Act II, Chapter One: Between Stone and Snow

Just before the group quits the area, Jasir considers the aged cloak for several long moments before working his fingers through the somatic motions that serve to draw upon the least of his gifts as a channeler. The mildew which riddles the cloak is forced to explode off of it and vanish in a little swirl of particles. Another gesture and any fraying and holes knit shut. And then a final gesture and the cloak colors itself to match the rest of his ensemble. Finally the cloak is swung around his shoulders and patted in place before Jasir ducks his head.

The satisfied body language Jasir wears speaks volumes. He loves magic, even if he doesn't get to draw on it nearly as much as he might like.

OOC:

Casting Mending and Power Word: Dry-Clean (Prestidigitation) before we head out to restore the cloak.

GM

Jul 18, 2025 9:02 pm

THE ISHENSA RIVER | WHITE MIST, RED SNOW | COLD DAWN
Hope glints like frost under first light, but winter favors sharp teeth.
The ruined tower lies silent behind you, its windows flickering with the last embers of a fulfilled oath, long overdue. Seelah steps into the pale day, newly forged covenant blade in her hands, the Dawn-Ward's steel drinking the color of the sky. Ulfr lifts a hand toward the east and beckons his companions to follow. Thin bands of sunbreak paint the horizon, but a crawling veil of white already folds in the distance. Those versed in survival feel their skin prickle, a telltale bite that warns the lull in the weather will not last.

Snowpack grinds beneath boots. The trail winds through shattered ramparts and half buried cairns, relics of wars so old even the stones have forgotten their banners. Hopeful jokes drift on warm breath fogging in the chilled air, but Aryth answers with indifference as the wind begins to pick and the air begins to bite. Mist thickens between the standing stones, muffling sound and vision alike.

Ulfr motions the party onward toward the whitening air. Their destination somewhere in the distance within its cold, icy embrace.

Your bright night has bought you strength - see how quickly Aryth would steal it back.

OOC:

This is your last opportunity to protect yourself from the weather, beginning now the follow comes into effect:

[ +- ] Environmental Hazard - Snow Storm

There will be a total of ten hours of travel.

During your next post, I'll need eight of those ten saves. As well as anything you're doing while traveling whether that be banter within the party, perception checks, survival checks, etc.

Don't forget to add any relevant modifiers.

Varin

Smiley

Jul 18, 2025 10:17 pm

Varin trudges silently at the rear of the group, his usual vigilance dulled by the creeping numbness setting into his limbs. He forces himself to step where the others have stepped, half out of caution, half because lifting his legs any higher feels like dragging stones through molasses.

The wind bites deep through his patched layers and stuffed linen, turning his cheeks raw and red, his nose constantly dripping and caked with frost. His fingers, despite being tucked into gloves and sleeves, lose feeling hours into the march—stiff, clumsy things that ache whenever he tries to flex them.

By the time they've crossed the halfway mark, Varin’s lips are cracked and blue, his breath shallow and ragged. He stumbles more than once, catching himself each time, but never calling out. He doesn’t speak. Doesn’t complain.

Ice clings to the hem of his cloak and trousers. One of his ears is red and swollen; the other blackens at the tip—a sign of frostbite setting in. His jaw trembles uncontrollably as he scans the empty whiteness behind them, still doing his duty, but barely holding on.

Each footstep is a silent act of will. Each breath burns. And still, he presses forward—silent, suffering, and watchful.

OOC:

Fails 7/8 Times. 3 are Nat 1s. Varin will be fine.

Last edited July 19, 2025 3:51 pm

Rolls

Varin: Constitution-DC15 - (1d20+2+2)

(5) + 4 = 9

Varin: Constitution-DC16 - (1d20+2+2)

(16) + 4 = 20

Varin: Constitution-DC17 - (1d20+2+2)

(1) + 4 = 5

Varin: Constitution-DC18 - (1d20+2+2)

(12) + 4 = 16

Varin: Constitution-DC19 - (1d20+2+2)

(6) + 4 = 10

Varin: Constitution-DC20 - (1d20+2+2)

(6) + 4 = 10

Varin: Constitution-DC21 - (1d20+2+2)

(1) + 4 = 5

Varin: Constitution -DC22 - (1d20+2+2)

(1) + 4 = 5

Úlfr Björnson

Greemology

Jul 19, 2025 4:00 am

Úlfr hopes his Dorn blood and early cold weather experiences will see him through.

OOC:

Only two fails.*edited

Edit: I'm going to add my own survival check. If I make it, I'd only fail two.

Last edited July 19, 2025 3:29 pm

Rolls

DC15 - (1d20+10)

(15) + 10 = 25

DC16 - (1d20+10)

(17) + 10 = 27

DC17 - (1d20+10)

(9) + 10 = 19

DC18 - (1d20+10)

(12) + 10 = 22

DC19 - (1d20+10)

(5) + 10 = 15

DC20 - (1d20+10)

(8) + 10 = 18

DC21 - (1d20+10)

(2) + 10 = 12

DC22 - (1d20+10)

(19) + 10 = 29

Survival +2? - (1d20+8)

(12) + 8 = 20

Azote & Tork

WanderOne

Jul 19, 2025 4:06 am

She has Winter Clothing on and bedroll wrapped. Probably froze to death.

DC's, Results -- +2 Fortitude.
15 Good
16 Fail
17 Fail
18 Fail
19 Fail
20 Good
21 Fail
22 Fail

Last edited July 19, 2025 4:25 am

Rolls

DC 15,DC 16, DC 17, DC 18 - (1d20+2, 1d20+2, 1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (19) + 2 = 21

1d20+2 : (1) + 2 = 3

1d20+2 : (9) + 2 = 11

1d20+2 : (2) + 2 = 4

DC19,DC20,DC21,DC22 - (1d20+2, 1d20+2, 1d20+2, 1d20+2)

1d20+2 : (16) + 2 = 18

1d20+2 : (18) + 2 = 20

1d20+2 : (7) + 2 = 9

1d20+2 : (12) + 2 = 14

Jul 19, 2025 4:27 am

Before their trek though the snow Petra offers a healer's advice to her companions about cold weather travel in ways that best protect their bodies and body heat.

Heat your head covering and boots by the fire before donning them. Layer your clothes. Drink frequently. Snack frequently. Slow your pace if you start to sweat, as when you are cresting a hill, but try to keep moving...

During their walk she tries to be stealthy and conserve energy by not saying much. She also doesn't want to distract them from noticing any strange tracks or something in the distance like howls or light or smoke that may forewarn of an intrusion.

She tries to stay alert herself.

OOC:

GM, I hope the initial 15 that I rolled works for Survival Aid Another to grant +2 on Fort saves to 5 party members? If more rolls are needed, Petra's bonus is +10.

GM/you had asked for Survival roll prior and I got a 23, not sure what that was for? Would also be happy for that to apply to granting the other 5 party members +2 on Fort saves if more than one roll is needed?

Petra had 3 failures out of 8 rolls.

Last edited July 19, 2025 4:47 am

Rolls

Survival - (d20+10)

(5) + 10 = 15

Fort vs cold #1 (DC 15) w/ clothing bonus +5 - (d20+8)

(7) + 8 = 15

Fort vs cold #2 (DC 16) - (d20+8)

(4) + 8 = 12

Fort vs cold #3 (DC 17) - (d20+8)

(12) + 8 = 20

Fort vs cold #4 (DC 18) - (d20+8)

(17) + 8 = 25

Fort vs cold #5 (DC 19) - (d20+8)

(1) + 8 = 9

Fort vs cold #6 (DC 20) - (d20+8)

(14) + 8 = 22

Fort vs cold #7 (DC 21) - (d20+8)

(13) + 8 = 21

Fort vs cold #8 (DC 22) - (d20+8)

(17) + 8 = 25

Perception - (d20+7)

(13) + 7 = 20

Jasir

Itami

Jul 19, 2025 4:33 am

It's hard to put a finger on just where things start going wrong for Jasir. But they do. In a rather large way. A rather unfortunate uptick of wind catches him in dead on, ripping open his cloak and sending a chill straight through him that he seems to have a hard time shaking off. He adopts a more stooped posture that would be more normal on a man three times his age and his hands curl in across his abdomen. During pauses he works to put his chilled fingers through little exercises to keep them ready for casting but a few hours in he gives it up.

Sadly he's not the best source for heartening banter at this point. But he's likely able to keep his feet moving and his body shuffling forward at a surprising clip considering his geriatric posture. If speed hobbling were an event he'd certainly be a contender.

OOC:

Looks like I've been chosen by the DR to take 5d6 nonlethal. XD

Last edited July 19, 2025 11:17 am

Rolls

Snow storm Fort DC 15 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(11) + 8 = 19

Snow storm Fort DC 16 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(1) + 8 = 9

Snow storm Fort DC 17 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(1) + 8 = 9

Snow storm Fort DC 18 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(17) + 8 = 25

Snow storm Fort DC 19 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(2) + 8 = 10

Snow storm Fort DC 20 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(4) + 8 = 12

Snow storm Fort DC 21 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(3) + 8 = 11

Snow storm Fort DC 22 (With Partial Winter Gear) - (1d20+8)

(14) + 8 = 22

Azote & Tork

WanderOne

Jul 19, 2025 1:06 pm

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

As we start marching into the cold, Azote remembers well how she hated the cold. Even as heavily wrapped as she is, the cold was creeping in. She pulled and tugged on the bedroll trying to get fight against it. She was failing. She was having harder time marching as the time passed.

After an hour, she couldn't stop the cold, and it was sapping her strength, but she would stop. She struggled to keep moving with everyone, but her vision was blurring and moments later she was a pile of bedroll laying in the snow unconscious. And of course, still she wouldn't complain.

She is about a total of 100 pounds of dead weight gear and all totaled. Azote is rather lean. All you hear is Tork squalling, "She's down."

Last edited July 19, 2025 2:13 pm

Jul 19, 2025 1:56 pm

"I can risk my Gift to help those of us whose bodies the cold has bitten into the hardest, if the majority do not disagree?" Petra offers.

She wants to know that enough of her companions don't think the likelihood is too high that she would make matters worse if she used magic.

They have traveled with her long enough to know she substitutes "Talent" (arcane studies) or "Gift" (spiritual connection to the world/innate abilities) when she's talking about magic, depending on whose it is.

"Or I can just use what my Oma--my grandmother taught me," the dwarrow adds, "like I used to revive Varin and Tefli?" [Natural Healer]

OOC:

Petra gets (without spending any of her 7 spell energy points)

Cure Moderate Wounds (2d8+4) free 1/day

Cure Light Wounds (d8+4) free 2/day

Cure Minor Wounds (1 hp) 7/day

And with her spell energy points she can cast either Cure Light or Cure Moderate from her spell list.

Oh. And there is "Natural Healer" for non-Magic option. Heal check DC 15 to revive someone to 1 HP.

Last edited July 19, 2025 3:09 pm

Seelah

Jul 19, 2025 4:00 pm

Rolling Fort for Seelah.

Rolls

Seelah: Fortitude 15 - (1d20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Seelah: Fortitude 16 - (1d20+5)

(15) + 5 = 20

Seelah: Fortitude 17 - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Seelah: Fortitude 18 - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Seelah: Fortitude 19 - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Seelah: Fortitude 20 - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Seelah: Fortitude 21 - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Seelah: Fortitude 22 - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

Seelah: Perception (Wis) - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

GM

Jul 19, 2025 4:07 pm

FROZEN BARREN OUTSKIRTS | WHITE MIST, RED SNOW | BLIZZARD
Frozen winds and hungry eyes are all that await on the road to the Giant’s Teeth
The wind that you were spared from once has a debt to collect.

Snow hisses across last-night’s footprints, erasing the memory of warmth. Breath hangs in crystal strands; cloaks already crackle with rime. The party presses on behind Úlfr, whose broad shoulders cleave the mist like a prow. Petra’s head jerks up first, faint, hungry howls ride the gale. Moments later Úlfr confirms what instinct already growls in his chest: a wolf-pack is shadowing the column, always ahead despite the trail’s bend. Their path narrows toward a gully flanked by low banks, exactly the kind of kill-box a clever pack would choose.

The night’s grace proves fleeting. Each hour in the freezing winds leeches heat from muscle and spirit; everyone cradles numb fingers, feels the sting of a splitting chill in the lungs, and the ache of cold induced fatigue, their bodies struggling to keep them warm. Yet the party’s morale still glimmers—Seelah’s newly bonded Dawn-Ward glows with a pale inner coal, and someone jokes dryly about "beating the cold by sheer stubbornness" earning a weary chuckle.

A choice now looms.

Drive straight on through the gully. It is the quickest line to the Teeth, but the wolves command that ground; a dire form paces the upper bank, steam curling from its jaws.

Skirt south around the ridge. Adding two, maybe three, hours will dodge the natural choke-point, but the storm deepens and its not getting any warmer.

Rolls

Nonlethal Damge: Ulfr - (2d6)

(24) = 6

Nonlethal Damage: Jasir - (5d6)

(31241) = 11

Nonlethal Damge: Petra - (2d6)

(65) = 11

Nonlethal Damge: Varin - (6d6)

(143545) = 22

Nonlethal Damge: Azote - (5d6)

(55423) = 19

Nonlethal Damge: Seelah - (2d6)

(43) = 7

Jul 19, 2025 5:30 pm

"I vote we take the more direct route and, if needs must, we fight off the wolves...but what say the rest of you? The longer route is not guaranteed to be safer and the more time passes we may be left more vulnerable by these icy winds shearing through us." Petra says when informed of their choices.

She asks Varin and Azote and Jasir, who shiver hardest, if they want her to use her Gift for them or not before they walk any farther?

OOC:

Rolling for healing below just in case. Use healing rolls only on Varin, Azote, or Jasir if they individually agree?.... And if the majority of the party doesn't vote against using magic yet.

Rolls

Cure Mod on Varin POTENTIALLY from Healer path - (2d8+4)

(55) + 4 = 14

Cure Mod on Azote POTENTIALLY from spell list (2 pts) - (2d8+4)

(77) + 4 = 18

Cure Light on Jasir POTENTIALLY from Healer path - (1d8+4)

(4) + 4 = 8

Azote & Tork

WanderOne

Jul 19, 2025 8:25 pm

Azote was off 19 from cold and 18 from healer Petra leaves only of 1 HP. Not even a shiver left. "Your healing is amazing and far stronger than mine."

"A more direct way is best I believe as well. We need to get out of this cold."

Seelah

WhiteDwarf

Jul 19, 2025 8:59 pm

Seelah pulls her cloak tightly. Spending time helping her companions keep warm against bitter cold!

Rolls

Fort saves - (1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (19) + 5 = 24

1d20+5 : (17) + 5 = 22

1d20+5 : (8) + 5 = 13

1d20+5 : (1) + 5 = 6

1d20+5 : (15) + 5 = 20

Fort saves - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (11) + 5 = 16

1d20+5 : (8) + 5 = 13

Survival to aid another - (1d20, 1d20, 1d20, 1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (8) = 8

1d20 : (11) = 11

1d20 : (18) = 18

1d20 : (4) = 4

1d20 : (14) = 14

Úlfr Björnson

Greemology

Jul 19, 2025 9:39 pm

Úlfr says, "Wolves approach to wreck and ruin. Their leader dire as death. The gully a close calamity. I vote we push on, and I will try to set a snare at the entrance of the gully to buy blessed time."

Jasir

Itami

Jul 20, 2025 3:15 am

Jasir contemplates his state and his current need for healing. When Petra seeks to extend a healing hand he stretches his hand out to her shoulder and offers a gentle squeeze with a bright red hand. "I shall... be best helped by stepping out of this dire cold. As I said before... this northern wind pierces. I would quit it ere you use your gift."

The Sarcosan regards the pass before allowing his breath to cloud in a huff. "I believe we will be better served by going through, despite the danger of the wolves." He gives Ulfr a look and tilts his head as he thinks, ever contemplative even while freezing. "How far do you imagine us from the nearest patrol? Miles?" It doesn't take a mind-reader to recognize that he's weighing the viability of drawing upon some rather unsubtle abilities should the need arise.

Úlfr Björnson

Greemology

Jul 20, 2025 4:21 am

Itami says:

Jasir contemplates his state and his current need for healing. When Petra seeks to extend a healing hand he stretches his hand out to her shoulder and offers a gentle squeeze with a bright red hand. "I shall... be best helped by stepping out of this dire cold. As I said before... this northern wind pierces. I would quit it ere you use your gift."

The Sarcosan regards the pass before allowing his breath to cloud in a huff. "I believe we will be better served by going through, despite the danger of the wolves." He gives Ulfr a look and tilts his head as he thinks, ever contemplative even while freezing. "How far do you imagine us from the nearest patrol? Miles?" It doesn't take a mind-reader to recognize that he's weighing the viability of drawing upon some rather unsubtle abilities should the need arise.

"If I've done my job well... and I believe I have, at least a mile depending on luck. The wolves have the advantage of scent, though. If we are forced to kill them, we need to collect their bladders to ward other predators."

Last edited July 20, 2025 4:21 am

GM

Jul 20, 2025 1:36 pm

FROZEN BARRENS | WHITE MIST, RED SNOW | BLIZZARD
White mist hovers like held breath among toppled cairns, a deep growl unravels the silence.
The party files into the narrow cut of the gully, Ulfr ranging a dozen paces ahead, frost-rimmed braids whipping in the wind. With practiced speed he loops rawhide lines between rocks and buries stake-hooks beneath the crusted snow, a hunter’s lattice meant to catch unwary paws. The icy fog swirls so thick that sight vanishes past thirty feet, but the growls refuse to stay hidden.

Snow suddenly erupts on the left bank as a grey shape charges, then the snare snaps shut. A yelp, a spray of powder, and one wolf thrashes, hind-leg tangled. Another lopes from the opposite rise and finds Ulfr’s second line; the trap's teeth bite and the beast’s leap turns to a flailing tumble. Their cries draw the pack leader.

A dire wolf, broad as a pony and black as midnight iron, stalks from the mist. Steam puffs from its jaws; frost pearls across the rune-scarred stones. One unbound wolf pads at its flank, hackles high. They pause only to see their kin struggling, then lope downhill toward the party, intent on fresh meat.

Steel clears scabbards, bows creak, spells kindle behind clenched teeth. The ambush sprung, but the company stands ready.

Combat Begins

OOC:

Visibility in the storm is 30 ft.

[ +- ] Initiative

[ +- ] Wolf Gully

Rolls

Ulfr: Initiative - (1d20+3)

(12) + 3 = 15

Jasir: Initiative - (1d20+8)

(18) + 8 = 26

Petra: Initiative - (1d20+2)

(6) + 2 = 8

Varin: Initiative - (1d20+4)

(12) + 4 = 16

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

(9) + 3 = 12

Seelah: Initiative - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Wolf 1 - (1d20+2)

(18) + 2 = 20

Wolf 2 - (1d20+2)

(12) + 2 = 14

Wolf 3 - (1d20+2)

(14) + 2 = 16

Dire Wolf - (1d20+2)

(10) + 2 = 12

Jul 20, 2025 3:02 pm