Gareth Wednesday September 18th, 2002 6:27:53 PM
The warrior reports back to the group. "Found something up here guys. A tree in a clearing - perfectly formed. It's beautiful. Somehow I suspect we'll find answers here. Do you guys need any help?". Gareth flies back toward their location anyway since he intends to rejoin them before they make the clearing.
Tericus Thursday September 19th, 2002 8:49:54 AM
"Ill keep an eye on you." Tericus says to Clangden as he follows the dwarf into the bog
Nonam Thursday September 19th, 2002 9:40:29 AM
Before everyone heads into the bog, Nonam shakes his head from its daze and surveys the location. He calls out, "Wait just a minute. I'm going on record as saying the bog is a very bad idea. Nasty things live in regular bogs, and nothing here has been very regular. I've been thinking on those vines, and I think I have a few tricks that will take care of them. Of course, our druid friend might not like them. It's a nasty thing to do to plants."
Nonam pauses a minute, "I've been lost in though tfor a while though, so Clangden the choice is still yours. I'll head into the bog, if that's what you decide."
DM Jan d20+25=44 d20+25=42 d20+25=30 d20+25=45 d20+25=31 d20+25=39 d6+2=4 d6+2=4 d6+2=6 d6+2=5 d20+25=41 d20+25=44 d20+25=26 d20+25=44 d20+25=36 d20+25=40 d6+2=6 d6+2=6 d6+2=8 d6+2=4 d6+2=6 d20+25=45 d20+25=26 d20+25=27 d20+25=30 d20+25=38 d20+25=33 d6+2=4 d6+2=8 d6+2=5 d6+2=7 d20+25=39 d20+25=36 d20+25=42 d20+25=40 d20+25=43 d20+25=44 d6+2=4 d6+2=4 d6+2=8 d6+2=5 d6+2=3 d6+2=7 Thursday September 19th, 2002 11:26:43 AM
Gareth turns and begins to fly back over the tree tops toward the group. This is round one, he'll get there in round three after a successful INTUIT DIRECTION check (trained or untrained).
As soon as Clangden steps into the bog - his feet sink a couple of inches, and water pools around his boots, but apart from that, the way looks passable. Tericus, Anaxor, Nonam and the others follow behind and get the same wet boots.
Anaxor says - "Clangden I'm sorry - I cannot do that. Now if my father were here..." he trails off, as if in thought, and then says - "But I know plants, and these flowers make me uneasy." What Nonam said also appears to have made him uneasy.
The dry path had contained hundreds of these tall sentinals, that did indeed swivel their heads in the groups direction, but over on the boggy path, there are merely dozens. Their stalks also bend at ground level and disappear in a tangle off to the left in a deep area of the bog.
Suddenly - after what sounds like a harsh, sharp exhalation of air - long, narrow spines, like short arrows, fire out toward the group from the flowerheads. They whistle through the air at unbelievable speed, some of the spines embed themselves in the surrounding trees, or fire deep into the soft turf; those firing from a distance away, over on the firm pathway fall short, but some of the closer flower spines hit their mark with devastating results.
Clangden -(Hit AC 44,42,45,39, for 4,4,6,5 DAM)
Tericus - (Hit AC 41,44,26(?),44,36,40, for 6,6,8,4,6 DAM)
Nonam - (Hit AC 45,30,38,33, for 4,8,5,7 DAM)
Addinein - (Hit 39,36,42,40,43,44, for 4,4,8,5,3,7 DAM ouchies)
After the noise of all these projectiles has died down, there is an instant of silence, followed by the sound of something or someone taking a deep intake of breath, coming from way over to the left.
Anaxor is pinned to the ground by a spine running through his arm. "Find the centre," he croaks, frantically pulling at the wicked spine piercing his arm. (Diagram in your mailbox)
Clangden Thursday September 19th, 2002 12:03:28 PM
After getting pummled by the thorns, Clangden looks at the thorns sticking in him, and with outrage and contempt, Clangden fiercely tightens his grip on his axe and shouts out, "Fry those suckers, burn 'em to the ground," and with that said, Clangden goes over to the young druid, throws him over his shoulder, and hurridly moves him to the rear of the party so that the cleric might better tend to his wounds.
Clangden positions himself between the cleric and druid and the plants causing the attack.
Gareth d20+9=13 Thursday September 19th, 2002 7:10:13 PM
The warrior flies toward the group - or at least where he thinks they are. When he hears Clangden bellow he maxes out his speed and heads toward his voice.
Tericus d8+14=22 Friday September 20th, 2002 6:24:27 AM
activating his shield so that it hovers in front of him(it has missle deflection power) Tericus casts healing circle, healing 22 pts of damage back to all his friends. "What center?" Tericus yells at the young druid. "Where do we need to go?"
Addinein Friday September 20th, 2002 2:23:57 PM
Feeling the healing energies being directed at him from Tericus. Addinein joins Tericus in throwing up the spell shield. Pointing to Tericus, "Why not get everyone between us and we have the shields on the outside. If we had two more we could cover the compass points as we try to locate this 'center'"
Nonam (stoneskin +5/10 150pts) Friday September 20th, 2002 5:08:41 PM
Nonam casts his quickened magic missile and pops the 5 closest offending plants. The quickened spell activates his contingency spell and surrounds him in a stonskin.
Then the wizard casts fly on himself just so that he doesn't get bogged down in the bog. He floats just a few feet above the water.
DM Jan Friday September 20th, 2002 9:22:19 PM
Nonam's missiles lop the heads off the nearest flowers, and the wizard floats ever so slightly upward. One of the flowerheads rolls near the group, where it can be seen that it looks very much like a sunflower, except that instead of tasty seeds in its centre - it holds dozens of long spines. It is very heavy.
Anaxor thanks Clangden - "I thought I would be dead for sure, blah blah blah -" and sighs with relief as Tericus's spell washes over everyone. He attempts to explain hurriedly to Tericus and Addinein what he means, waving his hands in wild gestures, and running them through his green streaked hair. "Do you see how the stalks, when they reach the ground, they begin to run parallel to the ground - like they're attached to something somewhere else. It's as though there's a core. I've seen this in small weeds - they sprout everything from a central core and then send out many shoots - flat across the ground. In order to kill the weed, you have to find the core and uproot it, otherwise it will keep on growing and spreading. "Have you never tended a garden, where...?" he pauses, looking at each one of the battle-hardened Storm Dragons in turn. "Well, perhaps not - anyway. Those stalks seem to head deeper into the bog to the left. Thats also where that breathing sound is coming from. Which is strange, too - wouldn't you agree?"
As if on cue, the breath intake sound stops. Silence.
At that moment, Gareth arrives at treetop level and can see his friends a reasonable distance below him. "FRY THOSE SUCKERS!!" comes the loud, unexpected cry, from the black parrot perched on a very high branch right next to him. The warrior can't help but touch some of the nearby foliage, and as he does so, some of the flowerheads turn their heads upward toward him. it's almost as if they had a smile on their purple faces.
Tericus Saturday September 21st, 2002 2:51:36 AM
nodding at Addinein and listening to Anaxor, Tericus casts divine favor on himself(+4 to hit and dam for 10 rds) and yells to Clanden. "Get behind me. Ill lead us to the center then you start chopping. And hold your breath when you can, I have a feeling we may get blasted by some pollen or something." then Tericus waits for Clangden then begins towards the center of the plant
Clangden Saturday September 21st, 2002 6:29:45 PM
The dwarf forms up behind Tericus, keeping the druid protected behind him. Gripping his axe evermore tightly, Clangden says to Tericus, "Just say when."
Nonam 15d6(3+6+5+5+6+6+6+3+4+4+2+2+1+3+3)=59 Monday September 23rd, 2002 9:24:37 AM
Seeing Gareth arrive, Nonam cries out, "Look out!" Then he strikes a superhero pose up in the air. Pointing at the flowers that are tracking Gareth, he booms, "Looks like it's time for an early freeze!" A cone of cold shoots forth from his hand and envelops the nasty vegetation. (59pts) Just for good measure, the wizards targets as many extra plants in the blast as he can.
Gareth d20+29=32 d20+25=31 d20+19=29 d10+19=24 d10+19=26 d10+19=28 Monday September 23rd, 2002 11:44:26 PM
The warrior notices the unexpected attention from the plants, and Nonam's spell. "So do we fight it or run for it?". He lashes out with Max whacking any of the flowers within range (Hit AC 32,31,29 for 24+26+28 DMG).
DM Jan d20+25=43 d20+25=40 d20+25=41 d20+25=28 d20+25=38 d20+25=42 d6+2=8 d6+2=8 d6+2=4 d6+2=8 d6+2=4 d20+25=35 d20+25=44 d20+25=36 d20+25=45 d20+25=27 d20+25=43 d6+2=4 d6+2=7 d6+2=7 d6+2=8 d6+2=5 d20+25=36 d20+25=44 d20+25=36 d20+25=40 d20+25=35 d20+25=39 d6+2=5 d6+2=4 d6+2=7 d6+2=3 d6+2=5 d6+2=6 d20+25=31 d20+25=33 d20+25=42 d20+25=35 d20+25=41 d20+25=40 d6+2=7 d6+2=3 d6+2=3 d6+2=5 d6+2=8 d6+2=3 d20+25=35 d20+25=29 d20+25=45 d20+25=38 d20+25=40 d20+25=45 d20+25=38 d20+25=40 d6+2=4 d6+2=5 d6+2=8 d6+2=7 d6+2=7 d6+2=7 d6+2=6 d6+2=6 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 2:19:25 AM
Tericus sets off deep into the bog with Addinein, Anaxor and Clangden close behind.
Nonam goes into action as soon as he sees Gareth up in the trees, blasting the purple flowers aiming at the warrior with a devastating freeze spell. They immediately stop in their tracks and become brittle with frost. Gareth starts chopping away, lopping off flowerheads left and right, which drop to the ground with a number of heavy thuds.
However, it becomes apparent that despite the damage done, Gareth is still a sitting duck up there. There are hundreds of these things.
Once more, there is a sharp, percussive exhalation of air, and more spines shoot through the air with deadly speed, rattling through the foliage, spearing tree limbs, burying themselves deep in the ground, and aiming to embed themselves in those unfortunate enough to be in their way. Hits: Clangden - (AC 43,40,41,42, for 8,8,4,4 DAM) Tericus - (AC 44,45,43, for 7,8,5 DAM) Nonam - (AC 36,44,36,40,35,39, for 5,4,7,3,5,6 DAM) Addinein - (AC 42,41,40, for 3,8,3 DAM) Gareth - (AC 35,29,45,38,40,45,38,40, for 4,5,8,7,7,7,6,6)
The shields help, although not much and Nonam's hide proves a little tougher than before. It becomes obvious that the deeper in the bog you go - the safer it gets. The noise of hundreds of spines rattling through the undergrowth stops.
Then the intake of breath begins again.
Tericus,Clangden, Addinein - spot checks please.
Nonam [stoneskin] Tuesday September 24th, 2002 9:39:52 AM
None too happy about the way things are going and still not quite ready to obliterate this section of the forest, Nonam just flies back down to the rest of the group to see where they're heading. "These things are pesky aren't they."
[btw I'm a little rusty not to have already remembered, but Nonam has permanent protection from arrows that offers resistance to ranged weapons 10/+5 in addition to the stoneskin. If that counts against these, it should put him at 20/+5 protection.]
((~~Jan~~ Noted, JK - factor it in))
Clangden (ac34, 258/234hp) d20+18=32 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 10:28:12 AM
(spot check of 32)
starts pushing everyone, through the use of words, not physical force, to head farther in to the Bog.
tells the group: Run, run for that clearing that Gareth saw, hopefully there it is a bit safer and maybe the vegetation is nicer there.
mutters to himself: sure hope that bird is ok.
Gareth Tuesday September 24th, 2002 6:51:20 PM
The warrior grimaces as he is blasted with all the spines. Seeing from his perch that unless they go after the breathing thing they are not going to do very well against this thing he leads the group away into the bog - the best way he can see. He attempts to estimate how far up he needs to fly to be out of range of these things and gets there but no higher. "I'd say we'd better get gone. I suppose me and Nonam could go destroy the source of all that breathing, but since this place is apparently alive - and we're about to encounter what looked to me to be the brains of this place maybe we ought to just get through here and leave it alone?". Gareth tries to make sure and distract the plant from the others and take most of the attacks himself while the others flee.
Tericus d20+13=25 Tuesday September 24th, 2002 8:06:54 PM
(spot of 25)as he runs along, Tericus remembers that playing his flute seemed to calm the forest a bit. lifting his flute to his lips, he begins to play the song he was playing before.
DM Jan Wednesday September 25th, 2002 2:41:05 AM
Gareth estimates that he'll need to be slightly above the tree line to be out of range.
As everyone moves deeper into the bog - to Nonam it seems the flower heads become less apparent here. Water becomes ankle deep for those not hovering above the ground.
Then - Clangden sees it first, followed closely by Tericus and Anaxor -
It looks like a huge, dark green, leathery globe, maybe 8 feet across - about 20 feet ahead through some passable shrubs - and it looks to be growing..... expanding.....
The sound of something breathing in is quite apparent here, and its coming from the globe.
Anaxor is on his hands and knees diggin into the water and pulling up what look like long horizontal stalks or vines. "These are coming from that - thing!" he exclaims, over the pleasant trill of Tericus's flute.
Nonam Wednesday September 25th, 2002 8:06:05 AM
Finally noticing the thing, "Do we try to communicate with it, or do we just kill it?"
While waiting for an answer, Nonam downs a potion of detect thoughts to see if it is more than just a plant.
Clangden (dodge feat, ac34) Wednesday September 25th, 2002 12:11:05 PM
moving to the front of the group, Clangden assumes a defensive posture, just waiting for the word to go offensive.
yelling back to the young druid: make sure you are behind someone who can handle another volley of these thorns, we don't need anyone to die today, it's not a good day to die.
(directs his dodge feat towards the big blob thingy)
Gareth Wednesday September 25th, 2002 6:26:04 PM
The warrior waits to hear the group's decision on whether to attack. If it is to attack, he wastes no time closing the gap between him and the big bulb.
Tericus Wednesday September 25th, 2002 6:41:44 PM
"Its already tried to kill us, so I see no reason why not too return the favor." Kale says as he grips his mace
DM Jan Wednesday September 25th, 2002 9:10:36 PM
Nonam is enlightened after drinking the potion. The plant in front of him does not appear particularly sentient - but he can sense a very strong, primeval thought - 'KILL STRANGER!!!'. Basically a finer tuned version of the feeling that he experienced whenever his feet are on the ground.
Gareth closes the distance, and Anaxor braces himself against a tree trunk, in an attempt to shield himself from some of the flower spines. "I hate to s-say this," he says to Clangden and Tericus, his voice shaking with nerves. "But if we don't do something, that plant will fire again." He points at the globe which continues to expand as it takes in more air. It's now about 10 ft in diameter. "It's like a natural set of bellows!"
Nonam (stoneskin, prot from arrows) d20+12=29 5d6(5+4+5+4+2)=20 Thursday September 26th, 2002 8:17:52 AM
Having an idea where the thought is coming from, Nonam says, "There's no reasoning with it. Unless we can convince the forest that we belong here, we have to fight everything."
Hoping to at least rip a big enough hole that the "bellows" won't work. Nonam casts disintegrate. A sickly, green beam of light shoots from his hand to strike the ugly vegetable.
[touchAC29, fort DC=25 disintegrate or 20dmg]
Tericus d20+14=31 d8+8=9 Thursday September 26th, 2002 8:42:54 AM
seeing Nonam act, Tericus runs up to the plant and smacks it with his mace near where Nonam's beam hit(ac 31 for 9 pts of dam)
Addinein Thursday September 26th, 2002 2:06:58 PM
Letting the offensive spell casters have their chance at the plant, Addinein watches for any other clues as to what the group can do with the plant.
Gareth d20+33=49 d20+28=37 d20+23=39 d10+19=22 d10+19=23 d10+19=22 Thursday September 26th, 2002 6:53:09 PM
The warrior follows in on Nonam's blast if the thing doesn't disintegrate and attempts to puncture and rip large holes in the expanding bulb in hopes of disabling it.
DM Jan Friday September 27th, 2002 12:21:56 AM
Just as the huge globe appears to reach its full height and width, and it's intake of breath ceases - Nonam lets the plant have it with the disinegrating ray.
Immediately the thing starts to deflate, and one side of it starts to look pretty rotten. Tericus chops another hole in it, and by the time Gareth's finished, it's chopped into pieces. All around - the tall stalks of the sunflower-type plants begin to droop, and within about 20 seconds, the entire, massive plant has done a giant belly flop on the jungle floor.
It's toast.
Addinein notes the following - the spines are easily extracted from the flowerheads - some of them are about 2 ft long, strong as steel, VERY sharp at one end, and at a pinch, would make reasonable arrows.
Anaxor has pulled out his journal and is scribbling drawings and notes frantically. "This was amazing.... amazing," he mumbles, the danger obviously forgotten.
Geographical note: the party is still a few miles to the east of whatever Gareth discovered.
((OOC - hey guys I'm sorry, but I'm going to be away now till Sunday night. I'll post as soon as I get back))
Nonam Friday September 27th, 2002 9:55:55 AM
Nonam takes one of the flower spines as a sample and puts it away in one of his expanding pockets. Then he starts slapping bog muck all over himself. He packs it on til he's covered head to toe with mud. He only keeps it clear from his eyes and the openings of his pockets. When finished he thins out the muck on his hands and declares, "We'll see if this confuses the forest any. Maybe it will help confuse some of the plants into thinking we belong here."
Clangden Friday September 27th, 2002 11:40:38 AM
waits for everyone to give the go ahead, then proceeds to lead the group to the clearing that Gareth found.
as always, senses on alert.
Tericus Saturday September 28th, 2002 8:48:24 AM
"Its a good idea Nonam, but I think ill wait to see if it works before I try it." Tericus says with as strait a face as possible
Gareth Monday September 30th, 2002 1:51:21 AM
The warrior shrugs. "Oh well, would have been nice not to destroy anything. But it didn't give us a lot of choice...". He flies up to the tree level and leads the way to the clearing.
Addinein Monday September 30th, 2002 11:07:54 AM
Wanting to collect some samples of the spines, Addinein collects some for study later. (12 or 24 depending upon supplies and time if available).
DM Jan Monday September 30th, 2002 7:01:03 PM
Anaxor looks about to follow in Nonam's footsteps and give himself a mud bath, but at the last minute he thinks twice about it, and instead, he rummages in his bag, finds a small glass jar and scrapes some of the mud into it.
Nonam certainly feels no ill effects, and as to whether Tericus and Anaxor are wise to abstain.... time will tell. The hostile feeling still remains, however.
Gareth flies higher into the trees as the group start to make their way West once more. Through the lush greenery he is able to see the group below only intermittently. The world up at tree top level is one of leaves, branches, birds of all descriptions - large and small; he sees at least three different type of monkey, and one or two birds nests containing eggs. ~~You're being followed by a parrot~~states Max, sounding bored.
Down below - Clangden leads the way, on the alert. Both Nonam and Addinein have taken samples of those nasty spines. Back on the main track, the dwarf is the first one to spot two skeletons, lying in a tangle and riddled with spines. The bones are picked perfectly clean, the spines themselves, some wedged through the ribcages, look dry, rotted and old. Tattered remains of clothing tell the same story of age.
Then, up ahead, about a mile away from where they are headed - something seems to be moving. Something big...
(LISTEN check please gentlemen,DC 19)
Gareth d20=17 Monday September 30th, 2002 10:44:13 PM
The warrior continues to lead the way, looking around as he can see to the ground. He marvels at the amazing assortment of birds. "Never seen anything like this before. It's beautiful...". He doesn't notice anything moving on the ground. "A parrot, eh? Wonder why? Any ideas?".
Nonam (stoneskin,prot from arrows, detect thoughts, bog muck) d20-3=11 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 8:59:52 AM
Nonam studies the bones for a moment more to see if he notices anything significant. He uses permanent detect magic vision to see if anything in the jumble catches his eye.
Then he looks over to Clangden, "What do you make of that big thing out there, General?"
Tericus d20+9=28 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 8:59:59 AM
"What is that noise?" Tericus says(made listen check. Its sounds huge!"
Addinein d20+7=14 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 11:59:51 AM
Addinein collects the spines and puts them in his sack. He picks one of the spines to investigate and toy with. When Tericus points out that there is a noise, Addinein will come to a stop and try to listen again in order to identify the noise that Tericus is talking about.
Clangden (ac33, 258hp) d20+1=4 d20+1=12 Tuesday October 1st, 2002 12:17:30 PM
(listen check of 12)
Stops in his tracks when he notices the jumble of skeletons amid the old thorns.
Studying the remains for a minute when the noise of something quite large up ahead startles him. With combat reflexes, he grips his axe a bit more tighter, looks back to see where everyone is situated, then, with a shrug, proceeds to move ever more cautiously forward.
muttering to noone in particular, more to himself: if I ever see another jungle after this, it will be too soon.
DM Jan Tuesday October 1st, 2002 1:26:17 PM
Up at tree top level, the warrior gets an appreciation of the beauty of the jungle spread out below him, despite it's deadly nature. Although hazy and filtered through cloud, the light, coupled with a growling stomach tells him its way after lunchtime. ~~How should I know - stupid thing's been following you all for the last day and a half. Probably just curious.~~ gripes Max.
Gareth can see the clearing - about a mile and half ahead.
Down on the ground, Nonam and Clangden examine the bones. It's obvious they've been here a VERY long time. They're humanoid, hard to tell which gender, and maybe belonged to those who were about 5ft, or 5ft 4" tall. Nonam notices some unusual embroidery on one of the tattered garments. Nothing like he's seen before.
Addenein reckons that about 25% of the spines he collected, would make very fine arrows indeed. Very strong. Very sharp.
As for whats up ahead - Tericus's sharp hearing catches the unmistakable sound of munching and crunching. It sounds like a cow, chowing down on grass.
Clangden, battle ready - moves on ahead to take a closer look. He finds himself looking at the rear end of a giant beetle.
Six jointed legs hold a metallic green body about a yard off the ground. The body itself is about 10 ft diameter and about 5 ft thick. It's back is almost flat.
Then - for one horrible moment, the thing shifts around - and a head swivels back to take a look at the dwarf. It's the ugliest thing Clangden has ever seen. But then the head turns away - totally disinterested, and carries on doing what it was doing before. Munch, munch, chomp, crunch.
And here's the really wierd thing. The closer the dwarf gets to the beetle - the less hostility he feels coming from the ground below him.
Nonam Tuesday October 1st, 2002 3:15:43 PM
Nonam works on freeing up a bit of the embroidery. He'll cut it away with a dagger if necessary. He keeps a cautious eye on everyone else while he works.
Gareth Tuesday October 1st, 2002 6:57:25 PM
The warrior takes note of the giant beetle. "Looks like it isn't interested in eating us. One less battle to fight...". He watches as the group moves by it. "Yeah Max, ever since Clangden fed the thing it's been with us. Probably nothing to it...".
Tericus Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 8:59:28 AM
"If its not hostile, maybe we should stick with it for a while." Tericus says as he gets closer to the beetle
Addinein Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 3:14:59 PM
"Interesting to note that the beetle is not afraid of us, or that it doesn't seem to want to attack us."
DM Jan Wednesday October 2nd, 2002 10:31:41 PM
The beetle starts to lumber on ahead, in search of it's next snack. It's choice appears to be a dead and rotting shrub about 50 yards away, and so off it goes, acting like some kind of jungle caretaker, eating all the natural trash.
There is definitely a sense of calm, and a lessening of hostilities when the group are close to it, as though it exhudes some kind of protective aura.
"You know, maybe all the indiginous creatures here have developed some kind of protection," states Anaxor excitedly. "Or maybe the jungle wants them to be here. That parrot appeared to exhude the same thing only in a lessor way. I wonder..."
He takes a few steps back. He looks as though he's about to take a run and try and jump on top of it.
Up at treetop level, Gareth can see that if the group follows the beetle's current path, it could start to lead them away from where they want to go, although it's hard to judge where the creature will go next.
Tericus Thursday October 3rd, 2002 4:22:59 AM
"Im really at a loss." Tericus says. "Should we follow it, or continue to the center?"
Nonam Thursday October 3rd, 2002 8:56:30 AM
"It's probably friendly so that it can lead us away from where we want to go. The jungle is a tricky one. It's trying to befriend us and lead us astray, or perhaps lead us to our doom."
Addinein Thursday October 3rd, 2002 12:39:06 PM
"Wonder whether it's something they develop, or whether the jungle somehow imbues something of a magic upon them so that they will be undistrubed by the jungle as they walk about."
Gareth Thursday October 3rd, 2002 9:36:42 PM
The warrior calls down to the others through his dragon ring. "I'd say it would be better to go straight to the center. We are less than 1 mile away and the beetle doesn't seem interested in going that way. Follow me.". He continues to lead the way toward the center.
DM Jan Friday October 4th, 2002 2:21:09 AM
Gareth's message comes through at the very same time that young Anaxor takes a flying leap onto the back of the beetle.
A farce ensues, as the startled creature bucks him off almost immediately, depositing the young druid at the feet of his companions and stomps off into the undergrowth.
The way to the clearing proves tougher than before, not having been cleared by the debris- munching insect. On the way - Anaxor is trying to explain something in his usual excitable manner.
"I swear! I couldn't feel a thing. Nothing! It was like I had a really bad headache and suddenly it was gone! And then when I landed back on the ground - it came back again - all that hostility. You know of we could catch it, maybe get it under control, we might be completely safe! Mind you I don't know how we'd go about....." On and on he goes.
He shuts up as the clearing is reached, for within it, is something completely and utterly "different".
Instead of the natural chaos of the jungle - here is order, controlled and contrived beauty. There is a lawn, like velvet - every blade the same height, and towering at the centre - a tree, magnificent, perfect - it's trunk is maybe thirty feet across and reaching up, branches spreading upward and outward in some kind of logical pattern, foliage distributed upon the upper boughs in such a way as though someone has given it a great deal of artistic thought. At the base, the trunk is supported by roots,which hoist the entire tree aloft for about twenty feet - so it looks as though its on stilts. ((SPOT CHECK DC 19, please gentlemen)) As for the surrounding jungle, those on the ground sense a change.... whatever this clearing represents, the jungle appears to dislike it far more than any stranger who has the misfortune to set foot within its boundaries. This is pure hatred. Its like the surrounding wildness is recoiling from this clearing.
Tericus d20+13=16 Friday October 4th, 2002 7:43:14 AM
(spot of 16) Tericus says "This place is bad, but is it evil?"
Nonam d20-3=17 Friday October 4th, 2002 9:28:36 AM
[Nonam makes his spot check (rolled 20, even though the -3 made it 17).]
Coming up to the clearing Nonam starts in with a lecture, "Is the enemy of my enemy my frien...ah jeez, this mud is all drying. It's all getting stiff, but my clothes are still wet. Yuck. And it stinks. What was in that freaking bog? Smells like it was dead fish."
Gareth Friday October 4th, 2002 10:44:58 PM
The warrior marvels at the tree and the clearing. "What could be bad about this? It's beautiful...". He slowly flies down to the clearing and tests the footing carefully before quieting his winged boots. "Let's see if this place hates us too.".
Clangden d20+18=26 Saturday October 5th, 2002 5:09:49 PM
(spot of 26)
standing at the edge of the jungle to the clearing, and seeing the jungle's attitude toward this clearing, and hearing what the rest of the group is thinking and saying, Clangden says: well, one of us should be the guinea pig, why not the crazy dwarf, and with that said, Clangden takes 1 step in to the clearing.
(/ooc sorry I haven't posted in a while, just getting over the stomach flu. haven't felt like going anywhere to use a computer)
Addinein d20+6=12 Monday October 7th, 2002 3:58:26 AM
enrapt in the beauty of the little glade, Addinein misses something that he should have seen. Once again he is reminded of the beauty that can be found upon the surface world.
DM Jan Monday October 7th, 2002 1:49:38 PM
As soon as Gareth's feet touch the ground, the feeling of animosity disappears.
From his position, Nonam can see what looks like another skeleton, on the ground, right up against the tree. As he, Tericus, Anaxor and Addinein look on, Clangden also takes a step onto the grass - he also feels the animosity disappear. He also sees the skeleton, propped up there as though who ever owned it originally fell asleep against the tree and died....
Anaxor bounds over the lawn to the tree, and touches one of the tall tree roots. "This is so perfect," he utters, thinking aloud as usual. "It's like it was carved, made somehow. It doesn't seem natural - force grown perhaps. But who would have the power to manipulate nature in such a way?"
At the lawn's boundary, a large insect buzzes past noisily. The lawn is about 100ft in diameter.
It's starting to get dark.
Nonam Monday October 7th, 2002 5:22:01 PM
"That skeleton over there doesn't look like it enjoyed whatever it found in the clearing. Be careful."
Then he crosses the boundary and goes to have a better look at the skeleton. He specifically looks for a cause of death.
Addinein Tuesday October 8th, 2002 3:19:24 AM
"I would still advise caution here. It is not clear why this place would be unaffected by the rest of this 'jungle'." Addinein will also step and over to the skeleton to take a look.
Tericus Tuesday October 8th, 2002 8:39:42 AM
"Could another druid do this?" Tericus asks no on in paticulay as he examines his surroundings carefully
Clangden Tuesday October 8th, 2002 11:10:14 AM
cautiously, Clangden traverses the clearing, following the edge until he goes all the way around, looking for telltale signs of tracks or other creatures inhabitant. afterwards, Clangden will pluck a piece of the grass and see what, if anything, happens.
motioning to the young druid, Clangden waits for him to arrive next to him and then says, with a stern yet careful tone: that will be the last time you run into anyplace without first waiting our call. I realize how anxious you are to examine new things but if something is dangerous, you canīt examine it if you are dead.
DM Jan Tuesday October 8th, 2002 6:47:29 PM
The entire group enters the clearing. Here it feels calm, pleasant - the hostility of the surrounding jungle seems to be pressing at the edges, but on the lawn, and near the tree - it's as though something is keeping it at bay.
Above everyone towers the giant tree, poised on top of its roots, which are arranged at the base of the tree like a perfect, giant cage. It's possible to see inside, but not enter - the space between the roots is too narrow.
Gareth can see there looks to be something there in the gloom at the centre inside the root cage - like a rectangular tomb with a figure laid lengthways on top of it.
Nonam and Addinein crouch alongside the skeleton. Both of them note the rotted clothing has similar embroidery upon it as the two further back on the trail. Again, the bones look as though their owner was a fairly slight individual. Nonam can see that the skeleton seems intact apart from a broken femur. There's a spine tangled amongst the clothing there, which suggests it may have been fired at the skeleton's owner and punched the bone clean in two.
This skeleton has what looks like a leather knapsack, slung over its shoulder, too - and one of its arms is extended past the roots and into the natural caged area. There's what looks like a book laid there - about a yard inside its boundaries.
Clangden patrols the boundary. He notes how very precise this boundary is - a perfect circle. There are no particular tracks, and when he picks a blade of grass - nothing happens. Anaxor jumps a bit as he's admonished. "Oh!" he says sheepishly, "I'm sorry. I keep forgetting. This is all just so exciting."
To Tericus, he adds - "I bet one of my fathers friends could do something like this - but I'm sure he wouldn't want to. You see how perfect it is? It's too contrived. A druid would let the tree have it's way. This is either magic we know nothing about, or something cruel."
It's getting darker - twilight, and difficult to see.
Tericus Wednesday October 9th, 2002 8:01:54 AM
"Well, lets see if there is anything magical about this place." Tericus says as he casts detect magic. once its cast he walks slowly towards the skeleton
Nonam Wednesday October 9th, 2002 8:57:48 AM
Thinking he understands what happened to the skeleton, Nonam sees if he can't grab the book before it's too dark too see.
While he's reaching for it, "Is there anyway that anybody can tell if there's a ghost or some other sort of undead in that tomb? I think that's what this place is. Perhaps you could check for evil, Tericus?"
Clangden Wednesday October 9th, 2002 10:32:43 AM
stands guard.
Addinein Wednesday October 9th, 2002 11:43:53 AM
"Let's not be so hasty about the book. What's to say this adventurer didn't die because he was reaching for the book, from some sort of trap."
Gareth Wednesday October 9th, 2002 8:16:27 PM
"Hmmm. This place looks like it's been like this a while. It probably would be OK to wait to do much until tomorrow. I would suggest we camp in this clearing. It probably can't be any more dangerous than what we just came from. I'd say we move halfway between the tree and the circle's edge. What do you guys think?". He looks to see what results Tericus gets and what happens to Nonam.
DM Jan Wednesday October 9th, 2002 10:19:08 PM
Clangden stands guard, and despite Addinein's caution, Nonam manages to reach the book. Luckily, nothing untoward happens.
Tericus casts detect magic. The spell reveals a magical aura surrounding the clearing, and a concentration of it around the tomb in the root cage.
(To keep things moving, I'm presuming you guys are setting up camp, where Gareth stated. Let me know your watches. Are you all patched up and in one piece?)
Anaxor crouches near the ground, running his fingers through the grass. "Well, there doesn't appear to be any of that blood sucking weed here, so we should be relatively safe. Er.... whats in that knapsack?"
He sits down, intending to scribble in his book until it gets too dark.
As for the discovered book - it looks like a journal. It's written in common, but the dialect is strange, and some of the word order is a little mixed up (think olde Elizabethan English). It will take a few hours study - or, a Decipher Script check (trained only) of DC14 will allow you to read it immediately.
Beyond the clearing, the early evening screeching, piping, whistling, buzzing noises begin as the twilight creatures and insects awake. The black parrot can be seen, perched on a nearby branch in the jungle section. The clearing in comparison is a calm oasis.
The night draws in...
Tericus d8+14=21 d8+14=17 Thursday October 10th, 2002 8:37:58 AM
"This whole place is magical, though its strongest near the body." Tericus says. "If we're going to rest, let me heal the rest of your wounds." then Tericus cast healing circle twice, healing a total of 38 pts back to everyone "If your still hurt, tell me and ill take care of it."(Tericus will take last watch)
Nonam Thursday October 10th, 2002 8:51:36 AM
Nonam begins near the end so that he can see what happened to the book's author, and he gives the book the once over with Comprehend Languages.
If it gets too dark to read, he'll cast light.
Before the wizard settles in, "I think we'll meet a ghost tonight. Just a feeling I get being so close to a tomb. So take whatever precautions seem prudent."
Clangden Thursday October 10th, 2002 10:11:46 AM
I'll take 2nd and 3rd watch, only need to sleep for 2 hours.
before hankering down for a 2 hour nap, Clangden goes over to where the parrot is and feeds it some nuts and berries, all the while talking to it in a soothing tone.
Addinein Thursday October 10th, 2002 3:37:53 PM
Volunteering from one of the night watches (near midnight), Addinein cleans up after the days encounters. During his watch he paces across the clearing where he can, listening to the night sounds.
Gareth Thursday October 10th, 2002 7:41:29 PM
The warrior accepts the healing from Tericus. He decides to sleep first. "Wake me for third shift. That sounds like when ghosts would show up.".
DM Jan Friday October 11th, 2002 12:54:55 AM
Nonam's bedside reading - read in order - consists of the following -
The Journal First Mate Eli Rothren XXX13 At last! We reach the forest shore after months and months, trailing across the mountains and sailing across the endless blue of Caerumyria. A good thing too, for our supplies are almost gone. Fame and riches await, as we begin our search. What mysteries await us? What wonders? The legends tell of great things to be discovered in the jungle of Nemorlachria. XXX14 The 'Crying Woods' have been well named. Tragedy has struck. Our captain somehow became entangled in a peculiar vine that strangled and killed him. I feel uneasy, and so do my two remaining comrades. It's not just the captain. There is something here - I can feel it - something lurking in the subconscious. None of us slept last night. Its like we all heard whispers in our minds. XXX14 Oh woe! This afternoon, we were attacked again by what looked like some kind of strange plant. My hand is shaking, I feel sick. Have I been poisoned? I ran and ran, and so have lost my comrades. Where are they? Are they sick, like me? Are they even alive? I wish we had never decided to explore Nemorlachria. It may hold untold riches and the key to wondrous powers, but our legends never warned us of this. XXX15 I am alone. I have slept, and in my dreams there was a voice - go away, go away, go away, it said. IT DOES NOT WANT US HERE!! As I awoke, I found tiny tendrils wrapped around my ankles and neck, and as I pulled them away I saw how engorged they were - with blood - my blood. I feel so weak. I have been crawling, and I cannot crawl any more. Another plant - fired spines and shattered my leg. I don't know how I managed to drag myself away. And so here I rest. I'm afraid I am going to die here. This tree - a special place - I feel safe here, but so weak. I have even prayed to whatever God lies here. But it stays silent. Unmoving. It cares not for my plight. Are these the mysterious ones? The ones that hold the key to what our legends foretell?
I am delirious - it moved - or maybe not. I cannot trust my senses. I need to sleep. Maybe if I throw my book toward it. Can it read? So sick -
Tericus patches everyone up, and Clangden goes and talks to the parrot, who takes the food eagerly. As he leaves the clearing - the animosity comes back - only to disappear as he re-enters the clearing.
Gareth, Clangden, Tericus, Anaxor and Nonam bed down for the night, certainly in for a better night's sleep that the night before, leaving Addinein on first watch.
Addinein watches the jungle go about its business. Night creatures flit from tree to tree - strange lights dance about amongst trees in the distance - the occasional howl and screech pierce the air. The parrot is fast asleep nearby with its head tucked in its back.
Then - just about the time Clangden is waking up - something happens. Part of the root cage begins to shift. It's very dark, but perhaps something is moving inside. There is a rustle, a blur, and then a rattle of branches high above in the tree in the clearing.... it's that fast - over in an instant.
Nonam d20+13=23 d20+13=32 Friday October 11th, 2002 8:51:36 AM
Nonam lies awake trying to remember if he's ever heard of Caerumyria, Nemorlachria, or the Crying Woods. (geography check=23, history check=32)
Then his thoughts turn to questions about what civilization these explorers might have belonged too. Eventually he drifts off to sleep until someone wakes him for his watch.
Tericus Friday October 11th, 2002 8:55:55 AM
Tericus sleeps soundly until its time for his watch
Addinein Sunday October 13th, 2002 4:40:21 AM
Trying to figure out what has caused the sudden noise around the tree, Addinein becomes a little unnerved. When he wakes up Clangden he comments about the activity under, in and around the tree to Clangden and adds, "I'm not sure that there isn't something living there."
DM Jan d20+20=39 d8+3=9 Sunday October 13th, 2002 2:27:43 PM
Part of the group sleeps on - unaware of what has happened.
Clangden's darkvision will tell him that the vague figure laid on top of the tomb isnt there anymore. Addinein can see that some of the roots have been pushed aside - well, not pushed exactly - they look as though they've been reshaped, or regrown to allow someone passage out of the interior.
Suddenly, something sharp and nasty fires down from directly above - heading straight for Addinein - piercing him for 9 DAM.
There is another rustle of leaves and branches which suggests whatever is up there - has moved.
Surprise round - Addinein and Clangden need to succeed Spot Check DC 14 in order to retaliate.
Out beyond the clearing - the black parrot starts screeching in fright, which is probably enough to waken everyone else.
Tericus Monday October 14th, 2002 9:03:58 AM
"Whats that noise?" Tericus asks as he awakens from his slumber
Jan OOC Monday October 14th, 2002 8:53:24 PM
(Oh my - where is everyone?)
Gareth d20+1=21 Monday October 14th, 2002 9:40:12 PM
The warrior comes awake with a start as the parrot screeches. He begins to scan the tree for the attacker (spot check - natural 20!) and he goes invisible with his ring. "I'm going dark, guys - just so you know...".
Nonam Tuesday October 15th, 2002 9:35:24 AM
Nonam comes awake mumbling something about never getting a good night's sleep. While getting to his feet, he casts a flare up into the air for a little light and to possibly catch the attacker off guard.
Addinein d20=9 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 11:20:42 AM
Though Addinein is hurt by the attack, Addinein assumes that it is just one identity. He believes that it might be some kind of keeper for the tree. Speaking up for the groups benefit.
"It appears the tree has a keeper of some sort."
Addinein quickly tries to examine whatever it was that struck him. If he can safely remove it, he'll pull it out and take a look. Once done, he will do his best to locate the 'person' in the tree.
(ooc I think his spot is +4, but not sure)
DM Jan d20+20=31 d20+20=36 d8+3=7 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 7:14:59 PM
Tericus, Gareth and Nonam are rudely awakened by the parrot, only to find Addinein already wounded and Clangden on the prowl.
Gareth's sharp eyes catch something leaping from the massive, perfect tree, soaring through the air and landing in another tree just outside the clearing. There's a lot of shadow and his eyes seem to be playing tricks on him, but it looks the size of a tall man - sort of. But there's something strange, as though it has more than the usual appendages.
As Nonam's flare rises into the air, lighting up the clearing - the thing seems to disappear altogether in the green growth surrounding it.
~~ Camouflage! ~~ hisses Max.
Addinein pulls out three inches of spine from his shoulder. The wound is already beginning to ache and swell.
There is a *snap snap* sound. Two more spines hurtle toward the group.
One bounces off Clangden's shield and embeds itself in the ground, while the other hits the dwarf (7 DAM).
Anaxor is crouching, shielding his head with his hands. "What IS it???" he cries.
(Spot check DC 14 - every round. Attack if successful. This thing is moving fast. Ranged weapons and spells only for now, unless you can get up in the trees.)
Gareth [Invisible] d20+1=14 Tuesday October 15th, 2002 7:56:34 PM
Seeing the thing is not interested in talking he flies up and closes in on the thing with his sword in both hands (Spot DC 14). He prepares to cut the thing to pieces.
Tericus d20+14=15 d20+8=25 5d8(4+3+5+6+6)=24 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 8:59:55 AM
spotting movement, Tericus chants quickly and a beam oflight shoots from his hand(Searing light,hits AC 25 for 24 pts of damage, no save). "Who is that?" he asks no on in paticular
Nonam d20=18 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 9:07:44 AM
Nonam shouts, "STOP and talk, or I will destroy the tree!" He repeats the message in Elven.
Then he activates his boots of speed and casts another stoneskin on himself while he waits.
(makes spot check)
Clangden (ac43, dodge, expertise, full defense) d20+18=38 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 12:48:54 PM
(ooc sorry for not posting sooner, had the crud since sunday and this is the first day i've felt like moving out of bed)
(spot check, natural 20)
moving over to the young druid, Clangden positions himself at all times between him and the creature causing the ruckous.
(full defense, giving Anaxor 3/4 cover, dodge to the creature, expertise -5att +5ac)
maybe someone should go in to that tomb thingy and see if there is something there will help us with this thing.
Addinein Wednesday October 16th, 2002 3:06:57 PM
"It appears to be one of the spine things that it is using. There might be poison involved."
Addinein also repeats Nonam's message in undercommon.
(ooc character sheet not available right now. I've forgotten which language was the language of the drow.)
DM Jan d20+20=29 d20+20=38 d20+15=19 d20+15=28 d10+3=12 d10+3=12 d8+3=4 d8+3=11 d20+15=19 d20+15=18 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 8:39:25 PM
Gareth moves out of the protection of the clearing. The shape of the creature becomes more evident to the warrior close-up. The colour of the jungle shifts on it's surface as it turns, making a graceful, almost balletic arc on a low, thick branch toward him.
Tericus's spell hits and light splashes orange on the creature's surface momentarily - and for one instant everyone can see that this is some kind of tall, broad shouldered humanoid - but with the addition of three long appendages, like tails, that protrude from it's lower back, one of which is currently wrapped around the branch, giving it a solid anchor.
There is a slight burning smell before the creature retains its full camouflage once more.
It moves fast, with blinding speed - bringing both arms over and forward, weilding something sharp in both hands, stabbing viciously. (Hits AC 29,38,28 for 12,12,11 Dam) It's two spare tails lash in from either side attempting to bludgeon Gareth but miss.
Nonam's authorative threat does not stop it, neither does Addinein's drow version of the same command. It seems to fall on deaf ears, that's of course if it has any, and it moves quickly into a defensive posture, looking for another opening to attack.
Anaxor is being wise and staying well within Clangden's protection. "It must be guarding something," he says to the dwarf, "but what? We don't mean any harm."
Addinein's shoulder starts to feel numb - a feeling that starts to spread. Apart from the puncture wound, Clangden feels fine.
Outside the clearing - the jungle begins to seeth - vines twist and curl, sleeping flowers open their heads, and day creatures start to call out.
Gareth [Invisible, 50% Displaced, Flying] d20+29=35 d20+24=29 d20+19=28 Wednesday October 16th, 2002 9:57:41 PM
Suprised that the creature saw him when he was invisible, the warrior wastes no time in attacking it back. He cuts into it 3 times with Max with both hands.
Tericus d20+13=24 Thursday October 17th, 2002 4:30:08 AM
seeing the creature but not wanting to hurt Gareth, Tericus casts light on his mace and does what Clangden suggests and inspects the tomb where the skeleton laid
Nonam d20+12=30 5d6(6+2+6+6+3)=23 Thursday October 17th, 2002 8:15:25 AM
Never one to make an empty threat, Nonam casts disintegrate at the tree.
(touch AC=30, fortDC25 or 23dmg)
Clangden (ac43, Dodge, Expertise, Full Defense) Thursday October 17th, 2002 10:35:29 AM
as before, still protecting the druid.
I just wish this blasted thing would realize we are only defending ourselves, we mean it no harm.
<dwarven curse>
Addinein Thursday October 17th, 2002 2:09:50 PM
"It seemed to have come from under the tree. I'm not sure if it might not be something that is part of the tree.
Can someone take a look at this wound, my shoulder is starting to go numb."
DM Jan Thursday October 17th, 2002 7:27:53 PM
As Gareth lays into the creature with hefty blows of his sword, Tericus walks over to the root cage and squeezes inside with his lighted mace. From what he can see, it looks fairly spartan. The floor looks solid, with a raised, solid wood dais that looks as though it has been polished smooth. However - all further examination is made somewhat difficult as all hell breaks loose outside. Nonams disintegrating ray takes a great chunk out of the tree and the huge structure topples over.
In order to get out in time, Tericus needs to roll REFLEX DC 22 or be unharmed but trapped inside the root cage tomb.
Up in the combat zone, the creature suddenly drops off the branch, presumably to the ground and out of sight - leaving Gareth scant moments to get another attack in ( -5 on attack of opportunity).
He - along with Nonam, Addinein, Anaxor and Clangen are in danger of getting flattened or struck by flailing branches if they don't move out of the way. REFLEX DC 15.
Anaxor, who was rummaging in his bag, muttering about some salve his father gave him that might help Addinein, stays close to Clangden as the mayhem erupts.
But where is the creature? SPOT CHECK DC 18.
Gareth d20+28=31 d10+19=27 d10+1=7 Thursday October 17th, 2002 7:48:10 PM
The warrior lashes out with an attack in hopes of connecting (hit AC 31 for 27 DMG). Once again he goes invisible and looks for the thing (Spot DC 7). He saw it go down so he moves in that direction slowly, looking for any sign of it.
Gareth d20+2=18 Thursday October 17th, 2002 11:15:13 PM
Reflex save, DC 18.
Tericus d20+7=14 d20+7=26 Friday October 18th, 2002 1:59:37 AM
barely able to manage the falling tree(used hero point to reroll, save of 26), Tericus Yells "WHAT JUST HAPPENED?"
Clangden (ac43, Dodge, Expertise, Full Defense) d20+10=20 d20+14=16 d20+18=34 Friday October 18th, 2002 11:28:09 AM
sensing the tree starting to topple over, Clangden tosses his axe out of the way, turns, reaches down and grabs the druid (str check of 20) and then jumps out of the way of the falling tree (ref 16)
after finding himself staring just a scant few inches from a shaking tree limb but otherwise free from the fallen tree, Clangden rushes over, retrieves his axe, then again, defends the druid like a mother bear over her cubs, and looks for that menacing creature (spot 34)
Nonam d20+13=22 Friday October 18th, 2002 11:43:30 AM
Nonam grumbles a bit when Tericus nearly gets in the way of his spell and nimbly dodges the falling tree. Admiring his own handiwork for a moment he mutters to himself, "That worked better than I expected."
Instincts kick back in fast and he looks for the assailant again.
DM Jan d20+20=35 d20+20=24 d20+15=26 d20+15=35 d10+3=13 d10+3=8 d8+3=11 d8+3=11 Sunday October 20th, 2002 4:13:36 PM
The aftermath of the tree felling leaves the surrounding area difficult to manuover. There's tree trunk and branches all over the place.
Everyone seems relatively unscathed, and after being dragged to safety by Clangden, Anaxor seems most impressed with Tericus's swift leap to freedom. "Wow..." he utters to himself quietly, before thanking Clangden yet again for saving his scrawny hide.
Addinein disentangles himself from the branches to find that his entire right arm is completely numb and he is experiencing the beginnings of a fever.
Gareth becomes invisible once more, although that didn't seem to matter to the creature, going off the previous melee actions. Perhaps it was using something other than light to 'see'. His boots keeping him aloft, means the warrior is able to move around a lot easier than his companions in the tangle of fallen tree limbs.
For a moment, there is silence - then the dwarf's keen night vision spots it. A shifting pattern in the air, leaping over the branches with true power and grace, landing ever so lightly on a horizontal arm of the fallen tree - right behind and above Nonam!
The wizard is just in time to look up and see the creature crouched above, before it plunges both it's spiked arms viciously down toward him. (Hits AC 35, 24, 26, 35 for 13, 8, 11, 11 DAM)
The move seems to affect the creature's camouflage, which disappears - leaving the thing in full sight. Tericus's mace light reveals something that looks as though it is covered in a light, flexible tree bark - it is built like a tall, barrel-chested humanoid with the addition of three long tails sprouting from its lower back. A long, nasty barbed spine protrudes from each knuckle, and it's face is void of any form of sensory detection - no eyes, no mouth, no nose, no ears.... One of its shoulder's bears a darkened burned patch, and its torso is laced with deep scars from Gareth's sword. From it's stance - it does not appear to want to communicate, and will not be satisfied until it has destroyed everyone here.
Nonam 15d8(6+3+4+6+2+3+7+6+5+6+2+6+5+5+5)=71 d20+26=37 d100=34 d100=25 Monday October 21st, 2002 10:13:14 AM
Nonam's fresh stoneskin absorbs most of the damage from his assailant.
Not really one for melee, Nonam casts horrid wilting. Nonam targets the creature and the fallen tree with the spell. The water is leeched from the ungodly creature, and its precious tree. (71pts, fort save for 1/2 DC 25 (27 if its a plant creature))
Since he's hasted from his boots, Nonam follows by casting invisibility on himself.
(concentration check for casting in combat=37,%rolls to cast in mithril armor)
Clangden (ac32, (due to charge) Power Attack) d20+18=35 d20+18=27 d10+36=45 d10+36=40 d10+36=44 Monday October 21st, 2002 12:40:06 PM
seeing the creature now, Clangden takes the initiative and charges it.
(hit ac35, possible crit followed up with a 27) (crit dam = 129) (if missed hitting with follow up) (norm dam = 45)
(just so you know, I used the Power Attack feat in the hit, -14 to att and +14 to dam)
Tericus d20+13=17 d20+10=25 d8+3=8 Monday October 21st, 2002 6:56:16 PM
(rolled spot check to see Addineins condidtion, missed with a 17) Tericus moves in with Gareth and Clangden and swipes at the thing with his mace(hits ac 25 for 8 pts).
Gareth (50% Displaced, flying) d20+33=51 d20+28=39 d20+23=30 d20+33=45 d10+19=23 d10+19=29 Monday October 21st, 2002 10:36:44 PM
The warrior closes in with the others and cuts into the creature again. This time only getting 1 attack (Hit AC 51,[45] for 23+29=52 DMG). He attempts to position himself so as to surround it. He mutters to the others "Lets get this overwith...".
NOTE: Plase disregard to 2 extra hit rolls. I forgot he moved more than 5' to attack.
Addinein Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 12:19:48 AM
"I definitely think there was something to that being's spines". Addinein casts comprehend languages and says, "Why do you attack us".
DM Jan Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 1:44:17 AM
Nonam's retaliation proves devastating. The creature's skin hardens to the point where the Clangden's, Gareth's and Tericus's blows seem all the more effective.
Suddenly there is a loud *CRACK* - and the creature falls to the ground, its torso splitting wide apart. Everyone hears a long, desperate sigh, without really knowing where it came from. It is accompanied by a feeling of intense sorrow.
**WILL SAVE DC 19. Failure brings a tear to your eye and a great sense of loss**
The entire jungle has gone completely silent. Examination of the fallen creature proves very surprising, for it appears it was merely a shell, protecting what lay inside.
Partially shielded by the dead things remains, lies a humanoid with smooth, leaf green skin. It appears to be a slender, more beautiful and elegant replica of the thing that protected it. This creature has a face - beatific in repose, its eyes closed in rest. It's tails are curled about its lower limbs, and its arms lay crossed over it's torso.
It looks dead. It looks as though it might have been dead while it's outer protective shell had lived, and fought, and died.
Something - an object, lies within the grip of its fingers.
Addinein's worthy attempt at communication unfortunately fall on ears that no longer hear. He also starts to feel nauseous, and feels the poison spread across the back of his shoulders.
Anaxor's affinity for the land makes him feel the sorrow more acutely, and he is staring down at the thing silently, tears streaming down his face.
Now what?
Tericus d20+13=23 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:51:13 AM
(will save of 23) "Well, thats that." Tericus says to Nonam "Next time, be careful what you disintegrate." he says with a smile as he looks around. "Anyone hurt?"
Nonam d20+9=28 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 11:53:15 AM
Nonam fixes Anaxnor with an irritated look, "It did attack us first, remember?"
Gareth d20+6=24 Tuesday October 22nd, 2002 8:08:55 PM
The warrior sighs as the feelings of sorrow wash over him. "Seems a shame to have to kill such a beautiful creature. I'm wondering what it was doing here and what it was? Anyone have any ideas?".
DM Jan Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 1:22:25 AM
It soon becomes obvious that Addinein is suffering, and needs help. Presuming the group gets back into it's watch routine after all the excitement, the night passes relatively peacefully.
Those on the final watch - (Tericus, Clangden?) will notice that the clearing spell is beginning to fade, and little by little the jungle is encroaching on hitherto forbidden territory - tiny bloodsucker vines edging forth from the boundary. This particular sanctuary isn't going to last long.
There is - or there should be - plenty to talk about. How will all this affect the citizens of the Float? Is this place safe to travel? And what about the body of that creature? And where the heck are we anyway?
In the morning, Nonam appears to look more rested than the others. His skin feels and looks soooooo soft and clear.
Anaxor can be seen scrabbling about in a tangle of branches near the root tomb, pulling and tugging at something until finally - he falls back sharply with a ragged piece of fabric in his hands.
"The skeleton's knapsack," he says sheepishly, brushing himself off. "I thought there might be something in it."
He also adds - "Look - I know we didn't really have a choice last night, and it was probably kill or be killed, but it just felt wrong. Maybe the druids back home will be able to figure something out. We've got a lot to tell them. You know we ought to be getting back - it'll be Mask Day in a couple of days....."
Anaxor is correct - the eve of Mask Day is in two days. But - there are a couple of loose ends. One is the knapsack.
Tericus Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 5:48:04 AM
after healing everyone's wounds and curing Addineins poision, Tericus says "Whats in the knapsack?"
Addinein Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 8:22:39 AM
"Thank you for the healing." Addinein sets aside the spine he pulled out of his shoulder, and wraps it up for later study.
(ooc ack. nother migraine last night. sorry)
Nonam Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 9:41:46 AM
Nice and refreshed, Nonam memorizes his spells in the morning.
Then he moves over to check out what the dead creature is gripping in its hand. He wanted to do it yesterday, but everyone seemed so concerned.
As he works he says, "You know we haven't really figured anything out, but I don't feel like we're prepared to spend another night out here. We should probably head back. Perhaps the names in that book will give the sages in Plateau City enough knowledge that they can figure out where we are though. Then if the Mayor wishes we can return. There are spells that would keep us safe from our surroundings at night, I just need to get the appropriate scrolls."
Clangden Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 10:31:06 AM
after the death of the creature, and not knowing for the first time in his life that killing it was the best course of action, Clangden finishes the watches and can be found the next morning, not his usual talkative self. leaning over the dead creature, Clangden says a prayer to the Gods for forgiveness and for a fast journey of this creatures soul.
getting up, Clangden goes over to his bed, pointedly repacks his backpack, dons his armor, grabs his axe and orders his shield to float, all in silent contemplation. (except for ordering his shield to animate)
Clangden then says something to the group for the first time since the death of the creature: we need to return to the city today, and the quicker we get out of this place the better I and we will all feel. waiting for the others to get ready, Clangden will head out, on point as always, when the word is given to go.
Gareth Wednesday October 23rd, 2002 7:06:39 PM
The warrior finishes looking around the clearing making sure they didn't miss anything noteworthy. "I wonder of we should take back this creature or a section of the tree for the sages to look over? I can carry about anything we need as can our sturdy dwarf here.". He prepares to leave out with the others. "I wonder if this jungle will let us pass now that we got whatever it was hating out of its way? Doubt it..."
DM Jan Thursday October 24th, 2002 1:31:20 AM
Anaxor shrugs at Tericus and says - "I don't know. lets have a look."
The contents of the knapsack, and indeed the knapsack itself are mostly rotten, but there's a piece of waxed cloth, rolled up which looks in pretty good shape. Unraveled - it reveals a map.
Also - a complete and utterly mysterious anachronism - in a leaf wrapped bundle, in bark tubes, are what look like a set of labelled potions.
Neutralize poison Aid Remove disease Detect thoughts Remove blindness/deafness Haste (The potions I won on the DM Board lottery. I'll send the map via email tomorrow morning.)
Addinein feels a whole lot better after Tericus's healing and tucks the spine away.
Nonam walks over to the body of the green skinned creature and prises something from it's death grip. It looks like a clear, elongated X-shaped something or other, about 1ft in length - each of the four prongs is spiral - ending in a coloured tip. It's hollow inside - and within it, a small plant seems to be existing in its own ecosphere. The four spiralled shell seems to have been made out of some kind of clear, hard resin.
Gareth does a quick sweep of the perimeter, finding nothing else, although Anaxor at least thinks it might be a good idea to bring the dead creature and part of the tree. "I get the feeling if we left it - this jungle would tear it apart" he says.
As the subdued Clangden gets ready to take point, he sees one of those huge beetles crashing through the undergrowth toward them. On reaching the clearing, it starts immediately to chow down on the dying tree.
Hmmm.... how to get home safely....
Tericus Thursday October 24th, 2002 8:49:00 AM
"Im not sure im confortable carying around a dead body, especially if its going to be di-sected." Tericus says. then he takes the contents of the knapsack and says "If you want any of these, let me know and ill give them to you."
Nonam Thursday October 24th, 2002 9:58:23 AM
"Anaxnor, have a look at this thing."
"Um guys, I don't see why we can't just teleport back."
Clangden Thursday October 24th, 2002 10:14:53 AM
turning to the young druid when the beetle shows up, Clangden asks: can you ask this creature if he'd be willing to let us ride it to the lake edge? if my memory serves me correctly, the last time we met him, he ensued an aura of calm around it, and obviously the jungle gives it free passage.
Addinein Thursday October 24th, 2002 11:30:40 AM
"And if not teleport, at least fly. But what about this parrot? And do we want to take any other creatures along if we use teleport?"
DM Jan Friday October 25th, 2002 1:45:20 AM
There appear to be a couple of decisions to make.
The body - yes, Tericus's fears may bear fruit - it is likely to be dissected if taken back. (everyone make a quick vote on this).
Nonam studies the conditions for teleport, his arcane knowledge detects some kind of disturbance which worries him with regard to the safety of the spell. It's as though the forest, or something within it wishes to remain a secret and make travel difficult. Up through the gap in the clearing, It can be seen that the cloud is still heavy, hiding any hints of direction that a morning sun would give.
Anaxor has a look at the item Nonam has taken from the creature. 'That tiny plant inside is alive,' he says. 'I can see it moving. But I have no idea what it is - or what it might do.'
At Clangden's suggestion - the young druid attempts to befriend the giant beetle, who is busy crunching away at tree roots. He has some success, and reckons he can get it to go where they want. Sort of... He climbs up on it's back.
Addinein spots the parrot, perched on a nearby tree, which soon starts to gleefully repeat Clangdens curse uttered during the previous evening's battle, over, and over, and over, enjoying itself immensely.
On Gareth's inspection of the perimeter, he has noticed various plants that may cause problems as they head back if they go on foot without protection.
Nonam Friday October 25th, 2002 9:39:45 AM
Nonam pockets the little orb to study later. "As I pay a bit more attention, I don't think that a teleport will work. The jungle seems to be a dead zone, sort of like Myth Drannor. It probably won't hurt to try, but we could wind up in some other part of this jungle. I have two extra fly spells, and Gareth can take care of himself. What other powers of flight do we have? Anaxor, can you shapechange?"
Clangden Friday October 25th, 2002 11:20:31 AM
why don't we see if this beetle that the druid has befriended will allows us to ride it to the lake eadge, and save our magic in case we need it on the way. if my memory serves me correctly, it's almost a full days march from here. walking up next to Addinein, Clangden produces some feed for the bird, holding it out in an attempt to get the parrot to come to him.
Addinein Friday October 25th, 2002 1:20:00 PM
"I agree that maybe we should conserve ourselves for now, until we know we can get out of this jungle.
This creature appears to have been dead for some time, so I do not see why dissecting should be any problem. At this point all information is of value"
Tericus Saturday October 26th, 2002 9:48:39 AM
"If you want to take the body back, then one of you take it. I want nothing to do with it." Tericus says
Gareth Sunday October 27th, 2002 4:39:06 PM
The warrior looks on with a bit of disdain. "What benefit would there be to bringing this thing back? I could carry it but I won't unless someone gives me a good reason. I see no reason to save a dead husk from the forest.". The warrior prepares to fly - with or without the body. "At least that dart shooting thing is dispatched. With a forced march we could probably make it without having to sleep so we can then avoid the fluid draining things - and all the stuff we haven't found yet.".
DM Jan Sunday October 27th, 2002 8:30:35 PM
((OOC - sorry if this is a little clumsy, guys - only I need to get you back to the Float for the next module))
Eventually, Anaxor manages to persuade those who would travel another way, that a ride on the back of the beetle is probably the safest way to go. It's certainly not the fastest way to travel, and the beast keeps stopping to eat whatever takes it's fancy. Not only that - but it's back is as hard as a rock and most uncomfortable. Anaxor will no doubt be 'thanked' for this. Occasionally it lurches to one side as it clambers over the undergrowth, so that everyone has to hang on for dear life or get pitched off onto the jungle floor.
This purgatory is soothed by the fact that everyone seems completely immune to the jungle's hostilities while sat on the beetle's back. It appears to hold some kind of protective aura, enabling it to go just about anywhere it wants.
It also enables everyone to collect a few more samples of things they discovered on the outward journey, like the mud, which seemed very beneficial to skin, those silk worms that seemed to spin semi-invisible thread, flower spines, vanilla pods. (Everyone let me know what you want to pick up)
There's also the black parrot with the blue crest, who seems eager to travel with you. Its an excellent mimic, to the point where you almost have to be careful what you say.
(I still don't have a consensus on the ancient creature's body. Shall I presume you leave it behind?)
The journey takes a spine crunching two days, and on the morning of the Eve of Mask Day, you arrive at the lake. One of the turtle patrols picks you up. The handler seems glad to see you all, and soon - solid ground is left behind, and the Big Float awaits.
The quayside isn't as crowded as it was when you left, but maybe there's someone there you all recognise, waiting for you.
(I'll send a diagram of the item found in the grasp of the ancient dead creature)
Nonam Monday October 28th, 2002 8:58:51 AM
"Ah, I need a bath to get all this mud off."
Clangden Monday October 28th, 2002 12:40:14 PM
climbing back on to the dock, Clangden thanks the turtle handler. turning to the Parrot, Clangden offers some pieces of fruit then takes a bite himself.
a bath, Bah, I need a Beer. handing the druid his bag of foraged stuff, Clangden turns to the group and says: we (pointing to the Parrot) will meet you all in the Red Wyrm Inn, he and I need a Beer. and with that said, Clangden and the bird head off to the Inn. (if the bird is willing that is)
Tericus Monday October 28th, 2002 6:51:37 PM
"Im glad we left that thing behind." Tericus says as he relaxes with Clangden at the bar
DM Jan Tuesday October 29th, 2002 1:06:06 AM
Anaxor the young and not so learned druid gives the group a solemn bow. "It's been a great honour," he says. "Hopefully what we have discovered will help the city live in harmony with the wilderness out there."
While Tericus and Clangden sink a pint, and Nonam goes to clean up, Gareth (David isn't able to post for a day or three) and Anaxor set off to the Overlord's Palace to give the group's report.
In the pub - everyone wants to know where the parrot came from. The parrot (who by now has picked up some more less than salubrious words from the dockside) is yelling out abuse and causing a bit of a commotion. A man, obviously a trader, offers to pay 1000gp for it. Another man ups the bid to 2000GP.
Meanwhile, Mitchum is waiting at the mansion with hot baths, food, and a question. He wishes to know what kind of mask you all want to wear.
"They say anything coloured red won't get picked this year, so that might be a good bet, and I've heard animal shapes should be alright too. Everyone seems to be staying away from black." He shrugs. "It's still a gamble. I presume none of you want to get picked to go under for the next twenty years? There's a rumour on the street there's some kind of magical mask that guarantees you won't get picked, lying forgotten on a shelf in a shop somewhere. Sounds like a load of old rubbish if you ask me. Are you all dining in tonight?"
Person at the gate Tuesday October 29th, 2002 8:27:52 AM
By the looks of it, the group is fairly worn. Assuming this is why nobody noticed him, the fellow at the gate tags along at a distance. It seems practically everything distracts him along the way, but he still manages to make it to the pub shortly after the party arrives.
Sending away several kids that have followed him along, listening to his stories, he enters the pub and finds a table nearby.
Tericus Tuesday October 29th, 2002 8:50:45 AM
"I think ill have a parrot mask." Tericus says
Nonam Tuesday October 29th, 2002 9:19:51 AM
"How about a tiger, Mitchum?"
Clangden Tuesday October 29th, 2002 2:56:45 PM
announces to the bar patrons: this Parrot is not to be bought, it is not a thing to be sold, or bartered, it is free to come and go as it wishes, so put away your money. filling a bowl with some fine dwarven ale, Clangden says to the Parrot: time to teach you some proper Dwarven words. (begins teaching the Parrot good ol' Dwarven curses, even the bad ones) after an hour or 2, Clangden excuses himself from the table, tosses the wench a plat, then, with Parrot in tow, retires to the mansion where he eats his fill, bathes, changes into some clean clothes, asks Mitchum to find a place for our new friend to stay and also, give him something to eat, i'm sure he's hungry by now. after all the above is done, Clangden heads back down stairs to the den, sits in a comfortable chair near the fireplace, and remarks to Mitchum: mask you say? I almost forgot about that, hmmm, I was thinking about a mask to emulate our new Parrot friend, but someone (looking at Tericus) has already decided on that so, I think i'll choose a good mask, a mask that emites power and honor. Mitchum, see if you can get someone to make me a "Valdor" mask please.
Addinein Tuesday October 29th, 2002 3:13:33 PM
"I am not very familiar with these customs, my time here having been very short. You choose something appropriate "addressing this to Mitchum.
Addinein then does his best to washup and get himself rejuvenated. He thinks of his sister and wonders what she's been up to, or if she is even alive.
DM Jan Wednesday October 30th, 2002 12:15:58 AM
Mitchum nods and memorizes everyone's mask request, and with a slight raise of his left eyebrow, wanders off to establish some perches about the place for the parrot.
At some point he will explain to Addinein - "Tomorrow the Overlord will begin his procession down through the levels, until he reaches the Underlevel. He will then assume the title of Underlord, and tend and administer the records of the Wold for the next twenty years. He will take with him helpers and advisors, who are chosen at random during the procession.
"It's an anxious time for most of us. Only the very old want to go below, for when their time has been served, they are rejuvenated and made young again.
"A lot of superstition and a great deal of care goes into choosing a mask. There are some who have dreamt that a black mask will be chosen this time. The black masks you see tomorrow will no doubt be worn by those old enough to want to be chosen." He then shrugs. "But no one really knows for sure what will happen."
It's well into the evening by the time Gareth returns. He brings news that their information created quite a furor, that young Anaxor had gone to meet with some elder druids currently in the City,and that the Overlord seemed extremely anxious about tomorrow's procession. He also says that the Storm Dragons have been invited to the Overlord's Palace in the morning before the ceremony begins, so they can meet the new Overlord.
Not long after Gareth has returned, the letters start to arrive - for news travels fast in the Big Float, and some of those who were present at the debriefing no doubt had 'private financial' interests as well as those concerned with governing the City.
A mercantile group on the Merchant Level has offered a bid of 500GP for 10 of those vanilla pods. Someone else is offering 750GP.
One letter contains an offer of 10,000GP for the silk worms. It's well above any other bid, and Mitchum offers the opinion that this person is rumoured to be a thieves guild member, although he can't understand why such a man would be interested in worms.
((Let me know if you wish to sell any items that were brought back, or whether you'd rather hang on to it so it can be properly researched))
The night draws in, and it gets late. Mask Day - and the hovering threat of being chosen, will no doubt be in your thoughts as you all retire for the night.
Mitchum stays up late, just in case anyone else lands at the front door.
((New module starts tomorrow - I'll send out XPs in the next day or so))
Jus Wednesday October 30th, 2002 8:56:35 AM
Jus enters, greeting Mitchum as he enters. "I've heard everyone returned in time for the Masks," Jus comments to Mitchum. Jus pulls a mask out of a silk sack he's carrying. "What do you think?", Jus asks, as he reveals a bark-brown and green mask. "It's actually a living plant, carefully shaped during its growth. Appropriate for an elf, no?"
Jus heads upstairs, cleaning up and changing into something appropriate for dinner with the Storms.
Tericus Wednesday October 30th, 2002 9:13:22 AM
Tericus walks up to Jus and pats him on the shoulder "Where have you been Jus?" Tericus asks with a big smile on his face "Its good to have you back!"
Nonam Wednesday October 30th, 2002 10:10:02 AM
"Blech, plants. Be careful it doesn't reach out and choke you to death during the festival. What have you been up to the past couple of days?"
Addinein Wednesday October 30th, 2002 2:15:48 PM
Addinein flashes a shy smile and a nod towards Jus when he spots him around the mansion.
When the letters start arriving from the different Merchant groups, Addinein is reminded of his Grandmother and his duty to his clan. He quickly sends word to his family with what the Storm Dragons have found.
LOG ON