Curse of Hel [IC]

[boldfont]

Curse of Hel
Balder, the God of Beauty, Light, and Poetry died on the day Leoril Gellantara was born. The Agardian Gods loved Balder. His death was known to Odin, who paid for his wisdom at the well with his eye. Odin's wife Frigga was sent to extract a promise from everything in creation that it would not harm Balder. Oh they were arrogant! The Gods even made sport of it by testing Balder's immunities frivolously. There was one thing in creation Frigga did not make to swear the oath however. It was the mistletoe. Poor, weak, homely, and benign mistletoe was thought to be too weak to harm anyone. Loki, the traitor heard of this. He tricked Hod, Balder's blind twin, into throwing a mistletoe dart at Balder. It killed him, and all those that die without glory and honour are sent to Hel, daughter of Loki. She was begged to release the God of beauty, and she agreed! But only if all of creation wept for his passing. Loki did not weep.

The world was dimmer now. Uglier. Life was less joyful. This was the day Leoril Gellantara was born on.

By an outstanding coincidence, Bartok the White had a vision as a boy on that very same night. He will never forget it. It was in the middle of a snow storm and his tribe was stuck on the mountain pass, trying desperately to reach the valley below where the winds were muted and the hunting was good. In the distance he saw a "tame-one" in a dark and tattered robe. This vision drew him out into the blizzard and whispered his name. When he drew near he saw that it was the Goddess Hel. She spoke to him in the language of the soul, not words, and this is an approximation of what he heard:
Bartok - Do you know who I am?
He did. He knew it in his very soul.
Then hear this. Your people are nearing their sun set days. They have been pledged to me as a gesture of good faith and sacrifice by Odin the All Father. He has done this in the hopes that I will release Balder. Would you like to stay with me in Niflhiem?
He did not! No other thought seemed more terrifying than this one.
Balder will stay with me. He reminds me of what I am not. But I feel guilty taking this offering of Odin's when I know this to be true.
Here she came in close. Her lips almost touching his forehead. Her breath colder than the storm.
Your people will diminish, this is inevitable. You are a thing of the past. But I will not hold their souls if one you can free a part of mine. Find my mortal son born this night and see that he knows love and family as mortals should. Do this that a part of me might be free. I choose you Bartok. You alone, because took your mother without cause and this is my reparation. A chance to save your people from my dominion...
It was true. Bartok's mother had died mysteriously and seemingly without cause, and his people, the wild folk, were becoming more scarce.


***

Our story begins twenty three years later at a funeral. The young Prince of Wedding Stone, Leoril, has lost his betrothed to a kiss. He had always been surrounded by death and ill omens for as long as he could remember. When his father, King Ardeth Gellantara the Mighty, announced his engagement Leoril really believed things were beginning to change for him. He had grown to like his bride to be, Alma of Brens, and thought he may even come to love her one day.

The whole realm was talking about it. It was during the Heartland girl's sword dancing competition at the Harvest festival. Alma was laughing and smiling and holding Leoril's hand closely. He told her he was glad he had met her. She made life a little more beautiful. Without thining he leaned in to kiss her and she accepted. It was... wonderful. But when their lips parted...
she died.

And this was her funeral. Friends, family, dignitaries, and the common folk came out to pay their respects to the lost princess. Although he never heard it, Leoril knew what they were saying. He was cursed by Hel herself, or that he killed the girl with his evil magiks. She was wrapped in a funeral shroud and was to be burned, as is the custom of her people. But before that happened Leoril had to make a speech. This was the worst day of his life.

Byrtnoth and Uago awkwardly observed the ceremony. This was unlike the death and exile ceremonies of their tribe. Why were the humans planning to burn the woman's body? And why sing first? Humans could be so weird. They did understand grief, however, even if they understood it differently. Now the Prince was going up onto the pyre so he could address the crowd. He was going to say a few words about the princess. These words would have nothing to do with her skills as a warrior. Indeed, she had none.

Leoril cleared his throat and spoke...


The OCC Thead (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15012222#post15012222)

Start us off with a short speech. There is a lot of public pressure on you not to appear as if you slew her with dark magic, so a diplomacy check is in order.
Less than DC 15 means you totally muck this up. Write the worst speech you can.
DC 15-19 Is a stalemate. Opinion will not change.
DC 20 or more means that you sound like Morgan Freeman and you write like Wordsworth. Best speech you can muster.

You will be interrupted during the speech. Please indicate this with an ellipsis "..."

[tsumechk]

Leoril hated giving speeches. It might have had something to do with lacking in social skills. Maybe it was some sort of phobia towards public speaking. Or - and this could sound crazy - he just didn't like the idea of going in front of a crowd he knew had a baseline attitude of "suspicious" towards him at best, and "consider him a horrible monster waiting to unleash suffering at the drop of a hat" at worst.

Moving in front of the crowd Leoril mentally ran through a speech he had prepared with the help of Xerv, who was resting on his shoulder hidden from the naked eye by his magical powers. The irony of relying on a fiend for help in convincing others he was not evil did not escape him. Taking in a deep breath he began talking.

"Alma was a...was a..." not even a full sentence into the speech he began noticing the way everyone in the crowd was looking at him. And then he made the mistake of letting himself get angry at the thought of attempting to please people who hated him, which Xerv felt through their emotional link.

Remaining invisible it siezed the opportunity presented, leaned towards his ear and whispered, "Master, why are you even bothering? You know full well that no matter what you say these fools will not listen. *I* know you to be good and that you never meant to do this, but why should you waste your breath on those beneath you? They have already arrived at their conclusion of what happened. I plead, do not give these petty thralls the satisfaction of having a speech to ridicule and twist to their own beliefs."

While he usually tried to take any advice Xerv gave him with a grain of salt or fifty, the imp's words made sense to him in his current state. Letting his rage get the better of him he continued, his voice tense with indignation, "Actually, you know what? This speech is over. I have nothing to say to you peop..."


Imp used suggestion on Leoril to make him do that, and he's choosing to fail the saving throw (due to emotional state, yadda yadda).

[boldfont]

Fight at a Funeral
He didn't get to finish the thought. One of the handmaidens screamed bloody murder, and pretty soon everyone was screaming and pointing at Leoril. Or rather behind Leoril. For his former bride to be had levitated above her resting place on the funeral pyre at tore loose from her death shroud with a wicked and unnatural cackle.

Die! Die! DIE!!! BLAHAHAHAHAAHAAHAAAA!!! she declared. Her half naked body, once a beautiful sight and something to look forward to for Leoril, was now a pale and grotesque parody of its former self. She had grown sharp nails that bordered on claws and sharp teeth like and animal.

The common people, understandably, began to flee. The honour guard drew their weapons, as did certain foreign dignitaries. Eryk made his greataxe ready. Brytnoth and Uago, the goliaths from the high lands, readied themselves as well. Stigr, Ardeth Gellantara's illegitimate son looked to his father and Queen Frieda and saw them frozen in fear. He drew as well. The mysterious primitive that came to the city and took such an interest in the royal family was there too. They had taken him in as a harmless novelty, and were surely glad to have him here now. He never put away his weapon in the first place! Inappropriate for a funeral, but he was trust worthy and it seemed to give him comfort.

Leoril turns around just in time to see Alma transformed into an abomination. A visible dark aura surrounds her.

Worst

Funeral

EVER!

Initiative


Alma of Bren [roll0]

Good NPCs [roll1]

Sense Motive Leoril is the only one with his back turned. He may not be able to read the crowd fast enough to turn around and make it in the initiative order. The PHB DC for a Hunch to read a social situation is 20, but that is a bit high given the circumstances. I'm bumping it down to 10, but you obviously cannot take 10.
[roll2]

Bartok the White [roll3]
Eryk Baegir [roll4]
Leoril Gellantara [roll5]
Stigr Hrafnleif [roll6]
Byrtnoth Stonearm [roll7]
Uago Frosthide [roll8]



Combat Map
http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/fight-at-a-funeral-round-1.jpg

Key

Alma of Bren (undead princess) is Dark Red

PC's are the colours you selected. For now, Bartok is white.

NPCs
Red = Guards
Yellow = Queen
Orange = King
Dark Brown = Handmaidens and royal servants
Light Brown = Foreign Dignitaries
Light Brown Mass = Crowd of Commoners

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth, always alert to danger to the Prince, acted almost before the former princess finished rising. He bounded across the ground, shouting out "Huscarls to me!" and leapt up onto the stacked wood of the pyre, then thrust and chopped at the floating and all too animated princess.


Charge attack:
BAB 9
Strength +5
Charging +2
Weapon Bonus +2
Total: +18/+13

(1d20+18)[28]
(1d20+13)[20]

Damage for the hits, if they land:
(3d6+9)[16]
(3d6+9)[25]

Based on her floating, I'm guessing that tripping is a no-go.

[BelGareth]

Eryk glanced around at everyone at the funeral, it was a somber occasion and even more so due to the reason.

He had begun to hear the murmurings, first from the kitchen staff, and then the other guards. He ignored them all, knowing the Prince better than most, his was the curse he must bear, and no one could help him.

It had killed Eryk upon learning, he was curious, the boy was touched by the gods, and so he had respect for him. But it went beyond that, he was cursed and it was obvious. The king took in stride however and tried his best to make everything work.

Standing next to the queen, a good 2 feet above everyone, except the two goliaths, those two almost met his height, the one more than the other, but only just, his heritage shinning through obvious to all. He liked it like that, may Thrym bless him.

His thoughts turned toward his god, he hadn't really thought about him recently, the activities of giants in the area were down and his mind had been on other things. His fickle god would see fit to punish him most likely, he started to wander how, as he scanned the crowd, his arms crossed on his mighty chest before him.

The prince started to speak, but as most things, he botched it. Eryk cringed inwardly for him.

Oh no he thought, its happening again.

And then his wife-to-be lept into the air, screaming.

"What in the worlds" he spat out, his appearing in his hands, in but a heart beat. He stepped in front of the king and queen, his massive bulk blocking them from the....thing.


He draws and takes a 5ft step in front of the king and queen. Readying an attack if the thing gets within 5ft.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[boldfont]

Byrtnoth made it up the pyre with an effortless hop. He makes adeft thrust with his warpike, using the momentum that brought his up the pyre, and strikes her once soundly in the gut.


Unless I'm missing something, you cannot make a full attack on a charge. In any case, only the first strike hits.


To Byrtnoth's amazement, he can see the wound closing and healing even as he pulls the pike from her body. It was a deep cut though, and it has not closed yet.

Eryk stood ready in case this evil that wore the princess's body decided to target his liege.

Many of the dignitaries were not well suited for combat, or were simply terrified. They ran towards the crowd, which was having considerable difficulty dispersing. The people in the back were not aware of the panic in the front and they didn't move out of the way. This causes pushing, shoving, tripping and trampling. The screams were now deafening. People were scared. One of the dignitaries, Sir Azlan, was old and infirm. He fell over himself face first into the sand.

This way your majesty! Shouted one of the handmaidens. They lead King Eofnik and Queen Frieda into the crowd and away from the pyre. They have difficulty forming a path though.

The guards split, half running into an escort's formation to help the King and Queen escape. My son! shouts the King, but he is pulled along by his young wife.

The other four guards begin climbing the stacks of wood to slay the monster. Brave fools! They do their duty though. Two manage to position themselves in a place where they can poke at her with their long spears.


[roll0] if hit [roll1]
[roll2] if hit [roll3]


Their thrusts are pathetic. They are the inept jabs of a poorly trained ceremonial guard. They miss.

Alma tosses her head back a laughs
Fools! I am beyond your pathetic mortal harms now! NOW DIE!!! And join me! MUHAHAHAHAAA HA HAA!
She descends on Byrtnoth, attempting the hold his wrists and straddle him.


No AoO... Feat
Touch Attk [roll4] vs Touch AC 13
Grapple Alma [roll5]
Grapple Brynoth [roll6]
Blood Drain [roll7] Con
Wow! A tie! You barely escaped that one.


She grabs his wrists, and does indeed manage to topple and straddle Brynoth. She is surprisingly strong for such a slight frame. Her open toothy maw is inches from his neck when Brynoth's adrenaline kicks in, enabling him to push her back. She stumbles backwards, retreating onto the top platform again. Brynoth springs to his feet again.

I will eat your flesh and your strength will be mine mortal! she threatens, as she floats back up to where she was before her failed assault.

Map

http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/fight-at-a-funeral-round-2.jpg

[J-H]

"Whaaa..." Bartok watches Alma leap from the pyre, fangs flashing, and attack the goliath. He charges up to them and, waiting for the right moment, smacks Alma with a powerful swing from his greatclub.


Charging to F12.
Alma is in the grapple, so she is denied her dexterity & dodge bonuses to AC.

Power attacking for -3ab, +6 damage; +2 AB from charging.

Greatclub attack (1d20+17)[27] - if I can't charge due to the pyre being difficult terrain, I only have a 25 to-hit roll.
Greatclub damage (1d10+17)[27]

[Admiral Squish]

Uago watches through the funeral, solemnly and respectfully. He's been in human lands long enough to know the proper procedure. When the dead bride rises from the pyre, shrieking for the death of all those before her, he knows that this is no longer part of the ceremony, and he knows what must be done. He rushes forward, up the side of the pyre toward the undead now mocking the death of the fair maiden. As he moves, balls of pale blue light begin to form around him, becoming visible to human eyes. The orbs converge on him, ice forming wherever they touch. It builds and builds, encasing his body, though he seems not to notice, until it covers him in a foot-thick shell of ice. A roughly humanoid form, sculpted crudely of clear ice, his own body suspended in the middle. His frozen form groans and pops like a glacier while he rises to the lower tier of the pyre and reaches up, lifting an enormous, ice-coated limb high and bringing it down to swat down the floating girl.

So, free action, enter rage. Size increases to large, +6 str, +4 con, +4 AC, 20% miss chance.
Move action, I move to occupy f11/g12
Standard action, I attack with an unarmed strike.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Cold: [roll2]

[boldfont]

Stigr knows what this is. He has heard tell of the dead rising wit unnatural strength and a fervor for vengeance against the living. The aura, the teeth, and her general appearance all indicate that this is a "vampyre" - a foul blood sucking fiend of the night. It has certain vulnerabilities such as holy water and garlic, but neither are immediately available. Her evil aura can drain a man with negative energy, and her horrible mouth can bleed a man dry. This one's mouth appears more suited to ripping and tearing than piercing, but it is a form of vampyre. That much is sure. Given the risen finacee's manner of death, Stigr would venture to say that this is a new vampyre created by the power of the young prince's curse and not the spawn of some greater creature. Such creatures usually have a resting place to retreat to. A coffin, a tomb, or somesuch. This one has only its pyre. It laughs with nihilistic glee, which Stigr attributes to its relative youth as a creature of darkness. It has not yet learned to be careful or cunning. It is of the utmost importance that she not survive tonight to find a lair, to create spawn, and learn these lessons of survival. She is a threat now, but if she were to escape she would be a menace.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth shouts "The Raven will feast on you, foul thing!" as the rage of Odin courses through his veins. Following word with deed, he renews the assault, lashing out at the floating corpse. He seeks to hold the thing's gaze and stop her from breaking past to attack the Royal family.


I begin Rage.

I'll use my Defensive Rebuke boost as a swift action on this attack. I don't know if it will actually do anything due to whatever feat she has though.
"Each enemy you strike after you initiate this maneuver becomes vulnerable to your further attacks. If such an opponent attacks anyone other than you in melee for the duration of the maneuver, that attack provokes an attack of opportunity from you (each separate attack a target makes provokes an attack of opportunity, making this boost especially lethal if you have Combat Reflexes). Enemies you strike become aware of the consequences of the maneuver."

To-Hit:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Damage:
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

If attacked, my AC is 22 and touch AC is 14.
I have 113 out of 113 hit points remaining.
Str of 26 and Powerful Build to resist if she grapples again.

[BelGareth]

Eryk, seeing the king flee to safety turns his gaze to the strange undead thing, he watched as it flew down to one of the others and tried to...wrestle with it?

What strange manner of beast is this?

He hefted his huge axe and moved to engage, hoping to find out after the thing was dead.


Move to the vamp and swing.

[roll0]
[roll1]

[Chromascope3D]

Stigr stood stunned, before thinking for a moment. A dead creature, pale with fangs. "It's a vampire!" He called out in response as his companion loosed an arrow at the monster. He looked at the mephit, "No doubt it's somehow my nephew's doing. We need to strike it down while it's weak." He had failed to prepare any spells today; it was a chore, and he didn't think he'd need it. Mentally, he kicked himself for not being more prepared. He grasped at his throat for his medallion, three triangles linked and bound in union. He raised the talisman high, and commanded, "CREATURE! ABOMINATION OF AN EVIL SOUL, YOU INTRUDE! I COMMAND YOU, BY ODIN'S WISDOM, TO LEAVE THIS BODY!" At this, the medallion burned bright and violent, and he moved to strike at the beast, dodging between guardsmen and leaping atop the pyre, before pressing it to the ghoul's flesh.

I roll for my familiar right?
He only gets one attack, as he had to take his bow out this round.
Ranged Attack:
Longbow Damage: [roll1]

Stigr moves 25 ft to f10, or 30 ft to e 10 if f10 is out of reach.

Stigr's touch attack: [roll]1d20+8

[tsumechk]

Oddly Leoril did not seem particularly shocked or awed by the events, largely due to Xerv manipulating his emotions into feeling fury over this affair. Hearing the comment on the creature's undead nature he came up with a plan. He moved back a few steps, drawing his estoc in the process, and began casting a spell, his armored hand glowing with a deep purple color, ready to use it at the first sign of the creature's movement. Leoril was in no mood to play games with this abomination.



Moved directly back 20 ft drawing rapier as a free action part of his movement, and readied an action to cast Halt Undead if she attacks. DC 18 Will or be immobilized for 8 rounds or until attacked.

Roll for next granted manuever
[roll0]

In case of repeats
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[boldfont]

Stigr arrives right after Alma tries to "embrace" Byrthnoth Stonearm. He pushes the inept guards out of the way and extends a hand to brush her toe. She wasn't paying attention and it costs her. YUuuuuaaaggghhhhh... It Burns!!! she shrills.
He pulls his hand away as an arrow from his lands in her neck with a satisfying ThUNk! It does not appear to have affected her much. She tears it out without a thought.

Bartok makes the ascent next. He feels the logs shift under his feet, but is up without much trouble. Uggh! he grunts as he puts the whole of his body into the swing of the club. Ooof it connects well with her ribs, which crumple.

Finally, Uago and Eryk strike and hit in unison. Uago's massive fist bludgeons her to a pulp and Eryk's axe passes through like butter. She lies in a gross fleshy heap.

Leoril backs up and readies himself, but the next attack doesn't come.
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief. It seems the undead princess has found rest, however gruesome, at last.

It was not without cost of human life. Several commoners lie trampled to death or severely injured from the mob. The King and Queen can be seen fleeing up the beach. The fight is over already, but no one else knows it.

One of the guards throws up.

[Nightgaun7]

"A dhampir, you say? We should stake her heart, cut off her head, burn the body, and bury the head in a jar of holy water at a crossroads with garlic in the mouth and a holy symbol on the shroud. Or at least that's what my da always said. I don't know which of those will work if any. I have some garlic, just in case."

Byrtnoth places his blade on her neck, in preparation.

[Admiral Squish]

With the battle over, Uago's icy form cracks, splits, and shatters apart entirely, blocks of ice quickly dissolving into spirit-motes, which, in turn, swiftly fade from sight, leaving Uago standing there in just his furs as he hops down from the pyre. He casts his sunken eyes to the prince, and gives a deep, respectful bow.

[BelGareth]

Having sliced into the dead thing, and seeing it struggle no more, Eryk pulled his huge axe out of the corpse and cleaned it on the snow a few feet away. He kept it in hand, not knowing if more enemies were close by or not.

Looking, easily over the heads of the crowd, he saw the king and queen, they were safe, if not scared. The threat put down, his place was beside the king, but he felt like he should stay for some reason. The prince after all was also his to defend, and Thrym knew, he needed it.

"A Vampyre? Such things have not happened here in a long time, we were well to have all the honor guard here! Let us be done with this filthy business afore the common folk overcome their fears."

He moves to Byrtnoth to help him, holding the body.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth, assuming he hears no countermanding instruction from Leoril or Stigr, lifts his halberd a little ways and then brings it back down in a short, sharp chop, neatly severing head from body.

[BelGareth]

Eryk watches as the grisly operation is performed.

He looks up to Byrtnoth afterwards, "Should we cut the legs and arms off too?"

He says, honestly not sure of how to procede.

[Admiral Squish]

The goliath, silent until now, speaks up. His voice is raspy, but large enough for his hulking frame. "Burn the body. It's the only way to ensure the spirits can't occupy it once more." He speaks. "We already have a pyre ready." He adds, gesturing to the pile of wood before them.

[BelGareth]

Eryk nods "Well, whatever we need to do, we need to do it." he lifts the body up and places it gingerly on the pyre, it was after all the body of the princess, and the princes one time soon to be wife.

He stands back, "We need something to light it with"

[boldfont]

The rest of the guards set about assisting the trampled commoners. Except for one. The guard that threw up stays behind to help burn the body. He goes and fetches the ceremonial torch. Here! Use this. he says as he hands Eryk the torch. Don't forget the head. he offers before throwing up a second time.

[BelGareth]

Eryk nods to the guard and takes the torch from him, he grimaces as he throws up again.

"Why don't you head back, tend to that stomach of yours, a warriors no good if he can't keep his vittles down."

He looks to the prince and then moves to the pyre and lights it, not hesitating just in case the thing, or something else came to attack them.

[boldfont]

I'll be alright he says. He is a young plump ginger fellow. It is obvious he has never seen combat before. He looks to be both shaken and fascinated. You guys were amazing. Do you think... he hesitates here. Do you think I could hang around you people for a little bit? Maybe learn a thing or two? It seems you have a fan.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth makes a mental note to speak to the lad's captain.

[J-H]

Bartok backs down the pyre and wipes his club clean. He shakes his head side to side. "This bad, very bad. How could lady have been made into vampire? She die from kiss, maybe kiss curse?" He looks over at the prince quizically. Bartok is not in his element and knows it...

[Chromascope3D]

Stigr donned his amulet again, and stepped off the pyre as it lit. As he passed Leoril, he put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry, lad, it's not your fault," He affirmed, but he knew it was a lie. He continued, "Come now, we should find your parents, they'll be worried."
He glanced at the others, and beckoned them, "You should all come, as well, I'm sure they'll want to speak with you."
He took out a coin and flipped it to the helpful guard, "And I'm sure you could use an ale, eh?"

[Nightgaun7]

"Perhaps it would be wise to finish the ceremony? Some tales say that the soul must be shriven to truly pass on..."

[tsumechk]

"I'm fine," Leoril barked still clearly in a bad mood, "If it had been someone who was being controlled by magic against their will, I'd probably feel some measure of sympathy towards this result. But that wasn't a person, it was just magical energy using a corpse like a puppet while confusing the memories of the dead for its own. Nothing more, nothing less." But the fact that someone claimed this to be a vampire was troubling to him. As far as he knew, a vampire could only be created by another such creature. And given how Leoril regularly went out into the daylight - which you would never guess given his complexion - as far as he could tell, it was impossible for him to be the cause of this. Maybe she wasn't dead, he thought, I do know how to cause people to temporarily enter a death-like state with a touch. But that should only last for a few seconds. Then again, that spell also works on the undead. Of course he kept all of this to himself. He did not like discussing the workings of necromancy with others, and trying to figure out what exactly happened had little purpose when magic by definition was a force that defied logic.

[boldfont]

The Exile

Choo Choo! Here comes the railroad. Last one I promise.

They watched the body burn after the grisly operation was performed. It provided a strange solace to those that remained on the beach. Alma, where ever her soul rest, had found peace.

It was Hilda Clara, Leoril's cohort, that suggested they open the King's cellars and open a barrel. It was a good idea. Everyone needed to decompress after the funeral. The seven adventurers (eight if you counted the chubby red headed Guard that wouldn't leave them alone. His name, it turns out, is Henry.). The strange event and the conversations that followed united them as friends. They stayed up all night learning about each other and bonding. They shared tales of adventure and battle.

In the morning the King descended the stairs leading to his chamber and into the great hall where the friends were. He was visibly upset. Some got up to leave, but he told them to sit down. He ranted! He Harangued! He spoke with such passion and emotion that no one could hope to get a word in without interrupting the King (generally considered rude beyond measure).

I want all of you to hear this. I love my son. With all my heart; I always have. But as you may have heard, he was not born on this mortal plane. By the gods when you came out of your mother you were so pale I thought you were still born. You're cursed boy! Even I can't deny it anymore. Bad things happen when you're around. Skeletons attacking the common folk? Hilda Clara's husband?!? Magic isn't supposed to work that way damn it. I'd be content to let you live out your days as a recluse on the throne, but if you can't even keep a Queen without killing her and having her attack your subjects...! You need a Queen to be King, son! YOU NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO CONTROL THIS - THIS - THING!!!

*Sigh*

I don't know what I did to deserve to be King. I don't know why the Gellentaras have magic inside of us. And I definitely don't know how it got to be so twisted in you. What I do know is that the people are crying for your head out there. Right now.


I have taken some skalds into my employment. I have been assured that they can sway public opinion to pity rather than fear and hate, but it will take time. Right now they gather in the streets demanding that I have you executed as a necromancer. My son! I've never been so-
AND WHERE IN MIDGARD DID YOU THINK THAT SPEECH WAS GOING TO END YOU?? HMM? Have a little damn respect for the poor girl whose funeral it was! "I don't care"? You should care! It was selfish and it certainly hasn't made things easier!!! We've always had enemies - assassins and such - but now! I don't think it's safe for you here anymore. When King Vllad hears about his daughter, he is going to come for you Leoril. And with the whole of Wedding Stone this upset at you, I have no doubt he'll succeed. You- you need to leave.

I want you out! You have to leave here boy! Do you hear me? I want you gone by tomorrow morning!!!

Here he paused to break down and cry. It was awkward to watch the powerful heavy set man in tears.

Don't come back until you break this- this CURSE! This thing that you are! I'll try to smooth things over with King Vllad.

... I could not expect you to go alone. Take who ever will dare to travel with you. And I do not know where you will go. But you must... go.

King Gellantara turns to retreat to his chambers. The Queen takes his hand at the top of the landing and leads the King away. No one dares say a word.

I'm am so sorry boy.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth goes and begin the preparations for leaving - requisitioning horses and ponies, securing a supply of dried meat, cheese, and ale, sending servants to pack the Prince's things, getting Henry attached to the Prince's retinue, and so on. Once the wheels are in motion, he returns to the chamber where the others are deep in discussion.

[tsumechk]

Feeling no need to reply he returned to his room. With the door closed he picked up his carrying bag he began to throw things he thought he might need. Xerv released his invisibility for little while, standing on top of a small jewelery box he kept on his night stand. He didn't need an empathetic link with the fiend to know what it was thinking. Opening the box he emptied its contents into the sidebag on his haversack. Black gems. To the average person, it was nothing much other than what looked like the expensive collection of a royal brat. But it was more than that to someone with Leoril unique talents. Xerv had spent a long time gathering these for the possibility of Leoril someday using them. While he had attempted to put off it for as long as possible, he had a feeling that he'd need every edge he could get in the coming days.

Sighing, he felt his anger fading and said something he never thought he'd say out loud, "Thank you Xerv." It was true that Xerv was a being of pure malevolence, but it was also true that while it was always eager to push Leoril to commit more wicked acts it was always out of a concern for him, as much as a devil is capable of doing so. In a twisted way that still put a bad taste in his mouth the imp was one of the few beings that Leoril could trust and speak openly with. "I aim only to please and serve you, master," it said with a fanged grin on its face. "I know, now if you would, transform. We're gonna be out for a long time, and I'd prefer it if we didn't have to worry as much about people noticing you."

Nodding, Xerv transformed into a raven, which it often took to pose as a pet of Leoril's. While it looked mostly normal there were a few oddities to the appearance, most notably the fact that its eyes had a slightly red sheen to them when the light hit them. Flying towards Leoril Xerv perched itself on his shoulder. Having finished packing he slung the bag over his shoulder and proceeded down towards the entrance to leave.

[boldfont]

A Gift from a Stranger.
It was while he was haggling over the inflated price of salted meats that Byrtnoth was approached by the old woman. She offered his raven some dried herring from her pockets.
That is a pretty bird you have. I'm quite fond of them myself. See?
She holds up a small copper figurine of a raven. The detailing is minimal and the proportions are off, but it has that enduring local handcrafted quality that so many seem to value.
It's from my shop. I make them. I only make the ravens out of copper and silver though. The others are made of soapstone. They bring me a peace I don't get from the other animals, so they get the best materials. she croaked. Why was this old woman speaking to him? She motioned for Byrtnoth to bend down closer to her. His massively tall statute dwarfed hers which was as small as a goblins. She ran a finger over one of his many scars. You have had a hard life. She presses the copper bird into his palm. I want you to have this for good luck. It's a gift. My good deed for the day, brave warrior.

Does he accept?

[Chromascope3D]

Stigr watched these events unfold. He wanted to talk sense into his half-brother, but he had no chance. The king stormed off, and looked to be in no mood for a discussion. "Very well," He started, before thinking for a moment. "This won't be easy, and I'm not sure..." But an idea crept into his mind. He finished, "I'll be right back," though no one was really paying attention, the others had already gone.

-----

Stribyg sat atop the bookshelf. He was in the library, watching his companion pull down books to leaf through pages. He was bright for a Spirit of the Snow, but was fairly simple when compared to most others. Stigr had found him one day, lost and alone among the icy wastes, and they had stuck together ever since. The man had just unrolled a bundle of maps, and looked fairly excited. Stribyg's curiosity got the batter of him, so he asked, "What are you looking for?"
Stigr smiled, "Not looking, I've found it. I believe I know how to break the curse, but it'll be quite the walk, and we'll need a map." He showed it to the mephit, before rolling it up and tucking it under his arm. He picked up his walking stick and began to move to the door. "Come now, they'll be waiting.". Stribyg followed.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth takes the small charm from the old woman, saying "Thank you, goodwife. I will keep it close at hand always. A gift in return." He hands her a gold piece, and then considers whether to tie it to his polearm or wear it round his neck as he finishes gathering supplies for the journey ahead.

[J-H]

Having his own store of dried meat, pemmican, and nuts, Bartok does not need to shop to be ready to go. He sleeps uneasily, although the latter part of the night is better when he moves from the straw-and-fur bed to the fur rug on the floor.

When the group meets up again, he puts forth what he knows:

"In squishy mudlands south and east of here 3 days run are plants to use to make Iowaska. It help commune with self, nature, gods. Find out things about self or future. Know what to do next."

[Admiral Squish]

After the battle on the beach, Uago heads out once more into the city, to enjoy the rest of his time in the walls of Wedding Stone. But his mind kept going back to what happened on the beach, to the undead that rose from the prince's bride. There was something at work with the prince, something beyond the rumors. something dark and terrible. He couldn't banish the thoughts. When the rumors reached his ears that the prince was to be sent away, he realized that this was a chance to settle his debt of honor. Something terrible was happening to the prince, and if he could help to protect the prince, his debt would be settled, truly and forever.

He packed up all the supplies he carried with him, and made his way to the palace, approaching the front gates. The guards barred his way, defending the palace as they were trained to, despite the looming size of the intruder. He paused for a long moment before he spoke. "I must pass. I must speak to the prince about his coming journey." He said.

[boldfont]

After the battle on the beach, Uago heads out once more into the city, to enjoy the rest of his time in the walls of Wedding Stone. But his mind kept going back to what happened on the beach, to the undead that rose from the prince's bride. There was something at work with the prince, something beyond the rumors. something dark and terrible. He couldn't banish the thoughts. When the rumors reached his ears that the prince was to be sent away, he realized that this was a chance to settle his debt of honor. Something terrible was happening to the prince, and if he could help to protect the prince, his debt would be settled, truly and forever.

He packed up all the supplies he carried with him, and made his way to the palace, approaching the front gates. The guards barred his way, defending the palace as they were trained to, despite the looming size of the intruder. He paused for a long moment before he spoke. "I must pass. I must speak to the prince about his coming journey." He said.

Ah! That's the way we're playing it? You weren't with him all along? Cool with me. This ought to be interesting...

The guards were used to people demanding to see this or that member of the royal family. People had been doing it all day. Right now there way a small crowd demanding the exact same thing (albeit for less genuine reasons entirely) They had been specifically instructed not to let anyone outside the King's employment or retainer onto the castle grounds. Ya Ya! Me too! said one man I want to wish the darling Prince fare-thee-well too! And another Bring him here! I want to talk to him about my goats that died last winter! And another What about my dead wife? Did he kill her too? How do I know she'll stay dead? and And my grand parents! This was looking bad, and Uago was in the middle of it! Kill him! Hang the Prince!!!

[Admiral Squish]

Uago was not one to mince words. Realizing he couldn't differentiate himself from the crowd without major action, the goliath turned, facing the throng as they began to surge with anger, threatening to become a mob. He reached behind him, pulling out his axe and gesturing at the crowd, warding the commoners back to axe's length. "You will all leave." He spoke, his voice low and serious.

Intimidate: [roll0]

[boldfont]

Not cool indeed! But a +15 helps.


The crowd give Uago his space, but they do not disperse. As one mob member says Geez, what's his problem? and this pretty much sums up their reaction. Nevertheless, Uago is a large man and they are wise enough to keep their distance. For now.

Heh heh. Wish we had a big guy like you working our gates. One guard says. Still we can't let you past Sir. Lots of people, as you can see, have "business" with the Prince. Unless there is someone, other than the prince, we can fetch to validate your claim. please don't hit me...

Uago figures he could probably hike around the west perimeter and climb the bloody wall barehanded, or break this little "guard" in his way. It might vitiate his claim to help, however, if the royal family were to hear of it.

[Admiral Squish]

He ponders his options for a moment. The easiest option would be to knock out the guards and move on in. But without the guards, the angry mob would be able to get in too and that wouldn't be good. He could climb the wall, but then the guards might try to stop and he'd be right back to having to knock them out.

Finally it occurred to him. "If you find a guard who was at the beach yesterday, he will be able to recognize me." He said.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth approaches the gate on his way back to the palace from the market and sees the crowd, and in the middle of it, Uago and the guards. He shoulders his way through, careful not to injure anyone in the densely-packed crowd, until he reaches the gate. "What's going on here?"

[boldfont]

Well that should be too hard. The other guard says. These are good boys. Just doing their job. They clearly have no interest in frustrating Uago.
Oi! Henry! Get over here!!! A minute later the same ginger fat kid who threw up at the beach yesterday comes down off the ramparts. Can you vouch for this guy?

Uh. yeah. He's amazing! He saved the Prince's life. What are you doing here? Uago explains. I'll vouch for him. I'll even act as escort around the castle! I can totally do that. Henry signs the life voucher, a device to ensure that anybody that allows another on the castle grounds assumes joint liability for any trouble they cause and Uago is let in. Henry looks a bit hungover, but this doesn't stop him from talking Uago's ear off. Henry leads the large warrior to the Prince's chambers, where he is presently packing for the journey.

[Admiral Squish]

Uago listens, at least passingly, as Henry leads him through the halls of the castle toward the prince's chambers. He could have done without the lesson on the history of some of the artifacts and paintings on the walls, but he humored the young guard as they walked.

When he arrived at the princes chamber, the muscular warrior bowed. "Prince, I want to offer my service upon your journey." He said, simply.

[boldfont]

Henry, who doesn't seem to know when it's time to "escort" and when it's time to wait outside, chimes in. So it's true! You are going away! uhhh Me too! Ahem. I would also offer my services to my liege in his journey.

The two are a sharp contrast.

[Chromascope3D]

The halls were high and lofty, spacious enough for Stribyg to flit from rafter to rafter with comfort, which he was doing as they made their way back. Stigr had noticed this many times before, but the scale of the castle never ceased to amaze. It inspired him to achieve, and now it would help him again. He strode into the Prince's Chambers, where the others were waiting.

As he entered, Stigr heard Bartok's suggestion, and piped up, "No need, I believe I have just the solution!" He laid the map on a table and unrolled it, beckoning the others to join.
"Now, this will not be easy. It is a powerful curse, but with sufficient power to match, any curse may be broken. However, such is beyond the ability of any spellforger here in Wedding Stone. So, we must travel North." Here he pointed at a forbidding rendition of a mountain range, on the very edge of the page. "We must travel here, for here be giants. They are strong, both in body and mind, and forge powerful magic, indeed, they helped construct this very castle, centuries ago when they were more numerous. However, as the dominion of man spread ever outward, they were driven ever northward, to the impassable Icemantle mountains, where they have lingered ever since. They may not be keen to help us, but if we can win their favor, they may hold the key to ending your curse."

Here, he paused, as if waiting for a question.

OOC:
I don't think I'll mention the dating service idea, yet, as no one has brought it up, yet.

[tsumechk]

Having finished packing he opened the door ready to leave.
"I couldn't care less about how we'd go about breaking it as much as this question: Do I lose all of my powers when it's broken? At that point I'll be about as defenseless as a little kid, and I'm relatively sure anyone who wants me dead will see it as a perfect opportunity to kill me. If that's the case it'd probably just be better to off myself on my own terms and get it over with. Preferrably somewhere out in the wilderness where they couldn't find the body. Either way I'm not a problem any more. I'm not opposed to at least checking it out, but if that turns out to be the case I'm going with my solution."

[J-H]

After hearing the self-destructive rant, Bartok takes a couple of quick steps over to Prince Leoril, stopping just a few inches away and clapping a large hand on the Prince's shoulder (not gently). Leoril is forced to look up if he wants to see anything other than white and brown leather, although doing so means he can't help but smell Bartok's breath.

"You talk of little cubling while already acting like one! You think you're the only one important, that it all about you? You die, my people suffer. You act like child, run and hide either by taking boat, or by walking onto glacier in blizzard, you fail. You be weak." Bartok pokes Leoril in the chest with a thick finger. at this.

"It good you not married yet. You have magic, and height, but that not make you man. Trip to swamp, mountains, snow be good for you. Suffering build character. You need lots."

He releases the prince and storms out of the room with a frustrated expression on his face.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth's gravelly voice echoes through the hall as he strides forward.
"Though Bartok's words are rough-hewn, he has the right of it, my Prince. Your father the king has no necromantic powers, Prince, yet he governs well enough. Is it not said, he eats and drinks, and does that which is just, and it is well with him? What matter a curse? Many men be cursed by the gods. Even if you be reduced to a stripling, still you will have protectors, and so long as you act in a manner befitting a king, I am the king's man, and the people will be yours. He spreads his palm over his heart and bows as he reaches the circle.

[boldfont]

Leoril graciously accepted Uago's offer. He then left the choice of how to proceed to his companions. Should they seek out Bartok's herbs and consult the spirits for guidance? Or should they head North, as Stigr suggested, looking for powerful magics to end the curse? When Eryk joined them, they put it to a vote.

[boldfont]

To the King's Marsh
The Prince purchased a Karve suitable for short coastal voyages on the King's credit. They were packed and ready to go. Oddly, the Prince seems refreshed, like his exile had made him a new man! Gone was the fatalistic stupor of yesterday. Today, he looked and felt like a man you could write his own destiny.

They began loading the ship. None of them really knew how to sail, but it was the fastest and safest way to the King's Marsh where the rare Iowaska herbs grew only a few miles inland. The alternative was months of riding around the bay, over rocky terrain, and then on foot through the steppe where horses would not last. This was better.

In answer to their plight, four rough wayfarers approached the party to offer their services as sailors. The leader, Vigfurrson, said that he could sail the ship safely across the bay, drop them off, and then pick them up at the appointed time. They would do this for free if they could use the Karve to ferry passengers from Wedding Stone to Dawkin's Landing.
Mayhaps you have your doubts, but I know the paths the winds take. Without us, you may find yourselves dead in the water and a tasty snack for the Giant Octopi that frequent these waters. You may be fine warriors, but you're no wayfarer. That takes strength of arm and of mind! Vigfurrson and his crew laughed boastfully. They were large men, certainly, but not as big as Eryk, Bartok, Uago, and Byrtnoth. What made them so cocky so as to speak to the Prince and his friends this way?

It is time to play again! I miss that, don't you? Please check in OCC even if you have nothing to say here, just so we know we didn't lose you.

[Archwizard]

The Prince

The Prince listens to the men's laughter, We'll see if you're still laughing when the curse catches up with you.

Glancing at the men with him, "As long as you are where we need you, when we need you, you may use the boat as you see fit. However, you break it, you bought it."

"Uncle, Vago, and Eryk, can you please help these men prepare the boat? Byrtnoth and Bartok, come with me." The Prince leads the two away from the ship a bit.

"I was curious if either of you know of these men. Also Byrtnoth, make sure you keep an eye on them. Their manner is... well, you saw." The Prince sighs, "I'm afraid to place too much faith in anyone or anything beyond our core group. Too much has happened in my life, and until we find what we are looking for I doubt it will get better."

[boldfont]

A one is still a pass for a mundane task. Can you take 10 on unskilled checks as a factotum?

Stigr didn't think sailing a Karve looked that difficult. He offered a hand and found that, like most things, he was a natural. Sure it wasn't his livelihood, but he was reasonably certain that he could sail this thing across the bay by himself.
Vigfurrson stares wide eyed as Stigr rigged the boom and stowed the docking rings effortlessly. He knew where the rations went so they would not get wet, and he knew where the oars needed to be set for when the wind died. Stigr lacks the callouses and the salt puckered face of a true sailor, but you wouldn't know it otherwise.
You're a natural! he exclaims, astounded. He then pulls himself together and attempts to reassert some of his usefulnessBut you'll still need us to help you navigate. And you don't want to leave yer ship alone while you travel. For that you need real sailors!

[J-H]

Bartok follows the prince over, and shakes his head. "No, Bartok not like cities, not take boats often." He looks over the side of the ship at the deep, cold water with an unhappy expression on his face. "I swim strong, but it still cold. Swim in cold water, die quickly in winter."

[Admiral Squish]

Uago looked from his party to the sailors once or twice, his sunken eyes trying to read the strange situation. After a moment he gave a shrug of acceptance and strode off to the boat, looking to lend a hand where he could. He didn't know much about boats, he'd been raised on a mountain, after all, and the whole idea of getting in a piece of wood to go across the water seemed unwise to him. But he was in this for the long haul, and he had to make himself useful.

So, rolling an untrained profession check to aid another whoever happens to be closest. [roll0]

[boldfont]

The Marsh Landing

With the hired sailors, Stigr, and Uago helping the ship was loaded in no time. Everyone climbed into the little boat and they shoved off. It took three days to cross the bay. Vigfurrson and his men turned out to be the good sort. The party mingled with the crew and they got along splendidly. Bartok eventually got his sea legs, though it was obviously not his favorite journey. The crew taught Stigr and Uago a few sailing tricks since they had been impressed by the men's willingness to help and natural talent.
Take 1d4 free ranks in profession: sailor
They learned a new game the lads said they learned from the far east called Janggi. It was a complicated game of strategy and it wouldn't be too hard to make a compact board for traveling. They took the long way around the mouth of the bay. Vigfurrson explained that there was a dead zone in the middle of the bay, and if you had to row there you would surely attract the attention of the "Kalmar", his name for the giant octopi he spoke of earlier. Likewise, around the coast was too slow and hazardous rocks could leave you shipwrecked. At the end of the trip Garvan felt confident that he had made the right decision. These were good men and they would be back with his boat when he returned. They agreed that Vigfurrson would come back to the drop off in 10 days, and wait for 3 nights. On the morning of the thirteenth day they would send word to Garvan's father that something had gone wrong. Bartok agreed with this estimate. It should take between 10-13 days to cross the marsh, pick up the Iowaska, and return.

The ship moored as close the the marsh as it safely could. Out of place boulders of enormous proportions jutted out of the deep waters, making passage impossible. The next 16 miles would be cold and wet, there was nowhere realistic to sleep, but it was also the fastest and safest route. Bartok showed the group how to keep their supplies dry by wrapping them in oiled leather and waxed cheesecloth. This would not hold, he explained, if their bags were submerged. Eryk nodded in agreement, having some experience in these things himself.

To the north cattails and tall swamp grass rose out of the water. Hundreds of ducks made their spring landing there, looking for the best nesting places. That way would be less uncomfortable, but it didn't lead in the direction they needed to go. The the south the water was waist deep and small fish breached the surface of the water as they jumped to catch the morning mosquitoes and horseflies. They could rough it in that direction and they turn due east. This would be a much less pleasant trip, but it was direct.
Of course, they could swim, but they risked losing some of their equipment.

Something bothered Eryk and Stigr about the dead trees and the dam of large boulders. The others didn't notice anything odd.

Swamp Map (http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/kings-marsh-hex-map-current.jpg)

Map of A4 (http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/kings-marsh-a40001-pc.jpg)

Additional Information
The larger hex map is the whole of the King's marsh. The last three hexes boxed in red are where the Iowaska plant can be found. The way I do hex crawls is I treat each hex as either a (i) dungeon, (ii) a point by point crawl, or (iii) a mini game. Your current hex, A4, is a dungeon. You describe the route you take and deal with encounters, natural hazards, and other problems along the way. Much as you would in a traditional dungeon. Because, lets face it, wilderness adventures are usually so boring.

[Admiral Squish]

Free skill points: [roll0]

When the trip first started, Uago would barely stand up in the boat, not trusting it not to dump him into the cold waters with the slightest provocation. But as the journey went on and the sailors taught him about boats and sailing, he grew slowly more confident. He still didn't entirely trust the idea of boats, but at least he wasn't quite so nervous anymore.

When they had landed and were fully prepared to start the proper journey into the swamp, Uago took one a long look at the terrain before them and gestured due east, across the shallows where the cattails grew and the ducks populated. "If we must go to the east, let us go east." He spoke, straightening his pack and the furs he wore bound across his chest.

Uago would never admit it, but ever since the encounter with the Entombed had left him with a serious fear of suffocation. He could swim just fine, but he was not fond of the mud that sucked at his boots, eager to drag him below the surface and keep him for eternity. If he couldn't escape the muck, he would take the path with the lowest chance for him to drown. Besides that, if they could catch a few ducks, they would eat well all through their trip.

To clarify, Uago is promoting a path straight across the shallow area, to the border of B5.

[Chromascope3D]

Free ranks: [roll0]
You can find an adventure anywhere, and he wasn't about to sit back and let the sailors have all the fun of piloting the ship. To sail a boat again took him back to younger days gone by. The sailors themselves weren't what he was expecting either, as they traded personal stories and acquired lore in the torchlit nights. He'd even learned a new game, which he had written down in his journal. But all things must end for something new to begin.

He splashed down into the muck. "Disgusting. In all my years, I have never encountered anything quite like the stench of a marsh. I guarantee you, we'll smell like this for days."
Stribyg chuckled as he alighted on Stigr's shoulder, "Some of us will anyway."
The man sighed, before glancing around and taking stock of their surroundings. "I think... hmm... it looks like there may be an island of sorts that way," He stated, pointing north, "It would do us good to get out of the water as soon as we might be able." He stared at the line of boulders, "I also do not believe those could have found their way there naturally. Perhaps it may be a staging ground for some creatures to ambush us. I also don't like those trees."

Choosing Invisibility, Fly, Expeditious Retreat, and Charm Person for my spells for the day

[Nightgaun7]

"I think it would be best to go to where the heron is, then move past those rocks. We will have greater visibility that way."

In other words, head for B4

[Archwizard]

Garvan

"Well uncle, if you are concerned about those boulders, perhaps I should fly up and see what I can see beyond them. Unless you think it might draw unwarranted attention to us." With that, Garvan goes out over the water, hovering just over the surface. Looking at Uago, "Heading straight east seems fine to me."

[J-H]

Bartok shoulders his pack, glad to be off the ship and back into an area where he can rely on himself to survive... and glad to be around fewer people. The sailors were good enough, but not his people.

He points to the northeast. "See lighter color, more reeds, birds? Water shallower, shoreline. Head that way to get dry quicker. Be dry before dark - cold breeze at night... it summer, I be fine, some of you not."


Applicable modifiers (roll as necessary, since I don't need to know what I rolled on some of these):
Survival: 20
K: Nature: 11
Spot: 16
Listen: 16

[boldfont]

An uncomfortable march in the Marsh

A paper thin layer of leftover ice crackles when heavy boots smash through it. Many of the adventurers found that sound satisfying as children. Now, it only means cold, wet feet, and even danger.

Bartok and Eryk prove invaluable. Their keen eyes and survival instincts allow them to point out dangerous sink holes that are invisible to most others. Wet boots are bad. Being soaked is much worse. Still, if they stand around in freezing cold water for long enough, someone is sure to fall ill.

Hypothermia Checks

No survival check to avoid because your feet are submersed.

First Hour
Hypothermia FORT DC 17
Bartok the White [roll0]
Eryk Baegir [roll1]
Gavan Gellantara Flying
Stigr Hrafnleif [roll2] Unless flying
Byrtnoth Stonearm [roll3]
Uago Frosthide Enjoys a nice cool dip in the Marsh
*If Fail then [roll4] non lethal and Fatigued (-2 Str and Dex); this is Mild Hypothermia.

Second Hour
Hypothermia FORT DC 18
Bartok the White [roll5]
Eryk Baegir [roll6]
Gavan Gellantara Flying
Stigr Hrafnleif [roll7] Unless flying
Byrtnoth Stonearm [roll8]
Uago Frosthide Enjoys a nice cool dip in the Marsh
*If Fail a second time then [roll9] lethal and Exhausted. MUST find some way to get dry or [roll10] every 10 minutes.

Once dry, any player with survival or healing can take 10 and treat the character. You cannot treat until PCs are dry.


Two hours into the march they reach the reeds (http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/kings-marsh-a40001-pc2.jpg). The reeds and cattails are taller than an ordinary man. Only the giant blooded men among them can see over the reeds. Curiously, the ducks have declined to nest here. Why is that?

Ahead they can hear a massive gathering of ducks. The quacking sounds are comforting. It should mean that the area ahead is safe.


Spot
Byrtnoth Stonearm [roll11]
Uago Frosthide [roll12]
Eryk Baegir [roll13]

vs Hide [roll14]; [roll15]; [roll16]; [roll17]; [roll18]; [roll19]; [roll20]


It was just a splash at first, then it was an eye. At least two somethings were stalking them. They were still deep into the reeds. Whatever it was, it was huge. But they were also experienced hunters. Eryk and Uago noticed that the creatures stuck to the low points, mostly submerged by water. Otherwise they's have been easy to spot. They pointed it out to Byrtnoth, but he still couldn't see them. About 60 feet away now and holding their position. There had to be more of them. There just had to be.

Map (http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/kings-marsh-a4-first-combat-rnd-1.jpg)

http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/kings-marsh-a4-first-combat-rnd-1.jpg

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth catches the eye of the Prince, makes a subtle inclination of his head convey the direction of the creatures the others told him about, then looks skyward for a moment, as if directing Garvan to get some height.

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan looks in the direction Byrtnoth is indicating, but sees nothing. Still, he had learned over the years to trust his friend's instincts when it comes to his safety. Garvan rises up to 40' above the water and looks around, paying particular attention to the area indicated by Byrtnoth.

[boldfont]

[roll0] (+10 circumstance to counter the +10 hide bonus. From up there the reeds provide no cover.)


Gavan can see them now. Two massive toads half buried in mud and largely submerged. Their natural camouflage is perfectly suited for this area. They were waiting. Listening. It was clear, even to Gavan who did not have much wilderness experience, that these two toads were hunting the party. They looked big enough to eat a man. No wonder the ducks stayed clear of this area. They saw Gavan rise too. He knows because as he was rising one of them twitched, nearly breaking off into a charge, but then must have thought better of it. As big as these bully frogs were, two toads were no match for him and his friends. He could blast them from up here with impunity if he wanted. They didn't look so big to him from forty feet in the air.

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan returns to about 10' above the water, near Byrtnoth, "There are two huge toads that appear to be hunting us. I see no need to engage them if we can avoid it, but just in case you should make sure everyone's aware and prepare accordingly. I doubt they can hit me when I'm up in the air, so I will return up there and provide support that way."

With that, Garvan flies back up, this time stopping 50' up, aware that most toads have impressively long tongues.

[Nightgaun7]

"It's always the one you don't see that gets you..." Byrtnoth mutters.

[J-H]

Bartok's eyes get very large, and he backs up a few steps. "You say huge toad, you mean like..." he gestures his arms out to indicate something more than 10' wide.

"Mukker. Big poison toad. Touch toad, poison; toad hit you with tongue, poison and eat you right there, before you can hit toad. Cut toad open, poison spray out. Bad, very bad.

See two toads?" Bartok gestures around them. "See two toads, four more you no see. Hide in small deep spots, marshes.

It springtime, they hibernate like bear. Right now, they hungry, not cautious. Act big, scary, hurt them, maybe they go away. Act like prey, be eaten.

Oh, and mukkers jump far, fast. Prince Garvan, you need fly higher!"

Finished talking, Bartok growls and takes on the form of a large polar bear. In his new form, he stretches, popping his joints, and points ahead at the toads before dropping onto all fours.

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Taking Bartok's advice, Garvan rises so that he is 200' in the air.

[Admiral Squish]

Uago watches Bartok as he explains about the toads and suddenly transforms into a giant polar bear. Then he looks to the reeds where the toads hide. "Act big and scary..." He mutters, then stomps through the marsh toward the toad's hiding place, and lets out a fearsome roar, raising his arms high to look larger.

Moving to U10, making an intimidate check to try to frighten them off.
[roll0]. Plus or minus any circumstance mods that may apply.

[boldfont]

Toad Hunt
Uago puffs himself up to make himself look big and threatening. RrraAAHHH! he shouts as he approaches the toads. "I'm more trouble than I'm worth" is the message. Apparently they read the message loud and clear, because they scuttle their bodies around and begin hopping away. However, Garvan can see from his great vantage point that they do not go far. They only move far enough to avoid Uago before turning around to see if they are still being pursued.

From Garvan's height he can see that the reeds extend for about two miles east before opening up into shallower waters and light foliage where the ducks prefer to populate. He can see the further north will only lead to thicker and thicker reeds. West leads back to the ocean. Their current path takes them along a canal flanked by reeds and mudflats, unless they decide to bushwhack their way through the reeds that line the shelf between swamp and deeper waters where the boulders are. The disadvantage of being this high is that he can barely hear Uago's shouting over the wind. Specifics of what is happening on the ground level are hard to make out as well. Two hundred feet up is definitely safe, however, and he knows his Elderich blast can still cut through toads with precision from this height.


http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/reeds-a4-marsh-pc0.png

[Chromascope3D]

"Hah!" Stigr moved up alongside the bears, "It's a good thing you know so much about them, I don't seem to be able to recall anything..." He stroked his beard for a moment, watching the beasts run. They seemed to have slowed to a halt before turning to watch them again. "They're not going to just let us go, are they?"

He sighed, and called out to them, "Hallo there!"

Gonna try and initiate diplomacy, try not to mess them up too badly until we know that won't succeed. I assume they don't speak common, but it's still nice to try. :smallbiggrin:

[Nightgaun7]

"We may as well keep trekking. They'll either attack or not. I suggest we continue through this shallow area. Watch your back, they might try to get you with their tongues." Byrtnoth looks back towards the others. "How fare you, Heinrik?"

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan comes down to about 150' so that he can hear the group better.

Shouting down to Stigr, "What are you doing? Just keep moving, they're here to eat, not talk."

[boldfont]

Toad Hunt


"Hallo there!"

He can't see what he is shouting at, but trusts that his friends are having a good laugh at him. No response. Probably too stupid to understand Stigr is tempted to conclude.


"What are you doing? Just keep moving, they're here to eat, not talk."

They resolve to continue on. Still, the knowledge that they are being stalked stirs the primal feeling of a prey's fear. Hearts beat a little faster. Eyes are a little more alert. The hunt is on... (http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/UerNuU0RJmA/)


"We may as well keep trekking. They'll either attack or not. I suggest we continue through this shallow area. Watch your back, they might try to get you with their tongues." Byrtnoth looks back towards the others. "How fare you, Heinrik?"

I'm well thank you. A bit cold perhaps, and I wish I could see what everyone is talking about, but otherwise fine. He replies. Henry (or "Heinrik" if you go by his proper name) hops up and down a few times in a feeble attempt to see over the reeds. He can't. If I could see, do you think it would comfort me? Or make me wish I hadn't? The positive side of not being tall enough to see, of course, was that neither could he be seen. Small comfort certainly.

And soon ended. As the party follows the canal due east, their toad shadows do as well. They keep a considerable distance of over two hundred feet and are now in plain view. Three huge toads, about fifteen feet long and twelve feet wide, shadow the group. They are imposing. They puff their gullets occasionally and let out a RRReeeeoOOOooKK that carries over the whole swamp for miles and miles.

RRReeeeoOOOooKK

RRReeeeoOOOooKK

Their giant toad eyes are still watching. Creepy!


http://www.ekoidejos.lt/files/upload/thumb_eye-of-a-european-green-toad.jpg

But they keep their distance. If nobody had told them differently, it would be easy to confuse the toad's interest in the party with curiosity.

Garvan can see rustling in the reeds in the area they have just left. At least one Mukker that was watching them is now heading north. It is nearly another hour before they come to a fork in the canals. To the left the passage is clear. To the right, they can see three more toads standing out in the open.


http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/reeds-a4-marsh-pc1.png

They swell their chests and let out a chorus of thunderous croaks.

RRReeeeoOOOooKK

From behind they hear the reply.

RRReeeeoOOOooKK

Again, these toads do not appear to be on the offensive. Instead, they stare the party down, chest outstretched, defiantly blocking the right lane.


http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/giant-toad-fantasy.jpg


Hypothermia check Fort DC 19
Bartok the White [roll0]
Eryk Baegir [roll1]
Garvan Gellantara Flying
Stigr Hrafnleif [roll2]
Byrtnoth Stonearm [roll3]
Uago Frosthide enjoys the cool foot bath
Henry (Private)
If fail [roll4] non-lethal and fatigue (-2 global)

[Nightgaun7]

"Press on. They will either attack or go hungry."

[Chromascope3D]

"They don't seem to be too hostile. Try not to alarm them, we're heading north anyway, so if we take the left path, they might not attack. Of course, they could be herding us into an ambush..."

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan looks around, "Guys, this does not look good. I realize my experience in these environs isn't as extensive as some of yours, but animals that are afraid do not follow something they are afraid of. Also, many animals hunt in packs. I have no idea if toads are like that, but they've gone from three to six."

[J-H]

Bartok unslings his bow and strings it, being careful to keep it dry. "Should have just killed them earlier."

He takes aim at the closest toad.


Initiative, maybe we get a surprise round? [roll0]

Attack1[roll1]
Damage1 [roll2]
Attack2[roll3]
Damage2 [roll4]

[boldfont]

Battle Toads


I'll give them a Sense Motive check to see if their animal brains can understand that they are about to be shot at. They are clearly on their guard, so Bartok's shot would be the only thing to catch them off guard. Besides, this isn't a coordinated volley, it is a single shot which will alert them that the fight is on.
SM [roll0] DC 20 (Free shot for Bartok)

Initiative
Toads [roll1]

Bartok the White [roll2]
Eryk Baegir [roll3]
Garvan Gellantara [roll4]
Stigr Hrafnleif [roll5]
Byrtnoth Stonearm [roll6]
Uago Frosthide [roll7]

Eryk is the blue with a white ring. The faded toad on the right hand side is underneath a massive fallen tree trunk that lies over the banks. It has 20% cover. The other two are on top. I assumed that Bartok was aiming for one of those, but nothing written indicates that it has to be. Let me know if different.


Although the toads are on edge and ready to defend, they are unable to recognize the danger that Bartok's bow represents. He draws back his bow, takes aim. The toad is lined up perfectly, but it only stares back dumbly. It gives its own eyeball a lick, and then the arrow is loosed. It sinks deep into the creature's eye, and before they realize they are being attacked, a second arrow sinks into the same toad's nose. They are alert, but not yet moving. In these few critical seconds, some of our heroes will be able to strike before the Toads can react...

Map (http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/toad-part2-combat-1.jpg)

[Admiral Squish]

For a long moment, Uago is unsure of himself, not sure if he should move along or stand and fight. Then he hears the twang of a bowstring, and turns, watching Bartok's arrow sailing through the air before striking into one of the toad's eyes. Well, that answers that question. He charges forward, the spirits springing into sight around him, in time to pancake against his mottled skin, creating a thick shell of ice once more. Soon a walking glacier lumbers forward through the water, the sloshing liquid freezing against his icy legs. Now encased in his icy armor, he swings a massive icy fist toward the toad on the log, dark spirit orbs dancing around the club-like limb.

Okay, I'm entering range, which grants me +6 str, +4 con, +4 NA, bumps me up to large size, and grants me a 20% miss chance.
I'm gonna charge the lowest left frog on the log, and my Spirit Totem spirit is attacking too.
Rage Rounds: 29/30

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Cold: [roll2]

Spirit Attack: [roll3]
Negative Energy Damage: [roll4]

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth grumbles philosophically and moves forward until he stands beside Eryk. "Let us take the fight to them."


Leading the Charge stance

Crusader Maneuvers:
1: Vanguard Strike
2: Revitalizing Strike
3: Defensive Rebuke
4: White Raven Tactics
5: Covering Strike

Granted:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

If there are any rerolls, the second roll will be
[roll3]
And if that one duplicates one too then
[roll4]

[J-H]

Bartok fires again at the injured toad.
"Toads poison! Don't touch with skin!"

Switching target to second exposed toad if the first one dies from first shot. These have low ac...
Attack1 [roll0]
Damage1 [roll1]
Attack2 [roll2]
Damage2 [roll3]

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan flies a little closer to the log before firing off a bolt of his eldritch blast, aiming for the same toad Bartok's been firing at.

Okay, so I'm flying to 1 square north of where Bartok is now, 140' in the air. So that's 25' horizontal movement and 10' vertical for my 35' total speed.

[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

[boldfont]

Bartok looses two more arrows which find their target with a sickening sploosh! sploosh!
At nearly the same time Byrtnoth readies himself next to Eryk. His training and practice in the art of war have proven time and again to make good warriors even greater. He sounds out his battle cry.

Byrtnoth's initiator level is 7. Everyone will get +7 to damage resulting from a charge as long as he remains in this stance. That mean Uago, who is next in the initiative order, benefited from this when he made his charge.

The toad is badly wounded from Bartok's bow. The last two arrows sunk in so deep that the shafts can't be seen, yet the toad lives. It readies itself for a mighty leap or the log and towards its nemesis, but is met with an icy fist mid flight. It's nose caves in. With a crunch it goes flying backwards cracking its back on the log and then sliding over it to the water on the other side. It is dead.

Uago's unarmed strike exposes him to the poison of the toad.
Fortunately he has a pretty damn good Fort save.
[roll0] DC 20; if fail [roll1] CON dmg
As a house rule, ability damage heals at 1d6 per day, rather than WoC's horrendous 1 point a day.

Garvan was poised to strike the same, but seeing it dead he rains his elderich blast on the next toad. The hits splash into the body of the toad like rocks in a stream.
I thought you might appreciate the logical change of target)
Likewise, Uago's dark orbs change targets and work their negative energies on the next toad.


The Toad taking cover beneath the log stays there. It watches Uagos icy feet spash in the stream, and when it thinks it sees an opportune moment, it shoots out its tongue at him.


[roll2] if hit, then trip [roll3] and poison [roll4] DC 20; if fail [roll5] Con
You can roll the opposed trip yourself. It is a rather important one! If you fail, then you are prone and therefore the attack below will hit you for bite damage and Con damage.


The other jumps off its log and skids around. It attempts to wrap its frothy lips around Uago's mid section. Large though he is, the toads are larger.

[roll6] if hit then [roll7] dmg and Poison [roll8] DC 20 and [roll9] Con

To the west, the three gargantuan toads are charging. They make a succession of long quick leaps towards Eryk, Byrtnoth and Heinrich but are unable to assail their prey before the first blows against them come...

MAP (http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/toad-part2-combat-2.jpg)

Heinrich (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=554902)readies himself next to Eryk as well and prepares to charge with his betters. Eryk and Brytnoth can smell his fear.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth tells Eryk to take the toad on the right, then lowers his polearm and charges with a shout, "Odin guide our blades!"


OK, I think this is all legal but if not let me know.

I use a swift action to use my Covering Strike boost, then Rage and charge.

Covering Strike has the following effect:
"a foe you strike after initiating this maneuver cannot make attacks of opportunity for 3 rounds."

Attacks:
[roll0] against the middle toad
[roll1] against the right left toad
[roll2] against the right left toad

Damage:
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

(I think the +7 damage from Leading the Charge Stance applies to me as well)

With Knock-down, if I do more than 10 points I get a free trip attempt. The toads get a bonus for having 4 legs, I think.

[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

[Admiral Squish]

As the toad closes in, Uago swings his icy fist across, bludgeoning the beast across it's wide mouth. The toad hiding beneath the log strikes out with it's tongue, the wet appendage sticking fast to his frozen leg, giving it the leverage it needed to yank him from his feet. As he falls with a loud splash, the nearby toad take the opportunity to stride, it's short teeth digging into his icy shell deep enough to send it's venom into his bloodstream.

Attack of Opportunity: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Cold: [roll2]

Opposed Trip:[roll3]

[Admiral Squish]

But the bite of a single toad is hardly enough to silence his warrior's spirit. Fighting one more to his feeat he swings another bludgeoning strike into the fleshy side of the toad. The dark spirits encircle his fist, once more delivering dark energy to the fleshy toad.

Move action to get to my feet, standard action to attack the frog that's biting me. Spirit's attacking too.

Rage Rounds; 28/30
Attack 1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Cold: [roll2]

Spirit Attack: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth lashes out at the fallen toad, then commands Heinrik to finish it off while he handles it's tougher brother.


Free attack from improved trip:
[roll0]
damage:
[roll1]

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Seeing the eastern toads being dealt with fairly well, Garvan turns his attention to the western group. Garvan sends another crackling bolt of eldritch energy at their foes. Garvan then scans the area to see if he can spot any other trouble approaching.

Since I'm not really sure what the status of the three western toads is I wish to target one that looks moderately hurt. Not on death's door or unhurt if possible. If the choice ends up between one that is barely or not hurt vs. one massively hurt, hit the one that looks healthier.

The toads should all be 170' or less away, well within range.

The scan the area is what I want to do with my move action for the round.

[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

[J-H]

Optimistic about how the fight is going, and wanting to stay away from the Mukkers' deadly poison, and out of range of their tongues, Bartok continues to use his bow.


If I can do so without penalty, I target the one that's grappling (it's big enough that this shouldn't be a problem). Otherwise, targeting the eastern Mukker not behind a long, and then switching to any western one if it dies.

Attack1 [roll0]
Damage1 [roll1]
Crit [roll2] [roll3]

Attack1 [roll4]
Damage1 [roll5]
Crit [roll6] [roll7]

[Chromascope3D]

"Well, that's unfortunate." Stigr drew his mountain blade, striding up to alongside Bartok. He nodded at Stribyg, who unleashed his own volley.

I don't think anyone has attacked the one under the log, right? So my familiar's attacking that one.
Attack 1: [roll0]
Concealment: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Attack 2: [roll3]
Concealment: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

[boldfont]

Posting in Progress.... :smallcool:

(LOADING)

[boldfont]

Battle Toads

Eryk is the first to retaliate. He froths at the mouth in a furious rage. Blood pumps into his sinuous arms. He charges and hoists his axe above his head bringing it down hard upon his toady foe. SKA-SPLOOSH is the sickening wet sound as his axe dives through the toads head. Despite the deep cleave into the toad's face, the toad appears to be unphased.

Stigr fires a volley at the toad, but misses. His familiar brushes the nose of the toad under the log and small icicles form there. It doesn't seem to mind.
Is her throwing his mountain blade? What are you "volleying"?

Bartok draws and fires two more arrows. They sink in like nails in a coffin. It staggers back and forth and finally falls dead. It is a soggy pulp after a brutal beating. These cumbersome giants are made for abuse it seems.

Brytnoth's muscles swell. Light flakes of frost shimmer on his skin as he too frostrages. With a short run and a mighty pounce he lands himself between two western toads. With brutal efficiency his runs his polearm through the first and the swings it o're head to give the second two running jabs. His first hit is so powerful it flips the mighty toad on its back.

Heinrich takes this opportunity as his cue. With his eyes closed he blindly charges towards the fallen toad and only stops when his spear won't go in any further. He opens his eye surprised to see himself holding a weapon halfway into the greatest beast he has ever seen. Young Heinrich then wisely withdraws the weapon and puts enough space between them to defend himself.
RRReeeeoOOOooKK
RRReeeeoOOOooKK
RRReeeeoOOOooKK

They cry. Their anguish is heard for miles...
Fool animals! They thought themselves the hunters, but they were hunting death itself.

Uago stands, and narrowly avoids another bite. He retaliates with an icy fist. He smacks the toad cowering under the log with prejudice.
Garvan rains elderich pain upon one of the western toads. The battle goes well...

[boldfont]

Garvan can feel it happening again... The darkness and death of the curse stir within him. His soul aches with the memory of those that died when their only crime was being associated with him. The punishment, nevertheless, was death. And then undeath...

He watches with horror from his airy vantage as the first toad that was once slain rises from the dead and charges under the log and at the target directly in front of it. Uago.


Zombie Toad [roll0] if hit [roll1] plus Poison [roll2] Fort DC 18 (and -1 DC for each round after until DC 10 when it is non-poisonous) for [roll3] con.


Surprised, but not flat footed, Uago inches aside before being slammed with undead toad.

The risen toad's companion looks uncertain about the strange change his pack mate has undergone. For now, the living toad assumes the fight is still on out of desperation, but doubt has been sown... The battle goes poorly for it and as much as its amphibian mind could comprehend it, the toad thought its pack mate was dead.

It also lunges at Uago.


Log toad
[roll4] if hit [roll5] plus Poison [roll6] Fort DC 20 for [roll7] con


The distraction of a new enemy proves to be enough for the living toad to strike and strike hard. It gums Uagos shoulder and back. Its tiny teeth crush their way through his icy shield. Poison seeps into Uago's blood stream. Now he can feel the full force of the toad's toxicity that Bartok was talking about. His flesh swells and bubbles. The bite is so close to his neck that he begins to have trouble breathing. Tears involuntarily flow from his face, not from pain mind you, but as a reaction to the swelling around his eyes.

The three western toads look to be nearly half (or more) dead themselves. They position themselves to strike and flank Byrtnoth. One of them darts its tongue out to Eryk, intending to swallow him whole. The toad on its back does not have the energy to right itself. Instead, it lazily rolls its tongue out at young Heinrich. The boy looks small and fearful to it, and hunger has made it obsessed with having him for a snack. The third uses its position to its advantage and tries to bite Byrtnoth.


Eryk's toad
[roll8] if hit (AC 18, -2 from post charge) then tongue grapple
[roll9] to Eryk's [roll10]
if grappled then swallow whole
[roll11] bludgeon [roll12] acid
plus Poison [roll13] Fort DC 20 for [roll14] con

Heinrich's Toad
[roll15] if hit (AC 15, -2 from post charge) then tongue grapple
[roll16] to Henry's [roll17]
if grappled then swallow whole
[roll18] bludgeon [roll19] acid
plus Poison [roll20] Fort DC 20 for [roll21] con

Brytnoth's Toad
[roll22] if hit (AC 17, -4 from post charge and flanking)
if hit then [roll23] bite
plus Poison [roll24] Fort DC 20 for [roll25] con


The others watch in terror and disgust as Eryk is pulled in by the tongue and swallowed whole! From inside Brytnoth can make out Eryk's muffled screams.
Henry is able to dodge the strike aimed at him.
With surprising speed, Brytnoth is also bitten. The toad wraps its gooey lips around his arm and sucks it like a teet. He yanks it free, but not without some tearing of the flesh. Thankfully, he is able to quickly rinse off his arm before the poison causes any real harm. But he can feel a tingle nevertheless, and it is a reminder of Bartok's warning.

Map (http://gitppbpweddingstone.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/toad-part2-combat-31.jpg)

[Admiral Squish]

Uago feels the burning venom enter his blood and he respond with a furious assault. He raises his icy fists high and brings them down in a devastating double-slam on the still-living toad. Then again, and again, they come down, the toad's fleshy body offering little resistance against the assault. The spirits share Uago's fury, sapping the life from the toad as he rains blows upon the creature.

Full attack on the still-living toad that just bit me. He (she?) will come to regret this.
Attack:[roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Cold [roll2]
Fort: [roll3]
Attack:[roll4]
Damage: [roll5] Cold [roll6]
Fort: [roll7]
Attack:[roll8]
Damage: [roll9] Cold [roll10]
Fort: [roll11]
Attack:[roll12]
Damage: [roll13] Cold [roll14]
Fort: [roll15]

Spirit Attack:[roll16]
Damage: [roll17]

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth, distracted by the eating of Eryk, gets bitten. Deciding the best course of action is to finish off the other two toads and turn his attention to saving Eryk, he lays into them with a will. "Heinrik! Finish the downed one!"


Swift Action to switch to Iron Guard's Glare Stance (-4 to all attacks against allies)

Attacks on the standing toad:
1: [roll0]
2: [roll1]
On prone toad:
3: [roll2], toad takes -4 AC penalty because prone.

Damage:
1:[roll3]
2:[roll4]
3:[roll5]

Trip attempt against standing toad:
[roll6]
Attack if tripped:
[roll7], Damage: [roll8]

[Archwizard]

Garvan

While knowing the toad's return is not his fault, Garvan can't help but feel guilty that his companions face more danger because of it. Because of him. Hoping to assuage some of that guilt, Garvan fires a bolt of eldritch power at it.

Stupid curse.

[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

[J-H]

Bartok swings his bow into its carrier on his back as he runs towards the toad that swallowed Eryk. His form blurs, shifts, and grows larger as he turns into a fast-moving mass of fur, fangs, and claws. As he approaches the toad, he roars and swipes at it.

Swift action: Shapeshift, polar bear.
Speed is now 50' per round, charging the toad that swallowed Erik.
AC is 19 (before) +2 from increased dex + 7 natural -1 size = 27
Fort save is now +18, so I'm pretty sure he's near-immune to Mukker poison. He doesn't know that, though.

Grapple check is +29 (16 str, +4 large, +9 bab)

Power attacking for -13 AB, +13 damage (since claw is not 2 handed)
Charge attack (claw) [roll0] (25+2 from charging-13PA)
Charge damage (claw) [roll1] (2d6 base + 16 str + 13 PA)
Crit rolls [roll2] [roll3]
Edit
I can only power attack for 9, not 13, since that's my BAB. Add 4 to the to-hit roll, and subtract 4 from the damage roll.

[Chromascope3D]

"Animals," Stigr muttered. He turned at the gurgling sound, witnessing Eryk being swallowed whole. "Odin above..." He started. He began to run towards it, "That one, shoot that one!" To which Stribyg responded, loosing a couple more arrows.

He moves back, in the direction of the swallower. I would throw the alchemist's fire, but I'd rather not risk Eryk getting burned if/when he/we try to cut him out. I'd also like to avoid setting the swamp on fire. :P

Strybyg, meanwhile, is full attacking the toad what swallowed our guy.
Attack 1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[boldfont]

They finish off their toady foes one at a time. Heinrich never gets the the chance to kill the toad on its back. Even as he shouts the commands, Byrtnoth finishes the job. One by one they fall. In particular, the toad the bit Uago is smashed into an unrecognizable pulp.

Only the toad that Swallowed Eryk and the oh-so-recently risen toad remain. The former carefully disengages from battle and tries to make a break for it. The latter now ignores Uago and is crewing mindlessly on the bowels of a fallen toad.

Eryk's toad is 40 feet away in the reeds. No map necessary this time I think.
Eryk takes a further [roll0] bludgeoning and [roll1] acid.

[J-H]

Bartok charges after the toad that has Eryk in its belly.


Charging, again, power attack for 9.

Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Crits [roll2] [roll3]

[boldfont]

It flees but Beartok pursues. He shreds its hind legs with his powerful claws. Hamstringed, the toad twitches in the reeds with its belly distended. The life is draining from this one slowly. If left be it could take hours.

[J-H]

Bartok rips the Mukker's belly open, slashing a few inches at a time so that he doesn't accidentally kill his wayward companion.

[Nightgaun7]

"Why don't we pull him out the way he went in?"

[boldfont]

When the "incision" is complete, Eryk's pink and swollen lifeless body rolls out of the Mukker's belly. There is vomit on his chin and parts of his flesh have already been digested. He suffocated to death.


R.I.P. Eryk.
I am sorry that this didn't work out Bel, but you've been gone for far too long without notice and didn't reply to any PMs. I would happily play with you again in the future though.

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan flies down to Eryk's body, "What a shame, it is too bad we could not get to him faster. No sense in wasting his gear. Byrtnoth, please see that Heinrick gets what he can use from the body. If the boy's going to tag along with us, we might as well take steps to try and see that he doesn't meet Eryk's fate. After that, we shall give Eryk a funeral pyre with honor."

After everything is done, Garvan flies back form the body a bit, "May you prosper in the afterlife." With that, Garvan unleashes a blast of fiery eldritch power, burning the body until nothing is left.

Turning to those that are more knowledgeable of the outdoors, "Please, lead the way. We should continue moving."

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth bundles Eryk's gear into his pack and checks the rest of the party while the Prince cremates their fallen comrade. He knows that with one of their party poisoned and one dead that any toads coming to help their deceased kin will be much harder to fend off. "We need to get moving now. Prince! Watch for movement in the reeds. Bartok, you lead, followed by Stigr. Heinrik, you help Uago along if he needs it, and I will be the rearguard. Let's march!"

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Heeding Byrtnoth's advice, Garvan flies up to keep an eye on the group's surroundings, trying to watch for danger.

Figure I'll be about 75' above the group and 25' offset, in the hope that anything that is tracking me will be decently off the group.

[J-H]

Bartok growls to get the group's attention, then motions to his back. Once those who cannot fly have grabbed on, he takes off down the blocked passage at a run.


4 minutes shifted...about 20 seconds for the battle, figure another minute and a half for the looting and body disposal - 2 minutes of running in bear form.

Per SRD, should be able to run for about 2 minutes. Light armor is x4 speed.
Base speed in bear form is 50', so running 200' per 6 seconds.... 4,000' in 2 minutes. We now have a head start on the toads.

After about two minutes, he stops and slopes his shoulders, shaking and half-dumping the rest off right before shrinks back into Neanderthal form.

Bartok breaths heavily for a few seconds. "Move farther, then rest. Water make it hard for toads to track."

[Chromascope3D]

It was his fault. He knew it had to be, after all, it had been his suggestion to go north. He had led another friend to their death. Gathering wood would be the least of his penance. He did not speak til the deed was done, as he watched the body consumed by the flames.

"Godspeed."

----

The rush of wind was glorious, as the reeds sped by. It was hard to stay guilty, so he locked it away, as he had done many times before. Absolution would come later.

[boldfont]

Garvan can see a wave of toads answering the distress call in the distance. They have to move it, but the group is well ahead of the enemy. They can make it.

They take the right channel, which continues on for an hour. During this time, Uago begins to feel the pangs of the poison in his bloodstream, but Bartok stops the group for a moment to treat him. They have time. He pulls out his knife and pieces the boils forming all over Uago's skin. A bright yellow puss weeps out. It is painful, but he can endure. Such is the mettle of heroes. Meanwhile, Garvan keeps watch from the sky. He eyes the wave of toads and the slow and painful operation draw closer and closer. He counts at least twenty coming. Finally, Bartok is done and they resume their flight.

Hypothermia checks DC 20. If fail 1d6 non lethal and fatigue. Run them yourselves this time please.

They reach the brackish waters, where the swamp water mingles with the ocean. Hundreds of ducks find sanctuary from the toads here. They only visit the reeds to forage. The group will have to swim across, but not for long. On the other side is another area of reeds. Will this one be infested with toads too? To the South the can see the line of mountainous boulders. If they were placed there to dam the fresh waters it must be working to to some extent. This close they can see that the water level is higher on the east side. The boulders are mortared with mud and sticks and debris.

From behind them they can hear the sickly croaking of giant toads, but the race is lost to them.

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan goes down to the group, "We've lost the very large group of toads behind us, but who knows what's up ahead. I'm going to go scout the reeds while you guys swim across. I don't see anything in the water, but be careful."

With that, Garvan flies up over the set of reeds on the other side of the water and tries to see if he can spot any enemies, or if anything reacts to him.

Stay 150' over the reeds.

[boldfont]

I've been busy. Apologies for the sudden drop in game pace.

When Garvan reaches a suitable height to survey the next stand of reeds and cattails, he is dismayed to see a single toad leap from hiding to devour a low flying duck. They appear to be active in that area as well. There is a silver lining however. To the far east he can see solid ground. In four more hours they will have crossed the shallow waters of the delta and with any luck they will have a place to actually set up camp.

Garvan looks at the strange line of boulders to the south. They are now close enough that he can clearly see a difference in water levels. The spaces between boulders are filled, probably with mud, and it asks as a partial dam. It only slows the water flowing into the delta. The fresh waters from the wetlands still make their way around the stone wall, so Garvan can't really see that it serves a current purpose.

Unless... yes, he can see it now. The line of boulders also acts as a crude bridge between shallow sediment deposits. Who would benefit from such an arrangement, he cannot say, but right now the party can benefit by crossing it to avoid the reeds if they so choose. This route would only take a little longer because most of it would be made on solid ground. It would lead to another area entirely though (B4 instead of B5).

They could even risk camp on the land bridge, although it would be very uncomfortable and the group would be exposed. Those in the group that spend a great deal of time outdoors would probably advise against it unless desperate. Time is also a factor worth considering.

[Nightgaun7]

Let us continue our march across that dam. Should help us make time, and we can hold the toads on it if they catch up.

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan comes down towards the group nodding, "That makes sense to me. Sticking to dry ground would probably make sense, both for travel and avoiding things like the toads that can attack from under water."

[J-H]

"Yes, dry good. Especially with hurt people." Bartok jogs towards the land bridge, showing no ill effects or tiredness from his earlier transformation.

[Chromascope3D]

"Well, I suppose if it'll get us to land faster, then lead on. But come, we must be quick about it. Those beasts will catch up eventually."

[boldfont]

The Old Giantess

The land bridge is fortuitously uneventful. It provides a nice even walk across the deep waters to the silt deposits on the other side. The trees here are long since dead, likely due to flooding and submersion of these parts well in the past. Stigr happens to know his history regarding this marsh, in a general way. It was a forest a few hundred years ago, and somewhere around these parts are the ruins of a great castle. That forgotten kingdom went to war and many me died on the battle field. It ended when a powerful sorcerer commanded the river to change course, and both armies were washed away. Or so the story goes.

The trees here were so large and firmly rooted that they never fell over, even hundreds of years after this place became a marsh. They are an impressive testament to the forest that once stood here.

The water is now waist deep. It is a serious discomfort to the group and leeches infest the water. Fortunately, everyone's clothes has a chance to dry out during the walk on the land bridge and the leeches are the ordinary variety. When they hug Uago's skin they instantly freeze and curl up dead. The insects are a bother too. Clouds of horseflies and mosquitoes fill the air. Ah spring!

They can see a rise in the land about a mile ahead. They are almost (finally) on solid ground.

But between here and there is a giant. Not a formidable looking giant mind you. The one must be the oldest, most pathetic looking giant in the world. The giantess is a good 21 feet tall, ("huge") hunched over as she is. She seems to be unaware of the group. She is preoccupied with harvesting some sort of trap from the waters. While she works she hums a strange and sad mournful tune that is not unpleasant. The group could probably avoid her all together if they chose. Then again, she may have useful information, or even the iowaska root!

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan flies down to the group, "I think I should go talk to the giant. I should be able to keep safe with my ability to fly, and I wouldn't have to reveal that I am not alone if you all can find someplace among these trees to get out of sight and keep moving. Does anyone know anything more about giants in this area, or that tune she is humming?"

[boldfont]

Giants are well known to northerners. Some have power that rival the gods. Others, like this old woman, are more like over-sized peasants. Everyone knows the prophesy given by the All Father. At the end of this age, the giants and the gods will go to war and tear the world asunder. This is Ragnarok.
For the most part, mortal men avoid the realm of giants in the far north. There the season never changes and the ice never melts. Occasionally, exiles make their way south. Mortal men slay these strays on sight, though a few have been known to befriend them. These friendships do not end well.

When Garvan approaches he sees that the giantess is blind. A vicious scar runs from temple to temple, running over her eyes, which have scabbed over and the pupils have turned white. The wooden traps she pulls out of the water have slimy looking salamanders in them. She licks her lips when she empties the contents into a wet and dirty sack. Her mouth has only a snaggle tooth or two left in it, but her chops smack together in anticipation. Gnarled knuckles and warty skin look red and inflamed from exposure and irritation. She sniffs the air and then turns to Garvan's general direction.

I can smell you manling! Have to come to mock poor old Griselda? You surely did not come alone to the swamps. Tell your friends to come out of hiding. There is no sport in ambushing a wretched old blind woman like me.

[Chromascope3D]

Stigr stood, and motioned for his comrades to follow suit, before speaking up, "I apologize, Miss Griselda. We mean you know harm or insult. We did not know if you would speak to us or attempt to eat us if we approached, so we kept our distance. We lost a friend today in the swamp, and it has made us wary."

[boldfont]

Eat you? she asked in an astonished voice whilst smacking her lips. What ever gave you that idea?

I would welcome you to my home and hear news of the outside world. I was exiled so long ago that I can't remember my crime, though I know it was serious. Now I am an old woman and I know nothing but this swamp and loneliness.

Come! Come! she says beconing you with a wave and turning towards her home. She resumes humming her sad familiar tune.

[J-H]

Bartok follows the others, but walks a bit separate from the group. He looks around suspiciously as they go, not trusting this giant.

[boldfont]

Stigr examines the filthy giantess. She has a savage gait and her squirming sack of eels is disturbing. It could be eels or a man in that bag, he thinks. It would make no difference to her. Stigr suspects this creature wishes to dine on them. He finds her denial unconvincing.

[Chromascope3D]

The man whispered to the rest, "Stay alert. If we run, I don't know if she'll give chase. But, she may know something important. What do you think, Garvan?"

[J-H]

Bartok clears his throat, and takes the opportunity to stretch his damp clothing away from his skin for a little while.

[Archwizard]

Garvan

Garvan listens to everything and then nods, "I agree we should at least see if she knows anything, but I wouldn't go into her living space. We should stay outside so that I can use my flight to try and keep her busy if we need to get away."

[boldfont]

The giantess leads the party to an island. The mud and silt and built up enough here to rise above the water, but it is still very damp. Their boots sink in a little with each step. They can see her home far in the distance. The sun is now disappearing over the horizon and the night songs of crickets and other nocturnal creatures have started early.

Her home is an enormous mud hut. It is more of a hollow artificial hill, in fact. It is so massive that trees have started to take root. She pulls aside an animal skin curtain and invites them inside. Fish and less savory creatures are being smoked on a rack. It is quite the rustic set up. She lives poorly, as you might expect. A hammock hangs between two support beams. Her hunting gear is stacked on the south end of the hut. A larger man sized cage catch the party's eye first. She takes an iron pot, already boiling over the fire, and pours piping hot tea into large wooden bowls for her guests. The herbal mixture smells weedy and stings the nose a bit.

Mmmmm help yourselves. It is a mixture of my own design. It will invigorate the body and quicken the mind. Mmm Hmm hmm... She leaves the absurdly large bowls on a tall table for those who wish to partake. Now do sit down and tell me what brings you to the swamp, if not to slay me. Surely you are not in hiding yourselves, are you?

[J-H]

Bartok quietly breaks off from the group as they enter, settling down on a vantage point outside the hut. As he hears the others eat, he pulls out some salted fish, hard cheese, and a few edible greens that he'd picked on the way, and has a dinner that he knows is healthy and safe.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth sits beside the Prince, munching on some dried halibut from his pack

[boldfont]

She frowns at their apparent mistrust, but then squats by the fire to sip tea and chat. She acted as though they were all old friend, but they certainly were not. If you do not wish to tell me your business here, then I will allow you that privacy. You lost a friend you say? This is enough to make an manling wary I would think. Your lives are so short and fragile.
She lays a bundle of what Bartok identifies as sweetgrass on the fire. It is a pleasing aroma used for prayer and ceremony in many tribes. She may just enjoy the smell. It is getting dark and the ground outside is muddy and unsuitable for sleeping. You must stay here. I insist. But perhaps you fear that I will betray your trust and eat you in your sleep. The thought is laughable, of course. I am but an old and feeble exile. I could not even if I wanted to. Perhaps I can gain some of your trust if I present more than mere altruism as a motive. Selfless intentions will always be suspect, but if I strike a deal, then perhaps me offer will be more credible to you. Hmm? I would take gold, though I have no use for it. Her gums smack absentmindedly. She looks in no particular direction as she says this. The flicker of the fire enunciates every nook and cranny of her wrinkles face. More so because she is a giantess! Each wrinkle is like a crevasse. The crow's feet around her eyes are more like the delta the party is exploring. A long and very deep scar runs from temple to temple. This is how her eyes were lost. That scar is a canyon. Or perhaps you will agree to tell me your troubles and open up to me? I am lonely, and a story is valuable to me than gold, you see? And I can offer advice. You have perhaps heard about how Odin plucked his eye out at the well as the price for his wisdom? I've given two! Heh heh heh...
Her cackle is genuine, but hardly reassuring.

[Nightgaun7]

"The one time we don't bring a skald..." Byrtnoth rumbles

[J-H]

As the conversation drags on and on, Bartok ends up bundling up in a dry fur from his pack, and going to sleep outside. He trusts his keen sense of survival to awaken him if anything sounds wrong.

[Nightgaun7]

Byrtnoth, not renowned as a teller of tales, joins Bartok outside for a breath of fresh air.