Warden-of-the-Frozen-Knot's page

Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. Thanks for the game!

I am definitely up for it. Always was. When else will I get to play a briarborn? :D

Leaving that decision up to Krystae and Droviz.
Warden stood close to the Wall, making sure it was not seen, keeping Fang close by.
It could always summon something, like a Bat Swarm, to try and force the guards into doing something tactically unsound...but obviously that would be no good if they were still following the original plan.

"Why don't Droviz and Krystae go to pick him up at prison?", Warden suggests, "If Krystae claims to be her sister, and Droviz a third party that paid for his release, for reasons their own but aligned with those of the Ice Queen..."
After a short pause, it adds:"Us others could hide nearby, using the cover of the dark. If there is trouble, or they see through the bluff, we can still use force to extract him."
Krystae is necessary for that, was a toss-up between Droviz or Havelock, but I think the melee warrior is better suited for starting in the middle :)

Aye, glad to hear, but don't push yourself too hard :)
Sporadic worked out good so far.

"What has he been arrested for?", Warden inquires expressionless - "I would think the options we should consider vary depending on the reason. Maybe it was simply smuggling, and we could pay for his freedom? Breaking and entering or murdering everyone still remain options we can pursue if we so choose."

Same...I was a late entry here, but I enjoyed myself so far - what I said over in your other campaign holds true here too.

Incidentally, this is my first ever druid :)
So yeah, I would like to stay on and see about that replacement.

So...any ideas about Ragnar? At worst, we would dig a hole for him, and I'll semi-cover it with my treesome being so he can still breathe.
I think like shallow grave, with open space for the head. Fang could also be a shrub covering the fresh earth.

Well, I can be a tree, hiding among other trees...in a level, I would have "Hide Campsite", too...but other than that, I have little idea on how to ad-hoc hide Ragnar.

"There were underlings that came after us. I may be wrong, but I believe our enemies are aware of our party composition. If they suddenly met a group of merchants with exactly those exotic members, I would assume they will start stabbing and save the questions for later. No, I think attempting to blend in without using magics to do so will be pointless."
Yeah, smuggling people in could be an option but it doesn't occur to Warden. Then again, that smuggler we are supposed to meet may have merchant passes and just that idea...

"...", Warden left the interaction with the giant-like creatures to the others. They seemed to have an idea about what they were doing, and it seemed to work, too.
"If we wish to not be remembered easily, maybe we should do as Droviz suggested earlier? Wear many layers. It is cold enough is it not? A thick fur coat, gloves and a shawl covering the face should be enough to make most of us unremarkable. Ragnar and his servant might want to wait, and Fang will not be easy to hide as well. So maybe you others cover up and make contact with Nadyas husbands uncle, then pick us up again when we are ready to enter the city?"

Hey Ragnar, one page of discussion back, you may find some answers you need.

"All land is welcoming. Just not equally welcoming to all kinds of life.", Warden interjected on Havelocks musing. The north was harsh to those not accustomed to it, certainly, but those species adapted to it thrived well enough.
"We shall not trouble you overly long, I would assume. Our journey brings us into conflict with the ice queen, and she seeks to stop us. And we would not want our troubles to become your trouble. It would seem you have enough sorrow without that."

"So this one is not for Ragnar?", Warden asks innocuously, still busy removing the corpse from the childrens view.

"All stories are one story. All doors are one door. All trees are one tree.", Warden shrugs, not questioning their timing. Certain aspects of life were pre-ordained. Wondering about them did not invalidate them.
Instead, Warden moved to the corpse on the ground that was supposedly Borvald. Supposedly, nobody had checked on the lifeless body. There was a chance he might have stabilised, after all. If not, it seemed sensible to move the body, and not expose the children to it overy long.
Checking if really dead(and reanimation out of the question) and moving body around the corner.

Warden casually stepped up next to Ragnar, testing his life signs.
Heal: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
To no one in particular, it explains: "Sorry, children, it seems it is not the time for him to join you, yet. He will recover."

Warden watches, moving closer to Krystae - with obstacles in the way, it's chance to hit was almost zero...better to save the spears-
But the Mud Elemental, ALMOST having managed to strike the enemy in front of it before, attacks with a mixture of joy and optimism.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Again: DC 12 Fortitude or be entrapped
the 21 missed, but Fangs 22 hit - I suppose 23 hits?

I've been absent these past few days for medical reasons.
Apologies for any inconveniences that may have caused.
I am still recovering, but hope to catch up and get back to posting again soon.

The summoning spell coming to an end, seemingly nothing happens. But as Warden throws the short spear it wields at the quickling, the very ground in front of the target rises up to assail the creature as well, it's muddy form clearly trying to entrap the agitated Fey.
Shortspear: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Mud Elemental Slam: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 +Fortitude DC 12 or be entrapped
Small Mud Elemental delays until after my attack so no soft Cover+firing into Melee penalty.

Warden started a summoning spell, with Fang ready to intercept any threat coming from the direction the Twigjack had vanished to.

Warden steps away from the Quickling, focusing on the other one:"This one shall not be able to hide, either.", then casting a greenish glow over the second one.

Faerie Fire for #2

Hum, just realized my posted action for last turn is missing -_-
I suppose I only previewed and left it at that - hate when it happens.
Either way, mostly posting as a means to explain why I seemingly did not post in case you were waiting for me.

I do have a busy time currently, but I do try and make sure to keep all my games moving. If you saw me post in another game we are in together and I've not elsewhere for a prolonged time, assume that a poke will fix things :)

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
"That is not entirely correct. I have no intention of killing anybody unless forced to do so.", Warden responds loudly, completely misinterpreting what had been said, and holding position.
Total Defense for +4 Dodge - same for Fang

"I would assume if someone means to ambush us, they would not give us a warning.", Warden responded, and kept moving forward, Fang at it's side.
"We will take a look at the buildings - maybe we can deduce what happened here...or, if there is trouble, resolve things before nightfall.", the amber eyes focused forward again, trying to spot any watchers or movement inside the buildings.
Perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

If someone wants a picture to make the moment last, summon Bob Ross, cause there's a happy little tree...

Yep, very nicely! More so than I had hoped for!
My lack of further interaction comes from the limitations of Tree Shape :)
Because I sure as hell will let them have fun until they tire of it, duration runs out, or we find some way to free them.

Diplomacy: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19 21 with the assist
Diplomacy(Fang Assists Warden): 1d20 ⇒ 17

"It does seem that they take more readily to that which they know or remember fondly. Maybe if I do this..."
Warden moves up into the middle of the room, then, within seconds seems to take root, it's limbs and hair transforming...before the children even have a chance to be scared, a picturesque apple tree stands in the middle of the temple, full with ripe apples.
Fang curls up at the base of the tree, looking like a shrub.

Using Tree Shape SLA

"I think if it was that easy, they would have left by now. I assume something traps them here. I would suggest trying to bury their remains for a start, but I have not seen any remains of dead children.", Warden ponders, then adding, just to clarify: "Recently."

just saying... There is a knowledge religion check(and some others) no one succeeded at yet... Maybe you want to give it a try/take 10?

"Yes. But these seem scared of their fate. It would also seem they are bound to the place, so they may be afraid of being left alone again. Is there something you can do to make them feel better?" , Warden asks Ragnar.

When Havelock mentions his concern about the creatures claws, Warden comes close:"Allow me to take a look."
Heal vs Disease DC 12: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19 +4 bonus on the Save
"The Claw reached deep, and penetrated a vein - we should clean the wound and place herbal poultices on it that will prevent a further infection - that way your body can focus on anything the Huecava might have infected you with."
I can prepare remove Disease tomorrow if needed, but hey, no harm in trying to not spend a slot on it ;)

Not losing much time after the last Huecuva falls, Warden takes a closer look at the locale.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
"Over there, at the Altar. Something seems off."
Opening a small stone coffer, Warden continues:
Spellcraft 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
"A ring that makes falling less dangerous by letting you glide to the ground as a feather would."
Spellcraft 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
"A belt with some magical property - not quite sure what it does, though." I accidently read the spoiler after misreading my result - apologies.
Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
"Some useless gemstones...
No read magic prepared. No ranks in Knowledge Religion.
"...some magical scrolls..."
Knowledge(History): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
"...and a journal. I think I could decipher what it says, I know some of those words. But it will take time to work out the meaning...a few hours, at least. I shall do so when we rest. Do any of you want to try and take a closer look at any of this?"

Feel free to read the relevant spoiler tags I uncovered.

As stoic as ever, Warden barely seems to notice the splintered bark. When Droviz brought down the Huecuva, Warden instead pointed towards the one assailing Havelock, wordlessly telling Fang to go for him, while Warden itself made it's way over to block the one approaching Krystae.
Of course, with the weapon not magical, Warden had little hope of actually inflicting meaningful damage on the creature...but that was not the purpose of it's actions.
Going by the map representation and Droviz post, I assume the one between us is going down...so I moved to the two remaining ones. If the one in the middle is still standing, we both assail it instead.
Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 2 = 26 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Just as an heads-up(for all my games): In less than 24 hours from now, my second child will be born.
I took a one-month leave from work to stay at home, so chances are I will have opportunities to post.
But between bonding with the little one and keeping the bigger one entertained, my posting patterns MAY be erratic at times, which is why I feel it's fair to inform fellow players(and GM's).
Only the faster-moving games will find a need to bot me, I hope, but if I am responsible for delay, do move on.

DC 12 Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
With a stoic lack of passion, Warden stabbed at the Huecuva again.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

DC 12 Fortitude: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Unfazed by the wounds the enemy inflicts on it, Warden continues it's ineffectual assault - knowing that martial combat was Fangs area of expertise, and trusting it's companion to dispatch of all threats they faced.
Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 2 = 13 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

"Fang, flank with me", Warden stated calmly. Saying it out loud was not REALLY necessary, their bond was on a deeper, more primal level - but being around the others in the group for a while now had made Warden more vocal.
As soon as the loyal companion was in place, Warden stabbed at the Priest in front of it, albeit with little effect.
Readied attack, Strike when Target flanked: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 = 10 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"Their goal seems noble. Do you think maybe they are not aware they failed? None of them?", Warden asks of Ragnar, moving next to him with a shortspear in hand, eyes fixed on the closest of the creatures.
Ready action: Attack if any one of them within reach performs a hostile action.
Warden Readied: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Merry belated Christmas!

@All games: My apologies for the unannounced absence.
As many others, I had been visiting family during the christmas holidays.
I figured I would have some time to post in the evenings - alas, I only had my work laptop with me, and due to neglicence on my part(I don't really actually restart it all that often...hibernate FTW) my certification for the VPN-Tunnel that is enforced on all internet access was not up-to-date. Result being that I had no access to the WWW despite W-Lan availability.
I could, and should, probably have written such an update from my phone, and posted it to all my games, but honestly, I've been too lazy for that - not really a big fan of writing much without a keyboard. So, apologies for that. I came back home today, and will try and catch up with all games as soon as possible/over the next 48 hours.

Warden silently continued to check the perimeter/walls.
It was well aware that is was by far the youngest in years among the companions, even compared to the younglings accompanying them.
But it had memories that were ancient, part of the shared memory of the ancient knot tree it was bound to, and the trees before that had provided the seeds for it.
Gods were a fleeting thing, to them, as well. They were...concepts...ideas. If one died, another took it's place...there would always be a God of travelling. Before Desna, after Desna...
Warden felt that the opinion could be unpopular among those who built structures to honor these beings, so kept silent.
Nature would reclaim this place soon enough, and for now, it would serve well to keep the travellers save, so this Desna was doing her job, and Warden could appreciate that.

"Agreed.", Warden nodded in response, starting to check the walls.

For the record, if rations are 'dwindling', I would swap over to preparing 2 castings of Goodberry. At 2d4, thats ~10 meals per day(2.5*4) to supplement our available food. Plus I have a Bag of Everlasting Dung that should provide plenty of nourishment for me and Fang...it's thematic if we run low on supplies, but we should be able to stave of starvation ;)

"Could be a blind spot as well. But I may be biased.", Warden replied, but it did genuinely believe either could be true.

"With no magics involved, this seems a most obscure occurance, I think. Regardless, it is bliss to feel the warmth. We are in a hurry, of course, but if nature gifts us such an opportunity to remember what we are fighting for, then my vote is for accepting it and resting here, then pushing on tomorrow with renewed vigor and determination.", Warden makes it's point.

Warden earlier looked around for a natural cause for this phenomenon. E.g. that might be reasonable if there was geothermal activity, or a hot spring nearby, etc... Basically Warden was wondering if this circle was based on magic or not...my own vote on what to do would depend on the outcome of that investigation.

If the circle of spring is magical in nature(also, Detect Magic), Warden would assume powerful magic opposed to the Ice Queen, and probably suggest circling the area to look for tracks.

If the area is natural(to the best of it's knowledge), Warden would suggest taking a break, and enjoy some tasty photosynthesis.

"If they attack us, with that kind of prey around, then they probably won't be ordinary wolves, but servants of the white queen. Don't let your guard down thinking we are dealing with animals.", Warden explains, as Fang returns to a more alert state, staring into the distance.

*Shrug* In that case, picking Droviz Cold Iron Shortsword. He gets a matched set then. If you'd prefer not to give two cold iron weapons the +1(because cold iron extra costs and WBL), the silver shortsword instead - but a dual-wield set.

Before departure

"Hm. My weapon is Fang. It is of my pod, we are of the same seed. These are just...accessories.", Warden indicates its companion, then the shortspears it carries.

Could I pass on the enchantment, if someone else could use it more? E.g. Drovaz dual-wielding? Warden will eventually get sneak attack, but is geared towards casting, with Fang being the Martial aspect of the duo - but he'd need an amulet of mighty fists, not a weapon enchantment...

_______________________________

After departure

"This looks nice indeed. Trap or not, it is a most welcome change of scenery. So let us enjoy it, no matter if it's magic or simply natural. Maybe there's hot springs nearby?"
Warden looks around for any indication of geothermic activity in the area...something that could be a natural cause for the area...something that would, to Warden, be preferably over someone magically controlling the weather - which was quite a demanding Feat, as far as it understood.

"Fascinating. Teach me, so that I no longer will need to fear your fire, then!", Warden responds with excitement.
To Ragnars question, it points towards a corner, where Sylgia's husband is sleeping:"A bit battered, and also poisoned by the Fungus, but I can't help more people today. If we stay another night, I might be able to help his recovery-"

When Ragnar apologizes, Warden cocks it's head:"Why are you sorry? Did you enjoy what you did? I was under the impression you had no choice...or do you hold yourself responsible for another's actions?".
It genuinely does not seem to understand...but neither does Warden seem to really expect an explanation, or even an answer...instead, it turns to Havelock, inquiring:"You have great skill with alchemy...could you...concoct something to withstand fire, rather than cold?"
Both Resist and Protection are actually on my spell list, as well...but learning how to do that from Havelock would be nice.

Warden stands guard outside the cabin. Being coniferous in nature, the cold was less of an issue to it and Fang, especially if they huddled close together.

In the early hours of morning, Warden finds Droziv, and Ragnar, if awake, to use the power of nature to undo the damage done by nature.
"Ragnar, do you remember what happened?", Warden will calmly ask, preparing to provide aid to the big man, filling him in on what happened if the answer is a no.
Lesser Restoration, Ragnar Constitution: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Lesser Restoration, Ragnar constitution: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Once Ragnar seems full of life again, Warden heads to the Dark Elf:"Droviz, things don't feel right because you have been poisoned. Let me help you."
Lesser Restoration, Droviz Wisdom: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Yay good rolls...with regular daily attribute damage healing, that should mostly take care of that?