New OOTS products from CafePress
New OOTS t-shirts, ornaments, mugs, bags, and more
Page 5 of 27 FirstFirst 123456789101112131415 ... LastLast
Results 121 to 150 of 785
  1. - Top - End - #121
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    "A fine plan," states Gunnar "Freyja and I shall ascend from the far side. The way is open so they'll see us coming but you will be free to strike at the foul witch while we close. Sibbe and her honorless cowards will fall beneath our blades and spears!"

    "Yes," agrees Signy, "I will come too, and make for the jarl's daughters". She glances up at the lightning blasting down to strike at the stones atop the tor. "We still have some time before the vernal equinox and the sacrifice ritual. Let's not waste it".

  2. - Top - End - #122
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Dexam's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Flanhk-Marepork
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri eyes the slowly approaching undead, the young skald trying and not quite succeeding to keep the fear from his expression.

    "Yes, we'll out-manoeuvre them, and catch them off guard!" he says, using bravado to quell his rising sense of dread. He pats the shortbow strapped to his back. "While perhaps not as fine a shot as yourself, Nuklander, I can still help keep their attention. I'd much rather meet these villains shield-to-shield, it is clear that this witch and her cronies have no sense of honour, so an arrow to the gut is just as deserving for them as a spear."

    Skorri slings his shield over his shoulders and pulls a boarding axe from a loop on his pack. Using the spike on the back of the axehead to aid his climb, he begins the ascent of the tor.

    Spoiler: Rolls
    Show
    Climb: (1d20+3)[18] (includes +2 bonus from boarding axe)
    Stealth: (1d20+1)[14]
    Last edited by Dexam; 2019-06-23 at 09:47 PM.

  3. - Top - End - #123
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Dark Dreams Wanderer and Skorri nimbly clamber the slopes of the Tor, mindful of the gathering undead below. Simultaneously Freyja, Gunnar and Signy make haste to ascend the Tor by way of one of the main causeways, the now-cowering dog Bogi following close.

    At the culmination of each causeway a small old ditch marks the peak of the Tor, not a barrier to anyone but a symbolic boundary. The end of each ditch is anchored by an 8-foot-tall standing heelstone. They lean slightly inward toward each other and have tapered tops. Ancient Andøvan runes once marked their surfaces, but these have been worn to illegibility.

    A ring of ancient standing stones is at the center of the Tor’s summit, some 200ft from the causeway that you have ascended. A few of the stones still stand as trilithons with posts and lintels 10 feet high, but most of the stones lie on the ground or are leaning at precarious angles. The dark clouds above swirl in a great spiral seemingly only a hundred feet above the hilltop and are constantly illuminated from within by flashes of lightning. Other streaks of lightning flash downward in jagged arcs to strike the still-standing trilithons, and after each flash, the stones radiate a pale glow for a few moments as if absorbing the power of the storm.



    All the stones of the circle are carved of the same blueish dolerite, a type of stone not native to the area. They bear no legible carvings, but some faded, weathered creases in the rock hint that at one time they were richly adorned. At the center of the ring is a 3-foot-high-by-12-foot-long altar stone stained in ancient blood. The area between the altar and the ring is open and covered with low grass. Roughly half of the stones are still standing, especially the main entrance stones at the south of the ring.

    At the altar you spy the old witch Sibbe and the jarl's youngest daughter Little Runa at the altar, seemingly conversing in harsh whispers. The remaining two daughters of the jarl Inga and Fastvi are tied up nearby. Two warriors stand on guard duty, recognizable even at this distance as the wanted men Njarni the Traitor and Gufti the Clever. The former hefts an ax and cries out a challenge pointing to your group at the heelstone boundary. Gufti grabs bow and sword, and the old crone starts gesturing and cackling as she casts a spell of magic. Little Runa cowers down low next the the altar.

    Before your eyes the two outlaws increase and grow, swelling with foul magic until they are the size of large trolls and looking just as murderous. The wicked seiðkona glances over to the two bound girls clearly eager for the time to draw nigh for the sacrifice and her restorative ritual!

    Dark Dreams Wanderer and Skorri lurk on the far side at the lip of the Tor, about 100ft from the stone circle, apparently unnoticed so far.

    Spoiler: Initiative
    Show
    Gunnar (1d20+3)[8]
    DDW (1d20+2)[11]
    Freyja (1d20+1)[2]
    Skorri (1d20+2)[19]
    Signy (1d20+1)[5]
    Sibbe (witch) (1d20+1)[4]
    Njarni (axe) (1d20)[3]
    Gufti (sword & bow) (1d20+2)[5]

    Spoiler: Map
    Show


    The flashing lightning of the storm and glowing stones give the entire hilltop normal lightning.

    Njarni (axe) is to the north
    Gufti (bow & sword) to southwest


    => DDW & Skorri
    some distance away still (see map)

  4. - Top - End - #124
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PeacefulOak's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer

    The Wanderer had scaled the face of the slope with ease, bow and mighty terbutje strapped to his back. Now, edging over the crest, he pulls forth his horn-backed longbow and draws an arrow, whispering a prayer to Ullr under his breath. "Guide our blades and arrows, hunter of truth and justice." He turns to Skorri and gestures vehemently, his hand tapping his own chest and jabbing forward, then pointing to Skorri and making a downward pushing motion. He eases forward stealthily, doing his best to stay low to the ground as he readies his bow to loose. Finding a steady point he takes a deep breath, draws to his ear, and looses the arrow with his exhale. The arrow sails near-silent through the air towards the witch... but the Wanderer sees none of this as he drops prone to the ground once the arrow is loosed.


    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    Rollls rolls rolls!
    (1d20+5)[15] to hit for (1d8+2)[9] damage (+2 to hit and damage for Favored Enemy)
    (1d20+6)[8] stealth

  5. - Top - End - #125
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Dexam's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Flanhk-Marepork
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri nods his assent to the gestures of Dark Dreams Wanderer, pulling out and readying his own much smaller bow while whispering a short prayer to Wotan to guide his aim. Like the Nuklander, he creeps forward slightly, keeping low to the ground with arrow nocked to string. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees his companion ready and loose, dropping swiftly to the ground. Scant seconds behind, Skorri replicates the motion, drawing a bead on the distant figure of the witch Sibbe and falling flat once the arrow is in flight.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Attack with shortbow: (1d20+0)[1] (includes -2 for range penalty)
    Damage: (1d6)[6]
    Stealth: (1d20+1)[16]

  6. - Top - End - #126
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer and Skorri let fly with their bows, arrows sailing high across the lightning-blasted mound. Somehow the Wanderer's arrow finds its mark, catching the evil witch in the arm for 9 damage as she stands next to the altar, her face contorting in rage and fury.

    Across the opposite side, Gunnar utters a battle cry "For the Jarl! Silvermeade!". Hefting his shield and axe he grits his teeth and starts forward to close the distance to the girls and their captors. He has taken but a step across the shallow boundary ditch when there is a twang as a cowardly snare is triggered. As Gunnar's boot catches the tripwire a coiled sapling launches a spear catching him unaware and sinking deep into his thigh for 8 damage. "Ungh!" he collapses to the ground a gasped "Go!".

    The success of the treachery is greeting by howls of laughter and taunts from the two burly warriors. Njarni clashes his axe against a throwing spear daring you to come at him while Gufti spies your two archers hiding and lets fly an arrow vaguely in their direction.

    The kidnappers all take cover from the archers behind the monoliths and the witch Sibbe ducks back wrenching the arrow free and casting a spell of warding upon herself. "Hold them back" she croaks at her servants, "The time is almost nigh!"

    "Come!" says Signy to Freyja, "We must rid the world of these cowards. They dishonour all Northlanders with their tricks worse than Loki. I am with you!"

    Spoiler: info
    Show
    Luckily (?) it was the absent player triggered the trap...
    Spear trap vs Gunnar (1d20+15)[26] damage (1d6+3)[8]
    Gunnar is at -3hp so will be 'fine' but is unexpectedly yet conveniently not needing to be run by me anymore for this combat!

    Gufti vs DDW
    shortbow (1d20)[1] (incl -2 range), damage (1d6)[3]

    All opponents now have +4 AC from cover vs DDW & Skorri.

    Signy ready to follow Freyja into battle!


    => Party

  7. - Top - End - #127
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PeacefulOak's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer

    Bouncing to his feet with a ululating battle cry, the Wanderer dashes towards an advantageous position, hoping to find an angle to strike the witch. He draws an arrow and releases it, his cry reaching a crescendo as the arrow takes flight.

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    (1d20+5)[11] to hit for (1d8+2)[3]

  8. - Top - End - #128
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Dexam's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Flanhk-Marepork
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri clambers to his feet with a cry of "For Silvermeade, and the justice of the Jarl!"

    Pulling another arrow from his quiver, he steps forwards and snaps a shot at the witch, hoping that his aim is significantly better than last time...

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Move: stand up from prone.
    Standard: Shortbow attack (1d20)[13] (includes -2 for range, but not cover); damage (1d6)[2]
    Free: 5' step forwards.

  9. - Top - End - #129
    Titan in the Playground
     
    DrK's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    UK
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Freyja

    Freyja lets loose a vile curse as Loki's luck strikes down Gunnar beside her. Glancing at Signy she nods, "stay behind me. I fear we may not survive what is it come but Wodan will bless us if we fight to the last" and hefting her spear she'll start jogging forwards, running towards the circle of rocks closing to 80ft from nearest of the savage criminals her spear low and ready to tear out either of their throats!
    Thanks to Emperor Ing for the nice Avatar

  10. - Top - End - #130
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Dark Dreams and Skorri continue to rain arrows down upon the witch and her craven henchmen but the cowards take cover behind the ancient monoliths and the shots clatter harmlessly off the rocks. Freyja jogs forward massive spear in hand, with Signy hitching her skirts and following close behind with the pup.

    Gufti the Clever hides behind a fallen column shooting wildly with his bow through the lightning-streaked skies, the shot flying well wide. Njarni the Traitor with a stupid grin on his face similarly hurls a massive throwing spear toward Freyja the throw poorly delivered falling well short.

    At the altar stone Sibbe the Unkempt casts her hands to the heavens, foul words of ancient magic on her cracked lips as the old witch holds a severed eyeball aloft and casts a spell. Her eyes glow orange like hot embers in her withered face as she cackles above the winds "You'll not stop me! I've come for my dues! The jarl thought I had forgotten what he owed me, but I never forget! The girl is mine and I'll have her sisters too! I will live afresh for another lifetime with these gifts."

    Next to her Little Runa stands rigidly upright. She reaches out grasping a dagger in her hands and turns to walk stiffly toward Skorri and the Wanderer her eyes showing all white, rolled back like one possessed...

    Spoiler: info
    Show
    Gufti vs DDW
    shortbow (1d20)[6] (incl -2 range), damage (1d8)[7]

    Njarni vs Freyja
    throwing spear (1d20-7)[11] (incl -8 range), damage (1d8+7)[14]

    Sibbe
    cast spell

    Runa
    move east towards DDW & Skorri

    Spoiler: Map
    Show


    The flashing lightning of the storm and glowing stones give the entire hilltop normal lightning.

    Njarni (axe) is to the north
    Gufti (bow & sword) to southwest

    Edit: An 80ft move from Freyja would put her on the outside border of the stone circle anywhere from 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock


    => Party
    Last edited by Ghostfoot; 2019-07-02 at 05:40 AM.

  11. - Top - End - #131
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PeacefulOak's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer

    The Wanderer, now standing, moves forward and northwards in an effort to find a better angle to hit the witch with his arrow. Drawing to the cheek, he lets the arrow fly with a whoop!

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    (1d20+5)[25] to hit for (1d8+2)[3]

  12. - Top - End - #132
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer's arrow flies true, arcing through the blasted skies to catch the witch a glancing blow for 3 damage.

    => Skorri & Freyja

  13. - Top - End - #133
    Titan in the Playground
     
    DrK's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    UK
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Freyja

    In range now Freyja, angry with the murderous scum atop the hill calls upon Father Wodan, power flows into her as she gestures at Gufti and feels the length of the spear charge with power.

    Long legs flying over the rough grass she hurdles hummicks as she charges in, spear thrusting to impale the criminal

    Spoiler: Freyja
    Show


    Swift: smite evil vs Gufti (+1 hit/dam/ deflect AC,)
    Charge Gufti, stop at 20ft with long spear
    - (1d20+9)[22] dam (2d6+6)[14]

    Thanks to Emperor Ing for the nice Avatar

  14. - Top - End - #134
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Dexam's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Flanhk-Marepork
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri begins a steady trot towards the monoliths, pausing only to snap off another quick shot at the witch.

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Move 30' towards the monoliths.
    Standard: Shortbow attack (1d20)[20] (includes -2 for range, but not cover); damage (1d6)[2]


  15. - Top - End - #135
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Freyja hurtles across the lightning-blasted ground closing the gap with the ancient magic-infused Andøvan circle. Spying the coward rapist Gufti with bow in hand she charges at him. He turns from his position beside a standing stone, he's big as a troll due to the witch Sibbe's foul magic and his normally agile frame is unable to duck away quickly as she strikes for 14 damage grievously wounding him. Even wounded Gufti seems unfazed and, uttering an oath against the gods he shouts at Freyja describing in vile detail the horrific things he will do to her when he has beaten her down.

    From the other side Skorri jogs forward even as the girl Runa advances towards him past her two bound sisters, dagger in hand. Ignoring the girl for the moment he fires another shot at the ringleader witch, his arrow grazing her for 2 damage as she curses him in anger. Runa closes quickly eyes dilated clearly under some sort of bewitchment as she raises her dagger ready to strike at Skorri.

    Behind Freyja runs Signy darting behind the bigger-framed giantess with the stray dog loyally by her side. As Freyja engages with Gufti, Signy focuses on the traitorous jarl-murderer Njarni lukring nearby. The massive warrior grins and raises his huge axe at the sight of the slight young woman but Signy is firm. She starts casting a spell, using the ways known only to the mysterious & respected cunning women to guide her magic even as he advances toward her axe raised.

    Seeing Gufti & Njarni move to the western flank Sibbe too shifts her attention, fixing her evil witches gaze upon Freyja causing further doubt to creep into her mind.

    Spoiler: rolls & info
    Show
    Signy starts casting Sleep (casting time = 1 round)

    Gufti frightening SA vs Freyja
    Demoralize opponent DC10 (1d20+9)[16] => Frightened 1 round

    Sibbe hex vs Freyja
    Evil Eye DC15 (1d20-1)[2] => -2 on saves for 4 rounds

    Runa double move
    Njarni double move

    Spoiler: Map
    Show


    => Party

  16. - Top - End - #136
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PeacefulOak's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer

    Having a bead on his foe now, the wild-haired Wanderer dashes forward loosing another arrow.

    Spoiler: OoC
    Show
    (1d20+5)[19] to hit for (1d8+2)[4]

  17. - Top - End - #137
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer's arrow flies true! As Sibbe focuses her hexes upon Freyja the arrow catches the witch square in the back for 4 damage. She sprawls across the ancient stones, her lifeblood pumping it's last as the burning embers in her eyes flicker and fade.

    Nearby your ally Signy completes her own sorcery and a stunned Njarni topples to the ground like a mighty oak, unconscious and slumbering in a magical sleep. Gufti sees his two accomplices fallen and his bravado turns to panic. He turns and runs, fleeing even as lightning blasts down around. He doesn't last long, the last you see of him his escape ending abruptly as he hacks feebly trying to carve his way through the horde of ancient undead surrounding the rise. The skeletal Andøvan drag the coward down and you see their pitted bronze weapons chop relentlessly as they deliver him deservedly to Hel.

    Back at the Tor, Little Runa breaks down in tears, the witch's spell now broken. She dashes over to her bound sisters freeing them and the three of the huddle together with the wee dog happily bouncing around and licking at them. Gunnar hobbles closer clutching his wound, badly injured but yet still alive.

    It's been a long night, and not yet over, but for now you have saved the jarl's daughter's from certain sacrifice at the hands of the witch Sibbe and her coward thugs!

    Spoiler: rolls
    Show
    Njarni save vs Sleep Will DC15 (1d20+3)[13]
    Last edited by Ghostfoot; 2019-07-17 at 08:06 PM.

  18. - Top - End - #138
    Titan in the Playground
     
    DrK's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    UK
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Freyja

    Freyja skids to a halt, breathing heavily as the panic fades. Her cheeks blush unseen in the dark skies as she feels the shame of her cowardice whilst the others had not fled. She smiles slightly as she watches Gufti's brutal death even as she feels some sadness it was not her spear or Wodan's strength that had delivered the justice. WIth the witch dead she runs up to the girls, a shouted "Girls, Runa, you are alive. It will be well. Gods be praised but it will be okay."

    She looks at her allies and smiles a weary smile. "DO we wait here for the light of day to disperse these restless dead and this dark storm?"
    Thanks to Emperor Ing for the nice Avatar

  19. - Top - End - #139
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Dexam's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Flanhk-Marepork
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri drops his bow and draws his axe, tentatively raising it in order to knock aside the young girl with the flat of the head. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the flash of Mørkedrømevandrer's arrow reflecting the lighting as it sails through the air and strikes down the witch Sibbe. He lets out an exultant shout, followed by a sigh of relief as Little Runa returns to a semblance of normality. He turns his attention to Gufti, only to see the coward flee into the horde of undead and meet a fitting demise.

    Confirming that the girls are unharmed, and happy to see that Gunnar has recovered somewhat from his wounds, Skorri makes his way to Signy and the fallen Njarni. The young skald gives a slight bow to Signy. "Lady, you posses great magics that are matched only by your courage. How long will this traitorous cur remain asleep? Long enough to haul him to the jarl's justice?"

    He nods at Freyja. "The giantess makes a good point - did we rescue the girls from the witch, only to meet our Wyrd at the hands of long dead warriors?"

  20. - Top - End - #140
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PeacefulOak's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer

    As the witch falls a ululating cry emits from the Wanderer, who stands shaking his horn-backed bow to the sky. Personal celebration complete, he swiftly kneels and gathers a handful of dust, spits in it, and scatters it into the air with the heat of his breath. That done, he moves to join his companions in the circle of stones.

    "Ullr's justice is done here. Let us bind the scum that he might face a more earthly justice soon." Keeping an eye towards the slopes of the hill in case the horde of undead approaches, he kneels next to his kill and begins to search the body. Over his shoulder, he speaks to Runa seeing that she is distraught. "Hey there wild one... all is well, yes? See to your sisters there, that all might face the night on their feet."

  21. - Top - End - #141
    Titan in the Playground
     
    DrK's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    UK
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Freyja

    The giantess looks at Mørkedrømevandrer, "Aye a good suggestion" and runs over to the downed Njarni where she binds him tightly, but gently so as not to wake him from his sleep. When he is thoroughly bound with the full 50ft of rope in her coil she draws a dagger out and shaves off his beard beginning to plait and slave leash to wear around his neck in shame (before his eventual execution). She'll also search the vagabound even as Mørkedrømevandrer searches the vile witch.

    Glancing at the undead lining the base of the Tor she motions to Skorri, "Can you get the girls into the centre of the Tor. THere we will make our stand I guess and if the Norns have cut our threads here we will fall."
    Thanks to Emperor Ing for the nice Avatar

  22. - Top - End - #142
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Dexam's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Flanhk-Marepork
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri

    The young skald nods, but frowns with mild concern as he sees Mørkedrømevandrer searching the body of the slain witch. "What should we do with that?" Skorri asks, indicating the corpse. "I'd hate to see her come back again some day to trouble Silvermeade Hall, like that lot out there." he gestures to the undead milling around the Tor.

    He goes to gather up his bow and search for any other weapons that might be given to the girls. "Gods' willing it won't come to it, and we'll defend you with our lives and honour; but if you need to defend yourselves, better to meet the enemy with a weapon in hand like a true Northlander, hey?!" he tells them cheerfully, as he herds them to the centre of the stone circle. Once there, he goes to examine the large altar stone in the centre - if the witch Sibbe was so interested in it, perhaps it held some clue as to how to dismiss the unnatural storm or the walking dead warriors?

    Skorri turns his gaze to Little Runa. "You weren't tied up like the others... what was the witch saying to you?"

  23. - Top - End - #143
    Ettin in the Playground
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    NZ

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri gathers the girls within the boundary of the Tor, seeking safety or at least a more defensible position within the stone circle. Signy helps too, urging the tired girls to make haste and gather next to Gunnar who hobbles his weight resting heavily as he leans on a dropped spear taken from Njarni and hands a few more out "Girls, grab a spear. Better to die with a weapon in hand. You father will be proud of you".

    When Skorri inquires with Little Runa she lowers her eyes and looks away "I....I don't know. I don't remember. I swear I've never seen her, but it seemed like I'd known her all my life. I....I couldn't help myself. Please, let's not speak of it".

    Signy points out Sibbe's dagger of ancient bronze, and similarly ancient amulet taken from about her neck. This is a necklace made of small animal bones and laced with dead roses surrounding a faintly glowing blue crystal. Despite its obvious age, the delicate bones and flowers that comprise the necklace are still in good repair — every dried rose petal remains in place as if locked in time.

    "These items carry the power of the Andøvans still. We would be wise not to leave them for witless brigands to happen upon"

    Spoiler: loot
    Show
    Link to loot page

    On Njarni:
    • studded leather armor,
    • greataxe,
    • 6 shortspears,
    • sap,
    • pouch with 4 hacksilver (ie 4 gp)


    On Sibbe:
    • Andøvan dagger (bronze +1 dagger),
    • Andøvan barrow charm (unidentified),
    • ragged peasant’s outfit,
    • spell component pouch,
    • pouch with 26 hs and a chunk of amber with a large moth suspended in it (unappraised)




    The sounds of many pounding hooves and the jingle of harness and armor rise from the Barrow Lands below. Below where stood the ranks of the dead who allowed you to pass to the Tor now can be seen a large party of armed warriors riding hard toward the hillock. In the flashes of lightning, you can make out the forms of the dead moving aside to allow them to pass without a fight. As the riders make hard for the causeway, you can see that though their harness and armor are mudspattered and travel stained, the weapons they bear in their hands are bright and their faces grim. These are men going to war, and riding at their head you can see the boar-headed helm of Jarl Olaf Henrikson himself leading three full hands of huscarls and warriors.

    From the mud that grimes his armor and the blood that dries on his face, you can tell that Jarl Olaf has had a long night as well as he and his huscarls gather around you and the girls. Kraki Hallason is there, and Young Ljot, sourspirited Berg Geirson, surly Hauk of Vastavikland, One-Eyed Sven, and even Old Ljot. Hallbjorn also looks on approvingly, his helm clutched under one arm, his eyes tired but bright.

    “It seems you young-spears have had a night of it, too,” your jarl begins. "At first I had thought that you were young and foolish, unable to oversee my girls, then I thought you defeated or your mind’s-worth broken by what strange signs we found at the Meadows when you did not return. But when we began to follow the trail to find the girls, we realized it was your trail that we followed, and we saw the signs of your own battle-dew shed upon the path as you fought to fulfill your sword-oath to me. You have fought and bled for my household, and in my mind that makes you a part of it.

    “Glad I am that you have saved my daughters from that evil witch, and happy I am to reward such warriors as you. When we return to Silvermeade, you eat, drink, and fill yourselves with good mead, for you have done well this day. And here in the sight of my own householders take from my hand these armbands that have graced my own arms since I slew the giant Hastral in furious spear-din. Truly you are warriors of Olaf Henrikson.”


    Spoiler: more loot
    Show
    each: an arm-ring of gold taken from his own arm (a great honor) worth 300 hs

  24. - Top - End - #144
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PeacefulOak's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Mørkedrømevandrer

    Efficiently having gathered the supplies from the witch into his travel sack, the Wanderer had risen to greet his Jarl standing tall and proud on the earth and rock of victory. Though not his people's custom, he was still deeply impressed and touched as the Jarl took armbands from his own arm to present to them, and he immediately placed it on his own arm, though it rose all the way to his shoulder before finding catch.

    "It was our duty, Jarl, no more or less. The earth would scarce have borne my tread were I to turn tail and run from that." He stamps the ground firmly to demonstrate his point. "Happy I am to stand beside these worthy in your service."

  25. - Top - End - #145
    Titan in the Playground
     
    DrK's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    UK
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Freyja

    The giantess offers a low bow to the Jarl. "You honour us. the Gods and the all father have seen fit to give us victory this day." She looks at the barrow and the sea of undead warrriors, "We will need Wotan's blessing to escape this place. I would be honoured to lead the charge my Jarl to see you and your girls to safety."

    Rested she dons the golden arm band and then hefts spear and shield and walks to the edge of the stones to look down into the mass of the dead to see if there is a "leader" amongst them or a patch where the dead are thinner. The patch wher the bandit was ripped apart does not appeal to her.
    Thanks to Emperor Ing for the nice Avatar

  26. - Top - End - #146
    Bugbear in the Playground
     
    OrcBarbarianGuy

    Join Date
    Nov 2015

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    The man—or so Knorron thought of himself, and was painfully self-conscious in doing all he could to make others think so as well—stood with his arms folded across his chest, the better to hide their unnatural length. Hands were tucked under the folds of his dun colored cloak, the better to hide nails that were more akin to claws. There was less he could do to disguise the fact that his skin marked him as something other than fully human with its frostburnt appearance, but he wore his hood pulled low across his face to cloak it as much as possible.

    He watched, silently, as the scene unfolded on the hill. The ride had been difficult and he was splattered with horse-strewn mud kicked up on the trail, but it appeared the Jarl’s daughters were safe, so all was well. Now he watched, and waited, to see what new need Henrikson might have for him.
    Dergosh the Loud M Half-Orc Clr 3/Bar 1 | HP: 38 (26 with rage)| Init +10 | AC 17 T12 FF15 | Fort +7 Ref +3 Will +6 | Listen +1, Spot +4 | ATK +7 (+9 w/rage) melee 1d8+3/x2, +5 ranged 1d6+3/x2 | Cleric Spells: 0--guidance, guidance, light, resistance; 1st- summon monster I, cause fear (DC 15), sonic blast D (DC 15), resurgence; 2nd-restoration, lesser (x2), sonic weapon D
    Domain ability: piercing scream (DC 15)


  27. - Top - End - #147
    Titan in the Playground
     
    ClericGuy

    Join Date
    May 2011
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Heltinne Thrainsdottir, Speaker of Spirits

    The Jarl and his huscarls were a formidable force, drawing all eyes as they arrived. They immediately headed to the heroes responsible for saving the Jarl’s daughters while the rest of the retinue spread out to cordon off the area. Amidst the rank and file warriors, however, was a cloaked figure that was given wide berth from the others. Perhaps not as wide of a distance as the elf riding a polar bear. As the warband settled into their stations, the figure pulled back a hood to reveal a face that clearly demanded attention. She did not appear to be a spear maiden or battle fury, but there was an undeniable sense of importance around her. For those who looked closely, her lips would occasionally move in a seeming murmur ... and she periodically tilted her head to the side, as if listening to something.

    Her gaze swept across the Tor, lingering momentarily on each of the new heroes, and a select few of the Jarl’s band. However, when her gaze reached Runy, the woman froze, staring at the young girl for long moments before finally tearing her gaze away. Whatever she saw had clearly affected her.

    Spoiler: Portrait
    Show


    Joining the party with a little mystery
    Spoiler: Status
    Show
    AC 14 HP 9 Init +1 Move 30
    F +1 R +1 W +3
    Weapon: longspear (+2, 1d8+3), Morningstar (+2, 1d8+2/3)
    Spells (Unl/3): ghost sound, mage hand, guidance, create water, detect magic, spark / cure light wounds, bless, obscuring mist
    SLA: 1/1, Ice armor: 1hr
    Key skills: Perception +6; Sense Motive +5; Diplomacy +7; Heal +7; Spellcraft +4; KS Religion +4; KS Geography +5; KS History +4
    Effect: Child of Winter (+2 Initiative/Reflex; endure elements vs cold; no penalty on ice; 1/2 pen deep snow); ER 5 vs cold, acid, electricity
    Last edited by Starbin; 2019-08-09 at 02:46 PM.
    Life is ... life. As always bot/cut as necessary.
    DM: "Why do you have so many characters?"
    Me: "Because I never embraced the strategic value of running away."


    Fare thee well, N_R ... you will missed!y

  28. - Top - End - #148
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Planetar

    Join Date
    Oct 2017

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    White That Walks (Vitsomgår)

    ~~Earlier~~

    It had been a long, but blessedly uneventful journey south from Nukland to Silvermeade Hall. The first thing he noticed was the trees, then the green. So much green. In the far north of Nukland, the only colours were blue, white, black, brown, and the occasional splash of red when a kill was marked. Other colours were only given by Sky when she danced across Night. Sometimes, too, sparks of Sky settled in the eyes of special Nuk. But here were a riot of colours so bright that it hurt White That Walk's eyes. Yellows, purples, oranges, and all manner in between that the northern elf had no names for. The tales he had heard of the summerlands seemed to be true after all, and White That Walks gripped his Bear's fur harder, comforted by his familiar bulk and warmth beside him.

    Short days later, the Nuk ascended the steps to Silvermeade's Hall, polar bear in tow and huffing his encouragement to the young druid. His entrance causing a stir - moreso because of the polar bear at this side than the sight of a Nuk - Vitsomgår announces himself and his reason for visiting...

    ~~Now, on top of the Tor~~

    A few minutes after the Jarl's party mounts the rise to the standing stones, a fur clad youth about 5'10" carrying a shortspear and a wooden shield also crests the hilltop and approaches the Jarl. Right behind him, keeping pace and swinging its thick head from side to side, scanning in all directions, is a bear with shockingly white fur contrasted against night-dark eyes and nose. Resting his spearhand on the bear's head, the newcomer shakes his head to lower the hide hood covering his head, revealing similarly white hair closely, but roughly, cut to his scalp. He nods respectfully at the Jarl and reports No beast tracks our steps, but we should not wait long here.

    After giving his report, the Nuk then scans the assembled group until his eyes rest on Dark Dreams Wanderer. His body stills as he catches sight of the fellow Nuk and the polar bear gives a sympathetic huff of surprise. The white-haired elf approaches the other and places one hand on his heart and the other on the bear's head. Great Bear Mother has sent me to you, child of the in-between time. We have been searching for you many moons. Our claws will join with yours.

  29. - Top - End - #149
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    Dexam's Avatar

    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Flanhk-Marepork
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Skorri Erlenson

    Skorri frowns as Little Runa gives her account of what transpired between her and the witch. He does not press her, but makes a mental note to speak to Signy about it later - perhaps the young Cunning Woman could make sense of both the witch and the girl child's strange ways?

    As Jarl and his entourage ride into view, Skorri beats his axe on his shield and lets out mighty yalps, his skald-trained voice carrying clear above the din of the storm. He happily greets the riders he knows, grinning and clapping huscarl Kraki Hallason on the shoulder as he dismounts. "Glad you finally decided to show yourselves; I was getting worried that we'd have to deal with this lot by ourselves, and then there'd be no glory to be found for you!" he jests.

    As Jarl Olaf approaches and speaks, Skorri grows more serious. He accepts the arm-ring with a mixed expression of pride and awe. "Your honour is our honour, Jarl Olaf; were we to shirk in our duty, we would be no better than the dirt for honourable men and women to walk upon. I look forward to continued service in bringing glory to your family and Silvermead Hall."

  30. - Top - End - #150
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    PeacefulOak's Avatar

    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Gender
    Male

    Default Re: The Northlands Saga - Spears in the Ice IC

    Dark Dreams Wanderer

    Brows rise in muted surprise as the wild-haired Wanderer sees a fellow Nuk approaching from the ranks of Nordmen. "You are far from the homeland, White that Walks. What brings you on my trail to the south?" (Spoken in Nuk)
    Last edited by PeacefulOak; 2019-08-09 at 12:20 PM.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •