Children of the Snow [PF] IC

[BramsesII]

Spoiler: Alec

Show

The young woman eagerly finishes her breakfast, occasionally speaking when her mouth is not full. "That's true, mother. Though... I did sleep quite well. Fortunately." She offers her mother a sweet smile and takes another bite before continuing. "At least I shall head into the contest well fed. Oh, and I'll try not to get hurt. I think that shouldn't be a problem considering who'll be fighting alongside me."

After finishing her breakfast, she gets up and gives her mother a hug. "Don't worry about me. Father shouldn't worry either. I'll be fine." She nods as she lets go of her mother and turns to collect her things. I just hope father'll be fine too.

After collecting her things, Alec leaves the house after giving her mother another hug, leaving for the upcoming contest.

[Mathemagics]

Spoiler: @Barr

Show

Early in the morning comes a knocking at Barr's front door. A voice calls from the other side, "Barr, son of Brand, this is your wake-up call!" The voice belongs to Solomon's brother Aldric.

Spoiler: Barr

Show

"Yes, yes, Barr hears you!"

The warrior calls out loudly through the door before lumbering forward and opening it to step outside, his gear already prepared. Taking a deep breath of the cold morning air he lets out a relaxed sigh. If the coming conflict makes him at all anxious, he does little to show it.

"Well then, let's not waste any time shall we? Where are the others? It wouldn't do if we are the ones late to the fight!"

[RandomWombat]

Spoiler: @Yarl

Show

"I pray to Orlanth that you are right, and I pray to Humakt to bring you fortune in today's contest," Yarl's father reaches across the table to rest a wrinkled hand on his son's shoulder. "Alas, my knees are causing me much grief this morning. I fear I cannot accompany you to the battlefield, even if just to watch. Ah... curse the frailty of old age."

Spoiler: @Alec

Show

"Just remember, if your injuries are too severe, bow out of the contest and go to the healers," Friedhelm advises as she returns her daughter's hug, the latter now having patches of deer blood on her clothes from her mother's apron. "Good luck, dear."

One last bloody hug before she leaves, and Alec is on her way to the southwest wall... probably. It may take a bit to get her bearings, but she'll get there eventually; it's easy to see where peoples' attentions are directed.

Spoiler: @Barr

Show

"Already geared up, good! And here I feared you might be hungover, with how much you threw back last night," Aldric laughs and pats Barr on the back. The Ring Member is geared up as well, wearing a breastplate, gauntlets, a helm, and a pair of boots with leg guards. A crossbow is slung across his back, a quiver of bolts at one hip and a heavy bastard sword at the other. He begins making his way through the streets towards the southwest gate.

"Let's not waste any time then. Drovos is eager for you to cut its ego down to size!"

[Prehysterical]

Spoiler: Yarl

Show

Yarl claps his own hand over his father's. "I understand, father. Make sure to keep your sword close at hand. Something about today has the hairs on the back of my neck standing up, and I don't think it has to do with the contest." Yarl rises from the table and makes his way to the meeting place.

[raspberrybadger]

Spoiler: Thordis

Show

"Asking how a spirit does what it does? Strange answers at best."

[BramsesII]

Spoiler: Alec

Show

Alec makes her way toward the wall southwest wall, deep in thought. I wonder what sort of opposition we'll be facing today. Warriors, perhaps accompanied by a shaman. They wouldn't think of sending magic users like me in, right? I doubt it somehow. And even if they do, well... I'll be ready. I wish I had trained harder with my spear though. Then, I could fight like a real weaponthane. Now I'm just a freakshow they're sending along to confuse the opponent. Well... I'll just have to show them how good I am at causing confusion, aren't I? Supposedly, it's my main talent. Confusion... Hmm... Her mind wanders everywhere as she walks through the streets, eventually making it to her destination if she isn't stopped by anyone. And all that without once dropping her spear!

[RandomWombat]

One by one the group arrives at the southwest gate, where the Clan Ring and a small group of weaponthanes awaited. Chief Solomon was present, turned away from the group and looking at the gate. One of the weaponthanes greeted Yarl, "A good day to you, honored shieldthane. We are preparing to meet with Drovos and get the contest underway." It seemed Solomon had failed to convince the Drovos chief to postpone contest, or wasn't able to reach him yet. To back out now would bring dishonor and misfortune to the clan. It seemed their path was locked in place.

Barr and Aldric are the last two to arrive, taking their place among the gathered representatives and their guards. Hugo, son of Arland, notes their arrival and alerts Solomon. The chief turns to face everyone and nods solemnly. "For those of you not yet aware of the situation, our hunters have spotted Volsagi scouts in the wilderness. There has been no response from Chief Liam of Drovos after I sent a messenger to carry warning to him. I can only assume he refused or ignored the message, or the runner was intercepted." A heavy sigh escapes his lips. "We will proceed as planned, but the clan's cavalry are prepared outside the south all to ride out and cover our flight to the walls should Volsagi attack. The fyrd are being rallied and we will be ready to defend our tula should my fears be realized. Hugo and Aldric will remain behind in the event that we... do not return safely." The weaponthane guards shift nervously, both worried about the potential attack and eager to get underway. Solomon turns to face the gates and signals the guards above to open it. He leads the assembled group forwards. The exceptions are Hugo the agriculturalist and a very bitter looking Aldric. The chief's brother clearly regrets being left behind.

"Good fortune in battle, champions," the war adviser climbs up onto the walls and takes his place beside Alec the Old, who is looking down at his daughter as she marches out to an uncertain fate. His wrinkled face is lined with similar uncertainty.

The southwestern fields consist of open potential farmland that has long been contested by the two clans, neither of which managed to hold on to it long enough to build fortifications. The wild grass is stamped down in scattered patches where skirmishes occurred, and the Drovos' walls are visible in the distance. It is still too far to make out any figures that may be exiting their gate. The destination is the center point between the two tulas, and a small walk is required to reach it.

[Quakes]

Mirka carefully examines the landscape around him, looking for places that large groups could hide if the contest was being taken in bad faith. He reviews the magic that he has available and makes ready to cast a spell once the battleground is reached. He tries to appear calm and confident, in an effort to bolster any of his companions that may be nervous about the upcoming battle.

[raspberrybadger]

Thordis applies her war paint. However fate would have it, a fight seems likely today. To be sure, treachery of one sort or another seems likely, but she intends to be victorious regardless.

Spoiler

Show

War paint of the terrible visage has no effect until activated. Then it is a swift action DC 11 cause fear.

[BramsesII]

Alec eyes her companions, all ready for battle, and tries to look confident herself as well. She checks herself one last time to see if she didn't forget anything, and is relieved to find that she brought both her crossbow and her magic wand. Her spear, like the crossbow, is attached to a strap on her back, leaving her hands free to cast spells if necessary. She looks at her companions and grins. "Well then. Here we go, I suppose. You guys ready?"

She smiles nervously as they begin their small walk to the meeting point.

[Prehysterical]

Yarl advances at the front of the party, shield already in hand.

"It doesn't matter if we are ready or not. The day is here. The future of our clan depends on us."

[RandomWombat]

The group's many eyes see no signs of an ambush or hidden traps, and another group can soon be seen approaching from the Drovos' tula. The wooded area to the north, where the hunters typically prowl, is an unsettling sight. No telling who might be hiding in the cover of those trees.

Eventually the two groups meet at a section of the field where the grass has been scythed down and torches have been placed around the battlefield to mark the boundaries. To leave the area within the torches would disqualify the competitor and remove he or she from the contest, as was tradition. The Drovos entourage was visible now:

Most conspicuous among them is a giant of a man standing well over six feet, giving a yeti a run for their money in terms of muscle mass. What makes him conspicuous is not his build, however, but his clothing. A tall red hat with a white pom-pom hanging from it is accompanied by thin bear hide armor dyed a ridiculous shade of pink. A bracelet on his left hand is adorned with three dots in a triangle pattern, showing him to be a follower of Eurmal. In his hands is... some twisted melding of a torch and a light morningstar, its head bearing several spikes and covered in fuel-soaked cloth, ready to be set ablaze. A component pouch on his belt marks him as some manner of mage. As if that weren't enough, a glowing purple-pink sigil on his forehead glows slightly in the morning light. It is patterned after a loop with the two ends crossing one another and trailing upwards, twelve points of light scattered around it. The same sigil is shared by the forehead of a sizeable grey goat walking next to the man. The goat has three pupils in the shape of Eurmal's sign, no irises, and a frightening grin upon its face which reveals rows of sharp teeth. This creature is clearly not something natural and it radiates a feeling of oddness, though not malevolence.

Next is a pair, brother and sister from the look of their faces and hair. Both have brown hair and eyes. The man wears leather armor and carries a large, round, spiked steel shield in his left hand, carrying no other notable equipment. While not as tall as the Trickster he is thickly built and clearly a warrior. The woman's armor is made of leather with strips of wooden plate to reinforce it and give it a second layer of defense. A ceremonial longsword of Humakt rests in its scabbard at her side, but her primary weapon is very clearly the bow held ready in her hand.

The next person in line is someone who manages to draw Alec's attention for a moment. Norhaug, son of Rupert, child of the man her father killed in a failed negotiation turned battle. He glares across the battlefield at Alec with very clear hostile intent in his hazel eyes. Dark brown hair is tied back in a ponytail at the back of his head, hanging beneath a half-helmet resting atop his head. A simple chain shirt is enhanced by a thick leather kilt. His hand rests on a slightly glowing short sword at his side and in his other hand is a small steel shield.

Lastly was a small figure in the middle of the group, an off-white scaled kobold carrying a combat pick over one shoulder. Leather armor and a buckler make up the lizard's gear, and he easily zips to and fro among the feet and legs of the larger folk to get a better look at his foes-to-be.

Chief Liam, an older man not yet turning grey, leads the Clan Ring of Drovos and their armed escort. Many sets of eyes stare coldly at their long-time enemies, others just look tired. Liam's eyes look skeptical. He is not dressed as a dedicated warrior and instead wears the garb of a clergyman of Orlanth. Liam and Solomon meet in the center of the clearing while everyone else stands back. The healers brought along from each clan join up off to the side of the arena and prepare to treat anyone critically injured in the contest. "I take it you did not recieve my message, then?" Liam looks confused at Solomon's question.

"What are you going on about?"

"His unconditional surrender, I'll bet!" the Trickster shouts from the sidelines, his goat cackling beside him. Both are silenced by a glance aside from Liam.

"I received no messenger. Explain yourself."

"Our scouts have spotted Volsagi lurking about and keeping an eye on us. I fear they may try something."

"The Volsagi would be fools to tempt the wrath of Orlanth, disturbing a sacred contest in his name. Is this some trick to stall? To back out?"

Solomon sighs. "Somebody intercepted my messenger. There is clearly a reason for it."

"After everything you go through to convince me to arrange this gesture... fine. I will send word back to my tula to prepare for the event of an attack from a third party. The contest proceeds as planned."

"And any who interfere will be caught in a pincer between our two cavalries," Solomon nods in acquiescence. "I accept those terms." He turns back to the champions of Himmiskan. "Step forward and array yourselves on your half of the field." Liam gives a nod to his own champions and the two chiefs step onto the sidelines. The opponents move into formation, in defensive positions to leave the archer a field of view to fire while threatening any who would charge recklessly past.

[BramsesII]

As the group takes up their positions, Alec takes her spot at the back of the group. She whispers to Thordis. "See the man with the ponytail and the half-helmet? I bet he's going to come after me. I'll try to take him out myself, but I may need some help." She looks at the others. "What's our plan anyway? Do we have one?"

[Prehysterical]

Yarl regards their opponents steadily, trying to hide his disgust at the Trickster and his strange beast. He is suddenly glad for the presence of Thordis in their band. "We fight together. Stand beside me. If this goes one-on-one, we will lose." Stepping forward, he draws the warhammer from his belt. He points its head at the shieldbearer of Drovos.

"I am Yarl, son of Baldur. If I am to die today, let me know the name of my enemy so that my family may carve it on my shield."

[RandomWombat]

The powerfully built shield-carrying man places his free hand on his chest, "I am Rong, son of Wright-" the strange goat snickers through its smiling (or bared?) teeth, "-Guardian of Drovos' temple of Orlanth. And if I have any say in it the death that has plagued our two clans will see its end today."

[Mathemagics]

"What's our plan anyway? Do we have one?"

"Simple! We charge and break their ranks! No need to hang back like mewling timid whelps while their archer and mage strike from afar!"

Barr smiles in anticipation at the approaching trial as he pulls the oversized sword free from the sheath on his back. Taking a couple experimental swings to warm up, he then shoulders the blade as he turns to stride forward towards the dividing line. Planting his feet firmly, he surveys the gathered warriors of the Drovos, the smile never once leaving his features.

"Hear me Drovos! Worthy champions and warriors you must certainly be, yet all of you must have done something to offend the gods, or they would not have seen fit to arrange for Barr, son of Brand to be your opponent today! Rest assured, Barr shall grant you an honorable and glorious death!"

Spoiler

Show

Barr will take up a position opposite Norhaug and Rong, and close to the dividing line.

[raspberrybadger]

Thordis says nothing, taking position just to the left of Barr. She keeps her eye on that archer, determined to call on the spirits to raise a shield of stone if she's targeted. She can do that without slowing down her cursing.

[BramsesII]

Alec unhooks the wand from her belt, holding it in her left hand. She looks nervously at her companions, then at the Drovos before them. She says nothing, but her expression changes from anxious to determined as she locks eyes with Norhaug. in her mind, she considers the possible options for keeping the man at bay, magically. Right. Let's see how you fare against magic.

[Prehysterical]

Yarl moves forward to the right of Barr, planting himself in the middle of the formation. Looking back, he says, "Beside me, Alec."

[Quakes]

Spoiler: ooc

Show

sorry, can't see the map on my work compy. Will be hanging back with the casters, ready to drop a spell once combat starts.

[RandomWombat]

Spoiler: Initiative

Show

Barr - 19
Archer - 19 (lower mod than Barr)
Alec - 17 (noted on map as slightly off-blue to avoid confusion with Rong)
Rong - 16
Mirka - 13
Yarl - 12
Kobold - 10
Goat? - 6
Norhaug - 6
Thordis - 5
Trickster - 4
Healers - 0 (on this initiative count each round the healers will move in the intervene and remove critically wounded fighters, if any)

Everyone takes their places, Yarl and Barr exchanging banter with the enemy forces. The gaudily dressed trickster laughs flatly at Barr's boasting. "Always the honor and glory and death with you people. Would it kill you to try some humor for a change?"

Not all of Barr's boasting is hot air though; while everyone is distracted by his grandstanding, the signal to begin is missed for a split second and the first move falls to him.

Spoiler: Map

Show

[Mathemagics]

The moment the signal is given Barr dashes forward in a beeline for the enemy ranks, heedless to the danger of charging in alone. The giant man's eyes take on an unnatural sheen as he collides with the Drovos shieldbearer, his sword crashing down with the force of a felled tree.

Spoiler

Show

Free action: activate Bloodrage (+4 STR/CON, +2 Will, -2 AC)
Move action: move forward to adjacent to the enemy frontline
Free action to activate Destined Strike (+1 attack).
Standard action: Power Attacking Rong.
Attack: (1d20+10)[13] (includes +2 from rage-induced STR and +1 from destined strike, no penalty for PA due to Furious Focus)
Damage: (2d6+13)[23] (+7 of this is from total strength mod, +6 from PA)

Current HP: 42(+8)/42(+8)
Current AC: 16

[RandomWombat]

Barr charges forward with reckless abandon, Rong sidestepping the obvious charge and readying his shield for a counterattack. Barr's sword digs deep into the ground and the archer behind Rong takes careful aim. "Hope you said goodbye to that sword..." An arrow is loosed and impacts the hilt of Barr's greatsword, knocking it out of his hands and leaving the blade to fall to the ground in front of him.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The archer takes a 5-foot step to the right on the map.
Barr is hit with an Archery Disarm maneuver, and drops his greatsword in his space.

It is now Alec's turn.

[BramsesII]

Alec reacts almost immediately as the signal is given. She steps forward in front of Thordis and aims her wand at Norhaug. She speaks the command word, and a burst of color erupts from the wand, encapsulating the three enemy warriors in front of her, but just missing Barr.

Spoiler: Action

Show

- Move action to a position Alec diagonally behind Barr to keep him out of Color spray's AoE.
- Standard action to activate wand of Color spray:

Norhaug, Rong and the kobold get to make a will save (DC 16) or be affected:

Spoiler: Effect

Show

2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.)

3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.

5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round.

[RandomWombat]

From the tip of Alec's wand bursts a flash of brilliant multicolored light, causing Norhaug and Rong to stumble and drop their shields, and in Norhaug's case his sword. Still reeling from the brilliant flash, Rong is unable to capitalize on Barr being completely open. The kobold seems unaffected after the flash fades; either it shielded its eyes soon enough or succeeded in disbelieving the illusion. "What was that?! Is that cheating?"

"Not at all," Solomon speaks from the sidelines, "Challengers are expected to prepare themselves for things like this."

"Sorry, I didn't see what she was holding there," the archer apologizes to her teammates.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Norhaug and Rong are Blinded for 3 rounds, and Stunned for 4, leaving them extremely vulnerable.

Mirka and Yarl are up. They are on the same side, so they may act in whatever order they feel is more beneficial.

[Quakes]

Mirka takes note of the archer's strategy. Two can play at that game. He points at the mage's morningstar and summons the power of the sun to heat it to scorching temperatures.

Spoiler: Spell Info

Show

Cast burning disarm on the morningstar
Reflex save DC 14 to drop the weapon
Otherwise, it deals (3d4)[8] fire damage to the holder.

[RandomWombat]

The Trickster stubbornly maintains his hold on the strange custom-made weapon, gritting his teeth as the metal beneath the grip sears his hand. The grinding teeth shift into a defiantly mocking sneer when the pitch-soaked head of the weapon ignites from the sudden burst of heat. "Thank you kindly, my furry friend! Saved me the trouble of lighting her myself!"

[Prehysterical]

With the archer and Rong out of action for now, Yarl resolves to put down the Trickster. Take away their ability to fight.

He seizes the advantage by charging forward, hammer swinging at the man.

Spoiler: Mechanics

Show

Charge, +2 attack -2 AC, 20 AC
Attack roll: (1d20+8)[28]
Damage: (1d8+3)[4]
Crit confirm: (1d20+8)[20]
Crit damage: (2d8)[8]

[RandomWombat]

Mid-charge, Yarl is met with teeth as the goat's neck stretches out to allow it a bite at his side. The unnaturally sharp teeth find a weak point in his armor and dig into his side before the goat's head retracts. The unexpected attack isn't nearly enough to stop his momentum, however, as his hammer collides with the Trickster and easily wipes the sneer off of his face. If anything can be said for the Eurmali mage it is that he remains standing. No more quips or remarks escape him however, and he takes a more guarded posture as he faces Yarl.

The absentminded girl with the spear proves more of a threat than the enemy team anticipated, and the kobold moves up beside her now that she is beyond the protection of her backers. The kobold's pick swings through the air and impales Alec in her unarmored thigh, the attack following through into a defensive stance.

The goat unexpectedly does not attack Yarl immediately, instead waiting a moment for a more opportune moment. Norhaug is far too delirious from the illusory blast to act.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Yarl provokes an Attack of Opportunity from the goat as he passes through its Reach, taking 6 damage.
Alec takes 6 damage from the kobold's attack.
The goat delays its action.

It is Thordis' turn.

[raspberrybadger]

Thordis remains calm, surveying the action. Treachery is the real concern now. Alec was decisive though - so perhaps the fight can be ended faster than any betrayal can happen. She lets the spiritual force in her face paint loose at the kobold. To be sure, anyone of any skill will recognize it as of no importance.
Then she curses the archer, drawing his consciousness out of his body and towards the world of dreams.

Spoiler

Show

Move action to look around for people who aren't supposed to be on the battlefield. I suppose that's a per check. Swift action to cause fear on the kobold (DC 11 wil save), using up the face paint. Standard action to sleep the archer (DC 16 wil save).