Ottast Prumur's page

In Australia, our major break is from the beginning of December to the end of Jan, our summer. We have four terms, each about 10 weeks. And, we're now halfway through term 2. We've had about 7 weeks of online learning, some kids thrive on it, others go backwards, but now they're all back.

There were moments when teaching online really worked and I enjoyed the flexibility of it. I like the idea of working from home, its quite a romantic notion.

Revekka, are you allowed to tell us what you are working on now?
Also, now that no knew edition 1 APs are being published, are you working on v2 APs?

Doing well. All the kids I teach have returned to school so I'm enjoying the dynamics of the classroom again. With this, we are dealing with students who did not thrive working from home, catching up on work but also checking in mentally and emotionally.

It's a really stressful time for everyone. I read an article that talked about how we are all suffering from an underlying sense of uncertainty and grief because, for most of us, this has never happened before. And we don't realise we have this stress because we're comparing ourselves to each other, our baseline for 'normal' is askew. Kids can see something weird is going on but many can't really comprehend the gravity of the situation.

But teaching is great- challenges and all.

What is your new job, Jujo?
Was your interview process effected by iso?

DM, you said you finished seminary- are you a minister or priest or member of the clergy (not sure what you're called in your faith). The church I attend has been having zoom sessions on FB but I don't think we'll be meeting anytime soon.

I'd like to see the game continue and am happy to wait until Alice returns. Perhaps we look at putting it on hiatus for a couple of months and reevaluate then or sooner if everyone can return?

anyway, glad to hear you're all doing well.

Checking in to see how everyone is going.
Healthy, safe?

Hey Alice, its good to hear that things are improving. All the best

Otta waves down at the group, shaking his head- no movement here.
He sees the room slowly become hazy with smoke.
now we wait

The Ranger fits an arrow to his bow and waits patiently, breathing slowly.

Otta perches on the roof, watching his companions (and new companion) make quick work of the bandits. When no other bandits appear, he moves to the closest window and peers inside, searching for signs of movement.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 2 = 17

My apologies too. School has started back and the days have all rolled together so I've missed posting for the last few days but I'll get back to it today

Otta waits patiently, sinking back into his days hunting game. Perched on top of the roof he waits, watching, waiting patiently. Minutes unravel and the time passes slowly and the lack of movement from the lodge creeps into his thoughts Smoke should be filling rooms now- did I do something wrong... suddenly he sees Trawets charge out from the stable toward the lodge, hands outstretched and waves of colour from his fingers.

Though he can't see the Wizard's destination, Otta moves along the roof to support Trawets.
Do you want climb or acro checks?

rule of fun, eh :)

Otta feels energised as he moves through the snow, then up the barrels and trees. He had forgotten what it was to feel free to move through the trees, to track animals, to hunt poachers, something had... something had clouded his vision, something had distracted him - then he reaches the window and meets the gaze of the man on the other side of the glass. The moment of freedom stops cold and he stares back, frozen. As the man moves away he, like lightning he continues his climb up to the chimney. He slings his cold-weather cloak over the top of the chimney to stifle the smoke, then waves back to the barn.

Seeing Alice watching, he indicates the job is done.
Otta wrestles himself back into his Lamellar armor "this is familiar" and crouches next to the chimney, bow drawn, watching and waiting from his vantage point for any bandits exiting the building.

Smoking them out it is. Otta will need to remove his armor which will drop AC to 13 but would like to carry his old armor and don it once he's reached the roof. How tall is the building? How may storeys to the chimney?

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
climb: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
climb2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
two climb checks in case the building is two stories.

"I will not wait, we must do this now." He looks at each of you as he takes off the Taldorn Breastplate; "This will only hinder me, so I trust you will have my back" He stretches, swinging his arms in a wide arc, feeling lighter. Taking his bow he readies an arrow and draws in a breath.

Otta emerges from the stable, stepping through the trodden snow and blood, evidence of the visitors they dispatched. He hesitates, "fates guide me", no foliage means no cover and he could easily be seen as he closes the expanse. But seeing no one in the windows he moves quickly- first following the footprints of the other bandits, then breaking from their track to reach the closest wall of the lodge with no windows. Looking about for handholds, he attempts to scale it to the roof.

"Bringing them to us has worked so far- but they will quickly become suspicious- I will attempt the climb if I must"

Otta finds a place within the stables to observe the lodge without being seen- whether its a crack in the wall or a window or the door
perception: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19 (+2 vs humans)

"Revekka's plan to smoke out the bandits is good, though I'm not much for scaling trees."

Otta kicks the dead man- qualms about killing bandits seem to have been settled and he reminds himself they are just like the trappers and bandits he'd encounter in the forest: just in it for the money or the sport.

His ears prick up when another shout comes from the exterior of the stables; "Another one?"
Otta glances at the pile of bodies and draws another arrow, readying himself for another bandit.

I didn't realise I had rolled a 20
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
damage: 2d8 + 8 ⇒ (1, 6) + 8 = 15

edit Rolling rocks!

Alice and Revekka, make sure you check out the loot sheet in case you wanted to swap out gear.

Otta backs into the shadows, readying an attack.
stealth: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 4 = 16

He will attempt to anticipate an attack from the two bandits and attack first, loosing an arrow at the the treatening bandit.
sense motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

[ooc]Iniating combat
trigger; if one of the bandits draws a weapon to attack an ally Otta will shoot the threatening Bandit
attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28 PBS, favored enemy
damage: 1d8 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9Favored enemy

Otta motions to quieten down and inclines his ear towards the door;
"voices- Alice your friends approach" He glances at Jujo; "Let us see how convincing your acting is."

Otta backs into the shadows, readying his bow and arrows for an ambush.

Otta catches the thrown bag of coins, adding them to the communal stash. added to the loot sheet.

"We bait this trap and wait like wolves for bandits to come in- it is a good idea. Revekka and I wait here, Alice and Jujo approach the lodge, bring more Bandits in and we will deal with them here. "

He leans over Alice's map, drawing a line between the lodge and the stable with an arrow;
"I will cut the bandit down if he runs back to the lodge."

Before Alice leaves Otta grabs his arm, speaking softly to him;
"With this snow, did you see a crone, an old witch carrying off a girl?"

Wow, big congrats Jujo! What are you a doctor of?

I'm currently doing some days working at school, then some working from home. We have a handful of students - literally less than 5 - turning up each day to work at school but most are remote learning.

Its an odd thing teaching online. I like the flexibility of online classes and the potential for students learning at their own pace but I miss the face to face interaction of working with students and the dynamic of the classroom.

My wife is at home with our two boys and she's had to transition to managing their home schooling. They can get stir crazy, luckily we have a backyard that they can run around in.

I think I may suggest Squirrel Ninja's idea about going for a walk after dinner, though its getting cooler it would be nice for them to get out of the house.

I'm keen for Alice to get back into the game. We need someone to be the meat shield and he brings an interesting, cavalier dynamic to the party. I don't want to see the game end as I'm really enjoying it- though still trying to find Ottast's voice/mannerisms. (I may change/write him slightly to have a thick Russian accent)

Glad to hear that everyone is well.

Otta freezes, the arrow was not meant to be so effective; "Did I - is he dead- fates have I killed a man?" Otta's hand shakes and he closes his fist holding it still. Before he can respond to the fallen man the witch leaps forward.

He sets his jaw as the witch examines the man, seeing witch magic he sours.
"We have waited long enough. When this one doesn't return to the lodge they'll come looking and follow his footprints here. If we wait we are like timid wolves waiting for the trapper to find us."

He indicates the rope Trawets is holding; "Tie him up. Then we go to the lodge; Alice and Jujo, they can convince Rohkar and we can find what you've come to discover."

Seeing that the scout has not been fooled by the voice he immediately loosens an arrow at the man- can not let them know we're here

attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 14 BAB+Dex = 4, Bow, PBS, +2 vs Humans
damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 + 2 = 8 Bow + Str, PBS, +2vs humans

Otta shudders hearing the ethereal voices beckoning the scout, his stomach turns and drudges up memories of the Lady he had found in the woods... He sets his jaw, pushing those thoughts down and notches an arrow in his bow.

"I'm not much for talking- leave that to you Jujo. But thining their number means fewer eyes on us. Let us lure this one away- he may have more answers than Alice."

Have we seen any movement in the window? Did Otta find anything of interest when searching the stables?

Otta sits up against a bale of hay, tearing into one of his rations. He is still sizing Alice up but remains silent as they make plans, grilling the mercenary for information.

"So we give Rokhar too much credit for allying himself with the fairy folk. Does that mean he and his bandits also suffer from this horrendous cold?"
What happened to the keepers of the lodge?

His eyes narrow; "And who is responsible for the snow and the fey?"

Hey all! How is life doing? Me? Oh not to bad. Came home Thursday night and started to put away groceries. Went to take some stuff downstairs to our freezer when I noticed our basement was completely flooded, then the nightmare hit.... I saw the toilet paper and crap floating. The sewer backed up into our basement.... Finally got the proper team out to clean/sanitize/clean/sanitize it this morning and now it is drying out....

Thats all from me. Expect a real post soon enough...

woah, damn! sorry to hear that!

thanks for the update, no matter how shitty it is.

Upon entering the stables (he winces when the mercenary gives a shout), Otta shakes the snow off his boots and beard. Dropping his pack in the corner he takes some time searching the stables.

"We should make camp here and plan our next step."
Otta has questions for the mercenary but waits until everyone is settled and eating something.

All good Alice. It's really interesting to have varied personalities and see what happens when they rub up against each other. Each with their own motivations.

Somewhat surprised the two bandits had left so readily Otta grumbles when the talkative, money-hungry mercenary remains; "I hope your fighting is as good as your talking.".
As the party yammers on, trading jabs the Ranger pulls out 5 gold from one of the side saddles of the horse, pressing the coins into the mercenaries hands; "Your share for what we found so far, now instead of arguing out here in the open and attracting more attention, at least get into the stable, there we can talk in peace."

Otta turns, grabbing the reigns of the horse and leading it to the stables. As he pushes off you hear him mutter; "fates! A witch and a money-hungry mercenary" who can you trust?"

I assumed we're keeping the communal loot on the horse

I'm thinking we're about to jump on each other's throats. I wonder what the GM would do about it.

Somethings about to happen. Can we steer the bandits so they move backwards into the trap?

How do we convince the merc that we're worth more alive? Or that we can get more loot because we're not nameless NPCs ;)

We're still business as usual for a while. I work in a public (government) high school so we've been told to prepare for teaching our students from home (thanks Google everything) but there's no set date for when the schools close so we're in limbo.
Teaching theory is fine, but if I can't get art equipment to them, there's going to be a lot of still life and 'found object' sculptures.

If I'm working from home I'll have some time to post more often too.
Having fun with this AP and looking forward to progressing the plot and character interactions ;)

Otta's blood runs cold as the arrow thunks into the snow. He whips around, jaw set tight as he sees the men he spied upon earlier. The gnome starts talking about... something, but Otta is consumed with his own dark cloud I didn't make a noise, I left no tracks, I was sure the snow would hide us- what... what did I do wrong? -4 to stealth for 1 hour

An image of his daughter pierces his funk and he drags his eyes up to the man speaking;
sense motive: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11
He's looking for a fight- there's no way we can talk out of this one

Otta pushes infront of Jujo, shielding the gnome; "These men don't want to negotiate- they want an excuse to fight" He holds a hand axe in one hand- it will take a moment to get his bow from his back so the handaxe will have to do...

Otta leads the group on a safe path around the tripline, indicating the trap and the crossbow and the alarm; "Someone doesn't want visitors. Let us get to the stables and hide there."

survival to cover tracks and hide in the stables: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 2 + 1 = 17

Once at the stables I'm thinking we should make camp, getting some much-needed rest. Then we can watch the lodge for signs of inhabitants
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22 +2 more vs humans

Otta slows his surge forward to a walk, then halts, standing in the snow. The witches words suddenly cause a caution in him. He scans the area looking for signs of life as he'd expect from the lodge- smoke from chimney's, movement in the windows.
perception : 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20 +2 more vs humans

Your words are causing me to doubt myself, witch. or approach with more caution
What would Otta know about the Lodge?

"Almost there-" Otta trudges on. He is used to hiking through the forest and spending days camping, hunting game and eating from the land. But the snow and cold have put him off balance and he is breathing hard, pushing through the snowdrifts is taking its toll and for the first time, the desire for a hot bath and meal is overwhelming.

"Let us get to the lodge, we can stable the horse after meeting the master here." Otta drops all pretence of moving undercover and all but runs toward the lodge doors.

It didn't occur to me that we still had horses. Can the horses carry our packs? Is that how we hand waive the carry weight? ;)

Should we put out an ad for a tank?
If we get a quick enough response they could meet us at the lodge or if we get attacked come to our aid from the lodge?

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 3 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 - 3 = 23 trait bonus= +1 in snow, -3 carry weight
Survival: 1d20 + 6 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 2 + 1 = 17 +2 vs humans, +1 in snow

Otta considers the witch's words. Though he is distrustful of her, her words ring true; "No one is familiar with this forest." and whatever hand you and any the other witches have in this I will find discover.

He surveys the area, looking for the correct path: The snow will help hide us, the swirling wind will mask our scent; "Let us go- follow me, put your feet where I put my feet, stay low and quiet.

Otta looks between the members, beginning to realise their trepidation at approaching the camp; "They are between us and the Lodge, but if we take a wider path we could go around them"

He huffs in the cold, the light waining. "I just don't think camping here is the safest option; the forest has changed so much with this snow and the creatures brought with it."

I'll post to gameplay once Revekka and Trawets weigh in on sneaking to the lodge or taking on the camp. I'm keen to keep moving forward in the AP :)

Sorry, team, I have suddenly realised that we are really could be outgunned, especially considering we're down a tank and spells have been burned for the day. What do you guys want to do?

Do we sneak past while they are asleep and head straight for the lodge?
Then come back?
Do we sneak up and take them by surprise or try to negotiate?

My concern is if we sleep we may be ambushed.
thoughts?

I was suggesting the rest of the party approaches together, Otta approaches from the same direction that he scouted the camp from.

A bemused smile, mostly hidden behind Otta's frosted beard crinkles his eyes; "Yes, that was pretty much the idea- you charm them while I lurk"

Otta watches the Gnome- the desperation to make tracks causing him to grow impatient. "Jujo we are not without our own medicines- no lasting harm will come to you if we act now"

He draws a breath to regain composure; "If we wait and camp here, they may happen upon us then we are at the disadvantage. If we forge a path around them, then we may find other tricks this forest has for us. But if we move now, we can ensure they cause no more trouble to anyone else- or we'll have a meal with friends"

survival: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13
+ 2 more vs humans. Survival check to see if we could find a path avoiding them and heading straight to the lodge.

"Well, by the way today and yesterday have been, we're the one who are always surprised. If they have any brains in their heads, wouldn't they have a lookout? Did you check the trees?"

Otta regards the small fellow, he blinks; Did I check the trees? I... was looking, I'm sure I did, I usually do... always aware of whats going on, but... this snow is so white, so much of it, so cold....

Otta shakes himself, setting his jaw firmly. He speaks slowly to better explain what he saw; "Three men, around the campfire playing cards. They are distracted and have laid their weapons down. No lodge insignia, and only three-bed rolls. That I could see If we go now, we can take them by surprise and discover if they mean us harm or are travellers. Otta sighs; "And they're roasting rabbits."

17 Sarenith, 4713. Evening

Ottast leaves the group behind and moves forward to see what is producing the light....

The Ranger comes to the fallen log, crouching low behind it he closes his eyes, slowing his breathing- fates guide me.... This place is so still- no birds, no scurrying of game in the undergrowth, instead an unnerving soundlessness. He focuses on what he can hear; arguing, the crackling of fire, sizzling and a shout of triumph.

stealth back: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 5 + 1 = 16
He slinks back through the snow;
We must move quickly they are distracted; three unarmed men, if we move now we can take them by surprise.

Otta suggests a plan to ambush the men; Jujo, Ravekka and Trawets can approach, hopefully catching them off guard and finding out if they are from the Lodge or the bandits we're looking for or other travellers. Otta and possibly the Viking can approach from different directions incase are hostile.

Jujo replies to Ottast "Well, I don't mind building the pyres if it will stop people from coming back from the dead and biting us. Can you promise that won't happen?".

The old Ranger looks down at Jujo, unsure whether he is being serious or making a joke;

---

survival to track/navigate through snow: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13 (+2 more vs humans)
Otta leads the way from the pyre, the falling snow beginning to douse it with spits and hisses. "We move quickly, but eyes are wide open, we do not know what tricks this forest has for us." He breathes heavily, spouting gouts of steam with each breath- and as they move over the rise Otta shushes any talking and hunkers down in the snow, squinting hard through the white.
"A light is ahead, stay quiet- it could be another fairy trick"

Otta will creep forward to discover the source of the light.
stealth: 1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 1 = 19
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 (+2 more vs humans)

When they arrive back Otta readily helps Jujo build the Pyre, relishing in the menial task and the roughness of the timbers. He hacks at the logs with his hand axed and together they start a fire that quickly consumes the body of the old man.
Jujo, soon we will have to stop building these for every dead body we find- we have people to find who are still alive.

As it burns Ravekka approaches and it takes a moment for the ranger, lost in his thoughts, to respond. Otta drags his gaze from the fire to regard the witch; plenty of wood to send Dansby on- enough to warm us for a moment, then returns back to the pyre.

Know Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Upon the discussion of the white stag, Otta shakes his head: I have not heard of a white stag in these parts. Is it another fairy trick-?

Otta is keen to move on and get to the lodge.
What time of day is it and can we make it before night?

Trawets looks at Randgríðr and Ottast, "You guys know this area better than us. If you think we can make it to the lodge I think we would be better off there. I'll leave it up to you two."

Otta takes a moment to respond; Oh yes, its not too far- I think. This damnable snow is hiding everything on the path. Once the pyre is out I am sure we can get to the lodge before nightfall.

survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
I hope, fates damn me Doubt holds tightly to the bones of the Ranger

Otta pauses, then awkwardly askes the wizard; Um- Trawets, how are you finding the snow?

Otta approaches Jujo and the witch as they try to talk to the elemental;
We should bury the old man and put it down, like Trawets said.
The ranger looks into the emotionless, featureless face.

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

He notches an arrow and eyes the creature, readying an action in case the bonds are loosed or the command given.;

You mean like staggered sleep/guard times?
I'll go with the group but it would allow us a bit of RP.

Also, unless anyone objects I'd like Otta to take Dansby's bow.
(And check the loot sheet in case there's something you want.)

Otta is taken aback by the Gnome's response He wants to talk to something that was just hitting him?;
I'm sorry- Jujo. I-

The Ranger turns, seeing the arrow is unrecoverable and scans the perimeter. No point in any more of those ice creatures getting the jump on us
survival: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

Finally, Otta addresses the old man. He kneels down next to the corpse, talking in hushed tones; Remember when we drank too much ale and neither of us could walk home? We woke up in the haystacks. Otta smiles to himself and searches the body for anything recoverable.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

GM, I expect this would take place over a few turns