Pinned by an avalanche

[Uruush]

I've looked at the Avalanche rules in the DMG and in the FR book, "Silver Marches," but I'm still not clear on what it means to be "Pinned" by an avalanche. Is there a roll to become unpinned, as when grappling with a foe? If so, how do you determine what the roll is? Or do you have to be rescued by your party members who were not pinned? Are you on the surface, up to your neck in snow, or are you under the snow, and party members have to search to find you? How would you adjudicate this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Vurt]

Well, I think it's vague for a reason. It would truly suck if your campaign of 2 years suddenly ended because an unexpected avalanche wiped out the entire party (something that happens to expert mountaineering teams all too easily even in this day and age). So my advice would be simple: make it dramatic!

Orcs come and go, dragons never seem to stay dead, and the next creepy little town is over the next rise... but when a mountain comes crashing down on top of you, it should be an event to remember. Throw in some reflex saves, apply physical and subdual damage, and bury a few characters here and there. Allow characters near the surface some strength checks, and let the players figure out what to do next.

And then, when half of the party is up and about and they feel the situation is in hand, maybe have something big and hungry come on over to investigate...