GM Michael's Reign of Winter

Game Master Dread

Kandoo insists on his attacks against the enemy, ignoring his cold hits.

The Sun blesses my blade! - yells the stoic paladin.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 15 Cold Iron shortsword, Surge
Damage: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 3 + 1 = 8

Round 2

Barnaby kicks snow, spit flying through the frosty freezing air.
You frosty-snotted fey!

He swings!
Melee: Machete, flank: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 = 111d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

He calls Ant.
Handle Animal DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Ant-icipation comes quickly over to the frustrated gnome's side to bite the Blue Booger!
Bite: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 51d4 ⇒ 3
Grab: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Both Barnaby--and his Giant Ant--look like they may be pouting...

Round 2, Initiative 12

Tegan moves to be a better shot and attempts to shoot the fey as it flits around Kandoo's face.

To hit: 1d20 + 0 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 0 - 4 = 15 (into melee)
Light Crossbow: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Rorgar moves in to the press by the Kanadoo, and tries to hit the blue fey with his axe.

careful swing: 1d20 + 0 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 0 + 2 + 1 = 10
BAB, STR, Divine Favor
damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 1 = 6
Cold iron

But being careful not to catch Kanadoo in the throat, Rorgar pulls short.

Damn that little bugger, he is hard to hit.

Ylena has similar problems with hitting the fey. Trying to hit the small flying creature while not hitting an ally is proving quite difficult, and her bolt flies harmlessly into a tree.

"Agreed," she huffs in frustration as she reloads her crossbow. At least it seems Kandoo had some luck.

L. Crossbow, PBS, Melee: 1d20 + 3 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 - 4 = 7
P. Damage, Cold Iron, PBS: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Warhammer: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
bludgeoning: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

And its a swing for the fence. . . . and its going. . . going. . .damn a tree. :)

Barnaby takes a swipe at the fast flying fey, while calling Ant again, who conquers his innate fear and comes running over next to his companion. As the fey cucks below Banaby's swing, Ant grabs a leg, barely damaging it. The Feys wings beat fast and he reached down with an arm and pulled it loose from the ants mandibles, and as the impetus pushed him upwards and he spun around...

The creature who had called himself 'Fafwein' exclaimed in a high tenor voice they had heard, thinking it was the elk, Oh No! as it flew right into Kandoos short sword swing. The burning of the cold iron damaging it severely. Pushing the Fey backwards a bit, and lining a shot up for Tegan who fired her crossbow. The bolt striking the Fey in the stomach, and boncing off because of it not being cold iron. Still it knocked the wind out of the winter touched enemy and pushed it backwards.

Ylena fired a split second behind Tegan, but her aim was a little off and the bolt went into a tree.

Rimesong put the bow on his shoulder and pulled his hand axe readying to move into the crowded combat.

As the crossbow bolt pushed The fey into range, Mike swung the hammer and caught the fey in the back pushing snapping its spine.

Rorgar took a swing as it started to fall to the ground to make sure it was dead, but missed.

end combat. well done

Rescabbarding his boarding axe, and picking up his war axe, Rorgar shakes his head.

I don't know if we should push on, or hole up here or the cave for comfort and warmth.
But I have expended all that the maker felt to give me today.

Rorgar cleans off his axe that he dropped, then goes back for his bow and cleans that off as well.

Any suggestions as to what we should do?

Tegan yerns for her warm, comfortable bed. She's not keen on the idea of sleeping on the cold, hard rocky floor of some cave. "...I must admit, I didn't expect so many... things from Heldrin to here. Even though it's a three-hour hike, I think we should return to Heldrin and rest. If we start now, we'll be back before nightfall." The wizard's cheeks are pink from the cold or embarrassment. "I feel rather useless without my spells."

Ylena lowers her crossbow, grateful that she doesn't need to waste any more bolts on the trees. "I still have one spell, and a cantrip that could make fighting human bandits much easier. My inclination though is to head for the cave. I don't think we could make it back to Heldren before losing the light, nor do I particularly want to retrek this same ground tomorrow. As for the Lodge, I'm concerned that there might be too many enemies there for us to fight while this low on resources."

Kandoo ponders for moments.

I say we head for the nearest shelter, which seems to be the cave. However, I must point that I don't expect our rest to go undisturbed there... - says the paladin - Some of us have these cold weather outfits, but I wonder how many of us have actual blankets and the similar. The cold is just going to get worse as the hour advances. Who around here is more skilled as a survivalist to help make the cave more comfortable... And defensible, in the eventuality we end up attacked there?

I can assist in the making of a cave more habitable. As for blankets, I have some. I think we will be all right.

Rorgar stamps his feet, and swings his arms around in what is known as a teamsters warm up.

For those that did not know, The teamsters warm up was swinging the arms, and stamping the feet along side the wagons to get the blood circulating again.

Barnaby kicks snow at the downed Fey.
These Winter creatures are not nice! We really need to find this stupid portal; and shut it down!

He does check the Fey's pockets.

The gnome then readies to lead the weary group to the Cave.
We are decent enough with the outdoors stuff. The Cave will provide most of the needed shelter and security; assuming nothing has claimed it.

He smiles.

Tegan hugs herself for warmth and watches as Rorgar stamps his feet and swings his arms. "I didn't bring a bedroll or blanket. But I do have my warm clothing." Tegan is decidedly unhappy with the majority of the party's decision to find the cave and rest, however, she's not the type to put up a stink about it.

She resolves herself to the uncomfortable night's sleep ahead of her and follows the others.

"I have both a bedroll and blanket, so you can borrow one of those. With any luck we'll be able to make it cozy enough." Ylena isn't looking forward to the cold night out either, but she prefers that to a longer walk, (with extra fights potentially along the way).

Tegan blinks, "you'd lend me your blanket? Thank you, Ylena! You're very kind!" Tegan smiles.

The Group started through the trees agreed to head to the cave Mike Knew of. It was tough going, walking off the trail straight through the snow. At times the snow banks were so deep, Ant all but disappeared within them. The cold wind was biting and each of them felt it through the cold outfits they had to their bones. faces felt almost numb. When the cave was in sight they were all glad of it. Ylena and Ant were the worst off, both suffering greatly.

They found the cave empty, and it wasnt long before they had a fire going and were warming inside the confines of the cave, out of the cold and out of the wind. The consensus was to stay til morning and then leave again at dawn.

so far those who have non-lethal cold damage are Rorgar-1, Ant-6, Ylena-5 that will be erased and you will start fresh in the morning. I will roll 1 encounter for the night and advance the the game to the morning after 4 people have posted.

random encounter in cave 20%: 1d100 ⇒ 28

In the cave.

Rorgar busies himself digging into his gear as he notices Tegan's predicimant.

Lass, you will come up poorly in the morning, if you have no blankets or bedrolls. Here, take one of my blankets as well

He passes her the mentioned blanket as he goes out to get firewood and then bring it in for the fire.

After the fire is lit, he strips out of the armour, and starts checking it over for excess damage, which he repairs.

If no one minds, I will take the morning shift as my devotions to the maker are done best at that time.

he then lays out his other blanket on fir branches, and then lies down on them and covers up with his winter blanket.

For the GM's info, as a character, I will never sleep in armour. it is to restricting.
My morning routine will consist of Shift, get fire going, do devotions after first person up, put breakfast on, then get armoured back up.

Night Before

Ylena is not a particularly sturdy woman, and the snowdrifts are a challenge to get through. Even her warmest clothes can't keep the chill from numbing her hands and face.

"Thanks Rorgar," she mumbles as he brings firewood into the cave. She'd normally offer to help, but right now all she can do is huddle into her cloak and try to keep her fingers from freezing. Once the fire is lit, she sits as close as she can without setting herself aflame.

It's a long time before she feels completely thawed out. "I'm glad we stopped when we did. I'm not sure how much longer I could have kept going in that weather." She wiggles her fingers, glad to see they've regained their usual nimbleness. Finally moving back a bit from the fire, (although not too far), she sighs contentedly. "Much, much better."

Taking her deck from her pocket, she begins shuffling it. "I can take any watch. My eyes aren't great in the dark, but I can cast my lights far afield if needed. In the meantime, if anyone would care for a reading to pass the time, I'd be happy to perform one."

Morning

Ylena is not a morning person and grumbles a bit as she drags herself from her bedroll. "Need to-" A large yawn cuts off her off mid-sentence. "Ahhh-hhaaaa...prepare my spells. Just...give me a bit."

She sits in a loosely meditative posture as she begins continuously shuffling and reshuffling her deck. One might expect the cards to look worn, but they're somehow still pristine and new. After an hour, she pulls a single card out and looks at it with a wistful smile. "The Empty Throne. A card to honor the memory of those lost." She carefully returns it to the deck and stands, ready to go.

That evening

Mike spies Ant-icipation clattering in the cave, she narrows her eyes at the noise. "Yer as noisy as a Sunwrought celebration at noon." She touches the Ant, "Don't get used to it." Cast Endure elements before preparing spells.

Mike passes around a bottle of cheap whiskey and offers a toast, "One bottle for eight of us, thank Cayden there's no more of us! To new friends." Not sure if Ant-icipation wants whiskey but thought it best not to leave it out.

After having a good sup she regards the bottom of her cup. She sees that Kandoo is still bleeding under his bandages. She slaps him gently on the back.

Cure light wounds: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Trading in endure elements for new day for a heal, hopefully no one needs it.

Inside the cave, Tegan removes her traveling boots and places them near the fire to dry. She also removes her cloak, dusting off the melting snow, then placing it near the fire (but not too close) to dry and warm.

"Thanks again, Ylena, Rorgar, for letting me borrow the blankets. Maybe I can find some at the lodge to take once we get there." The wizard neatly lays one on the floor and the other on top as a cover. She unwraps the scarf around her neck and folds it into a makeshift pillow.

Tegan sits atop her makeshift bed while her cloak and boots dry. She thumbs through her spellbook, getting in some late-night reviewing while listening to her companions. "I couldn't have gone much longer either, Ylena." The sorcerer shakes her head, "I'm afraid I'm woefully unprepared for this. I'm glad we all have each other for company." She's feeling more comfortable around the others after being lent blankets. Tegan will watch in interest as Mike casts endure elements on AOUS.

"I'll take first or last watch," Tegan offers. She'll collect her dry boots before bed, and don the traveling cloak again before curling up to sleep.

Assuming she gets her full eight hours of sleep, Tegan will study her spellbook for an hour first thing in the morning. Her inclination towards studying trumps eating breakfast, peeing, and brushing her hair. The others can observe the normally well-groomed wizard with her nose inches from her spellbook's pages, going line by line and muttering as she reads. Tegan prepares Mage Armor and Magic Missile.

Tegan neatly folds and rolls up the blankets after her one hour of studying and returns the precious commodity to her companions.

I know that I am in a good group; when I am not of the qualifier...lol. Post after work.

preparing Divine Favor and Shield of Faith

Having taken up the mantle of cooking breakfast (Badly, for now), Rorgar brings a plate over to Tegan seeing as she was occupied.

Lass, you will be no good to us, if you don't have the energy to make it through the day. Now Eat up

He then washes his pot out and stows it along with the returned blanket.

Its the early hours of the morning. Barnaby and Ant are on watch, when a voice says in the darkness

Hail the cave. I saw the fire. Might I warm myself? Find some respite from this damned cold?

random encounter during the night 25%: 1d100 ⇒ 7
1d7 ⇒ 5
encounter type 1-Benign 2-hostile 3 friendly: 1d3 ⇒ 3
further 1-intelligent 2-non-intelligent: 1d2 ⇒ 1

When the sight of the blessed Cave comes into view, both the gnome and the Giant Ant seem to perk up a bit.
We will just check the immediate area to check for Tracks of anything to make a fuss over.

The Hunter and his Ant begin to survey the area.
He casts Guidance on them both.
Survival (Wis): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 1 = 23
Ant Aid Survival, scent: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 + 1 = 13

After a 10 minute survey of the Cave area, they both rejoin the group inside Nature's Hotel.
Barnaby begins to hum while preparing the camp fire. He pulls out some coneys, plates, cups, and a song!
Chip the glasses and crack the plates!
Blunt the knives and bend the forks!
That's what Bilbo Baggins hates—
Smash the bottles and burn the corks!

That's what Bilbo Baggins Barnaby Bastien Bridge hates!
So, carefully! carefully with the plates!

Crap! I didn't want to double post!

Barnaby places a finger to his lips. He and Ant then tiptoe to the front of the Cave; using any rock formations as cover.
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Ant Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

+2 from Cover.

They then peer outside for any body to go with the Voice.
Perception, LLV: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Ant Aid Perception, LLV, Scent: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Snoring away

perception: 1d20 + 3 - 10 ⇒ (15) + 3 - 10 = 8
normal bonus, sleeping.

guess I still sleeping.

sorry took a few days off for Easter with the fam. back now. lets roll...play ;)

While the group sleeps, Barnaby and Ant creep to the entrance and peer out. The see an elderly man with a beard wearing furs holding a staff. A sickle is on his belt. Beside him is a black bear, snuffling in the snow.

The bear glances up at the man and makes a sound like 'whoooof' mostly blowing out his mouth.

The man laughs and says ok Bors ...then louder My friend says he can smell you he says one of you smell edible. But dont worry he wont eat unless you turn hostile. Im Sheridan. Druid of hereabouts. This damn cold is unprecedented and suspicious as all get out. Bors and I are investigating. But now we need a place to sleep and get out of the wind. I spotted your fire in the dark. Can we enter please. I bear you no malice.

Barnaby peers out at the two visitors at their doorstep. The gnome looks at Ant-icipation.
The Giant Ant shrugs.
Barnaby sighs.

Next Trick for Ant will be Fetch!

The Druid smiles and answers back in

Barnaby smiles.
It was just a test. Be right back.

He orders Ant to Guard the entrance.
Handle Animal DC 12: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Barnaby reenters the Cave. The gnome then prompty--gently--wakes everyone up.
We have a midnight caller. He seems likely a druid with a Bear buddy. They asked if they may share our fire. I say yes.

Barnaby then returns to Ant's side.

Ylena is not entirely with it after being woken up in the middle of the night. "Druid...with a bear?" She sits up in her bedroll and gives the entrance to the cave a bleary-eyed stare. "Sure. More the merrier." She blinks slowly a few times. "Mr. Druid, does the bear accept cuddles? I'll bet he's really warm..."

Waking with a start, Rorgar reaches for his axe, then relaxes when he see's it Barnaby.

What in Torags name is up.

He then listens to the description.

Druid, Bear, but cold. Yes, let him in. If he becomes hostile, we can deal with at that time.

He then tiredly sits up and leans back on his gear.

Oh... Of course! Let's stay on our guard, but please bring the poor soul to the warmth. Sarenrae shall always bless us with her unending heat. - says the Paladin, standing up and briefly tapping his hair in place.

Mike rolls over and grumbles at Barnaby, "Five more minutes..." But she can't stay sleeping with everyone talking. She ignores the druid and bear for now, "Need. Coffee."

The Druid enters the cave and looks around My oh my. wasnt quite expecting a party. Id have brought drink if I had. Names Sheridan. This is Bors The Bear. Hes Bearable. and yes young lady he is quite willing to cuddle. Ive told him everything in this cave is off limits for eating, so no worries there. He does snore though, so you are fair warned.. Thank you for the hospitality. He stomps the snow off his feet in the entrance and makes his way to the back of the cave, laying out a bed roll. he settles in looking calm and carefree.

Rorgar guages the time.

I am going back to sleep, wake me for my shift.

He then crawls back under his blankets and drops off to sleep.

Ylena shifts her bedroll closer to the bear, who (despite his beary smell) is indeed quite warm and therefore a lovely sleeping companion. Too tired to care about the weirdness of it all, she also drifts back off to sleep.

Barnaby (responsibly) stays alert while continuing his watch...

The rest of the night passes without issue and morning comes, seeing the group gradually waking up. A little stiff from the night of sleeping on the hard stone floor.

Your 'cave' mate, Sheridan awakes and see's the damage Ant has and the wounds on Kandoo, fusses over you before he performs an incantation in the tongue of the Druids. Then says That should see you off better. I have a sense of things. Its odd to see this disparate a bunch of individuals in the same place. Id say youre Adventurers that have come to look into this freakish cold. Am I right? I cant accompany you, having my own agenda along those lines, however I can further your cause. Here are some herbs that can help. Its something that restore your manna when youve used it to cast spells. There is some randomness in how well it performs but thats still better than not. You brew it into a tea and drink it within 15 minutes to work I have 3 doses I can give you. he hands you some greenish brown dried leaves that are in small cloth packets.

3 doses of Habsalura. each dose restores 1d4 spells used as mentioned above. brew it. drink it within 15 minutes. So technically you could brew it before a battle and then during the battle restore some spells as an example...or just do it before or after.

cure light on Ant: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
cure light on Kandoo: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Ylena doesn't feel fully awake until she's had the chance to prepare her spells for the new day. Once that's finished, she finally addresses their new friend with some measure of clarity. "Thank you very much, Sheridan, for your help. And Bors too, for keeping me warm last night." She gives the bear's fur an affectionate ruffle. "We originally came out here to rescue Lady Argentea, but it seems that her kidnapping and the strange cold weather are closely entwined. If we find out what's causing it, we'll do our best to stop it. For Heldren's sake, if nothing else."

"The herbs are most appreciated. All I can offer you in return is a reading, if you don't mind?"

"I wish you the best of luck in your travels, Sheridan. May the North Star guide you."

After his shift, Rorgar sets the campfire up, and while it is getting a good bed of coals, he goes to prepare his spells for the day.

Coming back in a bit, he puts a pot on the fire, and starts to cook breakfast. Trail rations if there is nothing better

Sorry, but I can only do so much with what I have.

He then ensures everyone has food before he washes up the breakfast stuff, and stows it.

Sheridan listened to the reading with interest, his brow furrowing at times. When she was done and the group was preparing to leave, he stood up and said Thank you for this Ylena, You have a gift. I will take every word to heart and have great care in my endeavor. You do the same please. If The Green wishes our paths will cross again. Go with the Earthmothers blessing. Come Bors.

and as the black furred bear moved from person to person nuzzling them and pushing against them, occasionally licking a face, they made their way to the cave entrance and exited into the cold again.

Tegan doesn't realize the party has a guest until she wakes up to study her spellbook for an hour. With everything the party has experienced so far, Tegan is hesitant to have this stranger in the cave with them. Barnaby is too trusting.

After her hour of study, Tegan will cautiously watch Ylena read Sheridan using her deck. Tegan had to admit to herself that Sheridan's bear companion, Bors, is rather cute. She discreetly tries to pet the creature as it makes its round sniffing and snuffling each party member. She tries to avoid being licked on the face.

In packing up, Rorgar offers the leftover in the pot to Bors before they leave.

Barnaby returns when his watch is finished. The gnome then talks with Sheridan a bit, before turning to sleep.

In the morning, Barnaby--and his Giant Ant--feel refreshed.
We can go hunt for breakfast. Be back in an hour.

The two run excitedly out the cave to rustle up something for breakfast! He cast Guidance on them.
Survival DC 10: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26
Ant's Aid, scent DC 10: 1d20 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8

Survival to forage

Ant-icipation actually gets distracted by some light flashing off the leaves....

Barnaby actually catches a brace of rabbits; that just happen to be having an union meeting, concerning foresting territory....

The smiling gnome--and his frustrated Ant--arrive back within an hour of dawn.
He sets about dressing and cooking! The gnome hums while he works...

Ready to leave the shelter of the cave, the group heads back out into the weather after extinguishing the fire.

An hour later they were back on the trail and down slope into a small valley, Ant was shivering from the cold. Shortly there after they arrived at a small stream Barnaby mentions is cold 'Wishbone Creek'. The cold weather has frozen the creek over. Straight ahead before the edge of the creek a snowman has been made in the middle of the trail. A crude wooden sign leans against the base of the snowman bearing the words 'Trespassers Turn Back'. As they moved cautiously forward the snowman seemed to speak in Taldan Can't you read! The Sign Says Turn Back. Now Get Lost!"

Ant should be quite comfortable right now. I'm sure it has 12 or so hours left on endure elements. Barnaby on the other hand...

As morning broke Mike didn't speak to anyone other than to complain about her need for coffee.

As they came across the strange snowmen she comments while looking around, "More fey tricks?"

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

True. Forgot about that. Ill adjust his non lethal back in the stat block. already did on the map. remaining on endure elements 9.5 hours. (going from 6pm to 830 am)