Did you grow over winter?. - DM SteveM & Cayzle Wednesday June 19th, 2024 10:59:13 PM Kaida acknowledges each child who approaches her with a letter for Domi. She looks for a box to keep them in.
Nora checks and tests her equipment, surprized at how heavy it feels now. She wonders what they will do with the letters.
Aydi gets some warm clothes. He sees Yuki is ready, and goes to see Ingrida. Ingrida assures Aydi she has been working on her drinking problem with the support of the priests throughout the harsh winter months. Their guidance and her own resolve have helped her become sober. She sees them regularly, partakes in rituals of cleansing and renewal, and has immersed herself in the teachings of moderation and self-control. Her eyes hold the flicker of an inner battle.
Frit trusts three of his older students to run training while he's gone. He tells them to help each other. He explains to the entire class how the Dwarven Code and what they learn here rely on the same principles. Frit offers to help Nora carry her gear.
Aymar helps Frit with the transition, making sure there is a schedule for the adults. He tells the children Domi will be pleased, and agrees with Kaida that they need a box.
Hamlin also makes sure he has warm clothing and an explorer's pack.
The next evening, the council chamber of Drakesmeade is filled with a somber but determined atmosphere as the adventurers gather to discuss the final preparations for escorting Ingrida to Forlorn Mountain the following morning. The heavy table at the center of the room is surrounded by the council, their expressions serious as they contemplate the journey. Stern Blackaxe stands at the head of the table.
“I think this mission may help bring about healing, not only for Ingrida but for the community,” Stern begins, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. His eyes, sharp and discerning, scan the faces of the adventurers and council members. “However, we must not forget the dangers that lie ahead. Giants may be roaming the countryside. This threat cannot be taken lightly. As you ascend Domi’s mountain, I urge you to tread carefully. The paths are treacherous, and with winter just ending, it may get cold.”
"Also, if you see a caravan, form Thistleport or another stronghold, greet them well, and guide them this way." Stern’s gaze shifts to the adventurers, his expression a mixture of concern and determination. “I have faith in your abilities, but vigilance is key. Keep your wits about you, and ensure Ingrida’s safety at all costs. Her well-being is paramount, but so is your own. Return to us safely, all of you.”
The room is filled with a quiet resolve as those present acknowledge the gravity of the task.
"Before you embark on this sacred journey, let us seek the blessing of the ancestors and the divine guidance of the gods," Brother Orim intones as the meeting concludes, his voice soft yet resonant. He closes his eyes, his face serene, and begins to speak in a language old and revered, a prayer that has been passed down through generations of dwarves. "Oh, mighty ancestors, who watch over, we call upon you now. Intercede with Domi to grant your strength to these brave souls, who venture forth in service of our kin and our community. Guide their steps, that they may find the true path even in the darkest of nights. Bless their weapons, that they may strike true against any foe that threatens them. Bless their hearts, that they may remain steadfast and courageous in the face of danger. And bless their minds, that they may find wisdom and clarity even in times of great peril." Brother Orim then lowers his hands and opens his eyes, looking at each adventurer in turn. "May the warmth of the forge light your way, may the strength of the mountain support your steps, and may the wisdom of the ancestors guide your decisions. Go forth with our hopes and our prayers, and return to us safely, with Ingrida and the light of new hope." With these words, he draws a symbol of protection in the air with his hand, a gesture that is mirrored by the council members.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17 -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Thursday June 20th, 2024 4:58:37 AM "And may Flower bless our journey, as this is also a quest of love, love for Ingrida to help her, love for the clan to get their daughter back to the society, and love between the members of the party, for in love for each other we find success, each helping the others to find the best use of their strengths", Nora adds a prayer for Flower. She looks a bit concerned after her prayer, glancing at the clan to see their reaction.
Jason Whited - Ian Shadowcrest -- AC 18/15/14 -- CMD 14 -- HP 31/31 Thursday June 20th, 2024 7:33:26 AM
Ian accepts the blessing. He also grabs some cold weather gear.
OOC Can he take Penelope and where do we stand with the weapons we commissioned?
Hamlin Vashtel (Brent Adams) -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Thursday June 20th, 2024 2:10:07 PM
Hamlin prays to Warrd for good fortune on the journey. He tells Ingrida " This journey will be a journey of self discovery and hopefully healing. I promise we will protect you as long as you are willing to continue on"
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 Thursday June 20th, 2024 3:28:37 PM
Frit still does not talk much during the meeting with Stern, but he stands a little taller than he did the last time the group had an audience with the clan leader. "Thank you for, um, entrusting us with this m-m-mission, sir," he says.
He bows his head for Brother Orim's and Nora's prayers. He also says a quiet prayer to Pantheon--one that Master Thrissa taught him.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 Thursday June 20th, 2024 6:36:11 PM
Aydi will that Brother Orim and the council for the blessing. He will then look at the clan leader bow his head and then turns to make sure everything is prepped for this journey.
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 24/24 Thursday June 20th, 2024 7:27:19 PM
Aymar follows along in making the symbol of protection.
He is delighted to see the Ingrida has made the commitment to better herself. His own recent re-commitment to Domi has re-energized him.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/15* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Thursday June 20th, 2024 7:55:20 PM
Kaida bows her head as the prayers are spoken. They feel in some way poetic. She hasn't heard words spoken like this since she arrived.
She leans close to Nora and says softly. "Nicely done"
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Thursday June 20th, 2024 9:11:49 PM
Nadia sends a private prayer to Fhorge when she gets a chance, and tries on her new cold weather gear. It was not exactly her favorite method of saving warm, but given she could not ride on Stone given he was not large enough, she was stuck having to have winter gear. She felt and most likely looked like a giant furball. One would even say Stone is most likely chuckling at his mistress given her face every time she had to wear it out. She moves the face mask out as she struggles to speak, " I thank you for allowing us to come, and allowing us to help secure the hold. Perhaps more local exploration will be done when we get back, but we shall come back. There is still outside to be explored, pathways to be guarded, and nature to be cared for and tended. All things must balance, and this is the start."
We shall come back. - DM SteveM & Cayzle Thursday June 20th, 2024 9:22:20 PM Nora adds her blessing to Brother Orim's, then wonders what the clan will think. The clan take this as simply Flower's due, Domi not being worshipped exclusively here.
Ian gets some cold weather gear. Penelope is probably eager for the trip. The weapon is ready if Ian can afford it.
Hamlin prays to Warrd for good fortune. He promises Ingrida they will protect her.
Frit stands a little taller than he used to. He says his own prayer to Pantheon.
Aydi thanks Brother Orim and the council.
Aymar joins in the blessing's closing. He feels re-energized.
Kaida finds the prayers poetic. She compliments Nora on hers.
Nadia adds a private prayer to Fhorge, and tries on her new cold weather gear. She feels like a giant furball, and thinks Stone it likely chuckling at her.
The adventurers leave the stronghold in the early morning light. The chill of the lingering winter is immediately palpable. The wind cuts through their cloaks and armor, a sharp reminder of the harsh environment they are venturing into. Their breath forms clouds in the crisp air, and the snow crunches under their boots with every step.
The path to Forlorn Mountain is rugged and challenging. They traverse icy slopes, navigate around snow-covered boulders, and push through dense, frost-laden forests. Despite the cold, there is a certain exhilaration in being outside again, the vast expanse of the world before them and the promise of adventure driving them forward.
As dusk begins to fall, the temperature drops further, and the sky takes on shades of deep blue and purple. The adventurers know they must find shelter soon to escape the worst of the night’s cold. They scan the landscape for options, considering the best places to rest and regain their strength.
Two options are obvious -- a dense thicket, and a rocky overhang. The thick grove of evergreen trees offers a natural windbreak, and the ground beneath the trees is relatively free of snow. They would be hidden there, but would not notice danger until it was closer. On the other hand, the rocky ledge that extends outward along a cliffside creates a sheltered alcove beneath. It’s not completely enclosed, but it will shield them from the worst of the wind and snow. And it provides better visibility.
How does the party set up, and who is on what watches?
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/15* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Thursday June 20th, 2024 10:34:57 PM
Even with her newly bought cold-weather gear, Kaida can still feel the chill. Maybe she should try and learn a spell that protects against the elements? She'll add it to the list of others spells to learn.
She looks at the thicket and then the overhang as she rubs her hands together to try and get some warmth. "Anyone have an idea on which way should we go?" Others in the group have far better survival instincts that she does, and she trusts their judgement entirely
Kaida puts forward a suggestion for watches that ensure everyone gets a full 8hrs rest, and that there is someone with Darkvision or Scent on each watch. It's just an idea, and she's happy to swap if someone has a preference or different idea.
Hamlin Vashtel (Brent Adams) -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Friday June 21st, 2024 9:23:53 AM
I concur with these watches. Hamlin says the following. "I suggest the cave. We have a better vantage point there and I believe we can manage the cold"
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 Friday June 21st, 2024 4:14:03 PM
Frit agrees with Hamlin, but adds, "We should, um, scout it out first. Make sure that we're not going to be, uh, unwelcome guests in someone's home."
OOC: I double checked, and I'm pretty sure that Frit has DV, so if we're going with the first set of watch options, maybe switch him and Aymar?
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 d20+11=22 ; Friday June 21st, 2024 4:48:49 PM
Nadia is no fan of snow, despite her home being more snowy and rocky than the current area. She just did not like the slick steps really, having stumbled a few time while Stone was moving about deftly around the group. She grumbles about how could any one enjoy the freezing air when there was no warmth to be had, perhaps a bit funny given she was a druid to not enjoy all seasons, but everyone did have their favorite. If asked, she would say she would rather be cold than hot, but could do without slipping on a patch of ice that people are certain Stone purposely did not point out to Nadia. It just happened once to often really.
" I like the cave. Caves are nice and secure, where a tree can fall without proper stewardship. Though I would enjoy looking in the area, I sat we still take the rocky outcropping." She does check the copse to figure out what animal life and other things may be around, given them some idea of the dangers they may face, or at least any game they may get to eat with dinner.
22 survival check for any game or creatures around? If not that is 16 nature if that would be the better roll.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d20+12=27 ; d20+8=9 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+7=10 ; Friday June 21st, 2024 4:55:19 PM
Aydi agrees with Frit. "I agree with using the cave. Let Yuki and I take a look." Aydi does a quick check with Yuki.
OOC Aydi Stealth 27 Survival 9 Perception 20
Yuki Stealth 10 Perception 4 (I am guessing she is happy to be out of the stronghold)
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 24/24 Friday June 21st, 2024 6:31:29 PM
Aymar decides to leave Scout behind. He asks Garog to watch him. It was a difficult good-bye but his focus was quickly turned to the trip at hand.
He thinks that the thicket would be better for its protection from the elements but everyone else seems to favor the rocky outcrop. He is willing to go with the group's preferred option. Aymar is fine with Kaida's suggestion, seems balanced.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17 -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 d20+6=9 ; Friday June 21st, 2024 6:34:10 PM
Nora prays for elemental protection in the morning, and after casting the spell on herself isn't much bothered by the cold outside. She does, however, regularly complain about the weight of the adventuring gear, as armor and weapon can't be carried by helpful friends.
At the choice of camp place, she tries to compare the places. "I am not bothered that much by the weather, so for me, the more open place seems nice. And, if I guess right, if trouble comes we'd be all ready when it reaches us, instead of just the guard?" she voices her opinion.
---------------- OOC: Perception 9 for guard duty. Darkvision but seems like Nora looks the wrong way.
Hamlin Vashtel (Brent Adams) -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 d20+8=14 ; Saturday June 22nd, 2024 10:14:07 AM
Perception 8 for guard duty. Hamlin will also cast endure elements every morning.
Bump in the night. - DM SteveM & Cayzle d4=3 ; d6=5 ; Saturday June 22nd, 2024 2:15:58 PM For events in the night, I'm using the 4-watch rotation with Frit and Aymar swapped. So, 3rd watch is. . . Nadia, Stone, and Aymar.
As the group gets ready to stop, they can see that the trek has worn on Ingrida. She seems quite relieved when they decide on the outcropping rather than the thicket as their shelter; it must be homier for her.
Kaida doesn't have an opinion on thicket or overhang, she just realizes she has been chill today even with her gear. She makes a suggestion about the watch.
Hamlin likes watches, and prefers the overhang for a shelter.
Frit agrees with Hamlin, but makes sure the area is uninhabited first. He suggests a small change to the watch.
Nadia grumbles about the snow and cold. Much as she likes the thicket, she prefers the outcropping for shelter. She manages to forage a bit to supplement their rations.
Aydi agrees the cave. He does a quick check with Yuki.
Aymar has left Scout behind with Garog. He thinks that the thicket would be better, but doesn't argue with the majority. He likes Kaida's watch suggestions.
Nora isn't bothered by the cold that day, having prayed for protection from the elementals. She complains about the weight she carries, though. She would be fine with either campsite.
Ian doesn't offer an opinion.
As they set up camp each night, Ingrida pitches in where suggested but often takes a moment to herself, standing at the edge of the camp and gazing out at the vast, untamed landscape. However, Nadia's foraging and Nora's skill provide a meal much better than rations, and by the time they turn in Ingrida seems more at ease.
During the night, everyone except Nadia and Aymar who makes DC 25 perception can read their spoiler; otherwise you sleep through the event. Nadia and Aymar, Highlight to display spoiler: {Roll a perception check. Regardless of the result, you notice some noise in camp and find Ingrida beginning to rifle through people's gear. If your perception check is 15 or higher, you catch her before she has managed to open anything. If your perception check is less than 15, she has gotten into Nora's gear and moved stuff around. When confronted, she is remorseful and admits she was looking for something to drink. It's harder out here than it was safe in the stronghold.}
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Saturday June 22nd, 2024 2:16:05 PM How does goodberry work during the winter? It just says freshly picked berry, but it doesn't say they have to be edible. With my survival or nature check is there any to be around here?
DM Edit: I don't know how other DM's would play it, but I think that the spell would overcome any problems with the berries not being edible. On the other hand, while there are plants that have berries in the winter, I would probably require a survival check to find them, and I'm not sure what DC I'd use.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d20+8=19 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 12:08:36 PM
Aydi sleeps through the night up until his watch. He will ask Aymar and Nora. "Anything we need to worry about?"
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 24/24 d20+3=11 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 12:21:53 PM
Aymar is focused on threats from outside the camp. He ignores the sounds coming from within the camp at first. {Unless Nadia, finds Ingrida first} The noise becomes too much to ignore and finds Ingrida going through Nora's stuff. He approaches her with sympathy, "I know this is difficult, but I am proud of the progress you have made. Be strong, we will get through this together." He will do his best to get Ingrida back to her sleeping accommodations.
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 d20+13=22 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 12:58:13 PM Got a 22 peception, so I od get her before finding anything
Nadia places a hand on Ingrida's shoulder, not aggressive but in a calmly way. She did not understand the struggles the woman was going through, but she did know this task was not just for her, but them as well. This would be around when Aymar came and found them, which gave them both the chance to talk peacefully and quietly to her " You are stronger than this. Besides, I am unsure if a follower of Flower's would carry anything strong enough to taste. Come, take a rest and know we are watching to ensure no danger comes to you."
When asked in the morning, she makes no mention of this to anyone who didn't see it, given it was shameful enough for any dwarf to admit a weakness, but the real strength came from them doing it. If nothing is said, she would simply report " I think I saw some berries I may pick to see if anything can be had from them to help our rations, but nothing else really of note."
Hamlin Vashtel (Brent Adams) -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 d20+8=15 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 4:43:21 PM
Perception 15: Hamlin notices Nadia talking to Ingrida and realizes it must be a private conversation. He does go back to bed but will ask Nadia in the morning.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17 -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 d20+1=5 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 6:47:58 PM "In the windy chill of the sisters, dwell creatures many..." Nora sing a song to remind her of the dangers, but then shakes her head. "Not much help in that. Just keep your eyes open, I guess?"
She sleeps soundly through the night, and wakes up, refreshed. "So, peaceful night then?" she asks, and starts her morning prayers.
---------------- OOC: Night perception 9 rolled earlier. Bardic knowledge 5 for dangers.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/15* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 d20+2=15 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 7:36:46 PM
During her watch Kaida does her best to keep her shivering quiet. She stays alert and is glad the night is uneventful.
She snuggles up trying to get warm in her blanket and sleeps soundly throughout the night, dreaming that breakfast will be a hot meal of some kind.
Perception: 15
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 Sunday June 23rd, 2024 8:18:51 PM " Nothing to note, and what issues we did have was nothing more than curious creatures. We are the first through here perhaps, and many things are wanting to know" She cast a knowing look to Aymar, trusting that he gets the message of what he saw and what she was saying. She didn't think shaming Ingrida was the smart choice here, and while the group may need to know, Ingrida would also be able to trust Nadia, perhaps incase this happened again. One never did know after all how things like this would be taken in the mornings.
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d20+8=11 ; d20+8=26 ; Sunday June 23rd, 2024 10:07:22 PM
After hearing that it was uneventful. He will take Yuki and take his turn.
OOC Survival 11 Perception 26
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20+8=9 ; Monday June 24th, 2024 4:27:27 AM
Frit takes his watch with Aydi, but the commotion in the camp woke him up, and he had a hard time falling back to sleep. He does his best to stay alert during his watch, but as he stares into the darkness, he feels his eyelids close a few times, drifting to sleep only to wake with a jerk. After the second time this happens, he puts a pot of water on the fire to brew tea, hoping that will help him to stay awake. He doesn’t want to endanger his friends by not being attentive on his watch.
OOC Perception - 9 (crit fail)
Hamlin Vashtel (Brent Adams) -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 Monday June 24th, 2024 6:36:00 PM
In the morning Hamlin will make breakfast and smile at Ingrida. "My family came from underground much like the dwarves. I can imagine all this wide open air makes it difficult for you."
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 24/24 Monday June 24th, 2024 7:14:30 PM
Aymar confirms Nadia's story. "Yep, nothing of note. He heads back to sleep for a few hours.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17 -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 Monday June 24th, 2024 7:38:30 PM
Nora finishes her prayers, and casts the endure elements on herself again. "It does get a bit chilly without the spell or winter clothes."
Nothing of note. - DM SteveM & Cayzle Monday June 24th, 2024 8:45:44 PM
Aydi, Hamlin, Nora, Kaida, Frit, and Ian have uneventful watches and otherwise sleep through the night. (The DC was 25.)
Aymar and Nadia report no more than curious creatures during their watch. Nadia would also like to look for some berries. This is absolutely the worst time of year to find berries, so let's call it a DC 25 survival check. (OOC: I think I'll ask other DMs for next time.)
Hamlin makes breakfast, and engages Ingrida in conversation.
As her spell runs down, Nora briefly feels the cold before casting it again.
The day is much the same as the last. In better weather, they might have made the base of Forlorn Mountain by that evening, but they figure there's at least another day to go when they set up camp again. They have another uneventful night.
As the dawn's first light paints the sky in fiery hues of crimson, the adventurers prepare their breakfast. Unexpectedly, the crisp mountain air is charged with the echoes of a clear incantation, and the downslope horizon crackles with raw energy.
RobC - Kaida Shadowplay -- AC 17*/13/15* -- CMD 11 -- HP 24/24 Tuesday June 25th, 2024 4:21:58 AM
Kaida rubs her hands together. Breakfast was nice, but nowhere near the standard of the Jolly Miner. "Mmm. Bacon. Eggs. Hot drinks." Just the thought starts to warm her a little, but she loses her concentration when she hears the incantations. She looks to the others. "You all heard that too, right? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
--------- Perception: 12
Spencer Holloway Nadia Silvershield AC 19/13/15 HP 28/28 d20+11=24 ; d20+13=29 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2024 11:39:15 AM Nadia is experienced enough druid that actually finding any berries is going to be hard, but knows her magic can make them edible. That's more the effect, to help with rations, so if she doesn't find any its not that big an issue to her 24 survival for berries, and a 29 perception to check for dangers with the mountain singing. Is it from the throat? Are there horses nearby?
Nadia searches about trying to find some berries to help their rations, knowing that while it was not good mushroom tea from Frit or the hot food she gets on the weekends from the Miner, she does come up a bit empty. Nothing she found had anything worth using a spell on, and when she comes back, she notes the looks around about the less than comfortable life they did have.
After a few moments, having missed the notes in her previous foraging trips, she does pause, but is unsure there needs to be any worries. [b]" Well now, no use in wondering about it. We will either be prepared and face it, or it shall be friends we need to speak with afterwards."
Jess- Fritjof -- AC 15/15/13 -- CMD 19 -- HP 35/35 d20+8=10 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2024 2:29:13 PM "Hear what?" Frit asks, chewing on a mouthful of rations.
OOC Perception 10 Rolled a 1 last perception check and 2 this time, so my luck is improving! lol
StephenT - Aydi Alzila -- AC 19/16/16 -- CMD 18 -- HP 28/28 d20+8=11 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2024 5:03:51 PM "The only thing I can hear right now is my stomach growling. What are you hearing?" Aydi says with a mouthful of food.
OOO Perception 11 (got a 3)
Hamlin Vashtel (Brent Adams) -- AC 13/13/10 -- CMD 13 -- HP 19/19 d20+8=14 ; d20=20 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2024 6:37:51 PM
Spellcraft to recognize the incantation. Spellcraft =14. Hamlin will jump up and try to find the direction. Perception: 28
Dominik - Aymar Shakhtar -- AC 20/16/17 -- CMD 21 -- HP 24/24 d20+3=20 ; d20+5=10 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2024 6:46:42 PM
Aymar stirs around, heading out to the edge of the rock outcropping to take in the day. He hears the noise clearly but is having trouble recognizing anything about it.
MM - Eleonora Deepmine -- AC 17 -- CMD 12 -- HP 23/23 d20+1=6 ; Tuesday June 25th, 2024 7:12:18 PM
Nora looks at the crackling energy, worried. "That might mean a lot of trouble..." she says and casts a spell to get more information about the magic.
---------------------- OOC: Bardic knowledge 6 about the magic. Cast Detect Magic to get some knowledge.
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