Tahata Moonrunner's page

"The animals are branded," Tahata says, disgusted that someone would treat the creatures under their care in that way. "Can you see?" he asks, pointing it out to the others. "I'm sure Maitoh and I could herd them out of the way, but does any recognise the symbol of who they belong to?"

"These oxen might be here for some time if they've found good grazing," Tahata says. "If we want to make good time to Iqaliat then we should try to gently persuade them out of our way."

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28 to work out how we might be able to move them on without harming them.

That's what we want it for. We'll be going with our two kids (who'll be 7 and 2 by then) and my mother-in-law, so getting onto rides as efficiently as possible is going to be key.

Yeah, 10 hours out and 8 hours back from the UK.
We've always been very efficient with FastPass previously so we probably will do Genie+ to make sure we get on everything we want to, particularly the Star Wars stuff.

"I think we should cross now. If all goes well we can warm up and dry out with some fires overnight and be ready to travel tomorrow. If we wait we lose more time drying and warming or we travel cold and wet, which could be very dangerous if the weather turns," he suggests.

Survival: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

We're going in October. It'll be mine and my wife's third time together, my daughter's second, and my son's first. My wife is already knee deep in planning, she loves it. The only thing I'm not looking forward to is the 10 hour flight!

"There are many dangers in the wilderness, some of which can be avoided but some of which must be confronted," Tahata says, feeling that his experience in the wilds of Varisia is very much applicable in the frozen north. "As Ayame says, that witchfire was a danger to anyone who might pass through here. We had no choice but to destroy it."

Tahata leaves Maitoh in the company of his new favourite friend and settles in for the night, hoping for a peaceful sleep.

-----------------------

The next morning is bright and cold as the group continues on their way, heading towards the Qopuk Ford. "Are you sure that the ford will be passable?" Tahata asks Ulf, concerned that it might be too cold or too deep to cross.

"Thank you, I'd forgotten about these," Tahata says, grateful for Ayame's memory. He unstoppers one of the bottles and drinks down the cool but mostly tasteless liquid inside.

lesser restoration: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Tahata feels the magic of the potion like a chill wind rushing through his insides, but feels restored nonetheless.

Tahata is pleased to find the rest of the cabins empty and safe. "It was worth our time to look," he says to the others, "though there won't be enough space for all of us to sleep here safely. We should return to the caravan for the night."

Can anyone help me out with my Strength damage?

Tahata and Maitoh lead the group past the cabin, checking the rest of the hunting lodges for anyone that might need help.

"We can rest here, but I want to make sure it's safe first," Tahata replies. "Who knows what that woman had been doing before we got here?"

"Hold on, there's something hidden here," Tahata says, levering up a loose floorboard to reveal a mace with a head of dark silvery metal. "It might be magical," he adds, offering it to Ayame and Loren to look over.

"We should bring the others in, if only to gather these supplies, but we should also check the other cabins first," Tahata suggests. "That witchfire might have harmed others, we need to check that there is no-one that needs our help."

"We'll be fine," Tahata replies, content that Maitoh now looks more comfortable. "The risk of danger shouldn't stop us from trying to help people. Destroying this creature might have saved lives, and we should be ready to do the same again."

As the ghost fades into nothingness Tahata moves to take care of Maitoh. "Yaxşı etdin, cəsur dost," he says quietly as he looks over the wolf's wounds.

Tahata uses his magic to soothe Maitoh's pain and stop the bleeding.

I'll use two cure light wounds on him.

CLW x2: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (4, 2) + 10 = 16

"We should move on quickly before anything comes to investigate the noise," Tahata suggests, hefting his spear and looking around cautiously.

"Now, while she's distracted!" Tahata shouts, seeing the ghost momentarily occupied with her magic. "Maitoh, cinah!" he calls, moving around behind the ghost as Maitoh moves in. They attack quickly and from all directions, hoping to bring down this phantom before she can do any more harm.

Tahata - Free Action to handle Maitoh, Move Action to move 30ft (following the path denoted by the arrows to avoid AoOs), Standard Action to attack.
Maitoh - Free Action to 5ft step, Full Round Action to full attack.

Tahata spear, Outflank: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 4 = 24
Damage, Precise Strike: 1d8 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 12 + (5) = 19

Maitoh bite, sickened, Outflank: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 10 - 2 + 4 = 29
Damage, sickened, Precise Strike: 1d8 + 16 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (7) + 16 - 2 + (3) = 24

Maitoh bite, sickened, Outflank: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 10 - 2 + 4 = 23
Damage, sickened, Precise Strike: 1d8 + 16 - 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 16 - 2 + (3) = 21

"There she is!" Tahata shouts, pointing with his spear as Ayame's spell reveals the ghost surrounded by glittering light. "Maitoh, hücum," he calls, and man and wolf leap forward simultaneously, charging at the ghost with tooth and spear.

Tahata - Move Action to move 35ft, Standard Action to attack.
Maitoh - Move Action to move 15ft, Standard Action to attack.

Tahata spear: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
Damage: 1d8 + 14 ⇒ (8) + 14 = 22

Maitoh bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

Tahata motions for Maitoh to wait as he raises his eyes and his spear, waiting for the ghost to be revealed by Ayame's magic.

We'll delay until we see the results of the glitterdust. Hopefully Ayame's nailed her and we can finish her off!

Tahata hears Loren's report and turns to the others. "She must be behind the building, we need to end this creature here and now!" he says forcefully. He grips his spear and moves quickly around to the back of the cabin. "She's here!" he calls, seeing the ghost emerge from the rear wall. "Maitoh, hücum!" Tahata adds and the wolf leaps to obey, running through the snow to attack the ghost with his jaws, while Tahata stands ready to guard those moving up behind him.

Tahata - Move Action to move 30ft, Free Action to handle Maitoh, Standard Action to ready to attack if the ghost moves within reach.
Maitoh - Move Action to move 35ft, Standard Action to attack.

Maitoh bite, sickened, inspire courage: 1d20 + 10 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 10 - 2 + 2 = 18
Damage, sickened, inspire courage: 1d8 + 16 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 16 - 2 + 2 = 19

Maitoh Will save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 Argh, so close!

Maitoh lands a savage bite against the ghost but it retaliates, burning him with it's unnatural fire and wreathing him in green flame. The wolf growls and grits his teeth but he and Tahata continue to press the attack before the ghost can harm anyone else.

Tahata - Free Action to handle Maitoh, Full Round Action to full attack.
Maitoh - Full Round Action to full attack.
Both of us have magic weapons.

Tahata spear, Outflank: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 4 = 21
Damage, Precise Strike: 1d8 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 12 + (4) = 18

Tahata spear, Outflank: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 4 = 13
Damage, Precise Strike: 1d8 + 12 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 12 + (4) = 21

Maitoh bite, Outflank, sickened: 1d20 + 10 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 4 - 2 = 28
Damage, Precise Strike, sickened: 1d8 + 16 + 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 16 + (5) - 2 = 21

Maitoh bite, Outflank, sickened: 1d20 + 10 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 4 - 2 = 16
Damage, Precise Strike, sickened: 1d8 + 16 + 1d6 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 16 + (3) - 2 = 23

I'm sorry you're struggling GM, sounds like you've got a lot on your plate right now, but I don't want you to worry about what's going on here.
If running the game is adding to your stress then it sounds like you need to drop it to maintain your sanity. If that means finding a replacement GM then I'm fine with that, but if that means the game ending or going on hiatus then I'm fine with that too. I don't want to be part of a game that's causing anyone any undue stress.

Tahata is about to move into the cabin alongside Durian when he sees the phantom move through the wall and outside. As Loren and Ayame assault it with magic he runs along the porch, leaping over some stacks of logs and calling "Maitoh, cinah!". The wolf follows, moving lithely and quickly between the group as man and animal assault the ghost with spear and fang.

Tahata - Free Action to handle Maitoh, Move Action to move 30ft, Standard Action to attack.
Maitoh - Move Action to move 70ft, Standard Action to attack.
Both of us have magic weapons.

Tahata spear, Outflank: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 4 = 14
Damage, Precise Strike: 1d8 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 13 + (6) = 21

Maitoh bite, Outflank: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 4 = 24
Damage, Precise Strike: 1d8 + 16 + 1d6 ⇒ (8) + 16 + (5) = 29

Just dropping in to let everyone know that I’ll be away for a week from Sunday. Please feel free to bot me if needed, I’ll try to drop in and post but I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to.

Fort save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Another crackling bolt of energy snakes towards Tahata and he feels it sap his strength. He grits his teeth against the witchfire's spell and hefts his spear as he takes heed of Ayame's warning. "How do we kill it?" he asks, his hand moving over the tip of his spear, sharpening it with his magic. "Durian, draw it out, we can't get to it effectively while it's inside!" he calls, signalling for Maitoh to move up and protect Ayame.

Tahata - Free Action to 5ft step, Free Action to handle Maitoh, Standard Action to cast lead blades.
Maitoh - Free Action to 5ft step, Standard Action to attack any enemies that come within reach.

The appearance of a ghostly figure wreathed in green flame isn't what Tahata had expected, but he nonetheless prepares himself and Maitoh.

As crackling ray of dark energy flashes out towards Durian Tahata moves over towards Maitoh, running his hand over the wolf's jaw while muttering a few arcane syllables. "What is that?" he asks the others, hoping to gain some insight into the ghostly figure's weaknesses before issuing a prayer to his ancestors and those of Maitoh to protect them from the evil spirit

Tahata - Free Action to 5ft step, Standard Action to cast greater magic fang on Maitoh, Swift Action to use Shared Strength for +1 natural armour.
Maitoh - Delay

Tahata peers in through the door as best he can, but sees no sign of any inhabitants. Motioning for Maitoh for him to stay, he moves towards Durian and the door to get a better look, his instincts telling him that something feels wrong.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Tahata follows Durian, standing a respectful distance behind him with his spear held low so as not to startle any inhabitants of the hut. He keeps Maitoh behind him, for the same reason.

Just dropping in to let everyone know that I’ll be away for a week from tonight. Please feel free to bot me if needed, I’ll try to drop in and post but I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to.

"Probably not, but they might be very defensive if they think we're trying to take their catch from them," Tahata replies. "They might be willing to trade for information, there's nothing to lose from trying to barter with them."

Tahata leads the group off towards the occupied hut, looking about him for signs of danger, Maitoh padding silently along beside him.

Tahata Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
Maitoh Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17

Tahata rules Maitoh's fur, making it clear to the wolf that he was proud of how he worked. He stabs his spear into the frozen ground before pulling out his knife and helping Ulf with the work of skinning and breaking down the bear carcass. There is little meat for such a large creature, but the hide is in good condition despite the bear's obvious struggles with getting enough food.

Some days later Tahata spots that one of the supposedly empty hunting lodges has signs of occupation. "Smoke rising from that one, and it looks like there's a light inside," Tahata says. "We should stop the caravan here and go in on foot."

Maitoh snarls as the bear rakes him with it's claw and the two animals are drawn together in a rolling grapple. Maitoh bites back at the bear, his powerful jaws snapping. Tahata strides into the melee, his spear stabbing into the bear in time with Durian's attacks from behind.

Maitoh - Standard Action to attack the bear.
Tahata - Move Action to move 5ft through difficult terrain, Standard Action to attack the bear (with the benefit of Outflank thanks to Durian).

Maitoh bite, grappled: 1d20 + 10 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 2 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Tahata spear, Outflank: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 4 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22

As the bear approaches Tahata quickly channels his magic into Maitoh and himself, strengthening them to take on the huge beast. Once the last of the arcane syllables leave his lips he orders Maitoh forwards to attack the bear before it can reach the caravans. "Maitoh, hücum!" he instructs and the wolf leaps forward, fangs bared, as Tahata follows along behind with his spear held ready.

Tahata - Standard Action to cast bull's strength on himself and Maitoh using Improved Spell Sharing, Move Action to move 15ft at half speed, Free Action to handle Maitoh.
Maitoh - Move Action to move 20ft at half speed, Standard Action to attack.

Maitoh bite: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24
Trip vs CMD if hits: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Sorry to heat that Ayame, hope you're doing OK.

Seeing the massive bear emerge from the treeline Tahata hops down from the wagon and leans down to push his gloved hand down through the snow to the frozen earth below. Muttering an incantation to the spirits of the earth he calls down a rain of rocks and ice onto the bear, scattering the ground with irregular lumps that should slow the beast's advance.

Maitoh follows instinctively to stand beside his companion, ready to protect the group should the bear approach, and Tahata lays his hand across the wolf's shoulders, bonding the two with the strength of the pack.

Tahata - Move Action to move 20ft, Swift Action to use Shared Strength for +1 natural armour, Standard Action to cast stone call, dealing 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10 bludgeoning damage to the bear and causing the area inside the circle to become difficult terrain.
Maitoh - Move Action to move 30ft, Standard Action to ready to attack the bear if it comes within reach.

Tahata wakes quickly at Durian's warning. He rouses Maitoh from his slumber, the wolf's nocturnal instincts readying him easily, before moving quietly through the dark to find Loren and Ayame, spear in hand and ears listening intently. "Something large is coming towards us," he warns them quietly, "make yourselves ready."

"I agree with Durian. We can deal with attention, or we can disguise ourselves to avoid it, but fording an ice-cold river with the caravans or becoming stuck without no access to help might be the end of us," Tahata says solemnly. "A faster journey and a safer journey are likely to make things easier for us."

"I agree. We should stay away from anything that might call this place home, I suspect there will be few creatures that would not overpower us in this environment," Tahata says, nodding at Durian's assessment. "We will need to keep a careful watch tonight, the end of the pass might well attract the attention of dangerous beings."

Tahata rewards Maitoh with an ear rub as the group gathers around the fallen bulette. "I agree - no sense in wasting food or other materials in an environment like this." Tahata stabs his spear point first into the frozen ground and draws his knife to begin preparing the carcass.

As the caravan continues Tahata and Maitoh take their turn on watch or scouting ahead of the wagons as needed, keeping an eye out for any danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29

As the bulette moves towards the others Tahata takes a moment to channel his magic into Maitoh. He moves his hand across the wolf's jaw, muttering words of power passed down through his family for generations. Maitoh's teeth become sharper and take on an almost metallic glint.

Tahata sends Maitoh into the fray with a swift command then follows up with his spear at the ready.

Tahata - Standard Action to cast strong jaw on Maitoh, Free Action to handle Maitoh, Move Action to move 30ft.
Maitoh - Move Action to move 40ft, Standard Action to attack with a flank from Durian.

Maitoh bite: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32
Damage: 2d8 + 18 ⇒ (5, 7) + 18 = 30
Confirm?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Damage: 2d8 + 18 ⇒ (2, 8) + 18 = 28

Trip vs CMD if hits: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Tahata barely has time to react to the rumbling before a huge beast emerges from the frozen ground. Snow and soil pour from it's grey hide as it opens it's huge maw to reveal massive teeth. Tahata keeps Maitoh by his side and uses his magic to strengthen them both before entering the fray.

Tahata - Standard Action to cast bull's strength on us both using Improved Spell Sharing, Swift Action to use Shared Strength on us both for +1 natural armour.
Maitoh - Standard Action to Ready to attack any enemies that enter reach.

"We shan't," Tahata replies. "Maitoh and I won't be able to hold for long if we meet any giants, so we'll make sure not to move too far from help."

"We can do that," Tahata replies. "It's colder than our normal hunting grounds, but we've scouted for large groups before. We'd need some way of informing the group if we find anything though. Can your magic do that?" he asks.

"Perhaps we should have more lookouts as we travel through the pass?" Tahata suggests as he helps out with the canvas. "The more warning we get the better off we might be if the giants decide to attack."

Tahata is pleased to continue Ayame's language lessons, particularly during the dark and cold nights. "You seem to have a talent for languages," he remarks, surprised with how quickly she is able to pick up a language spoken by very few outsiders.

________________________

"Agreed. Any giants living in this pass will have a significant advantage against us, we would struggle to deal with them should we stumble on them in their own territory, and we certainly shouldn't go looking for them," Tahata says.

"There's nothing here we need, but what's here might save someone's life," Tahata says firmly. "We should leave it as we found it, but maybe we should look around to make sure there's no-one in difficulty."

He ushers Maitoh towards the furs on the doors. "Maitoh, izləmək," he mutters, and the wolf buries his nose into the furs to pick up a scent. Tahata then opens the door and lets the wolf out into the snow to follow his nose.

As Maitoh doesn't know the track trick, I'll have to push him but I can pass the check by taking 10. Hopefully if there's anyone out there Maitoh can find them.

"We should check if there's anyone inside," Tahata suggests. He walks carefully across the snow towards the cabin's door. Spear in hand he listens for any sign of movement inside the odd structure.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

"Surely not this far north," Tahata says, wondering how anyone could eke out survival in this cold, inhospitable wasteland. "Nonetheless, we should be cautious."

The peace of the frozen north touched Tahata's heart - a different wilderness from the parched lands of central Varisia that his people have called home for generations, but a calming and unspoiled wilderness nonetheless.

Ayame's music and singing was a welcome distraction during the long, cold days of travel with little to do but maintain equipment, sharpen weapons, and look after Maitoh. "It's not uncommon for the wolves my people share their lands with to become this large," he replies as Ayame engages him in conversation one night. "He was already one of the largest in his pack when we bonded and set out together, so his growth these last few months isn't unexpected. I doubt he'll get much larger - at least I hope not, otherwise he won't fit in the caravan," he adds with a smile. He strokes the dozing wolf's ear, a very canine grin on Maitoh's face as he shares his warmth with Ayame. "Have you ever shared your life with an animal?" Tahata asks the others. "A pet, or companion perhaps?"

HP: 1d8 ⇒ 3 Which becomes an average 5

Hunter (Totem-Bonded) 7
HP - 5 + 2 (Con) + 1 (FC)
Skill points - Acrobatics, Climb, Knowledge (nature), Perception, Stealth, Survival
Background skill points - Handle Animal, Knowledge (geography)
Favoured class bonus - HP
BAB - +5
Saves - Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +2
Spells known - +1 1st level (cure light wounds), +2 3rd level (greater magic fang, strong jaw), summon nature's ally III
Spells per day - +1 3rd level
Feat - Furious Focus
Bonus trick - Detect

This level is mainly about Maitoh, who is now Large and has got a lot stronger.

Cool Tahata, I feel like I have asked that question before so if so sorry and I am sure I will ask again.

No worries, it's hard enough to keep track of running the game let alone what each PC can do.

Tahata's spear tip crunches through the frozen bone of the bison's skull and whatever malign force was animating it is shattered. The bison collapses to the ground, never to rise again. "We should get the caravan moving again - we are a target while we are still," Tahata says, motioning for Maitoh to follow him back to the wagons.

Will Maitoh bite undead? I know there is mention of this someplace but don't have the books with me.

He will, as he has the attack trick twice which is the requirement for companions to attack unnatural creatures.

With no time to lose Tahata switches to the next bison as the first one falls beneath Maitoh's jaws. He moves quickly, turning and thrusting his spear towards the great beast's eyes as Maitoh attacks it's hind legs, the two moving in concert without having to communicate.

Tahata - Free Action to handle Maitoh, Move Action to move 20ft using Acrobatics to avoid AoOs (Acrobatics vs CMD: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16), Standard Action to attack blue.
Maitoh - Move Action to move 20ft, Standard Action to attack blue.

Tahata spear, Outflank: 1d20 + 10 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 10 + 4 = 30
Damage, Precise Strike: 2d6 + 15 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 2) + 15 + (5) = 26

Maitoh bite, Outflank: 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 4 = 18
Damage, Precise Strike: 1d6 + 13 + 1d6 ⇒ (1) + 13 + (6) = 20
Trip vs CMD if hits: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28