Scarlet Snow [IC]

[ylvathrall]

Kalsgard's Oak Quarter

The Oak Quarter of Kalsgard is in many ways the beating heart of the city. It is here, on the banks of the mighty Rimeflow River, that many foreign ships first make land in the Lands of the Linnorm Kings, and it is here that southern caravans reach the city before turning back to the gentler climes south of the mountains, or else continuing north over the Crown of the World. The shipyards in this district produce more merchant vessels, fishing boats, and longships than any other location in the north.

It is here, on the docks of the Oak Quarter, that our story begins. Men and women bustle about, working with jovial cheer or grim efficiency to unload their ships, or prepare to cast off. Elsewhere, a pair of dockworkers get into an argument over which of them is responsible for unloading a Varisian merchantman. Within seconds the argument becomes heated, and then becomes a brawl. The fight ends moments later with a broken nose, fresh blood staining the lingering spring snow a brilliant scarlet. The work of the docks goes on without pause. The tide waits for no man, after all, and a broken nose is no great thing among the Ulfen.

Each of you is on the docks, for various reasons. For some, this is your very first experience of the Oak Quarter, while for others it is a familiar sight.

[BizzaroStormy]

The scents of the docks were nothing special to Kazu, though the young girls flanking him sniff the salty harbor air loudly, it being their first excursion into a city the size of Kalsgard. Fresh fish and exotic fruits, fancy perfumes, and most notably the unfamiliarity of it all overloaded their senses and imaginations. The twins had spent their entire lives thus far within the confines of the Den and the surrounding woods, away from the bustling of the big city. Their father, however carried a much different opinion of this environment. Kazu knew that the city wasn't such a wonderful place underneath the welcoming exterior, but he wasn't about to let that ruin the girls' good time. "Its been a while since we've had something besides the salted meats from the storehouse. What do you two say we treat ourselves to a nice meal, huh?" Kazu has to nearly squat down in order to look his children in the eye when he speaks.

Well over six feet tall and nearly three hundred pounds of muscle, Kazu is and intimidating figure even before one sees his large fangs or the massive weapon he carries on his back. His long dark hair and beard are kept full of ash to allow him to blend in better with the snowy surroundings of his territory. Underneath his mithril lamellar armor, his pale skin is a 42 year-old roadmap of scars from all manner of weaponry, claws and fangs. He wears a light grey, fur-lined cloak on his back.

[Katana1515]

In one corner of the dock a peculiar figure lounges, legs dangling over the edge of a slipway in a vaguely perilous manner. With his ice white scales for skin and large horns, he is drawing an increasing number of odd looks from the near bye Ulfen. He watches people pass by with a wary curiosity, but anyone with a jot of empathy could see that his real attention is elsewhere.

I cant believe I am back here. The place has changed a lot since I left.

The short and brutal fight catches his attention. As the bright arterial blood stains the snow his nostalgia deepens. No some things in this world truly are constant, no matter how many years have passed by.

Weary from his journey to the land of his birth, he settles down to watch the people rushing back and forth, trying to get a feel for the city and its inhabitants.

Born with eyes the colour of molten gold, thick white and black scales for skin and vestigial horns that only got larger as he reached adolescence, Voren was never going to fit in at his home hamlet of Hadreth's Glen near Kalsguard. After long years of roving the wild places and exploring the Underdark he now carries a wealth of trinkets, keepsakes and talismans around his person each with a story behind it.

His prized possession is the ancient blade known as Sunder, its forged from black steel with a silver hilt depicting a pair of eyes, one of which is blinded by a jagged cut in the metal. He frequently talks to the katana and claims it talks back. This hasn't helped him find friends over the years.

[Yanisa]

After finding a high spot, or a place that is somewhat higher then the rest of the harbor, Linda looks over the crowd, her eyes scanning the crowd, searching for any clue on her mark. She has her rapier drawn, but points it downwards to the ground. SKullsplicer is feeling restless since her awakening with new powers and standing here around doing nothing annoyed her.

"Why are we here again? You ain't going to find him here." For onlookers the voice comes out of no where, as Linda keeps her lips sealed and Skullsplicer has nothing to talk with. The rapier does quiver with the words she speak, but it's a subtle movement.
"One of the busiest places. Looking for clues." Linda doesn't even move an inch as she sends telepathic commutation to Skullsplicer.
"Still talking like that, seems redundant now." Her tone is filled with disappointment, for all to hear.
"I rather not have others listen in our private conversations."
"Owh, fair point." The sword falls silent.

Linda changes her focus to the people around her, judging how they will react and if she should move on or if she could stay here. She didn't except a lot from her trip to the harbor, but people tend to feel safe in city and crowds but there was a minor chance a henchmen would walk around in the open. Moving away from her meant that chance was lost.

She looks like a normal woman in form, although she is very tall. With more then six feet high she towers even above many males, all the easier to overlook the crowds. Her hair color is an silver grey which is mostly associated with old age, but her young face makes it a weird contrast. The eyes that overlook the crowds are teal, a very bright color, which adds to her unnatural feeling.
Her clothing is functional and even a bit elegant. Simple boots and black pants, a more elegant silken chest piece that looks like armor, but doesn't offer the protection of leather or metal. Because of the colder weather all her stuff is padded fur and wool to keep her warm. She also wears an a wool hat, which seems a lot less elegant then the rest of her clothing.

[Katana1515]

While people watching, Vorens eyes are caught by a very strange sight. An extremely tall human woman stood on some local landmark near the market, looking down at the townsfolk with a manner eerily resembling that of a hawk waiting for a mouse to leave its bolthole. She has peculiar hair that he assumes is dyed, and unusually (even for turbulent Kalsguard) an unsheathed blade held out beside her.

Some kind of street entertainer? I cant see a bowl or any other performers. Still might be worth a look.

A rumbling in his stomach and L.I.N.D.A's proximity to an exquisite looking local delicatessen decides the matter. He strolls across the docks in that direction, pawing through his magical haversack for some small change, wondering if fresh Boarmeat pasties are anywhere near as good as he remembers.

[trysted]

Feeling more "alive" than usual, although that seems the norm recently, Currial, always the curious one, heads toward where the fight was.

It's one thing for there to be fights on the docks. . She thinks to herself But fight over who is unloading the cargo? Dockworks usually do the unloading day in and day out. This must be unusual cargo, or an unusual ship. I need to see what this is.


On her way, she scans the crowd for what she would see is unusual, as unusual is the definition of interesting. Taking more than cursory notice of the horned man on the edge of the docks, and the huge adventurer who appears to be armed to the teeth.

Don't judge, you are also armed to the teeth, you just don't look it she giggles, a little bit reflectively. If he was on one of my bodyguarding missions, he'd be the guy you put on display, to make people rethink attacking in the first place, keeping me from having to use my surprises.

[Katana1515]

After a short vigorous haggling session with the street vendor, Voren walks over to a bench near the tall woman and starts to eat. Looking around at the crowd, he notices a woman paying a strange degree of attention to the bloodstains left over from the fight and a truly massive slab of an armoured man with animal like features, who looked like he had been dragged out on a shopping trip by a pair of younger women.

The place does seem a lot more cosmopolitan than it was 60 years ago, I suppose that's a good sign, eh Old Man?

Don't forget, we are in town for a purpose. Are you not supposed to be meeting Melody?

That's a good point actually Voren mutters, before shouting in the tall woman's direction EXCUSE ME, IS THE SHOW STARTING SOON? I HAVE SOMEWHERE I NEED TO BE!

Erm, Voren. I do not think that's a street entertainer.

[ICN]

Vindira descends the gangplank down to the dock, her gait a trifle unsteady as she shoots one last withering glare at the ship behind her. She pauses for a moment at the bottom, slowly inhaling and casting a leisurely glance around the docks, before drifting to a position in eavesdropping range of the interesting new arrivals. She fishes out her blue book from her pack and starts idly flipping through it.

Vindira's current guise is that of a plain looking human woman, of average build and a few inches taller than average height. She is dressed in simple, serviceable winter gear, though the stitching on the back of her clothing is noticeably more shoddy than elsewhere.

[Athaleon]

Well, now this was a curious sight. Kalsgard attracted all kinds, but Nira didn't think he'd seen such an odd variety of people in one place before. He himself would have stuck out like a sore thumb in this place, if not for the glamer disguising himself as just another Ulfen citizen. Strangers to the city too, by the looks of it. The natives wouldn't stop to gawk at some random brawl, and they weren't making an exception for this one.

[ylvathrall]

You see several taverns nearby that appear to serve food. They are rough establishments catering to sailors and dockworkers. They smell of sweat, alcohol, and the smoke from poorly-rendered whale fat. There are also a handful of street vendors hawking cheap, portable food to the sailors.

You see a great many people who could reasonably be described as henchmen. Workers load crates and baggage onto carts, which then carry the goods elsewhere in the city. Couriers rush about, delivering messages and parcels to waiting ships. Members of more dubious trades abound as well, a mix of mercenaries, prostitutes, and likely a few thieves. They lurk in shady alleys or stand openly outside taverns, advertising their services.

You do not, however, see anyone who is obviously in the service of an evil necromancer.

By the time you reach the scene of the fight, the man who lost is just sitting up. He touches his face, winces, and then loosely packs some snow into a ball and holds it to his nose as he stands.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin was flying above on Searth, currently a giant vulture. He was on his way out of town, his work done here, and wandering on, as he always did, looking for people who may need help. As he flew, he heard a voice.

"EXCUSE ME, IS THE SHOW STARTING SOON? I HAVE SOMEWHERE I NEED TO BE!"

Adolin looked down, and saw a rather strange group of people gathered down there, from a man with huge horns to a larged, armed person.

"Why, it must be a circus! I'll go on down and see it! I can wait until tomorrow to leave."

And, with that, he and the vulture flew down and landed about 20 paces from the group.

"Yeah, when is the circus starting?"


Thsi rather beefy Hobgoblin is dressed in shining full plate, and has green, joyful eyes. He's not the tallest being you've ever seen, but definitely not the shortest. By is side is a huge vulture with two lances strapped to either side of a rather strangely shaped saddle.

[Katana1515]

As the giant bird descends, Voren is immediately on guard, his hand dropping to his sword.Surely this couldn't possibly be part of the show? Seeing a well equipped Hobgoblin warrior atop the monster did nothing to assuage his concerns.

"Yeah, when is the circus starting?"

Something about this incongruous question, and the knights warm, gleeful, green eyes puts the Tiefling more or less back at ease. The hand doesn't quite drop away from Sunders hilt though.

He points towards the tall woman with the rapier, I was just about to ask the lady here the same question.


I guess I was right about this place changing while I was gone if this sort of thing is normal??


I don't think this is by any means normal, judging by the crowds reaction Voren.

[ylvathrall]

At first the appearance of the hobgoblin and his vulture mount causes something of a commotion, with hands going to weapons all around the docks, while the less bold prepare to flee instead. After a few second someone begins to applaud, however, and the tension fades.

Within moments there is a small crowd gathered around Voren, Adolin, and Linda, cheering, whistling, and clapping. A handful throw coppers towards the apparent performers, but most seem to be waiting for the "circus" to continue.

[BizzaroStormy]

Any normal, responsible parent would have their children avoid any of these establishments like the plague, this type of environment was nothing entirely new to the daughters of this intimidating mercenary. Their home was much like a large tavern already with near constant roughhousing, drinking, and swearing. The only real difference being that in the Den, the fights were rarely more than short spats among brothers. While he didn't visit Kalsgard often, Kazu always made a point to stop in at Randolph's, a dockside tavern run by an one-eyed old sea dog who looked like the spawn of a shark and an ogre. A friendly enough barkeep but not the type of man you turn your back on when he's in a bad mood. The 3 of them enter the salty establishment, garnering strange looks from the patrons and wenches alike. The girls both hop up on stools as Kazu leans over the bad. "Well well, looks the the port authority still hasn't shut you down, eh Cyclops?" he shouts to the barkeep, an obvious goad to get the man's attention.

[trysted]

Currial looks at the man with the bloodied nose. Looks like nobody wanted to offload this cargo. Something especially horrible about this load? Whatcha got there, pissed off pit vipers?

She waits for his answer before turning to see what the "circus" is all about.

[ylvathrall]

Randolph not only finishes his business with the customer he was already talking to, he makes a point of stopping to check on every other customer in the place before approaching Kazu. "Port authority don't do much of anything in this city," he says. "On account of they don't exist. What are you doing this far north, Iron Dog? Get tired of biting sheep and marking trees?"

"Crates of pottery," the man says disgustedly, his voice somewhat muffled by the snow he holds against his face. "Going over the Crown to Tian, I hear. It's good money, I guess, but not for me. All I get's some heavy crates to move, and if I drop one things are going to break. Expensive things, you understand?" He shakes his head in disgust, drops the handful of snow to the ground, and goes to start unloading the crates.

As you study the crowd, you notice several particularly tough individuals. A pair of humans standing by the docks are clearly not simple dockworkers, and there is a trio of stranger creatures a distance away who appear stronger than the rest as well. That group is standing at the center of a crowd, who appear to be clamoring about a circus of some kind.

[Yanisa]

"Nothing to note." Linda reports without moving a muscle.
"Well except that large dude. And that screaming dude. And look a hobgoblin riding a vulture!" Oblivious to the fact the shouting was meant for her and Lina. Suddenly something clicks in rapiers mind.
"There is some circus here!" Skullshatter is so enthusiast, she exclaims it out loud.
"You are talking aloud again"
"So what, if I want to talk, I can talk. You should talk!"
"Fine, if you want to." For the first time in a while Linda moves,
"Yay! Now we can enjoy the circus."
"What does talking have to do with enjoying?"
"Errrm... I dunno.... Sssh be quiet. We might miss something"
"You wanted me to talk." Linda frowns, but decided not to say more.

[Athaleon]

Nira watched the proceedings with a grin, just another man in the crowd. He still had no idea who all these strange people were, or if they even knew each other, but the crowd seemed to have taken the sarcastic 'circus' quip at face value. Now the spotlight was on them. Truth be told, the old wizard was in a bit of a rut, and the thought of some excitement piqued his interest. He yelled out to them, "Oi you carnies, you gonna do a trick or what?"

[trysted]

Currial turns and makes her way deftly through the crowd to see what everyone else is staring at. She throws a randomn detect magic in the area just to see if there's anything interesting going on, and if some real entertaining is going to show up.

[Katana1515]

The sentient sword, speaking with the voice of a creaky, wheezing old man as usual, starts to laugh at Voren.

This is one of the most hilariously stupid things you have ever done boy. There is no circus and now this pack of mangy Ulfen expects you to be entertaining them! Now what you gonna do?

Looking at the pack of burly sailors and dockworkers, Voren gets the distinct impression they aren't going to be happy without at least some entertainment. What do you suggest Sunder? This really isn't my forte you know?

The swords ego chuckles darkly, taking a little too much amusement in this scenario for Vorens comfort.Oh, I have a plan my boy. You remember that giant lout with the fancy sword and armour from before, bet he's well known around here, nothings funnier than poking fun at local celebrities! Okay, here is what you do.....

After listening to the blades plan, Voren is somewhat dubious. This plan seemed more likely to cause trouble than dispel it. With a shrug, he decides he hasnt got any better ideas.

Drawing on the store of arcane power within him, he calls one of his less-used spells to mind. To make a show of it, he moves both hands through exaggerated versions of the actual somatic components, and bellows the arcane command words at the top of his voice. Their is a silent explosion of smoke and sizzling multi-coloured sparks that run rings around the cheering crowd. As the smoke dies away, a giant figure is revealed! Its Kazu! But instead of his already large size he is massive, considerably larger than most giants. Instead of his warriors garb and weapons though, he is clad in the brightly coloured motley of a classical Varisian clown and holding a gigantic yellow daisy. at a gesture and a word from the Tiefling, the Image begins to dance and cavort for the crowds pleasure, performing increasingly unlikely and effeminate dance routines.

Burn a point of arcane power using Improved Spell Recall to get a casting of Silent Image. Then casts the spell (DC 16 will if that matters) and concentrates on maintaining the spell.

[BizzaroStormy]

"Some dressmaker needed an escort up from Jol. Thought I'd take that job myself, bring the pups along to see the city. Speaking of which how about some sweet mead and some your glazed tuna steaks?" he asks, fishing a small coin pouch off his belt.

[trysted]

Oho, it seems we have a magician of some sorts here. Currial thinks to herself. I've been told I throw spells around for no reason, but this is taking it a bit to the extreme, when you are entertaining straingers for free. I wonder what they are trying to distract the crowd from? Either way, this might be a useful person to get to know.

Currial shifts into her "let's meet people" outfit, which means turning off her disguise and changing her clothes to a "not a prostitute, but also not too modest" look that shows off her natural good looks with her long blonde hair and bright blue eyes shining.

Shifting "look" is accomplished via hat of disguise/sleeve of many garments

[ylvathrall]

"The pups are yours, then?" Randolph asks. "Aye, I suppose I can see the resemblance, though they aren't half as ugly as you are. Anyway, I don't have any tuna. The fishing's been bad this year. Got a decent cod in this morning, though, if you're wanting fish. And I'm feeling generous today, so I won't even charge you for the kids' food."

The crowd gathered around the "circus" appears impressed, if confused, by the fragmentary conversation they can hear between Linda and Essy. Voren's illusion garners a more pronounced response. They don't obviously make the connection with Kazu, but the image is amusing enough in its own right that more than a few people laugh, holler, or clap.

Others, though, stalk away from the crowd, muttering darkly. In addition to the general imprecations regarding magic, there are a handful of insults directed at Voren specifically, the mildest of which suggest that he is effeminate or weak. More serious comments accuse him of being a coward, an agent of fiends, or even a fiend himself. This group is clearly in the minority, however, and other people in the area don't seem to be taking them seriously.

You detect magic in several areas as you pass through the crowd. If you take the time to concentrate and localize them, you see that they appear to be generally weak auras associated with magical weapons. As you move within range of the "circus," you can determine that there are an assortment of effects present on the individuals in question, with a variety of strengths and magic types.

[ICN]

Vindira watches the display with quiet amusement and stows her book back into her pack. Circus performers, all of which have extensive combat training? She lets out a quiet snort before moving closer to the group, curious as to what would bring them here.

[Katana1515]

Voren notes the disatisfied elements in the crowd and frowns.

Okay, looks like I might be pi***ng off some of the locals and I am pretty much out of circus tricks Old Man, this has to end.

With a few elaborate (and unnecessary) arcane gestures and words, Voren brings the performance to an end. The giant clown figure breaks apart into a dozen scintillating streamers of varied colors, that dip and dive among the crowd. As the last streamer fades away, the Magus claps his hands together and shouts to the crowd.

Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen, that's just a taster of the entertainments our circus will be providing this time next week, I hope to see you all again!

[roll0]

[Yanisa]

"Look, something is happening!" Skullsplicers is very exciting about the illusions
Linda looks rather unpressed, then utters some words and concentrates for a moment. "It's magical." "And there is a lot more magic around him, and a few others."
"Ofcourse it is! But look people are staring at us now!"
"It's because they can't see you talk."
"Pardon, I move more than you when I talk."
"People don't look at swords as source of sound."
"That is a good point, even you aren't looking it me! Loooook at me!"
Linda stretches out her swords arm and flicks the rapiers, so she is now holding it upwards, pointing towards the sky. "Better?"
"Well, errrm... There are a lot of people watching... I think I got stage fright... Help!"
With another swift motion Linda sheathes the rapier, but still holds on the hilt. Around the same time Voren announces the end of his act.

"We should go, too much attention" Which was also the reason Linda switches back to talking telepathy
"We should follow that circus guy, I wanna see the whole circus."
"I don't think there is any circus here. But you are right, he is a suspicious Tiefling with a lot of magical aura's, it's the best clue we can find here."


Linda casts Detect Magic and concentrate at Voren.
Sense Motive, because it changes dialog slightly [roll0]

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu lets out a hearty laugh when he hears the word "generous" "You must have met quite the woman if you're in that good of a mood, or did another admiral drop his purse while dragging out a couple of drunken sailors? In any case, whats the word around here? Don't usually get much news from this side of the run since the boys like to rest up at that poor excuse for a brothel near the southern gate." The brazen merc doesn't bother to filter his words around his children. Aside from the fact that the two of them could likely outdrink and outfight half the patrons of the bar, the two of them grew up in what might as well be an oversized tavern.

[ylvathrall]

"Don't worry, I'll charge you double to make it back," Randolph says. "Word around town...eh. There's a lot to say about that one. Let me go get that fish on and check on some people, and I'll get back to you."

He leaves, bustling around the tavern for a few minutes, and then returns, setting mugs of sweet mead in front of Kazu and the girls. He keeps a glass of something as well, although his drink smells much stronger and more bitter than the mead. "You've heard about King Sveinn?" he asks. "Ah, who am I kidding, of course you have. Everyone's heard about King Sveinn. Strongest man in the north, and he's leaving soon. Nobody knows what to do without him. And then there's everything else going on. Fishing boats getting wrecked, caravans getting raided by monsters out of Irrisen. I hear they even had to shut the mines down and pull everyone out just to keep from getting killed."

The bartender shakes his head and takes a long drink. "You might want to go back to your hole and wait this one out," he says grimly. "Never thought I'd say this, but that godforsaken forest might be the safest place in the north right now. Least they don't give a damn about anything outside their forest, yeah? No worse there than it always is."

"Take your circus to the Jade Quarter," an overseer shouts as the crowd begins to break up. "There's men trying to work here!"

Again, though, this seems to be an isolated opinion. The rest of the crowd disperses peacefully, several of them talking excitedly about the circus to come.

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu drinks his mead as he listens. His eyes glance around the the bar but his daughters are firmly enthralled by the man's words as they sip their mead."I'd heard rumors about Sveinn, but the rest just sounds like business as usual for the most part, though I don't remember the fishing boats going out far enough to run into any beasts. I'm surprised they would resort to closing the mines though, I may look into that one myself. Besides, when have I ever been one to wait anything out? Plus I don't know if you've ever been through the run but it is NOT the sort of place you even stop to take a leak." There is a clear tone of sarcasm on the last comment. "Any idea who holds the rights to those mines?"

[ylvathrall]

"Sveinn is the one as gets the ore," Randolph says. "But Opir Eight-Fingers owns the land it sits on. And the one that runs the place would be a dwarf, I forget his name. He posted a notice looking for strong arms to deal with things, though. Let me go and get that for you."

A few minutes later the barkeeper drops off a pamphlet, along with three plates of grilled cod.

Kopparberget mine is currently dealing with an infestation in our deeper excavations. Any adventurer who can find and remove the source of the infestation is promised a five percent share in all of Kopparberget's profits for the next five years.

Stengrim Ring-Forger, Head of Operations, Kopparberget

[Mousedigits]

Adolin, when the man starts doing his magic, claps in enjoyment, obviously enjoyed by the display. He wasn't quite sure how it worked, but is was brilliant.

However, when the "circus" is shut down, Adolin looks dissapointed, and turns to Voren.

Are you guys going to continue your performance elsewhere? I'd really like to see!

[BizzaroStormy]

"Eight Fingers owns it does he? So much for buying it cheap and and keeping it for myself once its cleared out. Still though, a stake like that for a quick job must mean the usual dime-a-dozen sellswords cant deal with whatever is down there." He begins eating his meal as he reads the pamphlet but quickly realizes he is getting a bit too absorbed stuffs it in his pouch to pay attention to his girls.

[Katana1515]

Are you guys going to continue your performance elsewhere? I'd really like to see!

Despite being a practiced hand at subterfuge, something in Voren feels it would be cruel to overly mislead the wide-eyed Hobgoblin. After all in a human dominated city like Kalsguard those of us who stand out surely have to stick together?

To Adolin (In a low enough tone that it could not be casually overheard)

ummm, well about that, I am afraid there was something of a misunderstanding. I mistook the lady over there for a street performer of some kind and I think I might have put her on the spot! I decided to intervene and appease the crowd with a few illusions. Sorry to disapoint you, perhaps I can get you a drink or two to make up for it? Perhaps a meal?

To Linda (in a conversational tone, but slightly wary, the lady does not seem all that stable)

I am very sorry miss, I am afraid I somewhat put you on the spot back there! As recompense perhaps I can offer you a meal and something to drink, with me and my new friend here?


I have no idea if Essy and Sunder would be able to recognize one another as Black Blades, or if either magus would be able to recognize the others weapon as being such. Sunder has not been drawn, and will simply look like an expensive and exotic sword, but LINDA's rapier has definitely been unsheathed while in Vorens view.

[Mousedigits]

The hobgoblin looks dissapointed, then looks to the ground. Then, as soon as it appeared, the gloominess dissappears and is replaced with the same cheerfulness that was present earlier.

"No worries, It's fine. I won't ask for a drink or food, but maybe we could share a meal together. Maybe we could invite these other people, too!"

[trysted]

Currial walks up to the apparent magician. Nice one. Not sure why you felt the need to entertain all these people, but it looks like you pulled it off pretty well.

[Athaleon]

Nira also approached the magician. His glamer wouldn't hold up to a mage's close scrutiny, he knew, but to his own surprise he found himself not caring. "Well-improvised. What brings a mage like yourself to the middle of north nowhere?"

[Yanisa]

Linda looks from the Hobgoblin to the Tiefling, Birds of a feather flock together.

"It was a minor inconvenience." she says to Voren "But I suspect that was bound to happen. And no thanks, I don't eat or drink..."
"Hey, pssst, we were going to follow him."
"...Normally, but I will accept your offer today." Except a minor pause she says it as a single sentence, making the contradiction stand out like a shore thumb.

When the two elves showed up the group became even more interesting. "I think that one is a half-elf." Linda normally doesn't stick to groups, but somehow this caught her interest. Mostly because they were all highly magical, it couldn't be a coincidence, although it might be a trap. Best way to deal with a trap, walk in it and prove you are better then your enemies.

She stops concentrating on the magical aura's, the amount alone was enough information, for now.


Spellcraft for the Blackblade [roll0]

I also stop concentrating on Detect Magic

[Katana1515]

"It was a minor inconvenience." she says to Voren "But I suspect that was bound to happen. And no thanks, I don't eat or drink..."
"Hey, pssst, we were going to follow him."
"...Normally, but I will accept your offer today." Except a minor pause she says it as a single sentence, making the contradiction stand out like a shore thumb.



Its that slight mid-sentence pause that tips Voren off to the nature of the strange woman's rapier. Its a phenomenon he is only too familiar with. A quick glance at her weapon seems to confirm it.

Old Man, is that rapier what I think it is?


Yes, no doubt about it, she does seem to be a bit of an odd duck though boy. Keep close, but not too close, if you take my meaning.

Nira and Curriel's introductions knock the Tiefling out of his silent conversation. Twice in one day he finds himself the center of attention! The first seems most interested in the technical nature of the spell, while the other inquires after his purpose in Kalsguard? On a whim, Voren reaches out with arcane senses, trying to gauge these newcomers.

Voren casts detect magic, I cant see anything on anyone's sheets that would block it, so I will assume he detects the wide array of magical aura's they have on them in the form of gear and disguise spells.

These guys are carrying some potent gear, local mages perhaps? Looking to check out the possibility of competition?

What do I do old man, I dont want to cause any more trouble?

Try and move the conversation somewhere more private than a busy street, boy. But not somewhere totally without witnesses, just in case.

Nice to meet you all! The answers to your questions are something of a long story! My new friends here and I were just about to go see about getting a meal, perhaps you could join us? Not sure wheres any good though, I am only recently arrived in the city.

[ICN]

Vindira walks up to the gathering with a friendly smile draped over her face. "Got room for one more? It's an interesting group you've got here."

[Mousedigits]

"It was a minor inconvenience." she says to Voren "But I suspect that was bound to happen. And no thanks, I don't eat or drink..."
"...Normally, but I will accept your offer today." Except a minor pause she says it as a single sentence, making the contradiction stand out like a shore thumb.


You don't eat or drink... Normally? How do you manage that? I know I couldn't go a day without a meal. Do you know what you're missing? All the wonderful flavors, sweet and salty, savory and sour...

[Athaleon]

You don't eat or drink... Normally? How do you manage that? I know I couldn't go a day without a meal. Do you know what you're missing? All the wonderful flavors, sweet and salty, savory and sour...

"You forgot bitter. The locals do love it."

[Yanisa]

"I always found eating a waste of time. Currently I'm sustained by magic alone." Linda explains with a monotone voice, like it was the most normal thing in the world.
"My theory is that she was born without taste buds." Skullsplicer blurts out, a voice seemingly without a owner.
"I do experiences tastes, but it doesn't move me like normal humanoids are moved by taste." She responds without a second though. "Because of that, I could eat in any food serving establishment, I lack a preference. I wouldn't know any in this city from the top of my hat. Is any of you a local here and would recommend one?"

[Katana1515]

Vindira walks up to the gathering with a friendly smile draped over her face. "Got room for one more? It's an interesting group you've got here."

Erm yeah sure!? I don't suppose you can recommend somewhere?

[trysted]

Well dearies, I'm all up for place for a bite or a drink. More importantly, I think you are a group of people that seem like you have some decent stories that perhaps the drinks can get out of ya.

[Katana1515]

Voren looks around at the suddenly not so small group of people he has accumulated.

Did I just invite all these people to dinner? Am I paying?

I think you might have just done that, boy. Best find somewhere on the cheap side, we dont have much spare change after you bought that last magic gizmo you were so pleased with!

I figured a rod of elemental fire might be handy around here okay! such a skinflint, but I suppose you have a point.

seeing as how many of his new acquaintances seem equally unfamiliar with Kalsguard, Voren starts looking around himself, searching for a place that looks cheap and quiet enough to accommodate this large group of assorted wanderers. He isn't put off by the rough nature of many of the local establishments, since he isn't alone.

[ICN]

Vindira gestures at a nearby tavern. "Your large friend went in there a few minutes ago. I'm sure he'll be eager to hear about his role in the theatrics."

[Katana1515]

Vindira gestures at a nearby tavern. "Your large friend went in there a few minutes ago. I'm sure he'll be eager to hear about his role in the theatrics."

Voren seems a little nervous at the simple suggestion.

Well,I suppose its as good a place as any.... but perhaps do me a favour and don't mention the exact features of the 'clown' in my performance? I don't know the gentleman personally, I was just stuck for inspiration at the time and it was all I could think of. I am a warrior by trade, not an entertainer.

Nervous but resolute, Voren moves towards Randolph's, assuming the rest of the group will follow him.

THIS IS THE LAST TIME I TAKE YOUR ADVICE!

It isn't, and you know it. The sword sends a telepathic chuckle.

[ICN]

Vindira shrugs in acquiescence and follows Voren into the tavern. Upon entering takes a moment to scan the crowd, her gaze coming to rest on Kazu. She raises a hand and calls out to him. "You, the miniature mountain! Care to join us? I believe this gentleman owes you a drink." She gives Voren a quick wink and murmurs, "No specifics."

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu downs the last bit of his first drink before he pays any attention to the voice addressing him. He turns around an examines the groups with a hard glare. "Oh really?" the imposing figure asks before he finally stands up. Three large boot steps thud and creak against the tavern's wooden floor, a floor stained by years of booze, blood, and other unmentionable fluids. Despite the relatively tall members of the impromptu circus troupe, Kazu still stands considerably taller than the lot of them. He looks down at the horned man as the twins behind him watch intently, fully expecting a brawl to break out. Any other day he might have dragged the man outside and thrown him through the hull of one of the trade ships; luckily for Voren, he was in a much better mood today. A wide smile reveals his fanged maw and his breath carries the smells of honey and cooked fish. "Then you'll have to tell me about it over that drink! HA HA!" His large and surprisingly soft hand lands on Voren's shoulder and firmly pulls him toward the bar. "Hey cyclops! Looks like my new friend here will be buying my next drink. Waddya say you grab that stuff you keep in the dragon horn and show him the kind of mistake he just made?" his question comes again with hearty laughter before he turnns his attention to the rest of the group. "So who might you lot be?"

[Katana1515]

Finding himself physically manhandled, and then forced to buy drinks, is something of a new experience for Voren but he supposes its the least of what he deserves today. Reaching into his wallet he pulls forth a generous sum of gold, and with a broad sweep of his hands indicates the assembled group of oddities he seems to have accumulated. After a quick glance seems to indicate that the younger females are associated with Kazu he nods and includes them as well.

After getting the 'Cyclops' attention he states, Food and drink is on me, as much as they can stomach, I'm good for it!

VOREN! How could you! you barely know these people? I... We... worked hard for that money, and you are just going to give it away?

Consider it your punishment for creating this situation.

After the first few frenzied rounds of service are completed, the Magus once more gets the barkeeps attention. I know I am not a local, but I was hoping that as a well paying customer, you might be able to point me in the direction of any well paying adventuring work in the region? He looks at the gold he's scattered across the bar. My wallet is likely to be somewhat reduced come morning.

I have around 750 GP in cash left, obviously under normal circumstances that would be enough to feed a group 10 times this one, however no one here is quite normal, and the poor Tiefling has given people room to order the most exotic and expensive things they can imagine, so if that doesn't cover it, I suppose I will be washing dishes or pawning magic items!

[Mousedigits]

Adolin walks into the bar. It was nothing new, he'd been to many bars before. When the Tiefling offers to pay for him, he shakes his head.

Thank you, but I can pay for myself.


How many stares is the giant vulture attracting?

[Yanisa]

Linda takes place at a table, sitting so still at least looks she isn't moving at all in this dark indoor lighting.
"Did he just call you the Miniature Mountain? That is an awesome nickname!"
"That guy is taller."
She points at Kazu, to outsiders it seems strangely suddenly and seemingly without reason.
"Aaawh, did you had to ruin my fun?"

She turns to Voren. "Thank you for inviting us, I hope I am not to imposing as I order some wine. Or mead if this establishment lacks wine."
"Also you should introduce yourself." Skullsplicer secretly hopes that maybe these people weren't traps, but could be friends. Finally a chance to have people she could talk too outside of Linda.
"Ah, by the way, my name is Lifelike Intelligent Noble Defense Android. L.I.N.D.A. for short." Each letter is said individually "Or Linda because you humanoids prefer to save syllables."
A deep sigh is heard as Skullsplicer realizes Linda would never make friends when she sticks with her ridiculous long name.

[ylvathrall]

"Work," Randolph says, bustling around behind the bar. "You adventuring types are always looking for work. Well, there's as much as you can handle and then some. I was telling Dog over there a minute ago, Kopparberget Mine has been shut down a while, and they're offering a considerable reward to anyone as can deal with it. Enough to bring in every stupid kid that thinks he's good with an axe for a hundred miles."

He places a large wooden tankard in front of Kazu, and a smaller one before Linda. "That's a Varisian wine, miss," he says. "Expensive to ship it in, but you look like you can afford it, yeah?"

"Anyway," he says, going back to leaning on the bar. "If you don't fancy that kind of work, or you don't want the competition, there's plenty of other jobs in these parts for the brave and stupid. I had some fellows in the other night talking about a good old-fashioned sea raid, and I reckon they're still recruiting if you care to sign up. Or you might look into claiming bounties, since there's sure to be something in that line of work. I don't follow that sort of thing myself, but if you ask around I'd wager you can find something."


On the street the giant vulture attracted only a few glances; most people had more pressing things to pay attention to. In the tavern, assuming it follows you in, it's considerably more cramped, but not impossibly so. People seemed tense when it first came in, but within a few seconds seem to take it in stride and go back to their own business.

[Katana1515]

A sea raid? Hmm not sure how I would feel about pillaging, clearing out this mine though? That sounds like honest work! Any idea of the scale of the job? If its a few hundred gold for chasing some goblins out of a hole it probably isn't worth my time.

After the barkeep replies, Voren turns to listen to L.I.N.D.A's introduction. that's a very unusual name you have. How did you come by it?

[BizzaroStormy]

"We 'adventuring types' also spend more coin at fine establishments like this than the salty riggers and laborers that come through on a daily basis. Anywho, I wouldn't mind a handful of skilled individuals to help take care of that mine job. It would seem that some kind of infestation is keeping any work from getting done and if they're outsourcing this kind of thing, it must mean that the rank and file can't deal with it. If you lot are interested, I could pay you for the help, we're leaving tomorrow evening anyway." he says with a smile on his face as each hand comes to rest atop the head of the young girls flanking him. One seems not to mind while the other pulls herself out from under it with an embarassed look.

[Katana1515]

"We 'adventuring types' also spend more coin at fine establishments like this than the salty riggers and laborers that come through on a daily basis. Anywho, I wouldn't mind a handful of skilled individuals to help take care of that mine job. It would seem that some kind of infestation is keeping any work from getting done and if they're outsourcing this kind of thing, it must mean that the rank and file can't deal with it. If you lot are interested, I could pay you for the help, we're leaving tomorrow evening anyway." he says with a smile on his face as each hand comes to rest atop the head of the young girls flanking him. One seems not to mind while the other pulls herself out from under it with an embarassed look.

Well this is an interesting turn of events! The job did sound like work for more than one person, a frequent problem for a lone adventurer like Voren, and here was a solution just falling into his lap? well, if the pay looks good you can count me in! I delved my fair share of old dungeons, you won't regret it! Any word on what manner of 'infestation' we are talking about? And just how much local competition can we expect?

[BizzaroStormy]

Well this is an interesting turn of events! The job did sound like work for more than one person, a frequent problem for a lone adventurer like Voren, and here was a solution just falling into his lap? well, if the pay looks good you can count me in! I delved my fair share of old dungeons, you won't regret it! Any word on what manner of 'infestation' we are talking about? And just how much local competition can we expect?

"The pay they're offering is a limited stake in the mine. Though I'd offer a start of 250 gold coins per head to start...likely more if this job ends up being more than a simple extermination. Haven't heard anything about what to expect down there but like I said, if they're bothering to outsource this kind of thing, it must be something the rank-and-file troops cant handle. As for local competition, I don't know of too many around here worthy of note that would take this kind of job so it will probably be your dime-a-dozen sellswords going in to feed the beasts."

[Katana1515]

A limited stake in the mine? Thats just the kind of thing I was looking for, a reason to stop wandering for a while.

How about I waive the 250, and take a smaller share in the mines profits instead? Obviously not speaking for my new friends here, many of them might prefer cash if they are up for the expedition. When do you intend to set out?


He looks around at the others, would anyone else be interested?

[trysted]

Hmmm....a passive income from a one time job? Thats a bit better than I usually do. Currial thinks to herself.

I'm up for it. Taking care of an infestation isn't much different from bodyguarding. Who else is joining the party?

[ICN]

Vindira tilts her head in consideration for a moment before nodding in acquiescence. "Alright, I'm in. Give me a few hours though, I might be able to dig something more up. Someone may have tried already and survived the attempt."

[BizzaroStormy]

A slight grimace hits Kazu's face as more of the group becomes interested in the already small stake, but its all he can do to sigh and try to change the subject. "Planned on heading out late tomorrow. Easier for us to get through those damned woods at night anyway."

Where exactly is the mine? I dont have any ranks in Knowledge geography so im capped at 10 for the skill check but I would think there would be some kind of map or location on the pamphlet.

[roll0]

[ylvathrall]

Kopparberget is a prominent landmark, and you know its general location. The mine is in the northern reaches of the Kodar Mountains, in the middle of Southmoor. To get there from Kalsgard you would have to travel south across Grungir Forest, follow the trade route partway to Jol, and then take a branch leading off to the southeast.

[Mousedigits]

Hmm... Yeah, I'll go. I don't really have anything to be doing, anyways.

[Athaleon]

Nira pondered the proceedings for some time before finally speaking up. "I'll come along too. Frankly, I've spent far too much time puttering around in town lately, and not enough on practical application in the field. And I'd waive my share of an up-front reward in exchange for a small stake in the mine, if that's what's soured you." He motioned to Kazu's obviously unhappy expression.

[Yanisa]

"Say yes... say yes!"
"We are here on a personal quest, we don't have time with distraction."
"But we are helping people. Besides we are wandering around aimless."
"He invited us, all we can do is wait."
"See, better use that time useful, help people, do useful things. Perhaps this will put your name in local rumors and shake him out of hiding hole. And it's an abandoned mine outside the city and they don't know what the expect but it's an infestation. I don't think he will hide undead in the city. It's a long shot, but is standing in crowds truly the better option? Even in the worst case it is pay and our funds are running low after the journey here."
"You make a lot of good arguments."
"Yes, let's free a mine!"


After a long silent Linda speaks. "Well I got personal business in town, but I suspect that can wait. I do want to confirm, you have no clue what this infestation is? Aren't any hints in what the miners saw and heard? My interest might depend on the type of infestation."

[BizzaroStormy]

"Exactly. 'An infestation' is all the info I have aside from the general location of the place."

[Athaleon]

"Shouldn't be a problem. We're sure to get more information when we arrive, plus I have a few ways of scouting it out remotely." The man's gaze lingered on some of his newfound companions. "As do some of you, I'm sure."

[trysted]

What say we meet up her tomorrow at sunset, mounted and ready to go?

[BizzaroStormy]

"I would suggest bringing the fastest mount you can find. We'll be able to rest once we get out of the woods."

[ICN]

"Well, aside from a few lingering questions of payment, the matter appears to be settled. I have to ask though: What brings you all to Kalsgard? This group is one of the stranger conclaves I've seen."

[trysted]

Well, my last job landed me here. And I decided to hang about a little bit, and do a little bit of shopping, says Currial with a smile and a bat of an eye. It does seem that fur is quite a bit in fashion here.

[BizzaroStormy]

"Well the nights do get very old around here. As for me, thought I'd bring the pups to see the city since I was heading this way anyhow."

[Katana1515]

I was born here! Been off and wandering for a long time though, decided I might like to see the old place again, maybe put down some roots at last, if the locals will put up with me that is.

[Mousedigits]

I came because I heard there was work to be done here. A demon needed slaying. That's about it.

[Katana1515]

After some general chitchat, getting to know his new comrades (some of whom are decidedly odd, Voren is starting to think he was lucky to have found Sunder, for all of his annoying old man persona, poor LINDA seems constantly hassled and harassed by her blade) and exchanging a few war stories, Voren remembers he does have some pressing business in town. Asking after Melody at a local temple would seem the best place to start. He asks the Barkeep, and anyone else nearby who looks local Do you now where the best place to find a priestess of Desna might be?.

He decides to leave Melody's name out of it for now, hanging out with fellow strangers is one thing, but having strange white demon magicians asking after you probably wouldn't do much for a local priestess's reputation.

[ylvathrall]

Total bill from the tavern (assuming you ate a meal while you were there): 30 gp

It takes a few hours to find someone who both knows what they're talking about and is willing to discuss it with you, but eventually you get directions to a major temple of Desna in the Fire Quarter, not far to the east.

It is now evening.

[Katana1515]

Thanking the local and paying the bill, he turns to his new comrades and wishes then a good evening. I shall see you all in the morning no doubt, but I have some personal affairs to attend to. It's been a real pleasure meeting you all.. After ensuring he knew where they were meeting, he makes a final goodbye.

Leaving the tavern, he heads for the Fire Quarter

[trysted]

Currial wanders off to the ice quarter to see if there's any interesting trinkets that she absolutely can not live without, (otherwise known as "I want that") using her usual method of casting detect magic as she wanders through. Then she finds herself an inn for the night and shows back up the next morning, mounted and ready to go.

[ylvathrall]

In the Fire Quarter, you soon find the temple you were directed to. A moderately large wooden building, it's tucked between a gambling hall on one side and a brothel on the other. Not the most ecclesiastical of surroundings, but the Ulfen have never seen much reason to separate religion from the rest of their daily lives. If you had any doubt that you were in the right place, the large carving of a butterfly above the door settles it.



You spend some time in the Ice Quarter, browsing the wares of various merchants. You see a few stalls and stores offering magical goods, along with many more that provide mundane wares.

After you finish shopping, you go across Rannveig's Run to the Fire Quarter, where you find lodgings in a high-quality inn for a price that's only moderately extortionate.

[BizzaroStormy]

After the group scatters and the canine family finishes their meal, Kazu takes his girls to see the sights around the city. The rest of the day and a better part of tomorrow will get spent showing them everything from the slums to the temples, bazaars, and high-brow areas where the city's 'elite' lay their heads at night.

[ICN]

Vindira leaves the gathering and starts prowling the streets, searching for any information about the mines. She spends the rest of the day wandering, trying to get a feel for the current state of the city and looking for work in some of its less reputable venues, before getting a room at a modest inn for the night.

Gather information check for the mine: [roll0]
Time: [roll1] hours
The Giant's diplomacy fix didn't have anything in it about gathering information, so I went with the default version's mechanics. Let me know how you want to handle these, or if that option is being cut out altogether.

[Katana1515]

Voren looks between the brothel and the temple with a dubious eye. He knocks on the temple door, hoping it isn't too late in the evening for the wanderer godesses disciples to admit a traveller.

[ylvathrall]

It takes you a few hours, but eventually you find someone who can talk to you about it. And not just anyone, but one of the actual miners who was working in the mine before it closed down.

"I'm no coward," he says to you over a mug of dark, bitter ale in a shady tavern in the Undercroft. "Not a coward. Never been a coward. But this, this is something else. Nobody can fight this." He takes a drink. "Everybody wants the copper. More copper, more copper, always looking for more copper. But they didn't think, you know, what's underneath? Where are we following the vein? Didn't think at all."

He shakes his head. "Not a coward," he says again. "It's just...why didn't anybody think? Why was nobody thinking, you know, what if we aren't the only ones that want the copper? Well, we found the vein all right. It's just somebody else found it first. And now you've got, you know, you've got duergar running through the mines. Taking the place over, and who knows what the hell else is down there with them, you know? And old Stengrim's got us making golems, got us fighting down in the mines. Well, I didn't want no part of that. I'm no coward, but that fight's suicide. We can't win that."

He takes another long drink and then stares into the empty mug. "Not a coward," he mutters. "Not a coward."



It takes a minute or two of knocking before the door opens. The man inside is large and burly, with a truly respectable beard, and Desna's butterfly cast in silver and prominently displayed on his vest. "The Queen of the North Star welcomes you, wanderer" he says, rubbing at his eyes. "What are you looking for here?"

[ICN]

"A coward? For having enough sense to steer clear of that mess?" Vindira snorts. "I don't know what Stengrim was paying you, but I highly doubt that it was enough to risk your life over." She leans forward slightly, resting her arms on the table. "But I must admit, you've piqued my interest. Duergar and golems? I'll buy you a drink if you'll tell me the whole story."

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Katana1515]

Voren smiles at the priest and tries to sound warm and friendly. Apologies for the late hour sir but I am looking for an old friend who I hope will be an acquaintance of yours? The Priestess Melody? I recieved a message from her some time ago, It lacked details but I got the impression that something was urgently wrong, so I am quite anxious to see her. I am sure you understand?

[ylvathrall]

"I'd love to," the man says. "But there's not much more to tell. We dug too deep, broke into a duergar settlement. They decided they wanted the mine, started moving up into it. They've got lizards and spiders with them, cloakers, I don't even know what else. All kinds of freaks from the Darklands, you know?" He shudders. "Well, Stengrim, he can't just walk away. So he figures we can make golems and drive them back down, seal it up again. But we couldn't make them fast enough, so we had to go down and fight with them. Against duergar in the dark, down in tunnels that haven't been mined for a hundred years."

He shakes his head. "You'd have to be mad to want that fight," he says.



"Oh," the man says. "You're here about that. Please, come inside."

He leads you to a small room furnished with several sturdy wooden chairs carved with representations of Desna's holy symbols and legendary deeds. A few minutes later Melody walks in, having apparently just woken up. She's recognizably the same person, although she looks older, and perhaps more comfortable with her place in the world.

"Oh, Voren," she says, embracing you. "I'm so glad you came. It's about Moonwing's Bough, I just...I don't know what to do."


The following Knowledge skills are potentially applicable to knowing about Moonwing's Bough: geography, history, religion.

[ICN]

"Madness does seem like the best descriptor. Makes me wonder about the owner. What's he like?" After getting his answer, Vindira thanks the man for his help and buys him that drink before finding a room for the night.

[Katana1515]

Neither Voren or Sunder can recall such an artifact, if indeed artifact it is. Voren greets his old friend warmly and asks

I am sorry, but I'm not familiar with any Bough, what seems to be the problem with it?

[ylvathrall]

"Stengrim? He's not a bad sort. I'd work for him again, if that's what you're asking." The man shrugs. "He's just a stubborn old bastard. Isn't willing to let the mine go. Can't say I blame him, really. Man's put his whole life into that mine. Reckon he'd rather die than give it up. Don't know I'd feel any different if it was me in his boots."

Having bought him a drink, you go back above ground and find a decent inn in the Fire Quarter, where you rent a private room for the night.


Total expenditure: 16 gp




Melody looks miffed for a moment, then relaxes. "No reason you'd know about it, I suppose," she says. "It's a shrine to Desna in Grungir Forest. Almost no one makes the pilgrimage in, since the forest is so dangerous. But that shrine is one of the holiest places in the world for Desna's faithful."

She takes a step back and sits in the chair across from you. "I traveled in to pray at the shrine just before I contacted you," she says. "But it was...there was something wrong with it. I couldn't feel Her presence there, and there was something about it that wasn't right. It felt ominous, like there was something watching me. Something evil."

Melody shudders, obviously unsettled by the mere recollection of the feeling. "The other clerics say I was imagining it. Or else that it was something in the forest. But I know what I felt, Voren. There was something wrong with the shrine, something tainting it."

[Katana1515]

hmmm that does sound ominous, well I am prepared to do anything needful in service of our Lady but this sounds like work better suited to Divine Magic than my specialty? What do you need from me?

[Yanisa]

"So now what?" Skullsplicer asks after they leave the inn and wander the streets again.
"Wait to tomorrow, sunset. We might need to find another place for some minor sleep."
"Don't worry about sleep, I got you covered. But what then until sunset?"
"Explore the city, get to know it. This might become a stage of future battles and any knowledge could help us."
"Sightseeing, that sounds like a great idea!"

Linda will spend her time exploring the city until a few hours before sunset, taking ten on perception for 30 total, then she will move to the meeting spot. Where Skullsplicer (technically Linda) will cast Keep Watch and rest until the rest of the group arrives.

Also after rest I will swap Shining Cord for Phantom Steed, already did that on my sheet.

[ylvathrall]

Melody shifts in her chair uncomfortably. "Like I said, the other clerics aren't taking me seriously. I think this is my duty to solve, that the Lady's given me a sign of what I need to do, but...I can't go back there alone." She looks at the floor, obviously ashamed to admit this. "I barely made it through the forest last time," she says. "And what I felt at the shrine itself...it scared me, Voren. It's bad, whatever it is. Evil. I don't think I'd have made it back out if it hadn't let me go. I need to cleanse the shrine, and I don't think I can. I...I'm scared."



You spend some time wandering the city, spending time in each of the city quarters.


This is where you arrived in the city. The docks are busy, with merchants and fishing vessels docking, unloading, and setting out again. The shipyards work through the night, with people scuttling about by torchlight, assembling various ships. There are numerous taverns and flophouses catering to the sailors and dockworkers. After dark, the streets are more clear, making the people who remain more obvious. There are thugs and ruffians, a handful of thieves, and quite a few tired-looking prostitutes. Occasionally you pass someone collapsed in the street, unconscious from too much alcohol.



The entertainment district of the city, this quarter bustles day and night with activity. It's a higher-class area of the city, overall, with numerous businesses; the people you see here are generally better dressed and better fed than in most areas of Kalsgard. You pass fine inns and restaurants, along with other types of establishment, including brothels, music halls, casinos, and wrestling halls. Also located here are temples to various deities, most prominently Desna, Gorum, and Erastil.

You notice that one pedestrian in particular eyes you with obvious interest as you pass through this quarter. Although they are obviously a prostitute, judging by their dress and bearing, you get the impression there's likely something more to them than that.



Continuing west, you enter the Ice Quarter. Primarily an economic district, this quarter contains numerous shops and open markets. You see merchants selling almost every kind of mundane item imaginable, and quite a few magical types as well. The customers are generally of a higher social and economic class than in, for example, the Oak Quarter. You do, however, see several street urchins and beggars who are considerably less well off.



Further west along the river is the Jade Quarter. Primarily made up of Tian immigrants, this district of the city is almost a self-contained city unto itself, with its own inns, markets, and smiths. You attract more than a few odd looks here, but otherwise notice nothing particularly unusual.



The Ivory Quarter lies to the south of the Jade Quarter, further away from the river. Another economic district, this area has a much different focus than the Ice Quarter. Most of the businesses you pass are not open to the public, or at least not providing services that the average citizen would be interested in. Instead, there are a few banks, along with moneychangers, large merchant firms, and the like. After dark, this district of the city is almost deserted.



Closer to the heart of the city is the Amber Quarter. This region is more industrial, with a focus on manufacturing. You see a great many workshops here, as well as various crafters. Some of them sell their wares in this location, but many are strictly manufacturing locations, not even open to the public.



Further south, as far from the river as you can get and still be in Kalsgard, is the Horn Quarter. This region is primarily agricultural, housing many farmers and herders. This district is another one that is economically less advantaged, with most of the residents apparently some type of laborer. Other than that, nothing stands out as particularly interesting here.



Continuing back to the east, you enter the Bone Quarter. This district is even more disadvantaged, almost a slum, with no obvious economic strengths. Most of the people here are either laborers or layabouts; many appear shady, likely having some degree of criminal background. Unlike many parts of the city, this quarter is actually more active at night, although the activity in question is less than wholesome. You notice that quite a few of the residents watch you as you pass with more than a passing interest in what brings you there.



Finally, having walked a full circuit of the city, you find yourself in the Stone Quarter. This district is another manufacturing one, although it focuses more specifically on stoneworking and forging. There are numerous smiths in this area, most of whom are hard at work crafting weapons and armor. Fewer of them work on more mundane tasks such as horseshoes and plows. Meanwhile, quarried stone rolls in on large wagons and is cut into blocks by the stonecutters. There are a handful of more artistic endeavors going on, including fancy metalwork and sculpture, but mostly this district is highly practical. You also see more dwarves here, although humans still predominate.

[Katana1515]

Voren takes a few moments to consider what he should do. A threat to a sacred shrine is definitely a concern and if it was just about the money he would skip out on the mine clearing expedition in a moment. However people could well be dying down that mine and none of the other clerics seemed concerned....

He decides on a compromise, In that case I would be happy to escort you, if you think that will help you face the place? However I have agreed to join an expedition to clear out some local copper mines, its due to set out tomorrow. Do you think the matter can wait until I return? It should only be a few days and with a little luck I might be able to convince some of my new comrades to come along, further ensuring your safety!

[ylvathrall]

"I don't know," Melody says hesitantly. "I feel like I've already waited too long. And bringing other people...how well do you know them? Because I don't know if we should bring strangers into Desna's shrine."

She then seems to realize something. "Local copper mine," she says. "Wait a second. You're talking about Kopparberget, aren't you?" She frowns at you. "That's all the way on the other side of the forest," she says. "It'll take you a week just to get there!" She then pauses. "Although...if you're going to Kopparberget, I suppose there's no reason to wait. You're traveling that direction anyway. It's only a few days out of the way, at most."

[Katana1515]

Voren looks a little unsettled, he honestly doesnt know any of his new companions well enough to vouch for them. Whats worse they don't know him well enough to respect a request for a detour. After a few moments thought though he decides the only good course is to try.

Well perhaps you should come out with me in the morning and meet them? If we cant convince them of the need for a detour then we will travel with them partway and split off at the Bough. If they wont help, I will just have to catch up with them at these mines after we finish our business their.

[ylvathrall]

"That sounds like a plan," Melody says. "It's late, so you should probably just stay here. There are beds downstairs for visitors. I need to talk to some of the other priests and let them know that I'm leaving, and then there are some preparations I should make. I'll see you in the morning."


Note: At this time I think that all characters are caught up at least to the next morning, and in a couple of cases longer. If you have been waiting for people to be on the same time frame before posting anything else, that's where we are.

[ICN]

Vindira spends a few minutes ensuring her room at the inn is private, then sneaks out. Once outside, she changes her clothing to free her wings, unfurling them with a soft sigh of pleasure, and takes off into the air for a bout of much-needed flying. After an hour Vindira lands on a secluded rooftop, where she spends a leisurely preening session gazing out over the city before making her way back to her room to sleep. Over the course of the next day she wanders the city to familiarize herself with it, eventually meeting up with the others after procuring a horse.

Vindira sneaks out with Invisibility and Gaseous Form (from her Slayer's Robe) and wears her Aasimar disguise while out flying, switching back once she returns to her room. She gets back in the same way, and casts Undetectable Alignment and Mythic Heroism before resting for the night.

[Katana1515]

Voren agrees to stay at the temple and turns in for the evening. After a good nights sleep he rises in the early hours and meditates over the scruffy battered old notepad that constitutes his spellbook. Sunder rests in its scabbard, leaning against a rickety bedside table.

I don't really have any spells suitable for a long journey, I usually just walk everywhere .... I suppose I am just going to have to buy a horse.

No need, here let me show you a trick, one of your predecessors developed it some time ago.

Voren receives flashing images of a complex spell crafting a powerful steed that would last for hours at a time. After a few moments Voren is certain he can replicate the feat at least once. Hmm I suppose you are useful occasionally, any more spells you think I might need today?

Well.... I have been thinking on this for a while, their are a few holes in your repertoire, let me show you!

I am really uncertain how this ability is supposed to be 'fluffed' but for a bladebound magus at least this seemed like a really fun way of dealing with it. Also I have no clue what I was thinking when I picked out my level one spells, no Feather Fall? Thats just asking for trouble!

Anyway, in his morning meditations Voren burns 3 arcane points to add Feather Fall, Blade Tutors Spirit (not used that before, should be fun) and Phantom Steed to my list. I have 10 points remaining. Other changes to my spells prepped can be seen on his sheet.

Shortly afterwards, he nips out to buy enough hard travel rations for two people to last 10 days. He returns to the temple and rouses Melody, he guides her out to the agreed meeting point (If she doesn't have access to a horse he will buy her one), once at a suitable place he conjures the Phantom Steed (white skin, black hair and hooves) and mounts, so they should both arrive on horseback.

He waves to those who have already assembled. Hello again, their is someone I would like you all too meet. This is Melody, a servant of the goddess Desna, she has asked me to escort her to an important shrine which is not far off our path. She feels that the shrine might be endangered in some way, so I was hoping people wouldn't mind doing the Church of Desna a favor and making a slight detour?

[trysted]

Enchanted. Currial says. I don't see why we couldn't make a stop at a shrine if it isn't too far out of the way. But I do ask, does the Church of Desna remember those to which they owe favors?

[Mousedigits]

Adolin comes to the meeting place, flying on that weird vulture. When he touches down, he steps off (not in the most graceful manner) and walks up.

I've no problems with stopping by the shrine. Helping people is what we do, he says as he smiles, obviously oblivious to the fact that some might be doing this job solely for the money.

[ylvathrall]

You take some time to acquaint yourself with the city, getting to know the layout and what sorts of things you can find in each of the city quarters. No one appears to realize that you aren't what you seem, although you do attract some odd looks, as aasimar are quite uncommon in the city.


Is there anything in particular that you're looking for?




Didn't notice this until recently, but on your character sheet you have your deity listed as Erevan Ilesere. To my knowledge this is not a deity in the Golarion setting, so...am I missing something? :smallconfused:


"Thank you," Melody says. She looks somewhat wary, seated on a horse apparently brought from the temple's stables. "Although this isn't exactly an official action by the church."

[BizzaroStormy]

The rest of the group finds Kazu at the meeting place, a small open area near the southern gate to find him playfully sparring with his twins. Upon seeing the others start to trickle in though, he steps away and the girls follow shortly after one gets a cheap shot on the other. His face returns to the permanent scowl and he lets out an annoyed sigh when Voren proposes the detour. "And just how far out of the way is this little detour Voren?"

[ICN]

Vindira raises an inquisitive eyebrow. "Not an official action? What do you mean by that?"

[ylvathrall]

"The shrine's on the western edge of the forest," Melody says. "And it is official, sort of. I mean, I'm here on their behalf, if that's what you mean. I just can't offer to pay you out of church funds."


You think you might know the shrine she's talking about. If it's the one you're thinking of, it's about a hard day's ride to the west of your path through the forest, meaning that the detour would require a minimum of two days total.



You note that Melody seems tougher than most of the passers-by, likely reflecting her training and experiences as a priest. Mechanically, your ability to determine how many hitpoints other characters have informs you that Melody presently has 64 HP.

[Yanisa]

Meditating on a nearby vantage point, Linda had observed so far, but now she is finally done resting and stands up. A snap in her fingers and a few words indicate magic, has a rippling goes trough her clothing, cleaning it from any dirt from sitting on the ground. She looks at Voren and Melody.

"I do not like detours in general."
"Aw come on." Skullsplicer sighs out loud without realizing it.
"Then again I am acting as a hired sword at the moment, so I will leave the decision to our impromptu commander." She nods at Kazu. "Otherwise I am ready to leave right this moment."

[BizzaroStormy]

"At the worst, the detour should only take us about 3 days. Minor change of plans then. We'll ride hard tonight to get to the waystation at the northern end of the path. With any luck a friend of mine will be there so we can discuss the best way to get to the temple once we go off the path. While we're doing that, the rest of you will have a chance to cool your heels until sunrise. If anyone has any questions, you can ask them on the way there. Now lets move out!"

Once he finishes speaking, he turns begins to glow slightly. The light quickly obscures his form and shifts in shapes before finally fading and leaving a huge gnarled winter wolf where the imposing man had just stood. Kazu's daughters excitedly hop onto its back as it stares at the rest of the group before it starts walking South.

[Katana1515]

This is one odd group you have found yourself in boy?

Indeed, I suppose I might just fit in.....

Without betraying even a hint of surprise at Kazu's transformation, Voren nods towards Melody and urges his magical steed into a canter, following the mighty wolf.

[ICN]

Vindira gives Kazu an interested look before turning back to Melody. "Well, if you can't pay us with church funds, I hope you at least have something more substantial than enlightenment. Regardless, since we seem to be going anyways, what type of danger is the shrine in?" Vindira fills the rest of the party in on what she found out from the miner as they ride out of the city.

[Katana1515]

As Vindira explains the situation at the mines, Vorens expression becomes increasingly grim.

While scanning the surrounding terrain for threats he remarks "Sounds a lot more like an invasion than an 'infestation.' The Grey Dwarves are no joke, absolutely vicious when it comes to tunnel fighting. They use slaves and monsters bred in Darkland pits as fodder to wear you down but don't let em distract you from the real threat. The short buggers can turn invisible to set up ambushes and actually triple in size when their backs are to the wall. They fight smart too, will scarper when things go sour, leaving a trail of bad magic and nasty traps behind. If we are looking to take back territory they have had time to fortify.... well it isn't gonna be easy."

Considering for a moment, he visibly brightens and shouts in Kazu's direction On the bright side I think we will be well within our rights to haggle for a larger stake than a measly 5 percent! Its not like the mines gonna be worth sod all with them lot occupying it!

Don't suppose you recall anything about the local Duergar clans old man?

The mental voice sounds almost embarrassed, Sorry lad, I feel like I should know something, but its all a blank, my memories been a lot clearer lately for some reason, put theres still plenty of holes.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin follows the group, riding on the bird, looking excited while flying dangerously low to the ground.

[ylvathrall]

"I did not ask you to help," Melody says to Vindira, rather stiffly. "And I do not have any great wealth. The most I could offer would be to assist you with a task which a priest can help with. As to the nature of the threat, I truly do not know." She shrugs. "All I can say for sure is that the last time I was there, I felt a powerful and evil presence. This time, I'm coming prepared to perform a cleansing ritual to purify the shrine from whatever the taint is. And frankly, it might be best that some of you not entire the shrine proper. For such a powerful ritual to be performed in one of Desna's holiest places is...well, if you aren't comfortable being in the presence of the goddess, you'd likely best wait at some distance."


My assumption is that you will proceed as a group to the waypoint at the northern end of the path. If this assumption is incorrect, ignore the following information as necessary.


Pushing hard, you ride almost due south from Kalsgard towards the forest. This road doesn't see as much travel as the larger trade route that follows the river, but it's well enough established that there's no risk of losing your way. The journey is almost eerily quiet, with no signs of any fellow travelers, and no apparent threats. The peaceful trip is something of a relief, but you know that the greatest dangers lie ahead. As usual when traveling overland in this region, Grungir Forest is by far the most worrisome portion of your journey.

Finally, after having ridden through the night and into the following day, you see your destination in front of you. A small stone building, it wouldn't normally seem notable, but at the moment the sight is quite welcome.

[Katana1515]

Voren looks around at his fellow travellers, The road certainly seems quiet, is that normal? Anyone know what kind of trouble we need to keep an eye out for once we get to this Forest? I got to Kalsguard by boat.

While speaking, Voren canters towards the stone building using his keen eyes to look for signs of recent habitation.

If necessary [roll0]

[trysted]

Currial smiles and throws a laugh at the mention of payment in cash.

I"m not one that will ask for gold from the Gods. A "favor" works out just fine for me. Currial says aloud, remembering the times that she has cashed in favors in her line of work, and occasionally, had to pay on ones others cashed in.

She rides close to the group, paying close attention to the tail end of it, until Voren heads towards the stone building, and then moves to the front and a bit behind and to the side of Voren.

She then casts a detect magic at the stone building itself just in case.

[BizzaroStormy]

Finally at the end of this leg of the journey, Kazu pours on the speed (running full speed so 480' per round) towards the tower. He glides to a halt once he reaches it and transforms back into his human state, his daughters now hanging off of his shoulders as he flings the door open.

[ylvathrall]

The building is obviously inhabited currently; firelight is visible coming from the windows, and you can hear speech coming from within. You can make out numerous speakers, apparently discussing the quality of their meals.



You detect no magical auras on the building itself, although there are magical auras present within the structure.



The interior of the building looks much the same as you left it. The members of the Tundra Fangs you left here are gathered around the fire in the main room, feasting on a venison roast. Tatyana and Sasha drop off your shoulders as you enter the room. They nuzzle briefly against Minka, then grab pieces of venison and begin tearing eagerly into the meat.


My assumption is that you have the following characters in this location; correct me if I am wrong on any points, as this is entirely up to you.
Strelok
Minka
20 level 1 cavaliers
10 level 1 experts
10 level 1 wolves

Also, this may be a silly question, but...I'm guessing Minka has a wolf animal companion?

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu looks back to the rest of the group. "You lot coming in or what? Plenty to eat if you like charred venison!" He enters the small building, waving to the men stationed there, including his right-hand man who is likely lurking in the shadows or drunk in the cellar. He makes his way across the main room before embracing his auburn-haired lover. "Didn't expect to see you on this end of the run my love. It's definitely a welcome surprise."

Eh, more or less fine. The main point of the waystation is so south-bound don't have to wait for an escort to come all the way from the Den. The number stationed here isn't a huge deal since it would change based on the amount of traffic through the forest. As for the details on my named followers, I suppose I really should make sheets for them, and at least basic stat blocks for the rank-and-file. Regarding her animal companion...since i feel like something different, we'll go with a panda.

[ICN]

Vindira seems a bit stiff from the ride, but relaxes a bit after entering the building. She wanders over to one of the mercenaries in the room and attempts to start some idle conversation, asking about the Tundra Fangs company and their leader.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin will ride over to the cottage, dismount, and walk in after apologizing to the bird that it can't come in.


Nice place, I guess.

[Katana1515]

Voren will dismiss his steed, ensure Melody's is properly stabled, then escort her into the outpost.after ensuring they both have a plate of charred venison apeice he starts making a few subtle enquiries amongst the nearby warriors. He asks about the quiet roads, possible trouble in the forest, anything unusual, the state of the roads and the likely weather, basically all the things an experienced traveller asks about.

[Yanisa]

After dismounting, Linda walks towards the entrance and leans against the doorway. "I will keep watch here. The road was too quiet and it's not like I said before, I do not eat."
"But it's roasted veal."
"I prefer to prevent to become roasted veal myself."

In case needed for keeping the watch.
[roll0]

Also casting and concentrating on detect magic as part of the watch.

[ylvathrall]

Melody stables her horse outside, providing it with a ration of grain from her saddlebag and muttering a quick incantation over a bucket to fill it with water. She then comes inside and takes a small portion of venison, sitting close to the fire and nibbling at it.


"I didn't want you and the girls to get lonely on this end," Minka says, tousling Sasha's hair. "And I didn't want to send the men through alone," she continues, more quietly. "This part of the forest seems more unsettled than usual, the past few weeks. The animals are restless. It's...odd."



The mercenaries are in good spirits, and welcome the chance to talk to a new face. They explain that the Tundra Fangs have grown into a sizable mercenary company, specializing in escorting travelers through Grungir Forest, although they also occasionally take bounties.

When you ask about Kazu, one of the men speaks up. "The Iron Wolf's a great fighter," he says, slurring a little. "Like a hero out of legend, the way he swings that sword. I tell you, there's not a man in the north I'd rather have on my side with death on the line!"

The other mercenaries jeer at the drunk man, but it is clear that they all regard their leader with a great deal of pride and respect.



The vulture croaks and then lies down, tucking its head under one wing.



The mercenaries agree that the roads seem quiet, but don't seem to be worried by it. "It's the season," one of them explains. "Snow's just now melting, so the southern merchants haven't had a chance to make it up here yet. Although...you never get much traffic out of Irrisen, but it seems like there's less than usual this spring." He then shrugs. "Eh. Who knows what's going on over there. Crazy witches."

When asked about trouble in the forest, all of the men around you laugh, and even Melody snorts a little. "There's always trouble in the forest," one of the mercenaries explains. "Ain't a question of if, it's when and how bad. Don't reckon the last trip through was any worse than usual, but that's just luck. Ain't nothing the likes of us can do to change it, yeah?"

Finally, on the topic of the weather, you get a more interested response. "Well," one of the few women in the group says, "spring's here, no doubt about it. But I think we're in for at least another blizzard or two before winter gives it up. Couldn't say when, though, 'specially around here. Not even the druids always know what the weather'll look like in Grungir."



After you've been standing there a while, you start to see more activity in the tundra to the north. A handful of elk come out to graze, and you watch as a hawk stoops into the field, rising moments later with a struggling rodent in its grasp. You detect no magic, however, nor do you see anything particularly threatening.

[BizzaroStormy]

"Restless eh, I know the feeling." Kazu says with a "hungry" look in his eye, his hand stealthily making it's way to Minka's backside "Seriously though, from what I heard around the city yesterday, it seems like most of the region is a little shaken up lately. Doesn't seem to cause all that much concern though. In any case, the 'circus troupe'- he says, referring to the unusual individuals he'd brought along with him -and I are heading to the western end of the forest tomorrow.

[trysted]

After tying her horse for the time being, Curriel joins the group inside.

I'm never one to pass up venison, charred or otherwise. How are things? , she says to the first person that comes near her, flashing that winning smile.

After a bit, having noticed the kids, she casts dancing lights and plays them around for their amusement.

It's always a good thing to charm the kids, because that charms their elder's. she thinks to herself.

[Katana1515]

In response the mercenaries laughing about danger in the woods, Voren smiles and inquires as to exactly what kind of 'trouble' it is that they encounter so frequently, Animals, fey, magical beasts? What species do they run into most often and what countermeasures do they take? If they ask why he wants to know, he replies that he merely wants to ensure he is best prepared for the journey.

After their response, he thanks them kindly and finds a quiet place to rest up before the next leg of the journey.

[ylvathrall]

"Western edge of the forest?" Minka says. She chews on her lip for a moment, then shrugs. "You'd be going off the Run," she says. "You're always taking a chance going overland in the forest. But I can't think of anything in that direction worse than the rest of the forest. Now come," she says, taking your hand. "I can think of better things to do than talk about this."


From Melody's description of where you're going, you think the best way to get there is probably to first ride a good eight hours into the forest along the Run, about halfway through the forest. Then you'll want to turn west and ride another solid day's travel to reach the shrine.

Also, note that (as per FAQ) characters who do not get sleep are fatigued on the following day, and characters who attempt to walk for more than 8 hours per day make Constitution checks to avoid damage and fatigue (described under Forced March in the Movement section). Not trying to imply that you don't know these rules, merely that they are being enforced in this game, as they often aren't.




First off, OOC, is your name Curriel or Currial? I feel like I'm seeing it with both spellings, and it's driving me a little nuts trying to get it right.

The man you spoke to grins back at you and gestures expansively with the mug of ale in his hand. "Things are good," he says. "I have hot meat, strong drink, and good company. What more does a man want for in life?"

The same man then sits next to you as you eat, making casual conversation. When you conjure the balls of light, he goes quiet for a moment and then watches the lights with a mixture of surprise and respect.

The children show no such reserve, pouncing on the lights with predatory glee and surprising grace.



The mercenaries look at each other, and then the same man as commented on the forest earlier speaks up again. "Animals are bad, yeah," he says. "You got lots of wolves. 'Course they don't bother us, but I know some folks have a real hard time of it. Occasionally we see a bear or a big cat, and those are harder to deal with. The boss's wife says some of 'em ain't really animals, they've got some kinda magic; maybe they're the magical beasts you're talking 'bout, I dunno."

He takes a drink and then continues, "There's worse than that in there, though. Occasionally you see a troll or ten, and that can be a pain. Egill here swears he saw a dragon once, but I reckon he was dreaming on his feet." He elbows another man, who flushes and stalks off.

"But the biggest thing to worry about," the man says, more soberly, "is the fey. They like the boss, but you still don't want to cross them. A few times I been in there when they get upset at somebody, and those trips get real bad. Even on a good trip, you wanna be careful. Don't go off the path, or go chasing something you think you seen through the trees. You do that, ain't nobody goin' to see you again."

He then looks at your expression and laughs. "Ah, hell," he says. "You'll be fine. Got the boss with you and everything, yeah? Just pay attention and don't do nothing stupid and you'll be just fine. You're feelin' real concerned, I'd say just be ready for anything. Never quite know what you're gonna see in there, so don't get all scared of one thing in particular. Might never happen, and then you get et up by something you wasn't ready for."

[ICN]

Vindira spends some time acquainting herself with the mercenaries before excusing herself. She takes note of what the others are doing before hunting down a secluded spot in the building or nearby. She spends some time in quiet meditation, then tracks down the most easily available members of the party to buff before retiring for the night.

Vindira casts Undetectable Alignment on herself when she's not being watched, and burns a mythic power point to cast Greater Magic Weapon on her bow. She casts Mythic Heroism on most of the group before resting, and gets the rest afterwards, including Melody.

[ylvathrall]

Melody appears a little surprised when you offer to cast the spell on her. All she says, however, is, "Thank you. I appreciate the help."


By the time you finish resting and move out, it's late afternoon. Inside Grungir Forest, however, it is already close to dark, the canopy of trees blocking much of the sunlight. The path through the trees is narrow enough to make riding double-file quite cramped, and hard enough to see that you have to watch carefully to make sure that you don't take a wrong turn. The trees loom ominously over the path, and the wind moans and sighs on its way through the branches.

As you walk you see flickers of motion in the trees beside the path, although when you turn to look directly at them there is never anything unusual to be seen. An hour and a half into the forest you spot a massive stag with a shining white coat, standing fifty feet from the path; it watches you pass with oddly intelligent eyes. At one point you hear mocking laughter from somewhere in the trees, and on another occasion you hear someone singing a dirge in Sylvan; their voice is high and sweet, beautiful in a way, but haunting.

The horses are distinctly unnerved by this time, clearly unhappy with their current location. They continue to walk, however, and don't seem inclined to panic. Melody is content to ride in silence unless someone else initiates conversation, and doesn't appear to be particularly concerned by the surroundings.


I'm assuming you rest eight hours and then take an hour to prepare spells, eat, and so on before heading out. If there are still actions you want to take the previous night, go ahead and do so.

This description covers the generalities of what goes on for the first four hours of the trip into the forest.

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu's "morning" was a hurried rush to both get himself dressed and get some food in his belly while the magic users in the group took the time to study their magics. Unlike the rest of the group, he elected to take the trip on foot, even then his long legs and quick stride kept him at the front of the pack with little effort on his part. Lacking the time to brief the group before entering the forest, he decides to give them the necessary information on the way.

"Generally, only about half the inhabitants of this forest will be out to get you, and even then only a small portion like to do any real harm. Brownies, for example are gonna be roughly knee-high and human-looking and don't really care for fighting. Stomp around a bit and wave your arms and they'll typically bail. Same goes for lerprechauns and faeries. Others like thin men and spriggans can be a bit of a hassle, especially if they come at you in large numbers.

The animals can go any way really, but generally wont bother you if you don't show yourself to be a threat."

[Katana1515]

Voren rises early and limbers up for the day with a series of sword drills communing with his blade throughout. He refreshes his knowledge of the handful of spells the Blade had instructed him in the day before simultaneously. As the camp begins to stir he grabs a plate of whatever hot food is going and a mug of strong bitter tea, finding a quiet spot he sits and eats slowly while perusing his battered spellbook.

When Vindira comes over and offers to cast the spell on him, he at first hesitates I can cast that spell myself, I wouldn't want to put you out unnecessarily? We are not expecting trouble in the next few hours anyway? When she explains she can make the spell last throughout the day he is clearly impressed and agrees to have the spell cast on him graciously. However he does note that this ability seems unusual, and plans to ask about the technique at a more convenient moment.

As the party sets out, he once more conjures the phantasmal steed and mounts, keeping pace with the group. Eager to learn more about the forest he keeps pace with Kazu, listening to his lecture on the local flora and fauna. I am afraid my knowledge of the Fey is minimal at best, pray tell what species of the creatures give you the most trouble?

I will repeat my use of Knowledge Pool from the previous day, giving me a current total of 10 Arcane Points. (will have to add them to my book next time we have some money and are in civilized parts) Dropped Heroism from my spells prepped for today considering he now knows Vindira has the ability to cast it with a 24 hour duration in favour of a second Empowered Intensified Shocking Grasp.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin wakes up, refreshed, and seeks breakfast. After that is done, he goes out with the rest of the party and mounts. Once the party departs, he will fly about 10 feet above the party, close enough to hear what Kazu is saying, yet high enough to grant him a little extra vantage.

Animals won't be trouble, they like me!

[ICN]

Vindira spends another half hour meditating after waking up, then tracks down the members of the party she missed last night. She finds a private room to briefly stretch out her wings and freshen up with judicious use of Prestidigitation before meeting up with the others to ride out, slightly grouchily. During the ride she keeps her bow in one hand, relaxed but alert, and listens with half an ear to Kazu.

[ylvathrall]

"Well," Melody says, "I'm no expert, but the worst thing I saw on my last trip was a bogeyman." She shudders a little as she says this; it seems to be genuine horror at the memory, rather than a dramatic affectation. "The other fey were scary, some of them, but they weren't really malicious. That thing, though...it was bad. Evil. It likes to hurt people before they die. I think it could have killed me if it really wanted to, but it was too busy playing games."

[Katana1515]

Voren nods at Melody's words and returns his attention to the trail in front of him. Whether malign or just mischievous, he isnt in the mood to be surprised by some darn fey. So are we going to have to leave the path to reach this shrine? Or can we avoid that?

[BizzaroStormy]

"We'll have to go off the path near the halfway point but until then, it should be relatively smooth sailing."

[trysted]

Currial (With an a), wakes refreshed and energized. She decides to go natural today, looks-wise, and relaxes while everyone else gets ready. She collects her horse and, like before, takes the tail end of the group.

Upon hearing some of the inhabitants of the area, she quietly casts mage armor on herself during the ride.

Melody, what sort of games was this bogeyman playing? she asks conversationally.

[ylvathrall]

Melody frowns at Currial's question; clearly, the memories are not happy ones. "At first," she says, "it wasn't anything that bad. I started hearing odd noises, crying babies or screaming. Nothing that much strange for this forest. Then it started talking to me. It said things that were...." She stops talking and closes her eyes for a moment. "It said things," she resumes a few moments later. "Let's just leave it at that. I started looking for it then, but I could never really get a good look at the thing. I saw it just well enough to figure out what it was, and that was all. Then it started getting worse. I couldn't sleep, and I started feeling the urge to do strange things. Things I would normally never do. I'm sure the impulses were magical, and I managed to resist most of them, but it was...persistent, I suppose, would be the word."

She has to stop briefly to encourage her mount forward when it would prefer to stare at some half-seen figment in the forest. "I looked into it later," she says. "And it turns out that bogeymen literally feed on fear. I'm sure it took its time so it could scare me more, enjoy it longer. It frightened my horse to death, and I think soon it was going to do the same to me, or else just tear me apart. Luckily I made it to Moonwing's Bough before it could. Even tainted, the protections on the shrine are more than strong enough to keep a bogeyman at bay. After a few days it got bored and left."

[ICN]

Vindira files away the information on the bogeyman thoughtfully. "You said you looked into bogeyman; Did you find any vulnerabilities or prepare any countermeasures for the trip? And what type of protections does the shrine have anyways? Could give us a hint as to what caused the problem if it circumvented them."

[BizzaroStormy]

"They're sneaky and prefer to strike from the shadows so if you can keep them from catching you off guard you wont have any problems unless you get too close. Seems they have the ability to invoke extreme fear in those in close proximity; never had a problem with it myself though... In any case they arent much of a threat in a straight up fight if you can press your advantage but you give them any breathing room and any wounds you manage to inflict will be gone. Also, like everything else in these woods cold iron weaponry will rip right through them." Kazu is very nonchalant in his speech and speaks with a confident tone that one could easily mistake for arrogance. "In any case most fey magics are going to play tricks with your mind so do whatever you can to keep your head clear."

[trysted]

Thanks for the info Melody, I know it has to be not a good memory, and I appreciate you sharing it., Currial smiles at her. So, what is this shrine like? Is it a busy one with lots of travellers seeking blessing?, says, steering the conversation elsewhere, while thinking well, a shrine with some power left, thats always a good thing to know where it is, especially if they will owe me a favor...in my line of work, that is the sort of favor you can't have too much of them owed to you.

But she does take close note, and falls into her standard bodyguarding travelling routine of staying towards the rear of the group, and looking from side to side on a regular basis, with her rod close at hand as she smiles and chats on the way to the shrine.

[Athaleon]

As the party comes around a bend in the road, they encounter the fellow they met in town, standing calmly in the middle of the road. He waves as they approach and takes off his cap, dismissing the glamer that disguised him as just another Kalsgard citizen. His true appearance, that of a tall, gaunt elven mage now greeted them.

"My apologies, I wasn't able to make it to the meeting place in time. Now that I can drop my Kalsgard persona, I must introduce myself properly: Nirallus Uthorin, at your service." He punctuated this last statement with a slightly stiff bow.


Sorry for the protracted absence, everyone. I had to get myself back into the game somehow, and soon, and figured this was the best way to do it.

[ylvathrall]

"Kazu is right about the bogeymen," Melody says. "Though I wouldn't discount them. They might not be terribly deadly by your standards, but they could do a lot of harm if they catch you off guard. And yes, I did prepare certain defenses against them, but those will have to wait until we know they're in the area; I don't have your gift for prolonging the effects of a spell." This last is said with a respectful nod towards Vindira.

"Regarding the shrine," she continues, "it's actually quite small, and very simple. If you didn't know what to look for, you might walk by and not even notice it. But the entire area is sacred ground, and there are other wards as well, protections against evil spirits as well as more mundane defensive spells. The legend claims that no one can so much as enter the clearing of the shrine with evil intent. That might be exaggeration, but then again, it might not. Who can say what the power of a goddess might accomplish?" She shrugs. "Honestly, we don't know all that much about the shrine's protections. People very seldom make the pilgrimage out here; it's rather dangerous for lay worshipers to go so far into the forest."

At about this point you round the corner and see the wizard. Melody seems startled at first, then shrugs and smiles whimsically. "Hello, Nirallus," she says. "My name is Melody. I bid you straight paths and peaceful travels."


I think the easiest way to explain this is probably that you cast a teleport spell intending to meet them at the fortress, but it put you further into the forest than you expected, so you decided to wait for them on the path. You mark off a 5th level spell for the day and we call it good. That sound fair to you?

That's assuming you take teleport as a spell known, since it doesn't look like you have that finalized yet.

[Katana1515]

What is it that gives the site such significance Melody? It must be something important to draw you and even a small number of other pilgrims to such a treacherous place?


And then on meeting the Elf in the road. Ahh well, it is pleasant to see you again sir, do you need a mount or can you manage? In either case, he greets the newcomer warmly and explains about the planned detour.

[Athaleon]

"I'll manage." The mage levitated himself around in a small circle for effect. "Detour away, no skin off my back. Honestly, I'm just glad to be out and about again," he replied with as much cheer as his narrow face seemed capable of showing.


Sounds like a good way to fluff it. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't take Teleport the moment it was available. Overland Flight will also be on the list, prepared and cast.

[ylvathrall]

Melody smiles a little at the question. "Desna's an explorer," she says simply. "If the shrine were on the beaten path, it wouldn't be Her shrine. And besides, the shrine itself is...beauty." She shrugs, a little bit awkwardly. "That's the only way I can explain it. It's not even beautiful, it's like it's made of beauty. You'll understand when you see it."

Continuing onward, it isn't all that much longer before night falls. It happens faster than you might expect; under the trees, there's no long, gradual twilight. Instead, you notice that the quality of the light suggests sunset, and then within minutes night falls in earnest.

Grungir Forest was unsettling enough in the daylight, but after dark it seems even more so. The full moon shines brightly overhead, but little of its light seems to filter through the forest canopy, leaving the path shrouded in darkness. The odd glimpses and sounds which you have noticed since entering the forest are still present, but take on a more sinister tone as day fades into night. Wolves howl at the setting sun, their long, mournful cries coming from all around you. Odd lights glow and flicker in the darkness, flitting about and then fading. An owl calls overhead, though when you look up no bird is there. Elsewhere in the forest, you hear a feminine voice chanting in Sylvan, though just enough of the words are missing or changed to render the whole nonsensical. A male voice begins to scream as the chant concludes; the screaming lasts only seconds before it segues into hysterical laughter, followed by silence. A tall spruce melts into the form of a great cat which proceeds to walk beside the path, watching you curiously with bright green eyes. Its breath stinks of carrion and sap in equal measure.

Through it all, Melody appears unfazed. She looks up to the full moon when it first becomes visible through the trees, and murmurs a quick prayer to Desna before returning her attention to the path. When her mount appears nervous or jittery, she murmurs gentle encouragements in its ear.


Lighting condition is now Darkness. Characters who don't have darkvision will require a light source to see properly.

[Katana1515]

Unphased by the growing darkness, Voren remembers that many of his companions might not be so well adjusted to the nighttime hours.

To Kazu but loud enough for all to hear "Do we not need to set lights for some of our company to see by? Do you have a campsite in mind or shall we carry on?"

[BizzaroStormy]

"Like I told you before, this is a nonstop trip. Anyone can hang back and wait til morning if they want to but I wont be fishing whats left of the trees tomorrow morning. Some light would be a good idea though..." He trails off a bit before drawing the massive blade from the folded leather "scabbard" on his back. He rests the charcoal-grey blade on his shoulder as it emits an eerie crimson glow which lights up the forest around him. as he continues waking. "Oh and pay no mind to the howling, with they waystation on the north end and the Den on the south, this whole place is usually nothing but howling on full moon nights."

[Mousedigits]

As night falls, and the howling begins, the Hobgoblin seems to show no fear.

I need no light, but friends might.

[Katana1515]

Voren nods grimly at their guides decision and with a deft movement draws Sunder. The long and elegant blade rests easy in his hands as he looks at the trail ahead. Then let us make haste, I am getting tired of these woods already

He considers not setting a light on himself so as to be less of a target, but doesn't want any of his companions to bump into him in the dark so settles for casting a Light on the head of his phantasmal steed.

[Yanisa]

"Don't worry about me. I can see fine in the dark. And unlike normal humans, I don't need rest or sleep. I can continue for as long as you people can go." There is not a inch of worry in her tone nor any form of exaggerations.
"Although your magic horsey might disappear." Skullsplicer interject softly, sounding awfully worried. A strong contrast to her wielder.
"Yes, my magic is limited, but even without my steed I can walk as fast as most normal horses. And when worst comes to worst, I can hustle to keep up to the faster steeds here." Although Linda dislikes that idea, even those that don't sleep can still overwork their bodies.

[trysted]

Currial quietly casts another spell on herself once it gets dark.


Darkvision.

If there's anyone else here that is having trouble seeing in the dark, let me know, and I can help you with that, she whispers to the rest of the group. I'd rather we didn't call attention to ourselves with lights if we don't have to.

Upon noticing Voren lose his steed, she casts another spell and offers him a horse to ride.

When Voren's phantom steed expires, is roughly the same time her mage armor expires. So at about that time, she casts mount and mage armor.

[Katana1515]

With a gracious nod, Voren accepts the offered mount Thankyou Currial, I thought I was going to have to spend precious reserves replacing that mount. I will be able to fight better at need this way.

[ICN]

"I would appreciate the help Currial." After the spell is cast, Vindira continues on in watchful silence, though she seems slightly more comfortable in the darkness than she was in the daytime.

[ylvathrall]

As you reach the rough midpoint of the forest and turn west towards the shrine, the big cat which has been pacing you leaps casually over the path to continue walking alongside, maintaining a safe distance. "Leaving the path," it says in Common, its voice surprisingly smooth and cultured for a cat. "Naughty, naughty. The wolf's aegis shields you only on the path, didn't you know? Over there you were protected, but out here you're fair game." It smiles, showing teeth the size of daggers. "Try not to get eaten," it says in a purr, before brushing up against another tree and disappearing.


I am assuming none of you attack the cat; if you do, obviously, this description will change somewhat.


Despite the cat's ominous words, nothing particularly threatening appears as you continue through the forest. The strange sights and sounds continue at about the same pace as you move to the west. There is no path to follow now, but between Kazu's knowledge of the forest and Melody's experience with your destination, you have no difficulty keeping on track.

When her mount starts to struggle, the cleric produces a wand and touches it to the horse, which immediately perks up again. Melody then looks around at you. "Does anyone need a little healing?" she asks, barely above a whisper. "The wand won't last forever, but I'll do what I can."

After healing anyone who requests it, you continue onward. The forest remains eerily calm; nothing accosts you, and while the sounds of activity remain obvious in the forest all around, nothing crosses your path or comes within the range of what can be seen in the darkness.

Finally, about four hours after leaving the path, something disturbs the unbroken monotony of the forest. A small clearing is in front of you, with a ruined stone building in it. From the style of the architecture it seems to have once been a church, but any hint of who might have built it or why has long since faded. The interior of the ruin is shrouded in darkness even more profound than the rest of the forest; even with magical assistance, it is impossible to see within.

As you get close enough to see the ruin in the dark, you all clearly hear a voice whisper directly into your minds. As far as the terms can be applied to something you aren't really hearing, it sounds dry and cold, almost lifeless. The telepathic voice says only one word: silence.


Melody has a wand of cure light wounds and will use it on anyone who asks, including using it on your mounts. The wand has 50 charges initially, and is the only one she is carrying; plan appropriately.

The area within the ruined church is supernaturally dark; normal darkvision does not reveal anything inside.

The ruin takes up a roughly circular area 120 feet in diameter; you are presently about 60 feet from the edge, approaching from the east. The time is roughly midway between midnight and dawn.

[trysted]

Darkness within darkness? Currial observes, I'm not a fan. I'd don't know if this will do anything at all, but..

Currial casts dancing lights and sends four balls light away from group towards the entrance to the church....

Although she doesn't advertise the fact, she starts off by casting spell resistance on herself. Then she sends the dancing lights Straight east, towards the church entrance (keeping them in the spell's range of 200 ft so they don't wink out.

[Mousedigits]

Sureblood here will need some of that cleric stick, please. Adolin says when it is offered.

As the group approaches the shrine, his eyes grow noticeably darker.

I do not like this darkness...

[Athaleon]

Nira scrutinized the building, but even his eyes couldn't pierce the veil of darkness. "Supernatural darkness inside, even a Dwarf would be blind in there. Give me a moment to figure out how to dispel it." He edged a little closer and squinted at it again, with a spell to open his senses up to the arcane spectrum. Meanwhile, he racked his brain to figure out just what it was that had spoken. The same word, to everyone, telepathically.

When the coin dropped, he broke out in a cold sweat and his heart began to race. He tried to keep his voice calm, but there was no mistaking the tension in the terse syllables. "Ankou. An evil fey. Close. Hunting us." He instinctively backed away, towards the center of the group.


Rolling Knowledge: Nature (or Planes, they have the same bonus) and using Prescience on it.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Looking at the ruin with Detect Magic, to get more details of what sort of spell it is, and how to dispel it.

Spellcraft: [roll2]

[Katana1515]

In a hushed voice Voren whispers to his comrades This doesn't look good, I would rather we avoid unnecessary entanglements if we can? Think we can skirt around its territory?

Figuring come fight or flight extra speed will be more than helpful Voren casts a spell, his free hand moving in a practiced flurry of mystic gestures while he hums the words of power to himself as quietly as possible. The entire group feels energized and hyperaware as arcane force powers their muscles.

In the same instant he calls upon his reserves of arcane power, pushing the energy into Sunders drawn blade where it hones its already deadly edge to an almost impossible keenness.

The spell is a Mythic Haste (first ever Mythic Point spent!) mechanics for the augmented spell can be found here (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/mythic/mythic-magic/augmented-spells)it boils down to regular haste but you also get a free move action and the speed bonus is 50 feet. I can cover the whole party but unfortunately not all the mounts with 9 people.I will Haste Voren and Melody's mounts I suppose. Also I will spend an Arcane point to empower Sunder, making it a +5 Keen weapon for 1 minute.

These buffs are pretty time-limited, but Voren reckons that he would rather expend the spell and be ready should a fight break out. Though he does urge his companions to decide quickly whether to engage or try and circumvent the threat.

[Yanisa]

"I doubt it's hunting us, but if it is, it is because we invading on its territory." Linda states in a softer voice, almost a whisper but still loud and clear enough to understand. "They are assassins of the fey. Unless anyone of us is fey, or dealt with the most powerful among the fey, it's not after us. And stray Ankou are known to claim ancient ruins as their lairs. It will defend it lair, and it can be quite a fearsome fey to fight. Is there any reason for us to bother this one?"
"It's... evil! We must kill it." Skullsplicer says dramatically.
"Besides that argument." Linda doesn't sound dismissive as she states that, more so it sounds like she expected it.

[ICN]

"I concur with Linda. It is unlikely to be hunting us, as we found it rather than the other way around. Additionally it gave up the advantage of surprise, unless that was some sort of spell. I see little reason to force a confrontation. The battle would draw attention, and open us up to additional attacks afterward by those emboldened by the prospect of attacking a weakened enemy. Nevertheless, care is warranted." Vindira half turns, keeping one eye on the ruins and the other on the surrounding countryside and casts Divine Favor on herself.

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu sighs and drops his voice to a low volume before whispering to the rest of the group. "Just leave it, we'll go around."

[ylvathrall]

The balls of light glide up to the edge of the darkness, but their light cuts off when it hits the edge of the supernaturally dark area, making no impact on it whatsoever. A few seconds later, after everyone has had a chance to respond to the voice, the darkened area expands almost to where you're standing. The light cast by the spell winks out as the magical darkness expands and engulfs the glowing balls.


Your dancing lights spell is dispelled as the darkness expands.


A few moments later, you all hear the telepathic voice again. It still feels cold and alien, but this time it's far more forceful, more a shout than a whisper: SILENCE.


So it looks like the general opinion is to avoid the ankou rather than fight it. If that's the route you go, please make a Stealth check as part of your movement. If you opt to fight instead, the Stealth check is unnecessary.

[BizzaroStormy]

Under normal circumstances, Kazu would be more likely to brazenly agitate and fight the creature but the magical darkness combined with the dark of night and the already long day makes him reconsider this course of action and instead tries to make his way along the path, relying more on his ears and his nose than his eyes. His hand firmly grasping the glowing weapon on his back.

Just a reminder that Kazu has the scent ability
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Katana1515]

As the darkness swarms closer to the party Voren restrains the urge to curse. If they wanted to avoid a fight, they needed to be quick about it. Urging his mount to take careful steps across the forest floor, Voren begins to move slowly but steadily away from the darkness.

He urges Melody to do the same, but keeps himself between her and the Shadow at all times.

I couldn't find anything about using mounts on a Stealth roll. Figured I would roll normally and if anyone discovers any modifiers I should have used I can edit them into the result afterwards. [roll0]

[trysted]

Currial observes as her lights wink out, and isn't overly surprised by it. Usually when her darkvision can't penetrate a darkness, neither can her lights. Although her curiosity has the best of her, and she generally resents the telepathic intrusion, (and in particular that it sounded like a command), she succumbs to the better judgement of the group and quietly follows them away from the ruin.

Stealth check - [roll0]

[ICN]

Vindira eyes the encroaching patch of darkness warily as she fades into the night.
Stealth: [roll0]
Also unsure about how stealth works with mounts. Do they get their own rolls?

[Yanisa]

Linda quietly steps away, not worried about a thing.

[roll0]

[Mousedigits]

Adolin and Sureblood both attempt to stealth away with the group, but neither are particularly stealthy.


Adolin: [roll0]+[roll1] (Surge)

Sureblood: [roll2]

[Athaleon]

Nira hastily casts an Invisibility spell on himself and joins the rest of the group in leaving, as quietly as he can.


Stealth: [roll0] (includes +20 from Invisibility)

He will also float away rather than walking, if Overland Flight is still up.

[ylvathrall]

There are a few tense moments as the party walks, rides, and glides away from the ruined church, but in the end you leave it behind without attracting any further attention from the ankou. "Well," Melody says, once there's no question that it's out of earshot. "That was exciting."

You continue through the forest afterwards. Once out of sight of the ankou's lair, you start noticing the same peculiar sights and sounds as earlier, but remain unmolested. Finally, as the sky starts to lighten with the sunrise, Melody says, "It's just up ahead, in the clearing."

Only a few hundred feet further on, you see the clearing she was referring to. About sixty feet across, it seems to be simply a gap in the trees; rather than the old-growth forest you've been walking through, there are knee-high grasses waving gently in a breeze that doesn't seem to actually exist.

There is no actual structure in the clearing. Rather, a large, simple wooden altar sits on the other side of the clearing. Though worn by the passage of endless years, it is still intact. Past the altar, the ground drops away in a narrow crevice, on the other side of which a massive cliff rises nearly five hundred feet. A stream pours off of an outcropping of the cliff and rains down into the crevice directly behind the altar; the droplets of water sparkle as they fall, catching the light of the rising sun and scattering it across the cliff face. Desna's butterfly is carved into the stone behind the water, a simple design, but powerful and eye-catching.

As you enter the clearing, you can easily see a woman standing by the altar. Fourteen feet tall, she cuts an imposing figure, with her golden hair braided most of the way down her back. A pair of shears dangle carelessly from her hand. Though her back is turned to you, she reacts instantly when the first member of the party emerges from the trees. "Good morning," she says, not turning to face you. "I have been expecting you for some time. Desna's faithful are not so quick to defend her honor as they once were, it seems."

Within the clearing, you have a sense of power pervading it, running through every breath of air and blade of grass. Something is watching you, you're certain of it, and it goes far beyond the woman by the altar.


Map has been created and linked in the OP of the OOC thread. Your characters are approaching from the top of the page.

All characters are affected by the following spells while within the area of the clearing: magic circle against evil (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/m/magic-circle-against-evil), death ward (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/d/death-ward), zone of truth (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/z/zone-of-truth). You can make saves against these spells if you desire. The save DC is 40.



You feel an immense sense of benevolence as you enter the clearing. This place feels holy, though not in the sense that a cathedral might; this is a primal feeling, something that speaks to you on a basic and profound level. This is first kisses and final words, dice coming up sixes with life on the line, chains breaking and fetters bursting, a kind word in the moment it's needed, sweat and heat and laughter in the dark.

This is your goddess's house, and her presence fills the air like a heady bouquet, dizzying and wonderful, freedom unbound and eternal.

Mechanically, you are affected by the additional spells while in the clearing: bless (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/bless), freedom of movement (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/f/freedom-of-movement).



The watching presence feels ominous and disturbing. This place feels hostile, though not in the sense that a battlefield might; this is a primal feeling, something that speaks to you on a basic and profound level. This is silent stares and final rites, knives being sharpened in the dark, a wandering path that leads only in endless circles, a gentle push when you stand on the brink, sighs and screams and blood in the dark.

This is Desna's house, and her presence fills the air, every breath of air a whisper in your ear: You are not welcome here. Get you gone.

Mechanically, you are affected by the additional spells while in the clearing: bane (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/bane). You can attempt a save against this effect if you want; the DC is 40.



Though this woman might initially appear to be a giant of some form, you recognize her as a norn. Among the most powerful of the fey, these creatures are intimately linked with fate. Though prophecy has been unreliable since the death of the god Aroden, the norns still have the gift; what they speak comes to pass, even in the Age of Lost Omens. How this is possible is a mystery that frightens many scholars far more than the norns' admittedly great powers.

And those powers are great. A norn is gifted with control over fate, both her own and others. She can adjust the course of events to suit her will, deciding the outcomes of key events. She has the power to curse and compel others, and to end lives. Perhaps her most feared power is to end the fate of another entirely. Someone whose fate is cut short in this way is not only dead, but in some ways was never alive. Though their actions are not undone, only the greatest of magic can hope to return them to the world; often, this requires the direct intervention of a deity.

Despite these powers, however, norns often seem strangely indifferent, more observers than participants in the world. A norn rarely if ever acts to change the course of history, though few are better placed to do so. Indeed, more than one norn has been known to prophecy her own demise and yet take no action to avoid it, going to meet her death with the same dispassionate attitude with which she has observed so many others. More commonly, however, they are encountered by travelers, who they then tell cryptic and seemingly nonsensical prophecies. Many of these travelers go on to become great heroes and figures of legend.

[Katana1515]

Voren inspects the glade with wary eyes, trying to remain calm and professional despite the waves of elation and glee that are washing other him here in the home of his Goddess. If he was looking to start a fight on such seemingly unfavourable ground as this, taking advantage of a devotee’s amazement at this holy aura would be exactly the kind of small tactical edge he would be looking for.

The giantess seems comfortable enough in this place, so he hopes that she is friendly, perhaps a servant or messenger from Desna?

In response to her words his eyes flash between Melody and the Giant, when she doesn’t reply immediately he finds himself speaking. He doesn’t much like her tone, messenger or not, but endeavours to be polite. In the liberating aura of the shrine however he finds restraint difficult to find.

“Well, we are here to defend the Great Dreamer now, pray tell, what manner of insult has been given to our lady’s honour? I pledge it will be corrected promptly.”


[roll0]

[Yanisa]

"A giant woman!" Skullsplicer stammers in amazement.
"Good morning." Linda says, ignoring Skullsplicer wonderment.
"All I wanted to be is someone who gets to see a giant woman." The sword continues her stammering, almost sounding singingly as she states that.
"Seeing as honesty is appreciated here, I am not faithful of Desna. Just a Hired Sword." Linda adds, not paying attention to her rapier, her gaze locked on the mysterious woman.

[Athaleon]

Nira was speechless. Will wonders ever cease? The woman before him was certainly the most powerful being he had ever encountered; he felt as dwarfed by her magical power as by her physical stature. Such power over life, fate, and destiny that they could be reduced to mere strands to be woven, interlaced, and severed. Though he had no reason to think she was hostile, the knowledge made him nervous — And to his shame, envious. He felt he ought to say something while introductions were in order, so he too spoke honestly: "And I am merely a scholar who grew too bored for his cloister."

[trysted]

Currial looks over the clearing as a welcome sight. Her elven reflexes alert her to the magic that she is being affected by, but she senses that it isn't harmful, and also that it is much too powerful for her to do anything about anyway. The truth compulsion she finds a bit annoying, and in an urban setting, she would do her best to oppose it, but here she finds it totally unnecessary.

A giantess, she thinks to herself. Well, thats something you don't see every day. It's also interesting to note that this place doesn't seem to be desecreated in any way. I wonder what exactly, they need us here for. But either way, this would be a good place to safely rest, which I'm thinking we could use.

She whispers to Voren, this is your shrine and your Goddess, not mine, so I'm going to let you do the talking.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin looks at the giantess standing there, in the middle of it all, with a look of wonder. Others might have thought of a plan to take her down in case things went bad, or perhaps a way to coerce her into doing something for them. Not Adolin. Be it by sheer tactlessness or simply awe, he simply said the following words:

"Wow, you're big."

[ICN]

Vindira rocks back slightly upon entering the clearing, and spends a moment taking it all in. Her jaw takes on a slightly stubborn cast as she cautiously advances. I am not here as your enemy, Goddess of Fortune. She stays near the back of the group and focuses intently on the giantess on the other end of the clearing as she speaks. "I'm afraid Desna seems to be lacking in faithful at the moment; she had to settle for us instead."
Vindira would've set Voren and Melody as studied targets upon approaching the glade, and would set the giantess now. If the sense of malice increases she'll probably retreat to the edge of the glade. And some rolls against Zone of Truth and Bane, in case of a 20.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]

[BizzaroStormy]

"Frankly I'm not even sure why I'm here. Though aside from being in the middle of this forest, I can't see whatever is supposed to be wrong here."

[ylvathrall]

"You don't believe," the woman says. "You are not faithful. These are irrelevant. You fail to grasp the base concept at work. When I say god, you picture some great being moving you about the board, granting power and taking it away. This does not begin to encompass what the concept entails. To be a god is to be power incarnate, an idea given form and power. They reshape the world by their mere existence. The deity that sleeps in these woods is the least of gods, so long asleep that its nature has been forgotten. Yet even for it to brush against you as it stirs and begins to wake leaves you changed."

At this point you hear a howl from the forest behind you. Superficially it sounds much like the howling wolves you heard earlier, but there is something wrong with it, something eerie and unsettling.

The woman turns to face you. "As the god stirs in his sleep, the nature of the forest changes. Certain events are permitted which once were not. This, in a roundabout way, is what leads to this shrine being threatened, and thus your presence here. Each step follows inevitably from the last, and will continue to follow into the future."

The howling sound can be heard again before she continues, apparently coming from the same place as before. It sounds slightly louder this time, slightly more disturbing. Melody shudders and glances back over her shoulder.

"It is a spirit of fear," the woman says, seeming unconcerned. "And of madness. Its strength comes from transgression, from the recognition that all boundaries can be surmounted by those willing to pay the forfeit. Small wonder that it would oppose the Lady of Dreams; they are as alike as night and day. It is in her nature to oppose all that it represents, just as it is in the spirit's nature to taint all that she gives. This conflict was inevitable; had you not come, another would have."

You hear the howling a third time, and now there can be no denying that this is not a natural sound. It sends shivers down your spine and seems to promise unspeakable horrors lurking behind every tree.

"Wendigo," the woman says. For the first time an expression crosses her face, a smile that comes and goes so quickly that you almost can't see it at all. "It comes for you now."

The woman then disappears between one moment and the next. You briefly see her standing on top of the cliff before she steps out of sight.


All characters must make a DC 28 Will save or be shaken for 1 hour. This is a mind-affecting fear effect; the +2 resistance bonus from magic circle against evil does apply, if you don't have something better.

You have 5 rounds (thirty seconds) to prepare before the wendigo arrives. If you want to post any actions you take in preparation and where you move to, we can get started.

Melody will move to stand next to the altar (M:13) and cast the following spells:
1) Remove fear (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/r/remove-fear), preferentially targeting anyone who failed their Will save. She can target up to three people with this spell.
2) Remove fear (if necessary, depending on if/how many of you fail the save.
3) Blessing of fervor (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/b/blessing-of-fervor) (affecting all of you)
4) Prayer (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/p/prayer), treating all of you as allies
She may have other buffs available, depending on whether you know what to ask for; she, herself, does not not know what to expect.



You see no other threats, or any other creatures in the area. The woman seemed neutral in her attitude; she may have been acting as a messenger of Desna, but if so she was very much playing the role of messenger rather than having an investment in what's happening.



Wendigos are a particularly dangerous form of outsider which require a host to enter the Material Plane. They possess those who resort to cannibalism out of desperation to survive. Effectively, these unfortunates are dead, replaced by the wendigo spirit.

In practical terms, a wendigo is associated with cold, and not fond of fire. They heal quickly and can ignore many attacks and spells; the best ways to bypass their defenses are with cold iron and fire. They can fly with uncanny grace, and tear their enemies to pieces with their icy claws and teeth. The frightening howl you heard earlier was one of the powers they possess; it has a stronger effect if the wendigo is closer to its victim. What is most feared about them, however, is their ability to induce madness in their prey. This psychosis grows gradually worse until the victim is driven to cannibalism, allowing another wendigo spirit into their body. The process takes only days in most cases, and the new wendigo is as strong as the elder, though not as experienced. By this means, a single wendigo can potentially reproduce very rapidly.

[trysted]

Currial hears the howl, and turns white, and not from playing with her hat this time. There is a tiny, tiny voice inside her that is saying calm down, you've heard howling before.

But there's a much much larger voice screaming What the heck was that? That wasn't an ordinary howl, that was unearthly in a way that you've never heard before.

Visibly shaken, Currial heads towards the alter, which seems to be the least discomforting location here.

[BizzaroStormy]

Despite the protections around the altar, the wendigo's howl even manages to strike a note with Kazu. His heart skips a beat and a chill runs down his spine as he turns in the direction of the sound. His ears are perked in the direction of his prey, despite Melody's magic to counter the effect of the wendigo's howl, Kazu's hair still stands on end, his legs locked in a low ready position, and his hand wring the hilt of his massive blade in a death grip as he eagerly awaits the wendigo's arrival.


A. Where is the Map?
B. [roll0]
C. Kazu, for now, will select the additional attack granted by Blessing of Fervor
D. Bear in mind that theres a risk of Kazu going into a frenzy if he gets hit, in such case, my will save bonus is +10 within the circle.
E Last but not least, my actions for when the wendigo is within range.
Activate Titan Rage (Free action, 1 mythic power)
Activate Normal Rage (Free Action)
Using Reckless Abandon(+2 Attack, -2 AC)
Using Power Attack (-2 Attack, +12 Damage)
Use Fleet Charge (Swift Action, 1 MP)
[roll1]
[roll2]
Full Attack
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]

[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]
[roll10]

[roll11]
[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]

EDIT: Screwed up the power attack numbers. There should be +9 more damage on the first attack, then -3 damage PER ATTACK on the least 3

[ICN]

Vindira seems unperturbed by the howling, moving with brisk efficiency as she prepares to meet the attack. "Nirallus, what type of creature is this? Another fey? Outsider?"
1st round: Dismount, then burn a mythic point to cast Greater Magic Weapon, and drops Melody and Voren as studied targets.
2nd round: Casts Acute Senses.
3rd round: Casts Fly from Celestial Armor.
4th round: Casts Divine Power.
5th round: Casts Greater Invisibility, moves to 30' above square N-10, swift action to activate Bane against whatever Nirallus specifies, defaulting to fey if he doesn't know.

[Athaleon]

Nira shivered as he heard the Wendigo's howl. He almost envied his companions' ignorance, as his knowledge of the creature unnerved him more than its howls.

"Outsider, powerful. Impervious to anything short of enchanted cold iron. Immune to cold, weak against fire. Do not let him seize you! He will carry you away at high speed." He said all this while moving to the altar and casting spells in preparation.


Five rounds of prep time, moving towards the altar and casting:

He will ask if anyone wants Enlarge Person. Otherwise he will use Heightened Awareness on himself.
Mirror Image
Mythic Burning Gaze
Mythic Haste
Summon Monster VI: [roll0] Large Fire Elementals, he will order them to stay near and protect him

[trysted]

(After Melody removes fear on him)

Vulnerable to fire you say? Thanks for the info, smirks Currial, now putting on her "bravado" face, even though she's still wary. I'll be around.


She then casts (in the following order).

1. Greater Invisibility.
2. Fly.
3. Move action fly up 30' feet. Cast summon Monster III [roll0] small fire elemental(s)
4. When Wendigo is visible, cast either fireball or mythic scorching ray (based on distance)

[trysted]

Currial orders the elementals to each side of Kazu, as he seems to be a little be alone over there.

[Yanisa]

"Do you hear that? It is time for action." Skullsplicer sounds very excited.
"Affirmative. Shall we go all out, I am a little stiff." Linda still sounding monotone as ever.
"Ooooh, let's! Me first! I am burning with excitement" If the rapier could wink, she definitely would have done so at Nirallus.

With a swift motion Linda draws her rapier and holds it up. Magic flows from the sword unto her. Then she casts a few spells of her own and steps forward, to the front of the area, Skullsplicer suddenly bursting out in literal flames.


1: Ablative Barrier
2: Shield
3: Long Arm
4:
5: Move to N5, Spend an arcane point to change Skullsplicer into a +4 Flame Burst Weapon.

[Katana1515]

Voren grimaces at the wendigo's howl but shrugs off its magical effects. Here of all places, he will not give in to fear. Nodding at the Wizards words he dismounts and casts a small arsenal of useful spells while taking position near Melody.

OK let's take this noisemaker down to size! Beware I am about to polymorph.

Voren then shifts into a massive winged and monstrous form. It has 4 arms but the Magi makes the transition with practiced ease. He holds the now massive black blade in two hands. As he takes the last few steps to the shrine he vanishes, still stealthy despite his new size.

actions are as listed in the OOC thread, with the Fire rod being chosen

[Mousedigits]

Adolin is visibly phased by the howling, but steels himself with magical aid from Melody. He then readies himself for the fight to come.

Initiative [roll0]
Round 1: Mount Sureblood, move to a position directly above & to the right of Voren.
2-4: Wait.
5: Immediate Action: Activate Two Weapon Fighting (Mythic) (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/mythic/mythic-feats/two-weapon-fighting-mythic) to remove the penalties of TWF for 3 rounds. Costs one Mythic Power.



If it is within 50ft:
Challenge it (+10 DMG) (Swift Action)
CHAAAARGEEE
Using the Mounted Skirmisher (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/mounted-skirmisher-combat) Feat.
Power Attack
Use Power Attack (Mythic) (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/mythic/mythic-feats/power-attack-mythic) To negate power attack penalties for 1 minute (10 rounds), costs 1 Mythic Power.
[roll1] Attack
[roll2] to confirm crit (19-20x4)
[roll3] damage.
If crit, damage is [roll4]

[roll5] Attack
[roll6] to confirm crit (19-20x4)
[roll7] damage.
If crit, damage is [roll8]

[roll9] Attack
[roll10] to confirm crit (19-20x4)
[roll11] damage.
If crit, damage is [roll12]

[roll13] Attack
[roll14] to confirm crit (19-20x4)
[roll15] damage.
If crit, damage is [roll16]

If the Wendigo isn't within 50ft, delay until it is. If it takes 2 rounds to do so, subtract 4 from all attacks.

[ylvathrall]

After the norn departs, all seems quiet. Melody is obviously badly shaken, but rushes over to stand beside the altar, chanting a constant stream of prayers to Desna as she does so, mitigating the worst of the fear and preparing for the battle. The rest of you disperse throughout the clearing, casting various spells and preparing for the creature foretold by the norn.

Thirty seconds later, those of you who happen to be looking up might notice a speck in the sky above the clearing, something that looks like a bird circling high above.

Instants later, though, it dives with almost unimaginable speed, and as it approaches, you can see that this is nothing like a bird. The wendigo is vaguely humanoid in form, but has long since left any pretense of humanity far behind. Nearly fifteen feet tall, it seems stretched, its proportions so elongated that it couldn't possibly support its own weight. Its legs legs are nothing more than charred stumps, and its hands are reduced to skeletal claws. Its head resembles that of a wolf, with patchy fur and oversized, jagged teeth.

It drops straight into the center of the clearing and slashes at Vindira, not seeming inconvenienced by her invisibility. Then it says something in a hideous language composed mostly of growls and snarls. It is loud enough for all of you to hear, and even if you don't understand the words, there is something disturbing about the sound on a primal level. It isn't frightening in the same way as the earlier howling, but you wouldn't like to listen to it, either.


"You pathetic fools have no place here. You cannot hope to stop me. I will hollow you out and fill you up with me."



Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2] cold
Critical confirmation (19-20): [roll3]
Critical damage: [roll4] + fatigue



Despite what the flavor text might suggest, this is not a surprise round; there is nothing surprising here, for anyone involved. If you had actions prepared for when the wendigo arrived, I'm treating that as readied actions with the trigger of the wendigo moving into range. Note that you can only ready up to a standard action, so something like a charge doesn't work. Kazu's Fleet Charge works, if he has a way to reach the wendigo in its current position using that ability. If not, obviously, you don't have to spend a MP on something you can't actually do.

The wendigo does have spell resistance, so if you're casting a spell where that matters, please include the CL check with your post.

It is now your turn. We're using block initiative, since individual initiative tends not to line up well with time zones, which can leave people waiting for prolonged periods for the person higher on the initiative order to post. As such, you can go in any order.

[Athaleon]

The mage sprung into action on seeing the Wendigo distracted in melee. Using his enhanced speed, he moved around to get a clear shot, and cast a complex combination of spells. His hands moved so fast they blurred, and the precise intonation of his voice sounded artificially speeded up. This would drain a good deal of his power, but he had to put down the demon before it could do any more damage.


Pulling out all the stops. This will get tricky, so apologies for a complicated turn.

- Rolling Prescience: [roll0]

- Swift Action, spending a Mythic Power to use Arcane Metamastery to add Persistent Spell to all his spells cast for the next 10 rounds.

- Using a Move Action to get within 30', staying as close to the ground as he can. The Fire Elementals will follow along on the ground.

- Using Amazing Initiative to gain another Standard Action (spending another Mythic Power)

- Using that action to cast True Strike on himself via Wild Arcana (spending another Mythic Power)

- As a Standard Action he will use the Reveal Weakness school power on the Wendigo, reducing its AC and Saving Throws by 5 for one round.

- Using the Coupled Arcana ability to cast Dazing Persistent Acid Arrow on the Wendigo via Wild Arcana (spending another Mythic Power)

Attack: [roll1] vs Touch AC
Damage: [roll2] Acid, persists for three rounds
No save or SR against the damage, but it will have to roll two Will saves and pass both (DC 22) or be Dazed for two rounds

- Using his extra Move Action from Mythic Haste, he will direct his Mythic Burning Gaze attack on the Wendigo.

Damage: [roll3] Fire Damage
Caster Level check vs SR: [roll4]
DC 22 Fortitude save to avoid taking the damage
If that save fails, he has to make a DC 22 Fortitude save or be Dazed for two rounds, and a DC 22 Reflex save or catch fire for 11 rounds.

Phew.

[trysted]

Currial doesn't hesitate, it isn't the first time she's had a weird being drop out of air and attack an ally.

Nice of you to show up to the barbecue, because you're on the menu.She thinks to herself as she lets loose three rays of fire at this beast.

Mythic Scorching Ray CL Check: [roll0] (Evocation Spell Focus)

Ranged Touch Attack Ray 1 [roll1] Fire damage [roll2]

Ranged Touch Attack Ray 2 [roll3] Fire damage [roll4]

Ranged Touch Attack Ray 3 [roll5] Fire damage [roll6]

Mythic Surge roll [roll7]

[Yanisa]

"Hey! Nobody said that thing could fly." Skullsplicer sounding annoyed as she spots the creature.
"Not a problem, a flying target never stopped me." Linda states without a single worry in her voice.

A surge of power is released as Linda with unnatural speed casts a spell. She then flies straight up and then towards the Wendigo, as if they were fighting on flat ground. She also finds the time to launch a full assault of attacks on the creature. More power is released as the rapier completely turns into fire and sparks with lightning.

"Owh, we are on FIRE!" Skullsplicer shouts enthusiastically as she gets thrust 4 times times towards the Wendigo.

Ugh so much double checking.

1 Mythic Point for an extra standard action. Cast Fly

Take the extra move action from Mythic Haste. Total speed is 110. Fly up 40 feet (80 movement), then move horizontal 5 feet towards the Wendigo. Standing at 15 feet range

Free action: Energy Attunement (Bladebound) fire.
Free action: Activate Lunge.
Swift action: Arcane Accuracy

Full-round: Spell-combat, spell strike (casting Intensified Shocking Grasp)

Attack 1 (Shocking Grasp)
Attack Roll: [roll0] (crit on 41 or higher)
Damage Roll: [roll1] Fire!
Shocking Grasp: [roll2] Lightning

Crit Confirm: [roll3]
If crit spend 2 arcane pool points to increase modifier by 1
Crit Damage [roll4] + [roll5] Fire!
Shocking Grasp Crit: [roll6] Lightning

Attack 2 (Haste)
Attack Roll: [roll7] (crit on 41 or higher)
Damage Roll: [roll8] Fire!

Crit Confirm: [roll9]
If crit spend 2 arcane pool points to increase modifier by 1
Crit Damage [roll10] + [roll11] Fire!

Attack 3 (Normal BaB)
Attack Roll: [roll12] (crit on 41 or higher)
Damage Roll: [roll13] Fire!

Crit Confirm: [roll14]
If crit spend 2 arcane pool points to increase modifier by 1
Crit Damage [roll15] + [roll16] Fire!

Attack 4 (Second BaB)
Attack Roll: [roll17] (crit on 36 or higher)
Damage Roll: [roll18] Fire!

Crit Confirm: [roll19]
Crit Damage [roll20] + [roll21] Fire!

[ICN]

Vindira snarls a curse as the wendigo strikes. She glides out of the creatures reach, reorienting herself, and fires a volley of arrows.

Swift action to study the wendgio.
5 ft step southwest and down, then full attack using cold iron arrows.
[roll0]
[roll1]+[roll2]+23

[roll3]
[roll4]+[roll5]+23

[roll6]
[roll7]+[roll8]+23

[roll9]
[roll10]+[roll11]+23

[roll12]
[roll13]+[roll14]+23

[roll15]
[roll16]+[roll17]+23

[BizzaroStormy]

The grounded Kazu can only look up at the beast out of his reach while his companions go about giving it a good thrashing. He wrings the hilt of his blade and slaps it loudly against his armor. "Get down here you bastard! Come get some!"

[Katana1515]

Snarling at the beast, Voren throws himself into the air on mighty wings. At first it seems that his cumbersome flight will carry him far from the aerial melee but with a swift spell he corrects his course, his suddenly flaming blade lashing out at the sinister outsider.

Can't seem to get spoiler tags to function on a phone will edit this post on Monday when I am home.

Free move: ascend 40 feet at 45 degree angle.
Swift action: arcane strike + arcane surge bladed dash via coupled arcana
Free action: energy attunement fire for one round.

To hit mods: bab 8 str 10 weapon 5 heroism 4 int 6, haste 1, blade tutors spirit lets me power attack at no penalty. Total 33 due to size mods.

Bladed Dash attack: [roll0]
Damage [roll1]
Spell combat: spell intensified snowball modified to be a fire based touch attack via items. Damage goes on first hit
[roll2]
Spell strike : [roll3]
[roll4]
Haste: [roll5]
[roll6]
First: [roll7]
[roll8]
Second: [roll9]
[roll10]

[ylvathrall]

Adolin charges at the wendigo, and it initially appears that both of his lances will strike home. The creature bats one of them aside with a claw, however, and knocks it far wide. The other slams into the monster's chest.

Nirallus and Currial are both chanting like mad, throwing bolts of fire and darts that drip with acid at the wendigo. Their spells are hitting, but nothing seems to be getting through to it. The acid bubbles harmlessly on its skin, and the fire fails to so much as scorch its fur. Similarly, when Linda's flaming blade strikes it, the electrical discharge crackles over its skin without harming it.


You realize that, unlike most wendigos, this beast has resistance to acid. Riders on a damaging effect only have an effect if it does damage, so the wendigo does not have to save versus dazing. The fire and electric spells failed to penetrate its spell resistance.


By and large, the more physical effects seem to be more successful. Several of Vindira's arrows strike true, and while they don't seem to be sinking as deeply into it as they ought to, they are still damaging it. Meanwhile, both Linda and Voren slash and thrust at it with flaming blades which open long, smoking wounds in its flesh. The fire burns it badly, although not quite so badly as you might expect from their reputation.


It's got fire resistance, too, although it is still vulnerable to fire.


The wendigo is still up, though, and it doesn't appear to be feeling any fear or pain. With a broad grin on its bestial face, it rockets straight back into the sky with the same incredible speed with which it approached. In only seconds, it is hundreds of feet above you again. You can all hear its telepathic voice as it floats there, a nauseating mental presence that makes the ankou feel gentle and welcoming by comparison. Do you understand how hopeless this is? Do what you like to this shell; nothing in this world can truly destroy me.


The wendigo is now at a height of 490 feet. Its movement speed is pretty ridiculous, really.

Characters can make attacks of opportunity only if they have an ability which allows them to make an AoO against a withdrawing opponent.



Before it fled, you read that the wendigo had 10 HP remaining.



The wendigo might have fled for the moment, but you really don't think it's given up.



You notice that clouds have started to gather above you. It seems like a spring blizzard is on the way, which isn't unheard of around here, but this storm is rolling in incredibly quickly.

[trysted]

Currial's surprise as the beast shrugs off her rays is replaced almost immediately by her amazement at it's speed at flying up, but when it stops and floats to taunt, she immediately sends a fireball at it, because letting up isn't in her repertoire.


(Range on Currial's fireball is 840 feet, so the wendigo being 460 away isn't an issue)

Damage [roll0]

Mythic Surge Roll [roll1] (added to damage roll)

She then flys down to land next to Kazu. Time to get you in this old chap

[ICN]

Vindira flies up and fires at the retreating figure in the sky. When you die, try to land on the shrine.

Vindira flies up 25 ft, then full attacks with cold iron arrows.
Manyshot: [roll0] (-6 for range, +2 for invisibility)
Damage (x2): [roll1]+[roll2]
Critical confirmation: [roll3]
Critical damage: [roll4]

Mythic Rapid Shot: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]+[roll7]
Critical confirmation: [roll8]
Critical damage: [roll9]

Mythic Rapid Shot: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]+[roll12]
Critical confirmation: [roll13]
Critical damage: [roll14]

Haste: [roll15]
Damage: [roll16]+[roll17]
Critical confirmation: [roll18]
Critical damage: [roll19]

Iterative: [roll20]
Damage: [roll21]+[roll22]
Critical confirmation: [roll23]
Critical damage: [roll24]

[Katana1515]

Gritting his teeth with frustration, Voren watches his prey flee before him. As his opponent takes position high in the sky before him, he is forced to throttle the instinct to give chase.

Calm down boy! You arent going to do that darn butterfly goddess of yours any favours if you end up dead! You cant match this thing for speed or maneuverablilty in the air, pull back and defend the spellslingers. This thing isn't done with us yet!

I know, I know, well lets just hope hes as stupid as he looks and he tries another head on charge like that.

without dropping his guard for an instant, he descends back towards the altar, Melody and the 2 arcane casters, ensuring all 3 are within his reach. His massive body coils like a spring, ready to unleash hell on any hostile who comes near.

Darn my total like of flying skills, I cant even hover! (Welp I know where my next batch of skill points are going), I am required to move at least half of my 110ft fly speed, and either ascending or moving horizontally will risk moving me away from the center of the action. So I will instead drop down to my original starting position and ready an Empowered Intensified Shocking Graps (using spellstrike) against the first hostile to come within reach (using lunge, so i am at -2 ac but have an effective reach of 15 feet). still using the +2 AC/Reflex bonus from the Fervour spell.

[Athaleon]

Nira panted slightly after his moment of feverish casting - All for naught, he thought bitterly, but at least his companions seemed to have driven the demon away. He would have to devise new strategies for dealing with such powerful creatures, or else give up playing at being an adventuring wizard. In his exhaustion, all he could do was activate a relatively simple aura spell, something that would help him and everyone nearby think and act a little quicker and clearer.


Moving to wherever he can provide aid to the largest number of allies, and using Aura of Prescience: +2 insight bonus on ability checks, attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, and skill checks to all allies within 30'.

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu paces frantically back and forth with his eyes locked on the wendigo. There is a clear looks of anger and frustration on his face due to his inability to get airborne.

[ylvathrall]

As Currial casts her spell, an enormous sphere of flame explodes next to the wendigo. Somehow, though, the evil spirit slips through the fire without being burned. Even having watched it, it's hard to tell quite what happened. It appears as though the creature maneuvered through the flames with almost unbelievable grace and precision, avoiding being so much as singed by the fires.

Moments later Vindira sends several arrows flying towards it. Most fly wide, and understandably so at such a long range, but one is on target. The wendigo spins in midair, and it seems as though it will bat the arrow aside in much the same way that it knocked Adolin's lance off course earlier. The wendigo appears to have underestimated its speed, though, and the arrow slams into its arm instead, puncturing deeply into it.

The monster goes into a spin and begins to fall, and it appears as though the threat might be over. After only seconds, though, it rights itself and flies off to the east, towards the heart of the forest. From your angle it soon moves out of sight, the trees preventing you from seeing it clearly. Instants later you all hear its telepathic voice again. You're in my house now. Let's see how you like it here.


The wendigo is now at a distance of 450 feet vertically and 600 feet linearly. It is also out of line of sight unless you move above the trees (roughly 100 feet in height).



The wendigo's wounds were already beginning to close when it flew away. Likely it was incapacitated before this healing took effect.

[trysted]

Currial grimaces. So apparrently, this thing doesn't mind the fire. Well, if it wants to play, lets play.

She places a hand on Kazu's shoulder and casts fly. So, you want to play too? There, why don't you head up and join in the fun?

She then starts flying straight up, to get line of sight on the beast herself. I'm not done yet. There's more than one way to burn a beast.

YOUR house? This shrine is Desna's house, and I haven't seen your invitation!! She shouts. That must be why you are runnining away. sending taunts back at the beast.

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu's face shows a wild fanged grin as he feels his body become lighter as a result of Currial's spell. He shoots up into the air along with her with his blade in hand, ready to bring down the wendigo. "I'm going to fly your corpse like a kite!!!" he screams at the wendigo, despite it still being out of his sight.

Using Blessing of Fervor's Speed bonus this round

Just gonna have to use this round for a 90' ascent followed by a 45 degree ascent in the direction the wendigo flew off to

[Mousedigits]

Adolin and his mount begin climbing, trying to pursue the creature.

Get back here, you foul beast!


Climb upwards at a 45 degree angle, getting up to 200ft. and traveling laterally to the Wendigo 200ft.

[ICN]

Vindira scowls at the retreating monster before cautiously following behind the others, readying an arrow as she goes.

Moving to around where the others are, taking care to leave Kazu and Adolin closer to the Wendigo. Deactivate bane, and ready an action to fire a tanglefoot arrow if the Wendigo moves within 55' (ranged touch attack with 55' range, no damage and entangles on hit).

[ylvathrall]

The wendigo flies further east with incredible speed, moving fully twelve hundred feet further away. It drops down into the trees as it travels, vanishing from sight. A few moments later, you can hear its telepathic voice again. Aren't you lonely? it asks in a mocking whisper. Aren't you cold? Aren't you so very, very hungry?

The clouds have now gathered overhead, impossible to miss. A chill breeze stirs the formerly still air, and you see the first flakes of snow fall from the sky above.

Melody looks up and sighs. "Oh, wonderful," she says. "This is just what we needed now."


The wendigo has a considerably faster movement speed than any of you, I'm pretty sure (300 feet/round base speed, effectively). You'll need magical assistance to have any chance of catching it. You're also still confident it isn't done with you, so you could wait and prepare for the next attack if you prefer.

Any character trained in survival or knowledge (nature), or anyone who has spent any time in the area, can tell that a spring storm is imminent.

[BizzaroStormy]

KAzu continues to fly roughly twenty feet over the tree line, in search of where the wendigo disappeared to. " Come out, come out. I know you're down there somewhere." he taunts, ths massive blade resting readied on his shoulder.

While he can't catch up to the thing, Kazu can get close under the effects of the various spells (180' after a double move)
[roll0]

[Katana1515]

Watching Kazu fly over the treeline Voren grits his teeth (or gargoyle tusks) in frustration.

Dont chase after it! you are certain to be ambushed! you are just doing exactly what it wants! he bellows with all the might of his currently massive lungs.

Whatever the response from his companions, Voren remains with Melody at the altar, eyes watching the sky and the treeline, just waiting for the suckerpunch to land.

Same as the previous round, readying an empowered intensified shocking grasp against a hostile target.

[Mousedigits]

Hearing Voren, Adolin stops. Voren has seemed smart so far, he probably knows what the best course of action is... But, it..... No. I have to go back to the altar.

Adolin and his mount turn around and start heading back to the altar.

[ICN]

Vindira starts edging back towards the shrine, but remains close enough to cover Kazu in case of ambush. "Keep going, Kazu, we'll deliver your remains to your family in a matchbox."

Move back 90' from Kazu, ready an action to fire a tanglefoot arrow if the wendigo gets within the first two range increments (110').

Edit: Grammar/phrasing.

[ylvathrall]

The wendigo remains out of sight, apparently content to bide its time. Even its mental voice is ominously silent for the next thirty seconds.

Over this time, the brewing storm sets in in earnest. Fat white snowflakes fall from the sky, starting with just a few but rapidly increasing to a heavy snowfall. The wind rises from a gentle breeze to a howling gale, combining with the falling snow and the occasional drift of snow already on the ground to produce a whiteout blizzard. At the same time, the temperature drops rapidly. Initially merely chilly, within just a few seconds it is punishingly cold.


This storm arrived with unnatural speed, and is most likely the result of magic.



Skipping over the next five rounds because posting "I wait for the monster to show up and get ready to smack it if it does" over and over is not fun. You can post actions that you took in that time. I don't think any of you have a plausible chance of catching the wendigo right now, though. Its speed exceeds yours dramatically, and at this point the distance modifiers alone make locating it with a Perception check unlikely or impossible.

The area surrounding the shrine is now under the effects of a blizzard (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/environment/weather).



Visibility is reduced to five feet. Creatures within five feet have concealment; creatures beyond that range have total concealment.
Wind force is treated as windstorm. Normal ranged attacks become impossible, and ranged attacks with siege weapons suffer a -4 penalty. Creatures of Medium size are checked, meaning that they must make a Strength or Fly check to move into the wind (which in this case means east, or upwards on the map). Creatures of Small or smaller size are blown away, being knocked prone, blown west, and damaged unless they make a Strength or Fly check. Sound-based Perception checks suffer a -8 penalty. All Fly checks suffer a -8 penalty.



Additionally, the temperature is reduced to severe cold (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/environment/environmental-rules#TOC-Cold-Dangers). Characters not protected by Endure Elements or a similar effect must make Fortitude saves against a DC of 15. Failure means that characters take [roll0] nonlethal damage and are fatigued.

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu effortlessly shrugs off the increasing cold as he flies a quick circuit around the area where the wendigo disappeared. As the storm begins to intensify, he reluctantly begins a slow flight back to the shrine along with the others.

[Athaleon]

"This is your puerile tactic?" Nira muttered under his breath as he flipped open his spellbook and scanned for the right page.

"I fear I am not powerful enough to counter this confected blizzard. Personal protection will have to do. Let me know if you need a warding spell."


Preparing and casting Endure Elements; the Fast Study discovery makes it take one minute.

[ICN]

Vindira reluctantly lands as the weather steadily worsens, barking out a couple quick orders to the others to help them with the cold. She casts some restorative magic, then waits to see if the Wendigo reappears, an arrow held ready.
Vindira casts a couple clw's and a Divine Favor on herself, then readies an action to fire a tanglefoot arrow if the Wendigo reappears and comes within 110' (Her bow has Seeking to ignore concealment, and Cyclonic to ignore weather effects).
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Katana1515]

Shrugging off the cold with ease thanks to his native 'gifts' Voren keeps his sword ready and Melody close at all times, expecting the next attack at any time.

With visibility this poor he could pick us off one by one if we aint careful. If the casters cant find someway to shift this damn blizzard or let us see far enough to fight effectively then we need to stay together

Hey wizard, is weather manipulation something these critters do regularly? Or does it have help out there?.

All of my buffs apart from Greater Invisibility are still going after 5 minutes. Voren will continue readying a spellstrike while trying to move so that as many of the parties more vulnerable members are within reach.

[Mousedigits]

Adolin lands as the blizzard comes in, and asks for an Endure Elements if possible.

[trysted]

Currial lands with the rest of the group, signaling to the fire elementals to come in closer to the rest of the group, as she doesn't know if they are protected by an endure elements item like she is.

Currial: "I'm more concerned that we can't see this beast, and presumably, he can see us. Does anyone have anything that can protect from ranged attacks from above? Floating disc, perchance?"

Currial keeps her eyes focused on the sky as much as she can.

Currial is preparing for the first sight of the wendigo, which if it is in range, she will hit with enervation (surging the DC), or if out of enervation range, magic missile.

[ylvathrall]

A full minute in, the storm shows no signs of letting up anytime soon. Melody is huddled next to the altar, staring grimly out into the blizzard. She's obviously uncomfortable in the weather, but doesn't appear to be really suffering from it yet.


You can smell something foul, carrion and decay with a hint of something uglier than simple rot.



You aren't entirely sure what tipped you off, but you think you noticed something moving off to the southeast. The noise came from some distance away, outside the actual clearing. (Square AA:1 on the map.)



All right, the wendigo is back. Not moving forward into its next turn in case someone does notice it and has a response to its arrival. That Perception DC is pretty high, but maybe not impossible for some of these characters. For the record, the wendigo got a natural 20 on its Stealth check (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?426132-GM-Rolls&p=19725138#post19725138), and it has a pretty hefty distance modifier too.

Also, the Prayer spell is now over. Other buffs are still active I think, excepting possibly haste.

[BizzaroStormy]

A slightly disgusted look crosses Kazu's face as he takes a deep sniff of the air. "Its close. Be on your guard." He focuses his attention upwind, hoping to spot the wendigo before it comes.

[roll0]

[trysted]

At Kazu's warning, Currial looks around intently, and seeing nothing, summons a bat.


She casts Monster Summoning III and summons a dire bat.

Init +2; Senses blindsense 40 ft.; Perception +12
DEFENSE

AC 14, touch 11, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +3 natural, –1 size)
hp 22 (4d8+4)
Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +3
OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft., fly 40 ft. (good)
Melee bite +5 (1d8+4)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
STATISTICS

Str 17, Dex 15, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6
Base Atk +3; CMB +7; CMD 19
Feats Alertness, Stealthy
Skills Fly +9, Perception +12, Stealth +4; Racial Modifiers +4 Perception when using blindsense

[Athaleon]

Nira moved to the altar (as good a rallying point as any) and used some of his dwindling reserve of power to call up a small shelter against the storm. "In here!" he urged his companions.


Prescience: [roll0]

Spending a Mythic Power to cast Tiny Hut (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/t/tiny-hut) via Wild Arcana. If there is time, he will also ready an action to use his Time Stutter (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/wizard/arcane-discoveries/arcane-discoveries-paizo/time-stutter-sp) ability if the Wendigo gets within melee range.

[ICN]

Vindira moves into the shelter, watching her surroundings warily.

If Divine Favor has worn off by this point, she'll recast it.

[Katana1515]

Excellent, at least that should mitigate the beasts advantage.

Voren moves within the protective bubble (as long as their is space for his Large form, if not he will stand nearby, on the best guard he can manage.)

[Mousedigits]

Adolin and Sureblood move into the bubble.

[ylvathrall]

It's a little tight whether everyone can fit in the tiny hut. It can hold up to nine people in addition to Nira, and we have the following:
1: Linda (No post here, presuming she would want to be in shelter)
1: Kazu (you posted ahead of Nira, presuming you would want to be in shelter)
1: Currial (you posted ahead of Nira, presuming you would want to be in shelter)
1: Melody
2: Voren (Large counts as two Medium for most purposes)
1: Adolin
2: Sureblood
1: Vindira

Adding to a total of 10, which is one too many. Given that Katana specifically mentioned waiting outside if there wasn't room, I'm going to assume that he's the one who didn't fit.


With no more warning than that, the wendigo attacks. At first, it's hard to notice; it's assault blends in to the fury of the storm almost seamlessly. The first real sign of what's happening is when its filthy jaws appear out of nowhere, biting at Voren, and even this is screened from the site of those inside the shelter by a curtain of windblown snow.


Attack roll: [roll0]
Damage roll: [roll1] + [roll2] cold
Critical confirmation (19-20): [roll3]
Critical damage: [roll4]

On hit, grapple attempt: [roll5]



The wendigo jerks you out into the blizzard and grabs at you, trying to pin you down.
Grapple attempt: [roll]1d20+32]/roll]



The wendigo throws its head back and howls again, its voice rising above the noise of the storm and ringing eerily through the clearing. Due to its close proximity, all characters that can hear it must make a DC 28 Will save or be forced to cower in fear for 1d4 rounds. This is a mind-affecting fear effect.



If grappled, you know where the wendigo is and can attack it without concealment penalties. If not, you know generally where it is based on its attack and can attack that area, but suffer concealment penalties.

Either way, you can't take attacks of opportunity against creatures you can't see, so you can't have attacked it as it approached.



You hear the wendigo's jaws slam shut in the storm, and have a reasonable idea of its position, about twenty feet out from the edge of the shelter. You can make attacks against this position but suffer the usual concealment penalties.

[trysted]

Currial casts a spell and her dire bat begins to glow.

As the bat perks up, it begins to fly in the the direction of Voren.

Hey everbody, look! It is sensing something!!

She orders her two elementals to head in the same direction the bat seems to be going, and leaves the safety of the altar to follow the bat herself.

Spell: Eldritch Conduit

[ICN]

Vindira grits her teeth against the howl, barely resisting its effects. "Over there, about twenty feet away. Get up." She adds this last part as she casts a spell on the cowering members of the party, then fires at the wendigo's location through the snow.
Vindira burns a mythic point to cast Remove Fear, working on up to four other targets. Will snag Melody as one, in case she's got any Remove Fears left. Swift action to start up Bane again, then burn another mythic point to full attack with mostly cold iron arrows against the wendigo's space.

Manyshot: [roll0]
Damage (x2): [roll1]+[roll2]+23
Critical Confirmation (19-20): [roll3]
Critical Damage: [roll4]+46

Rapid Shot:[roll5]
Damage: [roll6]+[roll7]+23
Critical Confirmation (19-20): [roll8]
Critical Damage: [roll9]+46

Rapid Shot: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]+[roll12]+23
Critical Confirmation (19-20):[roll13]
Critical Damage: [roll14]+46

Iterative (Tanglefoot Arrow): [roll15] (ranged touch attack, no damage and entangles on hit)

[Katana1515]

As the unearthly monster streaks towards him Voren shouts out to his comrades in the hut, trying to make his position as obvious as possible. ITS HERE! COME QUICKLY! BEFORE IT CAN BOLT AGAIN!

As those freakish wolf teeth bite into his enchanted breastplate the magus unleashes a curse long since stored in the metal with a whispered word. Tendrils of black energy wrap around the monsters head and drain away some of the abominations vitality. Soon enough the tiefling feels that stolen strength coursing through his own limbs.

its an immediate action so I wont have a swift in my round. [roll0]

With ferocious strength the Wendigo tries to wrestle the transformed tiefling to the ground and for a second it seems like it is certain to succeed. However that presence of the Divine that Voren has been aware of since the moment he first stood on this hallowed ground flares with monumental strength, he moves swiftly to one side, much faster than should have been possible for a creature of this size.

Robbed of its prey the abomination lets loose a soul clenching wail, but here in this place Voren is not afraid. He roars his defiance back at the monster as he swings Sunder through a series of strikes, blinded as he is by the conjured weather.


Free Action: Activate Black Blade Strike (+3 damage on all weapon attacks for a minute) Sunders Arcane Pool 3/5
Spell Combat (Full Round)
Casts Intensified Empowered Shocking Grasp, damage goes off when/if first attack connects.
[roll1] multiply the result by 1.5. Spell resistance [roll2]
No haste so just 3 attacks.
1st attack [roll3] (Crit Threat on anything higher than 43) 50% miss chance (51+ is a hit)[roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
2nd attack [roll6] (Crit Threat on anything higher than 43) 50% miss chance (51+ is a hit)[roll7]
Damage: [roll8]
3rd attack [roll9] (Crit Threat on anything higher than 43) 50% miss chance (51+ is a hit)[roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

[Mousedigits]

Adolin charges in the direction Vindira pointed, lances forward, after Vindira's spell removed the fear from his heart.


Time to (Hopefully) do some damage!

TWFing
Charging
Power Attacking
Using Mythic Power Attack, negating penalties.
Mythic TWF, negating TWF penalties.
2 MP spent.

[roll0] to hit. [roll1] miss chance (51 or higher hits)
[roll2] confirm (19-20x4)
[roll3] Damage
if crit, damage is: [roll4]

[roll5] to hit. [roll6] miss chance (51 or higher hits)
[roll7] confirm (19-20x4)
[roll8] Damage
if crit, damage is: [roll9]

[roll10] to hit. [roll11] miss chance (51 or higher hits)
[roll12] confirm (19-20x4)
[roll13] Damage
if crit, damage is: [roll14]

[roll15] to hit. [roll16] miss chance (51 or higher hits)
[roll17] confirm (19-20x4)
[roll18] Damage
if crit, damage is: [roll19]

[trysted]

Currial cowers herself into ball...."I... I can't.... its...." before Vindira casts the spell.

She looks to Vindira appreciatively and briefly. That will not be forgotten, she says, as the steel returns to her eyes.

[BizzaroStormy]

There is a brief pause in Kazu's body before Vindria frees the group of the effects of the wendigo's screech. The sound of the unnatural blizzard is momentarily drowned out by Kazu's booming howl as his body doubles in size and he rushes out of the bubble like a man possessed using his keen nose to locate the wendigo before moving in for the kill. He is upon his quarry in an instant, unleashing a flurry of blows with his massive blade.


Free Action: Rage
Free Action: Frenzy
Free Action: Titan's Rage
Swift Action: Fleet Charge

Using Power Attack and Reckless Abondon
[roll=51+ is a hit]1d100

[roll3]
[roll4]

[roll5] [roll=51+ is a hit]1d100

[roll8]
[roll9]

[roll10] [roll=51+ is a hit]1d100
[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]

[Yanisa]

"I hear the sounds of battle." Linda sharp hears cannot find the creature, but she can pinpoint her friends fighting it, calculating it's location easily.
"Finally, I almost felt asleep. Worst fight ever." After many moments of whining he indeed fell silent.
"Do wake up now, we are going in."

Again Linda moves with unnatural speed, but no one sees it now in this blizzard.

...
Free Action: Boots of Speed, getting haste for 1 round.
Swift Action: Fleet Charge, spending 1 mythic point, move towards the Wendigo, within 5 feet, and attack.
Full round: Spellstrike, Spellcombat, Arcane Mark

Attack 1 (Fleet Charge)
Miss Chance: [roll0] Hit on 21+
Attack Roll: [roll1] Crit on 35+
Damage Roll: [roll2]

Critical Confirm: [roll3]
Critical Damage: [roll4]

Attack 2 (Arcane Mark)
Miss Chance: [roll5] Hit on 21+
Attack Roll: [roll6] Crit on 32+
Damage Roll: [roll7]
Concentration Check: Auto Success. DC 15. Modifier is +17.

Critical Confirm: [roll8]
Critical Damage: [roll9]

Attack 3 (Haste)
Miss Chance: [roll10] Hit on 21+
Attack Roll: [roll11] Crit on 32+
Damage Roll: [roll12]

Critical Confirm: [roll13]
Critical Damage: [roll14]

Attack 4 (First BaB)
Miss Chance: [roll15] Hit on 21+
Attack Roll: [roll16] Crit on 32+
Damage Roll: [roll17]

Critical Confirm: [roll18]
Critical Damage: [roll19]

Attack 5 (Second BaB)
Miss Chance: [roll20] Hit on 21+
Attack Roll: [roll21] Crit on 27+
Damage Roll: [roll22]

Critical Confirm: [roll23]
Critical Damage: [roll24]

[ylvathrall]

Remove fear targeted the following:
Melody
Currial
Kazu
Either Adolin or Nira? Don't know.


Black energy crackles along Voren's armor as the wendigo bites down, lashing out at the creature. The energy seems to ground itself harmlessly into the creature, however, rather than ripping its life away. Instants later, Vindira's arrows fly in, slipping through the storm winds with uncanny precision. Most of them go wide as it dodges, or else glance off its tough hide. One, though, sinks in solidly. Another, this one meant to debilitate rather than kill, seems about to strike home as well when the wendigo suddenly bats it out of the air with one claw.

Voren swings wildly at the creature, but mostly seems to be cutting only air. One strike does hit something more yielding, and he can feel his spell discharge in a crackle of thunder, but once again, the magic merely slides along the wendigo's skin without apparently harming it.

Currial's bat swoops in and bites at something in the storm. The fire elementals move in the same direction, visible only as sparks of light in the storm; they're obviously unhappy in this weather, but it doesn't appear to be harming them.

Kazu's strikes are undeniably ferocious, but more powerful than precise. Only once does he actually make contact with the creature, cutting deeply into it as destructive energy lashes out into both the barbarian and the monster.

Linda rushes at the wendigo, slicing and thrusting time and again. Even so close to it, though, she's having a hard time connecting. The blizzard plays tricks on her, and even when her attacks are on target, they're having difficulty penetrating its thick hide.

Melody initially cowers away from the creature, but when Vindira's spell takes effect, she straightens again and begins to cast another spell. After a second, though, she apparently changes her mind. Instead, she simply holds up her holy symbol and shouts a quick prayer to Desna, releasing a burst of healing energy.


All PCs are within the range of a channel positive energy effect, healing: [roll0] for all living creatures.


And then the wendigo begins to move again. It lashes out in a blur, moving with unbelievable speed as it lashes out at everything around it.


Attack of opportunity against Kazu: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]+[roll3] cold
Critical confirmation (19-20): [roll4]
Critical damage: [roll5]

Claw against Linda: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]+[roll8] cold
Critical confirmation (19-20): [roll9]
Critical damage: [roll10]

Claw against Voren: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]+[roll13] cold
Critical confirmation (19-20): [roll14]
Critical damage: [roll15]

Bite against Kazu: [roll16]
Damage: [roll17]+[roll18] cold
Critical confirmation (19-20): [roll19]
Critical damage: [roll20]

On hit with bite, grapple attempt: [roll21]



The wendigo clutches at you and attempts to pin you (this provokes attacks of opportunity as usual).
[roll22]



The wendigo bites at Currial as well.
Attack: [roll23]
Damage: [roll24]+[roll25] cold
Critical confirmation (19-20): [roll26]
Critical damage: [roll27]

On hit with bite, grapple attempt: [roll28]

[trysted]

Currial reappears on the other side of the wendigo as the beast attempts to bite and grapple an illusionary version of her, and then proceeds to:

Currial then points finger at the wendigo, and fires a black ray at it.


If necessary, Mirror Dodge. Then (either way)

Mythic Enervation (No Save)

Ranged Touch Attack: [roll0]
Surge (Added to attack roll) [roll1]

Total against Wendigo's touch AC:

Caster Level Check for Spell resistance (Arcane Surged, Roll twice and take higher)
[roll2]
[roll3]

She also orders her elementals to get as close as they can to the wendigo, and the dire bat to simply follow it without attacking.

[ICN]

Vindira fires another volley, emphasizing precision over power this time. "Cut off its escape, or we'll be killing it a third time."

Full attack with mostly cold iron arrows:
Manyshot: [roll0]
Damage (x2): [roll1]+[roll2]+17
Critical Confirmation: (19-20):[roll3]
Critical Damage: [roll4]+34

Rapid Shot (tanglefoot arrow): [roll5]

Rapid Shot: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]+[roll8]+17
Critical Confirmation: (19-20):[roll9]
Critical Damage: [roll10]+34

Iterative (tanglefoot arrow): [roll11]

[trysted]

At hearing Vindira's shout, Currial obliges her by expending her mythic power to discharge of line of electricity out of her mouth, directly at the wendigo.

(Using additional standard action from amazing initiative)

Breath weapon: (Reflex save DC24)

attack [roll0]
surge [roll1]

Damage [roll2]

[BizzaroStormy]

Kazu suddenly shift into position opposite one of his allies to flank before continuing his frenzied assault on the wendigo within the cloak of the snow storm.


Selecting Extra Attack as part of Blessing of Fervor.
Using amazing Initiative to get an extra standard Action
Using Fleet Charge to get into a flanking position without risking an AoO
Using Power Attack and Reckless Abandon

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]

[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]

[roll15]
[roll16]
[roll17]
[roll18]
[roll19]

[roll20]
[roll21]
[roll22]
[roll23]
[roll24]

Kazu Takes 1 Nonlethal Damage from Frenzying

[Katana1515]

Voren screams wordless defiance and he lashes out at the mist once again, drawing deeply on his arcane reserves as well as that nameless pool of mythical energy he had so recently acquired. Answering his wielders rage with his own, Sunder once more transforms into a shaft of red hot, hungry flame, sizzling and steaming in the midst of the blizzard.

Free Action: Sunder deals fire damage for 1 round (Pool is now 2/5)
Swift Action: Arcane Surge: Mythic Haste over the group (Cost 2 MP, current MP pool is 5/9)
Coupled Arcana lets me use Arcane Accuracy with the same swift action (Arcane Pool 8/13)

SpellCombat: Intensified Shocking Grasp. [roll0] electric damage, goes off on the first hit. SR [roll1]

Haste: Attack Roll [roll2] Crit Threat on 50+, Miss Chance 51+ Hits [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] All damage is Fire Damage

Spellstrike: Attack Roll [roll5] Crit Threat on 50+, Miss Chance 51+ Hits [roll6]
Damage: [roll7] All damage is Fire Damage

1st Iterative: Attack Roll [roll8] Crit Threat on 50+, Miss Chance 51+ Hits [roll9]
Damage: [roll10] All damage is Fire Damage

2nd Iterative: Attack Roll [roll11] Crit Threat on 50+, Miss Chance 51+ Hits [roll12]
Damage: [roll13] All damage is Fire Damage

[Athaleon]

Nira's higher brain knew he must fight the creature, but the Wendigo's howl instantly brought animal instinct to the forefront. He cowered for a moment before the effect was dispelled just as suddenly. The wizard lost no time in attempting another spell, hoping any type of magical attack might be made to stick.


Prescience: [roll0]

Another use of Mythic Power to use Amazing Initiative, using the Reveal Weakness power on the Wendigo, reducing its AC and Saving Throws by 5 for one round.

Casting Slow (Will DC 23), Caster Level check vs Spell Resistance: [roll1]

Edit: Yeah, I'll take the Prescience roll to that Caster Level check, bringing it to 29.

[ylvathrall]

A ray of black energy shoots from Currial's pointing finger, and passes just over the wendigo's shoulder before disappearing into the storm. The blast of electricity that follows it a moment later is better aimed, but the wendigo seems to sense it coming at the last moment and twist aside, neatly evading the attack.

Kazu's blade is swinging wildly, cutting air more often than not, but it does connect with the wendigo once, chopping deeply into it. Linda is having even more difficulty, either missing the creature entirely or glancing off it at every turn. At the same time multiple arrows slam into the creature, including two that do no harm but do foul its movements.

The monster's movements slow as Nirallus weaves his magic, and as a result it is just a hair too slow to knock Voren's hand aside as he moves, driving a bar of solid flame straight through the center of its chest. The wendigo jerks suddenly, twitching a couple of times, and then goes still, slumping down to the ground.

Its wounds were sealing themselves, but where Voren impaled it with his blade of flame, it ceases healing. Its flesh chars instead, burning with a foul odor reminiscent of both burning hair and rotting carrion.

A few seconds after the wendigo falls, Melody begins to chant again, resuming the spell she started to cast earlier. A few seconds later, a wave of soothing magic emanates from her, washing away the fear and hostility inspired by the wendigo's presence.

All characters are affected by a calm emotions (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/c/calm-emotions) spell (Will save DC 18 negates).

The blizzard continues with no signs of stopping any time soon, but you can nevertheless feel a change come over the atmosphere in the clearing. The watchfulness you noticed earlier sharpens, and seems to focus on you more specifically. At the same time you have an impression of power, inconceivably vast. It feels something like you imagine an ant might feel in the hands of a friendly man; benevolent and supportive, yes, but with the bone-deep awareness that this is power which dwarfs anything you could do, power that could crush you as simply and effortlessly as you could crush the ant.

There is no crushing going on now, though. The power touches you, and just the tiniest bit of it pours into you, with a feeling of supportive warmth. You get a glimpse of emotion as it does, a feeling which is experienced as much as perceived. Its complexity is of the same scope as the sheer power you can sense, making it impossible to identify more than the most basic levels of the feelings being conveyed. You get impressions of warmth and appreciation, curiosity and delight, with a strong element of inquiry mixed in.

The hostile atmosphere in the clearing fades. The presence still feels watchful, but the edge of menace disappears, as does the constant urging to leave this place.

Additionally, the touch of the power on your mind carries another element, something nearly apologetic. You also get an impression of...not an offer, precisely, so much as a reminder that an offer is possible. If you had to put words to it, you would say that this is you being told that no matter how far you go, it is never too late to choose another path.

Mechanically, you are no longer affected by the bane effect.

The atmosphere in the clearing feels somehow even more welcoming than before. It was already a place where you felt a sense of belonging, but now it seems more personal, accepting and welcoming you individually rather than merely recognizing you as a person who belongs here.

Additionally, the touch of the power on your mind has another effect. You have a brief feeling of ecstasy as it makes contact with you, a surge of pleasure that leaves you shaking. You could compare it to any number of other pleasures you've felt, sex and laughter, food when you're hungry and water when you're thirsty and keys when you're caged, but all comparisons fall short. This incorporates elements of all of those, but it is indescribably more than that, deeper and bigger and more complex than any of those feelings.

The experience seems to last a small eternity, and when it passes you're surprised to find that not even an instant has gone by since it began.

Please see OOC thread for reward information.

[BizzaroStormy]

[roll0]

With the wendigo finally down, Kazu's body shrinks back to its original size. as soon as he does though, its come crashing to the ground. He lies flat on his back, staring up into blizzard. He lets out a long, conetended sigh. "Well now, THAT was fun. Haven't been up against something like that in a long time."

[Katana1515]

As the beast collapses and he enjoys his moment of divine visitation, Voren realizes his work is not quite complete. Sheathing his still steaming blade he hefts the broken corpse of the monster over one massive shoulder and moves through the falling snow to the edge of the shrines blessed ground.

Once he feels he is a suitable distance away he casually tosses the body against the bulk of some ancient tree. I not sure if this is even that things true form or just a broken vessel. In either case it needs to be destroyed utterly, can you help me old man?

Wordlessly the sword obliges and blazes into flame once again as it is drawn. With simple deft cuts the magus first bisects the Wendigo, and then cuts off each of its limbs. The mighty tree is also set ablaze by the supernatural flames, burning even in the midst of the blizzard. Carefully Voren separates the limbs among the trees roots and ensures they are reduced to less then ashes in the impromptu pyre.

When the grisly task is done he stumbles back to the shrine exhausted. Seating himself near the altar he sits as his spells fail and he reverts to his natural form. Not even noticing the snowdrift he is sat on he pulls some hardtack and water out of his backpack and starts to eat.

If nobody minds I think I will rest here a while.

Hoping to use the recuperation ability and burn an MP and an hours rest to gain the benefits of a full rest. running low on AP and spell slots.

[Athaleon]

Nira sat down in front of the altar, exhausted. "Took way too much to defeat that one," he muttered. It was just one battle, assisted by half a dozen allies, and he was nearly spent. His mind was already hard at work again, trying to devise other methods for putting down such fast and resilient creatures.

[trysted]

That was tiring, chimes in Currial. I know we have places to be, but I'm thinking we should spend the night here and start out rested in the morning. It's been my experience that when you have someplace safe to rest, you should take advantage of it. And ya know...somehow....I feel safe here.

[Mousedigits]

That was hard. That thing... Are they all like that?

I say we rest here, I'm exhausted. I think Sureblood is too. Eh, girl?

[trysted]

Currial shrugs. No idea. But either way, I'm not a fan.

And with that, she digs out some trail rations, eats, feeds her horse, and turns in for 8 hours on her bedroll, right next to the altar.

[ylvathrall]

As you're burning the wendigo's corpse, you hear a sudden voice from the storm to your left, startling you a little. "Burning the trees?" it says. "Oh, naughty, naughty."

A second voice speaks up from your right. "But he killed the spirit, so we'll forgive him this time," it says.

A third voice continues from directly behind you. "We told the spirits to stay in their little house," it says. "But oh no, this one had to come out and play."

The first voice resumes speaking. "It angered the norns, it did. They don't like disruptions here."

The second voice makes a sound of agreement. "The norns might be angry at all the spirits now," it says.

"They'll be lucky to live out the year," the third voice concludes happily. "'Living,' of course, being defined in the loosest possible sense."

The three voices fall silent after that strange little interaction, and you finish your task without further disturbance.

Melody concentrates on her spell until well after the fear inspired by the wendigo would have faded on its own, then lowers her holy symbol with a sigh of relief. "That," she says, "was entirely too close for comfort. I'm also going to say we should probably stay here for a while. That fight was exhausting. Also, I'm not thrilled by the idea of traveling in this storm, and it doesn't look like it's anywhere near to over."

[Athaleon]

"This ward should last another... Just under twenty-two hours. If the storm hasn't abated by then, I can renew it. If we are all intent on staying here, I'm going to set up additional spells to ensure our privacy." With that, the wizard pulled out his spellbook and began studying it intently again.


Unless someone interrupts, he will prepare and cast Alarm and Mage's Private Sanctum with vacant spell slots, also centered on the altar. Afterwards, he will rest for eight hours.

[ICN]

Vindira relaxes as the monster falls and the hostile presence fades. She seems faintly surprised as the power touches her mind, and a strange expression crosses her face before it settles into wry smile. Enlightenment. I knew it. She makes a polite gesture of refusal to the altar, the motion carrying a small measure of genuine respect with it. She turns back to the rest of the group. "I'm going to scout out the area, see if we stirred anything else up." Upon returning, Vindira reports her findings and settles into an exhausted sleep.

Perception: [roll0]
While away, she recasts Undetectable Alignment and Mythic Heroism.

[ylvathrall]

It's a little tricky with the wind and snow, but you manage to work your way through the forest without too much difficulty. You notice a number of animals as you do, many of which seem slightly unearthly, as though the fey nature of the forest has sunk into them somewhat. All of them are currently inactive, mostly in various dens and shelters against the storm. Near the edge of the area you search, you also hear a mournful lullaby in Sylvan, being carried on the wind. For a moment you feel an irrational urge to follow the noise, but then the howling blizzard breaks up the sound and you shake it off.

[ICN]

Vindira returns to the clearing. "Most of what's out there has gone to ground. The one exception was something singing, sounded like one of the fey, made me want to follow it. Any of you know what that was?"