Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Jul 6, 2025 10:21 pm

Varin squints at the creature in the distance, jaw tight as he studies its hulking frame. After a moment, he gives a slow nod, thinking out loud more than speaking to anyone in particular.

"Thing like that’s gotta be slow," he mutters, eyes narrowing. "Big. Heavy. Probably not quick to turn either."
He turns to the others, voice low but deliberate. "What if we don’t fight it head-on? What if we get it to move—chase a few of us. Draw it off while the barge slips through behind?"

Reaching into his pack, Varin pulls out a sealed flask of lamp-oil and a dusty bottle of bitterroot wine. He holds them up one after the other, brows raised.
"These might help. If we can get close enough, set it on fire. It won’t like that."

He pauses, thinking, then adds with a grim smirk, "But we need to pull it off the riverbank first. Set it ablaze too close to the water and it’ll just roll in and snuff itself out."

He sets the bottles down carefully beside him and looks to the group.
"Won’t take much. Just gotta piss it off enough to follow."

Seelah

WhiteDwarf

Jul 6, 2025 11:51 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Im ready, Seelah replies. Lead the way, I’ll follow you close.

Greemology

Jul 7, 2025 12:36 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Smiley says:

Varin squints at the creature in the distance, jaw tight as he studies its hulking frame. After a moment, he gives a slow nod, thinking out loud more than speaking to anyone in particular.

"Thing like that’s gotta be slow," he mutters, eyes narrowing. "Big. Heavy. Probably not quick to turn either."
He turns to the others, voice low but deliberate. "What if we don’t fight it head-on? What if we get it to move—chase a few of us. Draw it off while the barge slips through behind?"

Reaching into his pack, Varin pulls out a sealed flask of lamp-oil and a dusty bottle of bitterroot wine. He holds them up one after the other, brows raised.
"These might help. If we can get close enough, set it on fire. It won’t like that."

He pauses, thinking, then adds with a grim smirk, "But we need to pull it off the riverbank first. Set it ablaze too close to the water and it’ll just roll in and snuff itself out."

He sets the bottles down carefully beside him and looks to the group.
"Won’t take much. Just gotta piss it off enough to follow."

"We think alike... but also it looks slow, ponderous, and jagged. What if we throw burning items onto it that it cannot remove?"

GM

HeroOfSometimes

Jul 7, 2025 1:07 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

THE ISHENSA RIVER | SOUTH OF GASTERFANG | SUNNY MIDDAY
The current shivers with possibility.
Warm light dances on the glassy water, throwing mirrored shards across the barge’s deck. The corrupted ice elemental lurks upriver, an unmoving bruise of frost, but the day’s heat presses close, promising cracks in its armor if the companions act quickly.

Wexley Thorn

Wexley strokes his beard, eyes narrowing as each plan is aired. At last he thumps the rail with a decision made, "A sound strategy," the gnome declares. "You’ll lure the brute from the bank, we thread the boat behind, and light it up once it’s on shore. I’ll steer us through the gap."

He flashes a wry grin toward Ulfr. "Plenty of rags in the hold. Good thinking." His gaze sweeps the crew. He peers over his spectacles at the gathered faces. "Only question: which brave souls play bait?"

Once the volunteers come forward, Wexley nods, his features softening.

Thaelin

Then Thaelin forces a grin that wobbles at the edges of his mouth, "I’ll just, ah, provide moral support," Thaelin says, bravado wobbling as he brandishes an unlit torch. "If things go poorly, imagine me heroically shouting advice from a safe distance."

Nervous chuckles ripple across the deck. Rags and oil are gathered, bows restrung, wicks prepared, and eyes lift toward the sun—counting on its warmth to outpace the creeping chill ahead.

OOC:

Mechanically, you produce

[ +- ] Six Molotov Cocktails

Will get to work on a battlemap / encounter flow

Greemology

Jul 7, 2025 1:24 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Úlfr works to fill two crates with old rags, he uses the bit of lamp oil to make them crates of oily rags. He then gets ready to jump to shore.

Itami

Jul 7, 2025 2:18 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Jasir's expression is hard to read, as usual. Part and parcel of the mask-life he lives. After several long seconds he bows his head slightly. "I will draw it off. I am the fastest one here," he agrees before rolling his shoulder. "My weapon might not do it great harm, but it should be enough to gain its attention."

Jasir moves himself to stand along the railing and moves to string his bow. He does however seem to reconsider the presence of the improvised fire-bombs. "I will take one of those, however. I can throw with some measure of accuracy," he offers quickly.

Besides that he simply waits for Wexly to maneuver the barge to where he can disembark, his pack he leaves upon the barge and moves to take only one of his quivers of arrows.

Petra Pestlegrind

Mica_pun_worthy

Jul 7, 2025 3:10 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

The dwarrow nods, pleased at how the plan came together, and gives Varin a thumbs up for the idea of luring the beast off--and Jasir a solemn nod when he offers to be the 'bait.'

She takes up one of the stuffed jars to throw, then hesitates. "I have short legs, and I don't have the strongest throwing arm. Could I be of better help by lighting the ammunition with a torch so others may skip that step and toss faster? Or by helping with sailing, catching the wind or something?"

Last edited July 7, 2025 4:05 pm

Úlfr Björnson

Greemology

Jul 7, 2025 4:07 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Itami says:

Jasir's expression is hard to read, as usual. Part and parcel of the mask-life he lives. After several long seconds he bows his head slightly. "I will draw it off. I am the fastest one here," he agrees before rolling his shoulder. "My weapon might not do it great harm, but it should be enough to gain its attention."

Jasir moves himself to stand along the railing and moves to string his bow. He does however seem to reconsider the presence of the improvised fire-bombs. "I will take one of those, however. I can throw with some measure of accuracy," he offers quickly.

Besides that he simply waits for Wexly to maneuver the barge to where he can disembark, his pack he leaves upon the barge and moves to take only one of his quivers of arrows.

"I may not look it, but I'm among the fastest runners of us I'd wager, and I definitely have the strongest throwing arm."

Last edited July 7, 2025 4:09 am

Seelah

WhiteDwarf

Jul 7, 2025 10:09 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Seelah takes a fiery flask into gauntleted hand, and prepares to disembark at the appointed time.

Seelah

WhiteDwarf

Jul 7, 2025 12:59 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

As the party sets up for battle, our ebony errelander offers valorous inspiration!

Be vigilant, and steadfast, my friends. May our fire burn with fury of Aryth’s former glory!

Seelah ends her furious inspiration by raising Bladeguard, its Bladeguard shimmering. Before sheathing the weapon, and picking up her alchemist fire.

OOC:

As we prepare for the Fight, and as my first action if necessary, using Inspire Fury - Everyone is +1 attack and +1 save vs Fear for 3 rounds.

Last edited July 7, 2025 1:18 pm

Petra Pestlegrind

Mica_pun_worthy

Jul 7, 2025 4:14 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

The dwarrow's cheeks go hot with embarrassment.

"As I said, I have short legs and what I mean is I'm afraid I'm going to slow you all down if I don't just stay on the boat and help sail it.

"Unless...unless I could ride on someone's shoulders? I could bolster the natural defenses of anyone who would be willing to do that, if you think it's a safe time for Talents and Gifts?

"Probably best if I stay behind and help on the boat, though, nevermind."

She offers the improvised alchemist fire ammunition she had picked up to anyone who can carry it to shore. They would need them all.

Her willingness to put herself in danger may not be in question after recent events, but she still feels guilty about just how many of them will be ashore facing the greatest threat---the monster they lure away.

OOC:

Petra has 20 ft Move speed, slowest in group. Not going to be able to both throw attacks and keep up, and if all I do is Double Move with the group then I will not be "adding anything" of value to the 'attack and decoy' strategy.

Petra can cast barkskin for +3 Natural AC on anybody who is carrying her, to compensate for their trouble?

She can also attack with other weapon.

EDIT: GM said in General OOC chat that Petra can make sailing checks instead, doesn't make sense for her to slow down someone by sitting on their shoulders (or by running herself).

Last edited July 7, 2025 4:42 pm

Rolls

Sailor - (d20+7)

(18) + 7 = 25

Greemology

Jul 7, 2025 8:39 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Mica_pun_worthy says:

The dwarrow's cheeks go hot with embarrassment.

"As I said, I have short legs and what I mean is I'm afraid I'm going to slow you all down if I don't just stay on the boat and help sail it.

"Unless...unless I could ride on someone's shoulders? I could bolster the natural defenses of anyone who would be willing to do that, if you think it's a safe time for Talents and Gifts?

"Probably best if I stay behind and help on the boat, though, nevermind."

She offers the improvised alchemist fire ammunition she had picked up to anyone who can carry it to shore. They would need them all.

Her willingness to put herself in danger may not be in question after recent events, but she still feels guilty about just how many of them will be ashore facing the greatest threat---the monster they lure away.

OOC:

Petra has 20 ft Move speed, slowest in group. Not going to be able to both throw attacks and keep up, and if all I do is Double Move with the group then I will not be "adding anything" of value to the 'attack and decoy' strategy.

Petra can cast barkskin for +3 Natural AC on anybody who is carrying her, to compensate for their trouble?

She can also attack with other weapon.

EDIT: GM said in General OOC chat that Petra can make sailing checks instead, doesn't make sense for her to slow down someone by sitting on their shoulders (or by running herself).

Úlfr looked like he was preparing to carry her, but when she went back to pulling lines and sailing, he hoisted his crates and a well measured bomb. Then he prepared to make the leap to shore.

Last edited July 7, 2025 8:40 pm

GM

HeroOfSometimes

Jul 7, 2025 8:48 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

ISHENSA RIVER | SOUTH OF GASTERFANG | SUNNY MIDDAY

Sometimes ice doesn't realize it's melting until the sun's kiss draws blood.
Five shapes, Jasir, Varin, Úlfr, Azote, and Seelah, step from the low gunwale into ankle-deep water, makeshift firebombs cradled like fragile eggs and bows or slings held high. Behind them, Petra remains on deck, eyes glinting over the rail, already in position to help the riverfolk spur on the barge.

Across the shallows the Corrupted Ice Elemental looms half-embedded in shingle and silt. Hoarfrost webs around it where the water meets the corruption, yet the midday glare paints every edge a lurid rainbow.

It does not stir.

Cold vapor curls from its jagged edges, mingling with a breeze that smells of ash and distant pine. For one surreal heartbeat the mix of warmth and chill feels almost pleasant.

On the barge, Wexley taps a weather-cracked knuckle twice on the rail holds a thumb toward the sky, the agreed signal. The crew slacken the pole lines, letting the craft drift but adding no thrust. Wood creaks, water laps, and then nothing. Even the marsh birds choose silence.

A hush settles over the narrow, reed-lined bend as the Netherthistle begins to coast on the current.

The moment stretches.

Will sunlight and silence hold, or will it shatter with ice or fire?

Combat Begins

OOC:

@Greemology Technically, Azote would be first with my methodology (Higher Dex), but either can go first. You're already off the boat in position.

Edit: Oh yea, I forgot, he already said what his action was going to be.

[ +- ] Initiative

[ +- ] Ice Elemental Fight

Rolls

Ulfr: Initiative - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Jasir: Initiative - (1d20+8)

(5) + 8 = 13

Varin: Initiative - (1d20+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

Azote & Tork: Initiative - (1d20+3)

(18) + 3 = 21

Seelah: Initiative - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

IceE - (1d20+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

GM

HeroOfSometimes

Jul 7, 2025 9:25 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

A sharp, lilting syllable slips from Azote’s tongue.

Instantly the riverbank erupts: reeds thicken, twist, and vault sky-high, lashing together into a living wall forty feet across. Green spears coil round the Corrupted Ice Elemental, rooting it to the shingle. Water sloshes against the sudden dam; wayward stalks jut from the current like pikes barring passage.

"ALL STOP—DROP FORWARD POLE!" Wexley roars, wood groans as he slams the capstan break.

"On it!" Thaelin vaults fore; oak pole bites mud, and the Netherthistle shudders to a standstill, a few measly feet from where it started.

Across the shallows the elemental strains. Frost-laden limbs grind against the reeds, hoarfrost cracking in glittering sheets, but the spell holds. The creature can only hunch upright, half-buried in a cage of living green, glacial mist hissing through the gaps.

Sunlight glints off jagged ice; warm breeze stirs river-scented air; yet no steel clashes, no arrow sings—only the creak of hemp and the groan of thwarted frost.

OOC:

Imagine he's covered in reeds, I'm not make a picture for everything.

[ +- ] Ice Elemental Fight

Rolls

Strength - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Úlfr Björnson

Greemology

Jul 7, 2025 10:40 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Úlfr throws a crate of burning garbage at the beast. He then hastens North.

OOC:

To V1

Last edited July 7, 2025 10:47 pm

Rolls

Burning Garbage Attack - (1d20+5)

(17) + 5 = 22

Damage - (1d6+1)

(3) + 1 = 4

Jasir

Itami

Jul 7, 2025 10:56 pm

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Jasir pulls his bow off of his back and starts to sight down it when Azote proceeds to utter the last trigger word that brings the foliage to life. That... was not going to plan. "Azote stop! You've trapped the barge!

The Sarcosan doesn't sound happy as he expresses this fact, but he has a job to do. He knocks his bow and fires off a shot seeking to gain the attention of the tainted elemental. His shot just clatters off the massive elementals spine-frosted hide.

OOC:

@Itami Correct. Miss, flat-footed is unsurprisingly good.
@Smiley You're up.

[ +- ] Ice Elemental Fight

Last edited July 7, 2025 10:59 pm

Rolls

Longbow attack - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Seelah

WhiteDwarf

Jul 8, 2025 12:53 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Wary but hopeful the reeds hold fast, Seelah five feet forward. Then drawing her right arm back for idea throwing motion, our ebony erelander tosses her alchemical fire at the icy corruption!

OOC:

Move to M8.
@WhiteDwarf Hit. It doesn't like fire.

[ +- ] Ice Elemental Fight

Rolls

Alchemist’s Fire - (1d20+4, 1d6)

1d20+4 : (13) + 4 = 17

1d6 : (3) = 3

Varin

Smiley

Jul 8, 2025 12:54 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

"Everyone Get back! We need to draw it towards us!" Varin moves a good distance into the field, looking around for any troubles that could be hidden in the grass.

OOC:

Move 8X
Pretty field.

[ +- ] Ice Elemental Fight

Last edited July 8, 2025 12:54 am

Rolls

Varin: Perception (Wis) - (1d20+7)

(2) + 7 = 9

GM

HeroOfSometimes

Jul 8, 2025 1:00 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

Ulfr’s burning crate of rags strikes true. Seelah mirrors the throw a heartbeat later with her makeshift firebomb. Both shatter against the elemental’s torso, blooming into clinging flame. Blue-white plates hiss and craze under the sudden heat.

Jasir looses an arrow; the shaft strikes true yet skitters off the creature’s icy shell with a dull chime.

Within the grasping vines the Corrupted Ice Elemental bucks and twists, fracturing its green shackles in a spray of sap and frost. Free, yet not free. Midday brilliance beats upon it like a forge-hammer; cracks spider through its limbs, and the monster can do little more than crouch, shielding its core from the ruthless light.

Wexley Thorn

"Cut those blasted reeds!" Wexley bellows over the commotion. "The Netherthistle can’t make it till the channel’s clear!"

As if an afterthought, he continues, "Not mentioning that thrice-cursed slab of shadow-ice is still squatting in our fairway!"

OOC:

@WanderOne You're up.

[ +- ] Initiative

Rolls

Strength - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Azote & Tork

WanderOne

Jul 8, 2025 2:58 am

Act I, Chapter Two: The Black Current

https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/05/69/26/16/360_F_569261619_Rh4Ny75nD1lNyBuDFNMhEjCxg1ShmFgJ.jpg

Seeing that she couldn't entangle the creature she instead fully cast (channeler warning) a grease patch before the creature with hopes to drop it. She then begins to move away as planned.

OOC:

Grease is at N10. Azote is X10. Tork launches to the air and is basically 50' above with no intentions of bothering the creature.

[ +- ] Grease

Grease
School conjuration (creation); Level bard 1, magus 1, sorcerer/wizard 1, summoner/unchained summoner 1; Elemental School earth 1
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S, M (butter)
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Target one object or 10-ft. square
Duration 1 min./level (D)
Saving Throw see text; Spell Resistance no
A grease spell covers a solid surface with a layer of slippery grease. Any creature in the area when the spell is cast must make a successful Reflex save or fall. A creature can walk within or through the area of grease at half normal speed with a DC 10 Acrobatics check. Failure means it can’t move that round (and must then make a Reflex save or fall), while failure by 5 or more means it falls (see the Acrobatics skill for details). Creatures that do not move on their turn do not need to make this check and are not considered flat-footed.
The spell can also be used to create a greasy coating on an item. Material objects not in use are always affected by this spell, while an object wielded or employed by a creature requires its bearer to make a Reflex saving throw to avoid the effect. If the initial saving throw fails, the creature immediately drops the item. A saving throw must be made in each round that the creature attempts to pick up or use the greased item. A creature wearing greased armor or clothing gains a +10 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist checks and combat maneuver checks made to escape a grapple, and to their CMD to avoid being grappled.
[ + ] Light
[ + ] Mage Armor
[ + ] Mage Hand
[ + ] Prestidigitation
FAMILIAR

Summon Familiar (Su): Channelers eventually learn to shape part of their own souls into spirit-like entities separate from themselves, the better to investigate the world around them, perform minor chores, and act as guardians, scouts, and messengers. These entities are known as familiars. A channeler may summon a familiar via a process that takes one full uninterrupted day of ritual and concentration and requires a sacrifice of 5 days' worth of food. The rules for the familiar are otherwise exactly the same as those described in the core rules. • Many familiars are fey, spirit-beasts, or manifested ancestral shades, rather than mundane animals.

Last edited July 8, 2025 3:03 am

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