RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to [A] Legacy of the Crystal Shard

08:12, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk.

Posted by DM ShardFor group archive 1
Arnan Aldwynne
player, 166 posts
Human Scout/Archer
AC:14/16; HP:17/20; PP:14
Tue 18 Jul 2017
at 15:47
  • msg #190

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Arnan cried out in pain as the skeletal Dragon's massive jaws snapped shut on him. Luckily, however, the huge creature did not hold him in the grip of his jaws, and Arnan was left standing on his feet.

Well, for a short moment any way. Then his feet slipped out from under him, and he went down with a thud. Fueled by desperation, he shifted his bow to his right hand and quickly gripped his shield with his left. Then he struggled to his feet, knowing that to lie prone whilst within range of Icingdeath's jaws would likely be the death of him.

Arnan felt a surge as his reserves of energy kicked in. He doubted his abilty to outrun Icingdeath on the slick footing, for he had seen how easily the huge monster had moved across the ice -- whilst he himself had difficulty even standing up.

"Flee!" he called out to his allies and companions. "I'll keep Icingdeath busy for as long as I can."

Next, he concentrated on watching the skeletal Dragon's head, doing his best to anticipate the creature's next strike so that he avoid it . . .



OOC:

23:19, Yesterday: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5. Acrobatics Check (DC 13). Failure.

Note: Arnan loses his balance and falls prone.

Move Action: 11:16, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15. Acrobatics Check (To Stand Up From Prone). Success!

Notes: Standing up from prone consumes half of a Move Action. Meh, it's not like Arnan is going anywhere any way. I kinda assumed the same DC for the standing-up Check but even if it was a little higher, a 20 should do the trick.

Object Interaction: Ready shield (Arnan's AC is now 16).

Action: Dodge. Icingdeath's next Attack is at a Disadvantage.

Bonus Action: Second Wind. Arnan regains 6 Hit Points (he is now at 12 of 20 -- I forgot to edit the info above his Portrait before posting).

Free Action: Speak.

This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Tue 18 July 2017.
Kira
player, 121 posts
Human Rogue
AC:14; HP: 15/15; PP: 16
Tue 18 Jul 2017
at 17:55
  • msg #191

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Oh how she wanted to tear apart this witch covered in ice!  She heard Arnan's yell of pain but when he tried to tell them to flee, she just couldn't let go of her focus to do so.  When she felt herself slipping on the ice, she used that momentum to slide herself closer to the Ice Witch in hopes of getting close enough to engage and hopefully distract her from the others so they could take care of the skeletal dragon.



22:43, Yesterday: Kira rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Dex.
12:50, Today: Kira rolled 20 using 1d20.  Athletics.  Trying to get close to Ice Witch.

Thane Harkensen
player, 118 posts
Human Fighter/Soldier
AC:18; HP:22/22; PP:13
Wed 19 Jul 2017
at 02:12
  • msg #192

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Thane looked on in amazed wonder as the Ice Witch caused a massive amount of slushy, slick water to inundate the area where he and his companions were fighting.  His mind reeled with the notion that maybe she indeed held the upper hand, with all attacks against her having little discernible effect.  Added to that was the sight of the huge skeletal dragon tromping easily across the slickness and chomping down hard on Arnan, and his other companions falling down where they stood only to scrabble for purchase.

For his part, he was able to keep his feet.  Perhaps it was the scene unfolding before him triggering some dark memories and darker emotions that caused him to be so still as to avoid falling over by dint of his own weight.

Arnan's plight drew all of Thane's attention.

Arnan Aldwynne:
"Flee!" he called out to his allies and companions. "I'll keep Icingdeath busy for as long as I can."

The very idea of abandoning Arnan, or any of his other companions, was putridly toxic to his state of mind.  "The hells I'm leaving!" he roared.  His eyes took on a desperate, crazed look, as he started to move towards Arnan.  He churned his legs, pumping them like he had done when racing through the deep snows on the journey here, and he almost overbalanced right away.  But he recovered quickly, his reinforced boots finding purchase and he raced to melee against the dragon at Arnan's side.

"I'm not losing any else!  Not here, not today, or by Tempus, I too shall fall!" he ranted with the conviction of a haunted man as he closed the distance and swung his flail against the dragon's skeletal jowls in a show of invigorating effort.
OOC:
Compulsory DEX Save: 21:33, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Dex Check (DC13). Success

Action: Double Move to reach Arnan on difficult ground
Try #1: 21:41, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7.  Athletics Check (DC15) to move on the slick ground. Failure
Try #2: 21:42, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Use Inspiration to re-roll the Athletics Check (DC15). Success

Bonus: Ready Flail

Action Surge: Attack
21:42, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13.  Melee vs Icingdeath (AC14) (Flail). Hit!
21:43, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 3.  Bludgeoning Damage vs Icingdeath. 6 damage

Free Action: Rant and Rave

Note: Based on my understanding of the relevant rules (Opportunity Attacks, PHB p. 195), Thane's actions should not cause an attack of opportunity.  Thane does not "leave" Icingdeath's reach, which is the condition which triggers OAs.  He instead is closing to melee range.

This message was last edited by the player at 02:14, Wed 19 July 2017.
DM Shard
GM, 277 posts
Wed 19 Jul 2017
at 02:45
  • msg #193

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Thane skids his way into the fray, taking a solid whack at the undead dragon as he draws to within striking distance. The dragon coils around and flicks its tail at Thane in an effort to trip the fighter, but Thane jumps over the tail at precisely the right moment and gets in position for his next attack. The dragon cranes its neck around and roars, clawing at Arnan, but he blocks the attack with his shield.

Meanwhile, the Ice Witch continues to chant, this time conjuring three ice darts that materialize from her outstretched palm. The ice darts jet across the cavern, one bound for Arnan, Kira and Thane. Arnan sees it just in time to get his shield up again, an explosion of ice chips falling to either side of it. An ice dart sails over Thane's head, though close enough he feels the chills. Kira, still struggling to maintain her balance on the precarious ice, can do little to avoid the ice dart bound for her. It strikes her solidly, chilling her to the bone and making her feel quite sluggish.

The Ice Witch's form appears quite ragged now. Either her display of magic power or the combined damage she has taken from the adventurers' missile attacks is taking its toll on her. In any event, her jerky movements and cracked ice armor suggest she has been heavily damaged. Not that Arnan or Thane notice it, as they both have their hands full fighting a dragon. Kira however senses something is not quite right about the Ice Witch.

For his part, her father has taken cover beneath an ice stalagmite and continues to wail in agony upon seeing the monster his daughter has become...



OOC: Kira is hit for 7 points of damage and her speed is reduced by 15 feet this next round.
Any move or attacks within the ice sleet area must also be preceded by a DEX save (DC13), or else the character falls prone. The ice sleet area of effect is a 40 foot radius, centered on the adventurers. It will take a double move to get outside of the spell's area of effect.

The dragon is a huge creature and is currently in melee with Arnan and Thane. The Ice Witch is near the far end of the cavern, separated from the adventurers by the sheet of ice and the skeletal white dragon.

Hedrun Arnsfirth, "The Ice Witch"
AC: 14
HP: -23/?? [Private to GM: (8/19)]

Skeletal White Dragon (Icingdeath)
AC: 14
HP: -6/?? [Private to GM: (45/51)
]

PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Arnan     14   12/20    0      NA       AC 16 w/ shield
Hengar    12   22/22    0      NA
Kira      14    6/15    1      NA
Thane     18   22/22    1      NA


OOC: PCs are UP!

Hengar Aensvaard
NPC, 30 posts
Tribe of the Elk
Wed 19 Jul 2017
at 10:23
  • msg #194

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Hengar continues to slide every which way on the ice. Clearly frustrated by his lack of progress, the Elk Tribe warrior curses aloud in his native tongue though with all the physical exertion it comes out sounding like little more than a rutting bull.
Thane Harkensen
player, 121 posts
Human Fighter/Soldier
AC:18; HP:22/22; PP:13
Wed 19 Jul 2017
at 15:21
  • msg #195

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

"Cover up, Arnan!  Cover up!" Thane shouted at the archer, affirming what the man was already doing.  The huge skeletal dragon was quite the intimidating foe, and from past experience Thane knew how tough bones were against swords and arrows, the very kinds of weapons that Arnan favored.  Better for him to protect himself than be exposed to attack for little effect against the dragon, Thane reasoned.

Thane drew his flail backwards to line up another strike when his boots slipped out from under him!  He hit the slick ground on his side and immediately scrabbled around to get up, but he could find no purchase.  He lashed out with his flail in frustration but his attack lacked the strength needed to land a solid blow.
Actions and Dice Rolls:
Compulsory DEX check: 10:14, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 7 using 1d20 with rolls of 7. Fail - fall down!

Move Action: Attempt to stand up (Acrobatics) 10:48, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 7 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 5. Fail - stays prone

Attack from Prone: 10:49, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 9 using 2d20+5 with rolls of 9,4. Miss!

Kira
player, 124 posts
Human Rogue
AC:14; HP: 15/15; PP: 16
Wed 19 Jul 2017
at 16:16
  • msg #196

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

No possible way to dodge the ice dagger as she was sliding toward the Ice Witch, Kira gritted her teeth and then let out a snarl of pain as it hit and she skidded onto an uncovered patch of ground.  It took everything she had to stand but she did and pulled back another arrow.  She had to take her down and hoped it would stop the skeletal dragon too, the desperation to help her friends pulsing strong with every beat of her heart.



11:03, Today: Kira rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Shortbow vs Ice Witch.
11:03, Today: Kira rolled 8 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 5.  Shortbow Pain.

Arnan Aldwynne
player, 167 posts
Human Scout/Archer
AC:14/16; HP:17/20; PP:14
Wed 19 Jul 2017
at 19:16
  • msg #197

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

In a way it was heartwarming that both Thane and Kira had stayed to fight -- with the Luskan coming to Arnan's aid even as Kira closed with the Ice Witch. But at the same time, Arnan hated that his efforts to occupy the skeletal Dragon's attention and keep it busy attacking him would be for naught -- for he did not see any way that he and his companions could overcome both Icingdeath and a wizardess who could wield the immense power required to breath life into the long-dead legendary Dragon.

These thoughts flashed through Arnan's head in an instant and then were gone, pushed aside by the need to devote his full attention to dodging or blocking Icingdeath's attacks.

Luckily this time the scout was able to maintain his footing, and he peered up at the Ice-Dragon's massive head, trying to anticipate the monster's next attack . . .



OOC:

15:09, Today: Arnan Aldwynne rolled 18 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 13. Stand Up/Fall Down Check (DC 13). Stand Up!

Action: Dodge [Disadvantage to Icingdeath's Attack(s)].

Move: None.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Wed 19 July 2017.
DM Shard
GM, 283 posts
Wed 19 Jul 2017
at 20:17
  • msg #198

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

After skidding to a stop and calmly drawing and releasing an arrow bound straight for the Ice Witch's heart, Kira watches as it flies true to its mark. The arrow pierces the Chosen of Auril's armor, causing her, it, to begin crumble into a pile of whirling snow. In response, the skeletal dragon jerkily lopes forward, the magic force animating the wyrm's remains fleeing with the Ice Witch's essence. Then, the skeletal dragon is unable to lift its own bones and it collapses right in front of Arnan and Thane, showering the warriors with a spray of ice and bone shards!

The wind that had been whipping through the cavern eventually subsides in a single gust emanating from the pile of snow where the Ice Witch once stood. On the wind the adventurers hear the Ice Witch's laughter as if from afar:

"The form you have defeated is a mere vessel for my power--as hollow as your victory this day! Soon I will send forth another, and if you destroy that, another, until all of Icewind Dale knows the terrible wrath of my mistress!"

Soren looks at the pile of snow in disbelief, his face wracked in pain and grief. Hengar, finally able to stand upright, cautiously approaches Kira and places a hand on her shoulder. The warrior grasps it firmly for a moment and then whispers, "That was a mighty fine shot, Kira of the South!"
Thane Harkensen
player, 122 posts
Human Fighter/Soldier
AC:18; HP:22/22; PP:13
Thu 20 Jul 2017
at 01:16
  • msg #199

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Thane had lost track of the wider battle.  Down on the slick, cold stone floor he couldn't see much beyond the unnaturally animated bones of Icingdeath towering threateningly over him.  When the bones suddenly shuddered and collapsed into a shower of broken icy bits, Thane momentarily flopped onto his back from the great efforts required of him over the past days.

Only when the wind had calmed and the ghostly, far-away voice of the Ice Witch had spoken did Thane rise to his feet, moving slowly lest he fall down again.

He gave Arnan a pleased thumbs-up and then hazarded the few strides to where Kira and Hengar stood.

"What the hells just happened?" he murmured, obviously taken aback by the sudden and obviously magical ending to the formerly pitched battle.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Thu 20 July 2017.
Kira
player, 125 posts
Human Rogue
AC:14; HP: 15/15; PP: 16
Thu 20 Jul 2017
at 01:37
  • msg #200

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Kira listened to the taunting voice, frowning as she looked at the pile of snow that been the image of the poor man's daughter but her thoughts were broken when she felt the hand on her shoulder.  Looking up at Hengar, she gave him a half-smile.  "I may have been raised in the south but my mother was from somewhere around here," she replied.

Then Thane joined them and she gave him another of those half-smiles, partly relief and partly a bit of sadness considering everything.  "Kill the mage and the magic dies, something someone told me a long time ago.  I don't know if that was really his daughter or a construct of some type but at least she's not being used anymore," she said with genuine apology.

She looked at Arnan and he seemed better than he had been, a definite look of relief starting to creep up in her features.  They all needed a good bit of rest and she craved a long hot soak even more now.  "I would suggest we destroy those bones so they can't be used against anyone again," she added with a tip of her head to the now inert dragon remains.
Arnan Aldwynne
player, 168 posts
Human Scout/Archer
AC:14/16; HP:17/20; PP:14
Thu 20 Jul 2017
at 14:54
  • msg #201

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Arnan stared in open-mouthed amazement as the walking bones that comprised Icingdeath first shivered, and then collapsed with a great crash and shower of snow and ice at Thane's and his feet . . . well, since Thane was prone at the time, it may have been his head. A glance over to where Kira and the Ice Witch were battling told the tale -- for now there was no more Ice Witch, only a whispery gust that told of her ire.

Arnan's shoulders sagged, and he suddenly felt very tired. His wounds pained him a little, but he felt that this way something different than the usual wounds of battle -- those he had suffered before, without feeling like this. Mayhaps, he thought, 'twas the fact that I had looked Death in the eye, and had come to accept that He would claim me on this day. I was to be the rear-guard as Kira and Thane fled an unwinnable battle, buying them sufficient time to make their escape.

But now . . . here I still am, and Death is nowhere to be seen. I had steeled myself for something that did not come to pass . . . 'tis difficult to explain, but I feel drained and bereft of energy.


Walking slowly over to where Thane and Kira stood with Hengar, Arnan barely had enough strength to smile a thin smile. "Thank you," he said to Thane, "for rushing to my aid."

"And I congratulate the both of you for having the good sense to ignore my advice to flee. Your stubbornness in the face of long odds has given us a great victory."




OOC:

Kira to Arnan: "Oh, why don't you quit your whining and just man-up, already? I'm hurt worse than you are, and you don't see me moping around and dragging ass!" :)

Kira
player, 126 posts
Human Rogue
AC:14; HP: 15/15; PP: 16
Thu 20 Jul 2017
at 17:39
  • msg #202

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Kira looked at Arnan and snorted lightly.  "Like we'd ever leave you behind," she mock-scoffed and then impulsively hugged him, then Thane, and even Hengar though he impish smile had faded and there was a return of the pained expression.  "We're a team ... right?  Though right now I think I need a healer," she said with a frustrated sigh.



OOC:  Even Kira knows this is not the time to poke at raw wounds, physical and literal.  :P
Thane Harkensen
player, 123 posts
Human Fighter/Soldier
AC:18; HP:22/22; PP:13
Thu 20 Jul 2017
at 18:07
  • msg #203

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

"I don't leave battle-brothers to die," Thane replied to Arnan.  There was an absolute seriousness to his tone that likely gave the experienced archer cause for mental pause.  Thane grasped and shook Arnan's shoulder firmly, then turned to give his attention back to the greater group.

"Let me tend to your wounds, and then I'm all for gettin' out of this dreary place," he suggested.  Pulling out his diminishing healing kit, he selected some bandaging and salves which he applied to Kira and Arnan.

"Your wounds should close up nicely," he told them both. "Just be glad Icindeath's bones were so old that they'd not be carryin' diseases.  Real animal bites can get very nasty very fast, what with how foul animal slobber can be," he advised Arnan in particular.
Expend two uses of his healing kits to tend to Kira and Arnan.
13:57, Today: Thane Harkensen rolled 12,11 using 1d6+6,1d6+6 with rolls of 6,5.  Heal: Kira, Arnan.  Both Kira and Arnan are restored to full hit points.

This message was last edited by the player at 12:31, Fri 21 July 2017.
DM Shard
GM, 285 posts
Thu 20 Jul 2017
at 23:57
  • msg #204

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

The battle is over. All that remains of the Ice Witch is a little pile of snow that drifts along the floor, carried aloft by a gentle breeze funneling through the ice cavern. The bones of Icingdeath now lie inert on the floor, and thankfully so. Had Kira not defeated the Ice Witch's simulacrum, the dragon would have undoubtedly tore the party apart. Fortunately that did not come to pass.

Hengar takes stock of Icingdeath's lair, perhaps imagining what it must have been like when the legendary hero, Wulfgar, bested the white dragon in melee combat. Hengar examines its remains more closely and marvels at its dessicated flesh frozen to its bones. The great icicle that Wulfgar used to stab its heart is still lodged in the creature's ribs.

Looking about the great cavern, the party notices glints of metal buried beneath sheets of ice, perhaps remnants of Icingdeath's hoard encased in a century's worth of freeze and thaw, though mostly the former.
Arnan Aldwynne
player, 169 posts
Human Scout/Archer
AC:14/16; HP:17/20; PP:14
Fri 21 Jul 2017
at 01:45
  • msg #205

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 204):

"Thanks, that feels better," Arnan told Thane after the Luskan had opened up his healing kit and tended to the archer's wounds.

"That is quite useful," Arnan continued, nodding his head at the healing kit. "I am certainly willing to pay to help replenish your healer's supplies."

Before leaving the cavern, Arnan caught sight of the glint of metal situated in what might well be Icingdeath's Dragon-Horde. "Most of the great Dragon's treasures are probably buried under a century's worth of ice. But we should look about. After nearly killing us, 'twould be a measure of justice if Icingdeath gives up a share of his hoard to us."
Thane Harkensen
player, 124 posts
Human Fighter/Soldier
AC:18; HP:22/22; PP:13
Fri 21 Jul 2017
at 12:55
  • msg #206

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Thane nodded at Arnan while eyeing the glint of metal buried under the ice.  "You're welcome, and I reckon you're right," he replied.  "If someone had a hammer and some metal spikes, maybe we could chisel something valuable out of there."

Thane shrugged.  "I don't have anything like that in my pack, but if someone else did I'd be willing to labor at it for a while," he continued earnestly.  "Leastways, if we have the time for it," he added, glancing at Hengar and Soren.

"Your men are saved, Hengar.  I'd say it's been a good days work.  Turned out better than I thought it might," he admitted to the warrior.  Then he focused on the older man present.  "But what about you, mister Soren?  We've not met.  I'm Thane Harkensen, Hengar here asked me and my companions to help him and the folk of the Elk in their struggle against the Ice Witch.  Who apparently is your daughter?  There's a history to be told about that, I'm sure," he introduced himself and gently probed for information.
Hengar Aensvaard
NPC, 31 posts
Tribe of the Elk
Fri 21 Jul 2017
at 13:29
  • msg #207

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Thane Harkensen:
"Your men are saved, Hengar.  I'd say it's been a good days work.  Turned out better than I thought it might," he admitted to the warrior.


Hengar nods in agreement and grabs Thane's shoulder in a friendly gesture, "Yes. It has. My people are indebted to you and yours. Your willingness to risk your lives to lend aid to the People of the Elk should go a long way toward winning hearts and minds. As in days of old..." he says, his voice trailing away in a far-off and distant tone, as though imagining days gone by and stories he heard as a child.

Returning to the moment, he adds in a less hopeful tone, "But old traditions and ways of thinking linger long..." 

Hengar is a bit of an anomaly among his kin. Like others, he grew up hearing tales of Wulfgar Dragonsbane, the Elk King who slew the dragon Icingdeath, and along with his outsider companions: a dwarf warrior, his adopted human daughter, a halfling rogue and a dark elf exile, saved Ten Towns from the army of Akar Kessell at the Battle of Icewind Dale. To hear his fellow tribes tell it, Wulfgar's glorious victories validated the xenphobic and fiercely indpendent way of life. The king's loyalty to the tribes, his trust in his own strength to win through adversity, and the restless wanderings of his late career all spoke to the virtues that Hengar had been taught since he was a boy.

But Hengar took a different lesson from these tales. Where other speak of Wulfgar's loyalty in rejecting his fellows. Hengar has never understood the aloofness between Reghed tribes and the people of Ten Towns. Adventuring with these fine companions these past few days has only reaffirmed his belief that strength comes through cultivating relationships beyond the warmth of one's own fire.

"But yes, today was a good day," he adds with a measure of optimism. A whole new world had opened before Hengar's eyes and he was reluctant to leave it behind.
DM Shard
GM, 286 posts
Fri 21 Jul 2017
at 13:38
  • msg #208

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Thane Harkensen:
Then he focused on the older man present.  "But what about you, mister Soren?  We've not met.  I'm Thane Harkensen, Hengar here asked me and my companions to help him and the folk of the Elk in their struggle against the Ice Witch.  Who apparently is your daughter?  There's a history to be told about that, I'm sure," he introduced himself and gently probed for information.


Soren looks up from the pile of snow where the simulacrum of his daughter had once stood, his sky-blue eyes puffy and rimmed brilliant red. The man seems a bit at a loss for words, unable to make his mouth work. In his palms, a handful of snow and ice which he stares forlornly at.

"I tried to help her," he whispers more to himself than any other. "Why did he turn his back on her? Why did he banish her...she could have been helped...had he only tried..."

Soren eventually looks up and visually acknowledges Thane and the others, albeit briefly, before returning his attention to the little pile of snow he now cradles in the palm of his hands.

Soren seems either unable or unwilling to speak any further.

Hengar eventually approaches Thane and relates what he knows of Hedrun's tale. Olaf, the Elk Tribe Shaman's son, had been romantically linked to Hedrun, apparently against the Shaman's wishes. Hedrun possessed strange powers from an early age and she was widely thought to be bewitched by demons. Hedrun froze Olaf and the boy's father, Mjenir, brought his son's body before King Jarund as proof of the danger Hedrun posed to the tribe. Mjenir lobbied for Hedrun to be banished from the tribe and King Jarund ordered her banishment shortly thereafter.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:46, Fri 21 July 2017.
Arnan Aldwynne
player, 170 posts
Human Scout/Archer
AC:14/16; HP:20/20; PP:14
Fri 21 Jul 2017
at 17:10
  • msg #209

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 208):

"A better day for some of us than for others, I suspect," Arnan said quietly as he glanced over at Soren, as the man held the snow where his daughter's magicked image (at least that was what Arnan supposed it had been -- admittedly he had a poor understanding of such things) had stood.

"The Ice Witch is truly his daughter?" he asked Hengar.

"I find it difficult to believe that she would have sacrificed her own father. Would she have gone through with it, do you suppose?"



OOC:

Rob, Arnan would mention to Thane that he has a hammer and shovel (for dealing with snow and ice shards), but no pitons/metal spikes (unfortunately).

Thane Harkensen
player, 125 posts
Human Fighter/Soldier
AC:18; HP:22/22; PP:13
Sat 22 Jul 2017
at 02:12
  • msg #210

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Thane heard the tale as Hengar spoke it, but chose to be silent about it.  He simple nodded his head in understanding.  The ways of the barbarian tribes were not his ways, certainly not Luskan ways, and he didn't want to give Soren any offense by offering an 'outsider' opinion.

So he turned his attention to Kira.  "I didn't see the killing blow, but according to Hengar it was one of your arrows that ended the battle?" he asked.  "Well done!  You may have saved all our lives!" he congratulated her in warm sincerity.  "I've never faced someone with such difficult magics as that slick storm or being able to make that long-dead pile of dragon bones stand up and fight again," he pursed his lips and gestured at the jumbled mess of bones and dessicated sinews.  A twinkle lit his eyes at a sensed opportunity.

"So, you ever have dreams of plundering a dragon's hoard?  Now's you're chance..." he teased, curious if the brave rogue was a resourceful one as well.
Kira
player, 127 posts
Human Rogue
AC:14; HP: 15/15; PP: 16
Sat 22 Jul 2017
at 03:36
  • msg #211

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

It was cold as a lich's tit but Kira endured as Thane tended the wound in her flank area, sighing with relief as she covered up and nodded to him.  "Thanks for that … hurt like hell and I'll pitch in to replenish your kit too," she said as she stretched a little, testing the wound and nodding more with satisfaction.  It had been sheer determination that kept her from grumbling and whining, that and years of squalor making her quite thankful for her lot in life now.

While Thane went about asking the history of Hedrun from Soren, she decided to stay away from that topic because her thoughts on the matter wouldn't make the poor man feel any better.  She'd almost gave a resounding yes when he asked if she really would have sacrificed her father, knowing how family didn't mean a thing when greed or lust or any of the less savory traits reared their ugly heads.  Instead her eyes showed her sadness and regret that she'd had to destroy anything that looked like her for his sake.

In spite of everything, Thane's praise lightened her mood but she gave a shrug of her small shoulders.  "I noticed there was something off and figured if I just kept shooting it'd crumble, hoped I was right that destroying it would stop Old Bones there," she said with a point to the dragon.  "Kind of embarrassing sliding around like that but I managed to use it to my advantage … couldn't let you guys down."

"As for checking out a hoard, you bet your sweet tookus I plan to try to get to some," she added with a big grin.  "I also intend to take a few teeth and vertebrae.  Gimme a hammer and I can use a dagger to try to chip away unless we try to melt some of the ice.  While I'm doing that maybe some of the still mobile guys can crush up the bones, make sure she or anyone else can ever use it again."  She was definitely focused on that happening, not liking how it had wounded Arnan with just one chomp.
DM Shard
GM, 287 posts
Sat 22 Jul 2017
at 22:40
  • msg #212

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

Using what tools they have available: hand axes, hammers and shovels, the adventurers begin chipping away at a promising section of ice where the glint of metal is clearly seen.

The task is certainly not easy, but after several minutes of sweat-inducing work, the party has unearthed a small cache of Icingdeath's treasure for their efforts. Given more time, proper tools, and more than a few hours of rest between extreme physical exertion, the party could likely find more. As it is however, everyone is hungry, tired and cold, so thoughts turn to those pursuits.

The adventurers conclude their search of Icingdeath's Lair and then help the Elk Tribe prisoners return to the camp at Evermelt. With the Tribe of the Bear scattered, Filnor says he intends to send for the rest of his tribe and to move the Elk tribe to Evermelt, where its members may find refuge from the winter storms and the beasts of the tundra.

The party spends the next couple of days recuperating at Evermelt, where they enjoy the cooking and hospitality of the Elk Tribe people and take many long soaks in the warm turquoise waters of the sacred pool at the foot of the Reghed Glacier. Eventually, King Jarund arrives at the head of his people, a long line of Elk tribesmen eager to be reunited with their loved ones.

There is great feasting that night, wherein King Jarund proclaims the heroes honorary members of the Elk Tribe. Finally, King Jarund says the heroes are free to claim Icingdeath's treasures as their own, though he does say the treasure they unearthed was likely offerings of the Bear Tribe and not Icingdeath's original hoard, as that was plundered generations ago.

Finally, for his part, Hengar offers to accompany the adventurers back to Bryn Shander, and perhaps on their future adventures as well as he is quite eager to see the winder world beyond the confines of his tribe.


OOC: the party found a silver bracer worth 90 gp, 50 gp, a gem worth 100 gp, 400 cp, a necklace of ivory and gold worth 100 gp, and a potion of healing
Arnan Aldwynne
player, 171 posts
Human Scout/Archer
AC:14/16; HP:20/20; PP:14
Sun 23 Jul 2017
at 17:58
  • msg #213

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 212):

When the three adventurers were all named honorary members of the Tribe of the Elk during the great fest following the rescue of the captives, Arnan rose to his feet and called out in a strong voice, "I am honored to be counted among the Elks' warriors , King Jarund." He was not sure of the proper formalities, but he did not bow, nor even incline his head; for he reckoned that the Reghed barbarians had little use for the fawning obeisance that was oft indulged in by their supposedly more civilized neighbors when addressing those in positions of power.

Arnan was not sure whether Kira and Thane realized the honor that they had just received, but he certainly did. Once he put his mind to it, he could not think of anyone who had been thusly honored within the lifetime of men then living. Well, Humans, any way -- the Dwarves and especially the Elves were another matter entirely, of course.

After the night's feasting was over and done, Arnan spent a great deal of time luxuriating in the warm waters of the pool at the foot of the glacier. He had never before had the opportunity to spend time in hot springs, and he found that the experience melted away his desire to do anything other than to sit and soak, leaving him feeling sinfully slothful.

"Better than coupling," he playfully announced to Kira at one point. "Well . . . almost," he added with a chuckle.

When Hengar broached the subject of returning to Bryn Shander -- and mayhaps even further afield -- with the threesome, Arnan was quick to welcome the barbarian. "This is wonderful news!" he exclaimed with a smile. "Now, we will be both Sword-Brothers as well as Elk-Brothers!"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Sun 23 July 2017.
DM Shard
GM, 290 posts
Sun 23 Jul 2017
at 23:09
  • msg #214

Re: Chapter 2: The Tribe of the Elk

The honorary Elk Tribe members spend a few days rest and recuperating at Evermelt, but each knows the return trip across the tundra is just around the corner. The lure of civilization and news from afar is strong when one has grown accustomed to the taste. The Reghed people, for the most part, have no such instincts. They are content to live the way their ancestors had and want for nothing beyond those simple things.

But Arnan, Kira and Thane, while honorary tribe members, have an internal drive that cannot be satisfied wintering over at the foot of a glacier, waiting for the spring thaw to come. Theirs is not a hunter and gatherer cycle and soon the desire to be at motion compels each to think of what comes next?

That matter is simple: the return trip to Bryn Shander, where they might meet up with Dalgura and Morgrim. With King Jarund's blessing and an ample larder of provisions, the quartet departs Evermelt a couple days later, trekking southward towards Bryn Shander.

Hengar leads the party along the roughly the same route they covered the first time, though only Arnan is aware of such things. To Kira and Thane, the land they cover is merely featureless tundra and little more. Fortunately, their journey back to civilization proves largely uneventful and several days later see the familiar walls of Bryn Shander looming ahead in the distance...
Sign In