Winter's Bite, Part 1
Log Info
- Title: Winter's Bite, Part 1
- Emitter: Patch
- Characters: Faiza, Slixvah, Jay, Robert
- Place: Mountains North-West of Alexandria
- Time: Monday, October 31, 2022, 6:34 PM
- Summary: While traveling a mountain trail an adventuring party is caught in a heavy snow from a freak storm. Having to take refuge in a small enclave of hermits that offer some respite from the chill, something is noticeably wrong with the weather. The winds and snow aren't the only thing making noise and trouble, and the night shall be long. As the adventurers relax in an ice cold pool and make dinner, they are attacked. Yetis and Ghouls, sent by a horned Oni, perhaps in service of the Snow Regent, Lady Sha-kho, known to kidnap folks every other generation. They fight, and prevail, but the night is not over.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Faiza 5'0" 120 Lb Mul'niessa Female Ginger Mul'niessa in shiny armour and blue cloak. Slixvah 5'8" 130 Lb Eaglefolk Female A rust red/white Egalrin covered in veils, ribbons, and shawls. Jay 5'9" 145 Lb Eaglefolk Male A perky male Blue Jay with a discerning eye. Robert 6'3" 235 Lb Human Male A middle-aged Cerenzan with a friendly, fatherly vibe. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As the GM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Patch 4'8" 100 Lb Dawn Elf Female A blond Llyranesi with a port-wine stained face. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
Contracted to take supplies to a remote mountain village, 'The Party' has been left with a wagon, several mules, and supplies. This task was supposed to be a no-brainer, even by the Explorer's Guild standards. You left Alexandria the day before, following the northern mountain trails, and pressing deep into the spine of those large protrusions of rock an earth.
The weather for the first part had been fair, but now it begins to sour. The sky darkening to a deep grey, and the temperature dropping to near alarming levels.
'The Party' was armed with a map, but the ways to the village is still a good full day away. You could brave the elements, or there is a small dot, a monastery of sorts scribbled upon the paper. It's close. Perhaps only a couple hours.
GAME: Slixvah rolls alertness: aliased to perception+2: (12)+12+2: 26 GAME: Slixvah rolls knowledge/nature: (9)+9: 18 GAME: Slixvah rolls knowledge/arcana: (5)+14: 19 GAME: Faiza rolls perception+2: (4)+4+2: 10 (+2 Keen Senses) GAME: Robert rolls Perception: (13)+11: 24 GAME: Robert rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (3)+16: 19 GAME: Robert rolls Knowledge/Nature: (15)+6: 21 <OOC> Jay says, "does this count as urban or forest for bonuses to perception? Urban is sometimes 'roads'" GAME: Jay rolls perception+2: (2)+15+4: 21 (Terrain mastery: Forest +4, Urban +6)
The storm clearly looks like trouble. It's bad, and closer than it appears. At best, there is only have half an hour until it overtakes the caravan.
An egalrin woman bundled in a multitude of colorful robes with wings adorned in a fluttering rainbow of ribbons is no stranger to travel. She loves to wander. In fact, she's been scribbling away in a notebook, trying her hand at drawing maps just for the fun of it. The mountains were lovely, and it gave her the itch to want fly up and down them greatly.
But along her travels, her feathers floof up a bit. Then a bit becomes some. Then some becomes a lot. Slixvah shivers, looking up to the skies as her dying light goes away from the scuttled sun. "Uh... loves, we... miiiiight need ta pull ova. Me thinks a rough storm's comin', and shelter we're gonna need baaad," she informs in a worried sing song.
Integrity C Truefeather, esquire, the 'C' is for coach-driver, is apparently certified and part of the teamsters union in addition to being a lawyer. A qualification he has reminded the supplied driver of no less than seven times. In case he needs to take a break, or missed that pot-hold.
So much for letting him ride 'Crossbow'.
He's avoided the dark mul'niessa with the glowing red eyes. She gets a few quick, nervous glances, the sort he shares with Nemori. He suspects they're cut from the same cloth. Or like cutting.
Something.
"Yes. Yes! That storm looks really bad. It's a lot closer than it appears." The bluejay caws, "There's a dot on the map. Do we want to try the dot on the map?"
Bob is a metallic titan of matte, powder-black adamantine trimmed in burnished brass and dotted with the occasional socket hosting a neon-blue crystal. With his bowl helmet open and hanging back on its gorget hinge, his head looks too small between oversized pauldrons. His blue Dragonieri heirloom cloak has already begun to flap and catch in the winds.
"We won't outrun it," Bob agrees, already working into his hip-pack with articulated gauntlets to delicately pluck out a trio of jute pouches with green-thread drawstrings. "These will keep you warm; crush it in your hand--" he pantomimes with his other titan's fist-- "and then give it a shake and put it in your pocket.
"We won't outrun the storm even if we make for the cliffside monastery... so we might need to keep an eye out for other shelter along the way."
<OOC> Robert has "scrolls" of Endure Elements he can use on folks if they're OK with it. GAME: Robert casts Endure Elements. Caster Level: 7 DC: 15 GAME: Robert used a Scroll of Endure Elements. GAME: Robert used a Scroll of Endure Elements. GAME: Robert used a Scroll of Endure Elements.
The Mul'niessa, despite appearances, has actually proven to be relatively sociable. She even introduced herself when the group met up at the Explorers' Guild to take on their cargo. "Faiza Belvade(FIE-zah Bel-VAHD)" has made no secret of where her allegiances lay, given how generously bedecked she is with the symbols of the Elunan faith.
As the weather takes a turn for the worse, there's no comment from the glowy-eyed elf; she merely pulls her cloak a little tighter around herself and walks on beside the comparatively slow-moving wagon, long-hafted silvery weapon currently used as a very fancy walking stick.
The magic helps, and its duration is something that greatly benefits the party. The cold and snow easily mitigated as they make progress on the mountain trail. The chill dips low, and the wind begins to pick up as the storm catches our heroes out in the open, the walls above and below offering little to no shelter. It begins with a wall of sudden heavy snow, within an hour leaving a foot of it piling and making it hard for the cart.
<OOC> GM: (Perception - No negatives, Endure Elements negates them.) GAME: Jay rolls perception+2: (10)+15+2: 27 GAME: Robert rolls Perception: (16)+11: 27 GAME: Robert rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (8)+16: 24 GAME: Slixvah rolls knowledge/arcana: (9)+14: 23 GAME: Faiza rolls perception+2: (15)+4+2: 21 GAME: Slixvah rolls alertness: aliased to perception+2: (3)+12+2: 17
A big hailstone fall out of the sky and land in the snow a few feet from the cart. A loud thump, and a whizz.
The rust red and white feathered egalrin woman merrily introduced herself at the start of the trip- "Pleased ta meet ya! I'm one of the bestie, takes little ta impress me, I'm Slixvah Unmesi!" A very cheery moment.
She is not super cheery now. Except for a somewhat muted: "Ye ye, Blue, let's go ta whatever tha dot is. Maybe we can scribble somethin' on there once we get out!" Adventurous.
She's about to bundle up more, but Bob's offering is met with a gleeful, "Oh heck yes, Robby Bobby, gimmie them hot hands!" The pouch is taken, crushed and shooketh, then promptly stored in the many, many pockets on her robe(s).
Slix, as she's sitting there, blinks once. A hand darts out and she splays her fingers. Making a wave with them... "... hey uh, loves, somethin's... off. I feels magics. A lot. Like-"
Thunk. "... was that a rock?"
The black, white and blue jay egalrin takes the jute pouch and crushes it, totally crushes it, as directed. He shakes it, then slips it into his pocket. "Okay. Okay! Thanks Bob."
"We're not going to make it in time. Let me check the wagons." He hops off his seat and makes a moving inspection, flying alongside, occasionally alighting to pull on a rope. "It looks secure."
Finished in time before the storm hits. The spell helps wonderfully.
"I think.. no, not a rock."
Caught off guard by the sudden appearance of some VERY large hail, Faiza steps to the side away from the wagon, hefting her walking st-- ranseur up to a shoulder. "I am not a weather-witch," she says solemnly, "but that seems unusual, even in a snowstorm." She doesn't have much in the way of magics to prepare in case of trouble, so she merely stands there, narrow red eyes scanning the area immediately around the cart. What do your elf eyes see, Faiza? Snow. A lot of snow.
"Stay close, kids," Bob suggests, flipping his domed helmet closed. He picks out the next of the many gewgaws hanging from his belt and twists a stumpy cylinder into a socket on the inside of one of his vambraces. Steam hisses and gears turn smoothly on well-oiled shafts. There's a percussive clk-clk-clk as the adamantine plates of his armor seem to ripple and reinforce, individualizing like the scales of a dragon.
""The old girl's running smoother than ever; she can take a few hits," he explains, his voice tinny and distant echoing out from inside the helm. "Just help keep me pointed in the right direction and we'll get there."
The older Cerenzan will take point, hoping the oversized and reinforced titan's armor can accept the brunt of the unnaturally bad weather as they work towards shelter from the storm.
GAME: Robert casts Ablative Barrier. Caster Level: 7 DC: 16 <OOC> Patch says, "I need a High/Low Declaration or Odd/Even declaration." <OOC> Slixvah puts on shades. "Always high." <OOC> Faiza says, "High all the way then. Go High Team! -- that came out wrong." <OOC> Robert will go with solidarity and take high, too. <OOC> Patch says, "Jay, high or low? Cart, high or low?" <OOC> Jay says, "High and High" GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (5): 5 GAME: Patch rolls 1d4: (2): 2 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (7): 7 GAME: Patch rolls 1d4: (2): 2 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (5): 5 GAME: Patch rolls 1d4: (1): 1 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (6): 6 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (19): 19 GAME: Patch rolls 1d4: (3): 3 GAME: Patch damaged you for 3 points. 39 HP remaining. <OOC> Robert says, "So, apologies in advance for shenanigans, Patch. But I'm DR2/Adamantine, DR5/- for nonlethal attacks," <OOC> Robert says, "the first 5 lethal damage from each attack that bypasses my DR is converted to nonlethal."
The hail doesn't take long to manifest harder, peppering the party, and threatening the cart. Luckily in the hours of the worsening storm the monastery is only about another hour away. However the party has little cover, and the falling ice is becoming dangerous. Without much aid the snow threatens to slow the cart, and the hail is causing damage... slowly. One things is for sure, the storm shows little sign of letting up.
The hail doesn't discriminate, hitting one of each of the adventurer's. Robert's magics protect him, but the others feel a bit of sting.
It will be an hour of exposure on the road, taking damage, unless there's some way to protect further. There's no obvious shelter.
"Ow. Ow!" Jay flinches as he's hit with a block of ice. He's not a duck, it doesn't roll off his back. It bounces off his head with a 'thoc', "Ow. There's no shelter, we can only press on, right? Is there some way to protect the cargo? I don't have a shield."
"We aren't carrying a cargo of shields, right? That would be useful."
"I don't see any place to tuck away..!" Bob's voice hollers back through the storm, his massive armor half-caked with ice and snow. He comes back, closer ot the cart, and takes up a spot near to Jay in the driver's seat. When the artificer lifts his fist and open's the contraption, it's nearly as large as the egalrin's torso-- a recent modification!
"Miss Faiza, Miss Slix, can you get under something in the wagon? There's no reason for you to endure this, too. I'll keep an eye on IC and he'll get you there safe.
"Muse' grace."
"I can cast Web shelter on the cart." Slixvah rubs her beak, "It will get torn to shreds very quickly, but it will stop some of the hail."
Faiza has an alchemist's fire. It'd warm things up! Briefly. Perhaps for life. It wouldn't help with the falling hail.
Robert says, "My Barrier will last for hours but will only lessen so much damage before it ends. My armour at least, will hold."
It would be possible to use the crate-lids and tarps for cover, and have Robert cover Jay. It will allow safe travel, but the risk is the supplies could sustain a bit of damage. That's a risk anyways, though.
Faiza is a paladin, dang it, she shouldn't be hiding while others are out there being Stoic. Sheltering under a tarp, despite the practicality, she might protest. A little bit. Until they get to the Nunner... Monastary, "I don't think we have any other means of protecting the supplies anyway, short of draping ourselves over them."
For all the good it does her, the ginger Mul'niessa pulls the cloak tighter around herself and trudges on. She's taken up a position slightly in front of and to the side of the cart, letting the heavily armoured human gentleman take point as he insisted. She has to speak up over the sound of the hail *ping*-ing off what parts of her armour are exposed. "I *do* have a shield. In my family's home. In Charn." That's useful, Faiza.
As Robert makes his suggestion, she shoots him a long look and pulls her hood back as if to say something dramatic. And then a particularly large piece of hail hits her right in the noggin with an audible *thwok*. "... tarp. Yes. Right." She pulls her hood back up again, wincing,. and hustles back to the wagon.
GAME: Slixvah casts Web Shelter. Caster Level: 6 DC: 17 <OOC> Slixvah says, "yes the cocoon is pink, hopefully it'll nullify a round of damage by taking it for us"
Slixvah hisses as ice smacks into her back. "Owww! Them wings are still sore, Ceiwen!" she complains, hunkering down and throwing one of her robes overhead. "Yeah, yeah! I can do that Robby! Lemme just.. do somethin'- owch!"
She crouches in the wagon, her pulling out a ribbon from a pocket (this one's pink!) and weaving it between her fingers. "Well, Faiza, I ain't a weather-witch, but I'm a lil' close!"
She finishes making a lovely stitch betwixt her fingers before throwing it into the air. "Teg a moro!" she chants quickly.
The ribbon flares out, there's a pulse of energy, then fractal striations of silk slink down into a cocoon around the entire cart, a front door open at the- well- front to see where they're going.
"It won't hold long but it'll do somethin'!"
She gives a thumbs up to Faiza, a smile in her eyes with a tinge of concern. "Ya good, sugar?"
<OOC> Patch says, "Hail hitting the Cart" GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (8): 8 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (19): 19 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20: (1): 1 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Patch rolls 3d4: (12): 12 <OOC> Slixvah says, "of all the days i dont have mending prepped" <OOC> Faiza says, "Sadly, Lay on Wheels isn't a thing." <OOC> Patch says, "So, in interest of being fair. I will allow the Web Shelter to absorb the maximum of 4 damage," <OOC> Patch says, "allowing the cart to only take 8. It destroys the webbing, but protected the cart for 15 minutes."
The party makes it through the hail, a bit battered, but not as much as the cart and supplies. They had a great idea to hide and protect themselves, using magic and webs to shield the cart from some of the storm. While the web shelter is eventually shredded and left in tatters, it protected the cart and supplies enough that nothing major was lost. The quick thinking, and professionalism of the party keeping them from losing goods meant for others.
The monastery soon comes into sight, a drab building surrounded by a thick wall of stone carved out of the natural mountains. This isn't the party's destination, but it seems someone is at the gate to greet them, standing in the elements, and near naked except for a set of small clothes he wears out in this frigid cold. It's a male human, eyes closed as he seems to be deep in meditation. Fresh welts rise in spots on the surface of his body, the ice not having spared him as it had the party. Why is he here? Well, he hasn't said. Not yet.
"Hello!" Jay caws out loudly, waving a wing. He is visible despite his snow covering, and not shivering thanks to Bob's spell, "We seek shelter from the storm!"
The man's level of dress does prompt a reaction, "Are you ascetics, set to endure all the world throws at you? It's throwing a lot tonight?"
"We've two more..." Bob explains from beneath his helm. "Four total. Returning to Alexandria when the storm hit. We can pay for asylum, friend."
Faiza is glaring at the nearly-naked man. Or, well, she's staring at him, anyway; those creepy glowy eyes do her no favours with regards to Resting Glare Face. She's come halfway out of the wagon as it slows before the monastery, steadying herself on the cart's seat beside Jay. "That... looks unusual," she mutters. Ageless wisdom of the elves.
Slixvah's shelter is torn to shreds, falling away and withering into frayed bits of ribbon in a trail behind them as they go. She winces as their cart slowly gets more and more damaged, some concern crossing her features that they might not be able to keep going soon and have to flip the cart over for shelter, which means-
Wait, hold up. Is that- "Eyyy, its the dot! We made i- oh. Whuzzhe doin'?"
Some subtle glances to her party, her beak opens to say something of agreement to Faiza, but a hunk of ice crashing nearby makes her flinch quiet.
Jari stirs from his meditation at the sound of voices, his eyes coming open with a confused furrow of his brow. "Guests? But all the others have already arrived." a hand rising to caress and touch at a welt on one of his arms. "Oh, well. Do come in. I am sure the brother's and sister's of the Ursus Dippers wouldn't mind. Rada's and Dana's worshipers gathering to witness the storm of storms!" he says with sudden animation, life snapping into his near naked body.
"Jari! Go put some clothes on before you scare the guests!" another voice calls, a large red-headed dwarf coming from the gate, having opened it after hearing the commotion. "Uni, and Uri are looking for you. They've already taken the dip!" this soliciting a shocked look of the other man. "Oh, but the guests need shelter! They don't like the cold!" the two then glancing to Robert after his talk of asylum. "No need to pay us, we have room. The monastery houses thirty, but we barely number ten. Come in, come in. Get out of the ice." leaving the gate cast wide for them and the cart. It's not the most grand of accommodations, but it is dry.
"It's not the cold, it's the wet!" Jay suggests, the spell keeping him comfortable but not dry. He maneuvers the cart, driving through the gate. "We appreciate the accomodations!"
"What are you dipping in? This is a storm of storms, I agree." He nods to Nem.. Faiza. "It is unusual behaviour, allegedly, but they are monks."
<OOC> Patch will accept knowledge/religion. GAME: Slixvah rolls knowledge/religion: (5)+6: 11 GAME: Faiza rolls knowledge/religion: (17)+6: 23 GAME: Robert rolls Knowledge/Religion: (2)+8: 10 <OOC> Jay says, "I have k/local, if that applies" <OOC> Patch says, "That can award something /else/, and can be rolled." GAME: Jay rolls knowledge/local: (15)+11: 26
"And the missiles," Bob agrees with Jay in his hollow, echoing voice. Metal digits click and clank as he helps hold the gate open while the egalrin drives the wagon in. "Well steered, IC." He pats the driver lightly on the back.
"Well done, all. Keeping your head in situations like that is far from easy." There's a *poonk* and the domed helmet lifts loose from behind the gorget, he eases it back as they come inside the walls. "Was that a new spell, Miss Slix?"
Then, to their Khazadi host, he smiles a paternal smile and laughs quietly. "My son's youngest, Eibhear, just hit the age where he doesn't have any use for clothes. Cordin and Shuf keep their house a fair sight warmer that this, though..."
At the mention of Dana and Rada, the dark Mul'niessa's posture relaxes somewhat. It's still not *relaxed*, mind; she seems incapable of removing the bar of iron lodged in her b--spine. One has a certain reputation to uphold for one's order, after all. Still, she clambers down from the wagon as it rolls into shelter and gives a nod of acknowledgement to the monks within. "Thank you for the shelter," she says, tone relatively light. "W-- I will endeavour not to bring the mood down too much while we ride out the storm."
This time, the hood is flipped back and stays that way, while the cloak is shrugged back from her shoulders. There's the symbol of the Silver Knights on her surcoat. It's almost like she did that on purpose.
Slix sighs in relief as they're invited in, her giving a wave to the near-nude Jari. "Oh sweet! Thanks! Ceiwen gave us a real rager, eh?" Who was she to judge?
There's a giggle from Bob's story, but she asides to Faiza and the others. "Yeah, monks do some odd stuff. I heard some punch rocks? Real weird, you'd break a hand!"
Craning her head back to look up at the metal man, she fires a thumbs up, but gives a quick duck as a piece of hail sails past her. "I've had it fo' a bit! Ya'll don't get ta see it very often 'cause I use it when I sleeps!"
"This place looks great." Integrity adds, once some shelter is achieved. He flutters, shaking water from his wings, mildly spraying the area. He turns, facing Bob, glancing at Fai... looking directly at Slixvah. "We're sure lucky we found this place. There's some local legends. This area has a Snow Regent and her court. Legend says they only appear once every fifty years, and kidnap everyone in the village and the lands below. Allegedly."
"No true traces were ever found. Allegedly." He snaps his beak loudly, "So it's great we found some shelter."
He quickly adds, "You're not bringing the mood down at all nmm... Faiza! Your glowing eyes are very festive!" Shudder.
"Mind not, Jari. He means well, but what you see here?" Alviss the dwarf says, motioning towards his companion and his garb. "It's religious in nature. I assure you, we're not looking to cause you fuss." he explains, motioning to a stable/barn combination that looks to have room for the cart. "Park it there, and I'll get you all cozy inside."
Two half-Mul young adults come from the main structure, both scantily clad (bathing suits) and dripping wet. It might not be obvious to all, but Faiza can easily tell they're twins. "Nali's going to be excited!" the female calls, Jari turning to them as he opens the gate. "That's Uni and Uri." The male(Uni) and female(Uri) each raising a hand when their name is mentioned. Within these walls the heavy bits of ice don't fall, and it doesn't take long for the party to notice the feel of magic in the air has ceased too.
"Lady Sha-kho. That's her name. The Winter Regent... or some nonsense." Alviss answers to Jay. "I'm Alviss Fist-Forger. Been coming here a long while, and I have never seen her. At least not in the last hundred years." the dwarf bellows. "So, you be needing beds, heat, and some good ol' grub?"
"Yetta and I considered retiring to a cabin in the foothills of northern Sendor, near Khazad Duin..." Bob muses, spending a few moments concentrating and laying on hands to cause snow and ice to turn to steam on his armor. He doesn't want to leave an abundance of puddles in his wake as they get the wagon stowed.
"Teach the kids how to sled." He's checking on the supplies now, and making sure there aren't any larger hailstones or drifts that'll waterlog and ruin them. "You have to be careful teaching the little ones sledding, though." He shifts a box. "Some like it too much and don't want to stop."
"It's a slippery slope." He laughs the punchline to his own joke.
"Robert Ilife," he answers Alviss. "Folks call me Bob. Muse' grace, that sounds wonderful. I have snacks, water, and juice," he pats his hip-pack, "but nothing beats a hot meal..."
"Lady A-choo? Aku. No, no. Snow in my ears, Lady Sha-Kho. Okay. Okay." The bluejay says, parking the cart, hopping off it. "I'm Integrity C Truefeather, esquire, the 'C' is for cold! Nice to meet you Alviss Fist-Forger."
His head bobs vigorously, "Bed, yes! Grubs, yes! Heat, yes! I mean, Snacks are nice, but meals are better."
Faiza is deeply asleep, tucked away in the wagons.
Slixvah casts a side eye towards Tegri as he gives his blurb, but there's a slight shrug as the cart rolls on closer to the place to park it. More waves are given to the monks as she vaults off the side wagon to land on solid ground. "Heeya! I'm Slix!" she chirps warmly. "Yeah! Place ta sleep and food ta weather out tha storm would be right lovely, darlin'! I can help round if need be! Fix booboos if ya training too hard and what not!"
She turns to Robert, blinking up at him before bursting into laughter. A wing gently slaps against him arm. "Oh you!"
Considering the magical hot hands she was given earlier, the egalrin woman stops for a beat. Ponders. Then doffs all her robes to be clad in nothing more than pants, a ton of ribbons, and a under-shoulder leather holster that has a few wand handles sticking out of it. "When in Rune...!" she hums to herself, folding one robe as she walks. Then another. Then another... then... another...
Uri and Uni watch Slixvah as she begins to disrobe, her comment earning a laugh from them both. "Does that mean you will try the pool?" Uri asks of Slixvah. In response, Uni rolls his eyes. "That's the opposite of warm... I kind of doubt it."
With the cart taken care of, Jari is soon headed towards the main building, ushering and waving at the twins. "Come on, don't go making a scene. Alviss asked us to go get dressed. Let's not bother the guests too much."
As for Alviss, his eyes fall over the party, eyes searching each one as if looking for something. "Tonight's mushroom stew. Its the white button kind, and the black ear fungus. Mighty tasty." seeming to deem them worth sharing with. "Come, follow me." His leadings carrying the party after the others into the main building.
The main hall is where most all the daily activity takes place, having tables for sitting and eating, and an open kitchen away from the small dias of worship. It's not grand, but it is old and well used. The room the party is shown is just a single large bedroom-like barracks. One meant for six individuals to share, meaning two beds are left unclaimed. The door to the room being nothing more than a sliding wood panel that has been set on rails. It's warmed by a central fire-pit and chimney, one built into the structure long ago, but still functioning.
After the tour the party is left to their own devices to wander, rest, and eat their fill.
<OOC> Patch says, (What would you like to do? Socialize, Eat, or Rest? Is there a 'lookout'?) <OOC> Robert says, "I would fully-cook dinner, depending on what you're eating. Bird and pork, definitely. Hamburger, too." <OOC> Slixvah is totally going to try the pool, probably regret it but it's a new experience, then socialize. I don't think they'd be doing any 'lookout' since the people seem nice. <OOC> Jay is going to try the pool if Slixvah tries the pool, then also socialize <OOC> Patch says, "Okay! So, I will kind of let you do some FF poses including that! You can even roll me some Fortitude saves and I can tell you how well you tolerate the pools. Robert, the cooking will earn you friendship with Jari. The twins will be the one's joining Slix and Jay." GAME: Slixvah rolls fortitude: (19)+3: 22 GAME: Jay rolls fortitude: (13)+3: 16 <OOC> Patch says, "Oh wait... you guys have a cheat. The spells! :P" <OOC> Patch consulted notes. "Do you purposeful let it lapse, or just chill in the water with the twins without issue?" <OOC> Jay says, "Jay will not let the spell lapse unless he is teased about having it." <OOC> Slixvah says, "will just chill with it (pun intended)" GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+10: (3)+10: 13 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18
"If you need any work done while we're posted up, repairs, or a hand with the grill? I'm happy to chip in." Bob pats a flat leather satchel hanging from his belt and the tools within rattle quietly. "Or I can just stay out of the way..!"
The Cerenzan grandpa doesn't make any immediate moves to disrobe. This might be due to the fact that the Titan's Armor is like most suits and requires protracted doing (and the occasional bit of outside help). The suit doesn't seem to bother him, though, and he's quite adept with moving through spaces not design for nearly-Hill Giant-sized knights. There is a lot of ducking, however.
Once they've been shown to the room he will take the opportunity to doff his armor. It's a process.
"You kids have fun," he advises the egalrin when they express interest in the pool. His bowl helm is disconnected and hosting his belt and cloak as he starts unclasping a pauldron. "I'll catch up once I get this rig off and change into something that isn't soaked through."
"Oh! Hey! Are we doing that? We're doing that!" Integrity says, watching Slixvah disrobe. His robes aren't far behind either. They're not robes, technically. A cloak, a jacket, a vest, a shirt, mithril armour, a collar and tie come off. Breeches and belt will stay. ... for now. "I'll try the pool. A bath sounds fun!"
"Button mushroom stew also sounds great. Save me a bowl!"
Then the bluejay is off, to socialize with red and the twins. He has far too many legal stories that all end with 'and then I filed a motion!'. You had to be there... and be a lawyer.
Will Slixvah try the pool? The thought didn't occur to her. But a gleam of fun crosses her eyes. "Oooooooooooooh! That's a brilliant idea!" she coos warmly. "Neva tried a cold bath like that! Lemme put my stuff up and I'll give it a splash!"
She dips into the barrack room they're all staying in, Slixvah dumping most of her supplies there save for her pants (Fiadh refuses to leave the fire-pit). "That stew sounds good! I'll schmooze a bit then be back for din-din! Thanks Robby!" she hums up to him as she all but runs out to the bath with Blue and the twins in just pants. No ribbons, wands, nothing else. She's quite small under all those robes. She mostly listens to what people have to say, and pokes questions about the purpose of the sanctum and religion. She's a nomad at heart, and this is right up her alley! Thankfully the spell keeps the worst away. Failing that, she somehow manages to grit her beak and bear it.
"Those two are incorrigible, miss Fiadh," remarks the Cerenzan to his remaining partymember. Thinking on Yetta after mentioning her earlier, he hums an old Tsura lovesong as the discarded sections of armor pile up neatly in one corner. He unpacks a folded kaftan next and changes into that, bundling his sweaty padded shirt and breeches into a sack and tossing it atop the armor pile.
- "I said, 'why walk alone, why worry when it's warm over here?'
- You've got so much to say, say what you mean
- Mean what you're thinkin', and think anything..."
The greying human smiles and loops a sash loose about his waist. "The kitchens will be warm, too, miss Fiadh, if you'd care to supervise..?"
Bird or no, he then goes to join and help with the stew.
The pools are in a room of their own, but it is clear why they are now called the Ursus Dippers. The Twins being left in awe of what happened during the time in the waters. They're cold, ice having to be carved out to reach the water beneath. Even with their physical prowess and training, the Twins can't stand the water more than ten minutes before they are clambering out and staring at the adventurer's as if they're crazy. "I can only hope we one day reach that level of one-ness with the elements." Uni says to Uri, provoking a laugh from Arviss who came to watch the fun. "It's magic you little morons." he says in a fatherly way. "To not even break a shiver? Come now, don't you have any sense in your nugget?" a finger tapping at the side of his temple.
Jari tries his best to help Robert with food, and preparation after the man is free of his armor. It's a very lively evening for the monks, a half-oruch woman, and a few more humans arriving once the scents begin to fill the air. "Oh, you're mighty kind Sir Robert. Helping us when we should be helping you. I......" a strange noise interrupting the air. Like a hiss, and pop of fire, but there is no smoke. No, there is the opposite. Vapor begins to fill the air, and the main door begins to freeze solid, the thick wood cracking and warping as the chill begins to encroach.
Oh, hey! There is that feel of magic in the air once again. Funny, huh?
<OOC> Patch says, "Reward*" Pool-Sitter: Slixvah and Jay + 1 to any one chosen save rolls for this mission. GAME: Slixvah rolls alertness: aliased to perception+2: (15)+12+2: 29 GAME: Jay rolls perception: (14)+15: 29 GAME: Robert rolls Perception: (9)+11: 20
The door is a distraction. Some distant windows are being cast quietly open. It's windows on the far side of the complex that were shuttered closed. They are now just wide open and letting in snow without sound.
<OOC> Patch says, "One round of actions before we go to +init." <OOC> Robert says, "Bob will move back to the barracks and collect his belt if that's OK." <OOC> Slixvah will get out of the pool and Hex: Ward Jay <OOC> Patch says, "So, I am willing to have the NPC's help you get armored, and it cut down the time of donning. The twins can help you because they're pacifists and won't fight. Same with Robert. 2 rounds for Robert to be donned, and 1 for Jay. The issue is the enemies may not be in range this turn, but next turn?" <OOC> Robert says, "So, no DR2/Adamantine. The Ablative Barrier will still be in play, since that's a spell buff (first 5 damage from lethal attacks taken as nonlethal. Up to 35 total)." <OOC> Robert says, "And my AC should be correct on the +tscan now."
"It is magic. I couldn't go cold turkey in this without protection." Jay laughs. His head turns, spotting some windows on the far side of the complex. They were shuttered, now they're thrown open wide.
"Hey, there's a lot of snow coming in. We should probably ... do something." Like hop out of the ice pool, he hops out of the ice pool.
Fiadh, the tiny, white plumed thrush is perched on a grate next to the fireplace, their feathers fluffed up to keep all the heat. Always dozing, a gold eye cracks open to regard the man. They twitter in their tinny voice, "While they are as such, levity and adaptivity fosters heightened potential." What? They quietly tweet Robert's tune back at him once he gets to another verse, the familiar taking flight and perching on the man's shoulder at the invitation to go the kitchen. "I am fully capable of supervision. I can see. And I am super."
Oh no, they're full of themselves again.
Meanwhile, back in Ursus Dippers, Slixvah is giggling as the others are in awe of the egalrin. "Yeeeah, it's magic. Sorry ta burst ya bubble! Twas a good ruse, but heck, ya'll are waaay betta than me at sitting in here! Why, I dare say tha-"
Noise? She tilts her head to the side, looking about to the front door before she swivels around to face something at the far side of the building. "... my birdie senses are tingling..." she hums cautiously, her slipping out of the waters with Tegri as a wing thunks him on the back. "Fo' good luck!"
A wind breezes by.
Robert had managed to convince the yrchblooded woman to talk to him while he cooked. He's been learning Yrch-Speak for his daughter-in-law and grandkids and he can use all the practice he can get. The past-perfect was giving him a run for his platinum! He'd also managed to work in a story about fungal taint that had spoiled a whole host of forging peripherals one year and how it turned out to be the fault of a nearby leshy budding. He's been around.
"We've got things moving outside! Front doors are frozen solid, kids! Up and at them!" Bob calls towards the baths, barefeet slapping as he moves with surprising alacrity towards the barracks. He snatches up the belt and tosses it on cross-shoulder-- like a bandolier. His equipment hangs cattywampus and askew.
"Tuck away someplace safe, little bird," he breathlessly warns Fiadh.
From those open windows two shambling corpses that look blue with cold climb through. The shock of undeath sending the monks of the Ursus Dippers scattering with panic. They don't reach the party whom is split between two of the bigger rooms, but thankfully there is no one too close that they can reach. Yet.
GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+6: (3)+6: 9 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23 GAME: Patch rolls 2d6+4: (9)+4: 13
The front door of wood suddenly splinters into pieces, claws easily shredding the warped and weakened wood as three figures stand in the doorway. Two large abominable beasts with fangs, fur, and claws stand in front of a figure with horns. The moment the door is cleared the beasts are left to do as they please. The horned figure? They simply walk away, their destination not towards the main building. They were just here to help with the door it seems.
"Take them all!" It calls from over its shoulder, talking of adventurer and monk alike.
<OOC> Patch says, "Robert. Your go! Two undead, two giant monsters, and one horned figure walking away." <OOC> Robert says, "I will use one of my 3rd level gadgets to Monstrous Physique and turn into a Gargoyle (Standard)." <OOC> Robert says, "Move up-to 40' to get in between the attackers and monks as best I can (Move)." <OOC> Robert says, "then try to identify the uninvited guests with Kn. checks if I might." GAME: Robert rolls Knowledge/the Planes: (7)+6: 13 GAME: Robert casts Monstrous Physique I. Caster Level: 7 DC: 17
Seeing movement through the door, Bob runs his hands down the dangling gadgets and snags an elaborate-if-battered pocket watch. He depresses the knob and it clicks open, teeth extending before he pushes the clockwork internals up against his neck. The teeth extend into his dark skin and glowing purple courses out into the rest of him.
The seams of the kaftan strain and stretch, tearing to burst as the already-sizeable human swells up larger and sprouts a pair of immense, batlike wings. He shouts and the shout becomes a roar as his jaw flares and fangs sprout. The sound of stone grinding announces the shift in skintone to a dull grey.
Pounding through the barracks and into the common room on all fours, Bob spins and crouches in a three-point stance, wings pushed out far to either side as a fleshy barrier between the intruders and their hosts.
"We stand as a wall," he growls, still straining against the pain of the unfamiliar transformation. "A wall against the corruption of black artifice and the rot of undeath. We wear our Armor of Contempt and we remember Lost Dragonier."
<OOC> Jay says, "use turn to put on my armour, use k/dungeoneering to maybe identify some of the mobs." <OOC> Patch says, "Go for it! The twins help you quickly." GAME: Jay rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (6)+11: 17
"Alarm! Alarm! We're in trouble!" Jay helpfully caws as the frozen front door splinters. He doesn't wast time, grabbing the ice and pulling himself out of the pool, immediately seeking his pile of stuff.
"I need help! Help please!" He pulls out his mithril shirt, holding it to the twins so he'll be able to slip it on. They rush to his assistance, the bluejay caws further instructions, "I'll need my cloak too, and the estoc!"
Does he regret stripping down to the pinfeathers. No, he does not. It is frantic-making. "I don't know what that was. Or those big beasts, what they are. Some kind of attack dogs."
"It's the undead. The undead are the real problem! They look like ghouls," the bluejay struggles with his head in the shirt, "that means they're smart!"
GAME: Slixvah rolls knowledge/the planes: (6)+9: 15 <OOC> Slixvah will then cast Heroism on Robert and then unfurl prehensile hair for 10' reach. Order fiadh to drag over the mage armor wand (it weighs 1 ounce) and get behind robby GAME: Slixvah casts Heroism. Caster Level: 6 DC: 18
Slixvah flinches hard as the door explodes inward, and the room is suddenly filled with foes. She stares at the one walking away, her throat bobbing. "Shit, tha's a horned oni. Theys a mage, take care," she mentions to her friends as she starts to grab and strangle at something invisible in the air. Tying knots, looping over one another... "I ende a roeh ot vaes em own!" she chants, white tendrils appariting as they suddenly grow taut straight towards the- she blinks at the man, but shakes his head as she completes the incantation. "Together!"
"FIFI! FETCH ME MY STICK!"
"Which one?" the tinny voice calls back.
"USE YOUR BRAIN!"
The tiny thrush flies by and drops a wand with a feather charm dangling off of in her outstretched hand before nestling on Slix's noggin. She gives the magic stick a twirl between her fingers before chuckling nervously. "Haha... ah... I'm in danger."
<OOC> Robert says, "Armor is 17 now. Touch is 13. FF is 15." <OOC> Patch says, "Slixvah=Because the rooms are only separated with sliding doors, and everyone is visible.... that spell casting made you a target. Sorry. The second beast is going to charge, move 50 ft, and rend at you with two claws with a +2, and -2 to AC. Your reach, and hair. AoO." <OOC> Slixvah says, "robert you have +2 morale bonus to att rolls, saves, and skill checks" GAME: Slixvah rolls feather slap: aliased to intelligence+BAB: (11)+5+3: 19 GAME: Slixvah rolls 1d3+7: (3)+7: 10 GAME: Robert rolls melee+1+2: (15)+9+1+2: 27 (AOO) GAME: Robert rolls 1d6+strength+1: (3)+4+1: 8 (Claw. Bludgeoning/Slashing. No magic, cold iron, silver, etc.) GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+11: (13)+11: 24 (vs AC12 - Success) GAME: Patch rolls 1d6+6: (2)+6: 8 GAME: Patch rolls 1d6: (2): 2
The second beast charges the Rust-Egalrin the moment it sees and hears casting. It's well trained, it's pursuit and drive to fight taking it through danger, being cut and clobbered. That doesn't dissuade it from its task or target, slashing Slixvah with its claws, staring at her with 'evil' eyes, drool, and raw bestial stank!
<OOC> Patch says, "Alright. Ghoul one is going to stop 5ft from Robert, and 15ft from Slixvah." <OOC> Patch says, "The thing will let out a stench cloud at the gargoyle Robert, seeing if the stank can make the rock-skinned changer sick." GAME: Robert rolls Fort+2: (9)+8+2: 19 (vs DC 15 - Success) <OOC> Patch says, "Ghoul two will attack Robert, trying to Bite him. Slixvah can get an AoO with hair, but Robert cannot." GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24 (The bite attack.) GAME: Patch rolls 1d6+3: (5)+3: 8 GAME: Robert rolls Fortitude+2: (2)+8+2: 12 GAME: Patch rolls 1d3: (3): 3 GAME: Patch rolls 1d3: (3): 3
The second ghoul wastes no time to run and jump at Robert, his gnashing teeth catching the man's gargoyle arm and taking a sizable chunk from it with its attack. Yes, it seems swarm tactics will be what happens today.
<OOC> Patch says, "Jay. Since you're the only one not engaged that looks to be prepping for combat." <OOC> Patch says, "It's going to come after you with a claw." GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+9: (11)+9: 20 (vs AC 21 - miss) <OOC> Slixvah says "Jay currently has +2 ac from hex ward"
The Yeti charges the blue-egalrin of legal stuff, and misses with its claws. Oh it was close, its gnashing teeth and angry eyes boring holes at Jay when it misses.
<OOC> Robert says, "Alright! I will attack the damaged ghoul if I still threaten it." <OOC> Robert says, "If not I will attack the one that attacked me." <OOC> Robert says, "If it falls during my full attack I will take a 5' step and redirect remaining attacks to the other ghoul." <OOC> Robert says, "Claw, claw, bite, gore" GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1: (18)+9+2+1: 30 GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1: (5)+9+2+1: 17 GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1: (18)+9+2+1: 30 GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1: (9)+9+2+1: 21 <OOC> Robert says, "Ooh. I'll focus on getting the ghouls down for now, please. So start on the one that bit me." <OOC> Robert says, "Then 5' move to the other and finish if I need to." <OOC> Robert says, "Bob has a beef with undead." GAME: Robert rolls 1d6+Strength+1: (6)+4+1: 11 (First Ghoul survives) GAME: Robert rolls 1d4+Strength+1: (1)+4+1: 6 (First Ghoul is dust) GAME: Robert rolls 1d4+Strength+1: (1)+4+1: 6 (Second Ghoul, Wounded, but thrashing.)
Bob looks down at the fresh wound and the cracks in his porous, stone-like skin. The fangs grind as he feels the chill tingling itching its way out from the bite. Leather wings flap as he turns his full attention on the ghoul.
The first swipe pulls the shambling undead clear up into the air. It dangles there long enough for the transformed artificer to surge forward, snapping his mouth shut around the risen's neck. He jerks left, then sways right to toss the broken and inert husk back out into the cold.
Down on one knee, he spits and growls. Both hands are placed flat on the floor as he lunges, lowering his head and driving spiraled horns into the flank of the other ghoul. "No," he pants as he lets his wings droop and raises his claws to the ready.
<OOC> Jay says, "I would like to tumble around (+4 vs AOO by belt of tumbling) to a flanking position, stab the Yeti" <OOC> Jay says, " then stab with my rapier. With flanking, sneak attack damage if possible." GAME: Jay rolls acrobatics+4: (8)+12+4: 24 (Success) GAME: Jay rolls weapon2+2: (10)+8+2: 20 GAME: Jay rolls damage2+3d6: aliased to 1d6+1+3d6: (1)+1+(17): 19 <OOC> Patch says, "It's hurting. You have spilled its icy blood, and it howls in anger. You made it feel! Feel pain."
CHIRP!
Jay's head pokes through the neck of his mithril shirt, just in time to see claws nearly take his beak off. "Weapon! Thanks!"
He grabs his estoc from Uni, or maybe Uri, all twins look alike, and flaps. Icy droplets fly from his wings as he flies straight at the Yeti and then rolls into a ball and pops up behind it. Icy claws barely miss the egalrin again.
Standing tall and imposing, he fixes an avian eye on the Yeti's back, checking the lay of fur. He stabs! A deep strike that slides between ribs and pierces a liver. Icy blood coats his blade as he pulls it out, and stains down it's fur.
It howls in anger. He made it feel! Feel Pain!
"Get away from her! Why are you even here?"
<OOC> Slixvah says, "15 foot cone. what can i hit thats not friends" <OOC> Patch nods and preps a sidebar. "Both Yetis. You'd be shooting the narrow part of the beam between Robert and Jay." <OOC> Slixvah says, "gonna have to risk a concentration check to make that work" GAME: Slixvah rolls witch+intelligence: (14)+6+5: 25 (vs DC 17 defensive cast for burning hands - Success) GAME: Slixvah casts Burning Hands. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12 (Reflex vs DC 16 - fail, full) GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22 (Reflex vs DC 16 = success, half) <OOC> Slixvah lays down the 10' threaten zone!
Slixvah turns briefly before- Crunch! "MY LEG!" she yells out in pain as claws rake across her thigh, splashing blood into the icy waters nearby. Her hands clutch at the wound briefly, pulling up life ichor as an anger flashes across her face.
"Rrrgh... Mi os... LUMFNITEA!" The blood catches fire as she pivots on the spot, throwing the napalm into the air as both wings buffet /hard/, and searing hot flames scorch both of the yetis. One burbles and falls over, the other weathers the fire.
"Stay together! Don't get surrounded!" she instructs, wafting feathers from her wings polluting the air as she gives a thankful nod to her two friends.
<OOC> Patch says, "The ghoul that spat stank at Robert is going to take an AoO from Slixvah and try and claw up the man that killed its kin." GAME: Slixvah uses an AoO! 0 remaining. GAME: Slixvah rolls feather slap: aliased to intelligence+BAB: (14)+5+3: 22 GAME: Slixvah rolls 1d3+7: (1)+7: 8 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+5: (15)+5: 20 GAME: Patch rolls 1d6+3: (4)+3: 7 GAME: Patch rolls 1d6+3: (1)+3: 4 GAME: Robert rolls Fortitude+2: (12)+8+2: 22 GAME: Robert rolls Fortitude+2: (15)+8+2: 25
A braided cord of feathers smash with unnatural strength and impunity at the first iota of movement.
The gargoyle wasn't anticipated to be this much of a problem. Seeing one of its own downed, and then a Yeti reduced to a searing husk sent it into a rabid frenzy. Swipes lashing out at Robert and battering his gargoyle form with little other than bruises? Wait no. Robert yet bleeds! Sadly... it tis but a scratch. "RAWR!"
<OOC> Patch says, "Okay, Ti is going to continue after Jay. Two claws from the heavy beast." GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+9: (3)+9: 12 (vs AC 21 - Miss) GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+9: (3)+9: 12 (vs AC 21 - Miss)
The beast lets out a dripping and barbaric growl, lashing out at Jay with it's giant claws. Yes, two powerful swipes, and for? Nothing, the creature whiffs both attacks as some of its burning fur makes its eyes water. Or something. The Tapestry is odd.
<OOC> Robert says, "Will continue to FA. Start with the ghoul. Then swap to a Yeti (5' as needed)." <OOC> Robert says, "Preferable the one attacking Slix. Power Attack tis time because the dice have been kind." GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1-2: (2)+9+2+1+-2: 12 GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1-2: (17)+9+2+1+-2: 27 GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1-2: (20)+9+2+1+-2: 30 (THREAT) GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1-2: (13)+9+2+1+-2: 23 (Confirmed) GAME: Robert rolls melee+2+1-2: (2)+9+2+1+-2: 12 <OOC> Patch says, "Miss, Hit, Crit, miss. Let's resolve. First hit?" GAME: Robert rolls 1d4+strength+1+4: (4)+4+1+4: 13, "Dusted the ghoul. That means the 5ft and crit hit the Yeti." GAME: Robert rolls 2d4+8+2+8: (5)+8+2+8: 23 <OOC> Patch says, "That's a keen strike. The Yeti is shook and staggering a moment. It's not dead, but it's hurt."
Bob is a nearly feral sight under the throes of the transmutation. The second swipe with his claws comes in as an uppercut that tears into the ghoul's abdomen and hooks behind its sternum. The monstrous creature roars and turns to hurl the limp corpse back towards the door before lunging at the yeti.
The oafish, furry mountain man-thing is busy harassing the backline and takes a vicious bite to its flank for its trouble. Ribs crack and collapsing and the following pained roar turns wet.
<OOC> Jay says, "If I have flanking I'd like to attack again. If I can 5' to flanking, I'd like to do so, and attack again." <OOC> Jay says, "If I have to acrobat to flanking, then I'll do that, and attack again." <OOC> Patch says, "You do have flanking. All three of you do now, as it is situated in a bad spot once the ghoul died." GAME: Jay rolls weapon2+2: (14)+8+2: 24 GAME: Jay rolls damage2+3d6: aliased to 1d6+1+3d6: (1)+1+(8): 10 <OOC> Patch says, "It lives, but barely. A staggering, panting monster of destruction."
"I'm not running away Bob! I'm not running away." Jay feels the need to affirm this, as his flight or flight reflex is pretty strong, and the freeze one has had a lot of help from the pool. Also that gargoyle is nearly as terrifying as the Yeti.
Which he re-orients on, the tip of his estoc moving in a small circle as he aims, picks a point.
THRUST
The blade goes in, and almost immediately bursts out the side of the creature. A deep stab, but one that went through nothing to nothing.
<OOC> Slixvah will five foot step back and cast ear piercing scream GAME: Slixvah casts Ear-Piercing Scream. Caster Level: 6 DC: 16 GAME: Patch rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8 (vs DC 16 - fail) GAME: Slixvah rolls 3d6: (9): 9 <OOC> Slixvah says, "9 Sonic and dazed!" <OOC> Patch laughs! "It is defeated, as it failed the save. You pop its poor eardrums, and it.... just falls over. Done."
Slixvah's morale shoots up as Robert rends into the assailants and Jay brings up the flank. She slips back, cupping her hands around her mouth as she makes a quiet click sound.
The sound reverses, gaining amplitude in the Yeti's skull before there's a spurt of blood from their ears, and they crumple to the ground.
Slix pants, clutching her leg. "Ugh... that oni went someplace else!" she warns.
The Ursus Dippers are left stunned, panting, and scared. The twins are hiding behind Alviss, and Jari is counting heads. With the half-oruch woman that makes five. They're missing half their numbers after the assault.
"What in the hells was all that!" Alviss spits out, looking to the party and then suddenly the words of Slixvah making the dwarf wince. "By the gods! Oni? We have to find the others!" a sheepish glance then given. "Next you be telling me this is all part of the Snow Regent tall-tales."
"Allegedly. It's only allegedly a part of them until we see the Snow Regent." Jay corrects, wiping the yeti blood off his estoc on the yeti's fur. He grabs his cloak and pulls it around his shoulders, stepping towards the other Eglarin, "You okay? You need Robert to heal you? You always look great but right now you're not looking good."
He rapidly looks around, checking the windows, out the shattered front door, watching for movement, listening for things. "We should follow. Get them back. Right?"
Right?
"You did great, IC."
Bob was there, too, turning and counting heads to make sure everyone was there. With the confirmation that people are missing he turns towards the door and rumbles a low sound of discontent.
"I have my device if we need it," agrees the Cerenzan with a nod when Jay mentions healing. "Let's patch up quickly and head out for the missing.
"Can the lot of you find a safe place to hole up? Is there a larder or cellar? Do you need weapons?" He's asking the monks now as he surveys his own scrapes and bruises.
<OOC> Slixvah can give a CMW if you want it Robert, but she can't use it on you again later <OOC> Robert says, "I'll bop myself with a CLW wand, Patch." GAME: Robert used a Wand of Cure Light Wounds. GAME: Robert rolls 1d8+1: (6)+1: 7 , "So that heals 7 lethal and 7 nonlethal" <OOC> Slixvah will heal thyself, crack false life, and mage armor up GAME: Slixvah rolls healing hex: aliased to 2d8+witch: (8)+6: 14 GAME: Slixvah casts False Life. Caster Level: 6 DC: 17 <OOC> Slixvah says, "back to max! rolling false life" GAME: Slixvah rolls 1d10+witch: (2)+6: 8 GAME: Slixvah used a Wand of Mage Armor. <OOC> Slixvah says, "14 healed and 8 temp hp" <OOC> Patch notes. "Bob-Barrier. 21 left, 14 soaked."
"We're not fighters, Robert." Alviss says with a sigh, looking to the twins, and then to Jari. "We got a hidden room under the dais. Supplies, and food for days. We can try and hold up on there, but... what about all of you?" the dwarf asks, watching as the party patches itself up. "Will you be okay going after them? Can you really fight an outsider like an Oni?"
The five remaining divers, and weather extremists growing quiet as they creep towards the place Alviss talked of. Yes, demoralized, worried, and scared. These are no adventurers.
Slixvah holds a bloody hand up to Tegri. "I got it, boo, don't worry. I've fixed worse." Her hands glow white, and the wound vanishes, a line of feathers missing on her leg like it was a near miss instead. She sighs in relief, tapping the wand on her beak. A wind brushes past her, and she picks up a bread roll. An apology is muttered as she says a gnarly incantation as her eyes flare green. The bread crumbles to useless ash.
Stepping away for a moment to get her things, she returns, fully clothed, and tying ribbons off on her wings. "Dunno, but we sure can try. It uses magic, I know that much, and it's dangerous maybe. But we got smarts easy."
"Well, the Oni has already trespassed, caused property damage, unleashed undead and uncontrolled beasts, attempted murder and successfully kidnapped folks." Jay summarizes, picking up a jacket. If there's time to get fully dressed, he wants to also. "We can't let that kind of thing go unanswered."
He sets his rapier in its sheath, flicks ice crystals from his wings, then chirps happily, "At least there's lots of snow. Tracking should be easy!"
"You were kind enough to accept strangers out of the storm and into your temple. You welcomed us as family and offered to share your food." Bob somehow manages the kindly, paternal mien while transfigured into a stony grotesque. "Of course we'll do everything we can to see yours back to you.
"Muse' grace is chance and freedom... and I won't forsake Her play with fate." He settles a metal vial against his arm and flicks a tiny lever. A series of stacked gears turn and glowing, warm energy spills out from the device to knit his wounds.
"Give me a hand with my armor if you could, IC, please..." and then he's loping towards the barrack.
OOC & Combatty
Pre-Game
<OOC> Patch says, "I hope you are all ready and willing. Tonight I'd like to go over just a few things before we begin. Disclaimer: This plot is not Death-Okay, but the danger is no less real! I would try and keep each turn to a maximum of ten minutes, if you do not respond in that time, your turn will be skipped in favor of expediting and keeping things going in a timely manner. I have 'Awards' you can earn in this plot, and depending on which ones you discover and unlock... you may get bonuses to certain challenges and rolls. I just wanted to take a moment and let you all acknowledge and agree."
<OOC> Slixvah thuuuuuumbs up!!
<OOC> Faiza nods! 'S good.
<OOC> Robert is inclined to acquiesce to your request.
<OOC> Jay says, "oh cool, sounds good."
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
>> 21 Roamer 1-2 1 <<
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19 Yet-Ti
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18 Robert 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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12 Jay 1
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4 Slixvah 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds remaining)
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3 Yet-Teh
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| Name | CHP (T) | HP |
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| Jay...........| 39 | 42 |
| Robert........| 42 | 45 |
| Slixvah.......| 13 | 25 |
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Dramatis Personae
Faiza, Ginger Mul'niessa in shiny armour and blue cloak.
It is her colouration that catches the eye first; the combination of hair colour, complexion and eyes stands out enough to be more than merely unusual. To begin with, her skin is a grey so dark as to be almost black, with a deep lustre highlighted as light strikes it. Her hair, meanwhile, a natural fiery red, is raked back from her face and knife-sharp pointed ears, tied in a no-nonsense ponytail at the nape of her neck and let hang down to the middle of her back. The eyes are her most striking feature, however; they literally glow with a light all of their own, red as blood, tilted and narrow. They give her a look of cool calculation, of skepticism and distrust, that only sits too well on her angular, starkly beautiful face.
Though she is more solidly built than the majority of elves, her overall shape is nevertheless one of long, elegant lines, of whipcord muscle seemingly only barely held in check; there is a sense of energy and tension about her that evokes a kind of predatory abruptness.
An ankle-length hooded mantle of heavy but soft midnight blue cloth drapes over her shoulders, hanging open in the front and revealing the metal underneath: magnificently wrought but combat-ready plate armour of intricate elven craftsmanship, decorated with bold fluting and delicate scrollwork. Over the armour, in stark contrast to the deep blue of the mantle, hangs a pure white tabard, hemmed with twined silver thread, and a large symbol of the Silver Guard of Eluna is emblazoned proudly on her chest.
In her hand, or at her side, is a constant companion: a ranseur with a long haft of silverwood that, starting from the middle of its length, is wrapped in what looks like a long, intricate silver scroll inscribed with blessings and prayers to Eluna. The scroll merges near-seamlessly with the metal of the weapon's head, blossoming out into a meticulously detailed crescent moon shape that simultaneously evokes imagery of wings, with a long, tapering blade spearing out of the centre and terminating in a wicked point.
Jay, A perky male Blue Jay with a discerning eye.
Integrity C. Truefeather, esquire and supra-genius is a Blue Jay Egalrin lawyer. He stands tall and proud, sharply looking around for a situation he can jump into and provide counsel. He wears a three piece suit, shirt and tie, cut for avian lines, with mithril under the vest and silvery bolas and a rapier on his belt. A blue lupin decorates his lapel. His crest is long, ready to pop up at any objectionable thing. He is full of energy, standing and strutting about with style and flourish, poking his beak into everything.
Jay looks at you.
Robert, A middle-aged Cerenzan with a friendly, fatherly vibe.
Robert is a big bloke from big stock and getting just a bit shorter and softer around the middle as the years pile on. He has dark, reddish skin and the build of a man who's spent his nearly-five decades of life at some form of manual labor or the other-- while also eating quite well. His hair is black where it isn't going grey, his hairline is receeding, and the swirl at his crown is thinning.
Though the Cerenzan is starting to wrinkle, his blue-eyes are still sharp with an inquisitive intelligence. A smile rests easily on his full lips and he's perpetually afflicted by a five o'clock shadow. The older man seems perfectly comfortable in his own skin and content to take his time and enjoy the world around him.
Slixvah, A rust red/white Egalrin covered in veils, ribbons, and shawls.
Average in height, but large in personality, Slixvah is an outrageously decorated Egalrin. Her rusty red and white feathers don't sully her outlandish garb; in fact, it makes it stand out even more. Colorful and plentiful, ribbons adorn her wing joints and arms to make a dazzling display of splendor, especially when those wings stretch out to their twelve foot span. Thick, magnificent feathers fill that massive span, and an entire rainbow of ribbons flutter from her wing spars to accent it all. The red ones are cut to look like feathers.
Loose fitting robes of a multitude of colors rest against her frame while various veils and shawls dangle from different sections of her clothes. One veil even covers her face, but she's quite often pulling it down to give a smiling twinkle in her sky-blue eyes behind her raptor-like beak. A rainbow ribbon is tied around her head like a bandanna, and every second glance it seems like the colors are in different places.
There is usually a white-plumed thrush nestling in one of the many nooks and crannies of her swishy attire.