GM Michael's Reign of Winter

Game Master Dread

we can end combat now.....

The divine favor was spontaneously burned as a cure light wounds. That is why I didn't put a counter on it.

As soon as Rorgar gets to Mike
No nap time for you. Up an at em
CLW: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Burning Shield of Faith for CLW

On the hope that she can heal us once she is up

Yay, she will be up by 1 whole hp. Such a crappy roll

Barnaby seems as if he really is thinking hard on rather, or not to keep the stupid a+~!*~% bandit down and out!
Melee: Machete, prone, flank: 1d20 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 4 + 2 = 131d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Ant shifts his position a bit and continues to bite the caster.
Bite, prone, grappled, flank: 1d20 + 2 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 4 + 2 = 231d4 ⇒ 3
Maintain grapple, prone, grappled, flank: 1d20 + 6 + 4 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 4 + 4 + 2 = 26

Swinging to cause a bit of an intimidation factor, the gnome decides to allow....
Shit! Ant! Well, that is a shame! We will just have to wake him up some time in the next few minutes...

Barnaby looks up at the particularly lithe looking Half Orc.
You were saying?

The Gnome does not look like he isn't f$~*ing around!
And neither does his Giant Ant!

I was going to flip a penny; but, decided to allow the dice to decide his fate!

Mike opens her eyes and sighs...stands up and calls upon the healing energies of the Lucky Drunk...then does so a second time immediately after.

channel: 1d6 ⇒ 1

channel: 1d6 ⇒ 5

Rimesong, Kandoo, Tegan, Ylena, Rorgar, Mike, Rorgar and barnaby all heal 6.

she says Thats it for me until I rest.

stabilize for Rorkhar 1 and DC 12,13: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (19) + 0 = 191d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Rorkhar stopped bleeding.

I was at max HP from the 7 HP I got from my divine favor spell. I guess I explode from overhealing. :)

this divine favor? Divine Favor 'cause theres no healing with this one...?

never mind you spontaneously cast cure light wounds burning divine favor...got it

The wizard seems to benefit significantly from Rorgar's channel.

Tegan straightens her clothing and hair. Her hands tremble slightly with the movement. "W-well, we s-should p-probably get Lady Argentea and loot the corpses."

Mage Armor active: +4 armor bonus to AC until noon.

If Tegan healed for 6, shouldn't she be at 7/8 HP?

no. Tegan was at 0. 0 is where you get the staggered condition. because youre not unconscious but have no HP

Oooooh, ok

The fight over the party went over the corpses and pulled the gear off those who had surrendered as well. They began a room to room search of the lodge, as well as releasing the Lady Argentea and the other three captives.

A person who has pale skin and white hair and ice blue eyes..with a bit of a regal nature.

Another who looked like a barbarian from among one of the Kellid tribes.

finally a lithe half orc who carries himself confidently with a wry smile.

They find their gear in heaps in the cornet of the main room, easily identified.

on the bandits they find 12 suits of padded armor, 12 bucklers, 12 short bows, a total of 215 arrows, 96 gold, 40 silver.

Tacey has her gear of course. (unless you wish to slay her and take her gear)

In Rorkhars room- A gold ingot bearing the Taldan Royal seal worth 100 Gold. A Spyglass worth 20gp, a silver Ladys ring worth 50gold. 6 tigers eyes gemstones worth 10 gold each, a fine well made air of elven made leather boots (MW can be enchanted), A Silver Dagger with a hidden compartment in the hilt that can hold a vial of something- currently a dose of centipede poison), scroll of endure elements, , 2 scrolls of magic weapon, scroll of unseen servant, all in leather satchel. healers kit with 5 uses

On Rorkhar- scroll of animate dead (10hd), 1 dose of greenblood oil, 2 doses of oil of taggit, MW Studded leather, Dagger, Light Crossbow an 10 bolts, MW Shortsword, A Magical Cloak of white fur

in a small birdcage upstairs they find a tortured winter touched sprite...named Vrixx.

In the storeroom is a slall chest, (Rorkhar had the key and the key to the birdcage) 3 scrolls of lesser animate dead (2hd), 2 doses greenblood oil, 30 platnum, 200 Gold, 300 Silver, A blue quartze 'ice diamond' worth 300 gold, 4 oils of magic weapon, 12 flasks of Alchemists Fire.

The group put unconscious Rorkhar and the 2 sick bandits in the sick room while they all gathered, including Tacey and the The Lady Argentea and the 3 other prisoners in the grand Lodge Hall.

"It seems we owe you for our lives" - the half-orc nodded, his tone gruff but sincere as he rubbed his wrists, rubbed raw by the ropes - "I am Reknar"

Barnaby stoops (just a bit mind you) down to clean his machete off on the now unconscious leader. The Gnome then rises (yes; he does need to rise: A bit!) to look at the lithe 1/2 Orc female.
Excuse my manners, Miss Ten-Penny! I am Barnaby Bastien Bridge! This...

The excited Gnome gestures at his Giant Ant.
...is Ant-icipation! We are here to rescue the Lady Argentea Malassene! Do you, by chance know where she may be?

Once the living bandits were secured, Barnaby--and Ant--help with searching the Lodge.
Opening the cellar door to the captives, he introduces himself (once again to each person found) and his Giant Ant to them.
Hello! Nice to meet you! How 'bout you come with us; if you want to live!

The Gnome winks.

Finally finding the floundering Lady, Barnaby gets all excited (yes; even more excited than before) that the Gnome can't speak!

Ant-icipation chitters in what sounds like hysterical laughter!

Barnaby would like the MW Thieves' Tools.

"Ylena." The young woman is pale, fingering the holes left in the cloth by the arrow that nearly took her life. "As Barnaby said. We came here to rescue the Lady Argentea. Yuln, one of her bodyguards, told us she had been captured."

She shivers and starts mindlessly shuffling her deck. "I've done as the cards suggested, and they have given me no further guidance. More needs to be done, regarding this unnatural winter, but...I don't think I'm the person to do it." She swallows hard, then straightens. "I'll help escort Lady Argentea back to Heldrin, but I can't go any further than that. I'm sorry."

Tegan listens as Barnaby, AOUS, and Ylena approach Lady Argentea.

When there's pause, the wizard gives her own acknowledgment: "Lady Argentea, it is good to find you alive. Especially after seeing what happened to your carriage." Tegan politely avoids mentioning the grotesque sight of the noble's guards. "I am Tegan Ryker, scholarly magician, at your service." She keeps her hands clasped in front of her but bows her head slightly.

-----

"It seems we owe you for our lives" - the half-orc nodded, his tone gruff but sincere as he rubbed his wrists, rubbed raw by the ropes - "I am Reknar"

Opening the cellar door to the captives, he introduces himself (once again to each person found) and his Giant Ant to them.

"Hello! Nice to meet you! How 'bout you come with us; if you want to live!"

The Gnome winks.

Tegan’s gray eyes take in the sight of three prisoners. She certainly hadn't expected captives other than Lady Argentea. Her gloved hand tugs down the scarf looped around her neck to reveal her mouth and nose. "Are you alright?" Her voice is feminine and polite.

She introduces herself again but without the extra formality given to Lady Argentea.

-----

Once introductions have been made, Tegan methodically examines and sorts the bandits' items. When she sees the white fur cloak, she examines it carefully.
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

"This is a "Cloak of the Yeti!" Tegan snakes her slender arms into the coat to try it on. She looks down herself in the heavy coat, "would anyone else like to try it on? It makes the wearer look a bit... intimidating."

The wizard stores the spellbook and the scroll of Endure Elements on her person without conferring with the party.

Quietly, Tegan whispers to her companions, "Err, what should we do with her?" And motions to Tacey.

Opening the cellar door to the captives, he introduces himself (once again to each person found) and his Giant Ant to them.

Hello! Nice to meet you! How 'bout you come with us; if you want to live!

"Sounds like a solid offer" - Reknar nodded.

Tegan’s gray eyes take in the sight of three prisoners. She certainly hadn't expected captives other than Lady Argentea. Her gloved hand tugs down the scarf looped around her neck to reveal her mouth and nose. "Are you alright?" Her voice is feminine and polite.

"Yes.. This is nothing" - the half-orc offered a polite, short bow at the woman, and pulled his sleeves - "Thank you"

Rorgar wades back in the snow to where he dropped his bow, then comes back into the lodge.

Ah heat, I guess we could all use it for the night, so and take her back in the morning.

He brushes the snow off and introduces himself.

Rorgar here, follower of the Maker

Barnaby giggles as Tegan models the found cloak.
Tegan! Why you look marvelous! As I am not too intimidating; doubtful that I could make much use of it.

Ant begins chittering excitedly.
Ant agrees, Tegan. You look regal!

At Tegan's mention of Ten-Penny, the giggling gnome just shrugs.
Above our pay grade, I s'pose.

Barnaby addresses those gathered.
We set out to find and rescue Lady Argentea from these notoriously mean bandits. We have suceeded; although, some of us have chosen to return to Heldren.

The little gnome suddenly turns (a bit) serious. He looks at Tegan and Rorgar.
We three need to continue with this mystery. Our Home is in trouble from these Winter invaders!

Aye, we have to see what else is plaguing this land with the unnatural weather.

Rorgar moves close to the fireplace and warms himself up while he looks around the room.

May I suggest that those that wish to take Lady Argentea back to Heldren, wait until the morning, then they can make it in one day, instead of having to camp one more night out

He pauses somberly

Now about those in the other room
He pauses with the open question.

"I have to admit I am not from the region" - Reknar pipes in again - "I heard some rumors about the weather - was assuming it was just people being people, and complaining about it, even though it might be the same exact as the previous year" - he added - "Is that not the case?"

Tegan continues to wear the white fur coat on upon hearing Barnaby and AOUS' comments. "You're too kind."

The little gnome suddenly turns (a bit) serious. He looks at Tegan and Rorgar.

"We three need to continue with this mystery. Our Home is in trouble from these Winter invaders!"

"Indeed. My aunt's livelihood depends on the seasons. This frost is way too early."

Are we in agreement for killing the remaining bandit named Tacey? Or did we want to march them back to Heldren for a trial?

-----

After discussing plans with the party, Tegan approaches the birdcage with the key off of Rorkhar's body. She sees the tortured winter touched sprite, Vrixx, inside. The wizard intoduces herself, then asks "How did you get captured?"

Oh my, Tegan; our Wizard is a bit blood thirsty...lol? Barnaby would actually defer to Lady Argentea in Ten-Penny's release, capture and trial; but not an on the spot execution.

Hehe :p Well, she did feel real life or death danger!

After discussing plans with the party, Tegan approaches the birdcage with the key off of Rorkhar's body. She sees the tortured winter touched sprite, Vrixx, inside. The wizard intoduces herself, then asks "How did you get captured?"

An angry-looking human with snow-white hair and sideburns walks past all the rescuers, then turns to face them.

”Band of adventurers...” - Reknar shook his head and chuckled - ”More a band of newbies who poke their nose where they shouldn’t, then get jumped and captured by bandits I would say” - he adds in response to Viktor, while re-fitting his gear.

”In any case, the lady was not speaking to you Viktor” - he just kept on shaking his head.

"'Şhę' âşkęd dę quęşţîon! Î ânşwęręd îţ, Ręknar!" Viktor said, blue eyes blazing. "Yęț no onę haź ănșweręd my queșțîon. ÂRĘ ŢHĘRĘ ÂNY BÂNDÎŢ BÂŞŢÂRDS ŞŢÎLL ÂLÎVĘ FOR MĘ ŢO FLÂY!!"
Intimidate (if any nearby bandits can hear him): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

After some discussion,Kandoo says he has to take The Lady back. tThey will take the 4 horses with Ylena and Rorkhar.

While Mike and Rimesong follow on with the two sick bandits on foot.

Leaving Tegan, Barnaby, and Rorgar to continue....given the dangers of the trail so far, discussion turns to Reknar, Hroth and Victor joining in the quest to find out what is causing the weather....and stopping it.

Hey, there is one alive, but she will stand trial for her actions, as apparently she helped us, and not actively attacked us.
For that, she will get the right to a fair trial, and not executed.

Rorgar, moves to interpose himself between tenpenny and Viktor

Edit, unless she has already gone back to town in which case my comments are to tell him to tone it down as they have left to stand trial.

Viktor gives the dwarf a hard look.

"Smooth Viktor, really smooth..." - Reknar shook his head again.

Barnaby--and his Giant Ant--gives hugs to Mike, Rimesong, Kandoo and Ylena. The gnome--and his Giant Ant--seem to have tears on their cheeks.
Farewell, my friends. We hope that your new journey is filled with good food, good drink, good jokes...

Ant-icipation chitters.

And, I know, good sugar cubes!

The Hunter just gives Rorkhar the sink eye; as does Ant-iciapation!

They both give Ten-Penny their thanks; and offering her good luck on her upcoming trial.

Barnaby then begins to gather everything of use about the Lodge; while the newcomers begin settling in...mostly.

So, what is our next string to pull in this Winter mystery of ours?

"Hey, there is one alive, but she will stand trial for her actions, as apparently, she helped us, and not actively attacked us.

For that, she will get the right to a fair trial, and not executed."

Tegan is carrying the birdcage with the tiny wintery fey inside. The key of which is also on her person. "Two to stand trial."

-----

Viktor gives the dwarf a hard look.

Giant: Spoiler
"Î șhăll go ănd șęărch for my șword, șpęllbook ănd gęăr. Îf my șpęllbook îz dęșțroyęd, țhe bîţch dîęş."

The wizard tilts her head slightly. "Is this your spellbook?" She reveals the spellbook she looted. The spellbook contains Alarm, Chill Touch, Expeditious Retreat, Feather Fall, Identify, Locate Object, and Ray of Enfeeblement.

The wizard tilts her head slightly. "Is this your spellbook?" She reveals the spellbook she looted. The spellbook contains Alarm, Chill Touch, Expeditious Retreat, Feather Fall, Identify, Locate Object, and Ray of Enfeeblement.

"Nó, mâ'dâm. My şpęllbóók hăż "Grîmórę dę Ból" ón țhę covęr." Viktor moods cools as the spellcaster offers her help. "Âlşó țhę covęr îż mădę wîțh mînóţâur hîdę."

"Nó, mâ'dâm. My şpęllbóók hăż "Grîmórę dę Ból" ón țhę covęr." Viktor moods cools as the spellcaster offers her help. "Âlşó țhę covęr îż mădę wîțh mînóţâur hîdę."

"Oh. That's... nice." The wizard politely comments. (She doesn't think a book cover made of minotaur hide is nice.)

"Ţhâńk yóu, by țhę wăy. Âllów mę țó înțróduce myșęlf. Î âm Lórd Vîkţór Bęţyrîńâ, Ţhîrd Şóń ăńd Şcîón óf Hóuşę Bęţyrînâ." Viktor gives the wizard a small courtly bow.

Still holding the birdcage with the trapped fey, Tegan nods and covers her mouth and nose again with her scarf.

Rorgar takes the time to wish those leaving well.
He looks over at everyone that has remained.

So I know we are going to need to figure out this problem, but let us look into it on a good nights rest.

He lowers his pack, and pulls out his sleeping gear.
He then starts looking over his gear for damage and repairs the minor damage that he does find.

Can someone wake me at 4 of the clock in the morning, and I will take that watch.

He still offers a pair of blankets to Tegan for an improvised bedroll for her.

"I will take the one just before" - Reknar spoke from under his cowl even before thinking about it - "Assuming it will be ok to stick with you for now" - he added.

Barnaby sits quietly that evening (during his watch) thinking about the pass few days. The gnome peers outside the front windows of the Lodge. The relentless falling snow covers everything that he can see. The bitter winds from the North cut through the sparse foliage with determination.
What is going on, really? Winter witches? Fables of a dead Queen? Bandits, evil Fey, and now three strangers found in a cellar?

The little gnome turns to look at Ant-icipation. He smiles. The Giant Ant is also watching...the new comers.

The next morning, Barnaby scrounges up enough found food to spoil those in attendance for breakfast.
Eating a bit boisterously, the Gnome (and you were expect Ant) mouths the question facing their new Band.
So, what's next?

looking around the only course of actions seems to be to follow the apparent trail, across the rope bridge over the gorge...and on to...whatever is down the trail. There must be a reason they killed the sentinels and seized the lodge....and to guard the crossing makes sense.

"Węłł, wę ćâń'ţ şţây hęrę fór țhę ręșț óf óur łîveș. Wę fółłów țhę ţrâîł óvęr țhę górgę țó șęę whâţ țhę şęńţîńęlş węrę guârdîńg." The bored noble spoke to the others.

Still holding the birdcage with the trapped fey, Tegan nods and covers her mouth and nose again with her scarf. The wizard appears as if she's ready to go.

"M'łâdy." Vikto asks, trying to be diplomatic. "Why dó yóu hółd yóur şćârf óver yóur ńóşę ăńd móuţh? Dóęs îț hăvę țó dó wîțh yóur ęńşłâvęd fęy?"
Has Tegan introduced herself during our time together in the lodge?

"How long have you all been locked up? It's freezing out there and I'm afraid I don't have the constitution for it."

She laughs, "No, my attire isn't related to this fey. Do you know why this fey is locked up in a birdcage?"

"Regardless, I'm afraid to let it out. We've been attacked by similar creatures."

"And, please, call me Tegan. Due to the circumstance, apologies m'lady," Tegan does a small, polite nod at Lady Argentea, "I think we can forgo formalities until we figure out what's causing this strange weather."

Sorry, I'd assumed Tegan introduced herself collectively to Viktor and Reknar.

"Âh!" The jadwiga faux pas, forgets southern folk are as hardy as his stock. Vikto tries to redirect the conversation away from his mistake. "Âţţęmpţîńg țó bręâk țhę fęy'ş wîłł, țheń. Ćómmęńdâbłe, Mâ'..Ţegân. Â dîffîćułţ róăd lîęş âhęâd óf yóu, buţ fruîtfuł îf şuććeşşfuł. Î wîşh yóu luck."

Earlier: The afternoon after the fight to secure the Sentinels Lodge there had been the flurry of activity to get rid of the blood and bodies so as not to attract predators. All was dumped off the side of the gorge where they could see Rorkhars Raiders had done the same to the sentinels. During the time Vrixx, the captive Winter-Touched Sprite had begged and pleaded to be released. Explaining the horrible torture it had undergone at Rorkhars hands, promising to not say anything to anyone about them.

As afternoon turned to evening, The sprite had changed tactics to cussing and threatening and promising pain. His hatred coming through.

Warm meals, soft beds, good sleep had followed. Mike had lead Rimsesong, Tacey, and the two sick bandits out at dawns light headed back on foot.

An Hour later Kandoo, Ylena,Lady Areentea and Rorkhar on Horse Back had followed.

Barnaby and Ant lead the way across the rope bridge, with Victor following. Rorgar came next with Tegan holding the cage with the
Vrixx. Finally Reknar came last...

The group had made their way through the wintry forest, in below freezing weather until they came to an area where the forest stood deathly quiet. Even the wind grew still as snow softly fell through stark branches overhead. Tracks, human in size, but oddly mishapen, mar an ootherwise hunlemishedt rtail through the trees

go to the active page on roll 20 and move your character 1 full turns movmeement

Tegan, usually keeping to the back of the march, is thoroughly bundled with her cold-weather outfit and newly-acquired Cloak of the Yeti pulled up over her head. The wizard knows the intimidating appearance of the hood adds little to her slender frame but hopes it will deter the more cowardly bandits. Tegan's light crossbow is strapped across her back so she can easily carry the birdcage.

Upon seeing the oddly misshapen human tracks, Tegan tries to recall a creature capable of leaving such strange ground marks.
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Delaying move action to see where melee moves to first.

Barnaby skips along the path through the snow covered ground. The Gnome stays next to his Giant Ant; both up front scouting 20' in front of the group.

As the sounds of the animals ceased, the Hunter begins hold up a hand for those behind them.
A quiet forest is a dangerous forest.

Ant-icipation chitters a bit in agreement.

They both examine the found tracks. They then begin to follow them to determine the quantity.
Survival (Wis): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 +1 Tracking
Ant's Aid Survival (Wis) DC 10: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Tegan, usually keeping to the back of the march, is thoroughly bundled with her cold-weather outfit and newly-acquired Cloak of the Yeti pulled up over her head. The wizard knows the intimidating appearance of the hood adds little to her slender frame but hopes it will deter the more cowardly bandits.

When the wizard dons her new Cloak of the Yeti, Viktor remarks, "Țhę ćlóâk. Îț lóókś..fęţćhîńg. Î hópę Î ęm șăyîńg țhăț ćorręćţły. Ţhę yęţî fur łóókș fęţćhîńg óń yóu, Ţęgâń."

Viktor also notices the tracks, but unfamiliar with snowprints and track, the magus tries to look at them from a spellcaster's perspective.
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22

Reknar drew steel, and kept his position at the back of the group, observing their surroundings from below the heavy winter cowl.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

Rorgar moving along in the unfamiliar spot of 3rd in the order of march, moves along with the group.

When he spots the unfamiliar tracks, he starts looking around.
perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

However, he is entranced by the splendor of the area, and doesn't see the forest for the trees.