Finngarth blinks at the Troll's swearing of service to Irina, and puts two and two together. She must be a White Witch and the others are her retinue.
Skald"My apologies, mistress. I didn't know I was in the presence of royalty. I may humbly suggest not bringing any troll in view of my wife, she has a deep... mistrust of such creatures. You understand, surely mistress?"
It's very apparent that Finngarth is very nervous (more than even being the presence of Jadwiga would cause) when he mentions this, and definitely leaving something out. He's bad at hiding his feelings, especially in this condition.
Gorbatz nods sagely to Irina's words. He's surprisingly well-spoken, for a troll:
Skald"Family troubles, Gorbatz understands. There is much uncertainty in the city after Dear Grandmother failed to return. But I do not fear death, only fire. I would be my honor to accompany and protect you."
He scratches his lichen covered chin with an enormous claw, curiously looking at the motley group.
You return to the cottage without incident, though the trek is as expected a slog through bitterly cold temperatures and half-frozen mud. Still, Finngarth only loses his way once - you think the parasitic fungus definitely sapped his sense of judgement and awareness.
As you approach the homestead, the redhead already waits for you anxiously. The second she spots her husband, Sylgja comes bounding towards at top speed. The woman shouts in joy and relief:
Skald"My love, you idiot, I can't believe... I... you look terrible. Are you okay?"
The two embrace and kiss deeply, Finngarth picking his wife up and twirling her around him. It's an touching moment, but it's also when you notice that Sylgja has a large fox's tail hidden underneath her dress... you don't believe that it's a fur, either...
Neither seems to immediately realize this slip. Instead, Sylgja catches her balance and her breath before giving you an enormous smile. She wipes away the tears from her eyes.
Skald"Forgive me. We are deeply grateful for this service, and I promised you a reward. Finngarth, I'm sure you can part with your lucky trap. It's the best we have to offer."
The woman rushes back to the side of home you a small shed, procuring a finely crafted beartrap. Sylgja's husband nods, happy to honor the offer.
Taking 10 on Spellcraft for a 22, Irina determines this item is anInsidious Beartrap. You believe it's worth about 6,300 gp.
After handing the wondrous item over (and refusing to take no for an answer), Sylgja in equal determination demands to feed and lodge you in her home for the evening. It's an exceptionally cozy affair, if you accept, but the food is delicious and the drink delightfully warming.
What do you do?
Irina (sense motive):
Based in your knowledge of moss trolls and based on your brief conversations with this specific one, you don't believe Gorbatz will do anything you don't want him to. So while he might normally try to eat the horses or children, he wouldn't do that unless permitted. You doubt he'd even deign to ask unless very hungry, as he thinks Irina is Jadwiga after all and they have very little patience for needy followers.
The battle rages for some time, the party delivering blow after blow against the regenerating fungi and troll, eventually subduing both ghosts the parasites were using. In turn, the insidious mold squirm away through narrow passages in the burrow, fleeing from your reach before you can lay waste to them. You have good reason to believe the sentient fungi will leave the region to find less hostile environs.
Finngarth surrenders the moment he's released from the mold's enthrallment, and once he regains his senses, thanks you profusely.
Skald"I owe you my freedom and my life, strangers. I don't know why you came to this wretched place, but I feared that I'd never see my beautiful wife again. She'll no doubt be very grateful also. Is happily take you back to our cabin - hospitality is the least I can offer."
The man looks... bad, both from the injuries of the battle and the numerous punctures in his neck and back where the fungus was leeching his vital fluids, but you think he'll live. It's also quite apparent his sense of judgement has been severely impaired, the reason for that is less apparent but likely related to the mold also.
Then, quite unexpectedly, the Moss Troll gasps deeply and awakens. The brute is confused and disoriented but not at all hostile. Blinking, it looks about and then focuses on Irina.
Giant"Jadwiga, you have spared me - I am in your eternal debt. I am called Gorbatz Longtooth, and I have nothing to repay your kindness but my service."
The creature stares at the woman expectantly, though you have little doubt that he'll not complain if you release him from his debt. You could also kill him, but he sees you as saviors, not enemies.
Experience: Everyone gains 400 XP for the Troll Burrow Encounter. Assuming you allow Finngarth to keep his gear, your only loot is the Gorbatz's spear (unless you let him keep that too)
Grimgisli opens fire though the troll has closed the distance - the giants lashes out with impossible speed and rakes a claw across his arm 5 damage. But both his shots strike true, and despite the speed of the scuttling moss it cannot escape. Hey he watches as the fungi slowly knits itself back together, not unlike the troll albeit not so dramatically.
Goliath proves not quite so lucky - his blade hacks again into Finngarth as the mold just barely escapes his wrath. The zombie-like warrior looks bloodied but not beaten. But taking advantage of the direction, Therm scrapes their tusks against the vile fungus.
Adrian in turn unleashes a wasting ray against the troll, but even as a puppet its inherent resilience lessens the impact of the strength draining curse.
Vinccenso fires a pair of magic missiles unerringly into the mold, but it the arcane force is dissipated by the chaotic, First World energy that infuses it failed to beat SR. He shouts in surprise:
Common"This blasted infestation is resistant to my spells!"
Irina fires a frigid ray but cannot get a good shot in the melee. It freezes a small patch of lichen on the wall.
Cylina comes in swinging with her now enchanted morningstar, and lands a savaging blow on the mold.
Your enemies continue to fight ferociously.
The Moss Troll steps up to Grimgisli and unleashes a flurry of tooth and claw. The ranger escapes the worst of it, but the brute lands a scraping bite on him 4 damage.
Unable to break through Goliath's impregnable defenses, Finngarth turns to Therm, cleaving through the creature 17 damage with a potent application of precision and power, flowing through to hack deeply into the adjacent Cylina 19 damage. However, such a mighty blow has overextended the warrior, leaving him vulnerable -2 AC from Cleave.
Conversely, the mindslaver mold that controls the man squirms behind him, attempting to stay away from danger best it can +4 AC from full defense.
The other fungus fires another spore pod at Grimgisli, knowing he cannot retaliate with his bow in such close quarters... but the unsteady movement of its host and the proximity of the target spare the ranger from the explosion of infectious spores...
Cylina: 5 ft. step, swing (bless, magic weapon)
Vincessno: magic missile at MS Mold
Finngarth: Power Attack Therm
Mindslaver Mold 1: Avoidance, Full Defense
Moss Troll: AoO Grimgisli, 5 ft. step, Full Attack Grimgisli
Mindslaver Mold 2: Avoidance, Fire at Grimgisli
The archer Grimgisli fires two swift shots through the false flames, but unable to see his target neither strike true.
Goliath and Therm try to flank the infested Finngarth but find him too canny with his back to the wall. The druid's scimitar misses but his companion manages to land a solid blow. Unfortunately, the troublesome fungus scutters out of the way just in time and Finngarth is instead struck.
Adrian continues to focus on his illusion, hoping it'll ward off the troll a bit longer.
Vincessno sidesteps, staying well out of combat. He attempts to blind Finngarth but the tough Ulfen man resists.
Irina successfully lands her hex of vulnerability on the addled, terrified troll.
Cylina steps back and casts a blessing of magic weapon on her morningstar, bracing to wade into melee.
Adrian's ruse continues to fool the Troll. Unfortunately, the parasitic mold is not so easy to trick. It wills the hulking brute towards the noiseless flames, and for a moment the giant breaks partially free of the domination, begging:
Giant"No, not through the fire... not the fire..."
But the mold reasserts control, and forces the Troll to dash forward, terror in its eyes. Even though it passes through unharmed, the creature is shaken by the experience. Nevertheless, it reaches out to grab Grimgisli with long, reaching fingers tipped with vicious claws... but to no avail, the huntsman is faster.
Both Mindslavet Molds fire spore pods, at Therm and Grimgisi respectively from the cover of their hosts. However, neither shot comes close in the frantic melee.
Finngarth swings yet again against Goliath but simply cannot penetrate the man's layered defenses...
Cylina: 5 ft. step, cast magic weapon
Vincessno: 5 ft. step, blindness/deafness on Finngarth
Finngarth: Power Attack Goliath... again
Mindslaver Mold 1: Fire at Therm
Moss Troll: Move Forward, Will Save, Grapple
Mindslaver Mold 2: Fire at Grimgisli
The battle continues, a muddled and frantic fight in the dark and claustrophobic confines of the cavern.
Grimgisli starts with a pair of well-aimed shots at the lumbering troll, both shafts digging deep into its flesh. But the monster doesn't seem to react, even grunt as it staggers forwards, and you see both arrows slowly being pushed out as the giant's flesh knits back together...
Goliath brings a mighty swing down on the mold that infests Finngarth's back, and while it attempts to twist away the scimitar strikes true. Fungi and lichen falls into the muddy floor.
Adrian conjures a wall of silent, but otherwise very believable illusory flames, hoping to ward off the troll's advance.
Vincessno fumbles with his spell components, conjuring an orb of caustic liquid but failing to hurl it past his own allies - it splashes on an exposed root, noxious fumes rising from it.
Irina finishes her incantation and Finngarth falls instantly asleep - but uncannily stays on his feet as he snores... weapon still in hand.
Cylina invokes the favor of Milani to Bless (+1 to hit, +1 vs. fear) the party.
The troll steps backwards and hurls is spear through the flames at Grimgisli, but it slams into the ceiling above you.
The moss monster on its back fires a spore pod at Adrian, but misses by a wide mark. The other digs its tendrils into Finngarth, waking him.
The warrior Finngarth takes a second swipe at Goliath but his axe merely glances off the man's thick wooden shield.
Finngarth: Power Attack Goliath, 5 ft. step north
Mindslaver Mold 1: Wake Finngarth
Moss Troll: Throw Spear at Grimgisli
Mindslaver Mold 2: Spore pod at Adrian)
Taken off guard, the party is attacked on two flanks, one of which is the man they were sent to save. And quickly you realize something is quite awry with the situation...
The Moss Troll moves forward into the cave, it's moments wooden like a puppet. It sniffs for the unseen intruder, recognizing his general location on coming within five feet. The brute blindly stabs out with its massive spear, but the strike only comes close enough to Adrian to cause damage to his calm.
With a terrible sucking sound and then a pop, a strange bundle is expulsed from first Finngarth and then the troll, aimed at Goliath and Adrian respectively. But neither but their mark, exploding into a cloud of spores on the cavern wall.
Presuming that neither Grimgisli or Goliath do anything that would stop this, Finngarth will charge Goliath. If they do something that significantly alters the situation, I'll change his action but keep the roll. This also assumes Goliath has both his shield and a weapon out.
The infested man stares at you blankly, mouth moving mechanically as if unused to speech:
Skald"Submit... do not fight..."
He then rushes across the room, axe gripped expertly in two hands for a devastating overhead chop. But Goliath manages to intercept the blow with his shield just in time. Whoever Finngarth is our was, he's an skilled warrior.
Everyone may act. I'll keep Irina's previous action unless she wants to change it, just post a filler post so I don't wait on you.
Initiative:
Moss Troll 20
Unknown 20
Finngarth 14
Grimgisli 19 Underground, neither forest or cold.
Goliath 18
Adrian 11
Vincessno 11
Irina 6
Cylina 5
Goliath (knowledge nature):
Goliath recognizes the fungus on both creatures as Mindslaver Mold, a rare, intelligent and parasitic fungi native to the realm of the fey which infests and controls hapless prey. Once he sees the troll, he'll know it is infected too.
Finngarth: Readied Charge/Charge
Mindslaver Mold 1: Spore pod at Goliath FF TAC
Moss Troll: Move forward to Adrian
Mindslaver Mold 2: Spore pod Adrian (50%)
Adrian weaves an illusion which hides him from sight, then prowls back the tunnel to investigate the incoming footsteps. Grimgisli follows at a close distance, while the others remain in the large chamber with Finngarth.
A sudden flash of... not awareness, but disconcerting, almost puppet-like movement takes the previously torpid Finngarth. He hefts a dangerous looking axe in two hands, and begins to jerk forward. He speaks, but his voice is hollow and without inflection:
Skald"Drop... your weapons. Do not fight. Do not resist."
Down the tunnel, Adrian sees the lumbering form of a troll - a moss troll. It carries a crude spear, but there's something... wrong about it. And this whole situation. Like Finngarth, the giant's shoulders and back are covered in a blanket of fungi, and its eyes glassy and face slackjaw. All the same, despite Adrian's cloak of invisibility the creature seems to notice his presence, sniffing the air as it catches the man's scent.
These events happen so simultaneously, had anyone witnessed both they'd notice the impossible synchronization...
Everyone roll initiative. Everyone may act. There is no surprise round.
Initiative:
Unknown 20
Moss Troll 20
Finngarth 14
Goliath x
Irina x
Cylina x
Adrian x
Vincessno x
Grimgisli x
The more perceptive among the party keep their eyes and ears open, feeling something is... wrong about the situation. You don't spot any movement, nor trolls hiding in in the trees. Therm catches a number of scents, seemingly coming from the lichen and fungus covered tree over the entrance and from within the cavern.
Further investigation reveals that the tree above cave is just vaguely humanoid shaped enough to be creepy, but is actually a tree and not an illusion or plant creature best you can tell. It certainly doesn't move when approached or even touched, nor does it actually have any features like a creature petrified.
However, you can hear movement from inside the cave, heavy breathing, and occasionally what sounds like metal scraping on rock. There's definitely someone or something in the cave. Therm can smell them and it's on edge. It shows no signs of coming out to you, nor do you actually know the depth of the cave.
With no better option, you press into the darkness by means of magical illumination and lit torches if needed. You press through fungus caked mud and gnarled roots, the place stinking of earth and sweat. But you need not go far, as you delve no more than fifty feet from the entrance into a wide, squat chamber. Inside a small forest of fungi choke the floor while roots dangle from the ceiling.
A single creature is present, about six feet tall and covered in fungi is what appears to be some sort of disheveled humanoid. From the rust colored beard and soiled furs, the description fits Finngarth. But he looks at you glassy-eyed and slackjawed.
Behind you, near the entrance, you hear the sound of heavy footsteps. They appear to be making their way inside.
What do you do?
GM Screen:
Sylgja CR7 (advanced huldra sorcerer 5)
Encounter: +1 Moss Troll (tree form outside), +1 MS Mold
Sylgja scowls at the young Vinccenso, regardless of whether he speaks his piece in Skald or Hallit, as she seems to understand both. However, she continues in her native tongue.
Skald"Treat with a troll? You've clearly had little experience with with them, boy. Certainly, you can assuage their hunger for a time with gifts, but they'll always come back asking for more and more. Intelligence and savagery are by no means opposites, I'm sure you know. But I ask you only for vengeance in the case that my husband cannot be returned alive. If you wish to treat with the monster, be my guest. But my deal stands."
Assuming you've finished conversation with Sylgja, you find her directions to be quite serviceable taking 10 you have no issue, though the terrain is rough and wild. Your journey takes about an hour and ten minutes and the frigid nature of Irrisen begins to wear in those not attuned to it due to the slower movement speeds in the party (Goliath, Cylina). Everyone who isn't immune to cold weather must make a DC15 Fort Save with all appropriate modifiers from gear and abilities.
Nevertheless, you find your destination, a squat hill dotted with bulbous, knotted trees of dark wood. An earthy cave yawns ahead surrounded by black dirt, icy slush, and small sprouts of hardy fungi. The area is less brutally cold but surprisingly damp, and steam rises from patches of the ground. Bones litter the the area along with less pleasant refuse. This looks more like the den of a beast than a humanoid.
A great, gnarled tree stands sentry over the cave entrance, overgrown with fungus. It's roots flank either side of the lightless burrow - you'd think a troll would have to stoop a bit to travel in and out of the 7 ft. opening. The cave seems to widen deeper inside, but the cold daylight doesn't pierce far.
Adrian (repeated from OOC):
A moss troll's regeneration can only be overcome by fire, not acid. Additionally, they are vulnerable to fire and it terrifies them (nearby open flames of at least torch size cause them to become shaken, and they often panic when on fire).
Conversely, they focus on foes who wield fire (or they expect have fire) with single-minded focus.
Grimgisli: Beyond their tremendous regenerative abilities (overcome temporarily by fire), you're not aware of any particularly special defensive abilities. You do know that Moss Trolls are prolific climbers, able to move as fast in the canopies as foot. They're also exceptionally resilient to falling and often surprise their foes in this manner. It's not unheard of for a Moss Troll to simply drop out of a tree on their unsuspecting prey...
Vincessno: You don't know anything that the others don't. You do know about the weakness and vulnerability to fire, plus the type and subtype.
GM Screen:
Sylgja CR7 (advanced huldra sorcerer 5)
Encounter: +1 Moss Troll (tree form outside), +1 MS Mold
In response to Cylina's question, Sylgja replies directly:
Skald"There's a small cave not half a mile from here, due northwest. If you follow the frozen brook, you'll find a small grove of gnarled trees, and in the hillside just beyond there's a cave. I've been there a few times before when it wasn't occupied to gather mushrooms and roots. Finngarth said he was heading that way. I imagine the troll will have left a great deal of evidence of its occupation, they aren't know for subtlety. I've never had love for the brutes before, but now one taken my husband."
With the redheaded woman's directions, you believe your should be able to make the journey in an hour or less.
What do you do?
Knowledge (local) Adrian, Vincessno:
You both know that while moss trolls are some of the weakest of their kind, they are true trolls. And they carry the same resilience and voracious hunger legendary among their kind. They are humanoids with the giant subtype, and another subtype. Not unlike ice trolls, moss trolls are more cunning than their more common kin but no less ferocious.
Each of you may ask one question. A (incomplete) list of suggestions:
Senses
Defenses
Special defenses
Weaknesses
Movement
Attacks
Special Abilities
Special Qualities
Cautiously, you step forward. Nadya remains with the others at the sleigh. She whispers sagely to Irina;
Skald"Don't eat or drink anything you're given."
Sylgja retains her warm grin, welcomes you like old friends... despite never having met. She beckons for you to follow her, but doesn't press the issue.
Skald"We shall be more comfortable inside, no? I have little food to spare, but the fire is lit and the walls keep out the wind."
If you follow her, the conversation takes place inside. Otherwise, she doesn't complain and instead asks the inhabitants of the cabin to join you.
Three men, all appear to be human, seem to have already answered the woman's call. They are well equipped and armed, but don't appear to be the usual fare you've seen in Irrisen. Travelers?
Conversely, the three newcomers (Adrian, Grimgisli, Vincessno) were just finishing a few mugs of spiced cider with Sylgja when she spotted your carriage... You had heard the woman out but not agreed yet whether to pursue her request. Furthermore, when the carriage arrives you see two women, one of which looks like she might be Jadwiga, and a heavily armored grim man in the company of a woolly beast larger than a mastiff.
This would be a fantastic time for both the new and old players to describe their characters and have them make introductions.
The woman exclaims:
Skald"The gods favor me today! Six capable saviors sent to me in my time of great distress. My beloved, -my husband Finngarth was taken by a moss troll that just took lair in a cave close to our home. I told him not to go, but the brave fool couldn't suffer such a dangerous creature to settle so close by us."
She fights back a tear and continues:
Skald"Please, bring back my husband. Or... avenge him, if the worst is true. But I feel in my heart that he still lives! In either case, I can offer you safe and comfortable lodging, as well as a magical treasure that belongs to my love. His life is worth more than any treasure, and if... well..."
Sylgja cannot bring herself to finish the thought. She gives you time to discuss.
*Everyone may post now*
Sense Motive (Cylina, Goliath, Irina):
Goliath and Irina can't get a fix on the mysterious and captivating woman.
Cylina senses no malevolence or threat behind her words, though she's clearly not telling you everything. There's a sheer desperation that is pushing her past any sense of normal reservations. Again, this isn't a desperate hunger or the anxiety of a killer, but more someone who has lost something precious.
Soothsayer merely changes the way in which a few specific hexes can be used - like applying a Quicken metamagic - but it does not affect these hexes themselves.
Wat?? 0_o
Sh!! No one is supposed to know you can apply metamagic to hexes...
Wow, that's a lot of great applications. Picking will be awful, since I can only take 2. I'll penalty establish a waiting list for those interested who don't get in. But that's a January problem.
The older woman grasps Irina's hand a bit longer, then releases. Her son, the woodsman answers your question as best he can.
Skald"You're a good two days from Ellsprin, and another two or three from Whitethrone. With luck, you could make the Fish Camps outside the capital by the fourth evening. But I'm sure you're well aware ill weather or misfortune are common on the roads, and pushing yourself as hard as you can in travel makes you easy prey. Be safe... and you have our humble thanks."
You indeed part ways, and quickly lose sight of the other party on the endless snowy horizon.
You travel a solid six hours until just before noon, and prepare for a stop when you spot a rough wooden cabin. It stands just inside a small wood. There is no sign of activity around the cabin, but smoke rises from the chimney. However, as you draw close a strikingly
beautiful, red-haired woman in a hooded coat comes out of the cabin and hails you.
Skald"Well met, travelers! I am Sylgja, and am in dire need of timely aid. And, well, you seem very suited for my problem. Will you hear me out?"
She waits a few steps from her doorstep, waiting an answer.
The woman looks too plainly dressed to be Jadwiga, but too well appointed to be a Ulfen peasant. To any character attracted to humanoid women, she's incredibly alluring. What do you do (outside of making sense motive checks, presumably)?
@GM: Would a Wyvaran "weredino" (weretouched shifter in deinonychus) work for you? I have a concept that I used in a Reign of Winter game that (like others) unfortunately died before. I was trying to build it to look very "draconic" from the early levels. I also thought about going alchemist until level 6 for the breath weapon bombs, despite the fact wyvarans lose INT - the intention is flavor.
That's... an interesting concept. I'm not sure why it wouldn't work mechanically. I'm more intrigued how it would fit into the AP?
The night passes uneventfully, though you remain vigilant. There's a certain comfort to sleeping within the simple, rustic hunter's lodge. The ever present cold isn't banished, but the warmth of a crackling fire and many bodies keeps the worst of winter's bite at bay.
You wake to a plain but filling meal of hot porridge and tea. The woodsfolk family again give you their profound thanks. Before you part ways, Ishka slips a small charm on a string into Irina's palm. The older woman embraces the witch and kisses her gently on the cheek.
Skald"May the Everbloom keep you safe, child. Your road is much harder than mine, I fear. But do not lose faith. Summer is coming. You will see the signs as have I."
Unless you have further questions or remarks, both parties depart - they to the south to Walsby... and you north to Whitethrone.
Irina, taking 10, identifies the item as aHexbiter Charm.
This is a rough draft of GeraintElberion's character.
Very interesting character, and a fun archetype/prestige class especially considering Old Man Jantambe's relationship to Baba Yaga.
Are they Ekujae, or an outsider to the Mwangi Expanse?
Grimgisli wrote:
He is another human, though. And another Ranger, so, I get why that may not meet the desire
If I like the character enough, we can work on fitting them into the party. Another human isn't out of the question, this is a very human centric AP.
GM Kulko wrote:
Doxi Moonstream
Halfling Bard
Also How much more details you want before the decision is made?
I'll need a complete backstory (a paragraph or two will suffice) as well as a finished character sheet.
A bard would really help as party face though.
Wydroe wrote:
Here is Tukluk Rayga, half orc Ranger 2, Rogue (unchained) 2.
Flash and bang are interesting makes for animals in a world where flashbang grenades don't exist.
The main issue I see is the overlap between he and Nadya, but she may or may not stay with the party. Or die.
Cuàn wrote:
Less a corner case and more a race with undocumented RP, how do you feel about Changelings?
In addition to the ideas stated above I'll also be making her part of the movement known as the Stilyagi...
I really like this character concept, and will really fit into the plot so far. That said, being bored is a really bad reason to adventure - when things get too exciting, you just stop.
That said, I'd love to see a Stilyagi in play.
Laird_Thorne wrote:
Ok, I think I narrowed my concept down....
I present Thakara, Snowborn Half-Elf (one note, I took the Blended View ART, not for Drow blood, but to help represent all of his time spent in places with little light)
Fair enough. So... why is Thakara invested in any of this, except the geas?
4th level, Point Buy 20, standard WBL for 3rd level (3,000 gp - no more than 50% on one item, no crafting discounts), core races and any race 15 RP or less (ask about corner cases).
Any alignment, but you must be a team player regardless. No PVP, period.
2 traits - one must be a campaign trait from RoW. No drawbacks.
1st party (Paizo) content only.
Your characters have Baba Yaga's boon (+2 to any stat and geas effect). It doesn't necessarily have to come from the Black Rider.
Please create characters who are grounded in the setting and make sense to the plot - it's not my job to keep your characters invested in the plot. The geas does help though.
Howdy, for the past year or so I've taken over a Reign of Winter game from a previous GM (who ran it for far, far longer). The Party is early into Book 2 (the Shackled Hut) on the road to Whitethrone. This game is technically PFS - so I'm running the AP more or less as written. I think you can get PFS credit for this? Maybe?
One of our longterm players has disappeared, and while I'm happy to run the game with 5 players if he returns, I'd like a fourth player. With this in mind, I'm looking for applicants who are in for the longhaul. Our pace is often slow, ranging from no more than a post a day to weekly posting or more. If you're prone to get bored by inactivity, thurs probably isn't the game for you. On the other hand, if you want a long term game, this may be a good fit for you. I fully intend to run it through book 6 if we get there.
I am only looking for 1 player, maybe 2 if there's two I can't pick between.
Character creation should use PFS rules. 4th level. You must take Baba Yaga's mantle, giving you a geas effect and an untyped +2 to any ability score.
Characters should be grounded in the lore of Golarion and specially tied to the AP. See the Player's Handbook for ideas. I'm far more interested in seeing characters than builds. Plus, hardcore optimizing really isn't necessary or appropriate. See the existing characters to get a general idea.
Our current lineup is:
Cylina Vendrithe - Human Cleric of Milani
Goliath Maul - Human Goliath Druid
Irina Miklos - Human Winter Witch
Wulfgang Viking - Human Fighter/Ranger (absent)
Nadya Peska is a Major NPC with the party - Human Skirmisher Ranger
Non-human characters would be strongly appreciated.
If you're interested, check out the Campaign Forum Link. Please do not post on any thread. Applications should be posted here.
Having finished your simple but filling meal, you continue speaking with the elderly woman, whose name you learn is Ishka. Her family remains anti-social and skittish, eventually going to sleep on the opposite side of the hut. But Ishka is more than happy to indulge you.
Skald"Not a dream any more! You, my friends, will put a stake in the icy heart illegitimate Jadwiga regime! The White Witches' day is coming. But to answer you, the Winter Guard looks for you, closer to Whitethrone. They gave your descriptions, which is how I knew it must be you! Already they send scouts of all kinds - they say you overthrew the Pale Tower. Clearly, they're afraid."
Ishka pauses to sip some hot tea, provided by the young girl Lizaveta you shelter with you.
Skald"The Heralds of Summer's Return, of course, have long stood against Baba Yaga and her ilk. But with overthrowing by Eylvanna, the loyal in the old Iron Guard turn on her too. I've seen the bodies of the Red and Yellow Riders impaled on display at the Winter Palace, but they say Eyvanna's agents still search for the Black Rider. And there's rumors that those in the Howlings - home to many monsters - aren't so happy with the Queen's actions."
The elderly woman frowns.
Skald"Eyvanna's men took two husbands from me. I lost three girls to the winter and hunger. She sits on her icy throne believing she won't have to for her crimes, but she will! Promise me you'll make her pay for what she's done to us all!"
Ishka stares at you earnestly, despite having asked what seems to be a suicidal task...
The older woman exclaims, ecstatic, to her family and the party alike:
Skald"I knew it! The Witches are many things, but they cannot hide their cruelty well. I told you, I told you. Summer comes! It's heralds already march on Whitethrone. 'Dearest' Grandmother has failed to return, and her spawn barely holds the throne. Mark my words, you will see winter end in your lifetime!"
Sharing your meal, the rest of the family are far quieter than the matriarch, who is more than happy to share what little news she knows:
Skald"They say there's been an overthrowing of those loyal to Baba Yaga, and that her little queen has taken the crown for herself. Loyalists are being hunted down, but Elvanna is nowhere to be seen. In her absence, the forces of revolution gather... and she's no queen of witches, just queen of Irrisen."
Her family looks skeptical, but relieved that you aren't Jadwiga or working for them. Still, they remain demeanor and quietly guarded.
You may ask further questions if you wish. Also, what preparations do you make for sleeping? You're in a simple, but currently warm and cozy hunting lodge.
You return to the cabin, the mood now more somber. You did what you had to do and saved lives for it, but the full, relentless cruelty of Irrisen is all the more real to you. The man keeps his son close to him and far from Irina... an unspoken tension exists between them entirely on his false assumption that she is Jadwiga.
The triumphant return and reunion proves to be an affair of hushed tears and whispered sobs, as the now whole family quietly celebrates the return of the two wayward members. They fearfully huddle away from you, consciously shielding the child from view.
A crackling fire is raised and you think perhaps the evening is over.
But the family's grandmother is not so timid. She rises and addresses Irina with a boldness that is unfettered by the silent pleas of her family. The weathered woman, not more than forty in your estimation, stares down the witch with an unflinching gaze:
Skald"You don't want anything in return, do you? You certainly have no interest in the boy, and the children you escort are not slaves. Who are you? You're no Jadwiga, that's for sure."
The man stands up abruptly, trying to place himself between Irina and his mother-in-law.
Skald"Please, forgive us Mistress! The woman is quite mad and knows not of what she speaks. I offer you a year of my free labor to repay the insult."
He stares daggers at the older woman, who doesn't back down an inch.
Cylina's morningstar manages to graze the remaining wolf, drawing blood and causing pain but far from defeating the enraged canine.
With the beast's attention on Cylina Wulfgang swiftly moves to outflank his target and brings his mighty axe downwards. Even though the blade fails to find purchase, the sheer force cracks bone and takes the air from the wolf's lungs, dropping it to the ground rasping painfully.
With that, the remaining pack panics and flees, howling in dismay and terror. Tails between legs, you don't they'll be bothering you or any two-legged creatures any time soon.
Not at all loosening the grip on his weapon, the woodsman steps off the rock but keeps himself between you and the young boy. He takes a deferential tone, but his demeanor remains highly vigilant... and not just for a return of the wolves. Her addresses Irina, consciously avoiding eye contact:
Skald"My lady, we are on your debt. We have little to repay you with now, but we would happily see your kindness repaid in full if you give us time."
The man tries not to bring any attention to his son.
Combat is over, everyone earns 600 XP each for defeating the Boreal Wolves, and an addition 100 XP each for saving the hunter and his son. Total 700 XP each.
GM Screen:
Wulfgang (axe):1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19 PA, vs. wolf AC14
Wulfgang (axe dmg):1d12 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14 PA, vs. wolf
With a flick of his blade and another ruinous blow, man and beast bring down a second wolf, which lies in the snow unconscious and bleeding. The pack begins to howl in dismay, but makes no aggressive move.
The same cannot be said of the remaining wolf in front of you, who viciously snaps at Therm but cannot catch a hold.
Irina again unleashes her evil eye against the beast. Unfortunately, the supernatural wolf seems to shrug off the hex.
The man on the rock stiffly whispers to his son (but loud enough for at least Goliath to hear):
Skald"Don't say such things, boy. These are Jadwiga. They're more dangerous and cruel than the wolves. Animals hunt us for survival, the White Witches hunt us for fun. We are not safe."
Everyone may act, but Cylina goes first and then Wulfgang.
As the massive wolf leader goes down, Irina levies her weakening gaze upon one of the remaining wolves, making it even more vulnerable to attack. The woman gives out a triumphant laugh, then directs her allies:
Skald"Quickly, attack that one!"
Wulfgang charges forward, swinging greataxe overhead but slipping on the already freezing wolf blood and nearly topples. He keeps his footing but loses the opportunity to strike, having made himself vulnerable.
Wolf fails vs. Irina's evil eye. She cackles. Wulfgang charges but rolls a nat 1. Goliath may act.
As Goliath struggles to his feet, he opens himself to attack from the Alpha, who gladly obliges. Again it sinks its teeth into him and thrashes 11 bite damage, 3 cold.
Yet, once upon his feet, the man strikes back with his curved blade, matched by his faithful companion's skillful outflank. Tusk and sword simultaneously drive into the massive wolf, whose howl of pain is cut short. The beast sustains grievous injury to heart and lung and dies instantly.
The two smaller wolves bound forward, mad with fury. They set themselves on Therm but the beast shows no weakness, and the wolves fail to find purchase.
With the death of the Alpha, the remaining pack sans his two mates begin to back off cautiously, unlikely to interfere unless you show particular vulnerability...
On the rock, the boy shouts excitedly out:
Skald"Father! Are these the heroes from the stories?"
Before any of you can act, the hulking Alpha leaps forward towards Goliath, sheer speed and might knocking him from his feet into the snow while savage, frigid jaws dig deep into his shoulder, burning his flesh with cold.11 points of B/P/S, 6 points of cold for 17 total and knocked prone. The beast snarls over him, attempting to push for his throat.
Wulfgang reacts first, hefting his axe and swinging at the brute with all his might, placing a glancing but grievous wound 16 damage. He shouts in adrenaline fueled rage:
Skald"Die to my axe, beast!"
Goliath may act, then the other 2 wolves do. I didn't put a pawn in the map for your AC, sorry, assume Therm is adjacent to Goliath.
As the others do their best not to anger or spook the strange canines, Goliath steps forward and attempts to establish a sense of calm and rapport with the hulking alpha wolf. The massive beast, nearly the size of a dire wolf, does not seem to agree well to your intrusion and begins to growl. Goliath can feel his control of the situation slipping as the snarling wolves advance, hackles raised and preparing to charge forward.
The man on the rock says under his teeth:
"Don't watch boy, eyes on the rest of the pack. Damned fools should have run..."
Goliath is an expert tracker, and everyone but Irina manages to expedite the process. You only find yourselves about twenty minutes walk from the shelter when you come upon the two huntsman. A rugged but handsome looking man and a boy of perhaps eight stand upon a large boulder, surrounded by a pack of at least a score of white pelted and blue eyed wolves. The man brandishes a woodaxe in one hand and a dying torch in the other. The boy has a shortbow with arrow notched, but only a few arrows stashed in his belt. Both look exhausted and very cold, and the pack continues to circle menacingly...
The moment you arrive, a chorus of howls breaks out. Before you can reach the two hunters, a trio of wolves intercepts your path - the foremost a primal and hulking creature. All three breathe clouds of pure frost as they step towards you, growling aggressively.
But the man calls to you desperately:
Skald"Friends, I don't know who you are, but you'd best run. These beasts are no simple wolves."
If you stay, he grows more desperate:
Skald"You can't help us, don't get yourselves killed! There's two women at the shelter on the road not far from here, tell them what happened to us!"
What do you do?
You are not currently in initiative, but any hostile action will immediately provoke combat.
GM Screen:
Boreal Wolf Encounter (CR 6):
Alpha Boreal Wolf (+advanced, +giant)
Boreal Wolf x2
You prepare to set off. The women point you in the direction of their relatives' last known path, but do not come with you. The older woman speaks candidly:
Skald"We will stay here, just in case the men return. I have a horn I can blow if they do appear. I cannot leave Majha alone here."
The older woman produces an instrument crafted from a spiraling ivory horn. You notice how that Mahja, the younger woman, has a slight swelling to her stomach and you doubt it to be from an abundance of food.
In order to search for the missing persons, you may stick together or form several search parties. Each party has one character roll survival, everyone else may roll to assist. Currently it is the twilight and dim light. It will be darkness in about 15-20 minutes, and it's beginning to snow softly.
The younger woman pulls frantically at her mother, trying to get her to be quiet in deference to an assumed White Witch. The older woman does not comply. She continues, her voice gaining a bitter tinge.
"My son-in-law and grandson went to the edge of the Hoarwood Forest, for firewood and small game or forage. That was four hours ago, and they planned to be back long before now. Your benevolence."
She stares at Irina fearlessly, in such a way no true Jadwiga would suffer.
As your attention draws to the two women, they quickly hush their conversation. When addressed by Irina directly, the younger responds with terrified meekness.
"No M'lady, we would dare not bother you with our petty troubles."
The older woman stands up, a look of grim defiance on her weathered face. Now that you've had a look away the two, you can clearly see the family resemblance, despite am age gap of fifteen to twenty years.
"But since ye ask, my daughter's husband and son haven't returned, so you might say we're a mite concerned about the wolves. With all due respect, o'course, M'lady."
If they're telling the truth, they have good reason to be concerned. Irrisen at night is at least twice as deadly, before the strange wolves are involved.
Sense Motive DC 15:
It's clear the women, like most in Irrisen believe you to be a Jadwiga and her retinue. And they're desperately concerned about the missing members of their party. You don't sense any apparent test or deception.
Nadya raises her eyebrows as half the party volunteers to come with her. Still, she doesn't object more than merely muttering under her breathe:
"Foreigners... how do they not think I've survived these lands thus far? And now that heavy armor will only slow us down..."
All the same, you head out. Nadya doesn't slow her pace for the more ponderous paced. Still you manage to keep the two women in sight. By the time you near the thicket, the light is almost gone - but Nadya and Liza are nearly finished gathering wood. On the return trip, you hear the howling of wolves in the entrance, but they sound... different. At least it's far in the distance.
When you return to the lodge, night has fallen. As Nadya starts the fire, the two hunters have grown visibly anxious, whispering to each other.
As you move towards the bridge, the icy creatures hold their supplicatory pose. None attempt to stop or harry you, nor do they even talk. In a refreshing change from your previous encounters, the bridge guards don't seem to question you at all.
The rest of your journey is without incident. You make good pace ...until evening, stopping at a communal hunter's lodge. A pair of quite huntswomen keep to their own, knowing better than to draw the attention of what they assume is a Jadwiga and her entourage.
As you prepare for the evening, Nadya whispers annoyedly:
"Curses. There's no firewood here. There's still light enough, I'll take Liza and go cut some from a thicket we just passed. It doesn't take long. Hatch, watch over my sons. We'll be back before sundown."
The woman gathers her things in preparation to head out. She shoulders her shortbow, just in case.
As you approach the ice sculptures to within 60 ft., you do not detect magic. But there is a more obvious clue to their nature - all three turn their heads and stare at you.
Now that you're closer, the creatures look far less human. Their forms are closer to bipedal reptilians, with long serpentine tails instead of legs. They wield spears made of what appears to be ice - in fact, their entire bodies seem to be made of ice. Only a pair of shining blue lightswithin their heads would distinguish them from icy statues. Long, translucent spines adorn their backs... you hope not to find out whether they are as sharp as they appear.
The closest creature speaks to Irina, and then all three salute her.
Aquan"Jadwiga. You may pass."
You may make knowledge planes if you are trained to identify them, or sense motive (but only if you speak Aquan).
Knowledge (planes) DC13:
These are ice elementals of some kind. They seem to be bound to protect the bridge. You know they are barely intelligent enough to speak, much less make any determinations beyond the simplest of comparisons. You have little doubt they think that Irina is a Jadwiga. They probably don't have the ability to grasp the idea of someone being in disguise as something they aren't.
Sense Motive (if you speak Aquan only):
The icy creatures seem to be telling the truth - they seem to lack the intelligence to lie.
You begin to breathe easier as you put distance between yourselves and the Jadwiga... you travel for about another four or so hours until the sun has just barely begun to dip in the sky, near 5 o'clock in the evening.
Before you is a narrow but sharp ravine, crossed by a needlessly complex bridge seemingly crafted of hardened ice. You can hear the gurgling of flowing water from below, despite the fact that the majority of streams in Irrisen being frozen over. No one seems to be around, save for three ice sculptures standing at attention along the bridge.
The previously quiet Lizaveta speaks up:
Skald"I've heard of this place. The stream is known as the Strivid. Never frozen over, but beware: it may look mild but anyone who falls in is never seen again. Or that's what my cousin Svenja said."
Nadya grimly nods in silent agreement.
You also are well aware that ice statues in Irrisen are rarely what they appear...
When Goliath speaks to the witch a second time, the woman gives him a ravenous grin;
Skald "You're lucky to be so ruggedly handsome, dearie, or your mistress would no doubt have your tongue and feed it to her wolves. My family are Jadwiga, we have no fear of such paltry things as goblins."
She then turns back to Irina.
Skald "Quite the manservant you have there. Teach him some manners and he'd be practically perfect. But I will not tarry and delay you longer. It was charming to make your acquaintance Irina, and I hope someday to cross paths again. You'll be welcome in my home should you return south. Until we meet again, safe journeys!"
And with that, the frozen carriage and its strange inhabitants departs, leaving you on the side if the road. Nadya gives a tremendous sigh of relief once they're out of hearing range.
Common "That could have been worse. We should get going though. Ah, Wulfgang, we're heading to the Fishcamps outside Whitethrone to meet my uncle - he undoubtedly has a way inside, as he does business in the city near daily."
What do you do?
Irina (sense motive):
Sadly, saying true things in order to mislead or deceive someone still requires a bluff check.
You get a strong impression that the woman believes you. She may have rolled even worse on both of her sense Motive checks...
The woman's wrinkled breaks out into a kindly smile, of which only a Jadwiga could make more terrifying than bared fangs of a hungry wolf. She gazes over Goliath appreciatively, and responds fondly:
Skald"Aren't you charming, dearie? But worry not child, anyone fool enough to harry me will soon find the error of their ways."
She then turns to Irina, still smiling - her ice blue eyes twinkling like stars. It almost makes the woman want to turn away from the piercing gaze, but knows such an action would show weakness...
Skald"What a wonderful wildling you have there! A bit thick-headed and ill-mannered, but quite a specimen all the same. But to the point, goblins are cretinous but attacking one of us is... unusual. I hope you taught them a proper lesson. Yet your talk of problems in Walsby concerns me - I had heard similar in Whitethrone. Apparently Nazhena can't keep her house in order while she's out. I think Elvanna's faith in her is solely misplaced. But not to worry - we're not going that far south anyway."
She pauses to chuckle a bit, and then continues:
Skald"That was indeed worth news, and I'll trade you some in turn. A great forest has overgrown the market square - they say that is where Elvanna kept the Dancing Hut. Even the Winter Guard have had trouble keeping order. And with our beloved Queen seen so little in the city, there's talk of insurrection in the city. Those pesky cultists have yet again begun speaking about coming of summer. Ridiculous! As if they could overcome the might of the Jadwiga, much less Dear Grandmother. Still, keep your wits about you in Whitethrone - I fear they may be violence in the streets soon. More than usual, anyway. All the same, thank you. By the way, I don't think I've seen you before - what's your name, dearie? What is your house, if I may ask?"
As far as you can tell, the woman appears to believe you. You may roll a sense motive to determine if she actually does, and Irina alone may roll a bluff check vs. her sense motive.
You pull aside the bridge and wait. Weapons readied but not brandished, just in case things get ugly. And with a potential Jadwiga, they well could. Nadya hides Hatch and the children in the back carriage, but fidgets endlessly.
As the white carriage approaches closer, you get a better look at the unusual travelers. Unusual at least for those not local to Irrisen. An ornate carriage formed of what appears to be supernaturally shaped and hardened ice is pulled by a pair of steeds that seem to shaped of the same material. The horses remind you of the animated ice sculpture at the White Tower, but of more equine form.
The driver is a handsome, horned figure whose upper body is that of a dark-skinned, muscular humanoid and lower body is that of a starkly white furred goat. He wears no clothing save a long sky blue cloak, but seems unaffected by the cold. Despite his brilliant smile and charming blue-green eyes, he carries a whip covered in briars on his side and a shortbow lies beside him.
The fey man only gives you a respectful nod before driving the carriage past, but is stopped from a commanding voice from inside the carriage. Though concealed by ethereal azure curtains, you doubt the passenger can be anything but a Jadwiga.
"Halt! I wish to speak with them."
And the driver does as requested, bringing his carriage to a stop beside yours. All the time, the grin never leaves his face.
Whether by wind or magic, the curtains part to reveal to woman lounging in the lavishly appointed carriage interior. She looks about nearly fifty, portly and gray hair up in a bun. The apparent Jadwiga is dressed in finery and bedecked with jewelry. You have little doubt of her class. Almost nonchalantly, the Jadwiga addresses Irina, ignoring the rest of you as presumed servants.
"Fine weather, is it not? Do you bring gossip from the Southern Provinces? I'd happily trade for news in Whitethrone - and it's quite juicy."
What do you do?
Perception Irina, Goliath, Wulfgang:
Other than the Jadwiga and her carriage, you don't see any other potential threats. Goliath alone spots the silhouette of a blond haired person in the carriage with the Jadwiga, based on size either a child or a halfling or gnome.
