Arnan and Kira are unable to locate any alternate routes to get down to the cavern floor, though it does seem incredulous the Bear tribesmen climbed down the icy waterfall with prisoners in tow. For his part, Hengar too comes up empty-handed in his search. Given more time, the party could surely discover the answer, but a few high-pitched cries of terror from down below lend urgency to the situation. Some terrible fate will befall the captive Elk tribesmen if the adventurers tarry too long.

Hengar eventually becomes impatient and cuts in, "We need to move out at once. Climb if we must!" he says while retrieving a coil of rope and looking for a spot to secure it.

A few moments later, he tosses the rope over the edge and watches it unfurl near the bottom of the ice cavern.

"I'll go first," he says before taking off.

OOC: Athletics check (DC10)

Thane came up out of the water sputtering and gasping for breath.  "Twice-damned ice!" he groused.  "My thanks!" he said to Kira through chattering teeth.  Once the group reached the apparent end of the trail, Thane shuddered at seeing what his fate would have been if Kris or someone else had not saved him from the water's chilly embrace.

"How the devil'd they get down there?" he asked the same thing everyone else was wondering.  He heartily agreed to the hasty expedient of using a rope and climbing down, and followed right behind Hengar.  'Let's go get your brethren!"

---

04:21, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Athletics check (DC10).  Success!

They had fought a few times together now and traveled a good ways so Kira gave Thane a lopsided grin.  "You're welcome.  Can't be losing my friends or then I'll be all pouty and grouchy," she replied to him.  She felt a bit better when neither Arnan or Hengar found another way, as far as confidence in herself went.  Hearing the cries of the Elk though certainly didn't make her feel good at all.  "Time's a-wastin'," she growled and after a decent bit of space began her own descent.

---

11:25, Today: Kira rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Acrobatics.  Thank goodness for that extra bit!

Arnan was irritated with himself for not being able to spot the path down to the cavern floor that he knew had to be there. Nonetheless, he realized that Hengar was right when the Elk tribesman called off the search and announced that they would climb down a rope in order to reach the lower level that the prisoners and their captors were on.

The archer awaited his turn to use the rope, then made the climb down without incident.

---

OOC:

14:16, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17. Athletics Check to Climb Down Rope (DC 10) Success!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Wed 05 July 2017.

The party successfully descends the icy waterfall, eventually arriving safely on the ice cavern's expansive floor. Sheets of ice and irregularly spaced ice stalagmites and stalctites abstract and refract the party's view of the greater cavern, but once situated on ground level they can spot a group of fur-wearing tribesmen in the distance. The group is gathered around a large ice column, chanting.

Hengar comments that the chanters are definitely Bear tribesmen and he motions for the party to draw closer. Picking their way across the frosted cavern, the group gets a better view, albeit still through the prism of ice, of the Bear tribesmen. There appear to be six in total, one hulking male armed with a great axe and the others, females wielding pairs of long, curved knives.

The women armed with the knives are dressed in the pelt of bears, almost as though they are wearing nothing more than a bear rug over their naked forms.

OOC: The party is still quite some distance away and will need to make stealth checks if they plan to arrive undetected. Missile fire is not possible through the maze of ice that one muct navigate to reach the Bear tribesmen.

"I'm ready," Arnan replied to Hengar. "We need to get closer before they start using those knives on your people."

The scout began picking his way across the floor of the cavern. He did his best to move quietly, but he kept stepping on loose ice that crunched underfoot . . .

---

OOC:

20:03, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6. Stealth Check.

Eh, maybe all will be well if the DC is 10. :)

Kira's countenance was grim and she wished she could start making pincushions of the Bear people but instead she made sure she had her up-close-and-personal weapons drawn as she skimmed along the floor.  She wasn't as sure-footed as she usually was but she normally wasn't treading along icy paths either.

---

21:28, Today: Kira rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.  I certainly hope DC was 10.  Otherwise Kira isn't much quieter.  :P

Thane motioned with a sharp upward jab of his head, chin jutting forward.  It was clear he was keen to get into battle as quickly as possible for the sake of the Elk captives.  Pausing only long enough to ensure flail and shield were ready, he advanced with as much stealth as he could muster.

---

11:58, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 10 using 1d20.  Stealth Check.

Arnan, Hengar, Kira and Thane stalk through the maze of magnificent natural ice structures, making their way toward the chanting Bear tribesmen gathered around a large pillar preparing for a sacrificial rite: their offerings, Elk tribe prisoners lashed to icy stalagmites scattered around the pillar. The prisoners are stripped of their furs and appear half dead from exposure.

A muscular Bear tribe shaman armed with a great axe leads a chorus of five female Bear Tribe Furies--women of the tribe dressed as animal spirits who aid the shaman in his rituals. The Furies are armed with pairs of deadly, long curving knives.

The adventurers draw to within 40 feet of the assembled Bear Tribesmen, their presence thus far undetected; however any further advances will be without the benefit of any cover and the chance of discovery is quite great.

The Shaman and Furies continue their chant, professing their zealous devotion to Auril the Frostmaiden. Their collective chants echo and reverbate throughout the ice cavern.

OOC: I am going to award Inspiration to all players. I have not been good about remembering to do so, and it is definitely warranted :)

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 22/22

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP: 11, 11, 11, 11, 11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   16/16    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA



This message was last edited by the GM at 22:46, Sun 09 July 2017.

Kira was silently fuming once they reached the end of their own cove and were able to better see the condition of the Elk tribe captives, mostly for how they had been treated but a part toward herself for being stupid and drawing her sword.  Gingerly she put it back in place and drew her bow then set an arrow to be ready to fire when the others were ready to attack, having gauged the distance and knowing she'd likely do just as well or better firing from the cover.  She didn't dare speak, not even a whisper but she set her sight on the Shaman.

---

20:58, Today: Kira rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
21:00, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow vs Shaman.
21:01, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  Ouch.  >.<  *bleep*
21:01, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6.  Sneak if applicable.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 148):

Arnan judged that he, at least, should not move any closer. He was well within range with his bow, and any further advance would be over open ice, which would most likely result in his being spotted.

As Kira had already done, he nocked an arrow and nodded to his companions that he was ready. When the others either attacked with ranged weapons or advanced to close the range, he would let fly. Arnan considered the Bear Tribe shaman to be the primary threat, so he planned to try and put an arrow into him.

If we can kill the leader, mayhaps the others will lose heart, he thought to himself.

---

OOC:

Action: Readied Ranged Attack: 22:38, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8. Ranged Attack v. Shaman (AC 14). Hit!

22:38, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 4 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 1. Damage (Longbow).

Yeesh. The Damage dice surely didn't do either Kira or Arnan any favors.

Move: Arnan will move behind whatever cover is available (more out of longstanding habit than anything else).

22:41, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Sat 08 July 2017.

Unable to cover the distance to the Bear Tribe Shaman and his Furies, and not wanting to yield the advantage of getting the drop on his enemies, Hengar charges forward about half the distance and hurls a hand axe at the Shaman.

It's a solid hit and combined with Arnan and Kira's previous arrows, is almost enough to take out the Bear Tribe leader!

Hengar cries out the ear-shattering battle cry of his people, a loud multi-tone call beginning with a low frequency “growl” and progressing to a high pitched “scream” that he holds for several seconds.

Arnan recognizes this as an Elk call. To the others, it's just an eery haunting screech.


OOC: Hit for 7 points of damage.

Thane charges alongside Hengar and also throws a hand axe at the shaman; however his aim is less than precise and flies well wide of its target. Thane then draws his sword and prepares to engage in close combat.

OOC: DM post to keep game moving.

The party concentrates its attacks on the Shaman, hoping to neutralize the spellcaster before he gets a chance to work his primal magic. Two arrows and a hand axe later, Bjami the Shaman is wounded, but already worked into a fervor from performing his sacrifical rites to Auril and driven onward to defeat the trespassers.

Sensing his life essence draining away, the Shaman exhorts Auril to grant him the vitality needed to defeat those who would deny her vengeance. Raising his arms, he casts a healing spell on himself and is bathed in a blue nimbus. Now with more vigor, he shouts at his assembled Furies, "Strike down the Unfaithful! Deliver our foes to Auril on this day!"

The three Furies closest to Hengar and Thane approach their foes, dual blades in hand, slashing and thrusting as they draw near. The Furies are skilled with their weapons, but the opening moments of battle are largely characterized by feints and parries on both sides. Two Furies square off against Hengar and the third engages Thane.

Hengar is hit several times, his blood spilling on the icy floor. For his part, Thane wards away his foe's advances.

The remaining two Furies spot Arnan and Kira standing some distance away and both race forward while drawing javelins. Drawing to within 20 feet, both hurl their javelins at the two archers...

A javelin strikes a plinth of ice to the left of Kira and a javelin strikes Arnan in the side, penetrating through his armor!

Bjami shouts encouragement to his Furies and continues chanting to his dark goddess...


OOC: Bjami cast cure wounds (2nd) healing 17 points of damage. Three Furies are engaged in melee with Hengar and Thane. The other two hurled javelins at Arnan and Kira. Arnan took 8 points of damage. Hengar took 11.

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 20/22

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP:
#1: 11/11 (Hengar)
#2: 11/11 (Hengar)
#3: 11/11 (Thane)
#4: 5/11 (approaching Kira)
#5: 0/11 (approaching Arnan)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   11/22    0      NA
Kira      14   15/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA


PCs are UP!!!


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:29, Mon 10 July 2017.

The furies were closing fast and even though she wanted to help Arnan, she knew she couldn't ignore the wild woman barreling toward her.  Letting off another arrow at the woman, she then dropped the bow and drew her sword knowing she'd not get another shot off before she was on her.

---

19:24, Today: Kira rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Shortbow vs Fury.
19:25, Today: Kira rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  Shortbow Ouch.

Hengar wields his spear with wide sweeping arcs in an effort to keep the two Furies at distance, but the tribal warrior is having a difficult time, as both are skilled warriors in their own right. Sensing an opportunity, Hengar thrusts his spear at one, but she easily swats the spear aside with one of her curved blades.

Hengar grunts in frustration but remains calm. He cannot afford to lose his head here, faced off against two dangerous foes.

That man is going to be trouble, Arnan thought to himself as he saw the big Bear Tribesman begin the tell-tale motions of spell-casting. The scout's worries were confirmed when nearly all of the shaman's wounds ceased bleeding after the flash of blue light.

Unfortunately Arnan spent a little too long watching the shaman, and not enough time paying attention to the female who was closing fast, and who skewered him with one of her javelins.

Arnan grunted in pain, then went to work with his bow. He nocked and shot, first one and then a second arrow in rapid succession, using a smooth, well-practiced motion. Both of them hit the female who was charging towards him, and she went down in the jumbled disarray of one who is unexpectedly claimed in mid-stride by Death.

---

OOC:

Action: 12:21, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18. Ranged Attack v. Fury (AC 11). Hit!

12:22, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 3. Damage (Longbow).

Bonus Action (Action Surge): 12:23, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 5. Action Surge Attack v. Fury (AC 11). Hit!

12:23, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 9 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 6. Damage (Longbow).

Total Damage: 15

Move: None.

Note: This expends Arnan's Fighter-class Action Surge, which will refresh after a short or a long rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Mon 10 July 2017.

"Stay close, Hengar!" Thane cried out as the Elksman got skewered by the pair of furies facing him.  Thane, for his part, sidled as close to him as possible and engaged his own fury with, well, fury.  He lashed out twice in quick succession with his flail, the heavy spiked ball smashing flesh and dealing terrible wounds with each strike.

The blows proved to be too much for the warrior woman and she toppled where she stood.  He sneered at the fury next to her, one of the two faced off against Hengar. "You're next, Princess," he taunted the woman, hoping to rattle her or draw her attention to himself.

---

OOC:

Action:  18:13, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 22,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Melee Attack vs Fury 3 (AC 12) (Flail).
Hit for 10 damage

Bonus Action:  18:16, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 21,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Action Surge: Melee Attack vs Fury 3 (AC12) (Flail).
Hit for 11 damage - Fury 3 down for the count

Other: 18:25, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Intimidation Check: Fury 2.  Met DC15 CR - he want to rattle Fury 2 or get her to attack him instead of Hengar this round

Fighting Style: Protector in play to benefit Hengar - all attacks against him next round will suffer disadvantage due to Thane's shielding prowess.

Note: Thane has now used his Action Surge ability, and may not be able to do so again until he rests.

Two Furies now lie lifeless on the ice, sacrificial pawns in Auril's gambit, but the rest fight on, eager to deliver victims to their cruel godesses altar.

One Fury falls on Kira, her twin blades slashing and jabbing at the rogue, one finiding brief purchase and ripping through the rogue's tunic.

Thane's cutting words draw the ire of another, giving Hengar a moment of reprieve. The crazed woman slashes at Thane but is no match for the fighter's martial prowess.

The other continues her dangerous dance with Hengar, and despite Thane's best effort to protect the wounded tribesman, she manages to find purchase again.

The Shaman dramatically finishes his chanting and gyrations and calls forth a spectral bear, appearing directly in front of Thane! The ghostly bear growls and lunges at the warrior, biting into his leg with a satisfying crunch.


OOC: Shaman cast Spiritual Weapon (Bear) and placed it on Thane. Thane took 3 points of damage from the Bear. Hengar took 6. Kira took 2 points of damage.

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 20/22
Cast Spiritual Weapon against Thane.

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP:
#1: 11/11 (Hengar)
#2: 11/11 (Thane)
#3: 0/11 (Thane)
#4: 5/11 (approaching Kira)
#5: 0/11 (approaching Arnan)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   5/22    0      NA
Kira      14   13/15    1      NA
Thane     18   19/22    1      NA


PCs are UP!!!

When the female warrior who was charging towards him went down with two of his arrows sticking in her, Arnan shifted his attention to the battlefield as a whole. A quick glance told him that Hengar was the most sorely beset of the attackers, and he aimed his arrow at the female warrior who was squared off against him.

Arnan nocked an arrow and waited until he had a clear shot at his target, then he buried his arrow up to the fletching in the Bear Tribeswoman's neck. She was flung backwards by the force of the impact, and lay still where she hit the ground.

---

OOC:

Action: 23:54, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20. Ranged Attack v. Fury#1 (AC 12). Critical Hit!

23:55, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 17 using 2d8+3 with rolls of 6,8. Critical Hit Damage (Longbow).

Move: None.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:53, Tue 11 July 2017.

"What bloody beast is this?!?" Thane exclaimed with incredulous wonder.  The glowing apparition seemed the stuff of nightmares, and he doubted his meager flail would be of much use against it.  He hoped his shield would be able to keep it at bay long enough for his fellows to deal with the shaman, and then it maybe would go away.  Until then, he would focus on flesh-and-blood targets.

He smashed his Fury opponent across the hip with his flail, nearly knocking her from her feet.  "Hmm, I guess you're only good at carving up unarmed and naked foes!" he needled her again.

---

OOC:
Action:  10:57, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 22,10 using 1d20+5,1d8+3.  Melee vs Fury 2 (AC12) (Flail). Hit for 10 damage.
Fighting Style: Protection applied to Hengar (attacks against him suffer disadvantage).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Tue 11 July 2017.

The sting from the sword finding a bit of flesh made Kira growl and then her own rapier slid easily into the Fury and pierced vital organs.  Not even looking at the downed woman, she grabbed up her bow and moved behind one of the ice columns in hopes to hide.

---

11:10, Today: Kira rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Rapier vs Fury.
11:11, Today: Kira rolled 5 using 1d8+3.  Piercing Fury.
11:16, Today: Kira rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Stealth to Hide.  Meh ... might not work.

Hengar had been ready to plunge his spear deep into the blade-wielding woman in front of him, but his intent is thwarted by one of Arnan's well-placed arrows. He looks over his shoulder and gives his thanks for the assist and turns his attention to the wounded Fury engaged with Thane. The Elk warrior drives his spear into his foe, dropping her where she stands.

OOC: Hit for 7

The adventurers make quick work of the Five Furies, but the crazed Bear Tribe Shaman seems undeterred by his conspirators demise. He chants loudly, calling on Auril's wrath to smite those who would deny her embrace.

Throwing himself into a mindless frenzy, he charges at Hengar while the Bear spirit squares off against Thane. The Shaman shouts, "Cover the land in the icy grip of the Frostmaiden!" Tendrils of crackling blue energy leap from the Shaman's fingers at Hengar, but the Elk tribe warrior dodges away just in time.

The spectral bear lunges at Thane but is unable to find purchase.


OOC: Shaman cast Spiritual Weapon (Bear) and placed it on Thane.

Bjami, Bear Tribe Shaman
AC: 12
HP: 0/22
Cast Spiritual Weapon against Thane.

Bear Tribe Furies
AC: 12
HP:
#1: 0/11
#2: 0/11
#3: 0/11
#4: 0/11
#5: 0/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    0      NA
Kira      14   13/15    1      NA
Thane     18   19/22    1      NA


PCs are UP!!!


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Thu 13 July 2017.

Well . . . the odds are certainly better, now, Arnan thought to himself as he saw that all of the female warriors had been struck down, leaving only the Bear Tribe shaman. Clearly, however, the man was extremely dangerous -- just as Arnan had already concluded.

Seemingly inspired by a fire-in-the-belly aggression born of fanatacism, the shaman threw himself at Hengar in spite of the unfavorable odds, even as the magicked bear that he had created lunged at Thane.

Arnan aimed an arrow at the shaman, and frowned as he felt his lead foot slip on some wet ice just as he loosed the shaft. He felt certain that the attack would miss. However, at the last instant the Bear Tribesman stepped out of the way of a weapon-strike by Hengar, and moved directly into the path of the arrow.

---

OOC:

Action: 19:24, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1. Ranged Attack v. Shaman (AC 12).

19:25, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20. Inspiration Attack v. Shaman. Critical Hit!

19:26, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 12 using 2d8+3 with rolls of 2,7. Critical Hit Damage (Longbow).

Move: None.

Note: This expends Arnan's Inspiration. However, going from a 1 to a 20 on an Attack roll against an enemy Boss was Inspiration well-spent, in my opinion! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:53, Tue 11 July 2017.