Habololy Forum

Icefian Campaign => Reluctant Heroes => Topic started by: whitesword on June 22, 2020, 11:17:53 PM

Title: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 22, 2020, 11:17:53 PM
Planning until next Monday and then some online play.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 12:02:14 AM
So this is really funny...I was using an old copy of Kerkly and Benlin.  They are better than they were.  I was using the character sheets from before last season.  By the end they were each two levels highers...haha....sigh
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 09:18:39 AM
So this is really funny...I was using an old copy of Kerkly and Benlin.  They are better than they were.  I was using the character sheets from before last season.  By the end they were each two levels highers...haha....sigh

Probably something Parker did wrong.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 09:48:43 AM
Probably something Parker did wrong.

Definitely
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 10:08:52 AM
List of who is going on the mission: Kerkly, Benlin, Rubius, Ari, Parker, Sha'ar, Astrick, Navi, Roland, Robin?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 10:11:37 AM
How far from the edge of Greysnows to the temple where we think the heart is kept?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on June 23, 2020, 10:37:48 AM
So, the tentative plan is to teleport in right outside the cold barrier, tunnel under it with Asterik, locate and disable the "Heart of Winter," locate and defeat Marius, try to figure out the extent of the mental/physical/spiritual damage he's done to the Scaled Elves, then teleport back to Castle Gemblade and regroup.  Does that sound about right?
 
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 10:49:25 AM
So, the tentative plan is to teleport in right outside the cold barrier, tunnel under it with Asterik, locate and disable the "Heart of Winter," locate and defeat Marius, try to figure out the extent of the mental/physical/spiritual damage he's done to the Scaled Elves, then teleport back to Castle Gemblade and regroup.  Does that sound about right?

Yes.  Benlin can now Greater Teleport, although he can only take himself and 5 others.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Hero on June 23, 2020, 11:02:11 AM
So, the tentative plan is to teleport in right outside the cold barrier, tunnel under it with Asterik, locate and disable the "Heart of Winter," locate and defeat Marius, try to figure out the extent of the mental/physical/spiritual damage he's done to the Scaled Elves, then teleport back to Castle Gemblade and regroup.  Does that sound about right?
We better make sure we have a hearty breakfast first.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 11:26:55 AM
How far from the edge of Greysnows to the temple where we think the heart is kept?

Depending on where you cross the barrier approximately 300 miles to Valleyhope
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on June 23, 2020, 11:43:09 AM
We better make sure we have a hearty breakfast first.
Rubius wholeheartedly agrees.  He will prepare a traditional Horarian breakfast based on his ancient cookbook along with a few select Poed pies for all to enjoy before we set out on our journey. 
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Valdis on June 23, 2020, 12:56:44 PM
Parker will glean all the information he can about how the Heart of Winter works from our Chosen friend. He is specifically interested on how a person can operate or control it. He also gets as much info as he can about its weight and composition.

He will also ask about common temple of Frostine layouts. Are they all uniform in appearance/layout? Same size? Etc... 
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 05:18:31 PM
Rubius wholeheartedly agrees.  He will prepare a traditional Horarian breakfast based on his ancient cookbook along with a few select Poed pies for all to enjoy before we set out on our journey.

You quickly discover the Horarians (at least the authors of this particular book) were not big on breakfast and this might not be the best setting to try out a mostly seafood based first attempt.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 05:33:42 PM
Rubius wholeheartedly agrees.  He will prepare a traditional Horarian breakfast based on his ancient cookbook along with a few select Poed pies for all to enjoy before we set out on our journey.

Benlin and Kerkly amusingly aid as your assistant chefs.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on June 23, 2020, 06:07:52 PM
You quickly discover the Horarians (at least the authors of this particular book) were not big on breakfast and this might not be the best setting to try out a mostly seafood based first attempt.
Rubius will make it work.  He will prepare seafood omelets, shrimp toast, and a slew of non-seafood, traditional Halfling dishes that will surely please everyone.  If that doesn't work, he'll have plenty of Poed pies, both sweet and savory, for all to enjoy.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on June 23, 2020, 06:09:43 PM
Benlin and Kerkly amusingly aid as your assistant chefs.
As luck would have it, Rubius is able to grant them bonuses to their Craft (cooking) checks in order to make them competent assistants.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 07:23:33 PM
The mistress of the kitchen, a very large human woman of considerable age and girth, fixes you with a glare that is as frightening as Lloth’s visage: “Under no circumstances are you putting seafood before her majesty; she is pregnant. I will have Lord Vanyar remove you if need be.”
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 07:30:08 PM
Parker will glean all the information he can about how the Heart of Winter works from our Chosen friend. He is specifically interested on how a person can operate or control it. He also gets as much info as he can about its weight and composition.

He will also ask about common temple of Frostine layouts. Are they all uniform in appearance/layout? Same size? Etc...

Argest says “I do not know the command words but I will speak with the clerics of Gnarion before we depart. The Heart is the size of a large chest, about four feet long and two feet high. It appears as clear ice with a large snowflake frozen in the center. Once activated it levitates but when inert it weighs nearly a ton.”

“Large temples are shaped like snowflakes but this is a smaller temple, shaped like three triangles representing icicles.”
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on June 23, 2020, 07:56:25 PM
The mistress of the kitchen, a very large human woman of considerable age and girth, fixes you with a glare that is as frightening as Lloth’s visage: “Under no circumstances are you putting seafood before her majesty; she is pregnant. I will have Lord Vanyar remove you if need be.”
Rubius smiles widely at her and behaves as if she was sweeter than honey.

"Very well my dear, I do not wish to endanger anyone.  The seafood can wait until another time.  What would someone of your obvious expertise recommend?  I'd be happy to prepare her majesty's favorite dish along with the rest of the feast."
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 08:09:56 PM
Rubius smiles widely at her and behaves as if she was sweeter than honey.

"Very well my dear, I do not wish to endanger anyone.  The seafood can wait until another time.  What would someone of your obvious expertise recommend?  I'd be happy to prepare her majesty's favorite dish along with the rest of the feast."

She relaxes and an extensive chalkboard is shown to you.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 08:12:57 PM
Argest says “I do not know the command words but I will speak with the clerics of Gnarion before we depart. The Heart is the size of a large chest, about four feet long and two feet high. It appears as clear ice with a large snowflake frozen in the center. Once activated it levitates but when inert it weighs nearly a ton.”

“Large temples are shaped like snowflakes but this is a smaller temple, shaped like three triangles representing icicles.”

Will it radiate evil?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 09:43:52 PM
Will it radiate evil?

Most likely
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 23, 2020, 09:52:31 PM
Most likely

What level of evil do you suspect?  Ari has a knack for sensing that type of thing from quite a distance.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 23, 2020, 10:15:30 PM
What level of evil do you suspect?  Ari has a knack for sensing that type of thing from quite a distance.

I am not sure. Evil is not it’s purpose but Frostine created it so I am sure there must be some trace.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 24, 2020, 12:27:34 AM
I am not sure. Evil is not it’s purpose but Frostine created it so I am sure there must be some trace.

Will we need to be protecting from cold and ice when we approach it?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on June 24, 2020, 06:50:37 AM
She relaxes and an extensive chalkboard is shown to you.
I go over the options on the chalk board and work with her to prepare a lavish feast, making sure to compliment her and smile at her through the entire process.  At the end of this food prep session, I hope she'll be as buttered up as the baking pans I use for the Poed pies.   
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 24, 2020, 09:21:29 AM
Will we need to be protecting from cold and ice when we approach it?

Not from it but if he summons a horde of Ice para-elementals
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Hero on June 24, 2020, 07:43:01 PM
Any intel on defenses we can expect to encounter at the barrier, the temple, and in Marius’ general proximity?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Hero on June 24, 2020, 07:53:01 PM
...tunnel under it with Asterik...
Depending how wide the barrier is at the point of crossing, it may take a while for us to get under it.  Astrek does not burrow very quickly. We’ve also never taken this many people underground at once before; not sure if air will be a problem if the tunnel is long.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 24, 2020, 08:49:47 PM
Depending how wide the barrier is at the point of crossing, it may take a while for us to get under it.  Astrek does not burrow very quickly. We’ve also never taken this many people underground at once before; not sure if air will be a problem if the tunnel is long.

Now that we have returned to Habololy, Kerkly gathers his Lantern Archons.  There are now 34 of them.  They can teleport themselves, so they can all come with us.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on June 24, 2020, 08:57:55 PM
Astrek does not burrow very quickly.
Can't someone Haste him or cast some other enchantments to aid his digging abilities?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 24, 2020, 10:02:53 PM
Any intel on defenses we can expect to encounter at the barrier, the temple, and in Marius’ general proximity?

Marius has a variety of fiends about and a cadre of Horarian assassins. They come and go and are not present when he goes into the military headquarters.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 24, 2020, 10:37:16 PM
Can't someone Haste him or cast some other enchantments to aid his digging abilities?

Yes, I believe Ari can cast rapid burrowing, which increases burrow speed by 20 for 10 minutes a level.  So caster level 10, 100 minutes, 400 feet per minute, 40000 feet, 7 miles.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 24, 2020, 10:38:19 PM
Can we scrye into the area?  I seem to recall someone asking and the answer in no, but want to confirm.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 24, 2020, 11:06:13 PM
Can we scrye into the area?  I seem to recall someone asking and the answer in no, but want to confirm.

Into Greysnows yes but not the HQ or the temple.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Hero on June 24, 2020, 11:13:39 PM
Marius has a variety of fiends about and a cadre of Horarian assassins. They come and go and are not present when he goes into the military headquarters.
Besides that. Marius have any obvious enchantments (other than the disguise)?

The temple protected by anything?

Do guards patrol the snow belt?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 24, 2020, 11:36:00 PM
Into Greysnows yes but not the HQ or the temple.

Benlin will spend time greater scrying the area around the temple.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 25, 2020, 10:16:13 AM
Besides that. Marius have any obvious enchantments (other than the disguise)?

The temple protected by anything?

Do guards patrol the snow belt?

Argest says: We were given clear instructions to avoid Marius and just observe. I have no idea of his personal defenses. We have seen fiends move in and out of the temple, in disguise, most nights. We did not encounter any patrols until we were approximately 25 miles from Valleyhope.   The main army is encamped south and east of the city but the scaled knights are west of the valley edge.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Zunder on June 25, 2020, 10:20:28 AM
is my new Glaive a +4 defender, or was there something else I needed to know?

If this is mine to use, I leave my old one for another red guard.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 25, 2020, 02:27:32 PM
is my new Glaive a +4 defender, or was there something else I needed to know?

If this is mine to use, I leave my old one for another red guard.

There’s more, I’ll find my note tonight.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 25, 2020, 07:51:48 PM
There’s more, I’ll find my note tonight.

+4, Agility (+3 Reflex saves) and Defending. You may use any combination of the attack bonus and reflex bonus up to +5 for the Defense bonus.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 27, 2020, 09:55:50 AM
Benlin will spend time greater scrying the area around the temple.

Do I get any results from this?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 27, 2020, 12:50:21 PM
Do I get any results from this?

The area around the temple is pretty deserted, which is typical for most Icefian cities and temples/shrines of Frostine. Most of the buildings look like abandoned shops and warehouses.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 27, 2020, 09:03:28 PM
The area around the temple is pretty deserted, which is typical for most Icefian cities and temples/shrines of Frostine. Most of the buildings look like abandoned shops and warehouses.

I can watch for 16 hours.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on June 28, 2020, 10:20:24 AM
I can watch for 16 hours.

During the night hours you see four elves, that to your eye don’t move like elves, in a diamond formation enter the temple. There is no one visible at the center of the formation but they appear wary as if bodyguards.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on June 28, 2020, 10:38:55 AM
During the night hours you see four elves, that to your eye don’t move like elves, in a diamond formation enter the temple. There is no one visible at the center of the formation but they appear wary as if bodyguards.

I do my best to describe them to the others and continue to watch.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Malchia on July 01, 2020, 12:36:46 PM
I do my best to describe them to the others and continue to watch.
Do we have time to watch the compound for a few days to see if the four "Elves" enter the temple at the same time every night?  Once we scope out a pattern, if any, we can decide when and where to breach the ice barrier.

In the meantime, Rubius will spend those days preparing grand feasts for all the heroes and all those in the castle.  Everyone will be well fed and, hopefully, morale will be heightened.  I also spend time learning recipes from the head chef and continue to make her feel appreciated.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 01, 2020, 05:48:34 PM
Do we have time to watch the compound for a few days to see if the four "Elves" enter the temple at the same time every night?  Once we scope out a pattern, if any, we can decide when and where to breach the ice barrier.

In the meantime, Rubius will spend those days preparing grand feasts for all the heroes and all those in the castle.  Everyone will be well fed and, hopefully, morale will be heightened.  I also spend time learning recipes from the head chef and continue to make her feel appreciated.

You can take as much time as you want. Surprisingly, life in the castle is not all meetings and feasts but your efforts are appreciated.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 01, 2020, 05:51:43 PM
You can take as much time as you want. Surprisingly, life in the castle is not all meetings and feasts but your efforts are appreciated.

Benlin will Scrye everday.  If we have names other than Marius, we ask Asinjin to Discern Location on them.

Once Benlin has identified individuals, he will scrye them at other times to see if we can figure out what they are.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 01, 2020, 07:13:54 PM
Benlin will Scrye everday.  If we have names other than Marius, we ask Asinjin to Discern Location on them.

Once Benlin has identified individuals, he will scrye them at other times to see if we can figure out what they are.

At some point Nisoru suggests you scry Syniose Etch, the theoretical leader of all Scaled Elves, and Blakoraen Vone, master of the Scaled Knights.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 01, 2020, 07:46:56 PM
At some point Nisoru suggests you scry Syniose Etch, the theoretical leader of all Scaled Elves, and Blakoraen Vone, master of the Scaled Knights.

I try both.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 01, 2020, 09:21:16 PM
I try both.

You have no luck on Etch. Vone you find in a military camp. He is surrounded by other elves. They look battle weary.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 01, 2020, 10:22:04 PM
You have no luck on Etch. Vone you find in a military camp. He is surrounded by other elves. They look battle weary.

Have there been reports of battles?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 01, 2020, 10:40:32 PM
Have there been reports of battles?

No, not of any significance. Only skirmishes in the Strifelands.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 02, 2020, 01:18:44 PM
No, not of any significance. Only skirmishes in the Strifelands.

Can I get enough detail on some that it would allow me to disguise ourselves?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 02, 2020, 01:47:59 PM
Can I get enough detail on some that it would allow me to disguise ourselves?

Elves from the camp?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 02, 2020, 03:29:33 PM
Elves from the camp?

Yes
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 02, 2020, 04:34:46 PM
Yes

For an illusion yes. For a disguise check it would be very difficult.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 02, 2020, 05:31:35 PM
For an illusion yes. For a disguise check it would be very difficult.

Illusion what I was thinking.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 05, 2020, 07:37:19 PM
So we’re not starting cold (pun somewhat intended) : You depart Castle Gemblade and teleport to an abandoned village. Argest used that as his point of reference upon coming and going on his mission. You scry it thoroughly ahead of time and arrive without issue. It’s a half day walk to the storm-wall with Argest and Astrek clearing the way.

You can see the wall from the village. It looks like many storms you have seen move over open ground, except this one is not moving and extends all the way to the horizon.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 05, 2020, 09:53:43 PM
Do we expect to camp on the other side, or is this all done in one day?
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 05, 2020, 11:42:18 PM
Unless you mean to travel from the wall to Valleyhope by magic it is a journey of more than a week on foot.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 06, 2020, 01:33:44 AM
Unless you mean to travel from the wall to Valleyhope by magic it is a journey of more than a week on foot.
Do we know or think they have ways of detecting our arrival magically?

I think teleporting to a safe distance and then resting can reduce the trip to a day.  Benlin can teleport with out error 5 times in a day.  There and back and there and back will get everyone. 
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: whitesword on July 06, 2020, 10:14:28 AM
Do we know or think they have ways of detecting our arrival magically?

I think teleporting to a safe distance and then resting can reduce the trip to a day.  Benlin can teleport with out error 5 times in a day.  There and back and there and back will get everyone.

Argest has a scroll (Tel. w/o error) that will save you one trip.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 06, 2020, 10:22:50 AM
Argest has a scroll (Tel. w/o error) that will save you one trip.

If we are going to rest between teleporting and going into battle, so he can save the scroll.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Hero on July 06, 2020, 04:14:06 PM
If we are going to rest between teleporting and going into battle, so he can save the scroll.

Ari says:”Astrek, Navi and I will go as part of the first deployment to secure the area for the second group. Master Kirkley and Lady Shaar, your company would be welcome, if the spell can take us all.”

Also, probably a good idea to keep some teleport castings or scrolls in reserve in case we need to beat a hasty retreat. Navi can cast regular teleport. We should establish a muster point on this side of the barrier.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Hero on July 06, 2020, 04:26:43 PM
What level of evil do you suspect?  Ari has a knack for sensing that type of thing from quite a distance.
Current detect evil range is a 6,000 ft radius. Ari can identify aura type and strength, as well as recognize familiar auras at that distance too. So when we get closer we should be able to locate the fiends and Marius. In theory his detection can also punch through attempts to conceal evil auras.
Title: Re: Stalking in a Winter Nightmare Land
Post by: Asinjin on July 06, 2020, 05:52:20 PM
Ari says:”Astrek, Navi and I will go as part of the first deployment to secure the area for the second group. Master Kirkley and Lady Shaar, your company would be welcome, if the spell can take us all.”

Benlin will take himself and those five ahead to scout and wait to communication that all is clear.  All of Kerkly archons will go as well, and they can return to report before the others come.  Can Navi teleport herself?