs 19 Trample & prone
Ukh
Rextangalin Werzerial, Concealed
Quinoline Silicate; -39 HP, shield -24, Prone, Concealed
Astrid; -9 HP, shield -25, atop bear

Reflex:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

The cleric stands up and moves where he thinks the bear can't trample anymore.

Hey, the Frostfur? Show us what you can do if you pretend to be better than other goblins!

Then he moves towards the bear to throw a bomb on the shield and come back where he was.

Pay attention grenade!

Alchemist's fire, moderate:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26

Damage, splash:2d8 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (2, 2) + 1 + 4 = 9

Dranald pulls himself out of a snowdrift, repositioning himself. Crit fail on that, so 38 damage…

Ukh lobs a grenade but it doesn't get through the mirror's hardness. Looks like you wanted to command Ogthup, but as I understand it you moved, struck, moved. That means you didn't have an action left to command a minion. Let me know if that's incorrect.

Feiya shoots a ray of yellow energy at the bear, but he seems to just shake it off.

Fort vs. Enfeeble, Frightened: 1d20 + 21 - 1 ⇒ (16) + 21 - 1 = 36 Crit success

❄ ❄ ❄

The bear roars — this time, he does a handstand — as his hindquarters flip into the air, the mirror turns and finds Astrid… that sun she saw reflected in the mirror — the one that didn’t exist in the sky here — shoots ray of pure fire at her!

Mirror Beam, Frightened 1: 1d20 + 19 - 1 ⇒ (7) + 19 - 1 = 25
Fire: 2d12 + 17 ⇒ (10, 8) + 17 = 35

Mirror Beam, Strike 2, Frightened 1: 1d20 + 19 - 5 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 19 - 5 - 1 = 26
Fire: 2d12 + 17 ⇒ (8, 6) + 17 = 31

The beams finds her — they makes the metal strips on her spine mail grow red-hot, burning her flesh.

Finally, the bear lumbers over to this caster who’s tormenting him. He can’t get between the rocks this round, but he glares down at Feiya and huffs!

❄ ❄ ❄

Yes This Bear Also Shoots Lasers

Ogthup is available to command; Magic Shield at -15 HP.

Feiya
—
Flower-Bear, Frightened 1, -4 HP
—
Dranald, -38 HP
Ukh
Rextangalin Werzerial, Concealed
Quinoline Silicate; -39 HP, shield -24, Prone, Concealed
Astrid; -75 HP, shield -25, atop bear

The first laser hit also. I did not have my shield raised.

Updated the statblock — thanks! I see -75 HP now (35+31+9=75; Astrid has 5/80 HP. Those d12's are punishing.)

"Feiya! You didn't say it could shoot fire!"

Astrid reaches into her pouch and grabs a salve to soothe her wounds before once more smashing her weapons into the mirror.

Shield Boss-double slice: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
damage-bludgeoning: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (6, 1) + 4 = 11

gauntlet-double slice: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (12) + 15 = 27
damage-bludgeoning: 2d4 + 4 ⇒ (4, 2) + 4 = 10

Battle medicine-assurance: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (8, 4) + 10 = 22

Gonna drop in an initiative block update here considering the above. I need more caffeine this morning.

Astrid double-slices the mirror — it looks almost broken! 11 damage after Hardness with the double-slice; both hits. So close!

She then battle-medicines herself with her gauntleted hand. -53 HP

❄ ❄ ❄

Yes This Bear Also Shoots Lasers

Ogthup is available to command; Magic Shield at -26 HP.

Feiya
—
Flower-Bear, Frightened 1, -4 HP
—
Dranald, -38 HP
Ukh
Rextangalin Werzerial, Concealed
Quinoline Silicate; -39 HP, shield -24, Prone, Concealed
Astrid; -53 HP, shield -25, atop bear

The cleric begins to heal the bold fighter upon the bear.

Heal, 2 actions, Healing hands: 3d10 + 24 ⇒ (5, 6, 2) + 24 = 37

Then he practices a battle medicine upon himself.

Battle medicine, Assurance, DC 20: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (7, 4) + 10 = 21

Yes, you have understood right what I was trying to write.

The goblin moves forward again to throw a bomb upon the mirror after having cast a True strike spell.

Pay attention grenade!

Alchemist's fire, moderate:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (7) + 14 = 21

Alchemist's fire, moderate:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31

Damage, splash:2d8 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6, 3) + 1 + 4 = 14

The cleric of Iomedae pumps out more big heals.

Ukh's bomb is far more effective this time. The frame around the shield melts. The glass cracked by Astrid's shield and gauntlet can no longer be held in place. It tumbles to the ground, glittering in the cold air and releasing the contained fire magic like a balmy zephyr.

The delicate silver chains wrapped around the bear’s body drop to the snow. The icy flowers that once danced around his head wither and tumble to the ground.

The bear blinks slowly, yawns, and looks around as if seeing all of you for the first time. He seems bemused. For a bear.

The bear is no longer enchanted, but not up in initiative yet so you can't be sure what he'll do. If you want to delay or ready that's fine, just let me know.

❄ ❄ ❄

This Bear No Longer Shoots Lasers

Ogthup is available to command; Magic Shield broken.

Feiya
—
Flower-Bear, Frightened 1, -4 HP, freed from enchantment
—
Dranald, -17 HP
Ukh
Rextangalin Werzerial, Concealed
Quinoline Silicate; -39 HP, shield -24, Prone, Concealed
Astrid; -16 HP, shield -25, atop bear

Don't forget Dranald healed himself and Astrid :)

Quinoline will stand, activate her elven boots, and ready a Stride if the bear comes towards her (4 NE, 1 NW).

"Astrid! Hold one hand up high for style points!"

"Feiya! You didn't say it could shoot fire!"

”Well excuse me for looking at a bear and not thinking ‘this thing probably shoots laser beams’!”

Seeing the bear suddenly standing right over her, Feiya Sustains her hex, casts shield, and retreats behind Dranald. Can’t Delay or else evil eye runs out.

Rex decides to not wait to see if the bear calms down or charges after him. He wraps his cloak tightly around around himself, fading from view before sneaking a bit further away.

◈◈ Activate cloak of elvenkind (invisibility)
◈ Sneak Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

You all make ready for the potential for violence, but the bear shakes his head, bucks Astrid off, and ables off into the forest. Astrid can slide off, fall, do a flip — whatever.

Out of combat!

One mirror shard glints in the snow. It's still charged with the magic of heat. Dranald and Rex realize that you could crush this shard to gain Cold Resistance 5 for 1 hour.

Feiya remembers that enchanted mirrors are one of the calling cards of winter witches.

I will move you on tomorrow morning, Pacific. You can camp and heal up to full and recharge all abilities; this was the only encounter for the day. Tomorrow, you cross into Irrisen proper.

Quinoline looks at herself in the mirror shard. That stupid bear made her glasses all crooked! >=(

Quinoline will Repair her and Astrid's shields.

Crafting, Eyepiece: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 17 + 1 = 20 vs DC 18

+20 HP

Crafting, Eyepiece: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 1 = 36 vs DC 18

+40 HP

Crafting, Eyepiece: 1d20 + 17 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 17 + 1 = 36 vs DC 18

+40 HP

The following day you descend the mountain pass. You're able to do some scouting and mapping in the remaining daylight, and around by nightfall, you're in the forests of Irrisen proper. It's a tense day — from the encounter with the enchanted bear, you know at least one Jawdiga is close. Dark conifers loom ominously and nightingales sing above your heads, but nothing else happens that day.

❄ ❄ ❄

The next morning, just as Ogthup is finishing making a meal of gritty porridge, trouble arrives.

One moment, the forest is silent under its shroud of white. The next moment, humanoid figures calmly rise and brush snow off their clothes. Two ruddy-faced individuals in heavy coats and fur-lined boots stand, breath steaming. Each one carries a full quiver and a strung bow, but more curiously, also what looks like a piece of piping with a spearpoint socketed above it and a wooden handle at the other end. A man steps forward and addresses you in Common. He wears a strange cloth uniform with red lapels and a tall sheepskin hat. Art on SLide 1. You may find it interesting.

“Good morning, comrades! I see you are enjoying a bit of an unauthorized picnic, yes?” The mustachioed man smiles, but the expression doesn’t quite reach his sharp eyes. “A lovely stroll in the woods, looking for mushrooms, perhaps?”

He makes a small gesture, and one of the other men levels his curious weapon at Ogthup. The goblin freezes in place and puts her hands in the air. The speaker continues, his words oddly accented in a manner that doesn’t match any of the languages of the Inner Sea region.

"You most certainly are not another group of the witch’s enforcers,” the man says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “So, no murder is planned, no killing of livestock, no arson, nothing of that sort. Surely not. Just mushroom picking, right, comrades?”

❄ ❄ ❄

This is a volatile situation, but the men aren't attacking just yet. What do you do?

The mushrooms don't grow under the snow, as I know.

The goblin think about what he will tell and decides that telling the truth is always a good choice. Especially when you are innocent. And especially when the guys in front of who you are have gotten firearms.

Allow me to present myself. My name's Ukh and I'm sent with my companions by the Pathfinder Society - you must know the Pathfinder Society, don't you? - to explore the pass over there and we came though it. We met a bear. A big one, like this. He had a mirror over his head. We managed to calm the bear breaking the mirror. So we didn't need to kill it. Then we continue our way and here we are. But we don't want to bother you. So if you if prefer we can go back. But you are you yourself? Who is the witch you are talking about?

He show his wayfinder in the same movement and smiles gently.

So try to calm down and play down the situation.

Yes, you may be picking up on some sarcasm here; he doesn't actually think you are hunting mushrooms and he knows it's impossible to do so in the snow, and he doesn't actually think you are his "comrades" (he seems to be using the term ironically as if it means something unsavory where he's from).

We managed to calm the bear breaking the mirror. So we didn't need to kill it.

"Oh, you met Mishka? How interesting!" At the moment, he seems to think you're telling a tall tale. But that may change if you can convince him of your bonafides.

But you are you yourself?

"I’m hurt you don’t recognize me. I thought Chesjilawa and I were friends now! He puts a hand over his heart in a pantomime of sadness.

I am Yesaul—you might say "Captain" in your tongue—Semyon Gavrilovich Gubkin of the Don Host, formerly of His Majesty Nicholas II’s Imperial Russian Army, currently retired,”

The man performs a mocking bow. “At your service, mushroom hunters.

Who is the witch you are talking about?

“You’re quite certain you don’t know her?” He asks, arching a brow. “I shall humor you. The winter witch Chesjilawa Jadwiga Karina, formerly ruler of this region.

We are having a political disagreement with her at the moment.”

He looks at the Wayfinder with interest, and his face softens a bit. But he doesn't signal his man to lower the gun.

❄ ❄ ❄

Great work introducing your party. It seems that you may have to put in some work here to convince him of your intent. That means… skill checks!

Each of you may attempt one check to de-escalate this situation. I need a certain number of successes here. It doesn't have to be diplomacy but that may be likely. Go for whatever rolls you think are appropriate in character, I'll let you know if something doesn't work. The DC for most checks is 22 but may be lower for appropriate Lore skills. I will award circumstance bonuses for good roleplay.

Mishka? I don't know its name. But it was a tall bear with a mirror and flowers around its head. Here are the debris of the mirror.

The goblin then wondering and the player also: His Majesty Nicholas II’s Imperial Russian Army...And you are... I beg your pardon but who is His Majesty Nicholas II?

Then he will remember to prepare once a mushroom omelette of the Irrisen snow for this strange guy. That should be his guilty pleasure for sure to insist like this.

A political disagreement do you say? What kind of disagreement?

He hopes not to be part of this disagreement. But he tries to use his Heraldry knowledge to recognize the heraldic crest on the uniform.

Is it possible to roll Society instead of Diplomacy using that knowledge to navigate the complex workings of this discussion? :)

Ukh cannot recognize the crest.

Absolutely possible to roll Society! You can use Society to convince him of your credentials for example. The scenario as written says the "most likely" skill here is diplomacy but gives little other guidance. So, sell your GM on your skills :)

Society:1d20 + 14 ⇒ (16) + 14 = 30

"Yes, we saw Mishka. In fact we broke the mirror and she ran away. We should have a piece of it somewhere. We are explorers looking to establish diplomatic relations with the people we meet. So perhaps you can tell us more about this disagreement."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Hero Point

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34

The cleric tries to tell emphases upon some of the story.

We didn't attack the bear. It charged us. We defended ourselves. And without killing it. That should be a point. Then we are sorry to disturb you during your stroll in the wood. I can understand you like the walk in the snow. It's quite relaxing.

Iomedae will guide ourselves to the point of the discussion the most important. In fact, may we meet His Majesty Nicolas II?

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Diplomacy, reroll: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

That would be a high point to meet an historical character :)

You all make ready for the potential for violence, but the bear shakes his head, bucks Astrid off, and ables off into the forest. Astrid can slide off, fall, do a flip — whatever.

Out of combat!

Earlier just as the battle with the bear ends...

Astrid leaps off of the bear and smashes her gauntleted fist on her shield in triumph. She continues to cheer and make fantastic 30 foot leaps until her potion wears off.

"Oh, you met Mishka? How interesting!"

Astrid's enormous grin threatens to split her entire head in half.

"Ha! Met Mishka? We not only met the beast but bested her as well. It was absolutely glorious! The skalds shall sing of it for ages. You should have been there! Let me tell the tale."

Astrid is very animated and as she tells her story she acts out her actions, leaping and punching and raising her shield.

"Quin and I were on point when the monstrous bear came crashing through the woods, striking at us with killing blows that we only just managed to block with our shields to prevent our certain demise. The beast was as large as a house and a near certain doom was upon us but I steeled myself for a great battle. It was then that my sharp-eyed friend Feiya there realized that the beast was bespelled by a great mirror on her back.

At this point it was a simple matter to calm the great bear and send her on her way."

She scoffs.

"Mushroom hunters indeed. Bah!"

@ GM Doug
So this is a bit of a tall tale with Astrid exaggerating much of the story. My intent is to use deception on the more outlandish potions but looking over the story it might fall more into performance-storytelling rather than deception. I'll let you decide which skill is most appropriate here.

deception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Reroll

deception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

If you decide to go with performance instead Astrid has +5

Yes, you may be picking up on some sarcasm here; he doesn't actually think you are hunting mushrooms and he knows it's impossible to do so in the snow, and he doesn't actually think you are his "comrades" (he seems to be using the term ironically as if it means something unsavory where he's from).

Ukh wrote:

We managed to calm the bear breaking the mirror. So we didn't need to kill it.

"Oh, you met Mishka? How interesting!" At the moment, he seems to think you're telling a tall tale. But that may change if you can convince him of your bonafides.

Ukh wrote:

But you are you yourself?

"I’m hurt you don’t recognize me. I thought Chesjilawa and I were friends now! He puts a hand over his heart in a pantomime of sadness.

I am Yesaul—you might say "Captain" in your tongue—Semyon Gavrilovich Gubkin of the Don Host, formerly of His Majesty Nicholas II’s Imperial Russian Army, currently retired,”

The man performs a mocking bow. “At your service, mushroom hunters.

Ukh wrote:

Who is the witch you are talking about?

“You’re quite certain you don’t know her?” He asks, arching a brow. “I shall humor you. The winter witch Chesjilawa Jadwiga Karina, formerly ruler of this region.

We are having a political disagreement with her at the moment.”

He looks at the Wayfinder with interest, and his face softens a bit. But he doesn't signal his man to lower the gun.

❄ ❄ ❄

Regarding the rank of Yesaul, The Don Host and the Imperial Russian Army. I don't know if that would be one check or three so use either the first roll or all three as appropriate

Regarding His Majesty Nicholas II and Chesjilawa Jadwiga Karina. Once again these are likely two different checks but maybe not

Finally am I safe to assume that being from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings that Astrid would know that only women rule in Irrisen and most definitely NOT anyone named Nicholas?

Society: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

"The Pathfinder Society is a nonpartisan association. We have no intention of aiding either side in this conflict. Best wishes."

I want to give Feiya a chance to participate here; in the meantime, below are the results of Astrid's checks for her eyes only at this juncture (unless she will divulge this aloud in front of everyone).

"I’m hurt you don’t recognize me. I thought Chesjilawa and I were friends now! He puts a hand over his heart in a pantomime of sadness.

I am Yesaul—you might say "Captain" in your tongue—Semyon Gavrilovich Gubkin of the Don Host, formerly of His Majesty Nicholas II’s Imperial Russian Army, currently retired,”

The man performs a mocking bow. “At your service, mushroom hunters.

Astrid frowns and looks intently at Yesaul Gubkin.

"You're...not from around here are you?"

“You’re quite certain you don’t know her?” He asks, arching a brow. “I shall humor you. The winter witch Chesjilawa Jadwiga Karina, formerly ruler of this region.

We are having a political disagreement with her at the moment.”

He looks at the Wayfinder with interest, and his face softens a bit. But he doesn't signal his man to lower the gun.

❄ ❄ ❄

"The Pathfinder Society is a nonpartisan association. We have no intention of aiding either side in this conflict. Best wishes."

Astrid explains to the captain.

"What my collegue says is... not entirely true, Yesaul Gubkin. At least not always. Perhaps you could tell us more about this conflict?"

Botting Feiya's Witch Cult Lore (T): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Feiya knows just how to demonstrate that though she is a witch, she doesn't know the Lesson of Snow, and isn't a Jadwiga. (One of the ruling classes of Irrisen, all witches and almost always female)

Captain Seymon listens to your explanations, questions, and tall tales with interest. He is impressed you subdued Mishka the Bear and gives a wry smile at Astrid’s tall tale. ”You would not be hanging noodles on the ears of a new friend, would you?”

He tries to answer your questions. ”His Majesty Nicholas II, was The last Emperor of All Russia. And you are perceptive: we are a long way away from the Motherland. It is, comrades, an exceptionally long story. Suffice to say this land is not the place of our birth.

We are having a… disagreement with the local government. Particularly, one Tsarina — or, Jadwiga in your language — who happens to rule this province. Our countrywoman, Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanov, has ruled this country for eight years now. But the old guard does not seem to like it much. Surely, you know how this kind of thing goes. It is always bad for the people. It is a story as old as time.

He motions to his man to lower his weapon. You see soldiers with guns step out of the bushes to your right; they stand at ease. ”It seems you might not be spies after all.” You have succeeded at convincing him that you are not spies or saboteurs… and then some.

”We should talk where it’s warm! And I would rather have six new friends than a hundred rubles. Come, visit our village of Zharchovsk! We will escort you there. We will have hot food, warm feet, and perhaps even a celebration.”

Will you accept his invitation?

Apologies; I specifically and intentionally do not look at my PbPs on Sundays.

Society (purely for roleplay): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

”Russ…ia? Isn’t that in Sarusan? You certainly are far from home. And we would be happy to come to your village!” I am notgoing to oppose someone with GUNS who has us surrounded…

The goblin is happy that the negotiation went well.

Of course, it would be an honor to accompany you to Zha... Zharchovsk. I hope I pronounced it correctly.

We will come with you with pleasure.