Reign of Winter: The Snows of Summer [Part 2]

[Ostoril]

"I have no time for you!" Moorgram roars as he turns on the guard in the doorway, swinging his axe with all his might and anger.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Rage
Engage Risky Strike
Greataxe attack on blue 4 (1d20+6)[17] (+2 from rage) for (1d12+9)[21] slashing damage (+2 from rage and +1 from Axe to Grind)

[lostsole31]

R5T21: "I have no time for you!" Moorgram roars as he turns on the guard in the doorway, swinging his axe with all his might and anger, with his axe cleaving the man's shin and landing in his left foot while shredding an artery for 25 as the man drops.

R5T18: Darkhelm continues to attack the water serpent, striking again with her short sword for 10.

R5T17: Windrunner continues to maintain a more defensive approach. He snaps at Blue-3's knee for 14; slashes him in the upper right arm for 13, dropping him; and fails to strike Blue-1 with a claw. Placing a talon on his chest, Windrunner gains 1 healing.

R5T15: Blue-1 is unable to successfully counterattack.

R5T14: Lady Argentea continues her inspiring commands while climbing over bodies to get to the last active soldier. She spears Blue-1 in the groin with an enraging strike for 19, dropping him. She gives defensive advice to those around her.

R5T8: Nadya throws out another blast of force that fails to harm the water serpent.

R5T3: The water serpent now instead moves a little bit north and clips Darkhelm in the upper arm for 5.

R5T2: Now with a fountain in his way, Arthog touches horn to Windrunner for 10 healing. Wearily, Arthog says, "I feel that I have no more of that energy to spend."

End Round 5, Begin Round 6 ...

R6T21: Raging Moorgram, what do you do?

Darkhelm on deck, Windrunner in the hole ...

[Ostoril]

Moorgram continues fuming and makes his way around the pool towards the watery serpent, swinging his axe into the creature.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move N then 2 squares East.
Engage Risky Strike
Greataxe attack serpent (1d20+6)[14](+2 from rage) for (1d12+9)[16] slashing damage (+2 from rage)

[lostsole31]

R6T21: Moorgram continues fuming and makes his way around the pool towards the watery serpent, swinging his axe into the creature, but his axe is simply buffeted away by the watery surface.

R6T18: With Moorgram coming on scene, Darkhelm counters to flank, only to find out that this eyeless being of all water isn't to be "flanked." She still slips her short sword into it for 6.

R6T17: Windrunner delays ...

R6T14: Lady Argentea continues her inspiring commands and gives a mighty warcry that only adds to the ferocity she instills in everyone!

R6T8: Nadya strikes the water serpent with a blast of force that has it discorporating and splashing water everywhere.

R6T2: "Steady the fallen," says Lady Argentea even as Arthog stands guard. "We're not murderers."

End Round 6, Begin Round 7 ...

R7T21: Moorgram, do you stop raging? What do you do?

[Ostoril]

Moorgram lowers his axe with a huff and takes a deep calming breath. He looks around for the signs of life in any of the wounded soldiers.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

End rage
Look for soldiers in need of stabilization.

[lostsole31]

R7T21: Moorgram lowers his axe with a huff and takes a deep calming breath. He looks around for the signs of life in any of the wounded soldiers. He moves to Blue-4, and notes that Blue-4 died.

R7T18: Darkhelm puts her sword away and moves over to Blue-2.

R7T14: Lady Argentea stops her commands, comes out of stance, steps away, and puts up her shield. She looks at Blue-3, but admits she doesn't know.

R7T13: Windrunner moves north to get out of the way.

R7T8: Nadya moves to Blue-1 and stabilizes him.

R7T2: Arthog gets out of the way.

End Round 7, Begin Round 8 ...

R8T21: Moorgram moves to Blue-2 and determines that he died of his wounds.

R8T18: Recognizing Nadya as a better healer, Darkhelm moves over to aid Nadya on the last.

R8T13: Blue-3 dies of his wounds, a second before Nadya was able to have helped him.

Initiative Ends!

Lady Argentea orders that the one stable person be removed to a bed for now, and she will help.

[Ostoril]

Moorgram moves to help move the stabilized soldier. "Up the stairs, or to the dining hall next?" Moorgram asks, half to himself and half to anyone listening. Setting the body down he rubs his eyes with the palms of his hands and thinks aloud "There may be more in the dining hall, but we have already wasted time and injury on this fight. Is it safe to leave it be?"

[lostsole31]

Lady Argentea shakes her head. "We aren't giving chase. We are creating a redoubt as we knew we would. Alright, everyone, I want a deep search of this central atrium before focusing on the barracks, lower stairwell, and privvies. Open no doors until everything has been safety-checked."

Moorgram, do you follow this plan, or go your own way to something else?

[Ostoril]

Moorgram nods and begins to search. "If you think our companions upstairs will be fine without our aid."

[lostsole31]

"We can only hope for their success," says Lady Argentea. "But otherwise they are on their own. The aerie they went for is too high above and we've spent too many resources just to get this point. We trust in them; but we also understand that they might not succeed. Holding this point here and resting is our group objective."

[Ostoril]

Moorgram simply returns to sweeping the floor for hazards and foes.

[lostsole31]

It takes just a hair over two hours to make a really solid search of all of area Q3 and both side sections of Q5.

Each of the pale tower guards had the following: potion of endure elements; chain shirt; light steel shield; cold iron longsword; dagger; light crossbow w/ (10) bolts; soldier's outfit; 15 gp.

Only the gold and the potions from the four soldiers is collected as everything else is bulky.

The female sergeant had the following: (2) potions of cure light wounds; potion of endure elements; potion of interrogation (4th CL); (2) screaming bolts; chain shirt; spiked light steel shield; dagger; masterwork cold iron longsword; masterwork light crossbow w/ (10) bolts; a magical mirror (see below); cold weather outfit; 24 gp.

Both healing potions are immediately administered to Windrunner for 7 healing total and the other potions and gold are put in party treasure.

Moorgram, is there anything there that you would like? Not for sale purpose later (that would go to party treasure for all to share), but for use now?

[lostsole31]

The qualities of the magic mirror can be guessed at, but are not known at this time.

[Ostoril]

Moorgram looks over the loot. "Does this mirror remind you of the one that officer used to talk to Radosek?" he asks to no one in particular before a brief pause and i tightening of his grip. "It might prove useful." he continues and tucks it away.

Pointing to the masterwork cold iron longsword, "One of you might make better use of that than I, if not I will take it along with the shield." he then points to the spiked shield.

Next he picks up one of the chain shirts and considers it a moment. "A little heavy, but better than nothing right now. I'll leave my other gear as we clear the tower."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Take the mirror.
Take the masterwork cold iron longsword and the spiked light steel shield if no one wants the longsword.
Take a chain shirt and put it on.
Set my backpack down with remaining loot pile to fetch later when were done clearing the tower.

[lostsole31]

Lady Argentea asks for the sword, and Moorgram is fine with that.

Now possessing a weapon of quality, she pours a bit of her essence into the weapon, metaphysically powering it. She does stow her spear in her javelin quiver, though, as she does have use for that. She then shucks the leather armor of a dead bandit, and now dons the chain shirt of a dead soldier. She then drops the wooden shield in favor of a similarly-sized steel one.

Though she has a shortbow, Darkhelm will also take the fine crossbow and several cases of bolts.

Thus outfitted, the privvies are checked clear (Q4) ... then the stairwells.

Next, comes a deep search of the southern barracks (Q7). Eight bunk beds fill this narrow room, separated by a small partition between the tower’s icy walls. Several wooden chests and a weapons locker furnish the rest of the chamber. There is an icy key at the bunk that surely belonged to the sergeant. Hatch tells Moorgram that the key automatically activates the teleporter without the need for a command phrase when anyone bearing the key steps onto the ice crystals.

[Ostoril]

"This could be useful." Moorgram says turning to Lady Argentea. "It looks like we have cleared the rooms. Any suggestions on how best to proceed?"

[lostsole31]

"Yes," says Lady Argentea, "as already discussed. We take a breather here, holding our position overnight to rest and recover healing magic and to be here for Ten-Penny, if she was successful. If that is not acceptable, you are free to go tearing off alone to prove your mettle, but the rest of us have nothing to prove."

[Ostoril]

"Let us rest then." Moorgram says, shrugging uncomfortably in his chain shirt.

[lostsole31]

A watch rotation is set, and people get rest under tons of blankets and/or with the body heat of the unicorn and the giffin.

That evening while Darkhelm sleeps, there is a faint dinging sound above her head.

---

Oathday, 31 Erastus 4713 AR
Weather: 0/ -10 F. Snow flurries (< 1/2").

The next morning, Hatch and Nadya prepare to hold the lower level while Lady Argentea, Moorgram, Darkhelm, Arthog, and Windrunner pierce the upper levels. There is some sadness as Ten-Penny Tacey (and Lytil, for that matter) never returned.

Does Moorgram do anything different for the morning? Is he going to leave anything downstairs to reduce bulk/weight for Nadya and Hatch to guard?

[Ostoril]

Moorgram leaves behind most of his adventuring gear as most of it is unlikely to be needed. He grabs one of his water skins and some rations for the day along with his combat gear and the mirror. "Let us avenge our comrades." he says as he makes ready.

[lostsole31]

"Hatch gave us the verbal key for the teleporters. So we don't get gunked up in case of problems, I recommend we split. I and Windrunner will be on the south teleporter. Moorgram, Darkhelm, and Arthog to the north. Any questions?" asks Lady Argentea.

[Ostoril]

Moorgram nods in agreement with the plan.

[lostsole31]

As soon as Moorgram steps onto the southern teleportation pad, he doesn't even need to say anything. There is a faint vibrating from the key that he carries from the fallen sergeant, and just like that he finds himself on a much smaller teleportation pad. A crescent-shaped dining table occupies this Y-shaped chamber, while two large mirrors on the north and south walls create the illusion of an even larger space. Twenty feet overhead, an immense chandelier of ice crystals hangs from the ceiling. To the east, rounded steps access a short hallway, flanked by twin ice sculptures of dryads holding ice-carved tree limbs, creating an elaborate archway. Translucent, glass-like double doors are set in the hall’s north and south walls. To the west, two alcoves stand between three windows providing an amazing view of the wintry landscape outside the tower.

The unarmored guards from yesterday are here - looking fatigued and haggard, and yet with the remains of a warm meal that has yet to be bussed in front of them. They look in shock at you and towards the other alcove (but you don't see there) and put up hands as to not to fight.

[Ostoril]

"Stay in your seats and give me no reason to fight." He says as he raises a hand in peace. He says as he makes his way off the pad and towards the southern door, great axe at the ready and waiting for his companions to join him.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Make room for Darkhelm and Arthog before exploring.

[lostsole31]

Surprise Round ...

Moorgram raises his hands to evoke peace and says, "Stay in your ..." and that is where he is interrupted by a fey that stabbed him in his chain shirt (that didn't puncture) that is standing at his feet.

Another one at his feet is likewise hapless in getting its little rapier through Moorgram's chain shirt.

Begin Round One ...

R1T25: Blue stabs him in the knee this time for 1 NL.

R1T20: A crossbow bolt whizzes by his head, shot by someone/something on the stairs of the dais.

R1T19: Moorgram, your previously posted bit interrupted, what do you do?

[Ostoril]

Moorgram swings his axe at the creature who stabbed him in the knee. "Begone unless you want to die!" he shouts as he tries to move into the room.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Engage Risky Strike
Risky Strike Great Axe attack on blue (1d20+4)[23] for (1d12+9)[14] slashing damage (+1 from axe to grind?).
If able to 5ft shift with creatures in my square, 5ft shift to the east.

[lostsole31]

R1T19: Moorgram swings his axe at the creature who stabbed him in the knee by striking Blue in the upper leg for 13 mod. "Begone unless you want to die!" he shouts as he tries to move into the room.

R1T16: Red steps under a chair for cover and concentrates. Moorgram's axe thrums in his hand and by force of will he ends whatever was happening.

R1T8: Darkhelm now appears on the pad, though she has little time to do anything else.

R1T9: "Mierul Ardelain!" calls out Lady Argentea. "When Nadya's camp was our host, we in turn with her was yours. Give up your allegiance to your liege, and lay down your arms that no harm may come to you, else I will lay you low."

She has to work her way around the difficult terrain of table and chairs, but comes up to the stairs out of reach of the fey there. The fey on the stairs is the same one that wintered with you on the night you first arrived, a guest of Nadya's and a fey who had many questions but divulged little.

End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T25: Blue concentrates carefully this time, and again Moorgram's axe thrums briefly but for his will.

R2T20: "It is you who should despair of this foolish quest. I didn't realize it before, but you are the Black Rider's heir that we have been hunting," Mierul says as she falls back to the east to a set of double doors, drops her crossbow and then forms a scimitar made of flame.

R2T19: Moorgram, what do you do?

Red fey on deck (under a chair), Darkhelm in the hole ...

[Ostoril]

Moorgram continues around the table and advances onto the stairs. "Listen to the Lady and lay down, or be cast down." He intones as he stares at Mierul.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move E, N, NE.
Cast Sleep Hex on Mierul.

[lostsole31]

R2T19: Moorgram continues around the table and advances onto the stairs. "Listen to the Lady and lay down, or be cast down," he intones as he stares at Mierul, who in turn falls to the ground softly, her flame blade winking out of existence.

R2T16: ..... ?

R2T8: Darkhelm takes out her short sword and with a power stroke drops Blue. "The other fey turned invisible."

R2T9: Lady Argentea stands over the sleeping Mierul and readies a sword stroke. "Moorgram, remove any equipment from her. Be sure to include pouches and symbols she may have."

End Round 2, Begin Round 3 ...

R3T19: Moorgram, what do you do?

[Ostoril]

Moorgram moves to Mierul and begins to look for any potentially magical items or weapons to remove.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move east 3 squares to Mierul
Examine Mierul for any potentially magical looking items, weapons or spellcasting items to start removing as action economy will allow.