Clangden d20+1=12 d20+18=24 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 2:39:09 PM
as soon as the Turtle stops on the shore, Clangden hurridly dismounts the creature and assumes a defensive posture on solid ground. telling the Druid to stick near Tericus, Clangden watches the Jungle warrily, attempting to spot any creature or creatures that might be stalking the group or waiting in ambush.
Wilderness Lore = 12 Spot = 24
Tericus d20+4=19 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 4:37:25 PM
(wilderness lore of 19) as soon as everyone gets off the turtle, Tericus says "Wait a moment." and casts Detect Evil to search for any possible ambushes.
Gareth d20+9=13 Wednesday August 21st, 2002 5:39:27 PM
The warrior gently flies off the turtle's back and lands on the shore. He looks around with a skilled eye for any signs he might notice in the jungle (Wilderness Lore 13).
DM Jan Thursday August 22nd, 2002 1:57:08 PM
As soon as everyone places a foot on the ground, something strange happens. For about half a second - EVERYTHING in the jungle goes completely silent, and then starts up again as though nothing happened.
Clangden feels nothing more than a slight disquiet, akin to sharing a campfire with a group of elves rather than those of his own kind where he could relax. He spots the boat, or at least the part of it, dragged on shore about 50 feet away on the right.
Gareth also feels something - he can't pin it down, but it's enough to put him on a slight edge. He sees a couple of small creatures running off into the trees, startled at the group's arrival.
No sooner has Tericus placed a foot on the ground, than he becomes aware of it. None of his senses can identify it. He can't see anything, smell anything - but coming from somewhere is a gut feeling of shock, growing hostility, and someone or something watching. Oddly enough, his 'detect evil' tells him there is nothing particularly evil here.
Anaxor has dropped to his knees, and seems to be trembling. "Do you feel that?" he whispers.
Nearby, are the chewed off stumps of some plant or other. Looking beyond into the trees are similar examples. The gap left behind the missing foliage seemes to create an hapazard pathway into the interior heading vaguely west.
((OOC - Todd, JK, John - don't forget your Wilderness Lore check when you post))
Tericus Thursday August 22nd, 2002 4:27:25 PM
Glancing around nervously, Tericus says, "I can feel it, Anaxor. Something doesn't want us here. It's not evil, but my gut tells me it's hostile. We need to be very careful."
Gareth Thursday August 22nd, 2002 6:54:18 PM
"We could always depart and begin our search by air instead. Somehow I think we'll find out what is watching us momentarily." The warrior moves over to the boat remnants and examines them, but remains wary and prepared for battle.
Addinein d20=13 Thursday August 22nd, 2002 10:09:47 PM
(lore=13)
Following the rest of the group, Addinein steps out on the shore. He is prepared for some of the sensations since some of the team members have obviously felt something.
Clangden Friday August 23rd, 2002 11:53:52 AM
Keeping his eye on the Druid, Clangden manuevers over to the boat with Gareth, watching his back and providing whatever assistance he may need.
(If something darts out from the Jungle, Clangden is prepared to intercept.)
DM Jan Saturday August 24th, 2002 5:21:32 PM
Addinein also feels a little uneasy as he steps off the turtle and on to the lake shore.
The boat, when examined, is a well-crafted rowing boat that looks as if it could carry about 4 men. Its wood has weathered to a very pale grey colour, like bones, which suggests it has been sat there for a very, very long time. Small plants have grown around it, and surprisingly enough, although partially in the water, it has kept its integrity. (A closer look however will reveal the watersoaked wood looks as soft as paper) The oars look like they might have been tied up, but the cord has rotted.
For the moment, nothing seems to be jumping out.
Anaxor is trying to pull himself together and looks embarrassed, trying to hide his anxiousness. "I don't understand," he says. "What I'm feeling seems to be coming from the ground, but if we're here to explore the place, then I suppose we must. Which way?" He pulls out his sickle, and starts looking around at various pieces of flora.
The turtle and her handler have backed off from the shore a little, but not too far away to be boarded if need be.
Tericus Monday August 26th, 2002 9:28:48 AM
"Well, I guess that path is as good as any place to begin with." Tericus says as he moves toward the path through the woods, though he waits for his friends before he enters it
Clangden d20+1=9 d20+18=34 Monday August 26th, 2002 10:39:26 AM
muttering the word "junk" in regards to the boat, Clangden turns back to the jungle and steps to the edge, examining it in hopes of finding a path or perhaps some kind of trail that whoever left the boat made.
(wilderness lore = 9) (spot = 34)
stays on alert.
Addinien d20=13 Monday August 26th, 2002 8:27:50 PM
"This place makes me uneasy." While the party decides what to do, Addinein continues to look around and try to 'feel' out what is wrong with this place. (lore 13 if needed)
Gareth Monday August 26th, 2002 10:00:50 PM
The warrior moves past Tericus and Clangden and begins to move down the path. He Looks around for anything out of place. "Addinien, how are you at spotting traps? Why don't you lead the way and I'll follow closely?".
DM Jan d20+15=23 d20+15=33 d20+15=33 d20+15=27 d20+21=23 d20+21=31 d20+21=29 d20+21=34 d6+10=13 d6+10=16 d6+10=11 d6+10=11 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 1:49:28 AM
The group begin to work their way inland along a 10 ft wide pathway that seems to meander a little to the north, then west. Sounds of life come through the trees - screeching, whooping, humming, a distant growl. The uneasy feeling is ever present, skin prickling, hair raising, unseen.
About 50 feet in, Anaxor is starting to chatter again. "I can hardly believe it! Everything here is different or changed in some way - bigger, or different colours." He holds out a brown pod. "Smell this! It's like vanilla, only - AAAAAAH!!!!!"
Without warning - what look like long thick vines, snap down as fast as whips from branches about 40ft high. One of them has quickly wrapped itself around Anaxor and pulled him up by his feet and is dangling him 20ft above the ground. Its not the only one either - others attempt to ensnare the entire group!
Attacking -
Clangden hitting AC 23 Grapple check 23 Gareth hitting AC 33 Grapple check 31 Tericus hitting AC 33 Grapple check 29 Addinein hitting AC 27 Grapple check 34
This is something completely new - totally unexpected, therefore catching the group flatfooted (further encounters will be less so) Successful attack - make a grapple check against the vine. Fail grapple and you are hoisted 20 feet up into the air, succeed and you wriggle free. If caught - the vine begins to strangle and squeeze the life out of you, taking the following damage. Clangden dam 13 Gareth dam 16 Tericus dam 11 Addinein dam 11
Roll 1d4 to determine how many limbs are pinned (1,2 legs, then arms 3,4) This will affect your attack. One arm free - one weapon, etc. Dex penalty -2
Your turn, gentlemen.
Tericus d20+9=24 d4=2 d20+23=34 d20+9=25 6d8(3+1+1+5+8+6)=24 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 2:52:00 AM
caught completly off guard(grapple check of 24), Tericus is hoisted 20 feet into the air by both his legs(rolled a 2). not having any weapons that can cut him free, Tericus calms himself(concentration check of 34) and casts Searing light on the vine that has grasped him by his legs(hits AC 25 for 24 pts)
Clangden d20+18=31 d20+30=35 d10+22=24 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 4:28:12 PM
sidestepping the vines, Clangden watches as his comrades are snatched in to the air. realizing that the vines, being 20' in the air is out of his reach, Clangden looks for the tree where these vines are emanating from. (spot 31) if seen, Clangden moves to it and starts chopping at it with his axe like a woodsman.
if he spots it, and after moving to it, Clangden can attack 1 time, hitting ac35 for 24 points of damage.
Gareth d20+23=43 Tuesday August 27th, 2002 9:16:38 PM
As the vine wraps around him, the warrior rips it away as if made of thread. Seeing Clangden faring well and Tericus not, he flies up to his comrades and prepares to cut into the ones holding the cleric.
DM Jan d20+15=27 d20+15=35 d20+21=34 d20+21=23 d20+21=41 d6+10=13 d6+10=14 d6+10=13 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 1:38:32 AM
Down on the ground, Clangden starts hacking away at one of the trees playing host to the vines. The bark is tough, the trunk fairly thick, but he manages to put a good chip in it. The vine that attacked him however, still tries to get at him and drag him up in the air, snapping at him in a frenzy. Attack AC 27 Grapple check 34 Dam 13 Roll 1d4 limb check again if plant grapple successful
About 20 feet up, the vine that holds Tericus starts to brown and curl from the spell, but is not burned through yet. It attempts to tighten its grip and gleefully strangle him some more!
Grapple check 23 Dam 14 Roll 1d4 limb check again if plant grapple successful.
The vine attacking Gareth can in no way compete with the warrior's strength - however, still uncut, it comes back for more - whipping at Gareth as he ascends and gets into a position to help Tericus.
Attack AC 35 Grapple check 41 Dam 13 Roll 1d4 limb check if plant grapple successful.
Nearby, Anaxor is also in a tangle. "Help..." he croaks.
((Those up in the air, make a spot check DC 17))
Clangden (ac34) d20+30=36 d20+25=45 d20+25=35 d20+20=32 d10+22=30 d10+22=23 d10+22=28 d10+22=25 d10+22=30 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 10:58:15 AM
frantically trying to help his comrades, Clangden begins furiously hacking away at the tree. (hit ac36, 45(nat 20 followed up with a 35), 32 (damage is 136 points)
*you need a 34 to hit me*
Gareth d20+23=42 d20+29=31 d20+24=30 d20+19=35 d10+15=25 d10+15=23 d10+15=22 d10+1=4 Wednesday August 28th, 2002 8:11:55 PM
The warrior once again rips the vine apart - this time with effort. This time though he cuts it a few times to see if it makes a difference (Hit AC 31,30,35 for 25+23+22=70 DMG). If the vine dies and there are attacks left over he cuts the one on Tericus. Gareth sees nothing but the vine problem (Spot DC 4).
Tericus d20+9=24 d20+10=25 d8+3=11 Thursday August 29th, 2002 12:26:36 AM
able to free himself from the vine's grasp, Tericus drops to the ground and commands his mace to sing. once its singing he attacks the nearest vine, smashing it(ac25) for 11 pts of damage
DM Jan d6=4 d6=3 Thursday August 29th, 2002 2:51:05 AM
Addinein also gets caught up in the vines, taking the 11 damage, then manages to cut himself free.
Gareth hacks away the vine attacking him, then uses his sword on the one gripping Tericus. The blow, along with Tericus's wriggling out of the vine's grip - frees the cleric and he drops to the ground in order to get some payback. (Tericus - fall of 20 ft = 9 Dam, first 4 subdual - unless succesful jump check, where only 3 dam, and this will be subdual)
Clangdens frantic efforts on the tree bear fruit, and it begins to fall - still with the poor Anaxor tangled in the vines.
He seems to be the only one being attacked at this point.
((Everyone Reflex check DC 25 or suffer 1D12 from the falling tree))
Clangden d20+10=29 Thursday August 29th, 2002 11:28:17 AM
beaming with pride as he watches the tree begin to topple is only shortlived as he realizes that not only is the druid still entangled in the vines but the tree is tipping over towards him so, Clangden, huffing and puffing in strain, sweat pouring down his brow and face turning red, attempts to push the tipping tree away from the young druid in the attempt to save him from a crushing death.
(str check 29, nat19)
Tericus d20=10 d20+7=22 Thursday August 29th, 2002 5:04:59 PM
landing flat on his back(failed jump check), all Tericus can do is scramble out of the way of the falling tree(didnt get out of the way unless Clangden can stop the falling)
Gareth d20+29=41 d20+24=29 d20+19=37 d20+29=34 d20+19=27 d20+19=36 d20+19=37 d20+19=39 Thursday August 29th, 2002 8:31:24 PM
The warrior begins to wail on the vine that has the druid. Once he has the vine cut he attempts to catch him and fly him out of the way of the falling tree (27+36+37+39=139 DMG).
DM Jan d12=3 d12=7 d12=8 Friday August 30th, 2002 1:46:36 AM
The mighty tree comes crashing down.
Clangden puts all his dwarven strength behind pushing it away from the others and is partially successful.
Tericus, Gareth and Addinein take half the damage they would normally have taken. It amounts to small cuts, scratches and the occasional gash on the arm. (Tericus 2 DAM, Gareth 4 DAM, Addinein 4 DAM)
Gareth lands with the stricken Anaxor, after completely shredding the vines surrounding the druid into small pieces. Anaxor appears to have a good half dozen nasty-looking welts around his neck, and is starting to turn a disturbing shade of blue-grey. He is trying to whisper something frantically, but is having trouble breathing.
Amongst the branches of the fallen tree - a skeleton can be seen - white, picked clean - apart from a few shredded pieces of clothing. It looks like its been there for an age. Dead vines encircle it's bony spine.
About 20 feet away, on the low bough of another tree - a ruffle of feathers announces the presence of a bird. Squat, about a foot long, its feathers are jet black, its short beak is bright red. It sits there watching you all, and then for no apparent reason at all, it throws up a brilliant blue crest on the top of its head, and starts bobbing up and down.
((OOC - guys I'm gonna be away tomorrow, but I'll be back Sunday evening to post))
Tericus Friday August 30th, 2002 8:44:19 AM
reconizing what is happening to Anaxor, Tericus moves to him and casts neutralize poision on him. "Rest now,", he tells the druid."Ill heal the rest of your wounds in a moment."
Clangden d20+18=31 Friday August 30th, 2002 12:04:35 PM
rubbing sore muscles, Clangden retrieves his axe and moves over to the rest of the group. warily watching the rest of the jungle while the Cleric tends to the young druids wounds.
(spot check of 31)
Gareth Saturday August 31st, 2002 3:04:16 PM
Seeing the injured squared away, the warrior looks at the bird. "So, do you talk?". He looks to the others. "You guys can do this sort of thing better than me. Ideas?".
DM Jan Monday September 2nd, 2002 1:35:56 AM
The welts around Anaxor's throat lessen, and he starts to breathe a little better, gasping - "Tried to - to talk - too strong for me - hurt - and pain - terrible wrong - done here -"
As Tericus tends Anaxor, the jungle - for the moment at least, appears calm. Clangden can't see anything that would suggest it was about to jump out and eat him.
"Rest!" sqwawks the bird at Gareth, flipping up its bright blue crest once more, answering the warriors question.
As for the skeleton - what was it? Who was it?
Tericus d8+14=21 Monday September 2nd, 2002 8:47:04 AM
muttering a quick prayer, Tericus casts healing circle, healing all of his friends 21 pts of damage. "Should we go on, or should we do what the bird says." Tericus asks Gareth. "I say we go on."
Gareth Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 6:49:37 PM
Looking at the bird and then to Tericus, the warrior shrugs and asks of the bird "Wy should we rest, we just got here?".
DM Jan Tuesday September 3rd, 2002 9:29:01 PM
"Rest! Got here!" sqwawks the bird. It's obviously enjoying itself and is a great mimic, but perhaps nothing more.
Anaxor gets on his feet, brushes himself down and then thanks Tericus profusely. After that, he gets out a leather-bound notebook and starts scribbling in it. He looks to be sketching the plant that nearly killed him, followed by the bird. "I've never seen a parrot like that before," he says. "And I know there are markets where it would fetch quite a lot of money. These are new species - what do we call them? I'd also suggest we go on too. But we must be careful. This jungle appears to be sentient, and it doesn't like strangers."
Tericus Wednesday September 4th, 2002 9:19:28 AM
"Lets just go ahead and go on." Tericus says. "Just be careful, I can only cure poision a couple of more times."
Gareth Wednesday September 4th, 2002 7:43:12 PM
The warrior nods and proceeds down the trail - this time a bit more wary of his surroundings.
DM Jan Thursday September 5th, 2002 10:58:31 AM
The group heads down the trail once more, caution being the order of the day. Here and there clumps of vegetation appear to have been chewed off, clearing the way, making the traverse through the otherwise tangled jungle a whole lot easier.
The track still heads vaguely west. The tree canopy is very thick, and so the light is very subdued. Everyone gets the feeling they're being watched, and occasionally it appears that some of the plantlife is swivelling toward you, watching, following your journey. Strangely enough, so is the parrot who flies from bough to bough, keeping pace quite easily.
The day wears on, and eventually the night approaches. It's been a tiring journey so far, not because of physical exertion particularly, but maybe because everyone has had to be on their guard. Full darkness approaches. What now?
((OOC - guys, I know this is tough, having only a few players presently, but please hang in there. I'm doing what I can to get everyone back in here))
Clangden Thursday September 5th, 2002 2:16:01 PM
after finding a suitable place to camp, Clangden gathers firewood for the night's campfire. after that chore is done, Clangden says: friends, all i need is 2 hours of rest then i am good to go, so if you don't mind, i'll bed down as soon as i get me some grub and if whoever is on first watch will wake me in 2 hours, i'll be happy to help pull the rest of the watches. besides, my darkvision will come in handy around here.
(Clangden pulls out some seeds from his trail rations and places them in a pile where the bird can see and clears out a space free from debris so that it might stand cleanly while eating)
Gareth Thursday September 5th, 2002 8:45:26 PM
The warrior nods to the dwarf. "I'll keep first watch.". He looks around to make sure the area is as clear as possible.
Tericus Thursday September 5th, 2002 9:59:35 PM
"Ill take last, that way I can get my spells back." Tericus says
Addinein Friday September 6th, 2002 4:40:18 AM
" I can take mid watch. Nightitme is like daylight to me."
DM Jan Friday September 6th, 2002 11:14:31 AM
The parrot hops down, scoffs a few seeds then goes to sleep on a low bough nearby.
Everyone settles down for the night, with at least one member of the group on watch at all times. Two things become apparant - 1) Creating a fire takes a LOT of work. The wood here appears to be extremely fire resistant, the campfire continually sputters and dies, and will take a major effort to keep going. 2) At night - the feeling of disquiet and menace fades a little, as though the jungle sleeps too, resting, waiting for dawn and the light that plants crave.
Anaxor spends a lot of time scribbling frantically in his book until the light fades completely. Gareths first watch is accompanied by an early nighttime cacophany of insect and frog sounds. Later, as Clangden and Addinein take over, the insect noise dies down - instead, low growls of predators can be heard, there is plenty of movement out there. Occasionally, multiple pairs of eyes appear, curious, staring at the group for a few moments before disappearing once more. To Tericus and Clangden - the final watch brings a growing awareness of the previous days hostility, as gradually the dawn light pushes its way through the tree canopy.
The parrot awakens, screeches "First watch! First watch!" and then flies off into the trees.
((Everyone needs to make a spot check - Gareth - make a spot check DC25, if successful, and presuming he will have alerted the second watch - the others can make a spot check of DC 20. If Gareth is unsuccessful Addinein and Clangden are at DC25. If they are successful Tericus is at DC20, if not DC 25))
Clangden d20+18=29 Friday September 6th, 2002 11:36:37 AM
(just remember, i only had to sleep for 2 hours a day, ring of sustenance)
spot check of 29
Tericus d20+13=31 Friday September 6th, 2002 6:38:49 PM
made spot check of 31(do you want my new spell list jan?)
(~~Jan~~ yes please, Sam)
Gareth d20+10=12 Saturday September 7th, 2002 9:48:15 AM
The warrior sees nothing unsusual on his watch and with the letting up of the "awareness" of the forest he sleeps well enough. He eats breakfast and prepares to leave with the others. "Anything unusual on the watches?".
Addinein d20+6=17 Monday September 9th, 2002 7:48:03 AM
Spot check unsuccessful
DM Jan Monday September 9th, 2002 2:12:15 PM
Last Night's Watch:
Gareth's watch appeared to pass smoothly. However, Clangden and Addinein feel a little groggy when they awaken. Why? They're not sure at this point. During the second watch - Clangden's darkvision picks up movement next to his sleeping comrades - a tiny little plant, curling up toward the sleepers. To his horror he sees it jab a slender spine into a spot of bare flesh, and soon its stem turns darker. Pulling the plant away leaves what looks like a drop of blood against the skin, and blood continues to run for a little while, as though something is hindering coagulation.
A search of the ground shows the plant has retreated somehow, hiding in the detritus of the forest floor.
(Presuming that Clangden alerts the others, and those on watch keep their eye on plant movement so as to prevent anymore blood loss.)
All except Gareth, who was awake on Watch 1 - lower your CON ability by 1 pt. This will last 24 hours.
"What are we going to do?" asks the wild haired, trainee druid as he scratches in the soil, looking for an example of this particular plant. "We can't sleep on the ground!" He looks haggard, and has dark rings under his eyes.
Tericus Monday September 9th, 2002 7:16:31 PM
rubbing the spot where the little plant stabbed him, Tericus says to Anaxor "Dont you have spells that can keep plants at bay?"
Gareth Monday September 9th, 2002 8:10:45 PM
"We could fly. At least that way we can cover more groupnd and get out of here. Sorry for missing the plants last night, guys. I just didn't see it.".
Clangden Tuesday September 10th, 2002 3:09:01 PM
Flying over the jungle will surely get us a better look at the area, but not what is in this forsaken place. Last night, as I was dreaming, it came to me that perhaps we need to start taking samples of this place to send back to the city so that they might determine if any of this stuff will aid in the city, not to mention what this jungle is made of. I am not a very good tracker, my specialty is toy making. (starts taking samples of wood for the purposes of toy making and possible other building materials) In addition to info gathering, we need to find out what exactly that skeleton thingy was we saw yesterday, find out where it lives and if there is more, and why this jungle feels necessary to attack us all the time. As for you young Druid, you need to start taking notes on everything you see. Documenting the goings on and if you have the talent, start drawing pictures of the wild life here. Gareth, since you guys have rings that allow communication between you, I think you should go up and scout for us in the air, and should we need you, the ring will provide you with our needs and you can keep us informed as to what you see and encounter. I think we need to find either a clearing or some type of structure, maybe then we can start unraveling the puzzle we have found ourselves in. * after gathering a few samples of wood, Clangden will resume his alert status and take point when the group is ready to move *
DM Jan Tuesday September 10th, 2002 7:58:12 PM
At Tericus's remark, Anaxor looks at bit dejected. "I'm trying. I tried last night, I tried again this morning. I'm going to keep trying, but right now its too strong." He manages to find one of the small bloodsucker plants, which seems limp and dormant in the morning light, and places it in a pouch.
If Gareth looks up, he'll see a very thick tree canopy overhead which will need some careful manouvering to get through successfully.
Clangden gets a few wood samples together, noting that despite the abundance of flora, and with the exception of fallen leaves, there is little in the way of dead or dying plants. Whats left of one nearby shrub - with yellow, curled up leaves, is almost totally eaten.
The track meanders on ahead - still bearing west.
Gareth Tuesday September 10th, 2002 10:57:12 PM
The warrior nods to the dwarf with his normal somewhat stoic demeanor. "Sounds like a good plan, Clangden. I'll zip on up top and let you know what's going on. I am nervous about splitting the group, though. Seems like this place is alive - and doesn't like us being here except to eat. Not much decay around here like in other forests too. Doesn't seem right...". Gareth flies up into the trees and out into the sunlit sky above. He looks around and attempts to locate a landmark he can identify for referrence and then moves the same direction the path was leading, outdistancing the group for maye 30 minutes (barring infractions). He keeps them informed of what he's doing and what he's seeing constantly.
Addinein Tuesday September 10th, 2002 11:58:55 PM
"We may want to consider staying near the shore for now until we can figure out how to stay safe here. If we cannot stay safe, we may have to retreat to the city and figure out another plan of attack.
Do we have any way of posting to the city what we're finding on a daily basis? I'm sure they'd like to hear that it appears that this is a living jungle and that nobody should be really exploring right now. That it seems that we have an extremely hostile environment here."
Tericus Wednesday September 11th, 2002 8:46:44 AM
"Hostile or not, our city is looking to us for answers and we said we would provide them. Besides we've been in worse places before." Tericus says with a grin. "Maybe a little music will calm this place down a bit." he says as he pulls out his flute(his former holy symbol). he looks at it, pauses for a moment, then puts it to his lips and begins a simple marching tune
DM Jan Wednesday September 11th, 2002 5:03:30 PM
As Gareth floats up through the trees, he catches sight of two tiny, white-furred monkeys sat huddled together on a topmost branch; their black eyes, as big as saucers, are blinking at him curiously. Once he's free of the treeline and able to get his bearings - behind him to the East, he can see the upper levels of the Big Float in the distance, maybe about 10 or 15 miles away. Ahead, looking West, the jungle stretches out before him, on and on. However - there's some kind of colour discrepancy - a dark patch, maybe about 8 or 10 miles ahead.
~~ Well, look at that... ~~
Gareth feels a voice in his head, something flexing, awakening, as recognizible as kin, but much, much stronger than before. It's coming from something very close to him.
After showing Clangden the contents of his notebook, in order to ensure the dwarf that he's making copious notes on what they've discovered, Anaxor turns to Addinein. "I don't have anything on me that could send a message back to the Float, and you're right. We need to warn them somehow it's dangerous. But I feel we must be careful. I feel a lot of hurt - as though the jungle has suffered. Maybe someone was here before and tried to burn it down or something... it doesn't seem fair that we would also turn against it. You know in another day or so we need to be heading back anyway - we have to be back for the Mask Ceremony, don't we?"
A cacophany of wings announces the return of the parrot onto a low, nearby branch. As Tericus begins to play it moves its head from side to side and throws up its brilliant blue crest. The hatred - soaking through everyone's feet, lessens slightly.
Anaxor points to the bird. "Some creatures appear to be safe here. Maybe we can find a way too."
Tericus Wednesday September 11th, 2002 6:52:21 PM
Im glad im still able to play, Tericus thinks to himself as he continues to play his flute. after a few moments of listening to the birds chirp he tries to play his flute along with them(im not sure what kind of roll i have to make for that, so ill leave it up to you jan)
Clangden Thursday September 12th, 2002 10:25:58 AM
seeing the brightly colored bird land near us, and it preens itself as Tericus plays, Clangden moves near the bird, taking a piece of bread from his rations bag and placing it in his hand, he offers it to the bird, all the while talking softly to it.
here ya go birdy, we wont hurt you.
(presuming the bird accepts the offering of food) as he turns and watches the group, Clangden softly says to the bird: sure wish you could tell us what's happened around here and how we can let this place know we mean it no harm.
Clangden will start walking up the path, softly and carefully, watching where he steps and making sure he avoids any tangly's or other plants. all the while, being on alert.
Addinein Thursday September 12th, 2002 10:44:11 AM
"We might want to make a preliminary report before the ceremony so that they have at least something they can say to the populace."
As Tericus plays to the bird and the bird seems to respond, Addinein takes a look around to see if there are any other animals, things, or what-nots responding to the playing.
DM Jan Thursday September 12th, 2002 2:26:44 PM
While Gareth is up above the treeline, the others continue on, heading West along the jungle/forest floor.
The parrot alights onto Clangden's shoulder briefly while it takes the bread, before hopping back onto the branch. As it touches him - he notes a slight lessening in the dread flowing through his feet. But as the bird moves away - it comes back. Strange.
Its mostly half -light conditions with the occasionaly bright spot. Along the way, more shrubs carrying vanilla-like pods are seen, and at one point, hanging from a bush - fat, dull-grey caterpillars, about 3 inches long are seen spinning an extremely fine coccoon around themselves from a secreted black, shiny thread, and if you look at the coccoons a certain way, it looks almost like they've disappeared.
Tericus's tune seems to lift the mood a little, not in a particularly magical way, but in a way music tends to do - if it has a mind to. The parrot seems to like it, and Addinein spots a few finches higher in the trees who seems curious too, and who are following the party.
Anaxor agree's with Addinein about giving a report. "What do you think the new Overlord will be like?" he asks. "I hope I don't get chosen to 'go under' with our present Overlord. Not with all this to explore out here." Every now and then, he takes a few samples of this and that.
The trek through the dizzying array of new foliage continues. Clangden notices more of those weird vines on the trip, as does Anaxor. This means a detour needs to be taken.
Left or right? And I need wilderness lore checks or knowledge nature checks, spot checks, and listen checks, please gentlemen for those of you on the ground.
Other notes for Gareth: Up in the air, he feels something of a disconnect to the sentiment of the jungle, what he feels seems to be coming at him via radiation, rather than conduction, and its definitely not as bad. Also - the sky is filled with cloud, there's a sun somewhere up there, but its not easy to tell where, exactly.
Gareth Thursday September 12th, 2002 7:01:38 PM
The warrior jumps a bit at the comment in his head. "Look at what, Max? The dark spot? So what do you think about this place?". As he travels along he coveys his findings to the group. "Looks like an unusual spot in the jungle up ahead a few miles. It's darker green than the res of the forest. We're heading straight for it. The bad feelings from the place aren't as bad up here either - as if I'm out of it's reach somehow. I can still feel it though."
Tericus d20+1=11 d20+13=21 d20+4=16 Friday September 13th, 2002 8:47:39 AM
(nature knowelge of 11, spot of 21, listen of 16) stopping his playing for a moment, Tericus says "Lets wait for Gareth to come back, then we can decide what direction we should go." then Tericus resumes his playing
Clangden d20+17=19 d20+1=16 d20+1=19 Friday September 13th, 2002 10:12:50 AM
(spot of 20, forgot to add abil mod) (listen of 16) (wilderness lore of 19)
hearing Tericus calling for a halt, Clangden does so, making sure to stay away from the menacing vines.
(every so often, i will place a piece of bread or fruit or some seed on my shoulder for the parrot)
Clangden stands alert, yet he goes and picks a few of the vanilla pods to take back, and, if possible, Clangden tries snatching some of the cocoon the caterpillars are weaving.
DM Jan Saturday September 14th, 2002 1:09:42 PM
(Noted samples gathered)
As everyone pauses until Gareth returns, both Tericus and Clangden hear what sounds like a long, soft intake of breath, although they're not sure of where ahead exactly its coming from. Both can see that to both left and right are dozens of tall stalks, topped by what look like lilac coloured sunflowers. Clangden also notes that the ground looks a little firmer on the right. The left looks a bit boggy.
Up in the air, Max mumbles telepathically in Gareth's head -
~ Not very friendly is it... I think the others wait for you, maybe they've hit an obstacle ~
Gareth Sunday September 15th, 2002 8:50:07 PM
The warrior flies up higher and over the dark spot to see what's there. He muses back to Max. "Doesn't seem like a lot of friendly things around here at all.". His curiosity roused, he begins closely looking around the 'flower patch'. "I wonder what's making that breathing noise? Maybe we can see from up here.". He tells that group what he sees.
Tericus Monday September 16th, 2002 9:00:48 AM
taking his flute from his lips, Tericus says "Its been a while since ive done this. Im going to rest my lungs for a moment. Well, Gareth hasnt come down yet, so which way do you think we should go Clangden?"
Clangden Monday September 16th, 2002 10:14:42 AM
seems the path to the right is on firmer ground, to the left is a bog of some type. let me check it out first. pulling out a handful of copper, Clangden tosses them into the boggy area to see what happens, then does the same to the more firmer ground. if the right side doesn´t blow up or the coins sink into an illusion , Clangden motions for the group to move cautiously to the right. ordering his shield up to protect(in dwarvish), Clangden warily starts out, senses on full alert.
DM Jan Monday September 16th, 2002 11:13:26 PM
Just a bit of geographical clarification before we start. The "dark green" section of the forest that Gareth can see while he's up above, is some way ahead of the rest of the group as yet. Maybe three or four miles hence to the West.
I assumed Gareth to be up above the treeline, around half way between his comrades and the dark green section, moving faster because of his flight.
He has a choice of either returning/moving back to the group, taking a round and a half - or moving on ahead and investigating the dark green section, taking a round and a half to get there.
Sorry if I didn't come up with specifics earlier. David, I'll let that last round count as one round of movement.
DM Jan Monday September 16th, 2002 11:35:47 PM
Tericus's music stops, and the group wait as Clangden tests the path ahead. The coins drop with a watery 'plop' into the bog on the left. The coins drop softly onto what looks like firm ground on the right.
Anaxor, learning fast, ducks in behind the dwarf and his shield.
The right path looks innocent enough, but a little tricky, for the ground is strewn with trailing, flat narrow creepers - it will mean stepping over them.
The trainee druid notes - "Look - see the flowers? If you follow your eyes downward from the head, the stalks bend once they reach the ground, and become these creepers. It looks as though eventually they're attached to something in that bog over there to the left."
As Clangden moves forward on the right path - the flowerheads turn toward him..... and that slight intake of breath noise - stops.
The parrot flaps noisily past Tericus and onto a high bough.
Tericus Tuesday September 17th, 2002 8:47:58 AM
"Neither path looks all that great to me. What do you all think? I say we go through the bog. I dont want to mess with any of those creeper vines if I dont have to."
Gareth Tuesday September 17th, 2002 10:57:02 PM
Listening in on his dragon ring, the warrior asks "Any chance you can skirt the entire area? I'm heading toward a spot up a little farther but I'll return if you wish.". The warrior finishes going to the dark green spot and look around - unless he's called back.
DM Jan Wednesday September 18th, 2002 1:34:28 AM
If everyone takes good look around, they will note the following - bog and a few flowers on the left, vines in the center, mucho flowers on the right. It might be possible to go around, but its difficult to see, and will take a lot of hacking through the undergrowth.
Meanwhile - further up ahead (about 3/4 miles), if Gareth approaches the area of dark foliage, he notices that a slight clearing surrounds it, and below him seems to be the most perfectly formed tree he has ever seen.
Clangden Wednesday September 18th, 2002 10:07:22 AM
nodding his head in agreement, Clangden begins moving over to go through the bog.
Someone keep a leash on me in case I start to sink, dying in combat is one thing but a dwarf Never wants to drown.
Just before he takes a step, Clangden turns to the druid: don't you have a spell that will make us invisible to plants?
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