DM RobC - "That does sound sensible." Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 3:51:28 AM "I didn't ask them but they didn't mention anything about being attacked or seeing elementals about" Ceres responds to Sigvar.
Hemera answers Anna's question "It will take closer to 30 minutes flight to get to the aeries. At our speed that is." Anna is able to extrapolate that out to somewhere in the 3 mile ballpark.
Trayvin sets to patching up wounds while the others start thinking of what the next day might hold. Most focus on one thing: griffon rides!
It does leave one question though... what about the big guy? What about Sigvar?
The party have all evening in the mansion to figure that out. For now there is rest and probably some planning for tomorrow. Food will no doubt be served as well to fill some empty bellies.
------------------------- Everyone receives 80,000xp for completion of the previous scene... and surviving!
If the party want to do any planning, prep certain spells, etc, now's the time
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 8:43:11 AM
Sigvar isn't worried. He can fly there on his own although it will take him, longer. If one of the griffons is willing to guide him that would work out fine. Otherwise the resourceful asters could find a way to reduce him for the time it takes, he has 2 rods of lesser extend that will allow them to double the duration of a reduce spell which should cover the flight time.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 1:38:49 PM
Tinker has no personal preparations to make, but he does have some questions. Over a slab of roast and a mug of ale, the dwarf cocks an eye. “So, get to the top and start asking around to see if there are something besides speculation and accusations?”
He’s willing to listen to any other reasonable plan.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 3:14:40 PM
"If we're only talking about 30 minutes' flight, I can just cast Fly on Sigvar," Pru says. "Even if it's a longer flight, I can cast it several times."
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 122/199(BrianZ) Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 6:29:27 PM
Looks like the flying was covered. Trayvin settles in for some food and mentally prepares for the next day.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+14, R+23,W+15, CMB+22, CMD+31 Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 9:36:02 PM
Michael follows Hemear's instructions to the letter. but he cannot help but be excited to fly on the back of one of these noble creatures.
he bows once introduced to the one he is to fly upon.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36/38 evil SR 20 CMD 32/30, HP 170 /170 Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 9:58:12 PM
Pompous checks his gear and is ready to take flight.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 42/18/39 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 36 Thursday June 24th, 2021 12:14:46 AM
Anna says, "I can turn into several huge animals but only for a limited time and sadly none of them fly. I might opt to use my Queen's minions for beast shape I again, turn into an eagle and ride on a griffon as an eagle so that I could fly on my own and investigate things if we need it."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 110/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday June 24th, 2021 12:33:11 AM
Nikolai sits back, belly full, and wonders about the situation. Once they get to the aeries, then what? Alright, so they ask a few questions. Then what? Ultimately, they need to get back down and start the search on the ground, by climbing as far to the top of the mountain as they can, by investigating the East side, and so forth.
To the others he mentions, {At least the others will know we are here and get to meet them. That should give them some hope and bolster their morale. But ultimately, it's on the mountain we'll need to be. It's all on the mountain.}
DM RobC - "It's all on the mountain" Thursday June 24th, 2021 3:59:17 AM
In the morning, true to the plan, four griffons can be seen perched on the rocky slope above you. Who knows how long they've been waiting but they've obviously been waiting for you to emerge from the mansion. On spotting Ceres and Hemera they leap down and form a very loose line.
"Aphrilles. Nereus. Shasta. Arkell." Ceres walks along and greets them all in turn before introducing you "These are the leaders of the Mailed Fist. They are here to help us and they are our guests."
There are a few grunts from the griffons and they don't look especially happy to see you.
Aphrilles is clearly the smallest - though still large. He's probably also the youngest. His plumage is a chestnut brown colour and every feather in perfect position as you would expect from someone who hasn’t seen much adventuring.
Nereus is much the same in appearance though perhaps a little larger. They are more than likely brothers or perhaps related in some other way. He is clawing at the ground, ready to get moving and into the safety of the air.
Shasta is larger than those two and has dark black feathers that match against his dark fur. He is very thin for his size and you can see some of his ribs through his fur. You notice that he is watching Michael very closely.
You'd pick Arkell as being the strongest and you'd be right. He clearly has the biggest wingspan and his tan fur covers some obvious muscle. Anything that gets stuck in his claw would snap pretty easily. He's not as large as Ceres though.
Hemera - being the only female - is larger than all of them.
"You'll ride with me" Ceres approaches Michael. He looks squarely at Shasta as he does so.
------------- Choose your mounts!
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Thursday June 24th, 2021 4:11:00 AM
Sigvar shrugs his shoulders, opening his wings." I'll follow at my best speed, but I know can't fly as fast or as gracefully as you ."
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Thursday June 24th, 2021 4:20:08 AM
Tinker bows to the group of griffons. “ Daemar Torvalsson, called Tinker, one of the Knights Commander of the Mailed Fist at your service”, rumbles the bass voice.
As Ceres has already chosen Michael, the dwarf considers further pairings. Despite his size, Tinker and his gear surely outweighs everyone except Trayvin and Sigvar. With the Minotaur not riding anyone and leaving the Half-Orc to Arkell, the dwarf approaches Shasta. “You look like a warrior, noble sir. We should get along then.”
Flecks of dark brown streak the dwarf’s rust-colored hair and full beard, framing a chiseled bronze face set in a permanent frown of concentration. Heavy leather-and-canvas boots, trousers, tunic, vest, and cloak with lots of pockets clothes the dwarf revealing very little skin. Weapons, tools, and a large backpack stuffed with more implements completes the image of an adventurer expecting the worst and ready for anything.
Prudence Gundle Thursday June 24th, 2021 2:11:51 PM
Pru approaches the group. "Hello," she says. "My name is Prudence Gundle, but people call me Pru. Aphrilles, will you please give me a ride?"
Apart from Michael, Pru is probably the lightest in the group, especially since she doesn't wear armor.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Thursday June 24th, 2021 8:07:18 PM
Trayvin introduces himself to all the griffons, and Arkell in particular. I offer my thanks for this help you provide us. It will speed us on our journey to help your people.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
OOC- hola, dropping a notice here, I will be at Scout camp next week and unable to post. Would someone mind dropping some placeholder posts? I'd like to see our good posting streak continue.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+14, R+23,W+15, CMB+22, CMD+31 Thursday June 24th, 2021 10:49:40 PM
Michael winks at Shasta as he takes Ceres's offer. Michael is light, but he takes care in mounting, ensuring that his scabbards don't poke his client.
he whispers to Ceres after they take off. Shasta looks a bit thin, was he looking at me as a meal, or did I offend him some way? if he is sick or something our Cleric Trayvin can probably set him right once we land. .
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 Thursday June 24th, 2021 11:12:05 PM
Anna activates Queen's Minions to turn into an eagle and lands on Nikolai's shoulder, "Pick your griffon and I'll ride with you. If you need to send out a scout to get a closer look at anything I'll fly out and see what we can see."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 110/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday June 25th, 2021 12:27:24 AM
Nikolai approaches Nereus and bows, asking Hemera to tell the griffons that the Mailed Fist is honored for being allowed to ride with them.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Friday June 25th, 2021 5:54:50 PM
Tinker patiently waits, feeling that any intelligent person who is militaristic and touchy will not take silence well. Shasta is sure to do something if given the opportunity. And the dwarf feels sure that he can out-wait the Griffon.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36/38 evil SR 20 CMD 32/30, HP 170 /170 Friday June 25th, 2021 10:07:53 PM
Pompous is ready and waits to be assigned a Griffon. To bad Steffon the Griffon wasn't here.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Saturday June 26th, 2021 1:03:47 PM
Sigvar waits for the pride to take off.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 Sunday June 27th, 2021 11:40:14 PM
Anna rides Nereus on Nikolai's shoulder if Nereus allows, "Thank you noble Nereus." She says.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Monday June 28th, 2021 6:43:25 AM
Tinker thinks about what they will need to do up at the Griffon aeries. He thinks Nikolai has a good plan.
Prudence Gundle Monday June 28th, 2021 10:48:28 AM
As the group gets ready to fly on griffons, Pru makes sure she has a Feather Fall ready to go. Just in case.
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Monday June 28th, 2021 4:30:33 PM
Greetings Woldians!
We have TWO games that have achieved Level 20 and just retired over the weekend! So in our usual tradition, we're holding a celebration for the next few days on the Giggling Ghost board!
Folks are already beginning to gather. We expect everyone to join in and post daily on the GG board, but all are excused from posting in their "regular career game" through Wednesday at least. :) It doesn't mean you can't post, just that you don't have to.
DMs if you're in combat, feel free to just post a "pause until after Wednesday" if you'd like, or you can do that anyway. These celebrations are important as both of these games have players who have been working for at least 9 years to achieve this retirement for their PCs.
--DMs may take the role of an NPC or 2 if they wish and hand out dishes, create action, help out, etc. --Anyone may take the stage and tell a story or sing a song. --Post as many times a day as you'd like on the Giggling Ghost board.
Entertain yourselves and enjoy!
Yes you may go there now and post. Yes you should go there now and post. What are you waiting for? Yes, now is fine. Are you still reading this? Why?
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+14, R+23,W+15, CMB+22, CMD+31 Monday June 28th, 2021 10:00:52 PM
Time stops, space warps, and the Agents are gone, but the wold is frozen in this moment of time and will be until the ultimate powers deem it to continue.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 Tuesday June 29th, 2021 2:20:16 AM
Anna waits on Nikolai's shoulder
DM RobC - "Thank you noble Nereus." 4d6=16 ; 4d6=16 ; Tuesday June 29th, 2021 4:07:58 AM
Hemera whispers to Nikolai "They can understand you. It's just that you can't understand them" she explains.
Despite the thanks many of the group give and their gratitude for the ride, none of the other griffons look particularly happier about the situation. Still, they aren't going to argue with Ceres and Hemera and so reluctantly take on the role of mounts. Aphrilles and Nereus trot about a bit to see how they manage with the weight. Shasta may as well have been made from stone. He doesn't budge under the weight of Tinker.
"Yes, you might want to keep your distance for the time being" Ceres explains to Michael "You probably look like a good meal. I wouldn't expect him to try anything, but it doesn't hurt for me to make a show just to remind him"
The griffons start the slow ascent with Ceres taking the lead. The north face is very rocky with occasional patches of snow that turned into vast snow covered areas the higher you go. "It's not normally snowy at this altitude" Ceres explains. The flight is slow. The griffons aren't used to carrying this sort of weight nor having riders on their backs. They are obviously trying to keep things stable but this a first for them and they all struggle at times.
Michael, Tinker, Trayvin and Pompous to make a DC10 ride check to stay on the back of their griffons. Failure = a 40ft fall and 16pts damage. Pru and Nikolai to make 2 x DC10 ride checks to stay on the back of the griffons. Failure = a 40ft fall and 16pts damage.
The winds are picking up and the sky is almost completely overcast. The temperature is steadily dropping too. 40’f drops to 30’f drops to 20’f. The party are about 3miles high by now. The summit is still nowhere to be seen and the air is starting to become thin.
"Things are much worse than only a few days ago" Hemera tells Pompous "We're almost there now"
------------- Ceres: Michael Shasta: Tinker Aphrilles: Pru Arkell: Trayvin Nerues: Nikolai & Anna Hemera: Pompous Sigvar
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Tuesday June 29th, 2021 5:40:38 AM
Sigvar had not counted on the difficulty that the Griffons might encountertrying to balance people on their backs for the first timehe tries to stay alert in case he can catch someone that falls but it seems once the griffons try it out for a bit at low altitude they mastert the skill and begin to climb. As the temperature drops, Sigvar touches himself and prays to Gargul to be able to withstand the cold. (Cast endure elements on himself)
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+7=17 ; Tuesday June 29th, 2021 4:28:17 PM
Tinker knows a lot of skills, but riding isn’t one of them. He knows he has the grace of a sack of potatoes trying to hold on, but at least his natural agility comes in handy and he keeps his balance!
The dwarf is going to be happy when this is over!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 110/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+9=11 ; Tuesday June 29th, 2021 7:56:40 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Nikolai has ridden horses plenty of times but these griffons aren't horses. And horses don't fly. And griffons don't have saddles and stirrups. The wind and the body movements due to the flapping of the wings puts Nikolai to task to stay on.
Ride check 1 D20 + 7 + 2 (Luckstone and Ioun stone) vs DC10 = 11
He hopes Anna does not poop on his shoulder as they laboriously climb upwards.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 110/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20=9 ; d20+27=44 ; Tuesday June 29th, 2021 8:06:49 PM
Oops here's more:
Ride check 2 D20 + 7 + 2 (Luckstone and Ioun stone) vs DC10 = 9
Nikolai finally looses his grip as a gust of wind catches him sideways and off he goes. Unable to use a 'wall' to slow his fall, and not sure how far he is to go before he splats, he instinctively activates his Abundant Step to plop right back on Nerues' back.
Ki 11/13
Don't know if the Abundant Step won't work, since Teleport won't, but Abundant Step works like Dimension Door. If not, he hits the rocky cliff side. Acrobatics to Soften Fall d20+25 +2 (Luckstone, Ioun stone) = 44, ignore 1st 10' of fall.
DM, let me know what the adjusted damage is if any damage is taken.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 Tuesday June 29th, 2021 9:35:06 PM
If Nikolai can abundant step back Anna who started flyinh when nikolai fell uses her brownie magic sla to get back.
(OOC: lost power; short post)
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+14, R+23,W+15, CMB+22, CMD+31 d20+14=20 ; Tuesday June 29th, 2021 10:34:50 PM
ride = 20
Michael lays along Ceres back, he adjusts his position, feeling the changes in the gryphons movement and tension to try and find the best way of riding, in this case that means making his mounts job easier.
DM RobC - "Thank you noble Nereus." Wednesday June 30th, 2021 3:46:12 AM
The party have mixed results staying aboard the griffons. Michael and Tinker are naturals, though riding on Ceres and Shasta probably means there's more for them to hold.
Nikolai has a little more trouble with things. Nerues falters against the weight of the half-elf and it's enough for Nikolai to be thrown free. He loses his grip and falls gracelessly to the rocks below. It all happens so fast that he didn't have time to even think of his Abundant Step ability. Now on the rocks he can see it wouldn't have made much difference anyway. Try as he might he just isn't able to magically transport himself back on Nereus. The griffon circles back around to allow Nikolai to jump back aboard.
The party finally arrive at the aeries on the northern slope, some 10 miles from the eastern slopes - the lands of the giants. You can count some 50 nests in the immediate area though only a little more than a dozen griffons are currently home. "This is just one of many of our sites" Hemera advises.
The griffons don’t seem tired from the flight, but they occasionally use their wings to protect themselves from the high winds.
The weather is particularly bad now. You can see why the griffons are in trouble. The wind is strong, and the air is so thin that you may even start to feel light-headed.
---------------- Current conditions.. Strong Winds: Tiny sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check if airborne.) -2 to Fly checks and ranged attacks. High Altitude Fatigue / Thin Air: All non-acclimated creatures labor to breathe in the thin air at this altitude. Characters must succeed on a Fortitude save each hour (DC 15, +1 per hour) or be fatigued.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+2=22 ; d20+24=27 ; Wednesday June 30th, 2021 5:44:02 AM
Tinker dismounts as soon as feasible from Shasta. Breathing hard, he is glad of his Boots of the Winterlands keeping him warm. “Is it always like this? What has changed?” And he also looks to see what direction the wind is coming from. “Is this wind always from the same direction? Is it only where the nests are?”
He also checks the stonework up here on the side of the mountain to compare what he saw at its base.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Wednesday June 30th, 2021 6:20:36 AM
Sigvar lands. The winds were a bit problematic while he was flying but now that he is landed he does not feel their force as acutely.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36/38 evil SR 20 CMD 32/30, HP 170 /170 d20+8=16 ; d20+8=11 ; d20+16=35 ; d20+16=25 ; Wednesday June 30th, 2021 6:51:12 AM
ooc> Sorry folks. It was my youngest's high school grad last evening. Totally forgot about the game,
Ride check from last round 16 and 11
Fort checks- 35 and 26
----------------------------------------
Pompous, on Hemera's back, lands. The wind is strong but not problematic for the ranger.. so far...
He descends from the griffon's back, wraps his cloak rightly about himself and tips his head in a nod of thanks.
" My thanks for the ride good Hemera. "
He then slings his bow. Shooting in this wind would be a problem. Best let his blade do his talking if things go bad.
Prudence Gundle d20+6=9 ; d20+6=17 ; d20+12=27 ; Wednesday June 30th, 2021 12:18:59 PM
[OOC: Well, I didn't actually die from the heat, but I did get pretty sick. I'm better now.]
When Pru realizes that Aphrilles is having trouble carrying her, she activates her Boots of Levitation and basically gets towed through the air. [Ride checks 9 and 17, but I'm hoping that there's a little bonus for the levitating.]
Pru isn't yet troubled by the thin air [Fort save 27], but it's not exactly comfortable up here.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 d20+10=24 ; d20+20=33 ; Wednesday June 30th, 2021 11:42:57 PM
Fort Save: 24
Anna flies down from Nikolai and takes in her surroundings. (Perception: 33)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+20=22 ; Thursday July 1st, 2021 12:10:22 AM
Nikolai manages to soften his fall some but still suffers some bruises on the rocky slop. He shrugs it off and climbs back on.
At the griffon aerie, he takes in the defenses of the nest. The main defense is the altitude. Not many could wage a flying battle with the wind, thin air, and the griffons used to both.
Fortitude save d20 + 20 = 22
For now, he is managing.
DM RobC - "Is it always like this?" Thursday July 1st, 2021 3:48:18 AM
Tinker tries to take stock of the current landscape. The stone here looks much the same as it did at the base level. All the same mineral (whatever it is). The wind is currently blowing from the west to the east.
"No. It wasn't this bad when we left, and that was only a few days ago. Things have deteriorated fast" Ceres shakes his head to Tinker. "We've reports of high winds and storms all across the mountain. It's not just here."
Hemera adds her view. "The numbers remaining here are few now. Those that remain don’t want to leave their homes and they can't be forced. If they don’t leave though, they will die."
Nikolai has the right of it. The height of the aeries is most certainly a key factor when it comes to defense. Based on what you've observed, adversaries without a means of flight would have difficulty just getting here.
Ceres and Hemera flank the party and escort you around the nests. Michael continues to garner the attention of many of the hungrier griffons. They watch the party carefully but keep their distance.
You observe that most of the griffons that are still nesting here are female, likely unwilling to leave their nests until their broods hatch.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+14=32 ; d20+10=27 ; d20-1=3 ; Thursday July 1st, 2021 4:13:11 AM
Tinker grunts. From the west means the most likely origin of nefarious intent is from the west.
While waiting for group consensus on moving west, the dwarf pulls a small hammer from his masterwork engineering set and looks to see if he can erect windbreaks around some of the nests to help the clutching mothers and elderly. “Michael! Need your expertise here!”, he calls, doing a poor job of bluffing the griffons to make them think the Halfling is more useful when not eaten.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet d20+22=25 ; Thursday July 1st, 2021 6:56:08 AM " I'll assist you too Tinker, a little bulk and strength might make it a bit easier." over the badges Sigvar mentions to Prudence. " Do you think you could make a mansion so that the griffons up here can fill their bellies and not look at Michael like he was an appetizer?" To everyone he asks, "Who was it that lived to the west? Like Tinker said, if the wind i blowing from that way makers sense to head that way first." Fort save 25 for the first hour
Prudence Gundle Thursday July 1st, 2021 12:12:15 PM
"Do they know that?" Pru asked Hemera. "I mean, do they know that if they don't leave here, they will die? Is there anything that would help them be able to move? For example, if we could help move any eggs safely?"
To Sigvar, she replies, "That's a possibility, but let's wait a bit and see what the overall plan is."
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+14, R+23,W+15, CMB+22, CMD+31 Thursday July 1st, 2021 7:43:05 PM What you need brother? The question is only for form's sake, he lends a hand with a will to help Tinker. privately over the link, he talks to the rest of the Knights.
These guys are starving, we are going to have problems with them shortly if they don't get something to eat, can any of you magic guys conjure up some good red meat for them, something to hold them till the Fist gets here with the livestock? .
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36/38 evil SR 20 CMD 32/30, HP 170 /170 Thursday July 1st, 2021 8:15:39 PM
{ Send: No magic but if there's any game nearby I can go hunt.... They are welcomed to my field rations for as long as they last... }
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 Thursday July 1st, 2021 10:36:40 PM
Anna sends over the link I have no magical ability to effect things other than myself, although I do have the ability to use regeneration. Do you think I could turn into a large enough animal, hack off limbs then use regeneration to regrow, course if I revert to my normal form do my larger animal limbs become human limbs again? If so we would only have like 18 minutes to feed the animals, Ana-animal limbs. Alternatively I could join Pompous in the hunt.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday July 2nd, 2021 12:38:39 AM
Nikolai points out that Pru's Mansions are the most logical. They last a long time, protection from the wind and cold, and plenty of food. It is temporary, but the best option. It will be up to them to take advantage of it.
Having seen the plight of the aerie, and assuming these weather conditions are not the normal storms that occur high up in mountaintops, he suggests heading west as soon as the griffons have had a good night's rest in one of Pru's Mansions. Staying up here won't be of much help.
DM RobC - " Do you think I could turn into a large enough animal, hack off limbs then use regeneration to regrow..." Friday July 2nd, 2021 4:31:20 AM
Tinker grunts, and with Michael's help the pair start setting up some windbreaks. It's a small thing but makes a noticeable difference to the nests that they are able to provide shelter to. It's enough for some of the griffons to reconsider Michael as more than just a meal.
There is some talk of a couple of mansions to provide some magical shelter for the griffons. It would require care to move the griffons inside but could potentially be a good temporary shelter for them. Pru wants to understand what the overall plan is first though.
Anna has the disturbing idea to turn into some sort of regenerating creature and just start hacking off limbs. Desperate times call for gruesome actions?
There is a consensus that whatever is causing the poor weather must be coming from the west and that exploration in that direction is warranted.
At the same time, Ceres and Hemera both look up and to the east. It takes a moment but you work out that they have spotted a griffon flying in from the east. It's flying low and against the wind but doing it's best. When it gets to the group it lands and barks to Ceres. It's grunts and cries are loud, and though the party can't understand what's being said it is obvious that something is up. Ceres grunts and cries back and the two have some sort of conversation.
Anna... Highlight to display spoiler: {"Attack! To the east! Need reinforcements!" "What? Where's Tempus?" "Don't know. Sent me to get you. Quick. They need help!" "Is it the giants?" "D... Don't know!" "What do you mean you don't know?" "Too fast. Couldn't see."}
When it looks done Ceres gives a very loud roar. The griffons in the immediate area - the ones you rode on - approach Ceres.
Ceres explains. "One of our scouting groups to the east has come under attack. Moradin came back here to call for aid". He doesn’t sound happy. "If this is the work of the giants then it is inexcusable. We will retaliate with all that we have. Their deaths will be swift". The nearby griffons start screeching and clawing at the ground. They are ready to fight.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 d20+13=25 ; Friday July 2nd, 2021 8:19:52 AM
Diplomacy : 25 (OOC: get +2 when dealing with magical beasts)
Anna addresses Ceres and the rest of the assembled griffons as well as her compatriots, "My Lady Queen Ma'ab has blessed me with the ability to understand and be understood by magical beasts. From what I understand based on your scout's report he couldn't tell if the attack was the giants or not because whoever made the attack was too fast. Forgive me but I don't remember giants being known for their stealth or speed abilities but for their strength and size. Furthermore if you remember we were attacked by a combination of elementals and invisible assailants on our way here. It is entirely possible that the attack your scout reported was made by the same things that attacked us as they came in fast and we couldn't see them. Before we launch a retalatory sortie against the giants I think we, meaning the Mailed Fist, need to back up your forces to the east, take care of whatever is threatening them currently and then investigate to figure out if we can determine the source of the attacks. While I do not doubt there is enmity between the yourselves and the giants and the hawkmen it seems like what is going on here is impacting everyone so the possibility exists of a fourth faction we don't know much about. Please let my team do what they do in combat and investigation before taking any action against the giants. If this fourth unknown faction does exist conflict between others on the mountain may be exactly what it wants. "
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Friday July 2nd, 2021 10:41:01 AM
Sigvar attempts to Aid Anna's diplomacy check ( +10 diplomacy, auto success) " A third party using invisible attackers could easily rile up all three of your factions and get you at each others throats while just sitting back and watching. Listen to Anna. Allow us to go and aid your scouts."
To the other KC's " this could also be an elaborate distraction to get us away from here so that the aerie can be attacked. We need to be mindful of that too."
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Friday July 2nd, 2021 10:42:43 AM
also to Anna " Do you still have your magic bag? how much meat is 300 gold worth of say horse. The bag could produce that daily, couldn't it? "
Prudence Gundle Friday July 2nd, 2021 12:00:20 PM
Pru is happy to cast as many Mansions as the griffons need, but it will take a little time. Not too much time (1 round per Mansion), but if the group wants to leave right away it could cause a delay.
She is happy to do whatever the group decides.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Friday July 2nd, 2021 12:43:55 PM
Tinker frowns. Stay here, go East, go West. The KC can’t split up, they proved they need everyone to defeat an invisible elemental attack. No other Mailed Fist group could defeat the same. And where ever they go, the other two places would be vulnerable.
But the dwarf is a man of action. Act! And if it turns out wrong, act again to correct it!
“OK, let’s go East.”
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+14, R+23,W+15, CMB+22, CMD+31 Friday July 2nd, 2021 9:06:24 PM
A thought occurs to Michael.
he asks Ceres and Hemera is it customary for the entire arie to go on reinforce when something like this occurs? or do some of the pack stay behind? this could be a ruse to lead us away so that they can attack the Aire.
to the rest of the agents. Let's get the ones who are staying behind and starving into the mansion so that they can eat and be safe. The ones in good shape can get us to the East faster than we can ourselves. unless Pru can teleport us there? The thing is if it is the elementals they have been tasked to kill Griffons. taking the griffons to the battle will be putting them in danger. maybe put could put a mansion up when we get there for them to get in and be safe.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 Sunday July 4th, 2021 11:13:02 PM
Anna says to Sigvar over the mental link for the group to hear, I forgot about my magic bag. I can change back to human and pull animals or meat from it yes.
(OOC: I think 300 gold gives me 15000 chickens, 300 goats, 150 sheep 100 pigs, 30 cows, 20 oxen using the bag of tricks at these prices in the PHB: 2 cp One pound of flour, or one chicken 1 gp One pound of cinnamon, or one goat 2 gp One pound of ginger or pepper, or one sheep 3 gp One pig 10 gp One square yard of silk, or one cow 15 gp One pound of saffron or cloves, or one ox )
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday July 5th, 2021 12:30:10 AM
Nikolai figures they can spare 5 minutes to set up a magical mansion and get everyone in that wants in.
He suggests that Hemera stay and show them how it works. Then gets ready for another ride and starts brainstorming a way to stay on more securely.
DM RobC - "OK, let’s go East" Monday July 5th, 2021 3:04:36 AM
Anna has doubts that it's actually the giants and it's a theory that Sigvar agrees with. Ceres is unmoved. "Whatever it is, we need to go now and provide support before it's too late"
Tinker isn't happy as it opens up another choice. East, west or stay put? It's clear that the griffons won't be standing idle he agrees it's best to support them.
Michael is a little concerned though about leaving things unguarded. "If any call for aid we go and help." Ceres explains "We can't leave them".
Anna has plans for retrieving things from her satchel. There are lots of things she could do, however it will take a lot of time to pull them out one by one and you get the feeling the griffons aren't keen to wait for that to happen. Not with a patrol under attack.
Ceres looks to the group and the assembled griffons. "We're heading out. It's up to you if you join us or not. Obviously we'd stand a better chance with you but we can't stand by and wait. Not with our people already under attack."
Assuming she is in agreement with the plan, Pru casts her first Mansion spell. The magical portal appears but for some reason none of the griffons can pass through into the mansion. None of the KCs can either! The spell was cast however no-one can get into the magical mansion. This might be a problem.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Monday July 5th, 2021 7:36:40 AM " Want a ride Tinker?": Sigvar flaps his wings and takes off with the griffons to go support their pride. If tyhe dwarf needs a lift he can provide it.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Monday July 5th, 2021 11:35:55 AM
Tinker frowns. “Teleportation-type magic isn’t working”. Just to prove his worst fears, he tries to retrieve an Anything Potion from his Handy Haversack. If it works, great, and he puts it back. If not… great.
The dwarf isn’t sticking around the nesting with maybe danger when there is a fight with definite danger. ” I’m coming, but will fly on Shasta again if you will allow. Not disrespecting a true warrior.”.
Tinker is a horrible diplomat, but hopes sincerity can help without honeyed words.
Prudence Gundle Monday July 5th, 2021 1:18:43 PM
Pru frowns a little when the Mansion doesn't work, but, "It's probably the same effect that's blocking teleportation," she says. "Sorry I can't be of more help."
She casts Fly on herself so she doesn't actually have to ride a griffon, but she asks permission to hold onto one so it can help guide her through the wind.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Monday July 5th, 2021 9:19:58 PM Let's go, they need our help. We'll worry about the mansions later.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36/38 evil SR 20 CMD 32/30, HP 170 /170 Monday July 5th, 2021 10:08:18 PM
Pompous approaches Hemera and asks...
" May I ride on you again great Hemera? "
If the answer is positive, he mounts the griffon.
" Mountain archery ready for battle. Let's ride ! "
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 - 40/20/36 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 32 Monday July 5th, 2021 11:20:35 PM
Anna either takes to the air herself or hops on Nikolai's shoulder again if he's riding on the griffon again to give backup.
(OOC: Did we get a rest between the battle we had and this one or are we still penalized whatever resources we used in that last battle)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday July 6th, 2021 12:07:20 AM "Well, it's good to find these things out now rather than later. Ok, mount up, let's go."
DM RobC - "Ok, mount up, let's go." Tuesday July 6th, 2021 3:34:18 AM
Tinker is a bit alarmed at the revelation of the blocked mansion. He does a quick check of his haversack and is no doubt relieved to find he has full access to the contents. Pompous will also be relieved to know that his quiver is likewise unaffected. Nikolai looks at it as glass half full - much better to find out about these things now!
Shasta doesn't complain when Tinker declares he'd like a ride once more. None of the griffons complain as far as you can tell. Hemera lowers herself down to make it easier for Pompous to climb aboard. "You should hold on tight. The conditions are not good for flying right now."
Ceres looks to Sigvar. He knows how fast the taur travelled via flight to get up the mountain. "We're not going to be going slow. They need us and we must make haste. If you can't keep up we'll meet you there." Ceres indicates that they'll be flying approximately 10miles east.
Pru is ready to be towed by Aphrilles
Anna still feels quite fresh from the rest the party had at the base of the mountain. She is a little undecided about taking to the air herself or riding on Nikolai's shoulder. Given the wind conditions she might find the latter a bit easier.
Do the party stay with the same mounts? Are there any other actions the party take before departing?
-------------------- Ceres: Michael Shasta: Tinker Aphrilles: Pru Arkell: Trayvin Nerues: Nikolai & Anna Hemera: Pompous Sigvar
Current conditions... Strong Winds: Tiny sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check if airborne.) -2 to Fly checks and ranged attacks. High Altitude Fatigue / Thin Air: All non-acclimated creatures labor to breathe in the thin air at this altitude. Characters must succeed on a Fortitude save each hour (DC 15, +1 per hour) or be fatigued.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 216 / 216 Character Sheet Tuesday July 6th, 2021 7:17:53 AM
Sigvar makes his best speed at 120' per round ( 60' move) toqrds where the fight is. They will outpace him some, but not by alot
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Tuesday July 6th, 2021 12:51:36 PM
Tinker nods and gets a firm grip on Shasta. There is nothing else for him to do until they get there.
Prudence Gundle d20+6=9 ; Tuesday July 6th, 2021 2:17:54 PM
Pru lets Aphrilles tow her. Hopefully, his greater size and familiarity with flight will help her manage in the wind. [Fly 9]
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Tuesday July 6th, 2021 8:49:28 PM
Trayvin will ride with the same griffon as earlier as long as he is accepted. Let's get going, and hopefully start getting a few answers as well.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 Tuesday July 6th, 2021 9:22:33 PM
Pompous readies some buff type spells but waits until they get closer to the frey before casting. A barkskin spell will be first cast.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+14, R+23,W+15, CMB+22, CMD+31 Wednesday July 7th, 2021 12:05:20 AM
OOC: Sorry guys, my wife's dog just got diagnosed with cancer, she is bringing him home to be with family before he passes on.
Michael mounts up on Ceres. while there he practices holding on with his knees, but does not draw his blades until he is sure that he can do so without falling off. if it's possible, or perhaps possible for Ceres to overfly the battle and drop him above an enemy that needs some attention....ideas fill his head and he speaks of them to Ceres. I am trying to feel you as you fly, it would be good if we could work as a team. with my hands full of blades I cannot use my hands to tell you things. and I don't know you well enough to know what you are going to do. if you can fly low over the battle and drop me behind an enemy engaged in battle I can do the most good, but my primary goal is to protect your pride, so if you have a better Idea that will allow me to do that better I will listen. . since this is probably going to be a tough battle Michael starts downing potions 3 rounds before they enter battle.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday July 7th, 2021 12:15:05 AM
Nikolai thinks about tying a rope around the belly of Nerues, loosely, to give him something to hang on but decides that they aren't on such good terms to do that.
He'll just have to hang on somehow.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [141/141 w/ con bonus] - 41/16/35 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 35 d20+20=37 ; Wednesday July 7th, 2021 12:17:30 AM
Anna takes time to go Dragon Horse giving her 120 feet of flight speed and good manueverability using her beast shape IV morphamancy.
Fly: 37
Active Effects: Beast Shape IV : Form of Dragon Horse - 18 minutes +6 size bonus to your Strength, -2 penalty on your Dexterity, +2 size bonus to your Constitution, +6 natural armor bonus, -1 AC, -1 Atk, -4 stealth , -2 fly, +1 CMB/CMD darkvision 90 ft, low-light vision; Speed 60 ft., fly 120 ft. (good) 2 hooves +16 (2d6+6 plus 1d6 electricity) Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft. +4 CMD vs trip Breath Weapons (Su) As a standard action, a dragon horse can breathe out a 30-foot cone of mist. This mist either deals 10d6 points of cold damage (DC 23 Reflex half), creates a region of fog in the area that lasts for 1 minute (similar to that created by a fog cloud spell), or creates a blast of severe wind (see the wind effects table) in the area. The dragon horse may use this breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds. Current Fly Check is made at (20 base - 2 size +4 manueverability -2 wind) = 20
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Wednesday July 7th, 2021 12:21:56 AM
update header to reflect changes
DM RobC - "Let's get going, and hopefully start getting a few answers as well." 2d6=11 ; Wednesday July 7th, 2021 3:59:03 AM
Sigvar is happy to go slow-and-steady (if you can count 60ft speed as slow!) and catchup to the griffons at their destination.
Anna decides to take on the form of a dragon horse and fly like that. The griffons nearby recoil from her as she makes the unexpected change. Aphrilles and Nereus growl and snap at the air and start to move to flank her. Shasta eyeballs her but doesn't move. Arkell takes a step backwards. Hemera places herself between Anna and the other griffons which serves to calm them down. "You're all still very much outsiders here" she explains quietly to Anna "They still don't know if they can trust you and will be jumpy at surprises."
"This will be only the second time I've allowed someone to ride me." Ceres responds back to Michael. "Earlier today you were the first. I can't promise that I won't drop you sooner but I'll do my best to get us there safely."
Nikolai decides that he and Nereus just aren't at that point in their relationship where a rope can be introduced. He wisely decides to just hang on as best he can.
Pompous prepares to cast some spells when a fight looks imminent. Michael also plans to drink some potions but isn't exactly sure when is the right time to drink the first one. He decides he'll just have to make the call when the time comes.
Pru is ready to be towed.
The time comes. Ceres gives a loud roar into the sky which the other griffons copy. With that they start flapping their wings and spring into the air.
The griffons take on a classic 'V' formation with Ceres (Michael) at the front. Behind them are Aphrilles (Pru) and Arkell (Trayvin), with Hemera (Pompous) and Shasta (Tinker) behind them. Nereus (Nikolai) and Moradin are at the rear. Sigvar flies along separately behind the pack. Anna may choose in which position she flies.
The wind is at their backs and that makes the flight all the more exciting. The griffons are flying nap of the earth to avoid the dangers and even stronger winds of flying high. They are barely a couple of feet off the ground and if you were to lean down you are sure you'd be able to touch the rocks below. Normally a griffon flies at a top speed of around 35mph. Right now you'd guess you were flying closer to 70mph with the strong winds doubling their fly speed and the griffons using every bit of strength they can muster to fly as fast as possible. They may be exhausted when they arrive but they're going to arrive as quick as they can.
If the party were trying to fly and navigate this way on their own it would be extremely difficult. Fortunately the griffons are very familiar with this area and know the lay of the land and natural hazards. They zip around trees and rocks that appear so quickly you barely saw them coming in these conditions.
The weather is getting worse. The wind has gathered even more strength and dark clouds cover the sky. It might be early afternoon but you could be forgiven for thinking it was dusk.
The journey so far has covered close to 3miles. Sigvar has covered 2.25miles. The griffons are showing no signs of slowing down.
Sigvar, Anna and Pru to make 3 x DC20 Ride checks. Each fail results in 11pts damage as you crash into a rock or tree at high speed. (Note that you have a -2 penalty to Fly checks in these winds)
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet d20+14=19 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=16 ; Wednesday July 7th, 2021 7:54:26 AM
Sigvar bounces off of a few trees and rock outcroppings as he flies after the griffons. None of the damage is serious but his ego takes a fair amount of damage too. ( for damage from sources like the ground do I count my DR? The ground isn't going to beat DR5/evil and it is up so long as I am conscious.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Wednesday July 7th, 2021 7:55:16 AM
also I assumed you meant fly checks since none of us are riding
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday July 7th, 2021 8:06:59 AM
Tinker holds on as best he can and buries himself as close as he can into the feathers of Shasta. Flying on a Griffon! He doesn’t get a chance to look at Michael, but he thinks to the group. ”Michael, is Griffon flying everything you wanted?”. Daemar’ inner voice is obvious he is not enjoying the sensation, only enduring.
Prudence Gundle [HP 97/130] d20+6=12 ; d20+6=13 ; d20+6=9 ; Wednesday July 7th, 2021 12:05:10 PM
[I don't have ranks in Ride, either, so it doesn't make much difference.]
Pru is unable to keep from smashing into rocks. She has a bruised shoulder and a bloody nose, but she hangs grimly on.
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+25=37 ; d20+28=29 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+8=28 ; Wednesday July 7th, 2021 5:43:57 PM Ceres, I do not view what we are doing as me "riding" you. I see it as you giving me the honor of accompanying you into battle. Ever since I saw some of your people starving on the plain, and attacking my group in hopes of getting some food to fill their bellies I've hoped for nothing more than for your folk and my folk to form an alliance and fight as one in battle. Don't worry about dropping me, I've got some tricks that will keep me from coming to harm, you fly as you would in any battle, I will adapt to what you do.
Reflex save 37 (Just in case we hit a bump or something) Acrobatics 29 natch 1 ride 19 Fly 26 Dex check 28 natch 20!
to Tinker; Brother if I die today, I will have no regrets and I'll bore every soul in the lands of rest with the retelling of this ride and these creatures. .
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 Wednesday July 7th, 2021 8:02:28 PM
Pompous continues flying on/with Hemera. Between his boots of levitation and his celestial, he's not overly scared of falling off. He is however wondering how he's going to be shooting volleys of arrows from the back of the V.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Wednesday July 7th, 2021 9:44:48 PM
Trayvin approves of the strategy, the griffons will get them there, and the Commanders will hopefully handle the danger.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [141/141 w/ con bonus] - 41/16/35 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 35 d3=3 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+20=37 ; d20+20=27 ; Wednesday July 7th, 2021 11:51:58 PM
Anna says to the griffons, "Next time I change form I'm going to let you guys know ahead of time so you don't get suprised."
Fly : 23, Fly: 37, Fly 27
Anna as a graceful dragon horse is able to easily avoid the obstacles the mountain throws at her. She takes point in the flying formation with the griffons being faster.
(OOC: 3 miles = 3 x 5280 = 15840 / 240 = 66 rounds; 66 x 6 = 396 seconds / 60 = 6.6 minutes elapsed
"How much further is it? Anna asks the griffons. If she is going to run out of flight time before she gets to their destination she will land and change into a dragon, giving the griffons a heads up first.
Active Effects: Beast Shape IV : Form of Dragon Horse - 11.4 minutes left +6 size bonus to your Strength, -2 penalty on your Dexterity, +2 size bonus to your Constitution, +6 natural armor bonus, -1 AC, -1 Atk, -4 stealth , -2 fly, +1 CMB/CMD darkvision 90 ft, low-light vision; Speed 60 ft., fly 120 ft. (good) 2 hooves +16 (2d6+6 plus 1d6 electricity) Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft. +4 CMD vs trip Breath Weapons (Su) As a standard action, a dragon horse can breathe out a 30-foot cone of mist. This mist either deals 10d6 points of cold damage (DC 23 Reflex half), creates a region of fog in the area that lasts for 1 minute (similar to that created by a fog cloud spell), or creates a blast of severe wind (see the wind effects table) in the area. The dragon horse may use this breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds. Current Fly Check is made at (20 base - 2 size +4 manueverability -2 wind) = 20
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday July 8th, 2021 12:23:29 AM
Apparently Nikolai has managed to learn a bit of Griffon Riding having taken the Griffon Riding 101 course just hours before and so far is hanging on.
Now, how this will turn out once they get to where they are going and get into combat, well....
DM RobC - "Brother if I die today, I will have no regrets" 2d6=11 ; 2d6=8 ; Thursday July 8th, 2021 4:09:35 AM
Michael's time has come. The moment that he plans to tell his future grandkids and anyone who will listen: the time he not only rode a griffon, but rode the lead griffon in a pack going really really fast and really really low. It's exhilarating.
Anna apologies for startling any of the griffons and explains it wasn't her intention. She considers taking point, but without knowing the destination it's hard to lead. She settles in directly behind Ceres, to at least remain prominently at the front.
Pru and Sigvar take a few knocks along the way but it's nothing that a couple of healing spells won't take care of when they reach their destination. (Highlight to display spoiler: {}DR only applies against attacksHighlight to display spoiler: {}). How far off are they going anyway?
"Not too far" Ceres advises Anna through gritted teeth/beak. It does distract him from the task at hand though. "Patrol was on the border. Need ... to concentrate". Ceres gets a little too close to one of the trees and Michael can see the branch approaching at his eye level. (Michael to make a DC20 ride check to stay aboard Ceres and avoid the branch! Fail=11pts damage.)
Aphrilles and Arkell quickly bank either side of the tree, leaving Pru and Trayvin momentarily hanging on sideways. The other griffons dart over it. The leaves brush the underside of Tinker's boots as Shasta gets uncomfortably close to it. If the griffon was worried you wouldn't know it.
You can really feel the wind chill now (those of you not protected from such things). The weather has gotten so cold that it has even started to snow. It's only light but it is a clear sign of how cold things are getting.
Another 7 (?) minutes pass as the griffons cover another 4 miles. Fortunately they are more or less heading due east so when they eventually stop it will be easy for Sigvar to find them.
If the scouts were in combat before then it is highly likely that the fight will be over by now. What will the party find though?
The griffons show no sign of slowing down, though they are starting to show signs of exhaustion. All are panting heavily with the exception of Shasta and Arkell.
(Sigvar, Anna and Pru to make 3 x DC20 Fly checks. Each fail results in 8pts damage as you crash into a rock or tree at high speed. Note that you have a -2 penalty to Fly checks in these winds)
'V' formation with Ceres (Michael) at the front. Behind them are Anna, Aphrilles (Pru) and Arkell (Trayvin), with Hemera (Pompous) and Shasta (Tinker) behind them. Nereus (Nikolai) and Moradin are at the rear. Sigvar flies along separately behind the pack.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet d20+14=21 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=21 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; Thursday July 8th, 2021 6:21:24 AM
Sigvar again bounces off of a rock, but flies on undaunted. He does touch himself and heal the damage though
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+7=24 ; d20+7=8 ; Thursday July 8th, 2021 9:22:14 AM
Tinker calls for Shasta to stop the next, first time Prudence is thrown. ”More important for the mage to get there in one piece than for a tough dwarf that can take some licks. Please have us switch mounts.
Ride 24, 8 on Aphrilles.
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+17=18 ; Thursday July 8th, 2021 2:06:15 PM
ride 18 natch 1 adding a hero point to make it pass. +4 to roll = 22.
Michael sees the branch coming, time slows, it's too close to bend forward, and if he misses the timing the branch will break his neck. The Machine takes over.
His legs rise and his hips scoot forward, his big halfling feet lock around the gryphons feathered neck as he lays his head and torso back along its lion body. even so the branch scrapes against his chest and he gets a leaf or two up his nose.
WAAAAHOOO! he yells, popping back up and wrapping his arms around his battlemates neck, streatching out to make himself a part of the magnificent creature and to cut down on wind resistance.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Thursday July 8th, 2021 8:38:20 PM
It is taking longer to get there than Trayvin expected. He is hopeful that the griffon patrol withdrew if they were outmatched. He makes a mental note to discuss with Pru regarding protecting the group with some spells from the weather when they get the chance. It may be needed if they are going to spend some time in the area.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 Thursday July 8th, 2021 9:16:25 PM
Pompoux and Hemera the wonder Griffon continue on...
{ Snow??? Fun.... }
Prudence Gundle [HP 73/130] d20+4=11 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+4=17 ; Thursday July 8th, 2021 9:40:01 PM
Pru is bumped, bashed and dragged. Her arm is bleeding, and her hair is coming unbraided.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday July 9th, 2021 12:04:51 AM
Nikolai can only hang on and hope Pru can get some healing.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [141/141 w/ con bonus] - 41/16/35 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 35 d20+20=35 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=24 ; Friday July 9th, 2021 12:24:19 AM
Anna asks the Griffons, "I know you are concentrating but is our destination greater or less than 2 miles away? If it is greater then I'll need to land and take a new form at some point and I don't want to startle you because that next form is going to be a dragon as that is the only thing that can keep up with your speed."
Fly: 35, 40, 24
Active Effects: Beast Shape IV : Form of Dragon Horse - 4.4 minutes left +6 size bonus to your Strength, -2 penalty on your Dexterity, +2 size bonus to your Constitution, +6 natural armor bonus, -1 AC, -1 Atk, -4 stealth , -2 fly, +1 CMB/CMD darkvision 90 ft, low-light vision; Speed 60 ft., fly 120 ft. (good) 2 hooves +16 (2d6+6 plus 1d6 electricity) Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft. +4 CMD vs trip Breath Weapons (Su) As a standard action, a dragon horse can breathe out a 30-foot cone of mist. This mist either deals 10d6 points of cold damage (DC 23 Reflex half), creates a region of fog in the area that lasts for 1 minute (similar to that created by a fog cloud spell), or creates a blast of severe wind (see the wind effects table) in the area. The dragon horse may use this breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds. Current Fly Check is made at (20 base - 2 size +4 manueverability -2 wind) = 20
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet d20+14=18 ; d20+14=25 ; d20+14=17 ; Friday July 9th, 2021 6:27:12 AM
Sigvar continues to not roll a 6 or higher twice n a round, so he bounces off more terrain. (glad this isn't the combat i'm rolling for)
DM RobC - "WAAAAHOOO!" Friday July 9th, 2021 10:10:50 PM
Sigvar takes a few hits but relieves the pain with some healing touches.
Anna wants to know how much further. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Ceres doesn't answer, but after 2 more miles it becomes clear that it is further. She gives a headsup to Ceres that she will be changing form. He doesn't acknowledge it but she has done her part.
Michael ducks down in time for the branch to pass harmlessly overhead.
The others hang on for dear life through the dangerous ride.
The snow continues to fall lightly however the area you have flown into is already snow covered. The trees and rocks are topped with snow and you can no longer see any grass.
It takes another 2 miles after that before you can see the signs of a battle and the sight is not a good one. The bodies of 4 griffons lay in the snow. Another stands and is slowly walking in the snow around the bodies.
Ceres and your mounts land, making deep tracks in the snow as they skid to a halt. Ceres and Hemera raise their wings slightly as they land to protect Michael and Pompous from the snow that is thrown up. The rest of the party get a dusting. The snow is about a foot deep here, the wind is stronger than earlier and the sky is completely overcast. Given the current conditions it is going to be difficult to move about unhindered.
Ceres loudly - and angrily - barks some orders to the griffons "Stay alert for giants. Attack any on sight!"
The griffons that flew in with the party start circling the immediate area. It looks like they’re setting up some sort of perimeter.
Sigvar is about 2.7miles behind the group (about 6mins), though with telepathy he has a sense of what the group are seeing and can provide his input.
Based on how far you've travelled, you're pretty sure you've crossed the border and are on the eastern slope.
-------------- Relevant environment rules right now: Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. Light Snow: Light snow reduces visibility to three-quarters of the normal range, resulting in a –2 penalty on Perception checks. High Winds: Small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne) and tiny sized 'blown away')
Prudence Gundle [HP 73/130] Friday July 9th, 2021 11:40:42 PM
Pru casts a Wall of Ice, creating a wall that is 30 feet high and 60 feet long. She places it to block some of the wind, creating a lee. She tries to incorporate it into the perimeter the griffons are establishing.
AC 32+4 v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Saturday July 10th, 2021 2:57:03 AM
Tinker, for all his bulk, lightly hops to the ground, and finds his Boots of the Winterlands not only keep him warm but enable him to move up impeded over the snow. He gives a professional nod to Shasta, warrior to warrior: the Griffon did his job and it’s time Daemar did his.
The Rogue begins his own perimeter sweep, counting on Nikolai or Anna or others to get the intel briefing from the lone Griffon. He looks for signs and tracks, mentally calling them out to Pompous and the tanner’s tracking and know nature abilities.
He makes a deliberate and slow circle within sight of Prudence and Trayvin, lightly moving on let the snow, and keeping his eyes peeled.
….. Boots of the Winterlands. Stay warm and not impeded by snow or ice.
Perception. (Take 10 around the circle). 32
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [177/177 w/ con bonus] - 43/16/20 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+20=21 ; Sunday July 11th, 2021 10:29:14 PM
Anna swaps her dragon horse form for that of a Huge Silver Dragon as she warned the griffons she was going to do.
She keeps her eyes peeled (Perception: 21; or 23 vs elementals, fey, and magical beasts)
Form of Dragon III - 13.6 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +17 (2d8+8), 2 claws +17 (2d6+8), 2 wings +15 (1d8+4), one tail slap + 15 (2d6+4)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday July 12th, 2021 12:27:40 AM
Note to DM: see PC sheet for description of Light Steps (Ex)
Nikolai notices the deep snow and concentrates for a moment before hopping off the griffon. Then, rather than sink into the snow, he walks along the surface, making the slightest tracks.
He asks Ceres, "We need a full report of what happened here and who were the opponents as quick as possible. Every detail is important."
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+26=41 ; Monday July 12th, 2021 3:07:21 AM
Michael steps off his companion and feels the cold air before he was a bit too excited to notice it. He wonders why his Necklace of Adaptation does not affect it, but then remembers it's only useful against gas attacks. Still, his cloak should keep the worst of the wind from getting to him, he starts to observe the area. looking for signs of the battle, footprints, and such.
Perception 41.
DM RobC - "Every detail is important" Monday July 12th, 2021 4:02:00 AM
Pru sets up a wall of ice to act as a break. Not only does it provide some relief from the wind but it helps preserve the scene a litle.
Tinker circles the aea looking for tracks. There are footprints still in the snow, though they are rapidly disappearing in the weather. He's able to recognise some as coming from griffons. There are no large giant-ish footprints though. What is interesting is that there are medium sized humanoid footprints all about the place. There's no sign of how they got here - no trail leading in any direction. They are located around this immediate area and the griffon bodies.
Anna keeps her eyes open, ready for something to jump out and attack the party. Fortunately nothing does.
Ceres and Moradin approach the injured griffon. "Tempus! What happened here?" There is some barking and cries as they communicate. Ceres and Hemera act as translators for anything the party wish to know (with Anna able to verify that it is accurate).
The one called Tempus is equal in size to Ceres. Has scars on his beak and legs, though the wounds aren't fresh. This is a griffon who has seen action in the past. This griffon is a warrior. Right now he is lying in the snow, panting, shivering and unable to stand.
"Shadows. Shadows of the mountain. They caught us by surprise. About a dozen of them. We tried to fly but they were too fast and the wind was too strong." Tempus is laboring to 'speak', no doubt hurt in some way.
"We were just out scouting and hunting for food. Nothing out of the ordinary. With the weather getting worse we flew low. I didn't even see where they came from. Before I knew what was happening Tyr and Akadi were down." He looks in the direction of the two griffons bodies on the western edge of the circle.
Michael notices that there are no signs of injuries on the dead griffons. None at all. No blood, no open wounds. They're just... dead.
Sigvar continues his flight. It's going to take some time for him to reach the party but at least with the telepathy he knows what is going on and can direct his questions/thoughts through the others.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+22=30 ; Monday July 12th, 2021 4:34:09 AM
Tinker makes his report aloud so Griffons as well as Knights Commander can hear. ”No Giant footprints. Many medium-sized humanoids around the Griffon bodies. Strange. Incorporeal Shadows wouldn’t leave prints. Something strange going on here.”
Tinker readies his urgrosh. If the unseen enemy is looking to kill more Griffons, they just brought another band in striking distance… …..
Perception. 30. For hidden or invisible opponents.
Prudence Gundle [HP 73/130] d20+17=27 ; Monday July 12th, 2021 3:06:52 PM
Pru realizes that the dead griffons are unmarked, and that Tempus, though acting wounded, does not have a visible wound on him. She tries to think of spells that might injure and/or kill without leaving marks.
[Knowledge: Arcana 27]
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Monday July 12th, 2021 7:25:06 PM
Trayvin makes sure to stabilize Tempus. How long have they been dead? I may be able to save one of them if it hasn't been too long.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Monday July 12th, 2021 7:41:13 PM
Sigvar flies on. He thinks to the other KC's, Find out what is wrong with Tempus. It sounds as if he were level drained or strength drained, neither of which would leave wounds.I do agree with Tinker though, the things that would do that kind of harm, undead, would be incorporeal and not leave tracks.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 d20+15=21 ; d20+15=34 ; Monday July 12th, 2021 7:53:47 PM
Pompous doesn't like what he's hearing.
He tries to figure out what the creatures could be... ( Knowledge Arcana check 34)
He readies his arrows but also readies to activate one of his Brahma's tattoos (protrection from evil) at the first sign of the shadown creatures.
------------------------
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [177/177 w/ con bonus] - 43/16/20 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+20=31 ; d20+24=44 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2021 12:10:19 AM
Anna asks, "Can anyone cast detect evil? I wonder if whatever got them left some sort of aura"
Anna investigates the fallen griffons for any more clues about what could have done this as in smells or noticeable changes to their anatomy by whatever attacks.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+20=29 ; d20+17=32 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2021 12:25:21 AM
Spells in Effect: Mage Armor Light Steps
Nikolai finds that each time he moves, he walks on TOP of the snow, not even leaving a mark, but when he stops, he sinks into the drift. It makes for very interesting marks in the snow.
He makes his way over to the dead griffons and studies their corpses.
Heal Check + 20 = 29
He looks for the tell-tale signs of undead damage he has learned form his training to learn what type of undead attacked, if they were undead. Favored Enemy (Undead) +2 Knowledge checks: d20 + 17 = 32
DM RobC - "Something strange going on here" Tuesday July 13th, 2021 4:12:00 AM
The party are faced with a bit of a conundrum. If the attackers were shadows - or some other type of ethereal critter - why are there humanoid footprints around? Tinker isn't quite sure but readies to pound on something should it dare make itself known.
Pru, Anna and Nikolai look over the griffon corpses. As they had had already noticed, there are no obvious signs of trauma. No cuts, bruises, blood, etc. They do look a little pale, but it's hard to tell whether that is the result of some sort of life-draining attack or just a result of being dead and in the cold. Anna is quite sure that there are a number of spells that could kill them in this way. That would explain the lack of visible wounds on the corpses. They simply had their strength and life sapped from them.
It's Nikolai who draws on his religious knowledge. There are a plethora of undead creatures who could have done this. Based on what the griffon said, sure, a shadow does sound plausible. Although if Tempus hasn't seen a shadow before it's possible that what attacked them was "shadow like".
Between the dead griffons and the condition of Tempus, the trio feel quite confident that the griffons were the target of a life-draining attack.
Pompous nocks an arrow. If something attacked the griffons it could still be lurking about.
Sigvar flies on. It's a long, lonely flight.
Trayvin asks about the dead griffons to see how long they've been down, just in case there is something that he could do to help. Tempus replies "I.. I'm not sure. It's been a while though". Based on the amount of snow that lies atop them, you'd guess the griffons have been dead for several minutes.
Ceres still wants answers. "Where did they go? How did you survive?"
Tempus is still drained. He coughs/barks before answering. "I'm asking that too. The others had fallen and I was surrounded. I knew it was the end. Then, it was the strangest thing, Ceres. I saw a light in the sky and it was getting closer. I thought it was Maab calling me home, you know? That one of the shadows had killed me. Anyway, the light got closer and closer, and you know what, you might not believe me but it looked like, well, a dragon. It's wings were spread open and it's claws were stretched out towards me. It had this white glow or aura around it. I can't describe it. Maybe I was still a little dazed. It was either Maab come to take me or a dragon come to eat me. Either way I was sure my time was up."
"The dragon dove down, and when just above the surface it... it transformed into a man, Ceres. He landed in the snow and I don't know how he did it but he drew two glowing swords as he tumbled towards the nearest shadows. He hit each one and they just, you know, disappeared. He was a blur. Spinning, tumbling. It was like a dance. They couldn't touch him, Ceres. It was only when one of them got too close to me that he got hurt. He leapt in and shoved me aside. He took the hit for me. He saved me Ceres."
With that bit of information, Tinker looks back at the tracks. There is an order to them. It isn't multiple tracks - they were all made by the same person! With his expertise as a soldier Tinker is are able to recognize them now as the footwork of someone highly proficient with a blade. He is able to follow them around the site. There are no stumbles and each step looks deliberate and made with fluid motions. Whoever it was moved about with an expert level of skill unlike any he has seen before - and he's seen a lot! It may even rival that of any of the party.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Tuesday July 13th, 2021 9:48:17 AM
Sigvar was about to turn around and head back to the aerie, convinced they had been drawn out when Tempus tells his tale. Sigvar is at a loss as to what entity might have saved the griffon, but he knows that the KC's very much need to seek out and speak to this entity. Had it struck open handed or with magic he would have thought it an avatar of Alemi but as he thinks there is no reason it can not be very much like Anna. A very skilled warrior of Maab able to assume her divine form and here to aid the Magical beasts that this cold and elemental scourge is attacking. Interesting. He flies on.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+22=25 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2021 12:58:51 PM
Tinker states in wonder at the footprints that confirm what Tempus says. Then the dwarf shakes himself: Anna, Trayvin, and Sigvar were best to know if it was an avatar. Trayvin can also heal the Griffon of ability draining… probably. The rogue thinks Sigvar is right, they should try and find this being to ask him.
”pompous! You’re a Ranger! Can you follow these tracks to the direction he was last going?”. Not. Ranger, Tinker tries to assist
…
Aid Another 25 for Pompous to track
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 1:52:53 PM
Michael studies the scene in front of him. He asks Tempus. Did the man say anything to you before he left?
Through the link. . Now that is interesting. This Dragon/Human is now a person of interest to this investigation. it's interesting to me that it would turn into a man to fight. I would think a Dragon would offer far more combat utility than a man's body would. so what can we glean from that?
1. either the person was a man who could transform into a dragon, so he turned into the form he was most comfortable with to engage in combat.
2. or he was an entity of power and wanted us to know that he was here. a dragon flying through and incinerating the shadows would have sent one message, and a man jumping in and dispatching the shadows would have sent another message. Leaving Tempus alive was also important. because the message needed to be sent. What I don't get this; if he was a being of power, why didn't he come sooner and save the rest of the griffons? it's bit of a stretch that a god-like being just happened to be in the neighborhood at just the right time to save Tempus? I'm not saying it's impossible, but we need to keep in mind that this could all be a setup. if he was controlling the shadows, then all this fancy footwork and awesome swordplay would have been very easy to set up. also can't dieties destroy undead with a thought?
Prudence Gundle [HP 73/130] Tuesday July 13th, 2021 3:10:36 PM It's possible the dragon form was an illusion, Pru sends through the link. I agree with Michael. This seems suspicious.
This does not seem like a time for arcane casting, so Pru retreats to the lee of the ice wall and tries to remain alert.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 d20+23=26 ; d20+23=38 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2021 8:40:07 PM
Pompous bends down and looks at the tracks...
" I'll do my best Tinker"
---------------- Swift Tracker 26, re roll (uses Hero Point) - 38 Plus Tinker's aid of 25
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) d20+17=29 ; d20+15=34 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2021 9:29:18 PM
Trayvin continues to look at Tempus while the others figure out the tracks. I may be able to restore the damage, let me take a closer look. It may be too late for the others but surely Trayvin could help restore Tempus.
heal check = 29(trying to figure out what type of damage was caused so Trayvin can heal it)
religion check = 34
Trayvin tries to recall if what Tempus saw could have been an avatar
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday July 14th, 2021 12:09:31 AM
Nikolai ponders the story. "Which deity do we know of that manifests himself as a silver dragon? As for the human form, it was easier for him to attack the shadow things while in human form rather than a dragon's, as the size could pose danger to the griffons too. Although all that could be an illusion, the residual magic might reveal what school of magic has been used here. Pru, cast Detect Magic and see if you can detect any residual magic. It's a long shot but worth a try."
He asks Ceres if Tempus was able to notice how the human/dragon left. Did it return to dragon shape and fly away?
Nikolai is convinced that the mysterious unknown side of the mountain will hold a vital clue, possibly where this being came from.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [177/177 w/ con bonus] - 43/16/20 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Wednesday July 14th, 2021 2:17:37 AM
Anna says to the griffon, "You said the dragon man glowed? Do you remember what color were his scales? Were they Silver, Gold, Bronze, Copper or Brass? Also how big was this dragon was it smaller than you, roughly the same size as you or larger than you?"
Anna sends to Michael over the link, It would depend I suppose on what exactly the man was. If the man was a true dragon with the ability to take mortal form then yes remaining as a dragon would probably be the better option considering the limitation of spells and effects that change one's shape. If the man was a morphling or maybe an eldritch knight then I guess it would depend on what their particular background was whether it make sense to fight as a dragon or man. Just because I've specialized in fighting in a transformed state does not mean another morphling would.
DM RobC - "This seems suspicious" Wednesday July 14th, 2021 3:42:23 AM "He took the hit that was meant for me, Ceres. It looked like it hurt him too so I can only guess what would have happened had it hit me. It didn't stop him from fighting though because he took care of the rest of them quickly."
"I was still sure I was a goner, but he knelt next to me and placed his hands on me. I think he cast a spell or something because I felt a bit better from it, though I'm still hurting."
Trayvin examines Tempus and agrees with the assessment. There are no visible wounds but he is weakened. Trayvin is quite sure Tempus has taken some sort of negative energy damage and probably some sort of energy/ability drain too.
There are some theories being thrown around. Could an illusion have been in play here? Was it a god-like being? Was it a man who could transform into a dragon?
Michael wants to know what else this dragon-man said.
"He said he was the Spirit of Shadow Mountain and he'd only recently awakened due to the imminent threat. I was still a little out of it, but I asked him what he meant."
"He said it's Frethja and that she's trying to grow in power. He said she's trying to expand her domain down the slopes of Shadow Mountain and that's why the weather on the mountain has been getting colder. Do you think that's true, Ceres?" Tempus looks to Ceres for an answer. Ceres doesn't have one. He looks to Hemera however she is lost as well.
Pru takes some shelter by the ice wall, not entirely sure that casting any spells would be wise. Nikolai urges her to cast a Detect Magic spell though.
Anna wants a little more information on the dragon part of the story. "It looked white to me but it had that pale glow to it too. I didn't get a good look at it like that, but it was easily twice my size" Highlight to display spoiler: {Gargantuan}
"I had a better look at him as a man. He had long, white, shaggy hair. His face was thin and pale and he had blue eyes. He was wearing a red dragon scale for his armor too."
Tinker and Pompous try following the tracks. They end as abruptly as they started. You can follow the trail up to Tempus and then it goes no further. (Pompous keeps his hero point). Tempus provides an explanation.
"He said he was injured and didn't have any more magic left to heal himself. He said by staying here he'd be vulnerable so he turned back into the glowing dragon and flew up. That was only a couple of minutes ago."
Sigvar is still flying along and hasn't seen any signs of trouble (or glowing dragons).
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday July 14th, 2021 12:06:49 PM
Spirit of Shadow Mountain? Frethja? Tinker doesn’t know who they are, but since the Sarr, it appears more and more Immortals are returning to have interest in the Wold. His suspicious nature thinks the dragon-man could have been an act, that the guy was on the same side as the shadows, but no, it was hurt. It story makes sense.
”so, it looks like the Griffons have an Immortal supporting them but said Immortal needs support to. Let’s head upwards!”
Prudence Gundle [HP 73/130] Wednesday July 14th, 2021 1:27:12 PM
Pru casts Detect Magic and walks around the area, looking for residual auras.
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Wednesday July 14th, 2021 3:37:06 PM
Michael does not know a lot about immortal powers. could the blow of a shadow drain one enough to make a difference? could turning into a mortal form weaken him in some way?
Well, whoever he is we need to find him and get some more information. He is the First lead we've had in this fiasco and we need to follow up on it. The question is though, where would a sprit of a mountain go? do any of you guys know of a path to the heart of a the mountain or anything like that?
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Wednesday July 14th, 2021 7:36:44 PM
Sigvar flies onard " Wasn't frethjya the spirit that the Giants worshiped? Keep that on the down low tho, The griffons want blood and we can't keep reacting to them and hope to get to the bottom of this."
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) d20+15=19 ; Wednesday July 14th, 2021 7:43:54 PM
Trayvin casts restoration on Tempus. There, let's see if that helps.
[b]I agree with Michael, we should follow the lead we have. And this dragon/man would seem to be a friend to the griffons, he may be agreeable to giving us some information.[b]
Trayvin considers the extra information that Tempus has provided about the glowing man, and if he can recall anything useful about him. kn religion = 19
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 d20+25=34 ; Wednesday July 14th, 2021 8:12:12 PM
Pompous stands guard and walks the parameter looking for trouble.
---------------------- Perception 34
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+19=21 ; Thursday July 15th, 2021 12:18:19 AM
{'Well, just because this deity is gaining in power doesn't mean it is due to any Frost Giant doing. Remember, their are other giants on that side of the mountain that will suffer. Of course, the Frost Giants will benefit, but I'll not accuse them of collaboration yet."}
Gathering all the new information on the creatures that attacked, negative energy drain, ability drain, shadowy form, etc. he sits down to search his memory of his Undead Studies to try to come up with a match.
Knowledge Undead + 19 = 21 The cold must be getting to his head as he has trouble concentrating.
"Ok, can this Frethja summon undead? Or is this the work of some high powered evil priest? Hmm... just wondering."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [177/177 w/ con bonus] - 43/16/20 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Thursday July 15th, 2021 3:10:39 AM
Anna says, "The dragon was gargantuan. That was no spellcaster or morphling. That was something supernatural."
DM RobC - "Ok, can this Frethja summon undead?" Thursday July 15th, 2021 3:37:00 AM "He said he's only just awakened and isn’t strong enough to challenge her outright just yet, and for now he can only fight her minions and try and protect those he can. Like us. He said he will try and protect the griffons." Tempus advises Tinker. "He said he will fight her as best he can."
Pru casts a Detect Magic spell and looks around. She is nearly blinded! There are overwhelming functional auras everywhere she looks. Not just in the immediate area, but as far as the Detect Magic spell extends. She identifies one as Transmutation and another as Abjuration. Any lingering auras would be masked behind these.
Sigvar recalls that the Frost Giants mentioned Frethja earlier. A coincidence? Nikolai warns about jumping to conclusions about the Frost Giants.
Nikolai wonders whether an Immortal Power could summon undead. With Immortal Powers being one step below actual Gods it seems well within their power. Could Frethja in particular do it? He can't be sure. Gargul might not be too pleased if that's what she was up to, but most of the Gods of the Wold don't interfere with Immortal Powers - provided they don't present too great a threat to the Wold.
Trayvin casts a restoration spell on Tempus and and see that it provides immediate relief. He tries to recall what he can about undead things but think of anything in particular.
Pompous walks the perimeter. The griffons are holding their positions, widely circled around Tempus and the rest of the party.
Ceres shakes his head to Michael. "A path to the heart of the mountain? No, I've never heard of anything like that."
Hemera looks to Tinker "You should know that 'up' will lead you to Frethja". As Sigvar told the party only a couple of days earlier, the vast glacier covering parts high up the North and East slopes of Shadow Mountain has been called Frethja.
Anna deduces that if the dragon was that big then there's no way it could have been a simple caster. This was something much bigger and likely powerful.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Thursday July 15th, 2021 4:11:00 AM
Tinker returns a grim smile to Hemera and hefts his Urgrosh. “I won’t mind talking to Frethja either.”
The dwarf moves out to support Pompous. His manner is obvious: the Knights Commander can do no more work here. It’s time to travel up to see either the Shining Dragon or Frethja. And to the red-bearded dwarf, it doesn’t really matter which.
…..
Ready to travel Boots of the Winterlands
Prudence Gundle [HP 73/130] d20=14 ; Thursday July 15th, 2021 4:29:52 PM
Pru squeezes her eyes shut. "GHAAA!" she cries. Then in a more normal tone, she continues. "Sorry. I think I found the cause of the cold. There is some very powerful magic at work, through the entire area." She blinks a couple of times, then continues. "There's an Abjuration of some kind, which is probably what's blocking teleportation. And there's a Transmutation, which I have to think has something to do with the cold."
[OOC: I never know whether to roll Spellcraft or Knowledge Arcana. So, with a 36 Spellcraft or a 31 Knowledge Arcana, can Pru tell how powerful the caster is in relation to herself?]
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Thursday July 15th, 2021 6:24:58 PM " Ask if there are pathways INTU Mount Shadow. If this shining fragon is the spirit of the mountain I would expect him inside rather than up. Also ask if there are any stories, old, old stories of a dragon that perhaps laired here ." Sigvar flies on.
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Thursday July 15th, 2021 8:48:00 PM Well what do we know about immortal powers? I know that the Sargrass "awoke" a while back, I know it has 3 aspects to it as well, I never learned which aspect was dominant. I don't think I've ever heard of this Frethja character, is there a new God in the Wold? or is it an immortal power?
when we fought during the red grass stuff, we had to face intermediaries, I wonder if that's going to be the case here as well. could this cold be the outward expression of the immortal power like the red grass was for the Sargrass?
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Thursday July 15th, 2021 9:45:18 PM I don't think we're going to get any more answers here. Do we have some endure elements spells? If not I think it will be rough going for most of us.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration
OOC- Trayvin does not have any endure elements memorized.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday July 15th, 2021 11:35:24 PM
Nikolai asks Ceres if the griffons know of any way into the mountain. Via the link, he suggests that the giants probably know of caves and such that might lead them to the heart, or upward, as some giants like delving into the depths of mountains. At least he thinks some do.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [177/177 w/ con bonus] - 43/16/20 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Thursday July 15th, 2021 11:38:46 PM
Anna says, "If memory serves I think the 3 aspects of the Sarr kind of resolved their differences and entered into a kind of truce. I don't think any of them are dominant per se and they strive to keep each other in balance."
Anna continues, "Here though it sounds like we have 2 powers; assuming they are actual powers and not someone pretending they are something they aren't like our venture in Wedding City though given the fact that Pru is being blinded by detect magic I think we are safe to assume that we are dealing with actual powers and not just a cult in a grift. I guess the question is are the mountain dragon guy and the glacier the only to immortal powers at play here or are there other factions and how do we make contact with either of them?"
DM RobC - "Well what do we know about immortal powers?" d10=5 ; Friday July 16th, 2021 4:13:05 AM
Tinker is ready for the climb and isn't to fusssed who it is he meets. Dragon man? He meets the group. Fethja? She meets his urgosh.
Pru has to blink a number of times to get her eyes back in focus. She's unable to specifically identify the power of the caster however she does know that a functioning spell with an overwhelming aura is the equivalent of a 10th level spell, and almost certainly beyond the power of mortal beings.
A few of you ask the griffons about a way into the mountain. Ceres shakes his head. "No, it's not something I've ever seen before". Nikolai suspects the giants might know a way in, but that's just a thought.
There is also some talk about Immortal Powers and Shadow Mountain, with Anna wondering how many might be at play. Hemera gives the party the run down on the key four: Mighty Granite, Grandfather Wind, The Storm-Horse, and of course Frethja. Trayvin knows enough about religion to know that there are literally dozens of Immortal Powers revered by the denizens of Shadow Mountain. It's like an immortal power hot spot.
Sigvar wants to know if there are any old, old stories of dragons that lived here long ago. Hemera recalls one. "There was a dragon long ago who started on the western slope. Flamelich. He was beaten by the Gold Dragons. They were some tough adventurers so I was told.". (Highlight to display spoiler: {Sorry, I'm not sure on the timelines and where the Gold Dragons fit in. I searched but I'm not sure how 'old' it might be compared to this games timeline. They were in the Platinum Dragons game that can be found on the game archives if anyone wants to read about them though and were one of the first DC groups I think})
Michael has an interesting thought. The bloodgrass spread with the coming of the Sarr. Could the cold weather be the start of something even bigger to do with Frethja?
Trayvin is starting to feel the cold. Of all the days not to prepare an Endure Elements spell!
-------------------- OOC: Guess what time it is?
Please position yourselves on this map but do not take any action (other than speaking to each other). The enemy have the initiative and will be acting first, but I want to give you the chance to position yourselves on the map where you think you would be rather than where I think you would be.
Assuming Sigvar starts to run when the trouble starts he will be on the map in d10=5 rounds
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Friday July 16th, 2021 5:01:45 AM
The grizzled veteran thanks his ancestors he thought to purchase the Boots of the Winterlands. He hefts his urgrosh and is ready to meet some Immortals.
…… Ooc: Tinker is at I21, on the side of the Ice Wall, facing the cold wind, and ready to start walking to the left of the map
Improved Uncanny Dodge: not flat-footed vs invis opp; can’t be flanked
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 Friday July 16th, 2021 6:39:13 AM
ooc> Yesterday's post....
Pompous continues his patrol of the paramter....
Location: Z13
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Friday July 16th, 2021 10:42:28 AM
OOC Sigvar has endure elements up already. He cast it as the group ascended the mountains this morning. What Time is it in Game? Why hasn't Sigvar been making his best speed to the location until now? Whatever, 5 rounds of running. If when I start casting spells to survive arriving late to a major fight you'll need to let me know how that affects my timing. Sigvar flys on.
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 141/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Friday July 16th, 2021 3:45:06 PM
Michael was talking to the group at large and also taking some shelter from the wind behind the ice wall. as such he wasn't off by much from where he was placed initially.
Michael was talking and thinking, but he does have uncanny dodge and evasion, so keep that in mind before the fireball hits.
Prudence Gundle [HP 73/130] Friday July 16th, 2021 4:47:46 PM
"I've got you, Trayvin," Pru says. She casts Endure Elements on Trayvin.
[OOC: Okay, I know you said no spells, but that's a routine out-of-combat spell so I hope it's allowed.]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 108/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday July 16th, 2021 10:26:39 PM
OOC: Nikolai would be near Tempus, if he's griffon 1, then where he's at is just fine.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Saturday July 17th, 2021 12:52:05 AM Immortal Powers? This could get interesting.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration
OOC- Trayvin was treating Tempus, and should be positioned near him.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [177/177 w/ con bonus] - 43/16/20 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Monday July 19th, 2021 12:10:57 AM
(OOC: If we took less than 13.6 minutes investigating the griffon presumably Anna never left dragon form; this has nothing to do with your post and everything to do with not wanting to waste a powerful spell so she would have remained in dragon form till it expired;to that end please give me a new time limit; oh kindly DM)
Anna says, "Apparently this mountain has many immortal powers on it. This could get interesting."
Form of Dragon III - 13.6 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +17 (2d8+8), 2 claws +17 (2d6+8), 2 wings +15 (1d8+4), one tail slap + 15 (2d6+4)
DM RobC - "This could get interesting" - Map 2d6=8 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=5 ; d20+20=38 ; d20+20=24 ; 3d6=5 ; 3d6=8 ; d8=5 ; d8=6 ; 2d6=4 ; d20+20=36 ; d8=5 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 4:26:06 AM
It has taken the party around 21mins to arrive at the scene and they have spent another 5 minutes investigating the surrounds and speaking with the griffons. Anna has another 5 to 6 minutes before her dragon form expires.
Tinker is kept warm by his boots and Pru helps Trayvin with a little protection from the cold. The party consider the options of the immortal powers. There are a lot of them. As Anna and Trayvin agree: this could get interesting.
Could Frethja create undead? Possibly. Whatever the case, the party have discussed the topic so long that they may have drawn the attention of the 'shadows'.
Five dark, ghostly creatures spring from the ground surrounding the group - griffons and all. The translucent figures are little more than dark shapes with flickering pinpoints of red light where their eyes should be. The air surrounding them is very cold, even in these already frigid area. Unnaturally cold. The temperature and mere presence of these terrors is enough to leave the most seasoned of adventurers shaken.
Michael takes 8pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Michael to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed Pompous takes 7pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Pompous to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed Nikolai takes 5pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Nikolai to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed Tinker takes 5pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Tinker to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed Anna to make 2 x Fort Saves vs DC23 or be paralysed
"Shadows!" Ceres barks loudly - although perhaps stating the obvious.
They act quickly and in a coordinated manner to attack the group from all sides.
Moradin and Aprilles are attacked before they realise what has happened. The griffons each take a hit.
The one to the east ignores the two griffons to instead attack Pompous! (Hit TouchAC38. Pompous takes 5pts negative energy plus 5pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
The one to the south attacks Anna! (Hit TouchAC24. Anna takes 8pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
The one to the southwest attacks Tinker! (Hit TouchAC36. Tinker takes 4pts negative energy plus 5pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
The griffons fight back however they've no way of touching these incorporeal creatures, even with their best attacks.
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Sigvar will be on the map in 5 rounds
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 155/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+19=20 ; d20+19=28 ; d20+19=39 ; d20+24=31 ; d20+19=26 ; d20+14=31 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+16=36 ; d8+16=21 ; d8+16=19 ; d8+16=19 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 8:06:28 AM
Tinker sees the shadows rise and he is more than shaken, he is paralyzed! It takes a heroic effort to throw off the sheer terror, but the dwarf is both stubborn and experienced: he overcomes the worst effects.
And then it touches him, a coldness like a tomb! He shakes it off again.
“More than Shadows! Trayvin, what does your knowledge tell you of these King Shadows!?”. If nothing else, he is sure they are immune to critical hits and sneak attacks!
Daemar Torvalsson doesn’t wait for the answer, but concentrates only using the axe blade of his Urgrosh. The blade specially magicked to affect incorporal beings!
………
Fort. Nat 1! Hero Point re-roll. 28. Success! Fort. 39. Save vs CON damage
She moves a little closer to the ice wall to get a better angle, then aims a Scorching Ray at Shadow #2. Then she aims a Quickened Scorching Ray at the same target.
[First spell: SR check 37. First ray hits Touch AC 19 for 17 damage. Second ray hits Touch AC 19 for 17 damage. Third ray hits Touch AC 21 for 17 damage. Second spell: SR check 38. First ray hits Touch AC 21 for 20 damage. Second ray hits Touch AC 24 for 15 damage. Third ray misses with a natural 1.]
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 133/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+16=21 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 6:43:47 PM
Fort save 21 + hero point = 25
The shadows come forth, evil, and so cold it hurts. the horror threatens to freeze him up, but The Machine kicks in and he finds himself in motion toward shadow 2, hoping for a flank against Aphrillies, He spends this round getting in position, he'll attack next round.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet d20+10=28 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 7:08:05 PM
Sigvar flies on, too far away to help his companions in any way other than to moves faster. Knowledge religion 28 Does Sigvar know what they are?
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 158 /170 d20+16=22 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=31 ; d20+26=44 ; d20+26=43 ; d20+26=34 ; d6+14=15 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6+14=17 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6+14=16 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; d20+21=22 ; d20+16=33 ; d6+14=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+11=25 ; d6+14=15 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 7:24:10 PM
Pompous' great resolve avoids him being paralyzed by the undead ( ooc> used a hero point to reroll the 22 and got a 24).
Pompous also avoids the constitution damage from the second attack.
Pompous then unleashes a volley of arrows at the shadow attacking him (S3).
" OH NO YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT! "
---------------------------- Dash Board
Scarab of protection (12 charges) The scarab’s possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Upon absorbing 12 such attacks, the scarab turns to powder and is destroyed.
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot
Shaken -2 to hit High winds -4 to hit
Attack 1 AC 44 Physical 15 shock 4 fire 5 Attack 1a AC 43 Physical 17 shock 3 fire 6 Attack 1b AC 34 Physical 16 shock 4 fire 2 Attack 2 AC 22 miss nat 1 Attack 3 AC 33 Physical 19 shock 6 fire 3 Attack 4 AC 25 Physical 15 shock 1 fire 5
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) d20+15=17 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 8:52:27 PM Pru has it, focus fire and burn them down. Ceres, Tempus, get your people back from them, your claws won't hurt them without magic. Trayvin tries to recall some useful information about the creatures, other than that they look like shadows. kn religion check = 17(doh) I'm not sure Tinker, but whatever works on a shadow should be effective.
Trayvin switches weapons, going for the silver mace.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 66/72 [118/126 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+14=34 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+10=14 ; Monday July 19th, 2021 11:19:21 PM
(Fort Save paralysis - 34; 32)
(Fort Save con drain 14; failure)
Anna manages to avoid getting paralyzed but still takes the con drain.
She says, "They are sapping our vitality. If this keeps up we are done for."
She then takes a 5 foot step away from the shadow and activates her Iron Body SLA, eliminating the risk of her taking further con drain.
Active Effects Form of Dragon III - 5.5 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5)
Iron Body - 17 minutes gain DR 15 / adamantine, immune to blindness, critical hits, ability score damage, deafness, disease, drowning, electricity, poison, stunning, and all spells or attacks that affect your physiology or respiration, because you have no physiology or respiration while this spell is in effect. You take only half damage from acid and fire. However, you also become vulnerable to all special attacks that affect iron golems. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus to your Strength score, but you take a -6 penalty to Dexterity as well (to a minimum Dexterity score of 1), and your speed is reduced to half normal. You have an arcane spell failure chance of 35% and a -6 armor check penalty, just as if you were clad in full plate armor. You cannot drink (and thus can’t use potions) or play wind instruments. Your unarmed attack deals damage equal to a club sized for you (1d4 for Small characters or 1d6 for Medium characters), and you are considered armed when making unarmed attacks.Your weight increases by a factor of 10, causing you to sink in water like a stone. However, you could survive the lack of air at the bottom of the ocean–at least until the spell duration expires.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 103/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+21=22 ; d20+21=27 ; 2d8+7=20 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 12:07:36 AM
Spells in Effect: mage armor Other effects: Shaken (–2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks)
DM Note_ Nikolai wears a Ring of Freedom of Movement (negates paralysis). Also being grappled, by the way.
The sudden appearance of the shadows throw's Nikolai off guard for a moment and the extra cold from the touch of the creature saps his energy some. He is unaware of the paralysis power as his ring negates it. However as he retaliates, he studies his foe to figure out what they are.
Treat unarmed attacks as Magic for DR purposes Attack the shadow that attacked him: Att1 w/ Improved Vital Strike d20 + 23 - 2(shaken) = 22 N1 Att2 d20 + 23 - 2(shaken) = 27 dmg = 2d8 + 6 (+1 Mighty Fists) = 20
Michael Wittman AC:39, T:28, FF:30(ucdodge) HP 133/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Tuesday July 20th, 2021 3:06:50 AM
Michael yells to Ceres and Hamera. Have your guys distract the shadows, but don't let them touch you, we can take them, but we can't do it and protect your people as well.
DM RobC - "More than Shadows!" - Map d20+20=35 ; 3d6=8 ; d8=4 ; d20+20=29 ; 3d6+8=21 ; 3d6+8=15 ; d8=7 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+20=22 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=10 ; d20+20=27 ; 3d6=7 ; d8=5 ; 2d6=7 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+20=29 ; 3d6=13 ; 3d6=7 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=29 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=8 ; d8=7 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 4:05:06 AM
Tinker knows a Shadow when he sees one and these are no Shadows. He doesn't have a chance to work out what they are suffice to say he knows they're undead. That's enough for him. He hacks away with his ghost touch weapon
Pru sends six scorching rays at the nearest not-Shadow. Despite the number of rays she casts she somehow misses on each one!
Michael moves in to position ready to flank with Aphrillies. (Highlight to display spoiler: {Please see the email from Steven}).
Sigvar and Trayvin try to work out what these things are as they are certainly not the lowly Shadows the party have heard of. No. These things are more like Wraiths of some kind, though it's no kind either of them are familiar with. For starters, even though they are incorporeal the party have no trouble seeing them (ie: they're not invisible, which is a good thing for this party!). Secondly, even though the sun is pretty much hidden, it's still there and they don't seem weakened by it. They also have that weird aura to them that freezes and paralyzes things. Trayvin works out that the aura radiates out 30ft from each wraith.
Pompous is greatly saved by his Scarab of Protection. He unloads on the nearest shadow as best he can.
Trayvin brings out a silver mace. That oughta work. He calls for the griffons to flee. There's nothing they can do to assist in this fight.
Anna uses an SLA to add a little iron to her form. Activating her ability however provokes an attack from the long arms of the wraith before she can complete the transformation. (Hit TouchAC27. Anna takes 7pts negative energy plus 5pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Nikolai wants to strike back against the wraith that hit him, only to find that none of them actually did. He simply stands within the aura of one.
The griffons scatter north and south as fast as they can.
The enemy act...
Wraith 1 closes in on Pru! She feels it's icy presence and it shadowy touch.(Pru takes 7pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Pru to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed. Hit TouchAC35. Pru takes 8pts negative energy plus 4pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain))
Trayvin is close enough to it that he too feels its aura. (Trayvin takes 7pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Trayvin to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed.)
Wraith 2 attacks Michael with both claws outstretched! (Hit TouchAC29 and 32. Michael takes 13pts + 7pts negative energy plus 7pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 3 attacks Pompous again, but this time with two claws rather than just one! (Hit TouchAC35 and 22. Pompous takes 10pts + 10pts negative energy plus 7pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain. This is all unless he expends 2 charges from his Scarab)
Wraith 4 pursues Anna! (Hit TouchAC23 and 39. Anna takes 13pts + 7pts negative energy)
Wraith 5 returns Tinkers attacks with some of its own! (Hit TouchAC25 and 29. Tinker takes 9pts + 8pts negative energy plus 7pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Tuesday July 20th, 2021 7:33:02 AM
Sigvar continues to close at his best speed.
OOC that con drain.....In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. That amounts to each point of con losing us 17 hp. That is as much as I get per level IF I roll a 10 on my 10 sided die. Are you sure that's right? It seems kinda steep
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 138/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+19=28 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+24=39 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+14=29 ; d8+16=20 ; d8+16=23 ; d8+16=20 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 10:57:48 AM
Tinker thanks the toughness of both dwarfs and his warrior training, the undead horror is hurting him, but not the soul-sucking death that overcame the griffons.
This is a tough opponent, and he keeps hitting as he can with his Ghost Touch urgrosh axe blade. "Pompous, you have the reach and they don't hurt you. Let's concentrate on one at a time to whittle them down!'
The urgrosh swings three times and bites hard. .............
Fort 27 and 29; save both overcome the CON drain. (Shaken removed after rolls)
Urgrosh Axe Head (Ghost Touch) AC 39, 31, 29 Damage: 20, 23, 20 (63 total)
Prudence Gundle [HP -9/62] [Con drain 4] d20+10=11 ; d20+10=12 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 12:21:27 PM
Pru is paralyzed and unconscious.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 158 /170 d20+26=46 ; d20+26=36 ; d6+14=20 ; d6+14=19 ; d6+14=16 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20+26=33 ; d6+14=18 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+26=36 ; d6+14=15 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20+21=27 ; d6+14=19 ; d6+14=17 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d20+16=24 ; d20+16=36 ; d20+11=21 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 7:44:38 PM
That scarab was the best thing Pompous bought... ever!
Pompous hears Tinker and nods before continuing his attack and unleashing another attack
-------------------------------------------------
Dash Board
Scarab of protection (10 charges) The scarab’s possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Upon absorbing 12 such attacks, the scarab turns to powder and is destroyed.
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot
Shaken -2 to hit 2/10 High winds -4 to hit
Attack W3
Attack 1 AC 46 (crit roll confirmed with a 36) Physical 55 shock 5 fire 4 Attack 1a AC 33 Physical 18 shock 2 fire 2 Attack 1b AC 36 Physical 15 shock 5 fire 4 Attack 2 AC 27 Physical 19 shock 3 fire 1 Attack 3 AC 24 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 4 AC 21 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 192/199(BrianZ) d20+20=29 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 9:38:49 PM
save vs paralysis = 27(forgot to subtract the -2 from the roll)
Trayvin sees Pru is down. He moves to protect her from any further hits from the creature, casting a spell as he goes. The Commanders are too spread out, this is going to be a tough fight.
Actions: move, cast divine power
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 39/72 [125/160 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+11=31 ; Tuesday July 20th, 2021 11:41:13 PM
Fort Save: 31
Anna resists the constituition drain.
She then takes a 5 foot step away from the wraith again and tries to use her bear's endurance SLA,
Next round she will be fortified enough to start going on the offensive.
Active Effects Form of Dragon III - 5.4 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5)
Iron Body - 16.9 minutes gain DR 15 / adamantine, immune to blindness, critical hits, ability score damage, deafness, disease, drowning, electricity, poison, stunning, and all spells or attacks that affect your physiology or respiration, because you have no physiology or respiration while this spell is in effect. You take only half damage from acid and fire. However, you also become vulnerable to all special attacks that affect iron golems. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus to your Strength score, but you take a -6 penalty to Dexterity as well (to a minimum Dexterity score of 1), and your speed is reduced to half normal. You have an arcane spell failure chance of 35% and a -6 armor check penalty, just as if you were clad in full plate armor. You cannot drink (and thus can’t use potions) or play wind instruments. Your unarmed attack deals damage equal to a club sized for you (1d4 for Small characters or 1d6 for Medium characters), and you are considered armed when making unarmed attacks.Your weight increases by a factor of 10, causing you to sink in water like a stone. However, you could survive the lack of air at the bottom of the ocean–at least until the spell duration expires.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 103/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+23=38 ; 6d8+7=27 ; 2d6-1=7 ; 2d6=10 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 12:01:07 AM
Spells in Effect: mage armor Other effects: Shaken 1 min (9/10 rds) (–2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks) Eberon's Tear (Ghost Touch, Undead Bane, Holy).
DM Note_ Nikolai wears a Ring of Freedom of Movement (negates paralysis). Also being grappled, by the way.
Nikolai also puts himself between the Super Shadow and Pru, than takes a swing at it.
Attack #4: Nikolai feels the power of his Eberon's Tear tingle as he chops at #4 Att w/Improved Vital Strike d20 + 23 + 2 (Undead Bane) - 2 (Shaken) = 38 The power of his Ghost Touch and Holy Hand Chop reverberates through his body
Damage w/Improved Vital Strike 6d8 +7 = 27 Add: Undead Bane 2d6 = 8 (see Die Rolls, error 2d6-1, should be just 2d6) Add: Holy 2d6 = 10
Tinker keeps chopping away at the wraith in front of him. His urgosh proves to be very effective.
Pru is unable to withstand the attack of the wraith. Paralyzed, shaken, unconscious and dying, her statue-like figure falls to the snow.
Pompous is thanking Domi for the scarab of protection. It's turning into a real life saver! He unloads another volley on the nearest wraith, though is a little disappointed when he sees his attack isn't as effective as he had hoped. He comes to the realisation that as an incorporeal creature it is immune to critical hits.
Trayvin rushes to help Pru, provoking an attack as he draws closer to the wraith. (Hit TouchAC33. Trayvin takes 17pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain). He prepares to attack and empowers himself with a spell.
Anna takes another step away from the wraith but she remains within its reach. She activates another SLA, provoking another attack as she does so. (Hit TouchAC37. Anna takes 11pts negative energy). She's a lot more 'buff' now though.
Nikolai puts himself between Anna and the wraith and takes a good punch at it. It's like his Eberyon's Tear was made for this as everything about it bolsters his attack.
The enemy act...
The wraiths are both evil and smart. It's a deadly combination. Wraith 1 is the embodiment of this and doesn't think twice about hitting a person while they're down. It strikes out at Pru to try and finish the job. (Hit TouchAC31. Pru takes 14pts negative energy plus 1pt Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain). It shows no emotion as it then changes target to Trayvin. (Hit TouchAC37. Trayvin takes 11pts negative energy plus 5pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 2 lashes out at Michael with both claws. (Hit TouchAC35 and AC30. Michael takes 8pts + 15pts negative energy plus 2pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 3 presses its attack on Pompous but the scarab continues to be worth every bit of gold. (Hit TouchAC32 and AC36 but negated by the scarab).
Wraith 4 attacks Nikolai but misses on both accounts (Miss AC29 and AC31)
Wraith 5 keeps up its toe-to-toe fight with Tinker. (Hit TouchAC35 and AC23. Tinker takes 13pts + 12pts negative energy plus 4pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 138/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+17=18 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+24=25 ; d20+19=34 ; d20+14=32 ; d8+16=22 ; d8+16=19 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 5:07:59 AM
Tinker feels Prudence go down, permanently, and grinds his teeth. He is certain these things are faster than he, and any attempt at disengaging will only make it easier for the undead horror to gain the upper hand.
Another icy touch, and another heroic avoidance. Tinker knows that his luck will not last much longer. ”Go down, you worm, go down!”. His blades continue to blur.
….
Fort: Nat 1. Hero Point 26 and 26 save both overcome the CON drain.
Urgrosh Axe Head (Ghost Touch) AC nat1, 34, 32. Damage: 22, 19. (41 total)
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Wednesday July 21st, 2021 7:06:32 AM
Sigvar flies on and pulls a scroll from his pack.
" PRUDENCE!!!! NOOOOOOO!!!! I"LL END YOU ALL FOR THIS !!!!!!"
Pompous focuses all of his rage into his bow and fires again.
-----------------------------------------------
Dash Board
Scarab of protection (8 charges) The scarab’s possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Upon absorbing 12 such attacks, the scarab turns to powder and is destroyed.
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot
Shaken -2 to hit 3/10 High winds -4 to hit
W3
Attack 1 AC 43 Physical 18 shock 5 fire 3 Attack 1a AC 43 Physical 15 shock 4 fire 4 Attack 1b AC 27 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 2 AC 31 Physical 17 shock 2 fire 5 Attack 3 AC 25 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 4 AC 17 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 181/199(BrianZ) d20+20=34 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+23=30 ; d20+23=40 ; d20+18=30 ; d20+13=30 ; d8+11=17 ; d8+11=14 ; d8+11=19 ; d8+11=18 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=9 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 8:49:11 PM
saves vs con drain = 32, 37(-2 removed after rolls)
Trayvin shrugs off the draining effect from the creature and then shakes his head at it. His spell will not help Pru now. He looks at his mace, all he can do now is avenge her.
Actions: attack wraith(silver, undead bane mace) , hit AC:28, 38, 28, 28(-2 removed after rolls) damage= 25, 22, 25, 27(undead bane added after 2nd set of rolls made)
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power
OOC- Trayvin has 17 temp hp from divine power
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 103/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+21=36 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=14 ; 2d8+9=15 ; 4d6=9 ; 2d8+9=19 ; 4d6=13 ; 2d8+9=17 ; 4d6=13 ; 2d8+9=25 ; 4d6=11 ; d20+25=29 ; 6d8+9=35 ; 4d6=11 ; Wednesday July 21st, 2021 11:26:26 PM
OOC: Dang it! I forgot one Nikolai's Favored Enemy is the undead. He's not had to use it for so long.... sigh Also, I thought I was near Pru, pays to look at the map better. Sigh...
Shaken 1 min (8/10) IC: Nikolai is not fully aware of Pru's condition but snow flies as he whirls his fist against #4:
If not dead-dead, one more attack, Swift Action activate Ki pt for extra attack at normal bonuses Att6 w/Improved Vital Strike d20+23 +2 (Favored Enemy) + 2 (Undead Bane) - 2 (Shaken) = 29
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 39/72 [125/160 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+20=30 ; d20+20=34 ; 6d8+11=38 ; 2d6=2 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 12:40:47 AM
Anna is also not aware of Pru's condition being on the other side of the snowy battlefield and mostly concerned about keeping herself alive for the past few rounds.
With her 15 foot reach Anna attacks wraith 3 seeing Nikolai laying waste to wraith 4.
She makes a single bite attack using her improved vital strike feat and her holy eberyon tear.
(30 vs AC; ignore 34 it double clicked; 38 + 2 holy damage if that hits) Active Effects Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.9 minutes Form of Dragon III - 5.3 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5)
Iron Body - 16.8 minutes gain DR 15 / adamantine, immune to blindness, critical hits, ability score damage, deafness, disease, drowning, electricity, poison, stunning, and all spells or attacks that affect your physiology or respiration, because you have no physiology or respiration while this spell is in effect. You take only half damage from acid and fire. However, you also become vulnerable to all special attacks that affect iron golems. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus to your Strength score, but you take a -6 penalty to Dexterity as well (to a minimum Dexterity score of 1), and your speed is reduced to half normal. You have an arcane spell failure chance of 35% and a -6 armor check penalty, just as if you were clad in full plate armor. You cannot drink (and thus can’t use potions) or play wind instruments. Your unarmed attack deals damage equal to a club sized for you (1d4 for Small characters or 1d6 for Medium characters), and you are considered armed when making unarmed attacks.Your weight increases by a factor of 10, causing you to sink in water like a stone. However, you could survive the lack of air at the bottom of the ocean–at least until the spell duration expires.
DM RobC - "I"LL END YOU ALL FOR THIS !!!!!!" - Map d20+20=23 ; d20+20=39 ; 3d6=12 ; 3d6=8 ; d8=6 ; d20+20=21 ; d20+20=28 ; 3d6=6 ; d8=6 ; d20+20=34 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=23 ; 3d6=9 ; 3d6=14 ; d8=1 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 4:13:05 AM
Tinker - fueled by Pru's fall - takes out his anger on the nearest wraith with a few good blows.
Sigvar pulls a Scroll from his pack as he draws closer to the fight.
Trayvin proves to have a good eye when it comes to swinging a mace about.
Michael unleashes a small flurry of attacks against the wraith he stands by.
Pompous keeps firing arrows at the nearest wraith.
Wraith #4 is no match for the combined assault of Nikolai and Anna.
Even though Pru has gone, the party can still feel her presence.
The enemy act...
With Pru deceased the Wraith 1 turns its attention to Trayvin! (Hit TouchAC23 and AC39. Tinker takes 12pts + 8pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 2 returns fire on Michael! (Miss TouchAC21. Hit TouchAC28. Michael takes 6pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 3 keeps up its attack on Pompous. (Hit TouchAC34 and AC31 but both negated I assume)
Wraith 5 and Tinker continue to trade blows. (Hit TouchAC29 and AC23. Tinker takes 9pts + 14pts negative energy plus 1pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
-------------------
Pru still feels cold, but it's a different kind of cold. She feels the cold within her rather than on her skin. The inside of her mouth feels cold and numb, like she's been eating ice. Looking at her arms though she can tell something is very wrong. They're translucent. That's probably not good. She's able to see through her entire body - a body that can only be described now as ghostly.
The world around her looks grey, as if all the color in the world has been drained away. She can still see the wraith menacingly close to her and she can see Trayvin by her side. Reaching out she notices that her hand starts to glow, and the glow gets brighter the closer she reaches towards Trayvin.
Though he can't see her, Trayvin can feel Pru's spirit aiding him. Guiding him.
OOC:Pru has a 60ft Fly speed. Whoever she places both hands on gains a +4 Aid Another bonus to their D20 rolls for that round
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet d20+29=33 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=6 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 6:04:10 AM
OK, so I read my email after I wrote my first draft but before I submitted my post. I'm going to close this post and it's die rolls and start over in a fresh post
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Thursday July 22nd, 2021 6:23:24 AM
Sigvar arrives on the scene, but he is too late. Prudence has been called to stand before Gargul's throne. He looks to his hand, at the scroll and reads the holy words printed on it, granting him a death ward. He takes a 5 foot step closer to the wraiths.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 121/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+17=36 ; d20+19=32 ; d20+24=40 ; d20+14=16 ; d8+16=23 ; d8+16=18 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 7:15:35 AM
Tinker and his incorporeal opponent are locked in battle. As long as he only has one on him at a time, he thinks, I can win. That brings a darker thought: there is no ‘winning’ with Prudence already killed, and more potentially there.
…… Fort: 36 save overcome the CON drain.
Urgrosh Axe Head (Ghost Touch) AC 40, 32, 16(miss). Damage: 23, 18. (41 total)
Ghost Pru Thursday July 22nd, 2021 2:56:19 PM Michael feels the icy hand of death on the back of his neck as Pru flies over to aid him.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 127/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+21=24 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+22=37 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+17=24 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=6 ; d4+4=8 ; d8+6=12 ; d8+6=12 ; d8+6=7 ; d8+6=11 ; d8+6=7 ; d8+6=12 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 7:54:58 PM
Hero point before roll for save. Fort save 24.
Michael feels pru near him and the part of his mind, not the machine, uses that knowledge to fight off the chill of the undead shade. he smells her, she loved flowers, and would often keep a sachet about her, he guesses the smell follows her in death. it's almost as if she is guiding his hand.
He unloads on the thing yet again (My sunblade does Double damage against undead and negative energy creatures)
Attack 1 base 19 +4 blessing from Prudence Gundle. LB 25 SB 27
Luckblade +2
To Hit AC 42 for 7 points of damage
Sunblade +4
To Hit AC 33 for 24 points of damage.
Attack 2 base 14 +4 Blessing from Prudence Gundle LB 20 SB 22
Luckblade +2
To hit AC 23 for 6 points of damage.
Sunblade +4
To Hit AC 37 for 18 points of damage (sunblade damage is double against undead and neg energy )
Attack 3 base 9 +4 blessing from Prudence Gundle LB 15 SB 17
Luckblade +2
To hit AC 32 for 8 points of damage
Sunblade +4
To hit AC 24 for 19 points of damage.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 161/199(BrianZ) d20+20=28 ; d20+21=32 ; d20+21=40 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+11=22 ; d8+11=16 ; d8+11=17 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=4 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 9:07:15 PM
save vs drain = 28
Trayvin realizes how intense the fight is. The Commanders may not all know so he advises them over the link. Pru is down, and beyond the help of my spells. Still, I thought I felt something...
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power
OOC- Trayvin has 17 temp hp from divine power
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 158 /170 d20+26=36 ; d6+14=18 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6+14=17 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d20+26=29 ; d6+14=20 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d20+21=31 ; d6+14=16 ; d6=5 ; d20+16=34 ; d6+14=15 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d20+11=28 ; d6+14=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 9:24:19 PM
Pompous continues to vent his anger at the wraith. Another flight of flamming, electified flies.
Scarab of protection (6 charges) The scarab’s possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Upon absorbing 12 such attacks, the scarab turns to powder and is destroyed.
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot
Shaken -2 to hit 4/10 High winds -4 to hit
W3 then next nearest
Attack 1 AC 36Physical 18 shock 3 fire 2 Attack 1a AC 36 Physical 17 shock 1 fire 1 Attack 1b AC 29 Physical 20 shock 5 fire 6 Attack 2 AC 31 Physical 16 shock 5 fire 5 Attack 3 AC 34 Physical 15 shock 4 fire 1 Attack 4 AC 28 Physical 20 shock 5 fire 5
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 103/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+25=33 ; 6d8+9=33 ; 4d6=16 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 11:40:59 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor Shaken (7/10) Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps Ki pts 12/13
Very faint footprints in the snow mark where Nikolai races across the snow to help Trayvin.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 39/72 [125/160 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+20=25 ; Thursday July 22nd, 2021 11:54:55 PM
Anna makes another vital strike attack against NUMBER 3 this time.
25 vs AC; miss
Active Effects Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.8 minutes Form of Dragon III - 5.2 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5)
Iron Body - 16.7 minutes gain DR 15 / adamantine, immune to blindness, critical hits, ability score damage, deafness, disease, drowning, electricity, poison, stunning, and all spells or attacks that affect your physiology or respiration, because you have no physiology or respiration while this spell is in effect. You take only half damage from acid and fire. However, you also become vulnerable to all special attacks that affect iron golems. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus to your Strength score, but you take a -6 penalty to Dexterity as well (to a minimum Dexterity score of 1), and your speed is reduced to half normal. You have an arcane spell failure chance of 35% and a -6 armor check penalty, just as if you were clad in full plate armor. You cannot drink (and thus can’t use potions) or play wind instruments. Your unarmed attack deals damage equal to a club sized for you (1d4 for Small characters or 1d6 for Medium characters), and you are considered armed when making unarmed attacks.Your weight increases by a factor of 10, causing you to sink in water like a stone. However, you could survive the lack of air at the bottom of the ocean–at least until the spell duration expires.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 215 / 216 Character Sheet Friday July 23rd, 2021 6:22:59 AM
Taking in the battle Sigvar warns the other KC's. "Many incorporeal undead create weak versions of themselves from fallen foes, keep that in mind."
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 121/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Friday July 23rd, 2021 4:05:59 PM
Tinker growls at the unpleasant information. ”Keep it coming, the information may lead to a way to beat these critters easier next time.”
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 103/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday July 25th, 2021 10:16:59 PM
Nikolai replies "Not if we bless the body first, hopefully!!"
DM RobC - "Not if we bless the body first, hopefully!!" - Map d20+20=23 ; d20+20=35 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d6=8 ; d8=8 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=32 ; 3d6=6 ; 3d6=13 ; d8=3 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=2 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=11 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=24 ; 3d6=6 ; d20+20=30 ; 3d6=9 ; d20+20=40 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 3:39:00 AM
Tinker keeps up his toe-to-toe battle with Wraith 5 and, with a final attack, is the victor.
With spiritual aid from Pru, Michael is able to land several attacks on the wraith nearest him.
Trayvin attacks the wraith next to him and does some damage. Nikolai joins the fight, also damaging the wraith.
Pompous finishes off another wraith and then plugs an arrow into the wraith attacking Michael.
Anna tries to attack the wraith nearest to her but misses.
Sigvar arrives on scene and can see the state of the combat. He uses a scroll to protect himself from negative energy.
The enemy act...
Wraith 1 attacks Trayvin (Hit TouchAC23 and AC35. Trayvin takes 11pts + 8pts negative energy plus 8pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 2 attacks Michael (Hit TouchAC22 and AC32. Michael takes 6pts + 13pts negative energy plus 3pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
The party seem to have things well in hand until the second wave of enemy wraiths appear. They spring into attack, circling the party as the previous attackers had. The freezing and terrifying auras are immediately felt.
Pompous takes 5pts + 2pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Pompous to make 2 x Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed Anna to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed Tinker takes 8pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Tinker to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed Sigvar takes 11pts cold damage and is shaken for 1 minute. Sigvar to make a Fort Save vs DC23 or be paralysed
Wraith 6 attacks Pompous, striking once (Hit TouchAC31)
Wraith 9 attacks Sigvar, unaware of his current immunity. (Hit TouchAC40. Damage doesn't matter)
------------------- Pru only...
To the south Pru can see four figures standing on the rocks. It doesn't appear that the rest of the party can see them, of if they have, they haven't done anything about it.
The first you would describe as an ice maiden. A beautiful woman made of crystal blue ice. Her face is emotionless and her hands are clasped before her. A long cape of ice and snow drapes from her shoulders and along the ground behind her. To her right stands some sort of large quasi-like horse creature. It is dark and shadowy and the 'air' surrounding it is wispy, almost like smoke. The ground crackles with electricity when it stomps its feet. Next to it is what looks like an elderly gnome. His skin is extremely pale to the point of almost being white, and his long, bushy beard moves about in the wind. Finally is a large, muscled man made entirely of stone. His thick arms are folded as he watches the fight, nodding along at each successfully delivered blow. "Do you think they can win?" he asks. If he were cheering for a side you couldn't tell which. "Perhaps we should intervene?" "It's not for us to do so." The gnome responds. "One has fallen so far." The stone man nods to Pru. Not to Pru's body - but to Pru. He can see you!
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet d20+20=25 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 6:01:07 AM
In the description, shaken is described as a fear effect, does it affect Sigvar since he is immune to fear? Fortitude save 25 Sigvar has seen enough. Tinker is the threat here, since he is doing full damage. Therefore he gets Sigvar's prepared spell. Sigvar flies around the wraith threatening him and as he moves he drops his shield and draws his sword . Once he reaches Tinker he casts Death Ward on the Dwarf. With a heroic effort he then converses with his Mother's spirit in his sword asking he to bless the blade with speed and accuracy. ( Bonded sword, add +2 and the Speed enhancement)
Dashboard Speed and +2 on longsword 1/170 rounds used Death Ward 2/140 rounds used Endure elements Flying, 5' off the ground 1 hero point used 1 lay on hands used
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Monday July 26th, 2021 6:03:37 AM
Dashboard Speed and +2 on longsword 1/170 rounds used Death Ward 2/140 rounds used Endure elements Flying, 5' off the ground 1 hero point used 1 lay on hands used Shaken -2 to hit, saves, skill rolls and ability checks.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+17=18 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 11:11:23 AM
Tinker let’s out a sigh of relief that one Wraith is felled; but it only lasts a moment. More appear, and before the dwarf can even shout to Trayvin to set up a protective bastion to fall back on, it happens: his luck runs out. His muscles won’t move, his arms won’t obey.
Daemar stares at the undead horror and can do nothing other than wait for its claws!
…… Fort: Nat 1 fail. Paralyzed!
Shaken 1/10 -2 attack, saves, skills, ability rolls Paralyzed: cannot move, speak, or take any physical action. helpless.
Ghost Pru d20+10=14 ; d20+22=23 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 4:39:36 PM
Knowledge: Religion 14. Does Pru have any guess as to who these beings are?
Whoever these entities are, they are very powerful. Pru flies toward them. "If you please," she begins. "I'm sorry for coming right over here without an invitation, but things are getting pretty dire." She looks pleadingly around. "Can you help my friends? Will you help my friends? If you cannot intervene directly, is there something else you can do? Some way you can help them?"
[Diplomacy 23]
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 143/199(BrianZ) d20+20=30 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+16=32 ; d20+11=15 ; d8+11=13 ; d8+11=14 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=7 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 8:45:01 PM
save vs drain = 28
Trayvin, unaware of Tinker's paralysis, continues to attack the wraith in front of him. Did more of them just appear? This is getting out of hand
attack wraith 1: hit AC 23, 31, 32, 15 damage: 18, 21(2d6 vs undead rolled separate and added in)
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power
OOC- Trayvin has 17 temp hp from divine power OOC- Rob, hope you are feeling better :)
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 151 /170 d20+16=33 ; d20+16=30 ; d20+26=32 ; d6+14=20 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; d6+14=20 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d20+26=33 ; d6+14=18 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6+21=22 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+11=12 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 8:57:25 PM
Pompous sees the other wraiths join the frey.
He sighs deeply.
" Well, what a revolting development THIS is! "
And with that, he ignores the Wraith attacking him and takes a five foot step (south/West) and fires at W1 .
--------------------------------- Dash Board
Fort saves 33 and 30. Saves x2
Scarab of protection (5 charges) The scarab’s possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Upon absorbing 12 such attacks, the scarab turns to powder and is destroyed.
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot
Shaken -2 to hit 4/10 High winds -4 to hit
W1
Attack 1 AC 32 Physical 20 shock 6 fire 1 Attack 1a AC 32 Physical 20 shock 3 fire 3 Attack 1b AC 33 Physical 18 shock 6 fire 5 Attack 2 AC 22 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 3 AC 25 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 4 AC 12 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 103/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+25=29 ; 6d8+9=27 ; 4d6=13 ; Monday July 26th, 2021 11:39:32 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor Shaken (6/10) Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps Ki pts 12/13
Through the Mind Link, Nikolai senses Tinker's thoughts of being frozen and helpless. Not if Nikolai can help it. He leaves Trayvin to deal with his wraith and dashes to Tinker's aid, hoping to draw the Wraith8's attention by giving it a wallop. Very faint footprints in the snow mark where Nikolai raced across the snow to help Tinker.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 20/72 [122/174 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+17=35 ; d20+20=33 ; 6d8+11=44 ; 2d6=11 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 12:16:34 AM
Fort Save: 35
Anna resists the paralysis, takes a 5 foot step and makes an improved vital strike attack with her dragon bite paired with her holy eberyon tear.
33 vs AC; 44 damage + 11 holy damage from tear vs evil
Active Effects 6 points Con Drain Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.8 minutes Form of Dragon III - 5.2 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5) (OOC: Figured out that I think I had my math wrong w/ respect to current HP and damage against theoretical max)
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 118/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+13=22 ; d20+23=35 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+16=23 ; d20+13=26 ; d20+11=25 ; d4+4=8 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=5 ; d8+6=8 ; d8+6=11 ; d8+6=11 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 12:17:47 AM
Save 22 hero point 26.
The Machine grows through the evil touch once again.
he keeps cutting the shade. he will destroy it or die trying. (sunblade does x2 damage to undead and negative energy creatures. )
Attack 1 Base 19 LB 21 SB 23
Luckblade +2 To hit AC 35 for 8 points of damage.
Sunblade +4 To hit AC 35 for 16 points of damage.
Attack 2
Base 14 LB 16 SB 18
Luckblade +2 To hit AC 24 for 7 points of damage.
Sunblade +4 To hit AC 23 for 22 points of damage.
Attack 3 base 9 LB 11 SB 13
Luckblade +2 To hit AC 25 for 5 points of damage.
Sunblade +4 To hit AC 26 for 22 points of damage.
DM RobC - "Well, what a revolting development THIS is!" - Map d20+20=22 ; d20+20=22 ; d20+20=31 ; 3d6=4 ; 3d6=5 ; d8=6 ; d20+20=36 ; d20+20=34 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=8 ; d8=8 ; d20+20=39 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=25 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=29 ; 3d6=6 ; 3d6=11 ; 3d6=11 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+20=37 ; 3d6=12 ; d8=6 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 3:46:11 AM
Tinker breathes a sigh as his target falls, but the sight of a new threat rising catches him off-guard. He can no longer fight it and becomes paralysed by the sight. This could be the end and he waits to feel its claws reach into his chest.
Sigvar has other ideas though. He makes his way to Tinker's side and casts a Death Ward on the dwarf. The perfect defensive spell. It doesn't break Tinker from the paralysis but it will (should?) keep him safe for a while.
Nikolai quickly moves in to provide support to Tinker. He provokes an attack as he moves away from wraith 1, but ducks under its claw as he runs (Miss TouchAC22!)
Trayvin keeps swinging away with his mace and delivers a couple of good hits.
Pompous ignores the nearest wraith to try and finish off one of the others. His shots are good but the wraith still floats about.
Anna attacks hers and Michael attacks his. There are plenty to go around and the party have it under control.
The enemy act...
Wraith 1 attacks Trayvin (Hit TouchAC22 and AC31. Trayvin takes 4pts + 5pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 2 attacks Michael (Hit TouchAC22 and AC32. Michael takes 10pts + 8pts negative energy plus 8pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith 6 attacks Pompous, but like the others, ony drains charges from the life-saving Scarab. It keeps pace with him, keeping him within reach. (Hit TouchAC39 and AC24. Two charges drained)
Wraith 7 attacks Anna (Hit TouchAC25 and AC40. Crit confirmed on AC25. Anna takes 6pts + 22pts negative energy)
Wraith 8 attacks Nikolai, but misses on both attempts! (Miss TouchAC29 and AC31)
Wraith 9 needs a new target. It's intelligent to know that it wasn't able to hurt Sigvar though. It glides effortlessly through the icewall to attack Trayvin instead. (Hit TouchAC37. Trayvin takes 12pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
------------------- Pru only...
Pru approaches the four figures - which is to say she floats across the battlefield. She doesn't know exactly who these beings are, but based on the descriptions of the immortal powers she heard earlier she deduces that this is likely some of them.
"It's not for us to intervene, Prudence" The gnome responds to Pru, but doesn't look at her. His eyes remain on the battle. "You aren't helpless villagers after all. You came seeking a fight, didn't you? Or at least expecting one?". His voice is calm and you sense the question is asked out of curiosity, not accusation.
"What is it that you would ask us to do though, specifically?" The stone man asks. He looks to be watching Sigvar, no doubt wondering what the taur is capable of.
Pru catches the briefest flicker of expression from the gnome man. Frustration perhaps? Anger? Indignation? It was only there for a moment.
The other two don't acknowledge Pru and remain straightfaced as the fight unfolds.
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Tuesday July 27th, 2021 4:55:36 AM
Tinker realizes he can’t move but can think, and the KC badge is mental! Trayvin, if you have any Sanctuary or Protection from Evil spells, that may help!
He is thankful for Sigvar’s spell, but now angry that a Wraith isn’t wasting its attacks trying to kill him. C’mon, you imbecilic shade! I’m right here! Claw me!
….
Shaken 2/10 -2 attack, saves, skills, ability rolls Paralyzed: cannot move, speak, or take any physical action. helpless
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet 8d6=24 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+27=47 ; d20+27=41 ; d20+22=27 ; d20+17=26 ; d20+12=13 ; d20+19=20 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=11 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=7 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 6:47:07 AM
Sigvar sighs as Tinker goes rigid." Tinker, you are making this tougher you know. I need help in order to manage to kill them all." Sigvar again reaches out and touches the dwarf, laying hands on him. The touch does the following Heals Tinker for 26 damage Removes Fatigue Removes Exhaustion Removes Disease Removes Curses Cures Poison Removes Paralysis Over the link Sigvar tries to calm the other KC's. The odds have worsened with the reinforcements, but Sigvar and Tinker are about to start the killing. " I have him sorted out, look to yourselves. Try to draw together and use our assets. These creatures are undead, so POSITIVE energy hurts them. Tinker and I are protected for the moment from their negative energy and we can hurt them so hang in there and survive." The paladin looks at wraith 8. " You have been naughty and need to die. My lord hates your kind and requires you to come and see him. Now." He takes a 5 foot step towards the wraith and Smites it with the power of Gargul's disdain. He then heroically begins slashing at the wraith with a 2 handed grip on his longsword.
(Full attack with power attack and speed on the blade)( If I understand Smite Evil properly, It should allow me to do full damage to him without reduction. Up to you if the nonmagical horns cam hurt him since they shouldn't normally touch him. The damage I listed is full damage for all attacks.) Sword 1 Hits AC 47 Critical threat but target immune to criticals for for 73 damage +7 holy damage Speed Hits AC 41 for 56 damage +7 Holy damage Sword 2 Hits AC 27 for 58 damage +3 holy damage Sword 3 Hits AC 26 for 53 damage +7 holy damage Sword 4 misses Horns miss
Dashboard Speed and +2 on longsword 2/170 rounds used Death Ward 3/140 rounds used Endure elements Flying, 5' off the ground 2 hero points used 2 lay on hands used Shaken -2 to hit, saves, skill rolls and ability checks.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+24=27 ; d20+19=37 ; d20+14=30 ; d8+16=23 ; d8+16=23 ; d8+16=20 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 1:30:53 PM
Tinker, with Sigvar’s touch, explodes into action. If the WraithShadow is still up after the Minotaur, the dwarf seeks to finish it off. ”Can’t let you think we don’t need you, Sigvar.”
Ghost Pru d20+22=41 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 4:01:24 PM
Pru hesitates. "It's true we are not helpless," she replies. "But our foes are formidable, and we could use some small assistance. Perhaps...perhaps one of you would be willing to give us a blessing?"
[Diplomacy 41]
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 151 /170 d20+26=41 ; d6+14=16 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6+14=15 ; d20+26=41 ; d6+14=15 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+21=31 ; d6+14=18 ; d6=6 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=31 ; d6+14=15 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 8:47:54 PM
Pompous decides to help Anna, still ignoring the wraith attacking him...
-----------------------------------------------
Dash Board
Scarab of protection (3 charges) The scarab’s possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Upon absorbing 12 such attacks, the scarab turns to powder and is destroyed.
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot
Shaken -2 to hit 9/10 High winds -4 to hit
W7
Attack 1 AC 41 Physical 16 shock 3 fire 3 Attack 1a AC 41 Physical 15 shock 4 fire 3 Attack 1b AC 41 Physical 15 shock 1 fire 2 Attack 2 AC 31 Physical 18 shock 2 fire 6 Attack 3 AC 19 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 4 AC 31 Physical 15 shock 6 fire 1
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 122/199(BrianZ) d20+20=37 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+21=36 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=26 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=10 ; d8+9=13 ; d8+9=12 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=10 ; 2d6=2 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 9:37:18 PM
save vs drain = 35, 38
Trayvin nods, he probably has something that will work on the paralysis, but Tinker is ok for now. Trayvin focuses on his own foe, while the Commanders get back to work.
hit AC 36, 35, 28, 26 damage: 24, 17, 23, 14
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power
OOC- Trayvin has 17 temp hp from divine power
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 103/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+25=45 ; 6d8+9=39 ; 4d6=11 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 11:23:25 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor Shaken (5/10) Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps Mobility Ki pts 12/13
Sigvar arrives and delivers a pounding the wraith will never forget and Tinker miraculously is released from his paralysis. But Trayvin is now surrounded, so Nikolai quickly moves to attack wraith 9. Mobility, if necessary, to avoid AoO, +4 AC.
Very faint footprints in the snow mark where Nikolai raced across the snow to help Trayvin.
Att w/Improved Vital Strike d20+23 +2 (Favored Enemy) + 2 (Undead Bane) - 2 (Shaken) = 45 N20 but since they are immune to Crits, wasted.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP -8/72 [94/174 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+17=27 ; 6d8+11=31 ; 2d6=6 ; Tuesday July 27th, 2021 11:57:05 PM
Anna calls out, "When I'm not as beefy as I am right now I'm going to need healing or else Pru won't be the only ghost."
She then continues to make a vital strike dragon bite holy tear combo against the wraith she's fighting.
27 vs AC; 31 damage + 6 holy damage
Active Effects 6 points Con Drain Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.6 minutes Form of Dragon III - 5.0 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5) (OOC: Figured out that I think I had my math wrong w/ respect to current HP and damage against theoretical max)
Iron Body - 16.5 minutes gain DR 15 / adamantine, immune to blindness, critical hits, ability score damage, deafness, disease, drowning, electricity, poison, stunning, and all spells or attacks that affect your physiology or respiration, because you have no physiology or respiration while this spell is in effect. You take only half damage from acid and fire. However, you also become vulnerable to all special attacks that affect iron golems. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus to your Strength score, but you take a -6 penalty to Dexterity as well (to a minimum Dexterity score of 1), and your speed is reduced to half normal. You have an arcane spell failure chance of 35% and a -6 armor check penalty, just as if you were clad in full plate armor. You cannot drink (and thus can’t use potions) or play wind instruments. Your unarmed attack deals damage equal to a club sized for you (1d4 for Small characters or 1d6 for Medium characters), and you are considered armed when making unarmed attacks.Your weight increases by a factor of 10, causing you to sink in water like a stone. However, you could survive the lack of air at the bottom of the ocean–at least until the spell duration expires.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 100/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+13=22 ; Wednesday July 28th, 2021 12:53:52 AM
Save 22 last hero point to make it a 26.
The is useless the machine tells him.
he disengages going to total defense as he backs away toward Pompous.
over the link he talks to Pompous.
Hold the line brother, keep him engaged, and I'll end him next round, but I'll probably get whacked by the one I'm fighting after I do it. if you could aid me then I might survive.
Michael moves to get a flank between Pompous and himself, he hopes that Pompous will Aid another to keep the Wraith he is fighting from hitting him next round.
DM RobC - "Can’t let you think we don’t need you, Sigvar." - Map d20+20=28 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=39 ; 3d6=12 ; d8=6 ; d20+20=33 ; d20+20=29 ; 3d6=13 ; 3d6=13 ; d8=3 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=23 ; d20+20=26 ; d20+20=28 ; 3d6=14 ; 3d6=13 ; d20+20=32 ; d20+20=36 ; 3d6=6 ; 3d6=14 ; d8=5 ; Wednesday July 28th, 2021 4:33:59 AM
Tinker is stuck. There's not much he can do other than wait for his inevitable death.
Speaking of inevitable, Sigvar crashes into the scene! He frees Tinker from whatever was holding him and then orders the undead to go visit Gargul. He smites the wraith, though the incorporeal creature still avoids most of the damage.
That's ok though, because Tinker snaps to and goes back on the attack and finishes off what was left of the wraith.
Pompous turns his attention to the wraith attacking Anna. The scarab is getting awfully drained.
Trayvin has his own troubles though. He takes a couple of good swings and is able to kill off one wraith and before delivery a blow or two to the other.
Nikolai bounds over, ducking aside as the wraith tries to attack him (AoO Miss TouchAC28). He punches the undead monster hard.
Anna bites at the wraith for all she's worth. This would be a really bad time for her form to change back to normal.
Michael can see that going toe-to-toe with a wraith isn't working out well. He goes into full defensive mode and moves over to flank with Pompous. He draws attacks from two of the wraiths as he does so (AoO from Wraith2 misses TouchAC24. AoO from Wraith6 hits TouchAC39. Michael takes 12pts negative energy plus 4pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
The enemy act...
With Michael now out of reach, Wraith2 takes a step towards Trayvin and reaches out to attack him! (Hit TouchAC33 and AC29. Trayvin takes 13pts + 13pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith6 continues to hack away at Pompous's defences! (Hit TouchAC24 and AC23. Two more charges gone!)
Wraith7 keeps attacking Anna. (Hit TouchAC26 and AC28. Anna takes 14pts + 13pts negative energy)
Wraith9 turns its attention to Nikolai. (Hit TouchAC32 and AC36. Nikolai takes 6pts + 14pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
------------------- Pru only...
"They don't look formidable" The gnome man responds to Pru as two wraiths are disposed of in quick succession.
The stone man turns his head to look down at the gnome. "A small blessing is hardly interfering."
"There is already too much interfering taking place." The gnome glances at the ice maiden and then at the stone man. "I warn you it will end badly."
"It will only end 'badly' for whoever I find summoned those creatures." The stone man says pointedly, looking back at the battle.
Their voices are level and their faces don't portray any emotion. It's hard to tell what any of them feel about the situation other than by their words.
There is silence before the gnome finally speaks. "There is nothing more for us to do here. Come. Leave them."
The four figures slowly fade from Pru's sight until it's like they were never there.
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet 9d6=27 ; Wednesday July 28th, 2021 6:11:56 AM " Can you help Anna Tinker? I'll head up there and try to sort the group out." Sigvar moves to where he can do the most good and channels positive energy to harm the undead. DC 22 will save for half damage, 27 damage to each undead
Dashboard Speed and +2 on longsword 3/170 rounds used Death Ward 4/140 rounds used Endure elements Flying, 5' off the ground 2 hero points used 4 lay on hands used Shaken -2 to hit, saves, skill rolls and ability checks. 3 of 10 rounds passed 1 smite evil used.
Ghost Pru Wednesday July 28th, 2021 1:01:51 PM
Disappointed by her failure, Pru can only turn and watch the battle, hoping that none of her friends will be joining her in death.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday July 28th, 2021 1:45:49 PM
Tinker nods, mentally agreeing with Sigvar, and lmmediately turns to Anna. She and the wraith are too far away for him to hustle over or charge, so the dwarf chooses to simply run, deliberately inviting an attack in order to close with the undead horror more quickly!
…..
Run x4. Boots of Winterlands no snow impediment. Move to next to Anna and Wraith
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) d20+18=37 ; d20+21=39 ; d20+21=26 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=13 ; d8+11=16 ; d8+11=12 ; d8+11=18 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=6 ; Wednesday July 28th, 2021 9:11:20 PM
save vs drain = 37
Trayvin is starting to wear down from all the attacks, but with Nikolai setting up a flanking opportunity, Trayvin takes advantage of it. The best strategy still seems to be taking them down as quickly as possible. The commanders are hurting and Trayvin hopes he has enough time to heal them up before anyone else is killed. attack wraith 9(added flanking bonus after rolls) hit AC: 43, 30, 26, 17 damage: 21, 19, 24(silver undead bane)
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power
OOC- Trayvin has 17 temp hp from divine power
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 151 /170 d20+26=39 ; d6+18=23 ; d6+18=23 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d20+26=36 ; d6+18=21 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+16=22 ; d20+11=13 ; Wednesday July 28th, 2021 9:20:57 PM
With Michael now flanking the wraith attacking him, Pompous turns to help rid the world of this creature.
----------------------------- Dash Board
Scarab of protection (1 charges) The scarab’s possessor gains spell resistance 20. The scarab can also absorb energy-draining attacks, death effects, and negative energy effects. Upon absorbing 12 such attacks, the scarab turns to powder and is destroyed.
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot Flanking bonus +2 to hit Deadly attack -2/+4 damage
Shaken -2 to hit 9/10 High winds -4 to hit
W6
Attack 1 AC 39 Physical 23 shock 5 fire 1 Attack 1a AC 39 Physical 23 shock 4 fire 6 Attack 1b AC 36 Physical 21 shock 1 fire 4 Attack 2 AC 23 Physical 0 shock 0 fire Attack 3 AC 22 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 4 AC 13 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 100/141 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+13=24 ; d20+27=47 ; d20+27=32 ; d20+25=40 ; d20+22=25 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+17=24 ; d20+15=23 ; d4+4=8 ; d4+4=6 ; d4+4=6 ; d8+6=9 ; d8+6=14 ; d8+6=8 ; 9d6=34 ; 9d6=40 ; 9d6=34 ; 9d6=35 ; 9d6=40 ; 9d6=36 ; Wednesday July 28th, 2021 10:24:12 PM
Fort Save 24 is about time i made it.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP -35/72 [67/174 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+17=24 ; Thursday July 29th, 2021 1:14:59 AM
Anna says, "I can't take much more of this and when my dragon form and bear's endurance wear off in a little over 6 minutes for 1 and 16 minutes for the other I'll be joining Pru if nothing changes."
She then makes another holy improved vital strike bite against wraith 7 but her attack misses this time.
24 vs AC; miss
Active Effects 6 points Con Drain Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.6 minutes Form of Dragon III - 5.0 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5) (OOC: Figured out that I think I had my math wrong w/ respect to current HP and damage against theoretical max)
Iron Body - 16.5 minutes gain DR 15 / adamantine, immune to blindness, critical hits, ability score damage, deafness, disease, drowning, electricity, poison, stunning, and all spells or attacks that affect your physiology or respiration, because you have no physiology or respiration while this spell is in effect. You take only half damage from acid and fire. However, you also become vulnerable to all special attacks that affect iron golems. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus to your Strength score, but you take a -6 penalty to Dexterity as well (to a minimum Dexterity score of 1), and your speed is reduced to half normal. You have an arcane spell failure chance of 35% and a -6 armor check penalty, just as if you were clad in full plate armor. You cannot drink (and thus can’t use potions) or play wind instruments. Your unarmed attack deals damage equal to a club sized for you (1d4 for Small characters or 1d6 for Medium characters), and you are considered armed when making unarmed attacks.Your weight increases by a factor of 10, causing you to sink in water like a stone. However, you could survive the lack of air at the bottom of the ocean–at least until the spell duration expires.
DM RobC - "I'll be joining Pru if nothing changes." - Map d20+18=32 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+20=35 ; d20+20=23 ; 3d6=10 ; 3d6=14 ; d8=3 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+20=38 ; 3d6=3 ; d8=6 ; d20+20=40 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+20=25 ; 3d6=17 ; 3d6=14 ; 3d6=8 ; Thursday July 29th, 2021 3:46:04 AM
Sigvar moves to a central position to channel some positive energy to harm the wraiths. They all take a little damage from it, though perhaps not as much as Sigvar would have hoped for. (Will Saves vs DC22: 32, 36, 22, 27. All pass.)
Tinker runs over towards Anna, ready to provide support. Anna is having trouble landing attacks on the wraith and is starting to worry about what will happen when her spells run out.
Nikolai and Trayvin work in tandem and make light work of another wraith.
Pompous and Michael combine to try and down another wraith. Each of them land three hits, as Michael remembers that they are immune to crits. In his shaken condition he only just saves against the wraiths draining attack.
The enemy act...
Wraith2 takes a step closer to Trayvin and attacks. (Hit TouchAC35 and AC23. Trayvin takes 10pts + 14pts negative energy plus 3pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain)
Wraith6 is surrounded now and isn't going out without a fight. It takes a swing at each attacker. (Hit TouchAC24. Michael takes 3pts negative energy plus 6pts Con drain. Fort Save vs DC23 negates the Con drain. Hit TouchAC38. Pompous loses that precious last charge!)
Tinker hasn't bothered Wraith7 yet. The one who has been harming it is still in reach, so it presses its attack on Anna. (Hit TouchAC40. Crit confirmed on AC29. Hit TouchAC25. Anna 31pts + 8pts negative energy)
------------------- Pru only...
Pru feels like she has failed. Changing the mind of one immortal power - let alone 4 - would be hard at the best of times. It sounds like they were already firm on not intervening in the fight. Her spirits must be buoyed to see the numbers now favoring the party though.
She is still able to aid the party, and given Anna's current condition the morphling might need a little help.
------------------- Notes: - Map - Snowy ground: Entering a snow-filled square requires an extra square of movement. - High Winds: -4 penalty on ranged attacks, -4 penalty on Fly and Acrobatics checks, small sized 'checked' (unable to move forward against the force of the wind unless they succeed at a DC 10 Strength check (on the ground) or a DC 20 Fly check (if airborne)) and tiny sized 'blown away' (Link to Fly skill) - Con Drain: Damage to your Constitution score causes you to take penalties on your Fortitude saving throws. In addition, multiply your total Hit Dice by this penalty and subtract that amount from your current and total hit points. - Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+26=36 ; d20+19=27 ; d20+16=25 ; d8+16=23 ; d8+16=23 ; d8+16=22 ; 6d6(4+3+1+4+5+6)=23 6d6(2+3+6+4+3+4)=22 6d6(2+5+5+1+3+1)=17 Thursday July 29th, 2021 4:05:21 AM
Tinker slides a step to flank the Wraith with Anna and sends his ghost touch weapon into the monster again and again! ”Keep upright Anna, and Trayvin will fix you up!” …..
Axe. 36. 27. 25. Damage. 23. 23. 22. (Boy! The possible damage if I could include sneak attack! Sigh. But these undead are probably immune) (23, 22, 17)
Flanking +4 to hit Shaken 2/10 -2 attack, saves, skills, ability rolls
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet d20+27=47 ; d20+27=31 ; d20+22=35 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+12=32 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=12 ; 2d6=3 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=6 ; 2d6=5 ; 2d6=6 ; Thursday July 29th, 2021 6:13:03 AM
Sigvar flies closer to W2 Smites evil on it and heroically slashes it repeatedly. Sword 1 Hits AC 47for 69 damage +5 holy damage Speed Hits Ac 31 for 53 damage +6 Holy damage Sword 2 Hits AC 35 for 59 damage +3 holy damage Sword 3 Hits AC 30 for 53 damage +6 holy damage Sword 4 Hits AC 32 for 52 damage +6 holy damage
Dashboard Speed and +2 on longsword 4/170 rounds used Death Ward 5/140 rounds used Endure elements Flying, 5' off the ground 3 hero points used 4 lay on hands used Shaken -2 to hit, saves, skill rolls and ability checks. 3 of 10 rounds passed 2 smite evil used.
Ghost Pru Thursday July 29th, 2021 6:57:32 PM
Still feeling helpless, Pru flies over and puts her ghostly hands on Anna. Anna is now +4 for all d20 rolls.
DM RobC - "I'll be joining Pru if nothing changes." - Map Thursday July 29th, 2021 7:51:15 PM
**** Update: W2 is dead and has been removed from the map ****
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 151 /170 d20+26=35 ; d6+18=20 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6+18=24 ; d6=2 ; d6=3 ; d20+26=37 ; d6+18=22 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d20+21=27 ; d6+18=23 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d20+16=17 ; d20+16=28 ; d20+11=21 ; Thursday July 29th, 2021 8:57:12 PM
Pompous' scarab of protection turns to dust and crumbles to the ground.
{ What a revolting developement this is! }
He thinks to himself... before sending another volley of arrows into the wraith.
ooc> Incommunicado until Tuesday nights folks. Adios. If anyone wants to pick up Pompous and play him, feel free.
========================= Dash Board
Favored Ennemi Undead +4
Point Blank Many shots Precise shot Flanking bonus +2 to hit Deadly attack -2/+4 damage
Shaken -2 to hit 8/10 High winds -4 to hit
W6
Attack 1 AC 35 Physical 20 shock 2 fire 4 Attack 1a AC 35 Physical 24 shock 2 fire 3 Attack 1b AC 37 Physical 22 shock 6 fire 3 Attack 2 AC 27 Physical 23 shock 3 fire 4 Attack 3 AC 17 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0 Attack 4 AC 21 Physical 0 shock 0 fire 0
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Thursday July 29th, 2021 10:04:11 PM
Trayvin understands Anna's predicament. He moves to support, and help Tinker smash the wraith down so he can start healing Anna.
Actions: double move to current location next to Tinker and Anna.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power
OOC- Trayvin has 17 temp hp from divine power
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday July 29th, 2021 11:46:16 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor Shaken (3/10) Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps Mobility Ki pts 12/13
Nikolai also responds to Anna's predicament by dashing over to her side, drawing a weapon (Staff of Healing) as he goes, then uses a charge on her - Lesser Restoration.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP -35/72 [67/174 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+21=40 ; 6d8+11=37 ; 2d6=8 ; Friday July 30th, 2021 12:05:06 AM
Anna makes another improved vital strike bite against the wraith near her bolstered by her friends' assistance.
40 vs AC; 37 + 8 holy damage
Active Effects 6 points Con Drain Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.5 minutes Form of Dragon III - 4.9 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5) (OOC: Figured out that I think I had my math wrong w/ respect to current HP and damage against theoretical max)
Iron Body - 16.4 minutes gain DR 15 / adamantine, immune to blindness, critical hits, ability score damage, deafness, disease, drowning, electricity, poison, stunning, and all spells or attacks that affect your physiology or respiration, because you have no physiology or respiration while this spell is in effect. You take only half damage from acid and fire. However, you also become vulnerable to all special attacks that affect iron golems. You gain a +6 enhancement bonus to your Strength score, but you take a -6 penalty to Dexterity as well (to a minimum Dexterity score of 1), and your speed is reduced to half normal. You have an arcane spell failure chance of 35% and a -6 armor check penalty, just as if you were clad in full plate armor. You cannot drink (and thus can’t use potions) or play wind instruments. Your unarmed attack deals damage equal to a club sized for you (1d4 for Small characters or 1d6 for Medium characters), and you are considered armed when making unarmed attacks.Your weight increases by a factor of 10, causing you to sink in water like a stone. However, you could survive the lack of air at the bottom of the ocean–at least until the spell duration expires.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+13=21 ; d20+27=33 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+22=23 ; d20+20=24 ; d20+15=26 ; d20+17=24 ; d4+4=5 ; d4+4=6 ; d3=1 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=7 ; d8+6=12 ; d8+6=10 ; d8+6=8 ; 9d6=28 ; 9d6=29 ; 9d6=37 ; 9d6=29 ; 9d6=23 ; d3=3 ; 9d6=38 ; Friday July 30th, 2021 12:10:14 AM
Focused as he was on killing the creature the wraith gets a hit on him that the machine can't push through, he feels the weakening of his body.
Still the machine is focused on killing this abomination. so he ignores it and keeps at his grisly work.
Ooof!, How's this feel? he asks it as he works.
Attack 1
Base 19 +4 Aotf Flanking. LB 25 SB 27
LuckBlade +2 To hit AC 42 for 5 points of damage and 28 points of flanking damage.
Sunblade +4 To hit AC 33 for 12 points of damage and 29 points of flanking damage.
Attack 2 Base 14 +4 Aotf Flanking. LB 20 SB 22
LuckBlade +2 To hit AC 24 for 6 points of damage and 37 points of flanking damage.
Sunblade +4 To hit AC 23 for 10 points of damage and 29 points of flanking damage.
Attack 3 Base 9 +4 Aotf Flanking. LB 15 SB 77
LuckBlade +2 To hit AC 26 for 7 points of damage and 23 points of flanking damage.
Sunblade +4 To hit AC 24 for 8 points of damage and 38 points of flanking damage.
DM RobC - "Ooof!, How's this feel?" Friday July 30th, 2021 3:10:39 AM
Finally, with one last push, the party are able to finish off all of the wraiths.
Now to take stock of the damage.
The party are pretty banged up. Everyone has taken at least one hit of some kind.
Nikolai tries to heal Anna with a lesser restoration spell however it has no effect on her. While in her Iron Body form she is immune to all spells that affect her physiology - for better or worse. It probably doesn't matter too much right now. The damage she has taken is certainly the more pressing issue.
It is still bitterly cold and the wind whips snow around you.
The griffons are nowhere to be seen.
The snow is falling gently on Pru's body.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Friday July 30th, 2021 4:28:17 AM
Sigvar sheathes his blade and flies over to where his shild lays in the deepening snow. He retrieves is and stows it on his back. He then flies over to Prudence's body and wraps he in the anvax he arries for when he needs to make shelter. He ties it so that he an sling her body so to carry it back to the airie. While he does this he speaks over the KC link " How do you wish to proceed Trayvin, with healing? I can heal some of the damage suffered, but I can't do anything about the drain some of you have suffered. I also appears that all of your rides have disappeared. I am pretty sure I can find my way back to the Aerie but I can't carry you all. Also we need to act swiftly, this ward will not last overly long and I have no desire to fight more of those things. I think you will all agree on that point. The minotaur is grim. Splitting up was necessary to get to the battle but he is sad to have lost one of his friends because of it. He feels responsible for the death even though he was miles away when it happened.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Friday July 30th, 2021 6:02:16 AM
Tinker keeps his guard up and, breathing hard, turns looking for more enemies.
His breath frosts in the chilly air, and he looks to Anna before leading her and Trayvin over to where Sigvar is preparing Prudence’s body. The dwarf shakes his head. ”No, not back to the Aerie. Up. We were going to go up before the Wraiths attacked so something doesn’t want us to go that way.”
“Trayvin, we need to contact Gargul. Can you cast a Raise Dead or something? Without Prudence’s shelters and endure elements, we aren’t going anywhere.”
If the half-Orc doesn’t have anything, the dwarf pulls a Special Anything Potion. ”Been saving for an emergency, and if this ain’t it, I don’t know what is.”
……
Anything Potion CL17 - Ooc. Unsure if this is within the rules, but thought it might be a good storyline reason to attract the Grey One’s attention.
Ghost Pru Friday July 30th, 2021 8:31:39 PM
Pru, being dead, has no opinion to offer.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Saturday July 31st, 2021 12:48:45 AM
the Wraith dissipates from his blade and as it fades so does the part of his mind that takes over when combat is pressing.
He looks over to where Sigvar is preparing Pru's body for Transport. and where Tinker is pulling out a bottle of some sort.
He walks over to them. and whispers to Pru. I'm sorry Pru, I should have stuck by you and protected you, but I misread the battle and thought I needed to protect the Griffons. They can fly so if you come back that won't happen again. he exhales hard, partly from the cold, but more to keep a sob and tear from escaping.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Sunday August 1st, 2021 3:39:26 PM " So we are not preparing her to return to the Citadel for her funeral?" Sigvar seems genuinely puzzled. His family has had a long history as Gargul worshipers and , well, dead is dead. Gargul is the Lord of life and death. He decides when a person is born and at the same time it is his decision when a person dies. Many women wishing to conceive will visit a priest of Gargul to gain his blessing, then never again once they are with child, since now that Gargul has granted them a life they only see him as the source of taking that life back when it ends. He knew that sometimes, powerful groups of adventurers would petition Gargul for a lost comrade but the price was often high. Is that what Tinker was proposing?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP -35/72 [67/174 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+20=39 ; Sunday August 1st, 2021 10:50:51 PM
Anna says, "Do you think there are anymore around? I can drop my Iron Body and still remain a dragon but if I do and they show up again my only hope might be to become a statue."
She drops her Iron body while keeping a sharp eye out for any other threat and a preparation to activate her Statue SLA if she see's any threat. (Percepton: 39)
She then says to Sigvar
"Did not Gargul come to us that one time Tinker fell in battle and brought him back and did not that spot be known as Tinker's Rest?"
"Granted he just showed up for Tinker but we are one Fist so if we could convince the Lord of Death to do it for Tinker why not Dear Prudence?"
Active Effects 6 points Con Drain Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.5 minutes Form of Dragon III - 4.9 minutes +10 size bonus to strength, + 8 size bonus to Con, +8 natural armor, speed 40, fly 120 feet (poor), blindsense 60 feet, darkvision 120 feet, breathe weapon (50 foot cone of cold, 12d8 points of damage, reflex DC 25 for half, use it as often as like but must wait 1d4 rounds between uses), DR 10/magic, frightful presence (DC 23), immunity cold, vulnerability to fire, 1 bite +20 (2d8+11), 2 claws +20 (2d6+11), 2 wings +18 (1d8+5), one tail slap + 18 (2d6+5)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Sunday August 1st, 2021 11:10:28 PM
Nikolai does not want to see a 'dead Pru' and stays in the back, holding back his grief. He remembers when he was killed during that fight against Neutronus and floated around a little. It was all a blur at that point but he seems to remember Ffloy having something to do with him being brought back. Maybe Gargul was there too. Either way, he hopes Gargul will see the importance of allowing Pru to return so their mission of maintaining a balance between the three groups won't end just as they got started.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Monday August 2nd, 2021 12:22:31 AM
Tinker gets a determined look on his face. He has no need for reminding that the willingness of his companions was instrumental in the place he died is named Tinker’s Rest and not Tinker’s Tomb.
He opens his Anything Potion, declaring ”Raise dead”, and slowly pours it over Prudence’s still form, willing it too work, too stubborn to consider any other possibility than having an audience with The Gray One.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Monday August 2nd, 2021 6:25:05 AM
Sigvar remains silent. He was not a member of this Fist when Tinker's Rest was named. ( At least I don't recall it) They all seem determined to confront Gargul and ask for Prudence's return, and Sigvar dearly wishes for that as well. Maybe there is something to their belief and faith that this can be made to work. He watches and waits to see the outcome.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Monday August 2nd, 2021 5:51:37 PM
Michael holds his breath. He does not know gods. he understands they are beings of power, but then again so is a dragon. he is a soldier he understands hierarchy he understands that these beings have power the likes he cannot even comprehend. then why do they require you to kneel?
He thinks back to his time in Aisildur how the Hartseeded bowed to Ga'al, when in all reality they were Ga'al, the people they were consumed by his quest for Domination.
He never knows what to do when a god comes calling, but kneeling is what slaves do, and it always seemed to him that if a god wanted slaves he would use his power to make them. it always seemed to him that a god would want loyal soldiers not sheep.
So Michael cleans himself up as best he can, puts away his weapons and prepares to face divinity.
DM Steven - "Raise dead!" Monday August 2nd, 2021 6:22:28 PM
Fresh snow gently falls down... soon it will cover all traces from the grim battles that were fought on the icy slopes. While Nikolai has no need to see Pru´s dead body, Sigvar prepares the sorceress for heading back to the aerie. What Pru needs is beyond his powers...
"No, not back to the Aerie.", Tinker firmly says. They need to petition before the Grey One for Pru’s return and why not try it right here! Perhaps his special potion will work?
"So we are not preparing her to return to the Citadel?!" Sigvar asks genuinly puzzeled. He knew that sometimes, powerful groups of adventurers would petition Gargul for a lost comrade but the price was often high. Is that what Tinker was proposing?
"Did not Gargul come to us that one time Tinker fell in battle and brought him back and did not that spot be known as Tinker's Rest?", Anna replies to Sigvar...
While Sigvar, Tinker and Anna debate Michael and Nikolai hold back their grieve thinking on how Pru could have been saved... if that even would have been possible. Pompous and Trayvin don’t know what to say right now and just show their respect to a fallen comerade.
Tinker steps forward and pours a powerful potion over Pru... if the potion isn’t strong enough his desire for Pru’s return will make up for it...
"Raise dead" he chants... Sigvar quietly observes...
Nothing happens... but you do notice the snow to become thicker... a few seconds later you no longer see the mountains around you! There! Look!!... the falling snowflakes seem to have created some archway...
And then you all see a ghostly pru hovering over her body... she is pulled gently towards the portal... you sense no evil there... As you follow Pru you find yourselves in a vast hall. White all around... the floor touches the wall and reaches up into the ceiling in pure white... The chamber is empty... empty apart from the throne at the far side. Pru’s translucent body floats towards the throne. You can all see and hear her... and Pru sees and hears you all...
(Please welcome ACDM Cayzle)
Ghost Pru Monday August 2nd, 2021 9:03:28 PM
Pru is very disoriented, Is she still dead? Are they still on the mountain? What is this place?
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Monday August 2nd, 2021 9:32:58 PM Tinker, I have access to such spells, but we would have had to wait a day, the potion is clearly the quickest way.
Trayvin works on the Commanders as they travel, to make sure they don't need to make this trip more than once today. Trayvin casts heal on Anna, and follows up with restoration if the heal spell does not cure the ability damage.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
Gargul (ACDM Cayzle) Monday August 2nd, 2021 10:02:42 PM
The entire party, including a ghostly Pru, are in a vast marble chamber. You immediately sense by the scale that this is no mortal place. The walls are, maybe a mile away, and the ceiling just as high.
If you make a perception check vs DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You see that the marble is veined, and that the veins are a pinkish color.}
If you make that check AND you make a Know Planes or Know Religion check vs DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {The veins in the marble bring to mind the rivulets of Woldsblood that lace the Realm of Shadows.}
The throne is perhaps the least amazing thing here. It is an unadorned marble seat, sized for a large man, and you approach ...
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP -35/72 [67/174 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+20=31 ; d20+8=14 ; Monday August 2nd, 2021 11:28:33 PM
Perception: 31 Planes: 14
Anna observes the veiny marble but doesn't know the significance of it.
Although Anna is a follower of Ma'ab she still respects the Lord of Death so she is solemn as they approach the throne.
She doesn't think it is her place to raise the point to Lord Gargul, but when someone else makes the petition then Anna will add, "Please Lord Gargul, Sir, let our Prudence come back to us. Her fight is not over yet. We are a team. We only just reunited and we are strongest and can do the most good when we can all work together. The command of the Mailed Fist was shared for a reason and Pru is one of the best of us."
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+26=46 ; d20+6=22 ; d20+7=11 ; Monday August 2nd, 2021 11:55:17 PM
Michael cannot help but be awed at the locale, he notices everything. perception 46 natch 20! he even notices the red veins through the throne.
Hey guys, The veins through this marble look like the Woldblood. Hey Pru! I felt you with me during the battle, thanks for the help. I knew you wouldn't abandon us.
he walks over to her and tests to see if she's corporeal If she is he gives her a hug around her knees and hips.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+22=31 ; d20=5 ; Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 12:09:03 AM
Tinker is quiet, the snow falls hard and the archway and the marble halls. They muffle his footsteps, silent, empty. When Michael mentions Woldsblood, the dwarf instinctively looks about to make sure none of the walls are close to him. He keeps looking at Prudence, not having the boldness to chat away like his Halfling friend, just wishing…
As if going to an audience with the First Dwarf Lord of Durandal, Tinker respectfully walks towards the throne.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 12:42:50 AM
Nikolai recognizes the place, they've been here before. So, with a sigh of relief, not having to worry that Pru will become a wraith but a chance to return to her 'normal' self, he makes his way towards the throne. Humbly.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet d20+6=11 ; Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 5:55:31 AM
perception 11 Sigvar follows the others. From what he knew this was how Gargul's throne was described. Thus he kept silent and moved at a reverent pace.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Tuesday August 3rd, 2021 9:20:27 PM
Trayvin approaches alongside the other Commanders. He feels guilty over the group even having to be here. It is his job to keep them all in the fight, and he let them down.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday August 4th, 2021 12:19:09 AM
Nikolai pauses as the group gathers and makes their way to the macabre throne. Something is missing... Where's that pesky imp?
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Wednesday August 4th, 2021 12:21:41 AM
Michael stands beside Pru, he's not going to let her down again.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday August 4th, 2021 12:28:58 AM
Tinker continues to walk, silent. He’s never seen this particular place before, but figures Gargul can make his place look however he wants. Or has more than one place; big kings have more than one castle, right?
Woolgathering, he chided himself, gathers no wool. That was a saying his foster-father always said, the crazy little gnome. Tinker didn’t understand it then, used to laugh, but it’s not so funny when understood.
The dwarf chides himself again.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 7/72 [41/106 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 4d8+17=42 ; Wednesday August 4th, 2021 3:21:32 AM
Anna realizes she is still in dragon form but does not want to die herself so she activates her regeneration SLA taking the rounds necessary to do so. She heals 42 damage assuming she had time to complete the spell like ability.
After that since she is no longer in danger of dying should she lose some of her borrowed constistuition bonus she finally dismisses the dragon form.
Active Effects 6 points Con Drain Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.0 minutes SLAs used: Beast Shape IV Form of Dragon Bear's Endurance Regeneration Iron Body
Gargul (ACDM Cayzle) Wednesday August 4th, 2021 9:36:38 AM
Gargul says, "You have come seeking the boon of life."
Hey wait! He was not there a moment ago! Now you see a big and muscular man with long black hair sitting on the throne. His locks are tousled and his face worn with travel. He frowns.
He seems unutterably weary, as if he has had this meeting too many times before.
"Each of you, explain to me the circumstances of this death, and how it came to pass."
Gargul, lord of life and death, looks at each of you in turn, and you feel compelled to speak.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday August 4th, 2021 12:35:35 PM
Tinker blinks and wastes no time. ” Sir, The Fist is in a support-and-relief contract to defend Griffons on Shadow Mountain. Weather turning, survival in Jeapardy.”
On arrival, received attack report on Griffons, raced to support. Arrived and Enemy, strong incorporal undead, were gone. Lone survivor reported all killed by an unknown Immortal. We were separated when two more undead waves ambushed us. Commander Prudence was killed in the fighting. We have no hope to stop the instigating Immortal without Prudence’s help. Sir.”
Ghost Pru Wednesday August 4th, 2021 2:35:44 PM
"It was all my own doing," Pru says. "I was injured on the journey, but didn't insist on being fully healed. I thought I could manage the combat and get healed afterward. I was wrong."
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Wednesday August 4th, 2021 5:55:21 PM
Sigvar drops to one knee upon meeting the Lord of Life and Death, his and his clan's patron. " Tinker shortened the scenario, probably so that we can return and continue to aid our charges. The flight to rescue the embattled griffons took a fair bit of time and the griffons could not carry me, because of my size. I chose to fly under my own power and was 30 seconds away when the Fist was ambushed." "The attackers wee some kind of giant wraith that drained vitality and caused negative energy damage when they touched the living. With physical protection useless the Fist was hit repeatedly. Still flying to the combat I was not present to defend them as I normally would. All I could do was avenge Prudence's death when I arrived."
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 151 /170 Wednesday August 4th, 2021 8:46:27 PM
Pompous stands apart from the others. He hasn't raised his head since the beginning. His hood is up on his cloak.
" Prudence died because I failed to protect her. I was to buried protecting myself from the undead that I failed to react. I could have.. should have disengaged from my foe when I saw her in trouble... I should have charged her foe and given her a chance at survival... but I didn't... I kept firing at my own foes instead of protecting my Pru Pru. "
" She died because I failed her. "
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Wednesday August 4th, 2021 9:40:16 PM
OOC- Hugh, I cast heal on Anna right before we came in here
We are trying to help the griffons, and by extension all of those who inhabit the mountain. Pru died while fighting the undead that ambushed us. I should have been there to heal her, but the undead did not give us much chance to support each other.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements shaken –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks divine power(23/18/13) dmg1d8+11+2d6, plus extra swing on full attack
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Thursday August 5th, 2021 12:39:12 AM
(OOC: I didn't see the healing; Kindly DM can I retcon the regeneration since the heal would have rendered it moot?)
Anna says, "We were flying out to render aid to the griffons that were attacked from the clan that had requested our help in investigating the cold snap affecting their mountain. I made the mistake of using limited SLAs to fly there thinking the journey would be short only to see reaching our destination take a half hour and burn through most of the time in my more powerful combat forms. Shortly after that we were ambushed. I was on the opposite side of the battlefront from Pru and concerned with taking what precautions of my own I could so I did not join her. My gifts are not really suited to empowering others but maybe had I formed up near her I could have absorbed some of the hits she took instead. After I was iron bodied the only thing I really had to worry about was damage but I had become fairly hardy so I could have been Pru's meat shield."
Active Effects Bear's Endurance - +4 con bonus - 16.0 minutes SLAs used: Beast Shape IV Form of Dragon Bear's Endurance Iron Body
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday August 5th, 2021 12:42:19 AM
Nikolai takes his turn. He steps forward and bows low first, then begins:
"There appears to be a struggle of Immortal Powers to control Shadow Mountain. Those living there, the Giants, Birdmen, Griffons, and all other creatures, are in jeopardy of loosing life and home. Many already have lost their lives.
Even though our contract is with the Griffons, the goal is to discover who is behind this weather situation that is killing those on the mountain, and thus aiding all parties.
The Immortal Power that is causing this ambushed us as we neared the mountain, whitch drained our resources. As we arrived at the Griffon Aerie, a Griffon patrol was attacked by powerful wraiths, killing all but one. This one was saved due to the intervention of an unknown Powerful Being, maybe an Immortal himself. We had left the Aerie immediately upon receiving the news of the ambushed griffons, and thus had not re-equipped ourselves as we should have. But time was critical!
Upon arrival at the battle scene, we healed the lone surviving griffon only to be ambushed by more wraiths. Two waves of them, in fact. In the process of trying to protect the griffons, as our contract required, we lost track of our own defensive positions. The extreme cold, snowy weather, and heavy snow on the ground impeded us also.
We offer no excuses, however if we do not have Pru's aid in this matter, our ability to set the balance back to normal on Shadow Mountain will be greatly reduced. It is not as much so we can fulfill our contract, but to prove to the Birdmen, Griffons, and Giants who the real culprit is, as they accuse each other of trying to permanently removed them from the mountain.
Whichever this Immortal Power is, it can call fourth many power Elementals and Undead, a threat perhaps not limited to Shadow Mountain, just the beginning.
This is our reason for such a great request. Find out who this Immortal Power is and stop this destruction of Life on Shadow Mountain. Re-establish the homes of the three races, dispel the suspicions, and hope to prevent a horrible war."
On the other hand, if this is the Will Of The Gods, we will not fight Gods."
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Thursday August 5th, 2021 2:07:23 AM
Michael listens and nods with the explanations of the other KC's when his turn comes
We were approached by griffons, giants, and birdmen. all claiming that the others had conspired to drive them off the mountain. after interviews, the griffons seemed to be the most forthright and open, inviting us to inspect and use their Airye for our needs and they also seemed to be the most hurt by the worsening conditions. in the interest of full disclosure I must admit to that I was hoping to recruit the griffons into the Mailed Fist and while that put me favorably toward them, it was the recalcitrance and secrecy of the other two which ultimately decided things.
On our way there we were attacked by...it was more than 3 but less than 9, elder Air Elementals that were almost exclusively targeting the two griffon envoys who were with us. Obviously, if they would have been lost it would have been impossible to find the Aire and the Griffons there would have been hostile towards us. The Elementals were driven off, mainly by Pru hiding the griffons in an extradimensional mansion that she can create. we took some damage during the fight. but we were close. we figured we could push on to the Aire set up a base of operations, then start our investigations.
We had not been there 15 minutes before word came that a griffon patrol had been attacked. As per our contract, we were duty-bound to help. the flight down was hard. the griffons were flying hell-bent for leather to get to their downed men. we took some damage there as well. Since Sigvar is too big to fit on a Griffon, he had to fly down under his own power. which put him a few minutes behind us.
At the site, we found 1 griffon still alive, the rest dead. the live griffon spoke of a large Michael consults his notes "Dragon surrounded by a white glow" that turned into a man and pacified the "shadows of the mountain" which I guess were some sort of elder wraith. the man claimed he was the "spirit of Shadow Mountain" and that he had been awaked by the changes going on and that the changes were being caused by..and I quote: "He said it's Frethja and that she's trying to grow in power. He said she's trying to expand her domain down the slopes of Shadow Mountain and that's why the weather on the mountain has been getting colder.". that was a direct quote for the griffon "Tempus" if you want to cross-examine.
we got him healed up enough to fly when the Elder Wraiths showed up. They came up out of the ground and engaged us and the griffons individually. We were spread apart looking for clues. if we could have stacked up we could have supported each other, but before that could happen we were being decisively engaged and could not easily break contact. in retrospect, I should have been at Pru's side. but I moved to drive off one of the Wraiths that had attacked one of our griffons. they have not trained with us, so my request for them to distract the wraiths so I could get a flank on them was not taken into consideration and they bugged out. I fight best when I can get a flank with a teammate. I did not have that with this one. Pru went down in the first attack. and was finished off in the second.
I feel as though I am to blame for this, but looking through it I also feel that I was presented with a list of bad options and I chose what I thought to be the least bad one, but it turned out to be the worst one.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Thursday August 5th, 2021 3:40:48 AM
Tinker frowns, and gives a glare at Sigvar for assuming then belittling the dwarf’s motives in a single sentence. Tinker, however, is too disciplined to say anything in public, especially the Gray Wanderer.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Thursday August 5th, 2021 8:29:23 PM
Trayvin waits patiently for whatever comes next. It would not do to appear impatient before a God.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday August 5th, 2021 11:59:57 PM
Nikolai awaits patiently. Gargul has a lot to put together here.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Friday August 6th, 2021 1:04:25 AM
Anna feels that everyone has said their peace and she doesn't really have anything else to add save for, "If you deem it with in your power to grant our request and return Pru to us then I will form up with her moving forward so that in the future I'll absorb blows she shouldn't have to take."
Gargul (ACDM Cayzle) Friday August 6th, 2021 2:03:20 AM
Sense Motive DC50: Highlight to display spoiler: {Gargul's interest perks up when you talk about fighting the incorporeal undead, but otherwise you get a sense of weltschmerz from the god.}
He listens to Tinker and has no comment.
He nods when Pru accepts responsibility for not being fully healed up.
He also nods to Sigvar, who admits that his choice of a slower mode of movement kept him from the fight at the first.
He frowns at Pompous, when the hero claims it was his fault too.
He nods when Trayvin admits he should have healed her, but the god clearly does not like to hear his excuse that "the undead did not give us much chance to support each other."
Anna, like Pompous, tries to claim responsibility despite being far from Pru. Gargul does not seem to give that much consideration.
Nikolai explains at length the political jockeying and the struggles of immortal powers, and their surrogates, trying to pursue their own interests. Gargul waves his hand dismissively. Clearly he cares little about such trivia for its own sake.
Michael too delves deep into the details. Gargul yawns ... but is more interested when Michael says that there were no good choices.
The god looks at the ghost first. His face twists ... is that a grimace, or is he trying to smile? "You were valiant, Prudence Gundle, and you died fighting undead, which makes your death a good one. You are also concise and analytical about your own mistake, without making excuses. So I ask you -- Do you feel that your tale is over? Or do you feel that fate has more in store for you?"
"Sigvar Ironhorn, you say you were late to aid your friends because you chose to be slow. Was that choice a matter of pride? or miscalculation? Or foolishness?"
"Trayvin Smithson, you were close to Prudence Gundle as she was in need of healing. How did the undead stop you from aiding your comrade, as you seem to say? Could you not Channel Energy? Or touch her with healing? Were you afraid of the undead, and unwilling to expose yourself while aiding her?"
"The rest of you I absolve. No one is obligated to baby another, even a caster; not all should stand and say, 'I am guilty.' But also know that to declare all choices bad is no excuse. As experienced heroes, you will be in that situation, and you must learn to do better."
"I will return Prudence to life, should she will it. But my favor is not free. Each of you, what would you offer to pay as the price for her return?"
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Friday August 6th, 2021 2:39:22 AM
Michael thinks. He would offer his life to save his friend, but that is kind of like borrowing from Bilbo to Sam. He does not think that Gargul is the kind of God that would want him to whistle past a graveyard or wear a black patch for 10 years. He would offer to destroy any undead he sees, but he was going to do that anyway, so it seems unfair.
Lord Gargul, where is your servant? I ask because I would be willing to serve you in whatever fashion you see fit for as long as you feel is fair. I would ask that you do not make. me violate my contract with the griffons prior to the start of my durance.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Friday August 6th, 2021 3:10:27 AM
Tinker is abruptly brought back to the reason they are here as Gargul speaks. He didn’t realize how tense he was until the Gray Lord says the word ‘absolve’, but then listens intently to his warning. He considers and stows that bit of advice away. As an Agent, he chose to put himself between good hearth and war’s desolation, and the Commanders did that again when choosing both this contract for themselves and in rushing to the Griffon’s aid. Those were strategic decisions. Being capable and powerful also means making tactical decisions like foregoing advantage and safety to defend anyone in need.
And forego undying glory. ”Great One, I will give my name and my stories for future generations in my clan to have Prudence back. I am willing to end my name as Daemar Torvalsson, and be ever after only known as Tinker.”. The dwarf mercenary salutes again.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 151 /170 Friday August 6th, 2021 10:58:06 AM
At the prospect of Prudence being returned to them, Pompous looks up and smiles.
" For the return of sweet Prudence, I offer all that I have and all that I am. Ask, and if it is in my power to do so, it is yours. "
Ghost Pru Friday August 6th, 2021 12:27:43 PM So I ask you -- Do you feel that your tale is over? Or do you feel that fate has more in store for you?
"I--I hardly know, my lord," Pru replies. "I'm not afraid to meet my end. But...we did promise that we would help the people of Shadow Mountain. And I hate to leave before we've kept that promise. And I think I have more to offer the Wold, if you'll allow it."
Each of you, what would you offer to pay as the price for her return?
Pru is silent for a long time, considering the question. She has heard of adventurers, recalled to life, who became priests or holy warriors of Gargul in his honor. But that isn't the path for her. She has always been devout, but she realized some time ago that she has no vocation for the priesthood. Nor can she be an effective holy warrior (or any kind of warrior, really). She has also heard of those who dedicated themselves solely to the worship of Gargul, forsaking the other gods. That isn't her path, either. She has always honored all the gods, and she sees no reason to start now. Just because, say, Ffloy wasn't able to restore her to life, that doesn't mean he deserves to be snubbed.
But, then, what else could she do? She hears her companions offering extravagant promises, and winces a little. She hopes Gargul doesn't accept those. There's no need, really. Finally, she answers.
I will build an alms-house in your honor," she says. With a little smile, she adds, "That is, I will leave the actual building to people who know what they're doing. But I will pay for it, and I will set up a fund to keep it operating. We all must meet you in the end, my lord, but surely no one should have to meet you early because they could not afford a good roof or a warm fire. That is my pledge." She hopes it is enough. She doesn't want her companions sacrificing everything they have just for her.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Friday August 6th, 2021 5:31:22 PM " Pride was certainly part of why I was too slow. I have striven all of my life to be able to defend my Fist, like my mother did before me. My armor, however light, still slows me. I got these wings so that I could fly faster than run, but they can not keep up with a griffon. Part of my pride is being intimidating and drawing the combat to me, and my armored body so that my Fist is safe. That would have availed me little here since the foe could reach through physical armor. I could have allowed myself to be reduced to be able to ride a griffon, but instead chose to fly on my own under my own power." " I have always been willing to offer my life for my Fistmates. In combat I am ever trying to draw the enemies ire toward me and away from the less armored of my brethren. Today I was not able to do that because I was late to the fight, so I offer it here, to you. Me in her stead. No different than any other combat."
Gargul (ACDM Cayzle) Friday August 6th, 2021 11:58:41 PM
Gargul looks at the three who offer nothing but silence for their friend's life.
Anna, Nikolai, Trayvin. You feel the focused attention of a god. What say you?
As for the rest, Gargul is mostly dismissive.
"The only thoughtful offering is Prudence's," says Gargul.
"Why would I want a name? A life? A slave? I appreciate the earnest and heartfelt nature of such offerings, but please, think. I release those from death who have not fulfilled their fate. Why would I accept offerings that derail fate, by denying one's life, or by denying one's heritage, or by denying the hero's path that leads to fate fulfilled?"
"Come, Tinker, Michael, Sigvar, and Pompous, be mindful. Try again."
"Prudence, you have done well. Encourage your friends to wisdom and common sense."
[OOC: In addition to any other result, Prudence gains a hero point for her response.]
Ghost Pru Saturday August 7th, 2021 3:19:17 PM Encourage your friends to wisdom and common sense.
Pru frowns a little. Her friends have wisdom and common sense; they don't need any from her. But she tries a few suggestions anyway.
"Think of something specific," she urges. "Something that will help people. After all, Lord Gargul is the god of life and death, which pretty much covers everybody. So, who needs your help?"
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Saturday August 7th, 2021 4:06:24 PM
Tinker ponders, certain that Gargul knows exactly what he is thinking. What would he give? He’d give up nearly everything, and giving up his name as a dwarf is the biggest sacrifice he could make! The dwarf actually thought Prudence’s offer was weird, but hers was the only one Gargul accepted? That’s crazy!
The dwarf mentally slaps himself. He prides himself on practicality, and his line of thinking was not accepting reality for what it was. So: Prudence’s offer was accepted. Change your thinking, Daemar! Gargul isn’t interested in a ‘give’ that only made a negative. What could he ‘give’ that could help: be a positive?
”So, a ‘give’ that helps others to show how much we care about Prudence? Um, well, Prudence came to the Mailed Fist because her family didn’t know how to help her, and she had some hard years as a misfit. What if I give my time after retiring to seek out and help guide people like her? Maybe to the Fist, maybe the other guilds or leagues or people who could help? That would help others fulfill their lives like the Fist helped Prudence. It feels weird for a dwarf to ‘give’ without sacrificing something, but is that what you are talking about?”
Uncomfortable with new ideas, Tinker shifts from foot to foot, looking his question at the Gray One.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Saturday August 7th, 2021 8:45:10 PM Sir, I was not close enough. The undead killed her before I got close enough to use those gifts from the Gods. I was too slow. I am not afraid of the undead, but I have been found lacking in the means to deal with them.
My gift to you is my promise, to better prepare myself with knowledge and skill, and to destroy undead wherever I may find them, I will be a Champion for life, and a bringer of destruction for those which should not exist.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Saturday August 7th, 2021 11:35:38 PM " Help someone in need eh? The Fist, engine for good though we try to be, kills folk. This leaves orphans and widows in its wake. I can become a land owner outside of the Citael and provide shelter and food to those so affected until they can aquire the skills and knowledge to see to themselves."
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 SR 20 CMD 30/30, HP 151 /170 Sunday August 8th, 2021 9:01:23 PM
“ I will sponsor an orphanage…. Nay, many orphanages…. I will take under my wing all those children that are alone in the Wold and ensure that they have warmth, a full belly and someone to love them. They shall all be my children, in your name great one. “
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Sunday August 8th, 2021 10:49:27 PM
Michael knows what the life of an orphan entails. but since he is the size of an child himself he does not feel that ministering to them is a thing he can do. but he does know something he can do though.
Many fall to evil when they feel they have no other choice in the matter. I will seek out those who can be saved and give them a home, training, honor, and purpose. The Mailed Fist has always offed such, but I will set up special squads and recruiters to find those that can be saved and get them saved. Humans, nonhumans, monsters and whatever else is out there, if there is an ounce of good in them we will try and find it and bring it out.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Sunday August 8th, 2021 11:54:35 PM
Anna says, "I am sworn to help lead the Fist and to serve my Lady Queen Ma'ab and act as Emissary for her consort Lord Eberyon."
She continues, "However, you said yourself you do not want a servant. I imagine there are other things one would ask what a God would want with."
"My own personal gifts are more geared toward nature and the fey but one of the things about Nature is that it can sneak up on the unwary and cause them to meet you before their time might otherwise be. My offering is two-fold. I would fund the building and upkeep of a combination shrine / shelter in a part of the Wold subject to cold winters and I will stock it with things like firewood, blankets, preserved food, and water. In more temperate times either myself or someone I pay the salary of will teach folks about certain natural hazards to avoid if they don't want to meet you early. I'm talking about things like poison plants, animals or other natural hazards folks would be best avoiding."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Monday August 9th, 2021 12:29:41 AM
Nikolai also thinks that some gods are too pompous for their own good, but...
"Not so, Your Godness. I am not silent, you only see what you wish to see. You dismiss the foundation of the events that lead up to Pru's death like we are as wise as you and with great foreknowledge as you have. We are mere mortals and do the best we can with the knowledge we have.
We make mistakes.
And sometimes mistakes get ourselves killed.
It is as simple as that.
The price of a Life is priceless for us mortals. The best I can offer is my own Life in exchange for hers. Anything else will cheapen her return. You restore her Life, if she wills it, and if you can't think of anything for me to offer other than my Life, then take it in exchange for hers."
Nikolai bows then stands straight and resolute.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Monday August 9th, 2021 12:32:15 PM
with Nikolai's words, Michael shakes as though arising from a dream.
I have to agree with Nikolai, yes, I had infinite choices. but the two most pressing to my limited mortal mind were I go and protect a Griffon with whom I have an honor-bound contract or I stack up with Prudence and try and repel the Wraith. Granted I could have just stood there and waited for things to unfold. I could have started walking back to the citadel. But that does not make for a very good hero now, does it? So I tried to do my best, How pray tell could I have been a "better hero"?
Why the push for us to build orphanages and other humanitarian works? We already do all that. We are in the process of setting up public free-to-use hospitals, Yes the reason is twofold. one to help out the poor and downtrodden in the communities we set up in, but it's also to get our medics and healers real world training. Everything we do is to make ourselves a better, more efficient Army.
why?
So that when next time some world-ending horror comes calling, or some power-mad king decides to start a war, or a Horde of Orcs decide it's time to raze, rape and ruin we can STOP THEM or at least buy some time with our LIVES for the innocents to get to safety.
Using us as an orphanage just gives us more troops, and since we have them from a very young age you can be sure they will be loyal to the Fist. is that really what you want?
We are soldiers. If you command me to go pick sunflowers in a field, I'll do it. but it's like using a mace to crack a walnut, or sword to cut cheese, yes you can do it, but it's a menial job for a weapon and it looks foolish to do it.
I'm no good at reading a god's mind, how about you just tell me what you want of me and we go from there.
Gargul (ACDM Cayzle) Monday August 9th, 2021 9:01:50 PM
Gargul remains dismissive.
"Trayvin, too vague. Tinker, too vague and too postponed," the god says.
"Anna, Sigvar, Pompous, and Prudence, you will work together to pay to found an alms-house, orphanage, and shrine to myself. You will not recruit any orphans for the Fist. Call it 'Gargul's House of Life.' Go to a Temple of Gargul, tell them I sent you, and they will assign a cleric to staff and help run the House."
[OOC: The costs to create and maintain Gargul's House is a permanent 2.5% ding to your WBL. 17 10,250 gp each for Anna, Sigvar, Pompous, and Prudence 18 13,250 gp (extra 3,000) 19 17,125 gp (extra 3,875) 20 22,000 gp (extra 4,875) Please record these costs on your PC sheet.]
"Trayvin, Tinker, Michael, and Nikolai, you will go to the Temple of Gargul, request an interview with the High Priest, and ask him or her for a service to perform. Whatever the High Priest asks, you will do."
"Are there any questions?" He pauses and regards you. "Suggestions? Objections?"
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Monday August 9th, 2021 9:56:39 PM
Tinker doesn’t understand why, but then understands enough that he doesn’t need to understand why.
”For Prudence, I will do it.”
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Monday August 9th, 2021 10:08:27 PM
Gargul has ruled, Trayvin has no further comment for the God, and does not feel it is his place to question. He merely nods agreement.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Tuesday August 10th, 2021 12:01:50 AM
Anna says, "I think I got most of my gear as magicked as I want it to be. I guess the next 10,000 plus gold I get is going to pay for our offering to Gargul but hey at least we get Prudence back. "
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday August 10th, 2021 1:07:50 AM
Nikolai nods slightly to indicate he understands.
Through the mental link to all, he comments, although he figures Gargul can probably hear the thoughts, {It's not just 10,000 gp, it is 10,000 + gp for the rest of your adventuring lives and we were going to build an orphanage anyway but name it a Mailed Fist name. Now we lost that and any kids that decide to be Heroes now will be under Gargul's control and not be working for the Fist. But, as you say, we get Prudence back.}
Pru is definitely worth the sacrifice, as any other Knight Commander. However it would be interesting to see how Gargul would fare as a mere mortal for a year or so.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Tuesday August 10th, 2021 6:07:58 AM
Sigvar is more than willing to pay the price to retain his friend among the living. But this bargaining has, how to put it, opened his eye? He always saw, always was taught that Gargul was the god of life and death. He understood that everyone gets one go at it and that is why life is precious. Now it seemed that life has a gold value and as in the Wold, so in the afterlife, the rich are favored to buy it back. Still on his knees and at his lord's mercy, Sigvar raises his voice. " We had spoken of an orphanage and hospital before but not made any concrete plans. I am grateful that you are able tocement ourdesire into action to get this done. And I am happy to do it to have Prudence back. But...." He trails off for a moment, not sure how to bring his thoughts to words and still walk out of here. Mentally he sighs and continues. " But, I can not help but notice that when non monetary offers were made to return her to the living they were discarded, but here, as in the Wold it seems that Gold has it's own tongue. A wealthy adventurer can return a companion from the dead, but how does a goodly farmer, a husband, father and upstanding member of his community, willing to give from his excess to those who are struggling return if he is slain by a robber on his way home from town? We are no more good than he is, why should we have a chance to continue living when he does not?" Sigvar's gaze has risen to meet Gargul's and in his face sits this honest question.
Gargul (ACDM Cayzle) Tuesday August 10th, 2021 7:50:19 AM
Gargul sighs.
"If you did not seek to use gold, why did you offer to pay to build something? It wasn't my idea to build an orphanage or alms house. When you offered to do so, did you think it would be free? If you had already intended to build such a thing, then it was not much of a sacrifice. But I am not without mercy. If any of you do not wish to build the thing you offered to build, fine. Go with the other group and offer a service to a High Priest."
"But do not think that raising the dead is a gift without price of some sort."
Gargul waves his hand, and you find your vision fades to black. Then you find yourselves back where you started.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 Tuesday August 10th, 2021 10:11:57 AM
Pompous, being back where we started.. starts counting the coins in hispouch....
{ I hope Gargul takes IOUs..... Oh well, as papa often says... it's only money.... }
Very secondary to losing Prudence, Pompous scatches where scarab of protection used to be... at almost 40 000 gps to replace and no loot in the last few battle, that item will remain gone for the forseable future.
He tightens his cloak around him, trying to fight off the cold....
" Any chance those wraiths had some loot laying around? Becoming father to a whole orphanage full of children will require a lot of porridge ! "
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+7=26 ; d20+21=34 ; Tuesday August 10th, 2021 12:22:38 PM
Nikolai tries to shake off the bad feeling about the whole thing. Pru was back and that was the objective. Gargul couldn't take any lives in exchange, that was not the point, the willingness to give oneself up in exchange reveals the Heart.
"I think Gargul realized that his Word was a Formal Contract, with numerous ways it could be voided. So having us all go to his temple and get some guidance there was just far more simpler. Let the temple priests do the work of working out the details. Building an orphanage in his name would not guarantee any orphans to occupy it. Stuff like that."
Nikolai looks around. Now which way back to the aerie? He takes his bearing, from what he remembers of their hasty trip to the ambush spot.
Knowledge Geography + 7 = 26 Survival + 21 = 34
"It's a long way back on foot. Without the Mansions, we will need to endure the elements, like the old days. Best we head down the mountain a ways until out of this cold, then make plans for our next move. Any one still need healing? Restoring?"
If all agree, Nikolai starts heading down.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Tuesday August 10th, 2021 1:31:49 PM Fair enough
I wonder how we are going to get back in touch with the Ceres and Hemera. We didn't agree upon a meeting point and I don't know if they are going to be patrolling after the wraith attack.
Ghost Pru Tuesday August 10th, 2021 1:32:16 PM
"I will do as you say, my lord," is Pru's reply.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Tuesday August 10th, 2021 8:31:57 PM
Sigvar sat down in the snow when they arrived back in the Wold. Gargul was the deity that he and his clan had idolized and worshiped for centuries. In all that time death had always been a final sacrifice that they paid when times were dire. Most of his clan had died in combat, mos of those on the battlefield with the Fist and most of THOSE somehow saving their brethren with the sacrifice. To find out that they could have been bought back with something as simple as coin is....unsettling. The taur has no input as the others discuss returning to the aerie, he just sits and ponders his faith.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Tuesday August 10th, 2021 11:46:07 PM
Anna says, "Well my lord I only have a little over 1,000 gold in cash right now and we are in the middle of a mission where we have yet to find any real payment. I'm not saying we probably won't come into money over the course of the rest of this mission but for right now I don't have the money needed to help fund the almhouse/orphanage/shrine. When I get the money I have no problem funding it, but well our group usually functions as a unit so if a subset of us has to do some service for your high priest the rest of us will probably end up helping them anyway."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday August 11th, 2021 1:10:31 AM
Nikolai grins at Anna, 'He didn't say when, just said do it. So I'm sure he won't hold us to it until we finish this contract at least. Then we will need to find his temple and then they'll need to choose a spot, that could take weeks. Then they'll need to hire an architect to design the building, that could take months. Then they'll need to procure the materials and have them delivered, that could take months and since it won't be ALL the materials, just those needed for the foundation and stuff...
I think we'll come by enough coin when the time comes."
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 Wednesday August 11th, 2021 9:26:58 AM
" What Anna said.... "
"Let's get moving folks. I'm freezing here... "
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday August 11th, 2021 9:38:24 AM
(Ooc: wait: I thought Prudence is alive again???)
Tinker disagrees and agrees with Nikolai. ”we are back so Prudence is alive, right?”. He looks around to make sure. ”so we still have Mansion and we still go up, not down the mountain. We can visit Gargul’s Temple after we do THIS contract.”
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Wednesday August 11th, 2021 5:42:01 PM " The mansions don't work here because of the teleport thing" Sigvar says morosely from his spot in the snow.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Wednesday August 11th, 2021 6:49:13 PM
Trayvin is glad to be back in the 'real' Wold. He starts looking over the Commanders' injuries and sees to whoever is most in need.
OOC- Trayvin has lots of healing available, but no endure elements without a rest. Will wait on DM post before rolling some heals.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
DM Steven - Gargul waves his hand... Wednesday August 11th, 2021 8:11:51 PM
The meeting with Gargul will most certainly linger in your minds. You have done well. Pru's back to full health and is feeling alive and well. That was after all the whole purpose for petitioning Gargul. Still, there are a few things that prove to be hard for Knight Commander Sigvar to comprehend. To find out that some of the ones he lost during his life could have been bought back with something as simple as coin is....unsettling. Nikolai too tries to shake off the bad feeling about the whole thing...
But even though you don't know yet when the prize for Pru's resurrection will be payed, it's the end result that matters! Pru is back! Anna and Nikolai joke around a little on how to interpret Gargul's requests for the Alm's House.
Back on the mountain the icy cold bites hard. Snow keeps falling covering the bodies of the slain Griffons.
Pompous tightens his cloak around him as he looks for any belongings the wraiths could have dropped but he finds nothing... Trayvin makes sure this time everyone is back to full health. Not way telling how soon more of these Wraiths will pop up...
Nikolai looks around and tries to come up with a way to return to the aerie. He realizes you have flown to this place with strong winds in your back... the flight back will be a lot harder and will take longer. Michael too wonders how they will get back without having Ceres and Hemera. Tinker does not intend to go back to the Aerie... Sigvar points out that the Mansion spells won't work to protect the during the mountain ascend.
And then Ceres, Hemera and Tempus return to the scene... Ceres looks dismayed that they haven't been able to help. Tempus though, being a warrior, knows that battle was out of their league.
So... where to you go from here? Back to the Aerie or up the mountain? Fly? Walk? Stick together or split up...
Prudence Gundle Wednesday August 11th, 2021 11:44:40 PM
"Yes, I'm sorry I mentioned the almshouse," Pru says. "I literally couldn't think of anything else. Being dead is distracting."
She tells the griffons and her companions, in as much detail as she can, about the beings she saw watching the fight. "I assume they were Immortal Powers of some kind," she says, "but I don't know which ones. I'm afraid I'm not as familiar with them as with the Gods of the Wold. They seem concerned, but also determined not to intervene."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Thursday August 12th, 2021 12:05:47 AM
Anna says, "Well if the flight back will be even longer the only option I really have to get back under my own power would be to be a medium or small bird capped at a limited flight speed. It took most of my dragon and dragon horse forms just to get here so if we are flying back I'll be the one lagging behind like Sigvar was getting here. Considering what just happened, I really don't think it is wise to split the party so whereever we go we probably need to try to go together."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday August 12th, 2021 12:30:48 AM
Nikolai scoots over to Pru and gives her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Welcome back, Pru! And don't worry about the almshouse. Last I heard Gargul, he said to forget the orphanage and upkeep and we all just go to his temple and let the priest decide what service we should do for him.
For now, we have this mystery to solve and these Wrongs to Right. Since flying is not an option as it will split us up, my instinct is to go down to a warmer climate and plan our next move from there. At least if we are attacked again, we won't have this snow to hamper us. If you all agree, down is that way," and he points downhill.
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Thursday August 12th, 2021 2:39:09 PM We've got several priorities, The Griffons are starving, and have been decimated. we need to get them fed and secured. we also need to look into this "spirt of Doom mountain" and this Frethja person. if the griffons are going to stay in their Ayre, then we need to do something about the wind and get some kind of insulation in there so they won't freeze.
we aren't in any kind of position to project force We don't have food or security. we really can't show the love until we get those things taken care of.
Anna can you turn into something very small, you can ride in my pocket on the way back. .
He approaches Ceres. Bows to him Ceres, I would be honored if you could carry me back to your Ayre. he tells him awaiting permission to get on.
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Thursday August 12th, 2021 4:06:10 PM
Tinker is happy to have Prudence back, walks up and gives her a nudge. ”Making sure it is you, Bean Pole.”
Without the Mansion and others freezing, Tinker doesn’t have a clue, and so will back up Nikolai’s idea.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Thursday August 12th, 2021 6:46:05 PM If we head down to where it is warmer, how long will it take to return? Can we manage to recover here, and then fortify with some spells to continue on?
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
Prudence Gundle Thursday August 12th, 2021 8:17:55 PM
"The Mansion may not work," Pru says, "but I've got plenty of Endure Elements spells--enough for all of us and then some."
Unless someone tells her not to, Pru starts casting.
DM Steven - Down to the Aeire if up higher? Thursday August 12th, 2021 8:35:49 PM
It feels wonderful to having Pru back. Whatever the price may be, it was a fair bargain. Nikolai gives her a big hug and a kiss on the cheeks. Pru tells everyone of the presence of some immortal powers.
The griffons are ready to leave the area before any more undead appear and the current weather conditions are picking up. They won't stay much longer. Anna knows the griffons can't take everyone back in one go, but her own morpfling abilities won't be sufficient either ... she'll be lagging behind still. A thought backed up by Nikolai's thinking. He would rather decent to a warmer climate and plan your next move from there.
Michael sums it up nicely. The Griffons are starving and so you need to get them fed and secured, you need to look into this 'spirit of the mountain" and then of course this Frethja person. Tinker doesn't have a clue what to do next... He backs up Nikolai's ideas. Going down to the Aerie and then afterwards, back up ... or is there a way to rest here on the mountain slopes.
Trayvin can't decide what to do... go down?
So? Back to the Aerie it is? Then pick your mounts Ceres, Herema or Tempus and... brace yourself...
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 Thursday August 12th, 2021 9:13:21 PM
After giving Prudence a big hug... Pompous ponders...
" Well, I can fly off a ways the side of the mountain and then feather fall all the way back down to the base. Then hunt game for the griffons if there's any to be tracked.
I'm more concerned about what we'll do if more of those wraiths come after us. Without my broche, the next fight may not go as well for me. "
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Friday August 13th, 2021 1:03:26 AM
Tinker agrees with Nikolai but the half-elf also understands the need to take care of the griffons, despite what Gargul might think about such things.
"Ok, so we go back to the aerie, conjure up food for them, and have Pru keep us warm. Ceres, if things get too cold for your people, PLEASE take them down slope to stay warm. Our contract with your people will be voided if all of you freeze to death."
Nikolai can move fast and the snow will not slow him down as he practically moves on the surface of the snow and has Endurance, so he can, if need be, go back on foot.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Friday August 13th, 2021 1:17:36 AM
Anna says, "I thougth we established I could pull a bunch of animals from my bag of holding that we could use to feed the griffins but we had to deal with the attack first. As for getting back the smallest I could become and maintain indefinitely is an 8 pound eagle, I don't think I could fit in your pocket, Michael but I could probably ride on a medium person's shoulder. Pru, would it be okay if I as an eagle road on your shoulder so that if we were attacked again I could turn into something larger and provide cover for you?"
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Friday August 13th, 2021 6:42:35 AM
Sigvar brooded. FOR MERE COIN!! The betrayal simply kept coming up to him and slapping him in the face over and over. SIMPLE COIN!! All those he had ever loved who had died, lost because of an ideal that wasn't even true. COIN!! His mother lost. JUST A FEW GOLD!! All those who had taught him and been a father to him. MEASLY STINKING COIN!! All those who fought and died beside him. MERC'S FIGHT FOR COIN, SO LOW A COST!! Sigvar is rarely angry outside of combat, but cols as the frigid wind is, driving the snow aainst him he can feel it melting on his brow. A PITTANCE FOR SUCH A BOUNTY!!
" Enough!" Sigvar shouts. He is clearly angry now. There is fire in his eye and he shouts his words rather than using the mind link to be heard over the rising storm. " We return and we fortify the aerie with lumber and canvas walls, easily bought through Anna's bag. Once the snow begins to pile u against the walls it will become an insulating wall all it's own. Some straw also via the bag will help insulate the inside as well. There should still be room to get meat as well." "We will not be going down the mountain, retreating now spells certain doom for this mission. We find the power that is making this happen and either discuss it;s options or kill it, and I am not in a discussing mood." "To get back we will need some fly spells, we are not splitting up again. I cn carry Michael and Anna provided that she is something reasonably small. That's 3 accounted for. If the Griffons can carry three more then we need 2 more flyers. Try to pick those with flying skill because the weather looks bad. Let's make this happen. Time is short. Any questions or suggestions?"
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Friday August 13th, 2021 1:44:15 PM
Tinker keeps quiet, with no additional suggestions. In his opinion, there were already too many opinions running around already.
"If we want to fortify the Aerie," she says. "I can cast Wall of Ice." She grimaces. "It's not great, I know, but even ice walls can block the wind until we can get fortifications in place. And then I can dismiss them."
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 d20+13=23 ; Friday August 13th, 2021 5:54:09 PM
Michael nods. Yeah, that'll work.
Sense motive. 23
Micheel has known Sigvar for years. He has a pretty good idea why the big bull is so incensed, but now is not the time and Michael is not the person to discuss such things with. Since his time in Ga'al's kingdom, he has known that gods were basically people who had access to unimaginable power and all of Man's foibles. The thought chills him. it's the ultimate scam, and he knows that if they ever find out he knows they will end him.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 96/199(BrianZ) Friday August 13th, 2021 8:39:32 PM
Trayvin is agreeable to whichever path is decided upon. Either way, he will need to swap out a few spells to help the griffons and prepare for another possible fight with wraiths.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
DM Steven - Let's make this happen. Time is short. Sunday August 15th, 2021 6:45:25 PM
Snow no longer gently falls down... high winds are taking up constantly blowing the snow in your face. The snow reduces your visibility to three-quarters of the normal range and you get a -2 on perception from here on. The wind blows up-mountain so you'll be riding into it as you decent towards the Aerie.
"We must go now... it will be a dangerous flight. You may even be safer on foot...'" Hemera says as she narrows her eyes while staring in the wind, "not only the wind... the air is getting thin."
Survival DC15 Highlight to display spoiler: { : All non-acclimated creatures labor to breathe in the thin air at this altitude. Characters must succeed on a Fortitude save each hour (DC 15, +1 per hour) or be fatigued.}
Pompous ponders how to get back to the Aerie a different way... Ceres raises an eyebrow but says nothing...
Michael has known Sigvar for years and he can feel the Paladin's pain. The encounter with Gargul has left a serious scar on Sigvar's faith but he soon returns to the harsh reality. First things first. The plan is clear... Get back to the Aerie, make sure the Griffons are well protected and see about the rest later. Pru, Anna and Nikolai are on the same page. But Nikolai asks Ceres to take the remaining Griffons down slope to stay warm.
Tinker adds no additional suggestions. Trayvin is agreeable to whichever is decided upon.
Between you and the Griffons you have enough ways to get back to the Aerie. Like Hemera informed you flying on the Griffon's back is becoming very dangerous. They press on... Night is falling on the mountain. The winds don't stop and neither does the snow. I
It takes three times as long as it did earlier to get the Aerie back in sight. Snow has come down the mountain with you. The Aerie looks deserted... or all remaining Griffons are taking shelter...
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Sunday August 15th, 2021 9:21:20 PM
Tinker endures the travel back to the aerie, warm for his boots, but not able to do anything to help at the moment. He waits for something useful to do.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d3=3 ; d20+20=38 ; Monday August 16th, 2021 12:02:58 AM
Perception: 38
Anna makes it back to the aerie whether it was by her own power or as a bird riding on Pru or Nikolai's shoulder she couldn't say all she knows is that she is here now.
She says, "300 gold can pull a lot of animals. What do you think guys? pigs, chickens, cows, goats? We should probably make sure everyone is okay first before we start provisioning them though"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 83/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) d20+21=22 ; Monday August 16th, 2021 12:59:06 AM
Spells in effect: mage armor Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps, Endurance Ki pts 12/13
Survival +21 DC15 = 22 Nikolai informs everyone of the dangers of staying this high up the mountain, not that anyone hadn't noticed the thin air and cold, yet.
OOC: OK, if you need us to roll a For save at this point, just say so.
IC: Nikolai lets Sigvar vent his frustrations and disappointments. There will be time later to talk things over. Once back at the aerie, he hopes that the missing griffons have flown down the mountain and asks Ceres if that is where they are.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet d20+22=39 ; Monday August 16th, 2021 6:01:04 AM
Fort save 39 minus however long we spend getting back. ( How do you want to handle the saves? each post, or when you tell us to? The second way you can tell us the minus to use " I would say either the pigs or cattle, chickens will be hard to manage. We will also need the supplies to make wind breaking walls, so timber, straw and canvas, unless Prudence can overcome the duration of the walls of ice. As far as I remember they don't last long, unless the cold will preserve them." ( I used firewood and canvas by the square yard from the PHB to get an idea of the windbreaks. They seemed cheap but I don't know how much we would need. If it is really alot then it could get too expensive to do in 1 day)
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 d20+15=31 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+16=20 ; Monday August 16th, 2021 6:39:55 AM
Survival - 31
Casts endure element on himself before taking to the air. (24 hours) ---------------------
Pompous flies to the aeries on the back of a griffon, pondering what spells he has access to and how to better prepare for their next excurcion.
While he understands Siggy's frustrations, they'll need to have a private discussion about rank and the group's need for a command structure.
Prudence Gundle Monday August 16th, 2021 4:36:19 PM As far as I remember they don't last long, unless the cold will preserve them.
"Eighteen minutes," Pru confirms. "But I can keep casting them. I've got lots of spells left."
DM Steven - Pigs, chickens, cows, goats? Monday August 16th, 2021 6:30:54 PM
The moment you arrive again at the aerie several Griffons come into view again. The wind has been throwing snow against the nests and seem to have created some shelter. Ceres, Herema and Tempus land in the center of the aerie.
Tinker has endured the way back. The eagle head popping up from under Pru's robe must he Anna... despite the harsh weather and bumpy way back she's been quite comfortably though. The meeting with Gargul seems to linger in your heads... especially it's effect on Sigvar. But toughened adventurers as you are, you realize you need to let go of those thoughts for the time being. Gargul instructed you to meet with a high priest. Perhaps he could also bring some answers or closure to this matter?
Here in the aerie snow is not as bad as it was on the mountain... yet. The wind is picking up and already temperature sure is a few degrees colder than it was earlier this day. Immediately a few smaller griffons hurry towards Herema and begin shrieking and grunting at her. Herema turns to you : "We have to protect the nests... they won't leave."
You have about 2 hours before nightfall. Temperature here is a bit higher than it was up on the mountain so no need for the saves yet - we'll see what morning brings.
Anna mentions pigs, chickens, cows, goats... the moment she says goats Ceres clicks his beak. Sigvar definitely prefers an animal that will be easy to handle... chicken are not... Making windbreaks seems to be high on the agenda. Only the 'how' needs some work?
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Monday August 16th, 2021 9:34:04 PM
Michael helps out as best he can.
he speaks to Heremea, Won't leave? or cannot leave? if it's lack of ability to get off this mountain we can get them down come morning. once Pru has had some rest. Heremea, we can stave off the cold for a bit, but this position is going to become a deathtrap sooner rather than later. We have a contract to see to your safety, and we take it seriously. but it will become harder and harder to see to your safety and find out what is doing this as time goes on. Your people are already getting off the mountain, for the sake of your pride, you need to get the rest of them off as well. ON my honor once we get whatever this is taken care of, you can come back .
Michael hopes that his word have an effect, it will be much easier to investigate if they don't have to save the griffons every 15 minutes.
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 127/199(BrianZ) d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=5 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; Monday August 16th, 2021 10:26:32 PM
Trayvin gathers all those injured, including griffons, and sends out some healing energy.
OOC- let me know if too many actions: channel energy, all within 30 ft heal: 14, 16, 18
Well, we should be able to make some kinda permanent wind breaks. I have a wall of stone, and Pru has some ice. They will remain after the spell is cast.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power, heal channel energy 4 used
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) d20+10=11 ; d20+15=27 ; Monday August 16th, 2021 11:26:10 PM
Tinker sees there is not much time to make ready for nightfall; and it doesn’t matter much if the reason is ‘can’t’ or ‘won’t’ to him, the effect will be the same. So he pitches in.
“Can’t have separate nests, not enough time to wall them all off. Need to concentrate on one bigger location!”. He tries to set up a plan to make igloos or something for a large Griffon nest so they can all crowd in and keep warm enough.
Know Engineering. 11 Profession Engineering. 27
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 d20+13=16 ; d20+10=24 ; Tuesday August 17th, 2021 12:40:24 AM
Diplomacy : 16
Anna goes to the Griffons in their nest and tries to convince them to take action that will protect them. She says, "If you want to survive you need to either temporarily relocate or come to a central location we can create windbreaks for. We don't have enough time to wall off each individual nest right now but we can probably fortify a central location"
Anna then tries to help with the shelter construction - Survival 24
If she can get the griffons to a central location she will say, "I have a magical bag and with this magical bag I can pull 300 goats in a day. I think I can solve your food problem, if you will give me the chance.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 120/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Tuesday August 17th, 2021 1:09:29 AM
Spells in effect: mage armor Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps, Endurance Ki pts 12/13
Nikolai remembers what his father has told him many times and he repeats that through the link, {You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink'.}
{"One large enclosure is best as they can huddle together for warmth. We will do that for them, and leave plenty of food, pigs and goats are best. Once we go up the mountain, though, they are on their own, we can't baby sit them AND search for the answer to this mystery at the same time. They'll have to understand that or die."}
He leaves the logistics of how to get the wood planks and nails up to Anna and pitches in to set up the giant 'igloo-barn'.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 d20+25=45 ; d20+25=29 ; d20+25=36 ; d20+25=42 ; Tuesday August 17th, 2021 6:39:39 AM
Pompous suggests that he would be best used to keep a lookout for signs of attacks
----------------------- Endure Element
Perception: 45, 29, 36, 42
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Tuesday August 17th, 2021 10:34:29 AM
Sigvar reaches into his pocket and removes some lint a nd 300 gold. He hands Anna the gold, he lint her saves in case they need to start a fire. ( I saw the aerie as kind of a flat shelf we could wall off on one side. I still don't have a map of it so I can go with the move everyone to more centtral location, since it will reduce the need for as much material to make the windbreak. ) [b ] Pull out what you need for the windbreak and we will start on that, Anna. After that enough food for tonight and we can get the rest in firewood. Griffons may not be able to set or tend a fire, but we can and they might want it for warmth."[/b] Sigvar helps with the windbreak, and a wall of stone would certainly help matters. It needn't be thick, but it will stop the wind nicely.
Prudence Gundle Tuesday August 17th, 2021 6:15:32 PM
Pru lets her companions (and the griffons) choose a location to be protected, then starts casting Walls of Ice..
DM Steven - You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink Tuesday August 17th, 2021 6:37:48 PM
Michael makes a few good points as he talks to Hemera but she has to admit that most, including her, just don't want to leave the Aerie. This aerie is the last one of just many sites across the north face of the mountain. Here there used to be over 50 nests but now there's little more than a dozen griffons still around. They don't want to leave this place... Leaving is considered giving up their last claim on the mountain.
(ooc there's no map on the Aerie itself like David also notes - an earie to me is like a nest that is very hard to reach. Usually perched high up a tree on a mountain cliff. In this situation I consider the Aerie to be a bowl shaped area between the mountains with but one access and steep cliffs on all other sides)
While Michael debates with Herema Trayvin gathers those injured and send healing energy. He also comes up with a plan to make sort of a permanent shield break.
Seeing there's no time to argue with the griffons on can't or won't, Tinker pitches in. He lays out a plan to make an iglo or something large enough for the remaining Griffons to take shelter. Anna immediately plans on going to the Griffons in their nests to convince them to gather in a central location. Ceres stops her... "Wo go together... they can't understand what you are saying and right now all they can't understand who is drving them away from their nests is considered hostile... "
Nikolai observes what is going on and he remembers what his father has told him many times... "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink
Pompous suggests they lay want to set a lookout for any signs of attacks. Sigvar takes action and helps with the preparations for the windbreak.
Ceres and Anna go from one nest the other rounding up the remaining Griffons. It takes some time to convince every one of them bu(, not counting the occasional Griffon beak to snap at Anna, they manage to gather all Griffons near the Iglo site. Already some griffons are very weak... luckily Trayvin will take care of the injured an exhausted ones.
The others, aided by some of the griffons, begin building the Iglo sheler. An ice wall spell keeps the wind out and allows you to fortify the inside zone. good creative thinking that is. It takes deep into the night before the shelter is ready. Goats are being summoned for lunch.
Herema and Ceres come sitting near you :
"Thank you...Of course you are right..."Herema says to Wittman, "Maybe we have to leave here but then at least we've given all we could .Thanks you to we may survive...
"If only we could find out more on that dragon earlier... , Ceres chimes in...
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 127/199(BrianZ) Tuesday August 17th, 2021 7:10:27 PM Now that the shelter is taking shape, we can start planning our next move.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
used: Spells: greater magic weapon, restoration, divine power, heal channel energy 4 used
AC 32v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 104/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Tuesday August 17th, 2021 11:20:20 PM
Tinker works hard, putting extra effort into the shelter for the Griffons the energy he couldnt do to protect them or Prudence earlier. He tries to work out his feelings of inadequacy while the more strategic thinkers can plan for the next moves.
He makes sure to take some time occasionally to tramp over to Pompous and make sure the Ranger is good to go: being on guard is just as important as the shelter itself!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 120/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Wednesday August 18th, 2021 1:15:49 AM
Spells in effect: mage armor Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps, Endurance Ki pts 12/13
While Nikolai helps set up the 'igloo', he points here and there for wooden pillars to help support the ceiling. 'A more permanent solution would be walls of stone. The ice will vanish at the end of the spell time, the stone is permanent but can be removed with Disintegrate when not needed anymore. But...for now..."
With all the snow, finding firewood is made more difficult but he does not want to use Anna' bag of goodies for simple firewood, so he goes on the search. He brings back armloads and asks Pru for cantrips to dry out the logs and branches. It is not up to him to worry about any warmth melting the walls of ice. The walls of ice was just to buy them some time to get a wooden walled structure up to break the wind.
He makes a note to meditate for his Ranger spell Endure Elements come evening.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Wednesday August 18th, 2021 2:02:37 AM
Anna starts pulling goats from her magical bag to feed the griffons. (OOC: as I said I can pull 300 goats in a given day. How many goats does she have to pull to feed them?)
Anna says to Ceres, "You mean the shiny dragon guy that fought those things?"
Prudence Gundle Wednesday August 18th, 2021 2:29:06 PM
"Walls of Stone would be better," Pru agrees. "But sorcerers don't get many spells and I have to pick carefully. I wanted something I could dismiss if I had to."
[OOC: How many spells should I mark off? Or is it going to matter?]
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:21, FF:25(ucdodee) HP 49/135 F+16, R+25,W+16, CMB+21, CMD+36 Wednesday August 18th, 2021 4:14:46 PM
Michael accepts Herems explanation and her apology. I understand. Sometimes you get pushed back and pushed back until finally, you say "no more" I've been there, done that. If I thought you were in a place you could appreciate it I'd explain a concept called "the counter-attack" where you let the enemy drive you from your position, only to come back when they are vulnerable and take it back from them, but that is for another day. We will get you warm, get you fed and we will find what is doing this.
Pompous (Yves_B) AC 36 CMD 30/30, HP 170 /170 d20+25=33 ; d20+25=39 ; d20+25=32 ; Wednesday August 18th, 2021 4:33:50 PM
Pompous continues to keep watch
- --- Perception 33, 39, 32
DM Steven - A shelter and goats... lots of goats. Wednesday August 18th, 2021 7:13:07 PM
With joint effort and some magic you manage to create quite a nice shelter, made with walls of Ice at first... strengthened with some wood... basically strengthened with nearly all you could find... slowly the shelter grew stronger as the snow kept on thickening the wall. After the magic fortifications ended the shelter didn't collapse with it... the walls just kept on growing thicker and stronger.
By midnight everyone is exhausted but it's a delight to see the spherical shelter. The roof's not closed nor is the back side but behind the wall you are well protected from the winds and snow. Anna starts pulling goats from her magical bag to feed the griffons. There are but a dozen Griffons here anymore so unless Anna want's to give them all a serious indigestion a goat per day each will do. Even in this dreadful cold the group has regained strength and courage. You have gained respect and trust from all the Griffons here. Soon all curl up for the night seeking body warmth with each other. Guards are set giving you all a chance to recover as well but the night passes quite uneventful.
During the night the wind continues howling around the shelter. Wisps of snow curl over the edges of the wall and the wall occasionally cracks under the weight of the snow but nothing to be worried about. Dawn comes with just more wind and more snow. Fresh snow covers the mountain.
You share a quick breakfast bite with the Griffons and you make sure they all are ok. Anna turns back to Ceres commenting on what the Griffon said last night about 'that dragon earlier'.
Ceres turns to Anna :"Yes! This dragon must be a good thing! We aren't ready to deal with those undead or worse. If the undead become a common occurrence then we will have no choice but to leave the mountain... if only we can find a way to ally with that dragon... or perhaps we should support him in his fight against the undead?! Even better... if only we could find the source of the undead." Ceres finishes while he gazes up the mountain...
Trayvin AC 39/14 touch Hp 199/199(BrianZ) Wednesday August 18th, 2021 8:36:11 PM Finding the source of the undead...now that sounds like something we should do.
Active effects: greater magic weapon(on Morningstar)(21/16/11) 1d8+9 endure elements
OOC- If we rested then all should be fully healed. If I wasn't clear, Trayvin has access to wall of stone and usually keeps one memorized. He would have fortified or added to the shelter as it was being constructed.
AC 32, +4v AOO T22 F25 CMD 39 HP 159/ 159 Tinker (SteveK) Wednesday August 18th, 2021 11:56:09 PM
Tinker is ready to support the plan. Whatever it is.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- HP 123/123 [157/157 w/ con bonus] - 40/13/17 + 4 AOO due to movement CMD 39 Thursday August 19th, 2021 1:03:26 AM
Anna says, "How does one go communing with immortal powers? Clearly the dragon guy is one immortal power and whoever is behind the undead could be another. If they are on the same level maybe having the dragon guy on our side before we root out the cause of the undead might be a good option?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 34 Tch 32 Ffted 30 HP 120/120 CMD 39/45(Grapple/Trip/Disarm) Thursday August 19th, 2021 1:28:46 AM
Spells in effect: mage armor, Endure Elements Ring of Freedom of Movement Light Steps, Endurance Ki pts 13/13
In the morning, Nikolai chooses his Ranger spell Endure Elements and uses it on himself to free up that spell from their clerics for others. As far as communing with Immortals, that is beyond his knowledge or experience.
"My gut feeling says we need to find out more about the west side of this mountain. It could be that this Dragon-man is the 'eccentric' that lives over there. However, if UP the mountain is what seems the obvious, then let's do it."
Nikolai gets ready to do some climbing. Good thing he has his Slippers of Spider Climb.
Knight Commander Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 42 (T 16, FF 38) CMD 41 HP 204 / 216 Character Sheet Thursday August 19th, 2021 10:23:28 AM " Well, if yesterday was an example, the Immortal powers seem to be drawn by either conflict, or the emotional distress caused by conflict. Aside from that Prudence needed to be dead to see them. I don't want to try that again. So going west to met a faction we have not met yet is a plan, then either check in on the other 2 factions or go up, like Tinker was saying." Sigvar renews his endure elements and readies his other spells
Prudence Gundle Thursday August 19th, 2021 4:55:39 PM
Pru casts Mage Armor on herself and Nikolai, and Endure Elements on herself and anyone who needs it.
"We don't know what's farther up the mountain other than more snow and more cold. And less air," Pru says. "Maybe start by going west? Because I'd rather not go up if we don't have to."
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