Prologue:

A long limbed figure appeared as if from thin air in the frozen wastes of the far north of Nehwon. Wrapped head to toe in ceremonial bindings, with a stout quarterstaff inscribed with holy sigils in his hands, he looked around for his enemies. For the moment, he felt no intrusion on his id. For the moment. But his pursuers were relentless.

Following his senses, he made his way north. He did not Know why. He just followed the summons. Across his back was a bundle wrapped in cloth. Even in this, the cloth had ceremonial significance. It seemed an extra bit of protection against whatever was wrapped inside the the bundle.

With grim purpose, he took a step, then another until he built up momentum toward a small stead in the frozen outback of the arid north.

After a night of sleep, Kalmus wakes early to find Elora burrowed against his chest. She is softly snoring, an adorable little sound, and he smiles. Then he takes a moment to blink away the cobwebs, and decides to let her sleep.

He is tired. Diving into the freezing water has left a mark. He considers traveling today, but he doesn't have the heart for it. Another day won't hurt; they certainly have enough coin on hand to handle any expenses. Just as he closes his eyes for another hour of sleep, a small voice says, "I'm hungry."

Kal groaned, "Bide a while, dear. The cold and fighting left me a bit tired. You then drained all else. Hold me a bit and we'll break fast together later." He steals as much sleep as she'll let him before pulling on his clothes and trudging down to eat. Spying Agrax and Pious, he said, "I think we need a day. I'm beat from yesterday. Need to eat, drink, recover and I'm fine staying here at Whiskey Jack's for another day.

"Tell me your thoughts on the trip. Where do we go next? Seems we avoid the undead fella with all possible means so we don't die, so we need some sort of destination, no?"

"Well, dying would not be my preference," Elora replied. Then she giggled and pulled the cover over her and Kal and snuggled closer. "I'm sorry you got so cold, Kal. That was a nasty troll. I didn't know they could be made of ice. I'm game to stay another day or two - for all the nasty rumors, the Beldame isn't so bad after all. I don't think she'll mind either. As for the undead creep, we'll probably have to deal with him once we go south, but I'm more concerned about that ghool. I think she's not the power in the old mansion. I get the sense that there's something hidden in the lower levels that commands her. Keep that in the back of your mind when we start moving southward again."

ooc: ghool instead of ghoul. That will allow us to differentiate between the two.

Eventually both of you rouse yourselves enough to get some breakfast. Pious is working on his second breakfast. Across the table Agrax sits, already finished with her breakfast. She wears an amused grin as she watches the portly priest put away several servings of food. Both look up as the two of you come down from your rooms.

Agrax acknowledges your arrival with a nod; asks, "I take it we're no leaving today, so what's on the agenda?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Mon 31 Aug 2020.

"Rest, my friend. Rest. We've earned it. Let's repair, resupply and restock and wander south in a day or two. Is there something we need to address before hitting the road? I have dragged you two around for weeks now without complaint, if we need to talk, let's do that as well."

Kal sat stiffly and waved at the girl to bring him some breakfast and Elora as well. Once served, he ate slowly, savoring every bite and every second, gods knew that they would be back in the elements soon.

With a smile and some flair, the waitress calls back an order for a ration of bacon, eggs, toast, steak, all piled high with a blend of the freshest of yellow cheeses. Somewhere in there they are able to get some kaf, and Elora orders goat's milk as well.

It is a pleasing feast and soon everyone is filled to the very brim. "I might need another nap," Elora notes, while Agrax nods and adds, "Yes, we're definitely not going anywhere today."

As you all sip the last remnants of kaf, the Beldame arrives. "Fat and happy, I hope?" she asked. With smiles all around, Kalmus and the rest nod assent.

"Good. I'm glad, though I hate to break up the morning meal. But I think I have an issue that needs exploring." Crows feet deepen around her eyes; there's something bothering her. At last she said, "Late last night, I felt a stirring in the firmament. Something is coming, and it is heading north toward the polar cap. I don't know what it is, but I do know it's powerful. Furthermore, I think that whatever 'it' is, it is running from something else even more powerful. I know I tasked you already. I don't say this lightly, however. I need your help." A moment later Olaf comes in. "Horses are ready love."

Kal groaned. Full, warm, with an armful of Elora, he wanted nothing better than to go back to bed, get a few more hours' sleep with her and then drink a bottle of wine and eat half the afternoon.

Fate was a fickle and cruel bitch.

He realized what she had said and asked, "Wait, 'through the cap'? What does that mean?"

The Beldame sighs and shakes her head.

"I am not sure," she replied. "I was dream-walking late last night through the astral plane. I saw a figure in the distance. Ever wary of other wanderers of the planes, I cautiously approached. He hailed me, but I did not understand. Then, suddenly, he looked behind him. Something startled him. Somehow he used the power of my silver cord to bring him into our version of the Prime Plane.

"When I turned back, I saw four figures with silver cords shining greater than mine, also using bits of matter to accelerate in my direction. Sensing danger, I snuffed my silver cord and returned to normal sleep. I woke immediately, then went to the men's cloister and woke Olaf.

"Now I am here speaking to you. I've managed to locate the individual within a 20 mile radius of our stead. Olaf is a tracker of rare renown. If we can find this person, we can figure out what to do next."

Kal looked from face to disappointed face. "He could be hurt, he could be ill-dressed for the weather, maybe it's best we join the search.

"How do we do this? Follow Olaf or do you want us to branch out? Agrax is a great tracker, I'm sure she'll sense something wrong if we get near the creature."

"We stay together," Olaf said. It is the first time he's taken command like that and all of you are somewhat surprised.

The Beldame adds, "That wasn't a monster, it was a sentient being. Perhaps not of this world, but there is a will there, and an awareness. Are you coming, then?"
This message was last updated by the player at 20:23, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

Kal rose with a groan and nodded,  headed back to get geared up for the trip. Once dressed, he checked to see that everyone was ready and nodded that he was ready to the Beldame.

There are mounts for everyone, including a huge destrier for Pious. All the horses are hardy northern stock; within 10 minutes you've exited the stead and started the journey north.

"I've a bit of lodestone that I've ensorcelled," the Beldame said once they reached the wilds to the north. "I caught enough of the aura so that I can follow pretty closely. He - or she - it wasn't fully clear - is about a day ahead of us. He has a minor enchantment that's cloaking him from normal folk. Without the lodestone we would have a much more difficult time of things."

She pauses, then adds, "Of the others...I do not know, but be on your guard!"

After an hour riding, Elora starts to get bored. She's a bit petulant, she was hoping for a nice snuggle and some love play. Instead she's stuck on horse in the middle of the tundra. Offering winsome sighs and rolling eyes, she seems a bit put out.

Kal moved along, following the lead of the Beldame and her men, noticed Elora's unrest. He said, "Fret not, dear. We will take a few days to make love and drink wine soon. I think after this, we head south and find a nice inn to stop for a few days and recover from the cold and grim.

"No better way to do that then making love all day and all night, eh?"

"I suppose," she said. "And cake? Can I have some cake, too?"

Without turning her back, the Beldame said, "I was wondering when the fairy in you would come out." She laughed and said, "I promise we'll finish this as swiftly as possible, dear. I feel the same about my beau, even after all these years. But, I need you to stay on point. Can you do that?"

"Yes, ma'am," she said.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

Kal can't help but laugh at the exchange. He looked at Elora apologetically and said, "Cake indeed. We will eat a whole cake for we will need the energy."

Olaf scouts ahead as the Beldame follows with the rest of you. Eventually Agrax offers to help the ranger. When he agrees, he is surprised to find the gnoll would rather run ahead of Olaf, on point. At first Olaf's reticent, but he notes her speed and graceful lope; soon enough he comes to appreciate the extra set of eyes.

As the first day closes, you all are tired, but relieved that you haven't come across any predators or fell beings. As you make camp, Olaf brings forth sturdy canvass tents and fleece blankets. He helps each of you set up, then begins to pass out trail rations. "No fire," he said. "You should be warm enough in the tents if you partner up. That won't be an issue for most of us, how about you, priest?"

"That won't be an issue," growled Agrax. "He's got almost as much fur as I do. We'll stay warm."

6 watchstanders on a 2-2-2 rotation of 4 hours each. Approximately 6pm to 6am. The night passes on without incident and the next day dawns bright and clear...and cold.

Before starting the next morning, Olaf informs you that the Beldame walked in the dreamscape of the astral plane again after her watch, so they would be leaving a bit later than planned. It seems the target is further out than she initially thought...and that said target is pushing his endurance further than any human might hope to.

Olaf then mentions that the Beldame knows of a teleport circle the better portion of the day's journey - she believes that they can make up the difference once she reaches the circle.

"We will be leaving the moment she wakes, so let's get everything ready. It's gonna be a long day."

The Beldame seems weary, but thanks Olaf for the strong, hot tea that will buttress her strength. Then all of you ride. It is another long day, but again fortune is kind as you encounter nothing worse than herd animals off the distance. After another 12 hours you reach the circle, numb and exhausted but mostly none the worse for wear. Before going to bed the Beldame makes clear: Once we are in the circle do not move. I would hate for you to fly off in a different direction than the rest of us."

Kal nodded, thinking that he HAD to get the Beldame to at least give him a brief lesson on how all this alien magic worked! He headed off to bed, content to cuddle up with his honey until it was his turn to watch.

Another quiet night passes. The sun climbs over the surrounding mountains. As Olaf stables the horses at a nearby corral, the Beldame herds everyone onto the flat disk of the circle. Olaf, last in line, hops on and says, "You're play luv."

The group disappears, then reappears on a similar disk in another place further away and colder than where they were before.

"How far to this mystery feller," Olaf shouts above the wind.

The Beldame replied,"He's walking directly toward us, less than a day away. We take shelter at the traveler's shack up the hill, keeping a close eye out for the others. If they should arrive first, we might have a fight on our hands, but no use going out freezing to death in this weather. Hopefully the loner will arrive first."

Kal nodded. The plan sounded solid! He pulled his cloak tighter and prepared to follow the Beldame.

The hours pass slowly and tensions rise. Olaf steps out of the shelter every half hour to take a look around. Agrax joins him. The Beldame stares stoically out the window. Kal and Pious speak softly, recalling that once done in the north, a return to Lahkmar will be in order. That means the Thieves Guild and Ghools, spirits and necromancers. For her part, Elora tries her best to not become a nuisance. She's all eager energy and wide awake, bouncing around like a kitten at play.

"Child, come sit with me," The Beldame said. Then she quietly talks to Elora out of earshot of the others. To everyone's surprise, the fairy princess settles and listens, enrapt in whatever the Beldame is saying.

The funny thing about being so far north is that in summer the shines pretty much 23 out of 24 hours of the day. This gives everyone a clear sightline.

Suddenly, the Beldame stiffens. Olaf returns as well, says, "They're here. All of them. One is running ahead of a pack of four!"

Looking out from the windows, you see four heavily armored figures chasing a single individual. They are about a furlong behind the individual.

A couple of brief impressions: the individual runs like a ballet dancer and is wrapped in strips of linen. The four wear masks against the cold and their armor and swords look deadly and wicked. They seem fearless. Suddenly, the four stop cold. The Beldame casts a lightning bolt in their midst and they dive in four separate directions with a cat's grace.

"Well, that didn't go according to plan," she said.

The team of four splits into twos: Two attack the one while the other two approach the shelter.

Party Preparations and actions?
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:48, Mon 07 Sept 2020.

Kal drew his flaming sword and plunged it tip first into the frosty ground for quick retrieval. He said tersely to his companions, "Whatever you got ready, hit 'em hard!" He prepared sleep and cast it when the pair were in range. Knowing he had less chance against these opponents, he immediately grabbed the sword again and summoned the flames, ready to defend!

Two warriors in finely ornate splintmail rush up the slope toward the shelter, leaving the other two to fight out with the single combatant. They wield bastard swords in two hands.

Roll initiative, please. I'll take care of the NPCs

Beldame: 2
Olaf: 3
Elora: 6
Agrax: 4
Pious: 1

Warrior A: 6 - fighting the individual below
Warrior B: 3 - fighting the individual below

Warrior C: 4 @ shelter
Warrior D: 1 @ shelter

Kal ????

You want me to roll initiative for you? Or did you hide it somewhere? LOL!

21:54, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 2 using 1d6. Init

You didn't say anything about init...

Kal cast sleep as above.

Elora strikes first blood: Magic Missile *3 for a total of 13 points of damage. Kalmus follows up with a sleep spell which puts both fighters approaching the shelter down into a deep sleep.

Agrax exits the shelter, with her halberd she delivers the coup de grace on both before retreating back into the shelter.

Down below, the fight goes on with the lithe figure facing down the two assailants. Olaf draws his sword, but holds steady beside the Beldame. As for her, she readies another spell: Cone of Cold that does 33 points of damage. One of the last two assailants is frozen in place.

Seeing that he's been out manuevered, the last assailant retreats from lithe figure and holds up a strange implement. Suddenly, he disappears.

Outside the lithe figure falls to its knees in the snow. It seems to have taken some hurt.

Well that was easy enough. LOL. Well done! Will you go to the fallen?

Kal yelled, "Pious! Let's get out there and tend the man!" Kal ran from the shelter towards the fallen figure, hoping he and Pious were there in time.

Pious follows Kal, huffing and puffing all the way. By the time they draw near, the figure is again on her feet. It is then you realize the graceful, lithe woman is indeed a woman.

She is very tall, taller even then Olaf, standing close to seven feet. Despite that she moves with a dancer's grace and she carries a quarterstaff taller even than her as if it's an extension of her will. She has taken multiple small wounds about her arms and torso and as you draw near, she readies her weapon and barks something in a strange language.

The Beldame, escorted by Olaf & Agrax, slowly makes her way down toward Kal. "I've a spell to understand her."

As she casts comprehend languages, the other looks on suspiciously. When the Beldame reaches out to touch her, the woman shies a bit, then accepts the touch. Once done, she invites the woman up to the sanctuary.

As they walk toward the sanctuary, Kal and Pious stay behind to study the frozen corpse standing like a statue before them. "Good spell," Pious said. Then both of you make your way to the sanctuary, finding again the two corpses outside the sanctuary that found their final rest beneath Kal's enchantment.

They are human like, but not human, at least not of any tribe that Kal's ever seen. They run about 6' tall, they have a grayish-green color tone to their skin. They carry bastard swords: a brief detect spell indicates no magic, though each carried a potion of cerulean cast. Healing, you are sure. The armor they wear, however, is quite ornate and magical.

Leaving them where they fell for the time being, you enter the sanctuary to find the Beldame and the other in deep conversation.

They talk that way for nearly an hour. Olaf has built a nice fire and the sanctuary is quite comfortable now. When the woman stops talking, the Beldame looks to all of you and says, "I mentioned the redes when we undertook this journey. This is a story that goes back millenia. 'Tis a story of bondage, and then freedom and then fierce rivalry bordering on hatred. It is the story of Gith.

"If you don't know, the gith were once a people enslaved by the foul illithids, mind flayers who's innate skills caused terror not only on the material world, but also in the depths of the outer planes. A time long ago, longer than most remember, the gith fought and won their freedom from their captors. Two factions grew from the tribes: one, the githyanki, became dark sorcerers and stout warriors who made their home in the astral plane. 'Tis said that they ride dragons as mounts, and that their witch queen is a lich of unsurpassed power who's 100,000 years old.

"The other, beholden to their own Wizard Overlord, were called Gith'zerei. They are initiates in the martial arts. Unlike their rivals, they do not wear armor, rather they gird themselves in strips of rune cloth that offer strength and protection. Also unlike their rivals, they do not seek domination, rather they have their own obscure motives; at the forefront is their abiding enmity for their former kin.

"That, to say this. Our guest is apparently quite the accomplished initiate. I do not fully understand how they rank themselves, but it is certain that she is high up in their councils. She was tasked with a critical mission to retrieve a dread artifact and cast it into the ice at the polar cap. She would not disclose what this artifact may do other than to say it would reshape the entire time/space continuum, including the outer planes. Needless to say, there are many keeping a close watch on this drama."

"It seems we are to be her escort," the Beldame finished.

ooc: so, to be clear, she's Gith'zerei?

ooc: that is correct.

Kal smiled during the interview, trying to see if he could recognize any of the language. He turned aside early in the conversation to make sure that Agrax and Pious were looting the bodies of that lovely mail (and yes, sadly, I know exactly what it is!) and anything else worthwhile...

When the conversation was finished, Kal nodded, "Well, if we're to be the escort, then we're going to the Roof of the World? Won't we freeze? Won't Santa Orc get us?"

A thorough investigation of the dead reveals strange, octagonal coins, gold, silver and a grayish coin you've not seen before.

55 silver, 42 gold, and 76 of the greyish coin.

You take 3 sets of armor magical armor. A quick identify indicates +4 splint mail x3. The swords are masterwork, but not magical. They also have typical raiding packs with normal kit material to go along with the armor. Trail Rations are similar to what normal humans/demi-humans would pack.

ooc: I thought that fight was gonna be a lot harder. Nicely played. Sleep spell: first edition cast than run! Effective use of the spell...

Rather than calculating XP, just level up to 3/3/3, minimum XP for those levels and take the Max HP for each class. I think that's fair - and again, nice job. You outplayed me! I'm looking forward to the next stage.

ooc:"Outplayed", piffle, was the best shot outside a standup fight!

OK, to clarify, you want me to max out 3rd level XP in each class AND max hit points? woof! Will do.

Yes, sir! You earned it.

I'll probably post something for you on Tuesday. Getting in late tomorrow night.

No rush, pretty busy the next few days!

I know you're busy: I'm not going to restart until you have all your ducks in a row. When you're ready, don't forget to level up and max your HP. Next chapters are filled with action and tension. I'll give you more back story when we restart.

Tomorrow a good time for a restart?

Let's push it off to next week, Monday's going to be busy unless it rains, then I might have some time to post. Tuesday the same though I might have bit of time after 6 p.m.

sounds good!

The gith woman, exhausted, finds a rack and falls into a comatose slumber. She doesn't even bother to clean her wounds, though close inspection reveals that her wounds seem to close slowly by themselves.

Olaf and the Beldame talk in quiet whispers. Agrax finds another cot and takes advantage of the down time to clean the gore from her weapons (recall she was the one to administer the coup de grace).

Pious extends the straps on his new armor as far as it will go. It just fits, and actually, the priest looks somewhat dashing in the gaudy mail.

Olaf also looks to the splint mail and decides that he, too, wants the upgrade in armor. As he doffs his leather jerkin, he tossed it to Kal and said, "The Lady ensorceled it 3x for my protection. The armor hasn't failed me yet."

The Beldame smiled and nodded.

That's a nice set of leather armor for you, lad. Base bonus +3 increments. It also won't bind your somantic components as a caster - you can spells as if not wearing any armor. And finally, there's a fey component to it that allows you to blink away from danger 3x/day, like a blink dog.

ooc: in other words its +3 leather armor with blink 3x/day and the ability to cast spells normally.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:43, Sat 26 Sept 2020.

A normal watch is set and everyone takes a turn except the Beldame and the wounded Gith.

Olaf takes a turn, followed by Kal, then Pious, then Agrax and finally Elora. Nothing untoward interrupts their rest and the next morning they all sit down to a pleasant meal. The Beldame talks to their guess through the use of her spells. It seems the Gith woman is fully healed.

When they finish their discussion, the Beldame says, "We've a trek today, but the good news is that it should only be a 2 day journey and there are sanctuaries even that far north. Truth told, the sky will be bright enough that we can push on until we're overwhelmed by fatigue, not that I suggest as much. Still, 12 hours should suffice for the first day.

Packing up, Kal listened to the Beldame and said, "Well, then, let's take it as slow as our wounded Gith friend can handle and not exhaust anyone needlessly." Once he was ready, he checked on the others and, once packed up, he kissed Elora passionately. He said, "The next couple of days might be rough, just wanted a proper kiss to keep me warm."

With a wink for Pious and Agrax, Kal moved out towards evil unknown.

From morning to afternoon the snowbound world is quiet, almost peaceful. As the short dusk bleeds into a shorter night - an odd appearance to your untrained eye - the mournful call of some predator, or predators, echoes from the surrounds. You note a harried expression on Olaf's face, and even the Beldame grows concerned. The Gith monk turns and looks in the Beldame's direction and determines that enemies approach. Suddenly, two more howls are cast upon the tundra. It seems three of the beasties are hunting together this eve.

Roll initiative, then get ready.


Gith: 7
Olaf: 7 AC -1 bastard sword +1 x2 atk dmg -
Kal: 4
Agrax: 1
Pious: 1
Beldame: 1
Elora: 2

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:52, Mon 05 Oct 2020.

08:20, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 4 using 1d6.  init - unknown beasties.

"Ware!" Kal said softly, <blue>"They come, be ready, Agrax, you and I will move front to shield the Beldame and Elora while they bring magic down on the beasts."

With the sound of howls fading, Olaf turns to the others and shouts, "Winter Wolves! I'd stake my reputation as a ranger on it! Spread out, they blow an arctic frost from their mouths!"

Olaf and the Gith have initiative and take immediate actions: Olaf wields his bastard sword two handed and strikes at the biggest wolf 2x. He hits 1x a solid hit! The Winter Wolf cries in pain! The Gith, strikes 2x, hit's both: the sound of thunder claps overhead for an additional 4 points damage.

By now the pack has joined melee: Olaf, facing down the biggest and its mate, takes 32 points of frost damage! The smallest beast attacks the Gith for 8 points of dmg. Kal's turn: What are you going to do?

clarity: How many wolves are there? If three to five, Kal will attack the largest, wounded animal with his Flametongue, if more, he'll try to spin off a sleep spell to put a few of them down.

There are three wolves attacking the party.

There are three wolves attacking the party.

This looks good,  Kal will attack the largest, wounded animal with his Flametongue.

00:07, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 14 using 1d12+7.

00:06, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 18 using 1d20+4.

Starting to love that flametounge!

ooc: it is a nifty sword.
----------------------------------------------------
Agrax teams with Kal and both attack: Kal hits (double damage/Fire- 28 HP - the packmaster is dead).

Seeing the great wolf fall, the female and the young bolt from the field, howls of pain and fear drifting behind them.

Olaf is gravely wounded: Cold damage. He's near to shock, so Pious lends some healing: 8 points and the Beldame casts warmth upon him. The Gith also took a small amount of damage, but waves the priest away. Everyone else is hale.

Nice scrap. Fun. Olaf almost bought it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:46, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

Agrax spends a moment looking over the corpse. "Come, look and see."

Upon the corpse is a small, pearl colored stone, perfectly round and affixed to what appears to be a collar of some sort.

"It's domesticated? I'll bet this is the start of a fine tale." he looked to each person present for reaction, checking on Olaf after healing.

Olaf took a lot of damage, but he is stabilized at this point. A night of sleep will bring him another hit point, plus whatever other healing Pious might bring. To that affect, you search the surrounds for some sort of shelter - an old igloo still stands some distance away, but close enough to be in your line of sight. It appears large enough to fit the entire party.

As you arrive, you find that is the case, though the monk Gith indicates that she will stand sentry during the evening hours. The sun has risen, and now falls sharply - a long dusk awaits.

ooc: rolled for wandering monsters: you guys are good for this 24 hour period. While taking downtime, let me know if you have any questions or items that need clarification...you can also explore a bit.

Kal addressed the Gith, "Surely you need rest? Even the Gith have limits, don't they?" Kal will get his cold ass out of the sack with Elora... (wait! what am I saying???!!!!) and relieve the Gith as needed.

As for exploring, Kal will have a quick look around to see if he can spot any threats or points of interest before retreating to the igloo. He said, "Agrax, see if you can patch the igloo up and make it secure for the night while I'm gone. Keep an eye out, those other two wolves may return."

To clarify: is Olaf mobile or should we hole up an extra day and let Pious heal him fully?

He's mobile, but he's damaged. You don't want him on point in his condition. Pious should have enough healing to get him up to full HP somewhere between 24 - 36 hours. Meanwhile, the Gith shows no inclination that she needs any sort of resting or healing. It seems her hurts are healing at an accelerated pace. Within a couple hours she's almost at full health.

Let's stay put and heal Olaf, no sense getting  him killed if we can help it...

"We'll hole up a while and get Olaf healthy. I'll look around, see if there is anything edible around her besides wolf."

Kal will scout quietly, looking for food or (as above) points of interest but won't risk anything with Olaf hurt, he'll make note of anything risky and head back.

Infravision proves to be helpful. There are snow fox and other small predators out scrounging for a meal, but nothing that would fill a stomach and certainly nothing that would be concerning - these are not apex predators.

Disappointed, he returned to the igloo to warm up and get some rest...

ooc: Shouldn't this be on the main thread? Um, yeah. My bad! I will condense into one big post.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kal beds down next to Elora, takes a gander at her leathers and shakes his head at the sudden and almost painful arousal that he feels. Now definitely was not the time to be getting their groove on. Elora grins at him, aware of his discomfiture.

"Did you want to play a bit, lover? Kinda close quarters in here for that right now."

Kal takes out the...gem, maybe? It actually looks more like a pearl, though a bit darker in color, almost a beige. Elora, helpful soul that she is, detects magic. "Ooh!" she said. "There's an enchantment on this bauble."

Her eyes light up in excitement.

Kal casts Identify: There is an enchantment indeed. The school is Transmutation - the item in fact changes something. Given that the dead wolf was wearing it on his collar, it seems likely to you and Elora that the magic affects animals in some way.

Beldame, listening nearby, said, "Have you given thought to a Familiar, Kalmus?"

Kal, caught off guard by the comment, regarded the Beldame, arousal fading quickly. He kept his hand in Elora's, enjoying the closeness and comfort, he replied, "I had given it no thought. Familiars are frequently liabilities, so... perhaps I should ask why you ask and why I would want one, please."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:57, Sat 26 Dec 2020.

"There is risk in all we do, Kalmus. Even the simple act of readying spells can be perilous, if done incorrectly. The last thing you want is a spell not to go off because you incorrectly memorized it.

"In the case of a familiar, there's a synergy between you that expands your abilities as well as the animal's, and a friendship that goes beyond the pale. As one who had a familiar, I can say his life made mine better. But have a care not expose the familiar too often. The ramifications can be devastating."

"As always, Beldame, I bow to your wisdom. Only a fool would not listen to such a wise woman. I don't know the spell as luck would have it. I suppose you may know where I might find a copy and learn it?"

"Certainly, Kalmus. I'll be happy to assist you with that. For now, we have other concerns. Tuck the stone away and let's see what the gith has in store for today."

Making sure Olaf was good to travel, Kal got ready for the day. Since he didn't use any spells, he didn't study but used the time to limber up and try to stop thinking about Elora's fine, lush body. Somewhat focused by the time the others emerged, Kal listened raptly to what the Gith had to offer and prepared for another long, cold march.

With the Beldame providing translation services, the Monk lays out her plan. There's a bit of arrogance to her, as she indicates that she doesn't really need assistance against 'only' four attackers, though she does recognize that the sleep spell was quite effective - there is a host of condescension in the subtext the way portrays the party's role. You can tell the Beldame is growing frustrated, but she says nothing beyond what the Monk states.

ooc: in a nutshell there's a frozen rise some two miles south of true north where the party will hide in ambush. That is actually the center of the polar powers. The Monk will take on the strongest. The rest of us will take on the lesser Giths.

At last, her speech done, She points northward and indicates it is time to go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:33, Mon 28 Dec 2020.

With one last check to make sure he was ready, Kal followed the Gith's lead. Once they arrived in the area, he studied it carefully so that he would better know how to fight in it, otherwise, he waited on the Gith to unfold her plan.

The Monk doesn't offer any guidance. She climbs the rise with eerie grace. Once atop, she looks around. You get the feeling that she doesn't have a plan beyond combat with her main adversary, the other gith that retreated to fight another day.

The Beldame gathers the rest of you and says, "If she wants to declare herself for all the world to see, that is her business. For my part, I'm going to use all the skills at my disposal to make sure that I stay alive, Olaf stays alive and hopefully all of you stay alive."

She looks at Kal and Elora and says, "There's synergy between you that goes beyond love. You need to trust each other, work with each other. In your own ways, you're both lone wolves. You cannot be that now. If you can't set aside your personal inclinations, you will lose this battle. There's time now to talk and plan. You should do so."

Looking at Olaf she said, "I'm getting to old for this shit."

Kal took Elora's  hand. "We survive this. We come out of hiding, attack the wounded, hit them as hard as we can with surprise, retreat, let the monk do her thing while we pile on.

"Besides, I want some more of that armor! bet we can get a great price down south."

"Ooh, maybe I can fashion some armor from the remnants left after the fight," she said.

<blue>"We could do that as well, if you like, but that magic banded mail, that stuff should fetch enough that we can take a few years off if we like. Or... maybe down payment on a keep someplace. Keep? Nah, an inn. Good ale, good entertainment, clean rooms, we'll enchant it so that it's safe from most threats and hire some unpleasant gentlemen to keep an eye on the rest."

"Now you're speaking my language," Elora said. "Something about the aroma that wafts through a tavern gets me crazy horny...and hungry!" It almost sounds like she's purring at the thought.

Just like that, however, and the monk raises her staff to the sky. She holds up one finger; approaching from below is one lone opponent.

Roll initiative and state your actions, please.

15:50, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  init

Kal hung back, hoping to get a backstab. As he'd said just a while ago, the party was to jump the enemy once they focused on the Monk, hoping for surprise and a quick victory.

15:52, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 16 using 1d12+7.  backstab.

15:52, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 25 using 1d20+11.  backstab.

Note:adjusted damage = 32

As Kalmus charges to assist the monk, he hears Pious and Olaf call out, "Invisible foes to the rear!"

Kal has a choice to make - you can choose to assist the monk or you can veer back toward the others and take on the 3 Gith that were trying to sneak up on the party. Either way, you can keep the roll - Kal's pretty slick!


Initiative Order: Team Kal
Elora & Monk
Kal and Beldame
Olaf and Pious
Agrax

Round 1
The monk strikes out with her staff. Runes glow brightly along the haft, yet she only hits once in 3 tries.

Elora, keeping an eye on Kal, fires off three magic missiles for 11 points of damage.

The Gith warrior responds in kind with two attacks using his Silver sword (Bastard) - the first blow goes awry, but the second is a spot on natty 20: 22 points of damage. The first rounds not over, and already the monk is staggering.

Kal's turn on a 6 initiative - I'll come back to you.

Beldame: Casts Lightning bolt at the farthest member of the Gith group 35 points of damage that leaves a smoldering mess of once was a stout warrior.

A second tertiary warrior comes into Olaf's range and attacks the ranger: Natural 20! Olaf takes 34 points of damage - he is staggering, but game as he whips his own sword at the Gith warrior: It is a solid miss.

Pious rushes forth to lay hands on Olaf: 8 points healing on Olaf (26pts damage).

Agrax is attacked by one of the remaining Gith: MISS

Agrax attacks, but drops her weapon (Natty 1).

So the only pending business is what target is Kal going to attack.

Kal pivoted towards the rear to catch one in the back as it tried to attack! If that doesn't kill it, he'll attack as quickly as he can.

He does indeed fall. I'll post Round 2 tonight or tomorrow. I'm tired today.

Me too, all good. Do have good news though, the mare is indeed expecting and it is probably a stallion. Mommy's got fantastic bloodlines and dad is a 16.5 hand blue with good lines, the colt should be something special.

That is awesome! Send pics if you can.

Just FYI: I've got some continuing education courses hanging over my head so my post rate is going to fall off until I get it done. Probably a day or two - fyi

RL is first, have fun.

I shall reconvene tomorrow - I am in full compliance with the South Carolina Dept of Insurance!

That sounds painful... hope you'll get better.

Nothing Penicillan can't fix.

Round 2

Initiative Order: Team Kal
Elora & Monk 8
Kal and Beldame 6
Olaf and Pious 5
Agrax 1
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:22, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

Having backstabbed this past round, Kal looked to see if he could attack another enemy from the rear, if not, he'll attack the nearest surviving critter...

13:23, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 11 using 1d8+5.

13:23, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 10 using 1d8+5.

13:21, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 18 using 1d20+4.

13:21, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 13 using 1d20+4.

The monk scores one attack on the big baddie: 10HP total - other 2 rolls did not hit.
Elora fires off three more magic missiles for 10HP Total on the badguy leader. he's down 30HP
Badguy leader attacks the monk, scores a critical plus hits on the second attack - she is staggering.

Kal gets a lick in: Gith 2 falls, blood flowing into the snow.
Beldame fires a pedestrian 22pts dmg from 5 magic bolts. Gith 3 also falls.

Olaf, given healing, is back in action: he also hits one of the fallen gith almost at the same time as Kal swings: G2 is totally dead.

Pious got some good healing on Olaf

Agrax is shivering from the cold and misses badly.

Round 2 ends with a decided advantage to the party, but it ain't over yet!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:49, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

When appropriate for the new round:

Kal charged the remaining baddie and swung hard, hoping to distract him? her? it? them? from the Monk!

20:13, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 11 using 1d8+5.

20:13, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 23 using 1d20+4.

Round 3

Initiative Order: Team Kal
Elora & Monk 8
Kal and Beldame 6
Olaf and Pious 5
Agrax 1

The lithe monk twirls her staff and attacks three more times: She hits 2x for a total of 16 points of damage...a solid set of blows (max damage!).

Elora casts flaming sphere and sends it toward the remaining baddie: surprisingly, the leader is able to dodge away from the sphere, and takes no damage.

The leader continues to attack the monk: He must be fatigued because he misses 2x. Kal follows up with a solid smack: 11 points of damage.

The Beldame casts another spell: Wall of Ice that surrounds the Gith Warrior, but it does not have the affect that you'd hoped for, as he slides through the wall before it encloses on him (Made his save) seamlessly. As the Icewall evaporates, Olaf runs forward, gamely attacking the warrior with his bastard sword: Olaf's first swing goes astray, the second swing is a hit: 15 points of damage.

Pious heals Olaf one more time: Pious heals Olaf for one more point of damage.

Agrax, who has been ineffectual during this combat, swings her halberd one more time: 10 points of damage.

Round 4

Initiative Order: Team Kal
Elora & Monk 8
Kal and Beldame 6
Olaf and Pious 5
Agrax 1


The monk shakes and bakes one more time 3x attacks: Unfortunately, all three attacks miss their target. It is obvious that she is badly injured and fatigued. Seeing an opportunity, the fighter lord, for that is what you assume he is, makes a decision. Pulling a small rod-like device from his baldric, he presses a button and disappears!

Good fight. The 3 secondary fighters all died in the first round. Pious was johnny on the spot. Agrax finally got a lick in, too. That was fun...although the baddie didn't think so...

This is a good time to lick your wounds. This isn't over yet. ;)

"I want that rod!! Oh, and the guy's head, of course." Kal turned to the Monk, motioning over Pious. "See what you can do for her, Pious, she's damn near dead." He looked around, "How's everyone else? Anyone bad off? We'll hole up and get the monk healthy again before moving onward, she took a helluva beating!"

Once the situation is evaluated and stable, Kal moved over with Agrax to loot the bodies. If they had more of that remarkable (+4 splint mail if memory serves) he said, "I bet we can get an armorer to resize this for you, Agrax. It's got a barbaric look that suit you, maybe frighten kobolds to death and save you the trouble of killing them."

Kal examined the swords more carefully. He said, "Carrying one of these might be better at times than your dragon skewer. I think they might be magic. Since we have to let the Monk recover, I'll check them once I have had some sleep."

ooc: DM will add detect magic and identify to the spell list tomorrow once Kal has rested.

"Elora, can you help with some of the magic? That way no one gets too worn out, maybe I get a few hours' rest and check then you can once I have had time to rest a bit after the spells."

"Can do, kid! I'll work on some study as you sleep."

Kal, once assured things were under control and the shelter secure, suggested he and Pious get some sleep first, then he would swap out spells, check out the sword(s) and then wake (or  more likely get Elora's attention).

ooc: Just need 4 hours and half an hour to study...

Olaf scouts the perimeter, keeping alert as the others study or pray. Agras is with him and he begins teaching her the way of the sword. Something about these swords make it seem like they fit her hands naturally, though in reality, her hands normally do not fit around a normal hilt. And, she finds that even with the magic, she still finds that she is more comfortable with the halberd.


"I'm probably better off using a short spear, if I am going to go a different direction," she said. Still, she doesn't give up on the sword and keeps practicing.

When he woke, Kal studied his book (ooc: assuming there's light and we've found someplace secure to hole up) and then cast detect magic on all the captured items. He will ID one of the swords if there is no other magic more pressing.

At this point, you've collected 6 suits of +4 splint mail. One magic pearlish gem that has magical properties. 6 +1 bastard swords. If I am missing anything, let me know, although I'm pretty sure that's it. Recall the pearl is from the winter wolf you slayed.

That's correct. Wow!! splint mail +4 xp 3000, gpv: 19,000!!!

We's rich!!

Yes, you is rich. Monty Haul. Funny thing is, you have to transport them back. Slow you down a bit, I would think. Mwahahahaha!

I'll figure it out, that's a lotta gold to leave laying around.

Two days pass. The monk, under the careful ministrations by Pious, is back to her normal self, which is to say she is silent for the most part and when she does talk, it's typically mono syllabic grunts.

A bit of boredom sets in as the party waits for the gith to reemerge somewhere nearby. For the nonce, however, it's a relief to have some down time. As the day turns into dusk, the party hears a sound that's unusual, almost like a spinning windmill. It sounds something like: whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

Kal grabbed his sword and peeked outside towards the sound. Had some windmill magically been transported here or was it something more diabolical?

The monk, newly healed, looks around wide eyed. That cannot bode well. She looks upward, points with her staff. At the same time, Olaf, wandering the fringes of the encampment, shouts, "DRAGON!"

A small figure sits atop the behemoth cradling a bastard sword in his arms.

ooc: the dragon doesn't sport the wounds that adorn the greatest wyrms, but this is no hatchling. It's coloring suggests fire and brimstone and a thick miasma like found in a volcano melts snow and ice making footing difficult (acts as a slow spell for three rounds until the snow and ice if fully melted).

It starts it's descent from on high! Good luck! LOL! Those of you with ranged spells or weapons may attack.

Heh!

ooc: shit... this is going to be bad...

Kal fires two magic missiles at the dragon, hoping that the party can wound the thing enough to bring it down!

12:01, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 9 using 2d4+2.

ooc: it's a start!

Roll initiative, please for Kal.

I'll take care of the rest:

Elora 3
Beldame 4
Olaf 4
Pious 3
Agrax 4


As the party takes stock and starts through the slush, the dragon deftly drops the fighter near the monk in a seamless display of aerial dexterity. It's almost like he was walking down a flight of stairs, so smooth was the landing. Quick as he could, the dragon ascends and makes ready to attack.

Okay: waiting on Kal's initiative. Don't forget you're speed is cut in half. So if you normally run 120', cut that to 60' for three rounds.

06:45, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 5 using 1d6. init...

in the future, if continuity demands, don't wait on me, just drive on with the fun!

ooc: fair enough.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thinking quickly, Kal lights off a couple magic missiles as the dragon begins it's climb. It roars in anger and flaps it's wings, trying to get some height. The dragon's roar seems to have words filtering through its anger, though you cannot understand them.

ooc: dragon will an attack next round.

The Bad guy rushes the monk, and attacks 2x: one misses, the other hits scoring 11 points of damage.

The monk retialiates, doesn't pull any punches - only one hits, but it's natty 20 scoring 30 points of damage to the bad guy! He seems a bit woozy after getting hit with the monk's staff.

Olaf charges forward, attacks the bad guy, but he's not up to snuff against this more puissant warrior.

Meanwhile, the Beldame goes invisible.

Elora looses her own magic missiles, but the dragon has cast Shield and is protected from the bolts.

Pious and Agrax stand motionless under the spell of the dragon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Wed 27 Jan 2021.

Kal cast Darkness a spot away from the Beldame and 10 feet away from his current position so that he can hopefully con the dragon into attacking there with breath weapon while Kal moved away and drew his flametongue in hopes of getting a cheap shot in on the dragon!

Did you ever read Dragonlance series from weis and hickman?

Er.... something about 'twins' about a thousand  years ago...

Um, yeah, that's not gonna be much help. LOL. Buckle your chin strap. This ride's about to get bumpy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The dragon lands near the gith warrior. They form a tandem. The dragon attacks first: misses on his claw attacks, however, another critical bite hit doubles down on the monk for a total 48 points of damage.

The gith fighter follows up with a hit of his own on the monk. 11 points of damage.

The monk is staggering. She has three attacks, one of which she uses to cure herself of some damage: 7 points of healing. She is damaged for 52 points total. She gets two more attacks, which she uses against the warrior githyanki: 13 points of damage vs the warrior gith.

Githyanki warrior down 43 points damage.

Party's actions: FYI Pious and Agrax are frozen in fear.

Kal: you're up.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:14, Fri 29 Jan 2021.

Kal saw few options but charge or fire arrows...

ooc: just to set the table, half speed still and how far into the melee? If it's going to be a couple of rounds, Kal will fire his bow.

We are in Round 2 - the dragon and the warrior have attacked. Kal cast Darkness, so that's in effect - You will have a chance to loose some arrows in round 3 - maybe. Olaf bravely wades back into the fray, unfortunately the gods seem aligned against him: 2 missed swings on the Gith Warrior.

Beldame, however, has an ace up her sleeve. Disregarding the black stain on the white snow, she looses a tight lightning bolt at the dragon! It fires off for 29 points of damage. Those nearby feel the static in the air as hair raises and the smell of ozone pervades the surrounds. Elora follows Beldame by casting a web that wraps tightly around the dragon's face!

Round three begins with the dragon, terribly hurt, launching itself airborne. Seeing that he is again alone, the gith warrior pulls his rod out and disappears.

ooc: Good stuff! You guys are doing great.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:34, Sun 31 Jan 2021.

10:57, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 2 using 1d6.

10:57, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 16 using 1d20+2.

10:57, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 4 using 1d20+2.

Didn't ever get a range, so guess the only thing is to let fly at the dragon, though I suspect that misses.

The Red is gone, as is it's partner in battle. The monk falls to her knees again, seemingly spent. Beldame cancels the follow up spell she was readying, looks after Olaf. Elora comes upon Agrax and Pious. Both have fouled their breeches.

Finding Olaf hale, Beldame said, "We've gotta coordinate. Too much one on one battles. That worked for the lower order warriors, not so much the tougher foes. I wonder if that Red will be back."

She looks worried about that.

"Come, she said. "Let us discuss tactics with our friend over there."

The party walks toward the monk.


ooc: I'm going to let Kal take the floor, so to speak. start the conversation, I'll step in as the various other participants.

Kal had questions: "What is that damned rod and how do we neutralize it? Does this asshole have any weaknesses? Can we throw water on him or something?

The Beldame chuckles. "He is not undead, so throwing holy water about won't do much."

Olaf steps forward. He seems to be a bit perturbed. "Why not create our own tandem?" he asked. "I'm sure that having two acting in concert would work better than one dancing around on her own." From the look he casts at monk, it's obvious he's talking about her."

The monk speaks to Beldame. After a few moments she speaks to the others through the Beldame.

"That is not my normal fighting tactics and yet, I've been ineffective. Better that I should work in concert with Olaf. Perhaps I, nay, we will find better outcomes against our foes. I will practice today with the ranger so that we may move like dancers together."

Elora adds her tuppence. "I think that's a great idea!" she said. "You-n-me side by side killing bad guys!"

ooc: Does Elora mean Kal in the last statement?

Yes. She's been too quiet, lately. Probably part of my malaise. We'll have to get her jumping again. Remember the giant...I need to do more of that, although I am entertaining myself with the Gith and the dragon. Not sure if that Dragon's coming back though.

Cool, will wait for the ques and get back to dancin'!

The party gathers to discuss tactics and strategy. Mostly it's a question of how to finish off the boss warrior. That dude is for real. The second question is whether or not another dragon will be involved.

Beldame offers this: My knowledge of the Githyanki is limited, but I do know that they do not suffer defeat kindly. Everything they do is counted as either success or failure. No in between. They will continue to send him out until he succeeds in his mission, or he dies. At this point he may be growing desperate.

The Githzerei asks for translation. When Beldame speaks the monk nods agreement.

"With that in mind, I do not believe that another dragon will be part of the next attack."

"Well, that should be easy than," Elora said, but Beldame shook her head.

"Have you not been paying attention?" she asked? "Four times now he's attacked and still he stands. That is no mean feat. Surely this is a dread lord from among their greatest warriors. It will take more than magic missiles defeat him. He even shrugged off my lightning bolt. But I am not without my own wiles. If all of you can corner him, I have some magic that might cause him great harm."

"So we should merely jump him and hold him down? Won't he simply use that rod and fade away again? How do we neutralize that? Our monk friend have anything to say about that?

"Pious, do you have any magic that might enhance the monk in some way, make her, dunno, tougher or faster or even able to shed a few blows so that she can hang in the fight a few more seconds? If he's focused on her, maybe we can bind him somehow.

"Don't see much to work with around here but maybe we can fashion a net from blankets or something.

"Thoughts?"

"To be fair, I was playing into the warrior's hands. I didn't give him his due. I will not make that mistake again. There are several spells that I have at my disposal that will prove useful.

"For the warriors, when the time comes, I will cast haste. Those of you engaged with him will have twice the attacks as you usually do. That will give the monk double her normal attacks (six for the monk, four for Olaf - if Kal wants to be part of that, he'll get 2x his normal).

"You must stay within the area of the spell: 40'x 40'. Also, the duration will be one minute (10 segmemts).

"I would caution you, this spell has adverse affects, specifically, it causes you to age each time you use it. So be aware of that.

"Finally, if you hear me shout, duck!"

ooc: Kal can spare a year... I believe the duration to be longer tho.

You got me. 12 rounds duration.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:29, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

A day passes. Then another day, and another. Tensions mount among the party, the cold starts to wear. Beldame has a cough, dry and wracking, enough so that Pious has to cure light wounds periodically. The monk lays hands periodically as well; it works, but for a short time only.

"Do you think they gave up?" Elora asked. Outside of the Beldame, she seems the most out of sorts. Patience has never been the fey's strong suit. The rest of the party muddles through.

ooc: I'll have something of substance for you this evening.

Kal, knowing that this confinement was very bad for everyone concerned, asked the Monk through the Beldame: "Is it possible the asshole just gave up? I think he's recruiting more allies. If we take you south, will he follow? Can we get him on OUR turf to fight?"

ooc: Never saw a post the other night so guess I was supposed to take the last one and run?

No you didn't anything wrong - I've had a substantial spurt of business this week that's curtailed my gaming. I'll post something this weekend...at the latest.

The Monk recognizes that the Beldame is ill - she's helped in some small fashion by laying on hands. Still, she talks to the Witch, who translates: "There is a node of power up here that they are seeking. Should they succeed in retrieving it, the balance between their races will tilt, and the Githzerei will be at their mercy once again. She cannot let that happen."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:55, Tue 23 Feb 2021.

"So, can we set an ambush for him at the node? He seems to know where we are, or more likely, where she is at all times. Maybe we can use that against him."

Beldame translates again:

She says that not only are they hunting the node, but they are also hunting her...which we knew already, or at least suspected. That changed nothing. The only thing I worry about are additional foes, but I think we can handle that if we summon some animals as attack beasts. The critters will be a distraction, if nothing else.

"That does sound like a plan. Ask the monk if she knows the area around the node, perhaps well enough to sketch out a map. We can find places to hide and from which to send the animals to make sure we have maximum effect."

Beldame said, "I can summon a pack of six dogs. Once I do so, I'll give them basic commands and then I can focus on our antagonist. Now, it's getting late. We need to set a watch rotation - there's no reason to think he would not try a night attack, so two at least on each watch. For my part, I need to ready my spells, then get some rest. This old body isn't what it used to be."

"Sounds good, I'll take the middle watch with whoever else wants to join me in chattering and shivering. Let the Beldame get as much rest as possible."

The night, surprisingly, is quiet...and short. That displacement of time being so near the pole leaves everyone a bit out of sorts. Still, everyone makes ready, eating a quick meal of rations for sustenance.

It's not long after the sun reappears that not one, but two armor clad figures appear atop the rise.

"At least it's not a dragon," Elora said, looking up at the twin clad warriors.

"Hush, child," the Beldame admonished.

A moment later, the Beldame summons her dogs, then follows by casting Haste upon the Monk, Olaf and Kal.

ooc: no surprise, both sides are ready. Roll initiative, Attack and Damage rolls. Game on!

The original warrior moves quickly from the rise, but his partner stumbles a bit as he follows his compatriot. The baying of hounds echoes through the surrounds!

ooc: once Kal rolls initiative and attack/dmg, game will be on!

17:40, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 7 using 1d8+5.

17:40, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 13 using 1d8+5.

17:39, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 4 using 1d20+3.

17:39, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 22 using 1d20+3.

17:39, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 7 using 1d20+3.

17:39, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Att 1.

INIT: 3 (not sure what you rule Haste does to this)

Kal, a blur of motion, hacks with his flaming blade at the big villain, hoping to slow him for the monk!

ooc: Looks like 20 points of damage to the A-hole then a fumble on the last attack. BTW, assuming he is regenerating and using +2 feature of the flametongue.

I did not clarify that particularly well. Since Beldame was the caster, the haste spell goes on her turn. I allowed for the dogs, because she prepped the spell and cast it earlier.

Beldame's initiative is 3, meaning that the spell will be cast, but the primary warrior will get his licks in at the same time as Agrax and Olaf and the monk.

Upon his attack, the original assailant swings his sword, and misses 2x:

Olaf attacks: Hit's the original baddie 2x for 16points of damage on 2 attacks. Nice

Monk Attacks: The monk attacks, and again she finds herself struggling in the thick snow. Three tries go awry.

Agrax Attacks: Misses, but not for want of trying.

Beldame casts haste.

Elora casts flaming sphere at the second black knight. It hits for 5 points of fire damage

Pious holds steady, ready to heal when he must.

And the second baddy finally engages, and swings 2x at Olaf: 7 points damage

Here's how I'm going to rule Kal's turn. As I said up above, the haste spell is cast on Beldame's initiative which is a 3. So Kal is going to have to wait until she casts. once done, he's hasted like a dervish. I think that's fair. Oh, and you can keep your rolls.

ooc: so... now I'm confused, are we back to init or do I need to fix my post?

I see what you're saying: You rolled a 3 for initiative, that's the same as Beldame...so you that will allow Kal to use the rolls he made under the haste spell. That work?

If it's permissible, sure! I read it as haste spell was active, go have fun. Sorry.

Unless surprise is a factor, initiative gets rolled first, followed by attack and damage. Fortunately, Kal rolled well, along with Olaf, to get things going, while the bad guys didn't do much.

Round 2


Bad guy 1: The warrior seems stymied by Olaf's and the Monk's defensive posture. He misses 2x again

Olaf: Meanwhile, Olaf attacks with his bastard sword. The first swing goes awry, but the second one is a solid hit of 13 pts of dmg! Olaf seems to be back on track with some solid swordplay. In addition, he got two more swings, one of which scored a solid 7 pts dmg.

Agrax: Agrax still struggles with the new blade, but she's hasted and gets another try and scores a worthy hit! 13 dmg to the main baddie.

Monk: The hasted monk is a dervish. Wielding her staff, she gets 6 attacks. three miss, three hit: She scores 19 points of Damage on the bad guy.

Elora: Magic missile x3 scores 11 points of damage on the big baddie.

Beldame: Casts Cone of Cold which does 24 points of damage to the bad guy. A frozen rime of ice covers him, but he's still standing.

Dogs: dogs attack and score 2 hits: One full damage: 7 total dmg by the dogs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am Waiting on Kal and the 2nd baddie, who is now beside his comrade. Basically, round two is still going on. Just fyi, the second baddie rolled a 2 for initiative, so he's the last to go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Sat 27 Feb 2021.

12:47, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 6 using 1d8+5.

12:47, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 13 using 1d8+5.

12:47, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 15 using 1d20+3.

12:47, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 15 using 1d20+3.

12:47, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 2 using 1d6.

Kal will attack the 'other guy' this round, hoping to keep him busy while Olaf had the hot hand and join back in on the main bad guy next round. If 15 hits, he took 19 damage.

Kal does not hit, unfortunately (you needed a 17). I'll tell you what, though, I'll allow magic missiles to be hasted so that you can hit 4x instead of two. That'll take place on Kal's next turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:16, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

The second bad guy reaches out and touches the reeling leader. Suddenly the the leader looks quite hale once again.

Round 3

The fighter baddie steps forth with newfound purpose: Misses the first, but scores 15 points of damage on the 2nd attack: His target is the Monk.

OOC: I have to run out, I'll pick this up when I get back today.

*poke*

I know. I'll have something soon. Work has been, well, work. I've been slacking in all my games. Hang tight.

It's funny, too. This should be the easiest of the games I'm DMing.

Sigh...

Don't worry about it, recall: headed out to see family and get some serious fishing in on Friday, just wanted to know if we're continuing. Hope work slows up a bit!

I am going to pick this up here:

Round 3:

The major domo has recalled his mojo with a little timely help from his friend: It looks like in the blink of an eye that the fighter dude miraculously went from a near death experience to full health. He attacks the monk with rigor x2: Once again, the fighter is stymied by defensive posture of the Monk and Olaf working in concert!

As the warrior tries to recover, Olaf and the Monk go on the attack:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the monk gets 6 attacks, Olaf 4.

The monk attacks, hits 2x out of six for 15 points damage.

Olaf follows with 16 points on a perfect swing - it was his only hit, but he made it count.

Kal: Let me know what your gonna do!

Elora fires a storm of magic missiles at the second armored foe - 7 pts of dmg on the second foe, who shrugs it off like no big deal.

Beldame casts Lightning Bolt at the secondary. To her surprise, the spell fizzles out!

Agrax follows the Beldame, charges forward to attack the original warrior with her new found sword: The scrappy fighter adds an additional 9 to the warriors pain - the wounds start to accumulate once again!

Pious makes ready to heal when necessary.

The dogs attack in pack formation and go after the second warrior: He roars his rage and laughter at the pups, who's only recourse is whine in fear (as an aside, I rolled single digits to hit for each dog. Love the dice roller...
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:32, Thu 01 Apr 2021.

Round 4:

The warrior attacks the monk: he finally finds a hole in their defence. Rolled a natural 20 on the first hit, rolled an 18 on the second. The monk gets battered for 31 points of damage.

The monk recovers quickly: she attacks six times in succession, manages to hit twice for 16 points of damage.

Olaf attacks as well and has 4 attacks: The first does 18 points of damage, but then he falls short on a critical roll and loses his grip on his sword. He has to reach down to pick it up and loses the other half of his turn.

Agrax got her feet under her: she hits the baddie 2x for 12 points of damage. Seems comfortable with the bastard sword at this point.

Elora fires off another magic missile, this time at the other feller for 7points dmg.

Beldame gathers her summoned dogs, whispers to them, then set them off again to take on the other member of the bad guy's party. They all miss their attack...again. LOL!

For her part, the Beldame begins to chant a spell...she has a fierce determination in her eyes, but the spell looks to be a ritual of some sort.

Finally the 'other' guy gets a chance to wreak havoc: A wall of flame comes down from on high directed at both the monk and Olaf(Flame strike!). Olaf saved, but still took 17 points dmg. The monk also tries to dodge out of the way: she also saves for half dmg but takes 17 points of dmg as well.

Kal - you attacked the secondary figure last time. Let me know what you are going to do this round.

Kal will attack (I thought I had posted that for the last round like a month ago...)

Round the first:
21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 6 using 1d8+5.

21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 7 using 1d8+5.

21:14, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 17 using 1d20+3.

21:14, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 14 using 1d20+3.

This round:

21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 6 using 1d20+3.

21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 4 using 1d20+3.

21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 12 using 1d20+3.

21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 17 using 1d20+3.

21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 10 using 1d8+5.

21:15, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 8 using 1d8+5.

Kal will continue to hack at the secondary guy to keep him busy while the others kill Badass.

By my best reckoning, Kal does 17 points damage on two hits on the other guy.

Next round: The warrior takes lead, still has some moxie left in him. Putting all of his effort into the monk, he scores 27 points of damage to her. She is down!

Olaf attacks from flanking: Both attempts clang off the warrior's armor to no effect.

Agrax is not as successful as her prior efforts: her attempts are also foiled by the warrior's armor.

Elora leaves the magic missile for the nonce in favor small, rock like missiles that burn: the 'rock' hits her target for two points of damage which then burns the second terminator's surcoat. (that would be the warrior) and follows up with a magic missile in the same round for a total of 15 points dmg. (nifty).

The Beldame has dispelled the dogs in lieu of a fire elemental that charges toward the main warrior. He hits the Gith warrior for 10 points of damage! The warrior does take a bit of damage, but not as much as the Beldame hoped.

Kal - you are up. This is a good fight. They're making you work for it!!! LOL

00:34, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 7 using 1d20+3.

00:34, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 8 using 1d20+3.


Er...hmmmm.... misses....

At least Kal will keep the guy tied up!

The party's attack stalls: the warrior notes the fall of morale and moves quickly to take advantage. He sizes up Olaf, and lands a devastating blow with his first swing! Critical hit! The second is a near miss, but Olaf is severely wounded after the first. Barely standing, he gamely swung his sword in return at the warrior x4 (haste still in effect). Only one hits, but it's a solid blow: 9points dmg Staggered, but unbowed, Olaf readies his next attack.

Agrax moves forward, attacks 2x vs the warrior for another 7 points dmg.

Elora does the same trick she tried before to similar effect: 14 more points of dmg to the warrior. A stumble in his stride shows the strain.

Beldame sends the fire elemental against the second attacker and scores for 12 points dmg Pious, having waited for the right moment, runs forth and touches Olaf on the arm and cures him for 15 points of healing. The light grows stronger in Olaf's eyes.

Kal, your turn - you still have haste and I believe you are attacking the newer assailant.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Kal leapt forward and screamed his defiance to the sky and went Ginsu on the man!!

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 12 using 1d8+5.

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 8 using 1d8+5.

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 8 using 1d8+5.

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 11 using 1d8+5.

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 17 using 1d20+3.

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 16 using 1d20+3.

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 16 using 1d20+3.

21:43, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 19 using 1d20+3.

For a grand total of 39!!!

Wow, that was a nice round for you...to say the least - nicely played!

ooc: You're saying the guy is still up? DAyUM!

39 pts dmg is pretty spectacular. Another one like that and this one might be over. Unfortunately, the other guy gets a shot back at you (sometimes a low initiative isn't a bad thing...)

In this case, the other attacker tries to cast a dispel magic on the fire elemental, but he fails.

Next round forthcoming.

Round six begins!

The Warrior fails to hit twice. Is his doom at hand?

Olaf scores 2x out of four: 14pts total damage to the Gith warrior. He's staggering, but still up.

The monk is down, and either dead or unconscious.

Agrax takes her shot, but misses 2x.

Elora attacks the warrior with her wand of Magic missiles: 3 charges: 9 points of damage to the warrior who is now prone on the ground.

Seeing the warrior fall, the Beldame instructs the elemental to attack the other opponent: the elemental hits for 15 pts dmg.

Kal is up now, face to face with the remaining bad guy.

20:12, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 6 using 1d6.

20:12, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 13 using 1d8+5.

20:12, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 10 using 1d8+5.

20:12, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 12 using 1d20+3.

20:12, Today: Kalmus the Grey rolled 17 using 1d20+3.

(Init and attacks for Kal, I believe the first one hit for ten hp damage)

Noting the odds severely in the party's favor, the priest casts a spell of sorts and disappears. The warrior has fallen prone, as has the monk. And Olaf took a couple more wounds as well.

What's your course of action?

Assuming the priest, up to now not mentioned, was Kal's dance partner, Kal walked over to the badass and beheaded him,  yelling for Pious to get his ass in gear and tend the gravely wounded Monk. He knelt beside Olaf to render aid with a look of appeal towards the Beldame for more aid.

Just to clarify: The second antagonist was a priest. If you recall, he called down a flame strike sometime in the middle rounds. I did my best to delineate between the original bad guy and the Gith priest. In simpler terms: The warrior was the pack leader, the priest was his sidekick.

Make sense?

Yes, OK, that makes more sense. I was unaware the Gith had gods or priests!

You make a great point - the Githyanki have a Lich Queen of terrible powers. The Githzerai also have a similar figurehead, however he is a pale shade to the Lich Queen. Still, he's powerful in his own right. The Githyanki are more invested in their Lich queen than the Githzerai.

That is how I take it, anyway.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So, counting the cost: the priest fled.

The Githzerai monk is dead.
The Giothyanki warrior is dead (finally). And you have some decisions to make.

Olaf and the rest of the gang are still alive - Olaf's HPs sit at 15 (full health he's 48).

What decisions? The monk and her antagonist are dead, I'm guessing we actually failed at our mission, whatever that was. The Beldame was not super clear on that.

I beheaded the warrior, Olaf should survive.

I don't recall anything except coming here to aid the Monk, the warrior is dead, that was about the extent of what I knew.

Thanks!

There are still questions that are lingering. Are you going bolt directly back south? What if the Beldame asks you to stay for a couple days at least, until she can get an idea of what that fight was really about. Also, the concern that we've killed a number of lower level Gith, along with the big guy. And then, what do we do with the bodies? Leave them there?

If you drop everything and head south, what are the ramifications? For may part, there's still the trinket you got from the winter wolf to examine...anyway, I know this wasn't as fluid as I wanted it to be, but it was still a pretty good scrap.

Let me know if you want to retreat south, stay up here for a few more days/weeks to see what kind of scrying the Beldame will get to. Or maybe you just want to conclude on a high note on this campaign. Your call. I'm good either way.

I think we hang around. Obviously, there was more to it and yes, I would certainly like to know what it was all about. Besides, if it's cold, Elora will want to snuggle.

Terminate the campaign? I thought Agrax was leaving but we were going to keep going on some other adventure or maybe even return to the haunted house to take care of the ghoul and her unwelcome neighbor...

I'm happy to play as long as your happy to play. Let's keep it going.

Well, alright then, let's hang around and see what the Beldame can dig up...