On the Sea of Moving Ice, one of the most remote regions in all Faerun, the Ice Witch sits in her tower of black ice. There, she directs her army of beasts, barbarians, and cultists against the people of Icewind Dale in Auril's name...

Spurned from her tribe, the outcast Reghed woman hopes to visit ruin and disaster upon the scattered people of the dale. If the dale is to be spared the bleak fate of unending winter, the party, Arnan Aldwynne, Dalgura and Morgrim Ironhammer, Kira, Thane Harkensen and Hengar Aensvaard, must confront the witch, Hedrun Arnsirth, in her tower.

Girding themselves for the trials that lie ahead, the adventurers step through the silver mirror, in the Ice Witch's tower!

Led by Morgrim, in bear form, the party passes through a pointed black archway and arrive inside the tower's audience hall. There, King Gunvald holds court over a small contingent of his Bear Tribesmen and a few of their orc allies from the Spine of the World. This motley group of the Ice Witch's vassals are in the midst of a heated discussion on the proper method of sending raiding parties into Ten Towns, when Morgrim, followed by his allies, steps through the void and appears at the edge of the room.

The large bear is not difficult to spot, as the tribesmen were already on edge in no small party due to the presence of such a large amount of black ice.

King Grunvald takes in their sudden appearance as something of a good omen. Already chafing at having to stay in the tower while his warriors range across the dale, he is spoiling for a good fight and one just seemed to appear, out of nowhere!

"Who are you, who have come to the Ice Witch's tower, unannounced and uninvited!?" the middle aged king roars in a violent tone.

His small force of men and orcs likewise show their hostility toward the adventurers. Their body language is quite easy to read and it seems they are all ready to take up arms at a moment's notice.

For the moment, party has caught them flat-footed...


OOC: Let's assume the party appears in the audience hall about 20 feet from the tribesman and orcs and maybe 30 feet to King Gunvald, whom is presently surrounded by his forces at the moment.

King Gunvald of the Bear Tribe
AC: 13
HP: 67/67

Bear Tribesmen, 6
AC: 12
HP: 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11

Orcs, 3
AC: 13
HP: 15/15, 15/15, 15/15


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   30/30    1      NA
Kira      14   21/21    1      NA
Thane     18   31/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13


PCs are UP!

Kira didn't waste any time, stepping through and peeking around BearGrim.  The one who was bellowing was obviously important so she let loose an arrow to try to shut him up as quickly as possible.

---

19:30, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Attack Bear King.
19:31, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 1.  Damage.
19:31, Today: Kira rolled 11 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,5.  Sneak Damage.

Morgrim roared as he barrelled towards the front line of warriors, landing a savage blow across the chest of nearest orc before finishing him off between bone crunching jaws. Casting the broken body aside he leered at the next in line.

Move to engage
Multiattack hits AC 15 for 6, AC 17 for 12 damage. Nearest orc takes 18 damage total, dies.


21:24, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 6,12 using 1d8+4,2d6+4 with rolls of 2,6,2.  Damage.
21:24, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 15,17 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 10,12.  Multiattack.

Hengar emerges through the magic portal with weapon in hand, ready for what may come. He scans the audience hall and settles his sights on the presumed leader of the group and recognizes him for who he is: King Gunvald of the Tribe of the Bear!

Knowing him to be an honorable, if not bellicose king, Hengar struggles to understand what could have caused him to stoop to such depths so as to cast lots with the likes of orcs. Then, his mind draws back the black ice walls surrounding them and it dawns on him the king has been compromised by the taint of this fell ice. The same as the dwarves and the men and women of Ten Towns.

A race of jumbled thoughts flit through the barbarian's mind but seeing Morgrim move to engage orcs helps pull him out of his confusion. He moves up behind Morgrim and attempts to strike one down but, with mind reeling, is unable to land a blow.

Calling over his shoulder, "This isn't right. Something's...not...right..." he calls out shakily.

Thane charged in after many of his fellows had gone before, but his intent is not to attack.  He saw Morgrim and Kira draw blood on an Orc and then the leader, respectively, and while his blood was up, the fact that the Ice Queen was not present made him question if this fight had to happen or not.  He was no diplomat but he did know how to use violence, or the threat thereof, to his advantage.

"We be your DEATH, unless you hold fast your warriors and cast aside your own weapon!" Thane shouted at the wounded King, seeking to intimidate him into compliance.  “We are here for the Ice Queen, not you!”

All the same, Thane had his own weapon ready, and took station near Hengar to protect the barbarian with his shieldplay if necessary...

---

Move: Advance at Hengar's speed
Action: Intimidate King Grunvald
13:52, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 11 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 9.  Intimidation Check: King Grunvald.
Meh, might work on a drunkard, but likely not a tough old bastard of a King...
Other: Use Protector stance to benefit Hengar (attacks vs him suffer disadvantage so long as he is adjacent to Thane.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:36, Tue 21 Aug 2018.

Since Thane had called out to the barbarian king, Arnan held his shot, his arrow nocked and bow aimed, to see how those in the chamber would react to the arrival of the adventurers. The scout felt almost certain that they would be met with force, but on the off-chance that they were not, he did not immediately shoot the arrow . . .

---

OOC:

Move: Arnan will pass through the mirror and position himself so that he has a clear shot, unimpeded by any of his companions.

Readied Action: Arnan anticipates that those in the chamber will react in a hostile fashion, and he will ready an Attack to shoot at one of the Bear Tribesmen if his suspicions prove to be correct.

21:20, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Readied Attack (Longbow) vs. Tribesman. Hit! (if shot).

21:21, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 5.  Damage (Longbow).

Dalgura steps through the enchanted mirror and calls a flame-like radiance down upon the presumed leader of this rag-tag group of miscreants. Unfortunately, the cleric is momentarily disoriented from the teleportation and she is unable to focus the beam of energy of the Bear Tribe King.

19:32, Today: DM Shard, on behalf of Dalgura Ironhammer, rolled 9,8 using d20+5,d8 with rolls of 4,8.  sacred flame.

With one of Kira's arrows protruding from his shoulder, King Gunvald spins around to take measure of the sneaking bastards that just attempted to assassinate him. Then, he notices a large bear and two warriors, one of them an Elk Tribesman no less(!), charging into the room.

Though still surprised, he hears enough of Thane's challenge to respond, "Ha! You have cast dishonor upon yourself, and now you ask I throw my lot in with you, you cowardly dogs. May Tempos, the Lord of Battle have mercy upon your spineless, miserable souls!"


The Bear Tribesman roar their approval at their leader's rebuke of Thane's attempt to cow King Gunvald into accepting surrender.


OOC: Let's assume the party appears in the audience hall about 20 feet from the tribesman and orcs and maybe 30 feet to King Gunvald, whom is presently surrounded by his forces at the moment.

The party had surprise last round and gets another round to act.

King Gunvald of the Bear Tribe
AC: 13
HP: 52/67

Bear Tribesmen, 6
AC: 12
HP: 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11

Orcs, 3
AC: 13
HP: 0/15, 15/15 (Morgrim, Hengar, Thane), 15/15 (Morgrim, Hengar, Thane)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   30/30    1      NA
Kira      14   21/21    1      NA
Thane     18   31/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13


PCs are UP!

Hengar shakes his head in disbelief. Something is wrong with King Gunvald and he indicates as much to his companions while thrusting his weapon at a nearby orc. Unfortunately, he fails to score a hit against the flat-footed orc.

"The King must be ensorcelled, poisoned by the black ice!" he calls out. "There is no honor in casting lots with orcs. Any Reghedsman knows this to be true!" he says to his companions.

Now, seeking the King's attention through the chaos, "King Gunvald," he cries. "Though our clans have not always enjoyed peace, I know you to be an honorable king..."

Beargrim keeps his rage focused upon the orcs, savaging the next in his jaws and leaving it on the brink of death.

Bite hits AC 23 for 11 (orc)
Claw misses (AC 9)

20:55, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11 using 1d8+4 with rolls of 7.  Damage.
20:54, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 23,9 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 18,4.  Multiattack.

In Arnan's judgment, he was receiving conflicting signals. Hengar seemed to want to parlay with King Gunvald, the leader of the Bear tribesman. GrimBear, on the other hand, continued to tear into the Orcs.

~Mayhaps 'tis best not to shoot at the tribesmen 'til we see how this plays out,~ the scout thought to himself. ~Unless the Black Ice has fouled the minds of the Bear tribesmen, they can have no objection to our killing Orcs.~

Arnan nocked an arrow and waited a moment until he had a clear shot at the Orc that the Dwarf-in-bear-form was fighting, then loosed the shaft. Unfortunately the Orc moved just as Arnan fired, and his arrow missed its target.

---

OOC:

Move: As necessary to gain a clear shot at the Orc fighting BearGrim.

Attack: 19:19, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 4.  Ranged Attack v. Orc Fighting Morgrim (AC 13). Miss.

Thane grimaced at the lost opportunity to sway the King, but his naming of the God of Battles turned the fighter’s face red.  “Tempus is a deaf god, he’ll not hear your call!” Thane retorted with heat.  He lashed out at the wounded Orc and smote it a glancing blow without taking his eyes off the King.

“Hengar thinks you’re a good man so why have you taken up with the Ice Witch?!?  She’s killin’ innocent folk!”

---

20:04, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 14,5 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 ((9,2)).  Struck for 5 damage
Thane will use his Protector stance to benefit Hengar (attacks vs Hengar will be at disadvantage).

This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Sat 25 Aug 2018.

Dismayed to see one of his people, albeit a different clan, under the powerful sway of the black ice, Hengar directs his frustration at the nearest orc. But, the orc bats away Hengar's blow.

Though it went against Kira's gut, Hengar's plea to the bear king drew her aim away from him and she tried to hit one of the orcs engaged with her large teammates.  "Dammit," she hissed as the arrow whizzed past its head.

---

08:47, Today: Kira rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Attack Orc.  Missed so didn't roll damage.  :(

Dalgura calls forth another jet of sacred flame but once again is unable to effectively target a foe in the chaotic melee that has broke out in the audience chamber.

21:41, Today: DM Shard, on behalf of Dalgura Ironhammer, rolled 2 using 1d8 with rolls of 2.

21:41, Today: DM Shard, on behalf of Dalgura Ironhammer, rolled 12 using 1d20 with rolls of 12.  d20+5,d8.

Gunvald eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets upon hearing Thane blapsheme Tempos. The Bear King throws himself into a reckless berserk, charging headlong across the raised dais and bringing his great axe down crashing down into the Luskan warrior. The axe strikes with a heavy clank, "You will pay for your tongue, outsider!" he rages, his eyes wild and distant.

The Bear tribesmen roar in approval of their King's unbridled vigor and they too are spurred to action.

"Throw down the outsiders!" one yells. This is met with a chorus of approval and curses as the Bear tribesmen take up arms against the party's front ranks. The audience hall rings out in violence!

King Gunvald and two of his tribesmen square off against Thane, the King striking him powerfully. An orc and a tribesman attempt to flank Morgrim, but Morgim rears up and defends himself well. Two tribesmen sneer at Hengar and press the attack using pack tactics to corner their foe, one of which scores a hit despite Thane's attempt to defend his ally. Finally, one of the tribesman throws a javelin at Kira, but she dodges out of the way just in time.


OOC: Morgrim was hit for 12 points of damage and Hengar was hit for 5.

King Gunvald of the Bear Tribe
AC: 13
HP: 52/67 (Thane)

Bear Tribesmen, 6
AC: 12
HP: 11/11 (Thane), 11/11 (Thane), 11/11 (Morgrim), 11/11 (Hengar), 11/11 (Hengar), 11/11

Orcs, 3
AC: 13
HP: 0/15, 0/15, 15/15 (Morgrim)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   25/30    1      NA
Kira      14   21/21    1      NA
Thane     18   31/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13       Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 22/34


PCs are UP!

Roaring with a ferocity that shook the very walls of the cavern Morgrim lay into the remaining orc with tooth and claw, savaging him and casting his broken body aside.

Multiattack
1) Misses (8)
2) Critical hit for 24 damage. Last orc dies.

10:18, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 24 using 4d6+4 with rolls of 6,6,3,5.  Damage.
10:17, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 8,25 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 3,20.  Multiattack.

The Bear tribesman looked and sounded ready to fight, and their leader did, too -- plus, Morgrim-in-bear-form had finished off the last of the Orcs.

~Makes it easy for me,~ Arnan thought with a shrug, shifting his aim to one of the Human tribesman who was facing Thane.

---

OOC:

Action: 16:58, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 14 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 7.  Ranged Attack v. Tribesman Fighting Thane (AC 12). Hit!

16:58, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Damage (Longbow).

"He seems awfully deaf to me!" Thane countered King Gunvald's bluster.  He lashed out in retaliation but the wild-eyed king's strong blow had knocked Thane off-balance.  The flail swished through the air, a harmless stroke.

Thane growled a string of dwarven words, curses perhaps, and set his feet firmly to square off against the worthy foe.
[Language unknown: "Linndeout, pe posom erhas ckosroeean e, hisre ofrom ingan Miare, ta ceilek olwa erepl!  Illthiday din issom ndlous!"]

---

Move: None
Action: Attack King Gunvald in melee
21:09, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled AC 7, 8 damage using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 2,5.  Attack King Gunvald (AC13). Miss

Other: Use Protector to benefit Hengar (as last round).

Seeing the last of the orcs taken out, Hengar turns his attention to the massing Bear Tribesmen all around him. The warrior picks his way through the scrum and slaws his weapon into one of his foes. A solid hit, but not enough to take him out.

"Damn you! What the blazes is wrong with the lot of you?! Snap out of it!!!" Hengar cries out in frustration.

OOC: Hit for 6 point of damage.
This message was last updated by the player at 14:12, Thu 30 Aug 2018.

Once more, Dalgura calls upon her goddess to bring down sacred flame upon the Bear Tribe chieftain, but the surly king proves quite nimble on his feet and duck-rolls to the side moments before he is bathed in radiant fire.

OOC: DM post, reluctant to use anything other than cantrips or basic attacks when posting on a player's behalf.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:16, Thu 30 Aug 2018.

Kira inwardly groaned as the King went crazy, knowing it had to be the black ice but reasoning wasn't going to work and she took aim at the king in hopes that if they managed to take him down some of the others might back down ... though likely not.

---

07:38, Today: Kira rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.  Attack.
07:38, Today: Kira rolled 6 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 3.  Damage.
07:40, Today: Kira rolled 4 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,3.  Sneak - working with Thane.

King Gunvald breaks off of Thane and clashes with Morgrim but is unable to bring the druid, in bear-form, down.

Meanwhile, the tribesmen exchange blows with the adventurers as the battle now rages throughout the audience chamber with furniture getting tossed aside in the struggle. Two tribesmen press the attack against Thane, one of which scores a hit. Off to his right, Hengar too is engaged with a pair of enemies, but Thane manages to turn one's blow aside at the last minute. Morgrim is also struck and one tribesman breaks free of the scrum and charges Kira, who also takes a spear.


OOC: Morgrim, Thane and Kira were each hit for 9 points of damage.

King Gunvald of the Bear Tribe
AC: 13
HP: 42/67 (Morgrim/Thane)

Bear Tribesmen, 6
AC: 12
HP: 6/11 (Thane), 11/11 (Thane), 11/11 (Morgrim), 11/11 (Hengar), 11/11 (Hengar), 11/11 (Kira)

Orcs, 3
AC: 13
HP: 0/15, 0/15, 0/15 (Morgrim)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   25/30    1      NA
Kira      14   12/21    1      NA
Thane     18   22/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13       Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 13/34


PCs are UP!

Right in the thick of the matter, Morgrim continues to cast bodies aside left and right though with the orcs now dead he takes care to strike with the back of his formidable paws and knock his foes senseless rather than commit them to the afterlife.

Multiattack.
1) Critical hit for 11 damage, non-lethal
2) Hits AC 23 for 11 damage, non-lethal

Knocks out tribesmen attacking Morgrim and Kira. Unless otherwise specified, Morgrim will continue to use non-lethal attacks on the Tribesmen.

16:54, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11,11 using 2d8+4,2d6+4 with rolls of 4,3,4,3.  Damage.
16:53, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 25,23 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 20,18.  Multiattack.

Seeing how quickly Grim-Bear was taking down the tribesmen (and also noting that the bear was whacking them and not gutting them with his claws), Thane attempted to also deal a non-lethal blow to the wounded tribal faced off against him.  He grimaced as the strike, in practice, was nowhere near as effective as Thane had envisioned it in theory...

---

Action: Non-lethal attack
22:56, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 6,11 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 1,8.  Melee vs wounded tribesman (AC12).
Natural 1 - do we use fumble rules?

Other: Continue to Protect Hengar

Noticing that Morgrim was batting at the tribesmen with his claws retracted, and that Thane also seemed to be attempting to disable rather than slay their foes (now that all of the Orcs were dead), Arnan switched to blunt-headed arrows that would not pierce armor. He did not favor them, but every now and again a situation seemed to call for such methods.

As a target he chose the wounded tribesman attacking Thane, hoping to inflict enough damage to put the man down.

---

OOC: 14:19, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 17 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 10.  Ranged Attack vs. Wounded Tribesman (AC 12). Hit!

14:19, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7.  Damage (Non-Lethal).

Hengar powerfully wades through the chaos and wields his weapon like an extension of his body. The warrior of the Elk tribe does not relish taking up arms against King Gunvald's men, but he does what he must to take them out of the fight as quickly as possible. These are not the real enemy, he tells himself. It's the wielder of the ice, Her...

He clocks one of the tribesman over the head and takes him out...

06:17, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 20,8 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 15,5.  attack.

Dalgura took in the scene around her and saw one of the tribesman veer off to attack Kira.  Knowing how thick skinned and durable the guys were, Dalgura went to the aid of Kira.

As she held out her holy symbol towards the tribesman, she prayed.  "Oh Mighty Sharindlar, please aid me in my endeavor to keep Kira from being harmed.  Make my aim true or at least stop the Tribesman from dodging your brilliant radiance.  In your name I pray...and thank you."



ooc:

Cantrip - Sacred Flame:  range 60' target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no benefit from cover for the saving through.

09:54, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  radiant damage to tribesman - hopefully.

Morgrim slams another two Bear tribesman to the ground, while the rest of the party combine to take down a couple more as well. Seeing the devastation wrought to his loyal kinsmen, King Gunvald collapses to his knees and casts his battle axe aside. "Enough! I yield to your will!" he bellows while surveying the adventurers.

"Now allow me to see to my kinsfolk..." he petitions.


OOC:

King Gunvald of the Bear Tribe
AC: 13
HP: 42/67 (Morgrim/Thane)

Bear Tribesmen, 6
AC: 12
HP: 6/11 (Thane), 0/11 (Thane), 0/11, 0/11, 11/11 (Hengar), 0/11

Orcs, 3
AC: 13
HP: 0/15, 0/15, 0/15 (Morgrim)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   25/30    1      NA
Kira      14   12/21    1      NA
Thane     18   27/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13       Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 13/34



This message was last edited by the GM at 17:03, Fri 14 Sept 2018.

With a snarl, Morgrim sits back on his haunches allowing those with the ability to give voice to their thoughts in a more delicate manner the opportunity to address King Gunvald. He leaned protectively over Dalgura, daring the remaining tribesmen to try anything with his dark eyes.

"Let him attend to his people," Hengar says while still breathing heavily from the short but violent conflict.

The Elk tribesmen then turns his attention to the slain orcs and sneers, "But not these vermin..." He then nudges each with a light kick. Satisfied that the three orcs are slain, he turns his attention to the knocked out Bear Tribesmen.

A high pitched squeak quickly rolled down into a pained and frustrated growl as the spear found a tender spot in the liberator or trinkets and hoarder of snacks.  "***hole," she muttered and dropped her bow, drawing her rapier as she prepared to fight up close and personal.  Just as the blade left it's sheath, the king called surrender and she looked at her attacker with narrowed eyes.  "Lucky you," she snarled but didn't disarm.  She didn't trust them or the black ice and refused to be empty handed.

Arnan stood at the ready, his eyes alert and an arrow nocked, and watched the scene unfold.

With the threat of continued hostilities seemingly abated, King Gunvald attends to his fallen companions. With each passing moment, the black ice-influenced leader seems to become more attuned with his better nature and reminded of his sense of honor. There is no honor in standing in concert with orcs, united under the banner of a mysterious witch who would just as soon see the entire region buried beneath Auril's wrath.

King Gunvald begins to break down, consumed beneath the weight of the black ice's influence. Collapsing to the floor, he stares off into the distance with vacant eyes, while mouthing, "must defeat her..." over and over again. He lifts his hand and points to a spiral staircase winding up into darkness. Then, his hand collapses back to the ground.

His tribesmen are likewise draw into the same torpor, seemingly unable or unwilling to take action, their minds wracked by dark thoughts they struggle to keep at bay.

The spiral staircase leads upward for perhaps 40 feet before disappearing through a dark portal higher in the Black Ice Tower. Looking up, from the Audience Chamber, through the portal, the chamber beyond appears to be completely unlit.

OOC: The adventurers are still in the audience chamber, but the spiral staircase is visible all the way up to the dark portal, as the staircase is open and runs around the tower's edge.
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:17, Thu 13 Sept 2018.

"You made the wise choice," Thane assured the Bear King once the massive man cast aside his weapon.  As the King turned to look after his own people, Thane turned to look over his companions.

"Hengar, let me tend that wound before we go further," he cautioned.  "Mightn't have time to do it later in the thick of battle to come."  He took out one of the small, plum sized healing bundles from his healer's pouch and applied it to Hengar.  "There, should heal good as new and not bother you none when we fight next."

Then he turned his attention to Morgrim.  "You've taken a beating, but there's one bleeding wound I can help you with..." he said, getting to work.  Grim's thick hair posed a challenge, but Thane got close enough in smearing the medicating salve to coat the most worrisome of the druid's wounds.

Realizing that none of his other fellows were yet injured, Thane approached the Bear King, who had clearly suffered hurts at the hands of his allies.  "King Gunvald, if you're willin', I can tend your wounds as well.  Our fight was never with you to begin with, but with that Witch who seems to be controlling this damned black ice.  It's just natural medicines, boiled herbs mixed with natural oils.  Even some beeswax, if you'd believe it."

---

Thane will heal Morgrim and Hengar, and optionally King Gunvald (should he assent).

07:51, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 1d6+7 with rolls of 2.  Heal Beargim (Feat). Heal 9
07:51, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 8 using 1d6+7 with rolls of 1.  Heal Hengar (Feat).  Heal back to max (5)
07:52, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 1d6+4 with rolls of 5.  Heal Bear King (Feat). Heal 9 plus his level

While Thane tended to others Kira fished out the goodberry Grim had given her but before she could chomp down, Thane approached and tended to her wound.  It wasn't magical healing like Dal's but it worked just fine and was something she appreciated.  "That's a lot better ... thanks," she said with some relief.  She looked up the spiral staircase and frowned, not liking the darkness one bit and hoped they'd be able to see once up there.  A light shudder coursed through her as she wondered if this would be her last fight.

---

Edit: Thane healed 13 points so she's full again.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Mon 17 Sept 2018.

Morgrim planted a lick on the fighter's cheek that swept his hair straight back. Heading towards the stairs he looked back over his shoulder to ensure the others were following, and then he began his ponderous ascent.

Leaving King Gunvald and his beaten followers in the throes of ennui and despondency, the adventurers file up the spiral staircase, higher into the Black Ice Tower. About 40 feet above the audience chamber the staircase emerges onto the tower's second floor. Still standing at the edge of the staircase, the party takes a moment to assess the large chamber that lies beyond...

The staircase emerges into a large open area with a ceiling soaring some 80 feet above its floor. The large, circular chamber is adorned by six tall statues of the Fristmaiden that ring the chamber, and a central dais shaped like a diamond with Auril's snowflake symbol etched in its surface and inlaid with silver.

Glancing upward, 80 feet above the central dais, keen-eyed adventurers might notice a hole in the chamber's ceiling, the same size and shape as the dais below it.

The room is dark, save for whatever light source the adventurers brought with them and the only sound the adventurers hear are the howling winds that batter the tower outside.


OOC: Please double-check the stats as listed below and let me know if any corrections need to be made.

PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   25/30    1      NA
Kira      14   21/21    1      NA
Thane     18   27/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13       Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 22/34


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:17, Sun 16 Sept 2018.

BearGrim paused at the top of the ascent, sniffing the chill air of the open chamber.

Advantage on perception checks involving scent.

13:41, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 24 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 9,19.  Perception.

Kira held the torch high and to the side, hoping she wasn't making a huge target of herself but sadly she needed the light.

---

08:10, Today: Kira rolled 19 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 13.  Perception.

Morgrim detects the faint scent of death in the chill air but he does not have much time to attempt to locate its source because moments after he takes his first deep inhalation, the air inside the temple begins to blow as if in a storm. Then, a fair-skinned woman wearing nothing else but an elk crown and a fur cape descends from the opening above, levitating through the air to stop about 40 feet above the party.

She stares down imperiously at the adventurers gathered on the stairwell, her deep cold blue eyes belying the unbridled rage that stirs within her soul.

Hedrun Arnsfirth, the Ice Witch!

"Whom are these trespassers that sully the Tower of the Ice Witch, Chosen of Auril and Rightful Ruler of All Icewindale!?" she howls. She levitates above the adventurers with her arms outstretched, fingers drifting in the ice-shard strewn whorls that flit about her unclothed body.

Beargrim spread himself out away from the group, forbidding the witch the option of catching all of them at once in some sort of spell effect. A low growl builds in his throat as he keeps his eye on the chosen of Auril.

Thinking similar thoughts to Morgrim, Arnan moved away from the others, in the opposite direction.

Then the archer nocked an arrow and waited for the conversation and blustering to come to an end.

Thane finished his advance up the stairs, stowing his flail and grabbing hold of one of his throwing axes as the awfully damned distracting mostly naked Ice Witch used some kind of magicks to float down from above and hover in midair above him and the party.

He waited a moment in case someone else was going to answer, but nobody was so bold, and thus he cleared his own throat to speak up.

"Just some honest folk that don't think you being in charge of things up North here is such a good idea for anyone, except for you, of course, your nakedness..." he replied with a Luskan drawl and eyed her with perfect pirate lasciviousness.  Such talk and manner were unusual for him, but given the circumstances, he thought that sort of response might distract her for a few moments at least.  And honestly, it had been a while, and the sight of her was very distracting...and if he were going to die here, he'd at least like to have some fun banter before the end came.

"It's really a shame it's come down to this, all the deaths and whatnot, when you could have stayed where you were and birthed a whole new generation of honorable fighting men and women.  That would have left a real lasting legacy," he continued, adopting a serious and pragmatic tone.  He gestured at her with his throwing axe, "I mean, come on, you'd have had suitors stretching all the way back to Luskan if you'd kept to your station, would you not?  And you'd have been loved instead of feared and abandoned.  So...why all this?  What's the point of this?"

---

Thane is playing to her vanity and her need to be accepted / loved in order to get her talking, and gain time for his allies to get "set".
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Wed 19 Sept 2018.

In spite of the danger, Kira found herself smirking at Thane's oggling of the naked woman.  She had scooted around with Arnan as well after setting the torch down, waiting until Miss Floaty Boobs was focused on Thane to draw her own bow and knocking an arrow.

"Oh, but I am not in charge of anything. No, I am Auril's Chosen Daughter, and I work to do the Frostmaiden's will upon the land," the Ice Witch says.

The, studying Thane as one might look at an insect crawling across the floor, she continues. "There is too for you. All of you! Bow down and ask for Auril's mercy, and you too shall be spared winter's embrace!" She looks at the adventurers hopefully.



"This was to come regardless. The Frostmaiden's grip grows stronger with each passing day, the sun fading beyond the veil of distant horizons. Indeed, you must have noticed it too!

Winter's early onset. All will be buried beneath ice and snow, save for those who throw theirselves at Auril's feet, begging for mercy to see them through the coming days.

As to my legacy. Yes!" she beams. "This is why I work so tirelessly to bring followers to the Frostmaiden's bossom. Join me. Help me save Icewindale. No...all of Faerun!"

The young girl's cobalt eyes shine brightly now as she envisions the future, a future with strong allies such as those gathered below.

"You must do as I say," she implores. "Give your hearts and minds to the Frostmaiden and together, we can accomplish great deeds in her name!

What say you?"

The Ice Witch continues to float above the adventurers, bouyed by the whipping wind and ice crystals.

Morgrim growled, a throaty roar that reverberated about the chamber and echoed up through the aperture to the heavens on high.

“Well, you sure seem devoted to doing Auril’s will, I’ll give you that!” Thane replied, stalling for time.  His warrior mind was trying to figure out how to deal with the woman given that she was flying out of reach and apparently causing the strong winds.  Magic was not his thing at all, so he just resolved to take whatever came as it came.  He also decided to try to provoke her into doing something rash by using a tool he knew fairly well: mockery and confrontation.

“I used to be religious like you, until I figured out that the gods weren’t really real,” he continued in acrid tones.  “A fine follower of Tempus was I, ooooooh yes I was!  Until the god of battles let my whole company get wiped out by Drow a few years back!”  Thane sneered at the memory and continued his talk.  It was speeding up and becoming staccato-like, a verbal barrage.

“If your precious Auril really exists, why does she need YOU to do her will?  Ever think about that, eh?  If Auril is REAL, why can’t she do things on her OWN, instead of ‘working through’ a skinny, scrawny young woman who should rather be bearing children and giving suck to her babies instead of freezing folk alive who ain’t done nuthin’ wrong?”  Thane was clearly worked up now.  There was real passion behind his words; obviously he was giving vent to some personal truths.

“This Auril sounds like an utter bitch, and you’re just as bad of one for falling in with her empty lies!”

---

Posting from my phone.  Will color Thane’s words later from my laptop when I get a chance tonight.

The Ice Witch's demeanor visibly darkens as Thane not only blasphemes Auril, but all of the deities in general! For a Faerunian to claim the gods to not be real is preposterous and outrageous. Nonetheless, Hedrun listens as Thane continues his rebuke and, as far as she is concerns, condemns himself to an eternity spent in The Fugue.

But then, his words turn to isues she heard all too often while growing up in the Elk Tribe. There, the elders threw about words like honor, duty, station and place like they were going out of style. To hear this outsider bandy about the same sort of talk throws her into a final fit of rage.

"You will learn respect, even if it means I must bring upon your death, foolish outsider!" she shouts.

With this, the Ice Witch summons three elemental spirits to do her bidding as she rises higher into the sky, toward her sanctum, buoyed by the winds that rage above.

Comprised of frigid air and water, these imp-like creatures descend upon the adventurers, their mishapen mouths a mask of pitiless cruelty.

Meanwhile, unbeknonwst to the adventurers, their advance had been carefully monitored by a silent undying enemy, whom having been freed from over a century of imprisonment in the snow and ice, has also returned to haunt Icewindale, seeking to finish a conquest he began 129 years ago and to visit vengeance upon all who opposed him. Unearthed from the ice and risen in undeath, Akar Kessell, has helped spread black ice across Icewindale and has found a temporary ally in The Ice Witch.

Akar Kessell stalks invisibly behind a looming statue and springs his own attack on the unsuspecting party at the moment the ice mephits appear!

Akar throws three rays of scorching fire at the adventurers, one directed at Thane, Beargrim and Arnan!

Thane and Arnan manage to dodge out of the way just as jets of fire come screaming past their head, but Beargrim takes a shot to the side!

Up above, the ice mephits circle above the adventurers and seem to have their own devious plans...

OOC: Akar is about 30 feet distant, standing in the shadows of a statue. He is no longer invisible. The ice mephits just formed in the air and are circling about 40 feet above the party. Morgrim took 7 points of fire damage.

Ice Mephits, 3
AC: 11
HP: 21/21, 21/21, 21/21

Akar Kessell
AC: 12
HP: 112/112


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   25/30    1      NA
Kira      14   21/21    1      NA
Thane     18   27/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13       Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 15/34


PCs are UP!!!

Beargrim bristles with rage and bounds across the empty chamber to crash headlong into the troublesome mage. His teeth and claws both find purchase in the wizard's flesh as he gladly rends his foe.

Move to engage
Multiattack
1) Hits AC 16 for 10 damage
2) Hits AC 23 for 15 damage

20:26, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 10,15 using 1d8+4,2d6+4 with rolls of 6,6,5.  Damage.
20:26, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 16,23 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 11,18.  Attack.

Dal didn't have a lot of good actions available to her but she saw that Grim was going after the big bad guy.  NOT surprising.  So to try and give him a chance to hit, Dal called upon her Goddess.  "Mighty Sharindlar help me.  Let your might be channeled into a bolt and send it toward the undead creepy thing.  May your radiance strike true and kick his ass because I know you can.  In your name I pray."   Dal stretched out her hand and sent a bolt at Akar her belief firm that Sharindlar would aide her.

ooc:  Guilding Bolt (p. 248)  range 120' lasts 1 rd, Make a spell attack against target.  On a hit, the target takes 4d6 radiant damage and the next attack roll made against this target before the end of your next turn has advantage, thanks t the mystical dim light glittering on the target until then.


19:48, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.  hit Akar?
19:49, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 17 using 4d6 with rolls of 4,5,4,4.  damage to Akar from Guiding Bolt.

For a fleeting moment, Arnan was undecided which foe to attack as Beargrim and Dalgura attacked the spellcaster. But the scout well knew that hesitation in battle could oft lead to a quick death.

He also knew that he could reach the ice creatures swirling above with his bow, whereas most of his companions would be hard-pressed to do so. So he lifted his bow and fired the arrow that had been nocked and waiting at one of the ice creatures, then followed it up in quick succession with  a second arrow, both of which struck their target.

---

OOC:

Action: 10:57, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 3.  Ranged Attack v. Ice Mephits (AC 11).

10:58, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 4 using 1d8 with rolls of 4.  Precision Attack Die-Roll.

Total Attack Roll: 14 Hit!

10:59, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 8.  Damage (Longbow).

Bonus Attack: 11:03, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 24 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 17.  Action Surge Attack (AC 11). Hit!

11:04, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 5.  Damage (Longbow).

Total Damage: 19

Notes: Arnan has used one of his four Battle Master Superiority Dice. He has also expended his Action Surge bonus Attack.

"What is this?!?" Thane exclaimed, shock and anger mixed into one tone.  Knowing that a spellcaster is bad business, he quickly followed Morgrim and engaged the wizard.  He used the weapon he had in hand - a hand axe.  He slashed with confidence and cut into the odd-looking being.  "Kira, I need your light!" he called out to the rogue, hoping she come join the melee, but really just wanting her and her precious torch to be nearby.

---

Move: move 30 feet into melee
Action: Melee vs Akar Kessell (w/ advantage due to Dal's spell)

11:03, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 20,8 using 1d20+5,1d6+3 with rolls of 15,5.  Melee vs Akar (AC12, Hand Axe).
20:29, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  Attack Roll (advantage) vs Akar.
Hit AC20 for 8 slashing damage

Kira draws her short bow and aims for the ice mephit that Arnan just shot. The rogue's aim is on point and she puts an arrow right into the little sucker's torso.

15:29, Today: DM Shard, on behalf of Kira, rolled 22,7 using d20+5,d6+3 ((17,4)).

Hengar rushes forward and throws an axe at the undead spellcaster skulking in the shadow of the black ice statues at the side of the temple. Then he joins Beargrim and Thane in melee combat.

OOC: Hit for 7 damage.

Beargrim, Thane and Hengar charge the undead sorcerer while Dalgura, Arnan and Kira send a volley of missiles and magic at the foes now swirling about the black ice temple.

Arnan and Kira focus their attacks on a single ice mephit, causing it to explode in a burst of jagged ice that falls to the ground like a hail storm! The other two mephits hiss in anger and descend upon the adventurers. One swoops in toward Arnan, Dalgura and Kira, the other Beargrim, Hengar and Thane. Both exhale a cone of cold air, the icy breath sweeping over the party members.

Meanwhile, in melee, Beargrim, Thane and Hengar notice their attacks seem to not be as effective against their undead foe. The skeletal figure in dark robes cackles manically as it draws eldritch power to itself. Moments later, the figure is joined by three duplicates of itself, these mimicking eachother in the same manical laugh. Then, all four utter arcane words and a volley of 12 magic missiles streak from their outstretched hands, all bound for Beargrim.

"You will make a fine pet in undeath!" they say in unison. Then, Akar Kessell reaches out with its skeletal hand and draws Beargrims life essence from his very soul! "Yesss!! Soon you shall be mine to command!!"


OOC: All four Akar Kessels are in melee with Beargrim, Thane and Hengar.

One ice mephit is 15 feet above Arnan, Kira and Dalgura and the other is 15 feet above Thane, Morgrim and Hengar.

Everyone needs to make DC10 Dexterity saving throws and will take 5 cold damage on a failed save or 2 cold damage on a successful save. Note: combined with the damage inflicted to Morgrim below, unless there is an intervening event I am unaware of, Morgrim will be reduced to below 0 hit points as a Brown Bear and will revert to dwarf form on a failed save. Stat block below still shows bear form.

Morgrim is also hit for 10 points of force damage.

Ice Mephits, 3
AC: 11
HP: 0/21, 21/21, 21/21

Akar Kessell x4
AC: 12
HP: 76/112


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   23/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield s
Hengar    12   21/30    1      NA       s
Kira      14   19/21    1      NA       s
Thane     18   25/31    1      NA       s
Dalgura   15   24/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   27/27    1      13       Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 3/34 s


PCs are UP!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:13, Tue 02 Oct 2018.

16:29, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Dex save (brown bear).

Morgrim passes the dex save and takes 2 damage. Looks like you edited the post and now I'm not sure if I have to make a second save as well. Morgrim's hitpoints were also adjusted from 1 to 5, so with the save he maintains his shape I think. Am I missing something?

Arnan shuddered as the unnaturally cold air swept over him, then muttered "What the hells?" when the foul  magicker suddenly became four identical versions of himself.

The scout was unsure what would happen if he put an arrow into one of the cackling skeletal figures, but he hoped that if some of the images were illusions, his target might be revealed to be either real or magicked fakery. In turn, that might aid his companions in deciding which image to target.

His arrow sped true and hit one of the figures that was arrayed before the adventurers . . .

OOC:

13:26, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4.  Dex Save (DC 10). Fail.

Free Action: Speak.

Action: 13:29, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 24 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 17.  Ranged Attack v. Akar/Mirror Image. Hit!

13:29, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Damage (If Applicable).

Hearing Thane call to her, needing light, Kira only managed to dodge most of the attack from the ice mephit.  She had tried to work again with Arnan on the one attacking them but could only scream out an obscenity along with the apology.

---

12:45, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Dex Save.
12:47, Today: Kira rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1.  Shortbow on Mephit.
No damage or sneak attack rolled ... for obvious reasons.  :(

Morgrim lashes out at the sudden refracted multitude of foes with a defiant roar. Channelling what little divine reserve he still had into his wounds, Beargrim's flesh knit closed. He would last a little longer this day.

Action: Multiattack
1) Hits AC 14 for 11
2) Hits AC 24 for 16

Bonus action: Combat wildshape heal: Morgrim expends 1 lvl 2 spell slot and regains 15 hp in bear form.

19:40, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11,16 using 1d8+4,2d6+4 with rolls of 7,6,6.  Damage.

19:38, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 14,24 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 9,19.  Multiattack.

19:40, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 15 using 2d8 with rolls of 7,8.

Thane felt the cold wash across his armor and he ducked just enough to avoid the full blast.  "Damn your magicky tricks!" he cursed at the undead mage, who was rather more tough than he'd suspected.  Then he remembered his silvered flail, and reasoned that it would be a much better weapon to use than his plain hand axe.

He dropped the hand axe in clatter and unloosed the flail from his belt.  "I'll find you, fiend!" he challenged and lashed out at the nearest image...

---

Free: Make Dex Save
19:17, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 12 using 1d20 with rolls of 12.  Dex Save (DC10).
Suffered 2 cold damage
Free: Drop hand axe
Action: Draw and attack with Silvered Flail
19:18, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 19,4 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 14,1.  Melee vs Akar Kessel (AC12) (Image or not?).  Hit AC19 for 4 (bludgeoning, silver) damage

Hengar faces off against the undead foe, using his axe to keep the thing at bay until he finds an opportune moment to strike. Unfortunately, none materialized and the dance continues.

OOC: Miss

Dal had done her best with her limited spell but was too busy dodging cold attacks from little frigid bitches that flew in the air.  She did manage to dodge the one attack and saw one of the bitches flying  so she couldn't try and smash it with her weapon.  Sharindlar would help her.  Dal was confident in that.  She would try to catch the flyer with her sacred flame that Shrindlar was so gracious to bless her with.  Hopefully the mephit would be busy dodging the others that Dal could catch her.

"Mighty Sharindlar please help us.  We are trying to triumph over the evil that is here so that your light may spread again.  May your radiance blind the evil and stop them for my healing is low and there are many.  In your name and by your grace, Amen."

Dal held out her hand and holy symbol aiming for the Mephit that she could see.

ooc:  Sacred Flame ( p. 272) - save on dex saving throw or take d8 radiant damage.
            20:02, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  damage from sacred flame if mephit fails save. (yeah, pin prick to it.  IF it hits).

19:20, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 18 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 17.  dc 10 dex save . (Dal saved, takes 2 points of damage)

Arnan and Thane manage to see through the mirror images enough to home in on the real enemy, or at least they guess correctly. Both strike their foe, though only Thane's attack proves as effective as it could be. The fighter seems to have guessed correctly in terms of overcoming the enemy's defenses.

Meanwhile, Beargrim savages two of the mirror images, causing both to dissipate in a shower of magical light. Twin Akar Kessells now remain, each moving in precise unison.

Finally, Dalgura directs a ray of radiant energy at one of the ice mephits, though it is but a superficial hit and does little but agitate the creature more than previously.

Akar Kessell wheels backward a few paces, taking cover from the adventurers now massing against him. After spending a century of imprisonment in the snow and ice, contemplating the evil he would unleash upon Icewind Dale, the undead apprentice of the Arcane Brotherhood has not intention of seeing his conquest and vengeance go unsated. He assesses the bear to be his greatest threat. Bear first, then the rest, he thinks.

His face drawn in total concentration, with both palms outstretched, the wizard shoots a volley of 12 magic missiles at Beargrim!

When the magic dust settles, the bear is gone and in its place stands a dwarven druid, still smoking from the sudden impact of so many magic missiles.

The ice mephits circle above the adventurers and eventually come together over Dalgura, whom they descend upon with icy claws ready to rip through the cleric. Dalgura dodges aside each, much to their dissatisfaction.


OOC: Two Akar Kessels are in melee with Beargrim, Thane and Hengar.

Both ice mephit is engaged in melee with Dalgura. Kira and Arnan are about 15 feet away and the others are 30 feet distant.

Morgrim is hit for 21 points of force damage, 18 of it absorbed as a bear, the remaining 3 from his normal hit points.

Ice Mephits, 3
AC: 11
HP: 0/21, 20/21, 21/21

Akar Kessell x2
AC: 12
HP: 69/112


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   23/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   21/30    1      NA
Kira      14   19/21    1      NA
Thane     18   25/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   22/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   24/27    1      13


PCs are UP!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:05, Thu 04 Oct 2018.

Morgrim coughs and points at the mage with a gloved hand. "You're good, boyo," he said. "But I can do this all day long." Regaining his focus once more, Morgrim threw himself back into the body of a bear and launched himself at Kessell.

Deception check to bluff Kessell (8). This is Morgrim's final use of wildshape until he rests.

Bonus: Wild shape
Action: Multiattack
1. Hits AC 18 for 7 damage.
2. Hits AC 18 for 12 damage.

13:54, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 8 using 1d20 with rolls of 8.  Deception.
13:58, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 7,12 using 1d8+4,2d6+4 with rolls of 3,5,3.  Damage.
13:57, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 18,18 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 13,13.  Multiattack.

~I wish that I could do more,~ Arnan thought to himself as he nocked another arrow. His arrows were mere pin-pricks compared to the heavy damage that Beargrim and Thane were inflicting.

The scout had noted that the magicked "false" images were destoyed if they were struck, based upon what Beargrim had previously done. Now there were only two mages battling Beargrim -- the true one, presumably, and one remaining false one.

~Mayhaps the best service that I can render is to destroy the remining false image, so that everyone else will know whom to attack,~ Arnan reasoned. ~I cannot tell which is which, of course -- so I must trust to my Luck to destroy the last image.~

With that thought in mind, Arnan swiftly drew back the bowstring and shot the arrow.

---

OOC:

Action: 12:09, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 11 using 1d20+7, unique dice with rolls of 4.  Ranged Attack v. Akkar/Mirror Image.

12:11, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  Precison Attack (Superiority Dice).

Total Attack Roll: 19

12:11, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 9 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 6.  Damage (If Applicable).

Notes: Arnan has used two of his four Battle Master Superority Dice.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:43, Sat 06 Oct 2018.

As much as Kira wants to break off and try to help take down the over-ripe guy who just unloaded on Beargrim, Kira knew she had to work against these frigid beings so they wouldn't hurt Arnan and Dal.  Then they could all gang up on Stinky.  Then as her arrow just missed the dang thing she reminded herself to focus and quit looking around too much.

---

20:45, Today: Kira rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5.  Shortbow on Mephit.  Miss dangit!

Dal concentrated again.  If she hit the mephit again it would be good.  It was a little annoying bugger but Dal had confidence that her Goddess would help her.  Sharindlar didn't like evil any more than Dal did so Dal called upon her again.

"Thank you for your help before Mighty Sharindlar but our struggle against the evil Ice Queen and her minions continues.  I know that with your continued help we shall eventually triumph.  Please guide your sacred flame towards that little...please guide your sacred flame towards that mephit again.  It is quick but not as quick as you.  It's evil needs to end.  In your name I pray."

Dal flung her hand out again towards the same mephit and held on to her holy symbol.  It gave her strength and she knew that Sharindlar would see how ernest Dal and the group was.  Sharindlar would see that they were fighting great evil and would lend her support.


ooc:  Sacred Flame ( p. 272) - save on dex saving throw or take d8 radiant damage.

08:34, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 4 using 1d8 with rolls of 4.  damage to mephit---if hits.

Continue continues to direct his martial prowess against his foe. His years of experience in the Luskan militia put to the test, he strikes the wight again with his silvered flail, an effective weapon against the undead menace.

"Use silvered weapons, if you have them!" he calls out to his friends.

OOC: Hit for 11 points of damage.

10:08, Today: DM Shard, on behalf of Thane Harkensen, rolled 12,11 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 7,8.  attack Akar Kessel.

Hengar nods in assent and draws a silver short sword he had chosen for himself. With deadly precision, he strikes hard and notices the wight recoil from the silvered weapon when it sinks into the creature's dead flesh.

"Yes! Much better!" he responds to Thane.

OOC: Hit for 4 points of damage.

10:09, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 23,4 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 18,1.

Beargrim's first strike passes harmlessly through the last remaining mirror image, dissipating in a trail of shimmery light, leaving the lone figure of the wight to target. Beargrim's next attack lands a blow, but again, it is less effective than he might expect due to the wight's innate resistances.

Thane and Hengar team up against Akar Kessell, bringing their silvered weapons to bear against the wight. Both hit and cause the vile thing to recoil in pain, its body sizzling when struck.

Next, Arnan shoots an arrow at Akar Kessell and hits. Then, Dalgura targets an ice mephit with a sacred flame, scorching the elemental with radiant light. Kira fires an arrow at the same ice mephit but is unable to score a hit.

In greatly weakened state and its magical energies nearly depleted, Akar Kessell quickly calculates the odds as decidely not in his favor. The wight did not spend all those years trapped in ice only to be defeated when so close to achieving what a young apprentice sought out to do over a century ago. No. Time to depart, it thinks.

One moment the wight is there, surrounded by its foes. The next, not. It vanishes from sight, an empty place where it once stood!

The ice mephits are not retreating however. They continue to battle. One exhales another plume of icy shards, catching Kira, Dalgura and Arnan in its wake. The other claws at Dalgura, but the cleric parries its advance.



OOC: Arnan, Kira and Dalgura must make DC10 Dexterity checks of take 10 cold damage, 5 cold on a successful save.

Both ice mephits are engaged in melee with Dalgura. Kira and Arnan are about 15 feet away and the others are 30 feet distant.

Ice Mephits, 3
AC: 11
HP: 0/21, 0/21, 21/21 (Dalgura)

Akar Kessell (disappeared)
AC: 12
HP: 44/112


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   23/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   21/30    1      NA
Kira      14   19/21    1      NA
Thane     18   25/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   17/24    1      13      s
Morgrim   15   24/27    1      13      Brown Bear: AC: 11, HP: 31/34


PCs are UP!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:37, Sun 07 Oct 2018.

Wheeling away from where Kessell had only recently stood, Beargrim comes to the aid of his embattled sibling. Swatting the wounded mephit from the air with his massive paws he pinned it against the ground and finished it off between his jaws expecting full well the explosion of ice to follow. While he himself could not get out of its way he did his best to shield his sister from the worst of the storm with his own bulk.

Move to engage wounded Mephits.
Multiattack
1) Hits AC 16 for 6
2) Hits AC 13 for 10

Should be enough to kill it.

Morgrim's dex save for the explosion to follow: 7
Protecting Dalgura as much as possible from the ice burst.

10:51, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 6,10 using 1d8+4,2d6+4 with rolls of 2,2,4.  Damage.
10:51, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 16,13 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 with rolls of 11,8.  Multiattack.

10:53, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7.  Dex save.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Sun 07 Oct 2018.

Beargrim swats one of the ice mephits and knocks it to the ground, causing it to explode in a shower of jagged ice, all of which is directed at the bear.

OOC: Morgrim takes 3 points of damage.

Dal's delight in the wounding of the ice mephit quickly turned to dismay when she saw the shower of ice coming in her direction.  As she dodged to one side, she gave a welp of pain but she had managed to avoid most of the shards.  As she ducked she quickly sent another quick prayer to Sharindlar.  "Please most beautiful and wise Sharindlar, guide your flame towards the Mephit.  In your name I pray."




OOC: Arnan, Kira and Dalgura must make DC10 Dexterity checks of take 10 cold damage, 5 cold on a successful save.

OOC: Arnan, Kira and Dalgura must make DC10 Dexterity checks of take 10 cold damage, 5 cold on a successful save.  Saved:  Dal takes 5 points of damage.


10:27, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  damage from sacred flame if mephit fails save.

Thank the good gods that Thane figured out something that would work against that . . . thing, whate'er it was -- and we had silvered weapons on hand. And Beargrim -- what a powerful ally to have at our side!~ Arnan thought to himself as the undead (Arnan supposed that was the right word, after having gotten a better look at the thing that was battling them) mage had suddenly disappeared, and Beargrim had swatted down one of the two remaining ice elementals.

In truth, Arnan was not sorry to see the undead mage disappear. He supposed that it would mean trouble for someone else, somewhere else, but at least it was no longer battling them here and now.

Arnan had grunted in pain as he was hit by a cloud of ice shards from one of the elementals, and now he set to work to try and help finish off the last of the three. He smoothly nocked and fired another arrow, and watched as the shaft sunk into their icy foe.

"Well done, everyone!" he called out. "Now, let's finish off this last one!"

---

OOC:

10:54, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 5 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 2.  Dex Save (DC 10). Fails.

Action: 10:58, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 23 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 16.  Ranged Attack v. Ice Mephit (AC 11). Hit!

10:58, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 7 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 4.  Damage (Longbow).

Free Action: Speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Mon 08 Oct 2018.

Kira hissed as some more cold washed over her, making her skin sting but she had managed to avoid most of the damage.  "Ya little *bleep*!" she said as she knocked another arrow and let it fly, feeling it was definitely going to hit the mark and tried to duck away to avoid any shards from the exploding ice creature.

---

14:16, Today: Kira rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Dex Save.  WHEW!
14:17, Today: Kira rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Shortbow on Mephit.  FINALLY HIT!!
14:18, Today: Kira rolled 9 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 6.  Shortbow Damage.  YES!!
14:18, Today: Kira rolled 5 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,3.  Sneak Damage.  Just to make sure it dies ...
Bonus action - dash to try to avoid getting hit by any shards

Hengar remains alert for the wight's potential return while hurling a javelin at the ice mephit harassing Dalgura. The javelin lands solidly in the mephits back causing the monster to explode in another burst of shards.

The last ice mephit explodes and, for the moment, no enemies are present. Undoubtedly, the wight cannot be too far away, but none detect its presence in the Temple of the Storm. Between the black ice statues dominating either side of this chamber, a vortex of whirling air spirals upward from the dais through a hole in the ceiling. The Ice Witch flew up through this opening the moment the wight struck from the shadows.

Save for the sound of rushing air, the Temple of the Storm is quiet...



OOC: Beargrim and Dalgura must make DC10 Dexterity checks or take 4 cold damage, 2 cold on a successful save.

[Private to GM: Ice Mephits, 3
AC: 11
HP: 0/21, 0/21, 0/21

Akar Kessell (disappeared)
AC: 12
HP: 44/112]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   13/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   21/30    1      NA
Kira      14   19/21    1      NA
Thane     18   31/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   15/24    1      13
Morgrim   15   22/27    1      13      Brown Bear: AC: 11, HP: 31/34



This message was last edited by the GM at 20:52, Sat 13 Oct 2018.

Dal jumped in glee as she saw the hits to the Ice Mephit and then did an "oops" as she remembered that they exploded.  She quickly dodged and only peaked up to stick her tongue out at the mephit.  "Take THAT you little..."  Dal didn't finish the statement because she remembered there were others around.  Is everybody ok?</blue>  She bowed her head again as her hands clasped her holy symbol and smiled as she gave thanks to her diety.  "Thank you most beautiful and powerful Sharindlar.  It is not over with yet but with your help, and the help of my trusted friends here, we won this round."




14:45, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 20 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 19.  dex save (dc 10) for ice damage.  Oh yeah, Made that one!  Takes 2 damage.

Slightly faster on the front step this time, Morgrim manages to throw himself out of the way of the worst of the blast...

He looks to the rest of the party to determine what to do next.

18:57, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Dex save.

"I've never fought anything like those ice-creatures before, and I wasn't as quick as I should have been in avoiding their breath and explosions," Arnan admitted.

"If all of our foes were vanquished, I could use a little while to bind my wounds and catch my breath. But as it is, I'm not inclined to give the Ice Witch that much of a head start on us."

Glancing up at the hole in the ceiling where Hedrun Arnfirth had floated up and disappeared, Arnan wondered out loud, "Does anyone know how her magicks work, and where she might have gone?"

---

OOC: Having failed his most recent Dex Check, Arnan is at 13 of 28 Hit Points.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Tue 09 Oct 2018.

Morgrim sits down on his haunches, seemingly content to rest if everyone else was. He looked from face to face to see if there were any objections.

I'm fine to have a short rest

Thane ambled over to the rest of the group and dropped his shield to the ground.  "Damn dead wizard guy up an' disappeared..." he announced, disappointed.  He gazed up in the direction that the Ice Witch had gone and whistled low.

"So how do we get up there?  Wouldn't mind a rest before we break our brains tryin' to figure that one out..."

Thane stowed his flail and made ready his crossbow, taking care to load one of his silvered bolts, just in case Kessell made another appearance.

Examining the air current that flows upward from the dais it appears one could ride the air up through the hole. At least that's what the Ice Witch did.

The adventurers see no other way of getting through that hole, save an extremely difficult climb up icy walls with minimal hand and footholds.

Thane stood away from the strong central winds and gawked up at the hole.  "Well, I need a minnit before I ride them crazy winds," he announced, then ambled even further away before sitting down on his butt.

He broke out his waterskin and a bit of hard bread and ate his snack.

"Figure miss naked-butt's not going anywhere anytime soon.  I hope she can be reasoned with, be a shame to have to mess her up with my flail," he said ruefully.

---

Short Rest.  Thane uses 1 hit dice to heal his minor wounds.
1d10+3 result was 13, so Thane heals back to max (31).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Sat 13 Oct 2018.

Dal sighed.  She wasn't opposed to a short rest but it didn't do her as much good as it does Grim.  She wouldn't deny him a short rest though for he was front line and a bit dim on things like ducking.  But he did it to save others and for that she gave him praise for.  She would get her long rest soon enough.

Dal sat down and looked at the opening.  "Is anybody else worried about going up a small opening, which by happenstance is the ONLY opening, where it would be easy to chop off our heads as we emerge on the other side?"  Then Dal thought a bit more, which was a little tough on her, and had another question.  "What happened to that mirror?  Can anybody else come through like we did?"

Beargrim shuddered and shrunk away into a slightly haggard looking dwarf. Morgrim smiled and took a seat behind his sister, leaning his back against hers. He reached for his waterskin and took a sip before offering it backwards over his shoulder. "I'll just have to go up arse first then," he said with a grin. "Let her try to chop that."

Arnan chuckled at Morgrim's quip, then strolled a short distance away and sat down cross-legged on the ice. He ate some rations and then set about tending to the wounds that he had suffered in the recent battle.

Dal took the waterskin and drank from it.  When Grim mentioned going up arse first, Dal shook her head.  "It won't work.  You didn't have beans last night.  Now if you had eaten beans, then no matter what shape you took, nobody would be safe.  We must remember that strategy for the next adventure.  Do you think that it would be considered a poisonous gas?  Even the undead would disappear and not come back.  Hmmm.  I wonder if we could bottle it in containers to throw at the enemies."  Dal smiled at the thought.

She knew she needed the rest.  She couldn't benefit from getting prayers from her Goddess but at least she could rest and be better fit than she had been previously.


17:24, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 15 using 2d8 with rolls of 8,7.  healing during short rest. plus 2 for con which she forgot to add in.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

An hour's rest was enough to restore Morgrim's focus, and he doubted he would gain much more benefit short of a full night's sleep. Clambering up from the floor he helped Dal to her feet and shouldered his pack.

"Right. Lets go have a chat with her nakedness and put an end to this once and for all."

Pausing long enough to make sure the others were following suit, Morgrim approached the vortex in the middle of the room.

"See you at the top," he said, setting his shield on his arm. Then he stepped into the winds, trusting to fate and the Gods to keep him from harm.

Thane watched Morgrim carefully to see what happened.  Assuming the wind carried the druid properly aloft, Thane then prepared himself to follow.

"Here goes nothin'," he said just for the sake of saying something.  Riding wind currents was well beyond anything he'd experienced before and so he was understandably nervous.  He clutched his crossbow rather like it was a piece of driftwood that he hoped would keep him afloat in the invisible sea of air, and he stepped into the air currents...

Kira was wary and a little weary as she plunked down, glaring up at the hold in the ceiling.  "Better be careful goin' arse first.  Could lose a danglie ..." she said, trying to lighten the mood a little.  She tended to her wounds as best she could then scarfed down some of the food she'd tucked away, enjoying a nice apple after the dried meat.  Then she curled up for a cat nap, knowing she'd wake at the slightest sound of danger.  When the others started stirring more, she stood and stretched before gathering her things.  Before she could suggest anything, Grim stepped into the winds.  "Like they say ... no time like the present," she commented wryly and would wait for everyone else to go up first.

---

09:39, Today: Kira rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8.  HD Short Rest.  So back up to full HP.

Arnan was still not altogether certain that natural updrafts (as opposed to magicks) were the reason that the Ice Witch could float about and fly upwards, seemingly at will. So he watched carefully as Morgrim, Thane, and Kira all took turns riding the winds.

When none of them came tumbling back to the ground, Arnan glanced over at Dal. "Would you like to be the next to soar like a bird, or shall I?" he asked her.

In reply to Arnan Aldwynne (msg # 93):

"Not sure about soaring like a bird.  Have you seen a bird with this kind of body?  Still, I believe in my Goddess and she will help uphold me.  No looking up my skirts now!"

Dal winked at Arnan and Kira, who looked like she wanted to go last and stepped up into the wind tunnel.  She could help but let out a quiet "_Whee!" as she did so.

Arnan feigned a look of innocence when Dalgura warned about looking up her skirt, and he winked at Kira. However, he did avert his eyes at the appropriate time.

After Dalgura had completed her ascent, Arnan glanced over at Kira, and she gestured with her head for him to fly up next. He took a deep breath, then stepped into the updraft . . .

---

OOC: Kira, since you (IC) mentioned going last, I made a little assumption that you would indicate to Arnan that he should go up after Dalgura. If that is incorrect, please let me know and I will cheerfully edit.

The brave band of adventurers steps into the vortex of icy air rising up from the dais at the center of the Temple of the Storm. The moment they step into the updraft, each gains the ability to fly, though this ability is limited to the area immediately over the dais. In any event, the party is not here to fly about the tower. Their objective flew through the diamond-shaped portal in the ceiling.

Riding the currents the party passes through the portal and lands in The Witch's Sanctum. Within these halls, Hedrun Arnsfirth Chosen of Auril and self-proclaimed Ice Witch has spent her time offering prayers to the Frostmaiden, communicating with her followers, and plotting domination of the Icewind Dale.

The room itself if sparsely furnished with shaped black ice: a slab against one wall serves as the witch's bed; a table and stool for meals are seat against another; a few shelves adorned with tribute from Gunvald and the cultists line another wall; and a small shrine to Auril, consisting of a plinth flanked by smaller versions of the statues from the temple below, is set against another wall.

The room is dimly lit by cold blue flames that burn atop the shrine. Standing behind the shrine, the Ice Witch, sheathed in eery blue light, wastes no time with further negotiation or parlay. Drawing on the power of her cruel goddess for protection, the Ice Witch unleashes her pent-up fury on the adventurers.

Outcast and abandoned by her tribe for the accidental death of her lover, she has turned to Auril's wicked embrace in response to the hurt that has welled up within her soul. And Auril has stoked the chill within her heart, whispered all the right things, and turned the young girl to her dark bidding.

Throwing her harms skyward, the Ice Witch commands, "Auril, Dark Mistress of the Frost, I summon forth your rage, down upon those who would attempt to thwart your will!"

The two black ice statues flanking the Ice Witch animate and lurch forward to attack the party, now standing on the plaltform immediately around the diamond-shaped portal. Simultaneously, freezing rain and sleet begins to fall down on the sanctum, heavily obscuring the entire room and dousing any exposed flames.

The ground quickly becomes covered in slick ice as Hedrun continues to command the sleet storm onto the adventurers!

The black ice statues have no difficulty traversing the difficult terrain. One rushes forward to attack Morgrim, the other Thane. The black ice statue slams a fist into Morgrim, but Thane manages to dodge the other's attacks.

Ice continues to fall down on the sanctum, coating the adventurers in a layer of rime!


OOC: Morgrim is hit for 6 points of damage.

The ground within the sanctum is now difficult terrain and heavily obscured. Additionally, all PCs must make a Dex saving throw (DC16) to avoid falling prone at the start of their turn. Additionally, if a PC is attempting to Concentrate in the sanctum, they must make a saving throw (DC16) to avoid losing their concentration.

Heavily obscured basically makes all attacks at disadvantage.

The Ice Witch is 20 feet from the adventurers. The black ice statues moved to block the adventurers in at the sanctum's entrance, effectively serving as a line of defense for the Witch.

Black Ice Statues
AC: 18
HP: 33/33 (Morgrim), 33/33 (Thane)

Hedrun the Ice Witch
AC: 14
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: (58/58) Ice Armor. Whenever Hedrun takes damage, she can apply half to her ice armor. Her ice armor can absorb no more than 29 hit points per day.]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   21/30    1      NA
Kira      14   21/21    1      NA
Thane     18   31/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   28/28    1      13
Morgrim   15   21/27    1      13


PCs are UP!!!

As the rime falls upon him Morgrim immediately falls arse over tea-kettle with a shout that would do his dwarven forebearers proud. Rolling on the ground he comes back up on four legs instead of two, snarling like the Fenris wolf of legend. Ignoring the statue assaulting him, Morgrim lunges at the one assailing Thane trying to snatch it from its feet.

Save: 11. Morgrim falls prone. Uses half move to stand.
Bonus: Wild Shape (Dire Wolf)
Attack: Hits AC 22 for 13 damage (Pack Tactics negates disadvantage)
Target must roll a DC 13 strength check or be knocked prone.

Attacking statue 2. Hopefully it falls prone as well, cancelling out disadvantage.

00:21, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 10.  Dex save.
00:20, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 13 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 4,6.  Damage.
00:20, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.  Attack.

"Dammit!" Arnan cursed as he slipped on the slick footing and sprawled awkwardly on the ice that covered the floor of the Ice Witch's chamber.

Scrambling to his feet, the scout scowled to see that two black-ice statues had somehow lumbered foward to block the adventurers' path to reach Hedrun. It made no particular difference to one who was armed with a bow, but Arnan knew that his companions would be unable to close with the Ice Witch.

~I wonder if those two ice statues will be stilled if we can strike down Hedrun?~ he thought to himself.

Squinting into the blowing snow and sleet, Arnan was able to put an arrow into the Ice Witch's midsection.

---

OOC:

Move: Arnan will use one-half of his move to stand up from prone, and then will maneuver as necessary to gain a clear shot at Hedrun.

Action: 13:34, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 2d20+7, keeping the lowest dice only with rolls of 1,15.  Ranged Attack v. Hedrun (AC 14); Disadvantage.

13:36, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 18 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 11.  Luck Point Re-Roll. Hit!

13:36, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 7 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 4.  Damage (Longbow).

Notes: Arnan has two of his three Luck Points remaining.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:50, Tue 23 Oct 2018.

"Yer really wearin' on me now, Lady!" Thane cursed Hedrun when the woman cast her wet wintry magics, dousing Kira's torch and making the terrain very slippery.

He managed to maintain his footing somehow, and hazarded a shot from his readied crossbow at the aptly named Ice Witch.  The silvered bolt flew between the threatening black ice statues but also shot right past Hedrun, and probably shattered upon striking the far stone wall of the chamber.

"Right then, let's deal with you bastards!" he oathed at the imposing statues, standing his ground and readying his shield.  He assumed his usual protective stance but sadly had to let go his crossbow and allow it to bounce off his boot before settling on the stone floor.

---

Dex Save:  08:48, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 18 using 1d20 with rolls of 18.  Dex Save (DC16).  Success!

Action:  Attack Hedrun (Light Crossbow)
08:51, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 24 7 using 2d20+2 with rolls of 17,5.  Crossbow vs Hedrun (AC14, Disadvantage).  Miss!

Move: Ready shield and lower crossbow to the floor.

Special: Protect Wolfgrim using Protector Stance (impose disadvantage against any attack upon Morgrim so long as Morgrim is adjacent to Thane and Thane can see the attack).

"She ain't no lady," Kira grumbled as she used the ice to her advantage, diving toward the statues and sliding between them to get to the other side.  Rising up on her knees, she let loose an arrow right at Hedrun and hoped she'd be able to hit and maybe even distract her to help the others.

---

18:12, Today: Kira rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  Acrobatics.
18:21, Today: Kira rolled 15 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 10.  Shortbow on Hedrun.
18:26, Today: Kira rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Attack - forgot the disadvantage.
18:22, Today: Kira rolled 7 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 4.  Damage.
18:22, Today: Kira rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,5.  Sneak Damage.

Dalgura attempts to keep her footing as a shower of ice descends all around her but she eventually slips and falls to the ground. Steadying herself on a nearby column, she pulls herself to her feet again, extends her palm and directs a sacred flame at the Ice Witch.

The Ice Witch smiles bitterly and steps aside of the attack.

10:14, Today: DM Shard, on behalf of Dalgura Ironhammer, rolled 8 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 7.  Dex Check DC16.

Hengar grabs for his axe and moves in to attack the ice statues, but he slips and falls on the precarious ice-covered ground. Still, he manages to get back his feet and when he does, he delivers a powerful blow to one of the animated foes.

OOC: Hit for 9 points of damage

10:14, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 19,9 using d20+5,d8+2 with rolls of 14,7.  attack statue.

10:14, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 14 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 12.  Dex Check DC16.

Arnan and Kira send two arrows into the Ice Witch. The arrows strike and cause shards of ice to chip off her body. More importantly, the attacks cause her to lose concentration and she fails to keep the sleet storm going. Seething with rage at their attempts to thwart Auril's Chosen, she conjures another spell, equally as nasty as the first...

Taking seven sharp icicles in her hand, she blows them toward the adventurers. The ground all around the adventurers magically erupts with activity as hard ice spikes and thorns converge to create a virtual prison of razor-sharp shards of dark ice!

Within the ice prison..

Despite Wolfgrim's best efforts to drag the ice statue to the ground, the foe remains standing and pummels the dire wolf's muzzle with one of its icy fists. To his left, the other statue concentrates on Hengar, walloping the barbarian twice with two slams that cause Hengar to wince with pain.


OOC: Morgrim is hit for 7 points of damage. Hengar is hit for 13 points of damage.

The entire chamber is now filled with ice spikes and thorns and the area is difficult terrain. Anytime a creature moves within the area it takes 2d4 piercing damage for every 5 feet it travels.

The Ice Witch is 20 feet from the adventurers, with exception of Kira, whom is 5 feet distant.

The black ice statues moved to block the adventurers in at the sanctum's entrance, effectively serving as a line of defense for the Witch.

Black Ice Statues
AC: 18
HP: 24/33 (Morgrim/Hengar), 20/33 (Morgrim/Thane)

Hedrun the Ice Witch
AC: 14
HP: -12/?? [Private to GM: (46/58)

Ice Armor. Whenever Hedrun takes damage, she can apply half to her ice armor. Her ice armor can absorb no more than 29 hit points per day.

Ice Armor: 20/29]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12    8/30    1      NA
Kira      14   21/21    1      NA
Thane     18   31/31    1      NA
Dalgura   15   28/28    1      13
Morgrim   15   21/27    1      13       Dire Wolf: AC 14, HP: 30/37


PCs are UP!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:20, Sun 28 Oct 2018.

Hengar drives his axe into the animated statue again, sending another large chunk of ice scattering off the thing's shoulder.

"Ha!" he cries out. "Axe works just fine against these things!"

OOC: Hit for 4 points of damage.

17:11, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 22,4 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 17,1.

Noting Hengar's success with his axe but also the barbarian's mounting injuries, Wolfgrim changes tactics and tries to drag the statue menacing the northman from its feet. His teeth find purchase in the black ice as he struggles to bring it down.

Action: Attack hits AC 23 for 12 damage (pack tactics grants advantage)
Target must roll a DC 13 strength check or be knocked prone.
Targeting statue 1 (Hengar/Morgrim).

Statue 1 has 8 health remaining!

20:51, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 12 using 2d6+3 with rolls of 6,3.  Damage.
20:50, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 23 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 18,13.  Pack tactics.

Now that she was close to Hedrun, Kira dropped her bow and pulled the nice rapier she had been granted by the villagers.  It was going to hurt and going up close and personal was likely not the smartest thing she'd ever done, but if she could harry the demented woman long enough for her friends to take care of the statues they might be able to defeat her.  Gritting her teeth, she lunged with hopes of skewering the witch a few times.

---

05:59, Today: Kira rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Special Rapier.
06:00, Today: Kira rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 3.  Damage.
06:00, Today: Kira rolled 10 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,5.  Sneak Damage.
06:10, Today: Kira rolled 5 using 2d4 with rolls of 2,3.  Damage from moving around icicles.  Ouch!

Dal looked around and saw all the swirling ice striking the goup and how difficult it was to stand up.  If one couldn't stand, then one would just stay where they were for as long as they could.

Dal took our a vial of her holy water and grasped her holy symbol to speak to Sharindlar.  "Oh dearest and most wise Sharlindlar, now is the time when I need your help the most.  We are so close to defeating your enemy and hopefully releasing evil's cold grasp upon the citizens of this land.  Please protect and Bless my furry butt brother Morgrim as well as Keira and Thane.  I know they don't pray to you but I have enough faith in your for all three of them and Morgrim really doesn't mind.  We talk about his God and you all the time and all of them know your might and generosity.  We couldn't have made it this far without your help and assistant.  I pray in your name that you will see fit to spread your blessings amongst them.  Amen."  As she had spoken the names of those she was petitioning Sharlindlar's for, Dal shook the holy water.  Once for Morgrim, Once for Keira, and once for Thane.

Dal kept mentally uttering her prayer to Sharlindlar asking for her to Bless those she had named.  Dal wished she could have blessed more but she was just starting out on her chosen path.  Eventually she would be able to do more.  Dal could, however, do what Dwarves were good at.  Concentrating on their task at hand and so Dal did.


ooc:  Bless (page 219 although I am taking the info off the internet since I'm at work).

Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V S M (A sprinkling of holy water)
Duration: Up to 1 minute
Classes: Cleric, Paladin

You bless up to three creatures of your choice within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to the attack roll or saving throw.

Still hoping that felling Hedrun would cause the ice creatures to lose the spark that animated them, Arnan shot two arrows in quick succession at the priestess of the Frostmaiden. Both found their mark.

Seeing that the second arrow had seemingly distracted the Ice Witch and reasoning that this would make it easier to hit her, Arnan called out, "Quickly, Thane!"

---

OOC:

Action: 17:36, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 18 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 11.  Ranged Attack v. Hedrun (AC 14). Hit!

17:37, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7.  Damage (Longbow).

Action Surge: 17:38, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 25 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 18.  Bonus Attack v. Hedrun. Hit!

17:39, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Bonus Attack Damage .

17:55, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 1 using 1d8 with rolls of 1.  Distracting Strike Superiority Die.

Total Damage This Round: 16

Free Action: Speak.

Notes: Arnan's Action Surge feature cannot be used again. Arnan has used the Distracting Strike maneuver, which will give Thane the Advantage on his attack if he attacks Hedrun before the start of Arnan's next turn. Arnan has expended three of his four Superiority Dice.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Tue 30 Oct 2018.

Thane was alarmed at how hard the Black Ice statues hit his companions, Morgrim and Hengar.  He decided to switch his tactics a bit and protect the barbarian from further harm, first by taking down - if he could - the most damaged of the statues, second by using his shield play to ward off any attacks from both statues if necessary aimed at the stubborn tribesman.

Arnan's cry was a mere distraction to Thane as he drew his silvered flail and swung quickly at the weakened statue.  It must have only been the boon of the dwarf gods that allowed the chained head to connect, for it was a weak hit that first struck the foe.  Thane growled and sneered and made a supreme effort to swing the flail around again, and this time the head struck with much force!

---

Attack: Silver Flail vs statue 1, AC18
18:11, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17,4 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 12,1.  Same attack, this time with a D20, not D29.  Unmodified miss (AC17), BUT...
18:12, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 2 using 1d4 with rolls of 2.  Bless add-on to original attack roll.
Using the Bless advantage, Hit AC19!  Inflicted 4 damage (bludgeoning, silver)

Expend Action Surge: Attack again: Silvered flail vs statue 1, AC 18
18:13, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 18,9 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 13,6.  Action Surge: Attack BI Statue Again (AC18).  Hit for 9 damage (silver, bludgeoning)

Total Damage: 13 (silver, bludgeoning) vs Statue 1

Other: Use Protector abilty to benefit Hengar (all attacks against Hengar that Thane can see will be at disadvantage)

Hengar, Wolfgrim and Thane gang up on one of the black ice statues. They hack, chew and slash at their animated foe, sending chips of ice scattering this way and that. Together, the trio manage to inflict enough damage to take one of the statues down!

Its companion, the other faceless black ice statue, wails on Wolfgrim, kicking the dire wolf in its side then following up with a punch to its ribcage. Both blows hurt, but not enough to take the wolf out of the battle.

Meanwhile, Kira bravely dashes through the ice spike labyrinth, impaling herself on a few shards while closing ranks with the Ice Witch. Arnan does his best to cover her advance, sending two arrows into the crazed woman, but she still manages to keep her concentration on maintaining the icy prison.

Arnan notices that each time his arrows strike the Ice Witch, they seem to chip off a layer of ice that surrounds the woman. His best estimate is the ice serves as some sort of armor for her. In any event, she appears to be taking notice of each attack, marking off her foes to pick off in the future...

Kira leaps over a shard of ice and plunges her rapier into the Ice Witch. She screams out in pain, causing her to lose focus on maintaining her spell. The ice spikes crumble to dust all around the cavern and she utters a curse. She smiles cooly and from her outreached palm sends a storm of five ice darts straight at Kira. All five impact point blank, overcoming the rogue with a spasm of pain as ice pummels her and causes her to slip into unconsciousness!

"How dare you defy Auril's will! Down you will go, townie vermin!" she reproaches.

"Soon, All of Ten Towns will know Auril's embrace. Let winter come with a vengeance. A winter to equal this world's cruel, wicked heart!"

The pale-skinned, mostly naked young woman seems to be in a trance now, oblivious to the wounds that now pepper her flesh, blood running over ice to meet the cold, icy ground.



OOC: Morgrim took 11 points of damage from the statue. Kira took 18 points of damage from the ice dart spell, on top of the 5 she incurred from the ice spikes (total damage = 23)

Kira is Unconscious and must now make Death Saving Throws (i.e., unmodified d20s, 10 or better

The Ice Witch is 20 feet from the adventurers, with exception of Kira, whom is lying at the her feet, unconscious.

Black Ice Statues
AC: 18
HP: 0/33, 20/33 (Morgrim/Thane/Hengar)

Hedrun the Ice Witch
AC: 14
HP: -28/?? [Private to GM: (30/58)

Ice Armor. Whenever Hedrun takes damage, she can apply half to her ice armor. Her ice armor can absorb no more than 29 hit points per day.

Ice Armor: 4/29]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12    8/30    1      NA
Kira      14   -2/21    1      NA       Unconscious, Death Saves, Bless (+d4 attack or saves)
Thane     18   31/31    1      NA       Bless (+d4 attack or saves)
Dalgura   15   28/28    1      13
Morgrim   15   21/27    1      13       Bless (+d4 attack or saves); Dire Wolf: AC 14, HP: 19/37


PCs are UP!!!

Hengar turns his attention to the other black ice statue, swinging his weapon with great force, but not enough to chip through the its solid ice torso.

07:06, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 9,11 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 4,8.

Kira knew it was foolish but she at least had the satisfaction of seeing the painful icicles crumble, which would certainly help the others, before more ice perforated her torso.  It happened so fast she didn't even make a sound other than her body hitting the ground but she's a tough little thing, been through this whole dying thing before.  Not saying she likes it much, but being unconscious has a way of keeping it from seeming so bad.

---

14:08, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Death Save.

Wolfgrim watched as Kira fell before the terrifying might of the Ice Witch. Like Hedrun he had no notion that the woman still drew breath and even now opened her eyes once more. Instead he knew only blackness and rage. With a howl that reverberated up to the heaves, Wolfgrim leapt upon the Ice Witch and tried to drag her down.

Move to engage Hedrun. Movement draws attack of opportunity from Ice Statue.
Hengar and Thane may both move now without drawing attacks of opportunity should they chose.
Attack: Hits AC 22 for 8 damage.
DC 13 strength save or be knocked prone

Dal decided to stay where she was and continue to concentrate on the Bless.  She knew her friends could use it and to tell the truth they were better in combat than she was.

The ice statue kicks Wolfgrim as he slips away to engage the Ice Witch.

OOC: Hit for 5 points of damage.

Arnan grimaced when he saw Kira fall prone at the Ice Witch's feet. Having no healing training, he was unsure as to her condition, but he hoped that she would survive whatever wounds she had suffered.

But first things first. Morgrim in Dire Wolf form had closed with Hedrun, and Arnan watched as he savaged the Ice Witch. He waited with nocked arrow until he had an open shot, and then he loosed the arrow and saw it flie true.

---

OOC:

Action: 14:25, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19.  Ranged Attack v. Hedrun (AC 14). Hit!

14:26, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 8 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 5.  Damage (Longbow).

Thane attacks the remaining statue, hitting AC18 for 8 damage  (silver, bludgeoning).  He will protect Hengar using the Protector fighter ability.

Arnan shoots the Ice Witch with an arrow while Thane squares off against the statue. The statue smashes into Thane, though it's not enough to bring the warrior down.

Elsewhere...

Wolfgrim drags Hedrun to the ground, the ice sheath surrounding her crumbles as she falls onto the floor. Letting out an anguished cry, the Ice Witch pulls herself to her feet, raises her arms toward the domed ceiling and conjures a raging storm cloud that swirls within the tower. The air grows electric, Morgrim and Kira's hair standing on end moments before a crack of thunder rents the air and a lightning bolt descends from the swirling, dark cloud!

The bolt strikes Kira and Wolfgrim, illuminating both in a nimbus of pure white energy.

The Ice Witch smiles with child-like glee, pleased with the primal power she now commands as Chosen of Auril.


OOC:

Kira is unconscious and making Death Saves again...

Morgrim and Kira must make DC 13 Dexterity Saving Throws, taking 25 lightning damage on a failed save and 12 on a successful save. If Kira fails this saving throw, she will immediately die (no death saves necessary), since 25 is more than her hit point total.

Thane takes 7 points of damage.

The Ice Witch is 20 feet from the adventurers, with exception of Morgrim and Kira, whom are both now in melee contact with her.

Black Ice Statues
AC: 18
HP: 0/33, 12/33 (Thane/Hengar)

Hedrun the Ice Witch
AC: 14
HP: -40/?? (Morgrim/Kira) [Private to GM: (18/58) ]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12    8/30    1      NA
Kira      14    1/21    1      NA       Bless (+d4 attack or saves), Prone
Thane     18   24/31    1      NA       Bless (+d4 attack or saves)
Dalgura   15   28/28    1      13
Morgrim   15   21/27    1      13       Bless (+d4 attack or saves); Dire Wolf: AC 14, HP: 2/37


PCs are UP!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:20, Fri 02 Nov 2018.

Hengar nearly jumps out of his skin when the lightning bolt strikes Morgrim and Kira. Awesome is the power Hedrun, daughter of Soren Arnsfirth, one of the Elk Tribe's oldest warriors, now wields. If only Mjenir Tormhaalt, Shaman of the Elk Tribe could have harnessed that power to the tribe's will, rather than petition for Hedrun's banishment after his son froze to death, purportedly at Hedrun's touch. These thoughts race through the Elk Tribesman's mind as he struggles to best the animated statue in battle.

Try as he might, Hengar is unable to land a blow that strikes through the solid black ice. His blows continue to chip away at the animated construct, but do little to slow it down.

"Thane! We must take this thing down. Quick!" he says while casting nervous glances over at Kira and Wolfgrim.


23:44, Today: DM Shard rolled 7,6 using d20+5,d8+3 with rolls of 2,3.

Oh she hurt!  And just as she cracked open an eye and figured she'd try to play possum she saw Morgrim attack and for that split second had a gleeful feeling inside. ... which evaporated as she saw the woman's hands go up and felt the electricity charing.  In sheer desperation she flung herself away from the woman, rolling as fast as possible but still felt the charge go through her sending her back into oblivion.

---

07:25, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Dex Save.  Success!  Yet ... since she was only at 1 HP and took 12 points, she's unconscious again.  :P

Edit:  07:41, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20 with rolls of 20.  Death Save.  Holy Crap!  *thanks the dice gods*
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Fri 02 Nov 2018.

No time for a proper post! Heading out of town.

Morgrim succeeds on the dex save but misses his attack!

09:49, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11 using 1d20+5+1d4 with rolls of 3,3.  Attack.
09:48, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 23 using 1d20+2+1d4 with rolls of 18,3.  Dex save.

Condensed post for me, too.

Thane attacks the statue, initially missing but after spending inspiration, striking AC20 for 6 damage with his silvered flail.  He will continue to protect Hengar, even though the statue seems to have made Thane the new target du jour.

Check the dice log for my sequence of rolls.  I did have a double roll (thank you oddball connection)

Dalgura kept concentrating on the bless and since she was already in contact with Sharindlar she also asked for a sacred flame.  "Mighty Sharindlar, it's getting bad in here.  I must concentrate on your blessings to my travelling companions so please help out and grant me your sacred flame to go against this evil and vile creature.  That would be the head bitch that is standing by Kira.  Kira is bad off too.  If you're not super super busy, help keep her alive ok?  You're the bestest but please please help us take down this evil bitch.  In your name I pray."


13:18, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 4 using 1d8 with rolls of 4.  Sacred Flame damage if miss dex save.

Dal is not doing healing on Kira (she can't just yet) but is keeping her in her prayers just in case Sharindlar feels extra generous.

"Dammit, just die, already!" Arnan growled as Hedrun not only kept fighting after suffering wounds that would have felled a lesser opponent -- as well as unleashing fearsome magicks upon his companions.

He hit her once again with arrow, although 'twas but a glancing blow.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speaking.

Action: 18:48, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 24 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 17.  Ranged Attack v. Hedrun (AC 14). Hit!

18:48, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 4 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 1.  Damage (Longbow).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Fri 02 Nov 2018.

The ice statue remains engaged with Thane and Hengar but that battle has ground to a  standstill as both sides hold eachother at bay.

Meawnhile, Dalgura and Arnan continue to pepper the Ice Witch with ranged attacks, both mundane and magic. Arnan strikes her with a glancing blow but Dalgura is unable to pin down her target with sacred flame.

Focused entirely on weaving the powerful storm that now swirls about in the vaulted ceiling above, Hedrun summons another crackling bolt of energy from its dark rolls. A deafening clap roars through the tower again as streak of lightning strikes Morgrim and radiates outward to Kira's, whom is lying on a ground a few feet away.

The young woman's eyes are glassy white now, motes of energy race along her naked form, all consumed in the divine power of her immortal patron.

The very walls of the black ice tower begin to tremble and shake. Shards of dark ice and powdery ice crystals begin to omenously fall from the ceiling...


OOC:

Morgrim and Kira must make DC 13 Dexterity Saving Throws, taking 15 lightning damage on a failed save and 7 on a successful save. Success or Failure, Kira will be unconscious again and will need to make Death Saving Throws, again.

Success or Failure, Morgrim will drop below 0 hit points in wolf form and will revert to dwarf form, excess damage taken from his current total of 21/27.

The Ice Witch is 20 feet from the adventurers, with exception of Morgrim and Kira, whom are both now in melee contact with her.

Black Ice Statues
AC: 18
HP: 0/33, 6/33 (Thane/Hengar)

Hedrun the Ice Witch
AC: 14
HP: -44/?? (Morgrim/Kira) [Private to GM: (14/58. Max of 90)]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12    8/30    1      NA
Kira      14    1/21    1      NA       Bless (+d4 attack or saves), Prone
Thane     18   24/31    1      NA       Bless (+d4 attack or saves)
Dalgura   15   28/28    1      13
Morgrim   15   16/27    1      13       Bless (+d4 attack or saves); Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 34/34


PCs are UP!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:08, Sat 03 Nov 2018.

Hengar continues to battle against the Ice Statue, oblivious to his surroundings as he whirls and dives this way and that. The Elk Tribesman lands a blow that nearly topples the hulking construct.

22:38, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 16,4 using d20+5,d8+3 ((11,1)).

Hurtled backward by the blinding flash of light, Morgrim hauls himself up from the icy floor and brushes off his frosted sleeves.

”You’ll pay for that, missy,” he growls, throwing himself back into the fray. In the next step he falls upon the ice witch, twelve hundred pounds of bloodied teeth and claws.

Phone post. Dice on roller.

Dex save passed.
Bonus: wild shape brown bear
Action: multiattack, 2 hits on Hedrun. 16 damage total.

"We need to put an end to this!" Arnan muttered as Hedrun unleashed yet another bolt of energy that targeted Morgrim and Kira. He stared in amzement as Morgrim's shape shimmered, and the Dwarf somehow changed from a Dire Wolf to a Brown Bear, and immediately mauled the Ice Witch.

Determined to do his part in downing their foe, Arnan quickly nocked and arrow and hit Hedrun in the midsection.

---

OOC:

Action: 22:13, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 19 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 12.  Ranged Attack v. Hedrun (AC 14). Hit!

22:13, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 7.  Damage (Longbow).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:01, Mon 05 Nov 2018.

"Just die, you damned gilly-conkle!" Thane swore at the black ice statue.  The lightning storm was fearsome and Thane dared not look at it much.  The glimpses he caught looked badm very bad, with Kira and Morgrim being blasted again and again.

He was not sure that they both could survive it, and thus his anger swelled at the seemingly indestructible statue he and Hengar squared off against.

"Just die, I said!" he shoted while bringing his flail around one more time, a crushing blow directly against the side of the black guardian...

---

Attack:  Silvered Flail versus remaining statue:
10:50, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 23,6 using 1d20+5,1d8+3 with rolls of 18,3.  Attack statue 2, (AC18).  Hit AC23 for 6 damage (silver, bludgeoning).

Move: If the damage is sufficient to down the statue, Thane will advance the 20' to engage Hedrun in melee.

"Please help us Sharindlar.  Look after Kira and the rest.  Guide my hand or better yet trip up the evil Bitch or bash her over her head with your magnificent radiance.  In your name I pray."

Dal concentrated again and flung out her hand as she prayed and sent out Sharindlar's Sacred Flame.  Sooner or later it would strike and she just prayed that it would happen in enough time to help Kira.

OOC:  10:06, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 5 using 1d8 with rolls of 5.  sacred flame damage if miss saving throw.

In and out of consciousness, Kira was desperately trying to crawl away but electricity charged through her again and darkness overwhelmed her.

---

12:12, Today: Kira rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  Dex Save.
12:12, Today: Kira rolled 14 using 1d20 with rolls of 14.  Death Save.  One save but not waking up this time ...

Hengar and Thane strike down the second ice statue. It wails in dismay and crumbles to the floor, leaving behind little more than a pile of black ice shards.

Meanwhile, deeper in the sanctum, the Ice Witch stands over Kira's unconscious form, arcs of lightning racing over the pale-skinned woman. She raises her head skyward as she continues to reach out in a bid to draw Auril's fury to her. She suffers Arnan, Dalgura and Wolfgrim's attack with little more than a shudder; though Dalgura's sacred flame causes her to lose concentration on her spell, the dark electric-filled clouds dissipating in response.

The Ice Witch looks around wildly, seemingly unable, or unwilling to comprehend the scene unfolding within her sanctum.

"No....no...this can't be. I was Chosen!" she rails, the look on her face feral and dangerous.

"You! All of you!" she spits out, her mouth foamy and bright red with her own blood.

"What have you done?!?" she demands. "Taken everything I ever loved. Banished...Unwanted...unloved..."

"Curse them Auril! Curse them all!!!"

Hedrun collapses to the ground with a final shriek that shakes the very foundation of the black ice tower. Then, she goes lifeless on the cold ground as large chunks of ice begin to fall down from the ceiling. The Tower of the Ice Witch begins to implode!!!


OOC: All PCs must make Dexterity saves (DC 13) to avoid being hit by falling ice, taking 7 damage and being knocked prone on a failure and no damage on a success. Kira automatically takes 7 points of damage and suffers an unsuccessful Death Saving Throw as a result.

There is only one exit from the tower--the front door in the Audience Hall ~80 feet below The Witch's Sanctum.

Black Ice Statues
AC: 18
HP: 0/33, 0/33

Hedrun the Ice Witch
AC: 14
HP: -75/?? (Morgrim/Kira) [Private to GM: (0/58. Max of 90)]


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   28/28    1      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12    1/30    1      NA
Kira      14    7/21    1      NA       Bless (+d4 attack or saves), Prone
Thane     18   24/31    1      NA       Bless (+d4 attack or saves)
Dalgura   15   21/28    1      13       Prone
Morgrim   15   16/27    1      13       Bless (+d4 attack or saves); Brown Bear: AC 11, HP: 27/34, Prone


PCs are UP!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 00:50, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

A large block of ice slams down onto Hengar, nearly taking out the Elk Tribesman. "Aggkhh!" he cries out in anguish as he falls to the floor.

16:16, Today: Hengar Aensvaard rolled 9 using 1d20+1 ((8)).
This message was last edited by the player at 21:20, Mon 05 Nov 2018.

Dalgura's concentration was broken when she was hit by the ice.  She went flat but she still knew that Kira was in trouble and her thought was with her.  Not sure if the Ice Witch was dead or not, Dal cast a Sacred Flame at her for good measure and then looked at Kira.  From her prone position, since she was still holding on to her holy symbol, she prayed to Sharindlar to heal Kira.

"Mighty Sharlindlar, lend your healing magic to Kira.  I would have gotten over there but the witch distracted me.  No distraction can stop me from communicating with you though.  Please help Kira for she has been a loyal companion.  And thank you for helping me hit the Bitch Witch.  If it wouldn't be too terribly greedy, it would be nice to hit her again but if it comes to either that or helping Kira, Kira would come first.  In your name I pray."


ooc:  Dal missed on her dex save so takes 7 points of damage and is prone.

15:49, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 6 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 5.  dex save vs ice.

If Witch fails saving throw:

16:15, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7.  sacred flame damage if miss saving throw.

Wish I had maxed out on healing for you Kira but didn't.  Still you get 7 points back.

15:55, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d4+6 with rolls of 1.  healing Kira.

Beargrim glanced skywards as the foundations of the tower began to shake. Heavy shards of black ice tumbled all about them, and though the druid was nimble enough to step between them he could not do so and drag Kira to safety at the same time...

Instead, spotting a column of glistening blackness begin to crumble he elected to shield the stricken rogue with his body.

Sacrificing my success to shield Kira.

With the collapse of the tower now seemingly imminent Morgrim shouldered the rubble aside, shrugged off his bruises and headed to the central iris through which the gusting winds still howled. He looked uncertainly towards his fellows. There was no way of knowing whether the currents would hold, but there was also no other way down. Taking a deep breath he stepped over the edge - and prayed with all the conviction of his heart.

Marthammor lead us home...

Thane dodged a block of falling ice and tucked the shaft of his flail into his belt.  Then he scooped up the limp body of Kira with his free arm, pulling her closely to his armored chest and covering her head with his shield.  Then he oriented himself towards the circular opening.

"Dammit, Tempus, I fought in your name for years until that day when my whole company died fighting the drow!  It would be really awesome if you showed me some favor today and let me escape this place with these fine warriors all intact!  Imagine the songs we'd sing in your honor, oh Lord of Battles!  Do something to restore my faith in you!" Thane half prayed, half bargained as he strove to make best speed.

---

17:59, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.  DEXSave (DC13). Success!
Action: Stow Weapon
Move: Pick Up Kira
Bonus: Pray-Bargain

Trusting in his chosen patron deity, Morgrim bounds toward the diamond-shaped hole in the floor and steps into the magic current. Fortunately, the magic portal is still functional and the large brown bear drifts harmlessly down the current into the Temple of the Storm.

Thane sees this and scoops up Kira in his arms and charges headlong after Morgrim, likewise putting his faith in his deity. Though in his case, it comes as more of a challenge than a plea. In any event, his plea does not fall on deaf ears. Thane and Kira are soon drifting down the magic vortex, a few few behind Morgrim.

Presumably, the rest of the party follows suit as no other options remain. Huge cracks race up from floor to ceiling all along the black ice tower as the evil structure continues to work its way toward total collapse.

Absolute chaos reigns throughout the tower while the party races through a jumble of treacherous black ice. Tainted by unspeakable evil and malice, the ice itself shrieks and moans as large shards of ice fall this way and that. There are several near misses along the way, close calls that would assuredly crush all but the mightiest, but the Gods seem to be on these heroes sides now and they somehow find a way through the chaos.

Ducking, diving and sliding through the remnants of the Tower of the Ice Witch, the party spills out onto a large iceberg moments before the entire tower collapses. A dark cloud rises over the adventurers, filling their lungs with fell mist. The dark ice dust eventually settles, revealing a darkly glittering pile of black ice where the tower once rose. A hiss of gloomy vapors rises from a deep fissure that disappears into a rift of utter darkness.

The wind howls over the large iceberg, the heroes' cloaks whipped violently behind them. Glancing around, they look onto a great expanse of broken ice that must easily extend hundreds of miles out to sea. To the distant southeast, the hint of a coastline is barely visible above a criss-crossed maze of icebergs.

Several yards away, King Gunvald and a handful of his dejected tribesmen are huddled together for warmth. There, they continue to recover while staring grimly at the dark fissure with a mixture of abject defeat and total bewilderment.

In this far-flung corner of the Sword Coast, deep within the Sea of Moving Ice, the adventurers emerge, victorious.

Heroes of Icewind Dale!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:30, Wed 07 Nov 2018.

Beargrim took a few shuffling steps towards his sister as he shrunk back into his more conventional guise. Arriving by her side Morgrim threw his arms around Dalgura and held her tight, glancing back at the wreckage of the former ice palace.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 139):

Dal jumped down and followed the others.  Once down she pulled out the healing potion that she had and went to Kira to make sure she would be healed.  Any other healing would have to wait another day.  "Help Kira drink this.  She needs it.  Thank you Sharindlar for your help and protection.  In your name Amen."

Then Dal went into Grims arms and returned his hug.  "You are the most awesome brother and while I still love Sharindlar best, your Goddess has my thanks for helping us too."  Dal was quiet for a bit, just enjoying being in her brothers arms but he WAS Beargrim and she WAS his sister.  She took half a step back and gave him a soft punch in his arm.  "Ok.  Enough of that.  You are Morgrim now but how come I still smell Bear?  Oh yeah, you haven't taken a bath yet."  She chuckled and then tackled him again for a big hug.

It was all so hazy but Kira thought she saw Morgrim throw himself over her, heard more than saw rocks falling all around them.  She was tryign to claw her way back to full consciousness when something grabbed her up and for a moment she thought one of the statues had gotten hold of her.  That thought didn't last though as she felt herself sort of cradled, heard a familiar masculine voice pleading, and when she cracked open an eye saw it was Thane who had her.

Then there was the feeling of sort of falling but not, just that lightness that made her wonder if she was slipping back into darkness.  A soft moan escaped, all she could do at the moment given the pain that coursed through her entire being.  Another voice ... Dalgura's ... brought more of a smile to her lips.  "Dal," she croaked and touched the hand that offered the potion, for a moment her eyes locked with Dal's.  She couldn't find the words but there was love in her expression, love and gratitude.

A breath, then a deeper one, and she turned her face back to look at Thane.  "If I look like I feel right now ... you can just put me on a table for the feast," she managed to say, a lopsided smile forming.  She'd been perforated and electrocuted multiple times and even with some healing she felt every bit of the damage inflicted.  "Just make sure there's plenty of ale to wash me down," she added with a half-laugh/half-groan.

Hengar drags himself free of the wreckage that was tower and collapses onto cold ground, his body battered, bruised and bloodied. Rolling over onto his back, the Elk Tribe Warrior stares off into the crisp blue sky and thanks his ancestors for giving him the strength and conviction to seek help in Ten Towns. More importantly, for guiding him to this incredible band of adventurers.

They came through time and time again and Hengar knows full well the outcome would have been a lot different had he not happened upon this brave crew. He turns to regard Kira, herself nearly slain in the conflict with the Ice Witch, but still she somehow defiantly clings to life and has the presence of mind to have a laugh at her predicament. She trusted in Hengar, when all others had left him to die there in Bryn Shander's stockyards.

The warrior's throat constricts as he struggles to hold back tears. In the end, he succumbs to a flood of emotions and tears of joy, sadness and relief stream down his wind-shapped cheeks.

Laying there on his back, he eventually composes himself enough to give voice to ten simple words, "Thank you all, my dear brothers and sisters in arms..."

Thane was huffing and puffing by the time he and the others reached safety.  He nearly collapsed with relief when he was able to lay down his burden and see that Kira was going to be alright after Dalgura had healed her.  That girl was made of stern stuff, much more so than he had realized, and he blushed a bit even in the cold when she sought out his eyes and spoke to him.

"Nah," Thane replied quietly, a crooked grin of his own creasing his cold-chapped lips, "you're not a feast for the belly."  He took out his well used healer's kit and tended to the worst of her visible wounds.  His hands were sure and steady despite the cold.  "You're more a feast for the eyes.  A warm soak in a bath would do you wonders, not to mention giving me the chance to see to your other wounds, which I'm sure are many."  Thane gave her a confident wink.  "You're gonna be just fine, Luskan gal, just fine indeed.  Looks like Tempus didn't abandon me after all, or you, or the rest of us.  And for that I am truly grateful..."

Thane let his voice trail off, and was smiling a true gentle and relaxed smile as he turned away from Kira and made his way from person to person, tending their wounds, and making sure they each felt the gratitude and the bond of having been his battle-brother (or sister) in facing down the Ice Queen and ending her tragic tale.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Thu 08 Nov 2018.

Having journeyed to the Ice Witch's Tower through a magic portal that now surely lies broken and ruined beneath a pile of glittering rubble, the adventurers plot their return to Ten Towns. Fortunately King Gunvald's men have a few boats they willingly allow the party to use, the two sides making silent peace and traveling together through the treacheous iceberg fields  that choke the Sea of Moving Ice.

They soon pass beyond this realm and trek southeastward along the Cold Run, wracked by howling winds and biting snow. The journey is miserable, but the adventurers are heartened by the prospect of the warm hearth that lies ahead. Debarking at the small fishing village of Fireshear, the adventurers resupply and then trek across the miserable stretch of road known as Ten Trail.

The journey is long and hard, but several days later, they spot a circular wall rising from a distant hilltop, Kelvin's Cairn looming in the distance, and the twinkling lights of the town's inn promising refuge from the lashing winds--Bryn Shander!

Passing through her walls, the party proceeds directly to Kelvin's Comfort, where they promptly sidle up to a long table beside a roaring heart, content to be back among the comforts of civilization.