DM Bob and Carla - ”The centaur of attention” Monday September 23rd, 2024 10:51:00 PM Snark’stiny hut provides a warm respite for his friends during the course of the night. On facing the reality of the cold weather in the morning, the blue haired gnome and his herbaceous companion, Beatrix, Benni, Makis, Urist and Eadric all manage to fight off the frosty conditions. Tired from a long watch, Tinkerbell finds refuge in a pocket of the centaur’s lumpy coat. Ellashee takes a chill, and gets wrapped up in a fold of the blood-witch’s cloak. The heroes take their usual care with preparations before breaking camp.
As the party discuss the merits of continuing down the road south vs searching for a trail that might lead to the centaurs, Benni glances backwards, down the road towards the north, and sees a shadow, a dark moving blur. The party hear the beat of galloping hooves. The Hiope following the road, and bearing down on the Luck Makers from behind. Sweeping up with a noise like thunder, and with astonishing speed and skill they split and flow ‘round the group, before checking, and wheeling back.
The party find themselves in a ring of centaurs moving in a running circle, round and round, drawing ever closer. Without a word or cry, the centaurs halt. A thicket of spears point at the party, and bows , their arrows already fitted to the string ready to be loosed. Then one rides forward, taller than the rest. Long black hair flowing back from a noble face. Tawny skin melding into golden brown fur.
”Who are you, and why are you on this land?” he asks in a strong voice, addressing the group. Then, fixing his dark eyes on Beatrix he asks ”Why do you travel with these…people? Are you their captive? We will free you if you are! But we saw you running with the stars in the night. What was that?! Do they venerate you? “
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC23 T14 F20, CMD 15, HP 78/78 Tuesday September 24th, 2024 1:10:06 AM
The little gnome frowns at this unwarranted threat. Remarkably, he bites back the retort that was forming on his lips. Instead he will hop off his plant companion and bow low to this lead centaur.
"Greetings to the noble Hiope. My name is Snark Riverstone. I'm just a little gnome and I don't pose no threat to one so mighty. May I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"
He's pretty sure if they wanted us dead, they'd have attacked already. Still, he readies an action to cast Dimension Door if they do attack.
Snark waits for others to add information about the dwarves we seek.
“Benni” AC 32/19/31 CMD 24. HP 63/ 63 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+7=26 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2024 6:48:54 AM
Benni was just about to shake his head at Urist's suggestion; the slim benefit of meeting the Hiope by staying in camp for a day weighed against the waning hope of any alive captives from the two attacks on the road.
And then the Hiope make their appearance. As the centaurs conduct their battle ring, the armored elf is fully defensive, just in case, but anticipates a bit of parlay first. Snark is the first to respond, and the cleric expects Beatrix to take the lead on these negotiations, but will diplomatically put in his two coppers. "All of us are friends, called the Luck Makers, a heroic group from Heranmar and travelling to Wayfarer. I am Onesimos Elpis, cleric of Flower, and I also greet you in love in our temporary time in the Wold."
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 76/76 AC 20/16/18 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 d20+1=9 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2024 8:13:08 AM
Oh joy, racism and assumptions much. Beatrix winces as the party try to calm things down, they probably should have let her speak first given the Centaur's attitude. "I'm no one's prisoner, these are my friends. I'm Beatrix, I live in a town near here. We learned of some dwarves who went missing in the area and hoped to rescue them. We saw signs your people were in the area and hoped to ask if you'd seen them; their families are very worried." (Diplomacy 9)
Makis the Lucky (AC 13/13/10, CMD 16. HP 78/78) (Harry) d20+5=14 ; Tuesday September 24th, 2024 1:05:57 PM
Makis considers casting Spectral Hand before the centaurs arrive but will do so only if he is sure the casting will not be seen and possibly taken as an offensive action. When the tribe arrives he will try to assist his brother in diplomacy by adding We were camping here precisely in the hope that you would come and speak with us.
ooc: Aid to Diplomacy successful with a 14
Eadric Wolfe (Ben V) AC27 T19 FF27 CMD 27 83/83HP Tuesday September 24th, 2024 2:52:20 PM
Eadric takes his hand off his rapier hilt and raises the two up in a placating gesture. He wasn't looking forward to being made a whole tribes pincushion. He lets his more diplomatically aligned party members handle the situation, aware that his attempts would most likely be met with hostile responses.
Urist (AC24, HP82of82) (Cayzle) Tuesday September 24th, 2024 8:14:06 PM
Urist lends her effort to Beatrice's Diplomacy. "Her image in the sky was a magical way to communicate our hope for friendship with you," says Urist. "We do not mean to offend, but rather the opposite."
Diplomacy +26 gives an auto +2 to Bea's effort.
DM Bob and Carla - ”The centaur of attention” Tuesday September 24th, 2024 10:58:10 PM
Surveying the party keenly, the tawny centaur listens as the Luck Makers make themselves known.
Snark states he is no threat, gives his name, and asks the rider his. Benni proudly identifies the heroes as the Luck Makers and himself by his formal elven name. Beatrix asserts she is no prisoner, and that her companions are also friends. In plain speaking, she identifies the gist of their mission. (+5 circumstance bonus due to being a centaur!) Makis adds his genial welcome, adding the party had hoped to meet the Hiope. Eadric removes his hands from proximity to weapons, and raises them in a placating gesture Urist supports Beatrix and provides an explanation for the image in the sky.
Lifting his spear in his left hand, the tawny centaur places his right hand over his heart and bows his head to Beatrix first, then once more - but less deeply - to the Luck Makers. ”I am Rigel, son of Leander. We are Hiope. We have crossed these lands for as long as they have existed. Each winter we travel to the coastal downs and camp there. The tribe has quit the shadows of the Grey Tooth Mountains and the cold that is creeping across the plains for more temperate climes - as is our tradition. We are the rearguard. We… he gestures at the centaurs encircling the party before continuing, ”….also, seek some of our people who have gone missing. That is why we have stopped you.” He looks at Beatrix”we thought you were one of ours.”
Rigel looks like he would say more, but he pauses, and waits for a response from the Luck Makers.
Perception vs DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { the scouting party of 20 individuals is made up equally of males and females - all young and fit. }
Sense Motive vs DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { though pressed in close to the heroes, the centaurs are cautious, but without animosity. They are also very curious about Beatrix}
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC23 T14 F20, CMD 15, HP 78/78 Wednesday September 25th, 2024 1:53:30 AM
(Snark will Take 10 on both rolls for a success.)
The little gnome grips his staff as he looks up at the towering centaur. He rests his other hand on his plant companion.
"So listen Rigel. You seem like a nice enough guy. Think you could tell your folks to point all their pointy things somewhere else? It's kinda making you seem like a bad host.
"We seem to have a mutual problem - you're missin' some centaurs, and we're missin' a bunch of dwarves. Maybe we can work together? Do you know anything about the missing dwarves? Has this happened to your people before? Any idea what might be causing this? Are there new creatures in the area? Our information suggests they attacked at night. Would you like to accompany us?"
“Benni” AC 25/12/24 CMD 19. HP 63/ 63 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+8=10 ; d20+18=32 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2024 7:21:07 AM
Benni doesn't notice much with his eyes, but his heart immediately sees a lack of hostility and their curiosity about his friend, Beatrix. He drops his defensive crouch and nods to Bea. "They seem to want to know more about you, Schoolmarm, perhaps you would be able to increase your educational classes and connect the region's good peoples into an ever growing community of mutual help."
The cleric thinks it wise not to follow Snark's usual staccato series of questions with still more from many people, and looks to Beatrix to lead the discussion.
........... Active Effects: Endure Elements (24hrs)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 76/76 AC 20/16/18 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 Wednesday September 25th, 2024 8:03:16 AM
Beatrix is sympathetic. "Sorry, no. I grew up in a distant city with people of all species and am only passingly familiar with many Centaur customs and cultures. I learned with the great Sages Guild there and came here to teach small children what they need to thrive in the wold, though I also help when things go wrong like our missing Dwarves.
We should compare notes. Perhaps together we can figure out what to do next."
Unless someone objects Beatrix will share everything the party has learned so far about the disapperences.
Urist (AC24, HP82of82) (Cayzle) Wednesday September 25th, 2024 11:36:41 AM
Urist smiles and encourages everyone to get along. "We have a common interest in missing persons," she says.
Eadric Wolfe (Ben V) AC27 T19 FF27 CMD 27 83/83HP Wednesday September 25th, 2024 3:10:54 PM
Eadric is relieved that they seem to not be connected in any way to the missing dwarves. He was worried the party might have to face a tribe of centaurs! Letting the others take the reins socially, he relaxes.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP63/91 AC23/ T13 / FF20 d20+13=16 ; d20+6=23 ; d20+12=23 ; Wednesday September 25th, 2024 8:03:59 PM
Isaac endures the night and shrugs off the cold. He notices the guard of centaurs are all young and fit, but something seems off. "Are you looking for an older centaur?" he ask cautiously, "I would guess commanding a guard would be taken up by an older centaur. But many of you look young. Is your commander among the missing?"
Fort:16 Perception:23 Sense motive :Auto pass with +10 sense motive Diplomacy:23
DM Bob and Carla - ”Common interests” Wednesday September 25th, 2024 11:14:52 PM Snark asks Rigel to call off his warriors, then peppers the centaur with questions. Benni suggests Beatrix lead any discussions - and she does - providing a bit of background on her upbringing, and reiterating the party’s mission to find several dwarves from the quarry near Heranmar that have gone missing on the road to Fort Wayfarer. Urist suggests the two groups have a common interest Eadric is just glad the Hiope appear to be friend, and not foe Isaac thinks one of the missing might be from the rearguard
Rigel commands his team to stand down, and give the Luck Makers some breathing room. Looking at Isaac he says: ”We may be young, but we are not inexperienced”. He continues, addressing the group as a whole: ”Wanderers in the Plains would be wise to take care.! There is trouble now on the land, and we are threatened; but we desire only to be free, and to live as we have lived, keeping our own, and serving no one - good or evil. Winter comes early now from the south, and brings with it large creatures that are foreign to us. They walk on two legs - as you do - however appear as beasts, and lurk in the shadows of the mountains where there is snow.”
The centaur lowers his head and gives it a shake. ”Those who have gone missing had a small hutment at the foot of the mountains - but the family is gone - their belongings abandoned and no sign to indicate their whereabouts.”
The group leader will explain that with the change in the weather, they have called off their search and will quit the plains to follow their tribe and protect the rear. However, they will travel south with the Luck Makers for one day and share camp before parting ways. They did, indeed, see a small band travelling the road many weeks back, however, wary of strangers, they did not engage the little persons.
With a few words to his people, Rigel soon has a vanguard heading down the road south, and a rearguard, trailing behind the group. Centaurs ride easily through the high grass several yards into the plains on either side of the road, while a few mingle with the party as they move forward.
The centaur warriors are curious about Beatrix’s lumpy coat and mention of living in a ‘city’, and Herb Alpert standing beside the blue haired gnome. A dark eyed female asks Snark if he is a sorcerer? From their small talk it appears the centaurs enjoy sporting activities - especially running and archery, as well as tales of heroism.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC23 T14 F20, CMD 15, HP 78/78 Thursday September 26th, 2024 2:36:03 AM
Snark listens carefully to what the centaurs say. "Hutment? What's a Hutment? Sorry to hear that family is gone. We'll try to get them back too."
The little gnome speaks to his plant and it extends vines so Snark can climb atop Herb Alpert. As he travels down the road, Herb's vines scuttle and roll along the road. He lights his pipe and puffs away as we travel.
When one of the travelling centaurs asks if he is a sorcerer, he's quick to respond, "Sorcerer? Heck no! I have to work for my spells. I'm a wizard - a greenmage to be precise. It's kinda like a nature wizard, though not like a druid or anything.
"How 'bout you toots? What's your name? Ever wanted to be a wizard?"
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 76/76 AC 20/16/18 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 Thursday September 26th, 2024 8:11:42 AM
Beatrix is always happy to teach, even if the teaching takes the form of small talk about growing up. She talks of her childhood, the joys and difficulties of growing up in a city, and how annoying it is when things aren't built for centaurs in mind. She'll make sure to go into details about the city that she wouldn't in other situations since it seems clear they've never been to one.
For any questions about her coat she's happy to show off it's many pockets full of useful camping gear.
“Benni” AC 25/12/24 CMD 19. HP 63/ 63 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday September 26th, 2024 1:20:46 PM
Benni is also happy, but not for the same reasons as Beatrix. The elf is quite pleased the centaurs will be with them for a day even though people like Benni and Isaac will slow them down.
That evening around the small cooking fire, he ties his brown hair into a queue and seeks to get more information, both from his friends and the Hiope. "I suppose a hutment is pretty much like a hut, only to accomodate Centaurs, yes? But with that particular description: two-legged bipedal monsters that hide in the snow. Snark, Beatrix, or Makis, do any of you have knowledge of aberrations (Dungeoneering), monstrous humanoids (Nature), magical beasts (Arcana), or even outsiders (Planes) that may be able to generate cold and are intelligent enough to capture humanoids instead of just killing them?"
"And in the morning, I believe fire-effect spells may be the order of the day."
DM Bob and Carla - ”Common interests” Thursday September 26th, 2024 4:54:13 PM (OOC: DM supplemental hutment - group of temporarily made huts or small camp like structures. Sorry for any confusion. - DM Carla)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC23 T14 F20, CMD 15, HP 78/78 d20+14=32 ; d20+14=21 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+11=30 ; Thursday September 26th, 2024 8:19:31 PM
(No worries on the hutment - I learned a new word!)
DM Bob & Carla - Day’s End Thursday September 26th, 2024 11:16:57 PM
The centaurs keep a slow steady pace throughout the day, aware that their new companions are not as fleet of foot. The land rises steadily as they proceed south and the road winds its way through hills and valleys that have also become more prevalent. Copses of deciduous trees dot the landscape, holding on to yellowed leaves while others have cast theirs to the ground. A breeze rises through the afternoon and light flurries of snow are swept across their path.
The centaurs listen intently to Beatrix’s tales of city living and teaching from books but it is clear they do not fully comprehend the true nature of what she describes. The female speaking with Snark reveals that she has just begun studying under the shaman but that it consists mostly of searching for rare plants and fungi. ”He hasn’t shown me any magic yet, just endless talk about how magic is present in the roots and soil and the wind itself.” Her voice trails of in disappointment.
Benni wonders aloud about the nature of the beasts that lurk in the forests to the south. Snark rattles off a number of possibilities including Frost Men, Yetis, Ogres, Bugbears, Orcs, Lycanthropes including werebears, Trolls, Giants of various sorts, and of course humans.
As the sun begins to set, the centaurs select a site sheltered from the wind and post watches for the night. There will be plenty of time to talk around the evening meal .
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 76/76 AC 20/16/18 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 Friday September 27th, 2024 6:10:12 AM
Beatrix smiles at the shaman trainee's disappointment. "Not all magic is flashy, and there is magic in everyday things. Sure learning of the natural world isn't as thrilling, but when people get sick and injured it is potions and herb lore are far, far more useful."
“Benni” AC 25/12/24 CMD 19. HP 63/ 63 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday September 27th, 2024 7:29:28 AM
Benni contemplates the task, and finally ventures to join the conversation around the fire. "Rigel, with your team as the rear guard for your tribe, and us going on, are you willing to tell us more about the family that was taken? Names or a description so we may know them. And are there words or a token that we may show them that we have spoken with you and are attempting a rescue? Getting kidnapped would make them even more wary of strangers than the Hiope usually are, and I would not be able to wrestle a panicky colt to behave, let alone a full Hiope centaur!"
Even with the centaurs, Benni feels the Luck Makers should take their normal watch shifts, it is their part to support the mutual goals of both teams.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP63/91 AC23/ T13 / FF20 Friday September 27th, 2024 5:33:57 PM
Isaac apologizes "I'm sorry if i insulted you Rigel. I meant no disrespect. With stories of these creatures kidnapping people I made a leap of logic that one of you own was taken." Isaac intersects with his own observations about magic "Scholarly magic can only take you so far in healing from my experience if you hurt a cleric is much better than potions but will never say no to a potion of healing."
Urist (AC24, HP82of82) (Cayzle) d20=10 ; Friday September 27th, 2024 8:35:14 PM
Urist listens to the stories and conversations and keeps alert for dangers.
Perception 10
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC23 T14 F20, CMD 15, HP 78/78 d20+8=9 ; Saturday September 28th, 2024 5:26:49 PM
Snark responds to the aspiring centaur shaman with some sympathy.
"Following a path of learning magic can be difficult, and it's not unusual for newbies to spend a couple years learning the ropes. It's natural to be a bit impatient, so keep nicely pushing on your mentor to teach you some real stuff as he works to make sure you're ready.
"In the meantime, here's a token of magic to take with you."
Snark will hand the woman a coin with Continual Flame cast on it.
With the centaurs suggesting a place to camp, Snark will wait until nightfall before casting Tiny Hut to provide some of us a warm place to sleep. (20' radius sphere.) The little gnome will try to predict the weather for the next 24 hours (Survival 9.)
Makis the Lucky (AC 13/13/10, CMD 16. HP 78/78) (Harry) Sunday September 29th, 2024 9:14:47 PM
ooc: Sorry for my absence. Bad weather here and I was camping at a blacksmith event during the worst of it.
Makis is happy to go along with the group. He marvels at the strength of the troop and wonders at large bi-peds, thinking maybe frost giant or the like.
DM Bob and Carla - ”A new dawn, a new day…and a new adventure!” d6=3 Sunday September 29th, 2024 11:10:25 PM
A campsite is located and a larger than usual campfire lit in order to accommodate the mixed group of adventurers. Beatrix, Isaac and Snark encourage the shaman-trainee to be patient, but persistent in her pursuit of knowledge. When the gnome offers a perpetually lit coin to the young female, she is quite surprised. She cuts a length of her shiny dark hair and braids it into a circlet just large enough for Snark’s wrist. ”Friend” she says, offering the gift to the greenmage.
Benni learns the missing are a family of four - Ali and Laila, and their sons Asa and Luka. Rigel shares that Asa and Luka are fit and strong and approaching the time for their service as warriors. He assures the elven cleric that with a centaur who is a wise-woman, the heroes would be believed - and more importantly - trusted.
Some large prairie animal is roasted over the fire, the sliced meat wrapped in a thin flat bread and topped with foraged greens. The centaurs share a selection of dried fruits and nuts for which the Gateway Downs are known, and there is clear, cold water from a nearby spring.
As sparks from the fire fly up into the sky, stories are shared, and there is even a little music with singing, drums, and flutes. Makis wonders what they might encounter in the mountains. Isaac and the leader of the centaurs find common ground. Snark sets up his tiny hut, but struggles with forecasting the weather. He thinks he smells snow - but then there had been light flurries off and on earlier in the afternoon…The centaurs find sheltered spots to bed down, and Rigel and Benni set the watches. Urist does not perceive any danger, and other than a whinny from some dreaming centaur - a quiet night is passed by all.
*******
Beyond the comfortable 70degF of the tiny hut it’s cold! (Fort Save vs DC 16 (temperature 20deg.F/-7degC) 3 HP non lethal dmg from cold. add +5 bonus for cold weather gear). The ground is hard and cold, and the sky the colour of lead. Breakfast is a quick affair, but someone has brewed a large pot of hot tea.
Rigel confirms the party of dwarves were spotted travelling south, and headed towards the tree line that marks the base of the Grey Tooth Mountains. The Luck Makers have another day of travel south on the main road, and then will likely have to find another path or move cross country south and west. With a final farewell, the centaur troop head north down the road, and towards more temperate climes.
(OOC: Only one Fort roll vs cold weather required for the day.)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC23 T14 F20, CMD 15, HP 78/78 d20+15=17 ; d20+10=11 ; Monday September 30th, 2024 1:24:28 AM
(Snark Fort save 17, Herb Fort save 11 - rolled a 1)
Snark is honored to receive the precious bracelet from the centaur. He thanks her and asks her name so he can remember her. He is again honored to share in the centaurs dinner.
In the morning, he wakes, eats, uses Prestidigitation to clean himself up, and memorizes spells for the day. Then he exits the Tiny Hut which ends the spell, and he and Herb Alpert are hit by the deep cold. Snark resists the effects, but Herb does not and takes 3 points of non-lethal damage.
After bidding farewell to our centaur escort, the little gnome climbs aboard his plant mount and heads south with his friends. He lights his pipe and puffs on it as he goes.
Makis the Lucky (AC 13/13/10, CMD 16. HP 78/78) (Harry) d20+17=34 ; Monday September 30th, 2024 6:18:08 AM
With the large camp Makis does not have his familiar out of the hut at night so both sleep warm with the tiny dragon curled cat-like against the witch's body. A purr like breathing can be heard from Elleshee by any close enough. Both wake rested with the dawn and Makis completes his morning rituals Elleshee, recalling the cold of the previous night, contacts Snark telepathically thanking him for the warm hut.
With the experience of the previous morning Makis will cast Rose's Temperature Control on his familiar who has no cold weather gear, negating the need for Elleshee to make a fort save. He trusts his clothing and experience of being outside as a wanderer for himself and stays quite warm.
“Benni” AC 25/12/24 CMD 19. HP 63/ 63 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+15=20 ; d20+8=16 ; Monday September 30th, 2024 8:06:43 AM
Benni, not for the first time, is thankful for his wise preparations in having Endure Elements that lasts for 24 hours, and having cold weather clothing just in case the magic is dispelled or suppressed.
The elf is glad they have the names of the centaur family and the assurance of Rigel. Snark's Centaur-hair bracelet may prove handy too! After a thrifty camp breakfast, Benni is ready to part ways and continue their journey, keeping his eyes open.
.......... Fort (in case) 20 Endure Elements Highlight to display spoiler: {} A creature protected by endure elements suffers no harm from being in a hot or cold environment. It can exist comfortably in conditions between –50 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit without having to make Fortitude saves.[/i] Perception: 16
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 76/76 AC 20/16/18 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 d20+14=28 ; Monday September 30th, 2024 9:22:50 AM
Beatrix resists the cold and says good bye to the centaurs. It was nice to have company. Now though it's time to refocus on the mission and get moving. (fort 28)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 15, HP 78/78 Monday September 30th, 2024 2:46:05 PM
Snark worries a bit about his plant companion in the cold. He pulls out his Winter Blanket and ties it to the the creature before climbing on.
(Would that be enough to give him a +2 circumstance bonus against the cold for future rolls?)
Urist (AC24, HP82of82) (Cayzle) Monday September 30th, 2024 9:46:13 PM
Urist pumps out another Rose's Temperature Control for personal warmth, and asks I'f anybody else needs assistance.
DM Bob and Carla - ”A new dawn, a new day…and a new adventure!” d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Monday September 30th, 2024 11:31:05 PM
The Luck Makers each find a way to deal with the cold they encounter.
Snark’s kit keeps him warm. He hopes a blanket will do the trick for Herb Alpert. The blanket provides additional cushioning for the gnome’s fundament, but doesn’t warm up the plant companion, who moves stiffly, but fulfills his role as a mount for the greenmage. Makis envelopesEllashee in magical comfort, and snuggles into his own warm clothes. Benni has no problem enduring the elements. Beatrix easily resists the cold. Urist activates a personal aura of comfort, and offers to provide the same for any who might struggle with the cold
The ground stays hard and cold, and the sky the colour of lead. There is no wind to contend with and travel along the road is easy. About mid-day it begins to snow - not so heavily that sight is impaired, but with the ground as cold as it is, it does begin to accumulate. By the time the group finds a suitable place to camp for the night, there is 3 inches of snow on the ground. (Survival check vs DC 15 suggests Highlight to display spoiler: {it will continue snowing throughout the night, and into the next day.})
As the party make camp Benni perceives further south and off to the west the dark forms of mountains, their tops shrouded in low clouds, and before them foothills with dark green swathes of conifers providing contrast to the snow covered ground. The road continues south, but the wide swath of open grassland is giving way to brush and intermittent tree cover.
*****
A quiet night is made even quieter by the soft fall of snow. Any who suffered from the cold recover after 8 hours warming by a fire or bundled up in a shelter. In the morning, the party wake to a further 6 inches of snow and temperatures below freezing. (Fort Save vs DC 16 (temperature 20deg.F/-7degC) 1 HP non lethal dmg from cold. add +5 bonus for cold weather gear). The party know (based on the map drawn by Durgan, and the information provided by Rigel) that sometime over the course of the day they will come to the place on the road south towards Fort Wayfarer where the last dwarven party left the road to seek shelter in the tree line.
Roll any skill checks deemed relevant if/as you continue down the road.
(OOC: Only one Fort roll vs cold weather required for the day, and there is no difficulty with the terrain if staying on the road.)
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 15, HP 78/78 d20+15=28 ; d20+10=23 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2024 1:38:08 AM
(This time both Snark and Herb make their fort save - 28 and 23)
Snark conjured a Tiny Hut to keep everyone warm that night. He's not completely surprised to see the snow in the morning. But it's not a welcome sight. As he exits the spell, the Tiny Hut disappears and the cold hits him.
"By the Crones, it's cold today!" He clambers atop his plant mount, urging Herb to ease on down the road. That reminds him of a tune, which he hums as we go.
He tries to predict the weather for the day. (Take 10 on Survival for 18.)
He keeps a sharp eye out for anything out of the norm - or any sign of the missing dwarves or centaurs. (Take 10 on Perception for 25.)
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 76/76 AC 20/16/18 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 d20+14=24 ; d20=16 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2024 8:01:54 AM
Beatrix is ready for action and antsy. This is likely the day they'll meet the enemy, whatever it is. She continues to manage the cold fine and keeps her eyes open. "Do we want to tie ourselves together to ensure we can't be separated in a storm?" she asks the group.
“Benni” AC 25/12/24 CMD 19. HP 63/ 63 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+15=32 ; d20+8=15 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2024 8:20:22 AM
Benni commiserates with his friends about the cold. "Times like this makes me wish I became one of Flower's Faceless Ones, they always wear a mask!"
"OK, we are getting closer to the known ambush site. I would be a good idea to keep aware and have weapons handy. If we are attacked in a driving blizzard, I plan on casting a Wind Wall spell so we aren't without sight." At least, the elf pauses, he hopes that will work...
His mornings meditations, Benni selects 'Wall of Stone' over 'Greater Command'
.......... Fort (in case) 32 Perception: 15 Active Effects: Endure Elements (24hrs)
Eadric Wolfe (Ben V) AC27 T19 FF27 CMD 27 83/83HP d20+16=18 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2024 1:19:14 PM
Eadric follows Benni's advice and readies his weaponry for any ambushers. (18 fort). Replying to Beatrix, he says in a lighthearted manner: "With some of our parties propensity for flight, that might end with us being flung around like ragdolls."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP63/91 AC23/ T13 / FF20 d20+13=26 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+18=26 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2024 3:34:16 PM
Isaac is able to weather the biting cold as the group makes their way to Fort Wayfarer. "If it gets much colder I'll need to start casting endure elements on myself." He grumbles. Isaac keeps watching the sides of the road trying to see anything in the tree line. He also tries and remember any tales about undead connected to the cold. Fort 1:26 Survival:16 Fort 2:16 Perception:19 Know:Religion:26
Makis the Lucky (AC 13/13/10, CMD 16. HP 78/78) (Harry) d20+10=15 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+9=29 ; Tuesday October 1st, 2024 7:22:39 PM
Before bed Makis studies the sky and seems to almost taste the wind. More snow tomorrow. No surprise there as we head south.
Hee sleeps soundly, once again appreciative of the tiny hut. In the morning he will cast Rose's Temperature Control once again on Ellashee and send her aloft to scout. Makis embraces the chill of the morning like s seasoned traveler.
ooc: Survival of 15 for the night before and 17 the next morning. Fort Save of 29 for Makis. Ellashee perception of 29 for spotting dangers on the path.
Urist (AC24, HP82of82) (Cayzle) Tuesday October 1st, 2024 10:43:36 PM
Urist is glad of the tiny hut. "Thanks Snark," she says with a bow.
"That's a good idea, Bea," she says when the centaur suggests ropes. "A blizzard can surprise you!"
"Benni, do you really think we might be ambushed in this weather in the same spot?" Urist is doubtful. "But a little paranoia can't hurt?" she shrugs and keeps her maul handy.
She grins at Eadric's point about flight. "In this weather, I'm grounded!"
DM Bob and Carla - ”A little paranoia can’t hurt!” Inches of snow that fall d6=2 Tuesday October 1st, 2024 11:31:53 PM
Warm clothes, some magics, a small campfire, and a heated tiny hut - the heroes have got a routine for dealing with the frosty conditions of the winter-like season in the Gateway Downs. Snark, Makis and Isaac compare notes and come to the conclusion that the flurries will taper off over the course of the day, but the sky will remain overcast. Temperatures will remain below freezing, and it could get colder if the wind picks up - especially on the exposed open stretches of the road. (OOC:per previous post, No requirement for additional Fort saves vs cold weather ‘today’.)
Like Benni, Beatrix is worried about impaired visibility. The centaur wonders if the party should rope themselves together in order to avoid getting separated. The visual of what might happen should some of the party’s flyers go into action causes Eadric and Urist to chuckle. They both follow Benni’s advice and ensure their weapons are at the ready.
Isaac tries to recall what he knows of undead connected to the cold. He recalls hearing of something called a frost wight that is an undead thing, however frankly, most undead aren’t much bothered by the cold.
Ellashee and Benni do not spot any visible threats to the party. There’s not much to see as the heroes trek down the road. Snow blankets the Wold for as far as the eye can see. The powdery white stuff has sifted down between the tall blades of grass on the plains, and outlines the bare branches of deciduous trees whilst weighting down the wide green branches of the conifers. The low clouds and random flakes have encouraged most wildlife to take cover. There appears to be no game afoot, few if any tracks, and the air is quiet of birds and their song. Beatrix keeps her eyes open, and at mid-afternoon spots a configuration of trees similar to those described by the wounded dwarf Dimla, as the place where he and his group left the road to seek shelter in the tree line.
Snark and Isaac note the outline of a narrow path west, branching off the road they are currently following. It is discernible only as a snow-covered depression about 3 feet wide that follows the contours of the land before disappearing deeper into the sparsely forested foothills.
If the path west is chosen by the party, a Survival check vs DC 15 (Highlight to display spoiler: { suggests they are headed in the right direction to discover the site where the hunters found the injured dwarf, Dimla.})
“Benni” AC 25/12/24 CMD 19. HP 63/ 63 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday October 2nd, 2024 7:48:29 AM
Benni nods when someone points out the copse of trees; "Yes, that should be it. We may be able to find clues around where Dimla said he was headed before being attacked. If nothing else, some scrap equipment to confirm this is where they were ambushed."
The cleric plans to check out this area, then continue on to Fort Wayfarer. If they aren't attacked by then, to trek out to the Hutment of the Hiope Centaurs that were taken. They have no information on where the first dwarf team went missing other than somewhere between Heranmar and Fort Wayfarer. Hopefully, by looking at the three known places, they can get enough information eked out with Divinations to find the missing dwarfs and centaurs!
Beatrix and Tinkerbell (Mitch) HP 76/76 AC 20/16/18 CMD 22 Tinkerbell HP 32/32 AC 23/15/21 d20=18 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2024 8:29:40 AM
Beatrix advances cautiously, expecting trouble. Perception 18
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP63/91 AC23/ T13 / FF20 d20+3=21 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2024 2:19:16 PM
Isaac notices that the snow covered path west matches with what the hunters who found Dilma reported. "I think that's path covered in snow is what we want if we go that way we'll find the spot they were ambushed. "
Eadric Wolfe (Ben V) AC27 T19 FF27 CMD 27 83/83HP d20+4=8 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2024 3:22:12 PM
Eadric sees no difference in the paths ahead, and follows whatever the group chooses. A life spent in the city leads to some underdeveloped wilderness skills!
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC17 T13 F15, CMD 15, HP 78/78 d20+15=21 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+14=26 ; Wednesday October 2nd, 2024 8:41:28 PM
The little mage studies his spells and readies his gear. Both Snark and his plant mount resist the effects of the cold when the Tiny Hut winks out.
"Yer certainly welcome Urist. I shudder to think what it must've been like for them dwarves trying to make this trek without a magic shelter to sleep in. I'm not a big fan of waking covered in snow. Tough folk you dwarves."
About mid morning, he will cast an extended Mage Armor on himself, and is happy to cast Mage Armor on Makis using his pearl.
Taking the path west, Snark says, "I'm thinking your right Isaac - this seems to be the route them dwarves took. Let's see what we can find out."
Perception 28 to keep and eye out for any sign of the dwarves, or more importantly an ambush from whatever attacked them!
Knowledge Nature 24 as he surveys his surroundings for trouble or anythign unusual in the woods.
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