DM Kathy Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:23:52 AM
As prepared as you can make yourselves, you begin to move toward the Open Palm Market. You arrive, and see three enormous beings.
At first, you mistake them for trees, somehow uprooted and transported here intact. Then you see that one of them, the one closest to you, is roughly humanoid in shape. Its skin is thick and brown, with a barklike texture. Its arms and legs look like the split trunks of a tree. And it has a face. It seems to you that it has the same face as the satyr you saw in your dream.
The other two trees do not have faces, and truly seem more like walking trees than a humanoid who happens to look like a tree.
When it sees you, the one with the face lets out a roar. "Come!" it calls, "and let us be done with this!"
Wilfire Ironhouse Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 12:50:19 AM
(OOC- To Uriel- Wilfire never claimed to be better than anyone at straight combat. That being said, with all of the buff spells on him along with a base 17 strength he'd probably give a straight fighter of equal level a run for his money.)
(OOC- to Kathy- how many rounds of prespells did we have time to cast? Did I manage to get off all four?)
Wilfire directed his spiritual hammer at the closest tree (#1), and then waited to see what the others did. If they charged, he would follow.
(OOC- If Wilfire didn't get his spiritual weapon spell off already, he would cast it now instead)
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 5:42:38 AM
Kadaz looks up at the giant trees ahead of them. He looks down at Birdie, then up at the trees. A fleeting thought crosses his mind, then is gone, leaving a grin behind. Then he turns serious.
"I think we should try to concentrate on one tree at a time. Arrows first on the talking one, I say. And if we don't move from here then they can't surround us. If we go out into the plaza they can get around us. Make it come to us."
Kadaz carefully sets his axe down and releases his heavy cross bow. He starts cranking it furiously.
Arm Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 5:59:30 AM
Arm readies his crossbow in case its needed, while singing of heroic actions and brave deeds. (Bardsong-inspire courage...+1 save vs. charm & fear, +1 attk & dmg).
Evan ac 22, hp 24 Magic Vestment +4 d20+7=8 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 6:50:40 AM
Evan eyes the trees in front of him, then a slight smile touches his lips as he bounds forward towards the nearest of the tree figures. With a flick of his wrist, he let's fly with a throwing axe, but misses horribly. (move forward 30', axe to hit-8)
Conner Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 7:59:45 AM
The fighter looks at the trees and considers Kadaz strategy of letting them come to the party. He briefly considers removing his shield in order to use his new bow, but realizes that the trees would be upon them after only a few arrows, and then he would be without his trusty shield. Instead he adopts a defensive pose andreadies himself for their advance.
Shadow [AC 21/18 HP 20/20] d20+5=18 d4+1=5 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 8:24:47 AM
Shadow sees the monsterous trees and is taken back just a little. He had never seen anything like it in his lifetime. He hears Kadaz state a strategy that seems sound and he lets fly with an arrow at the tree with a face. (to hit=18 dmg=5)
Mira (AC 13+4 Mage Armor, 28 HP) 2d4(2+2)+2=6 Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 10:41:38 PM "Come, and let us be done with this!"
Mira is puzzled by the tree creature's taunt. It seems more an invitation for the party to attack, than a rallying cry for the three beings from the forest. Fortified by the Bard's song, the sorcerer wonders if the creature has a death wish? Her mind drifts to the acorns in her pocket, and then she refocuses her energies.
Mira reaches a hand high over the head of the dwarf, Kadaz, and two balls of magical energy hurtle towards the treent with the face. (6 pts dmg, +1 from Arm's Bardsong)
DM Sanity Info:
Spells:
0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 7 per day-Magic Missile#, Burning Hands, Mage Armor# 2nd-level, 4 per day-Glitterdust
From Arm: Bardsong/Inspire Courage (+1 save vs. charm & fear, +1 attk & dmg) effect lasts for as long as bard sings and for 5 rounds after he finishes.
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Aura of Courage} Tuesday August 23rd, 2005 11:18:04 PM
{Remember Uriel cast magic weapon on Arm's crossbow also}
Uriel concentrates on the three to determine if they are evil and readies himself for an attack.
DM Kathy d20+9=12 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 1:36:18 AM
Wilfire had time to cast his buff spells, and cast his Spiritual Weapon this round. (Go ahead and make your attack rolls for this round and the next round).
Kadaz assesses the situation and suggests that everyone stay where they are, forcing the Avatar to come to you. He begins loading his crossbow.
Arm begins singing, and you all feel just a little bit better about the coming fight.
Conner, mindful of Kadaz's suggestion, stands ready. Uriel concentrates, but detects no evil in the advancing "trees."
Shadow fires a shot, but the arrow skips off of the tough, barklike skin.
Mira has more luck with her spell, and the missiles strike true. She can tell they did their full damage, but the creature is so massive it seems scarcely to feel it.
Evan didn't get the memo about staying in one spot, and moves forward to throw his axe. It misses.
The tree with the face moves forward and swings a massive, limblike arm at Evan. Fortunately, it misses.
The other two trees also move forward--stiffly, awkwardly. It's as if they're new to this whole idea of moving.
Arm Wednesday August 24th, 2005 5:54:55 AM
Arm continues to sing, providing support for the party...which he hopes will be enough.
(Kathy, I didn't see anything in the PHB that said I couldn't attack while singing...is it possible? If so, then I can use Uriel's enchanted weapon bonus as well... ;) ).
Arm Wednesday August 24th, 2005 5:55:11 AM
Arm continues to sing, providing support for the party...which he hopes will be enough.
OOC: (Kathy, I didn't see anything in the PHB that said I couldn't attack while singing...is it possible? If so, then I can use Uriel's enchanted weapon bonus as well... ;) ).
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] d20+7=17 d10+1=6 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 6:40:26 AM
Kadaz finishes winding up his heavy cross bow, loads a bolt, takes careful aim at the tree with a face and shoots. He then drops it to the ground and picks up his axe. (to hit 17, damage 6)
"Mira, do you think a walking tree would be afraid of fire?" Kadaz asks, searching for any way to gain an advantage in this fight.
Evan ac 22, hp 24 Magic Vestment +4, Bard Song d20+5=15 d20+6=25 d8+4=5 d6+4=7 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 6:48:04 AM
Evan closes with the massive tree, drawing his second axe as he does so, and attacks. (sword-15, dam-5, axe- 25, dam-7)
Shadow [AC 21/18 HP 20/20] d20+5=16 d20+1=3 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 9:48:02 AM
Shadow will fire again at the oncoming tree with a face, he guesses that this is the avatar in his dream. He hopes his new magical bow will produce strong enough magic to affect the creature. (to hit=16 dmg=3)
Conner (AC 22, 44 HP, Total Defense+4 Dodge, Inspire Courage +1) Wednesday August 24th, 2005 11:03:14 PM
Conner charges straight ahead, stopping only when he is abreast the ranger. The fighter crashes his sword upon his shield making a frightful noise and shouting,"A sword day! An axe day!"
Position: (beside Evan, on his right, in line with #2)
Mira (AC 13+4 Mage Armor, 28 HP) 2d4(3+2)+2=7 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 11:11:26 PM
"I would think!" Mira answers the dwarf's question. "But I would have to get closer to cast fire upon it. "Does anyone have oil?" Mira follows Conner as he moves forward, but stays behind the fighter and the ranger. From her new position she lobs two more missiles at the treent. (7 pts dmg, +1 from Arm's Bardsong)
DM Sanity Info:
Position: In the square immediately behind Evan and Conner.
Spells:
0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 7 per day-Magic Missile##, Burning Hands, Mage Armor# 2nd-level, 4 per day-Glitterdust
From Arm: Bardsong/Inspire Courage (+1 save vs. charm & fear, +1 attk & dmg) effect lasts for as long as bard sings and for 5 rounds after he finishes.
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Aura of Courage} d20+4=20 2d6(6+5)+11=22 Thursday August 25th, 2005 12:04:52 AM
Uriel starts to say something of Evan's tactics and then realizes he can't sign to Evan's back...
Then after Conner and Mira move forward, Uriel grunts in frustation and says to Kadaz, "So much for strategy. I am going to protect our flank from the other 'trees'."
Uriel moves up towards the other trees so they don't circle around behind Conner, Evan and Mira.
If he has an opportunity he will swing away at one of the trees, otherwise he will hold his action til they come within range.
{Power Attack: -4 to hit, +6 to Dmg, Hit AC:20 dmg:22}
DM Kathy d20+9=17 d20+9=20 d20+9=27 2d6(3+1)+12=16 d20+9=17 Thursday August 25th, 2005 1:32:28 AM
Arm continues to sing. [Yes, you can fight while singing. Roll attacks for this round and the next round, if you like.]
Kadaz fires a shot, but it, too, skips off the creatures thick skin. He drops his crossbow and readies his axe, wondering whether fire would be a help.
Evan moves toward the creature, provoking an Attack of Opportunity. [These things have a 15-foot reach.] This time, the treelike limb clangs off the ranger's armor. Evan makes his own attacks, missing with the sword, but hitting with the axe.
Shadow fires another shot that fails to penetrate, and Conner charges up next to Evan.
Mira fires two more Magic Missiles, and by now the creature is looking hurt. It still appears to have plenty of fight left, though.
Uriel, watching his plan go down in flames, moves up to protect Conner and Evan.
The treelike creature continues to attack Evan, this time flailing at him with two limbs. The first blow also glances off his armor, but the second one finds its target for 16 points of damage.
The first of the moving trees stops to swing at Conner. Its limb glances off his armor. The other tree continues to move forward, apparantly seeking a target.
Arm d20+3=20 d20+3=20 2d8(7+5)+3=15 Thursday August 25th, 2005 5:54:39 AM
Keeping up his singing, Arm fires on the tree that Mira has been attacking, with good results (attk: 20 & 20-total dmg: 15-actually I think it should have been +6...+3 for each damage roll, which would make it 18 :) ).
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] Thursday August 25th, 2005 6:59:14 AM
Kadaz sighs, his hope that the group would remain in a more secure location gone.
"The talking one appears to be the leader. Maybe if it is gone the others will take root or something." Kadaz moves ahead to his left, moving into position, trying to stay just out of reach of it's branches. Next round he will move up to the side of the talking tree. He grips is axe and shield tightly.
Evan ac 22, hp 8/24 Magic Vestment +4, Bard Song d20+5=16 d20+6=8 Thursday August 25th, 2005 7:22:28 AM
Evan staggers under the wieght of the massive blow from the talking tree, his swings going wide and missing the giant tree. He recovers his footing, making sure he stays between Mira and the tree.(sword-16, axe-8)
Conner [AC=22, HP=44] Bardsong d20+9=24 d20+7=24 d8+6=14 d6+4=8 Thursday August 25th, 2005 10:27:12 PM
The fighter ducks under the limb of the tree creature and winces as it glances off his armor. Conner returns the attack with all the fury he can muster, first slicing at the tree with his longsword [Hit AC=24 for 14 dmg] then smashing his spiked shield into it's tough wooden hide [Hit AC=24 for 8 dmg]
"Evan" he mouths the words to his companion, "we must move back to the rest of the group"
Mira (AC 13+4 Mage Armor, 28 HP) 2d4(4+1)+4=9 Thursday August 25th, 2005 11:18:47 PM
"Conner is right!" shouts the sorcerer, taking a step backwards. "I'll provide cover while you fall back." Mira smiles grimly. Her magic seems to be gaining in power, the more she uses it! (9 pts dmg, +1 from Arm's Bardsong)
DM Sanity Info:
Position: In a square behind Evan and Conner (falling back).
Spells:
0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 7 per day-Magic Missile###, Burning Hands, Mage Armor# 2nd-level, 4 per day-Glitterdust
From Arm: Bardsong/Inspire Courage (+1 save vs. charm & fear, +1 attk & dmg) effect lasts for as long as bard sings and for 5 rounds after he finishes.
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Aura of Courage} Friday August 26th, 2005 12:38:26 AM
Uriel will hold his attack until one the creature comes within range or if it seems they will be able to flank the others.
DM Kathy d20+9=19 d20+9=28 2d6(4+1)+12=17 d20+9=13 d20+9=25 2d6(4+5)+12=21 d10+9=17 Friday August 26th, 2005 2:24:54 AM
Arm fires at the tree. [OOC: I didn't think you got two attacks yet. It isn't a critical, because your first roll was not a natural 20. I'm going to treat it as a single, non-critical shot for now; please let me know if there's something I've overlooked.] The shot hits, but somehow the arrow doesn't seem to do as much damage as Arm would have thought. It sinks into the barklike skin and seems to have little effect.
Kadaz moves up cautiously.
Evan swings twice at the large tree and misses both times. Conner also swings twice, and has better luck. His longsword slashes at the beast, drawing blood (or is that sap?). The shield, however, doesn't seem to have much effect. Like Arm's arrow, the spike pokes in but doesn't really seem to do anything.
Mira lets fly with another round of Magic Missiles and steps back. Uriel stands his ground, waiting for an enemy to come within reach.
The treelike being continues to concentrate on Evan. Its first blow glances off the ranger's armor, but the second one connects for 17 points damage.
The first of the trees, meanwhile, is attacking Conner. It swings twice and connects once, doing 21 points of damage.
The second tree moves forward and stops when it can reach Uriel. Unfortunately, Uriel can't reach it from his present position. The tree swings at the paladin, but misses.
[Anybody who didn't get to post this round--that's Jeff and Scott--can go ahead and post two rounds' worth of actions. This is a tough fight, and we need the whole team. :) ]
Arm Friday August 26th, 2005 5:53:41 AM
Noticing that his strikes didn't do much...if any...damage, Arm resorts to continuing his singing, once again hoping that will be enough to aid the party.
(OOC: Kathy, the reason why I attacked twice was that, in your previous post, you told me I could attack twice...unless I misinterpreted YOUR post... :) )
Kathy: D'oh! Right you are. Okay, both shots hit, but neither seemed to really do anything.
Evan ac 22, hp -9/24 Magic Vestment +4, Bard Song; Die Hard Friday August 26th, 2005 6:52:57 AM
Evan staggers under the massive blow once again. There is a loud ringing in his ears and his vision blurs as he stumbles backwards, his only thought to escape before another blows lands, as he is certain the next blow will kill him.
Mira (AC 13+4 Mage Armor, 28 HP) d8+1=4 Friday August 26th, 2005 7:51:41 AM
"Uriel! The wand!" screams Mira as she moves to kneel over the fallen ranger. Mira retrieves a potion from her stash and pours it down Evan's throat, spilling some of it in her haste. (Restore 4 HP to Evan.)
DM Sanity Info:
Position: In a square behind Evan and Conner (falling back).
Spells:
0-level, 6 per day-Detect Magic, Read Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Open/Close, Ray of Frost 1st-level, 7 per day-Magic Missile###, Burning Hands, Mage Armor# 2nd-level, 4 per day-Glitterdust
From Arm: Bardsong/Inspire Courage (+1 save vs. charm & fear, +1 attk & dmg) effect lasts for as long as bard sings and for 5 rounds after he finishes.
(OOC: Len, it is my understanding that a bard can do Bardsong and attack at the same time, and like Kathy says in her post, we need the whole team!)
Conner [AC=21 HP=23/44]Bardsong d20+4=18 Friday August 26th, 2005 7:57:02 AM
Conner sees Evan fall under the tree's enormous limb just as he himself is struck. His immediate instinct is to press his attack on the tree in retaliation, but a comrade is down. Conner waits the brief second for Mira to administer the healing potion before grabbing the unconcious ranger by his shirt and jacket and dragging him back towards safety. [STR=18].
Shadow [AC 21/18 HP 20/20] d20+5=8 d20+5=15 d4+1=3 d4+1=4 Friday August 26th, 2005 9:34:44 AM
Shadow takes aim at the tree with face and lets fly with another arrow but misses (an 8). He sees that Arm has hit, but does not do much if anything to the tree. He tries to think of anything that he can do to increase the damage they are inflicting on the creature (well he has not inflicted any damage yet).
Shadow will look around to see if there are any street lamps lit yet (OOC: what time of day is it anyway?). If he sees a sign of fire he will start moving towards that. (Idea is to start creating flaming arrows using anything he has to for them to catch on fire.)
"Maybe fire will help damage these things." Shadow calls out to his companions.
If he does not see any close source of flame he will let loose with another arrow (second turn) and misses again.
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] d20+11=25 d10+5=14 Friday August 26th, 2005 7:11:55 PM
Kadaz advances on the talking tree, shield raised over his head to protect from a limb slap. When he gets next to it he swings, hoping to see wood chips fly. (to hit 25, damage 14). "Look at me you walking tinder box" Kadaz taunts, trying to take some attention from Evan.
Evan (ooc) Saturday August 27th, 2005 6:49:35 AM
(ooc: Evan is still standing and conscious, barely. He has die hard which keeps him stable and conscious until he hits -10)
Wilfire Ironhouse 2d8(1+7)+3=11 d20+6=18 Sunday August 28th, 2005 11:19:03 PM
OOC- sorry major computer problems. I fixed my computer only to have it crash again. Currently posting from my mother's house... yikes.
Wilfire heads right for Evan and casts a quick healing spell (2nd level healing). Meanwhile his hammer continues to fly at the nearest tree (OOC- hit 18)
OOC- heal 11 points. If Wilfire can't get to Evan he will instead heal Conner.
OOC2- I am assuming that Wilfire's hammer already was directed at a target. If not, please ignore the roll.
Uriel {AC:19 HP:43/43 Aura of Courage} Sunday August 28th, 2005 11:58:37 PM
Uriel watches Wilfire from the corner of his eye and begins to retreat along with the others, hoping they can get back and form an attack focal point against the trees.
If Evan needs more aid then Wilfire can give now, Uriel will move over to help.
DM Kathy d8+6=13 d20+9=17 Monday August 29th, 2005 12:58:39 AM
Arm continues singing.
Evan, who has taken enough damage to fell a lesser man, somehow manages to stay on his feet. He stumbles backward 5 feet, knowing that moving any further would provoke an Attack of Opportunity.
Mira steps forward 5 feet (thereby also avoiding the AoO) and hands her beloved a potion (since Evan is still conscious, you don't have to pour it down him).
Conner's first thought is to help Evan, but seeing that the ranger is still on his feet, he instead opts to swing at the treelike being again. His sword lashes out and hits for 13 points damage. [I apologize for changing your actions, Bob, but what you posted would have provoked AoOs from both the treant and the animated tree. And it was unnecessary, since Evan is conscious. I converted your Strength check roll into an attack roll, and rolled damage for you. I know that's strictly against the rules for DMs, but I didn't want to kill Conner. :) ]
Shadow continues to fire arrows, but they aren't terribly effective. He looks around for a source of fire. [It is morning; none of the lamps are lit. Any occupied houses will likely have a fire of some kind going, but it will take a while to reach them.]
Kadaz moves toward the treelike being, provoking an AoO. The great limb swings at him, but bounces off his armor. Kadaz's own blow strikes true.
Wilfire moves up and cures Evan for 11 points, and Uriel tries to rally the group to a better defensive position.
The tree with the face seemed to slump after Kadaz hit it and now, awkwardly, the mighty creature kneels.
"You have defeated me," he concedes, "and now you must decide my fate. My Queen has gifted you with the seeds of choice, and now you must cast your votes as you see fit. But before you make your choice, you should know about me and my purpose in the Wold.
"My name is Ebyron, and I am the King of the Fae. I am Nature in its purest form--wild and untamed. Nature is not always kind, but it is always fair. Life and death, growth and destruction, health and decay--all are kept in balance. Over the past few days, you have seen what a bounty of Nature can do. Some of it was benign and friendly; some of it was destructive.
"Centuries ago, it was determined that I represented a force too wild and chaotic to be allowed to continue in the Wold. My Queen, Maab, conspired to send me to sleep, and there I remained." His mouth tightens. "There will be a reckoning for that some day, but that need not concern us now.
"I was awakened by the Elves, who long, I think, for a return to natural ways. I returned to the Wold, and Nature rejoiced. And, as I said, some of the results were destructive. That is often the way with Nature."
He looks searchingly at each of you. "Know this, though--now that I am myself again, I can exercise some measure of control over the natural forces that welcome my return. And if you allow me to continue to live, and work, in the Wold, I can channel these forces for the benefit of all."
He spreads his treelike hands. "Would not that be the best for everyone? Natural bounties whose like you have never seen before? Unnatural and un-life forces driven back? Forests and fields and brooks growing in abundance? All of these things can be yours if you choose to let me LIVE."
He looks at you, awaiting your questions and your decision.
Nearby, the two trees stop moving. They are now rooted in the cobbled yard of the Open Palm Market, as if they had been growing there since the Wold began.
[OOC: There is no need to cast your vote right away. In fact, we're far enough ahead of other groups that we might want to take our time here. Feel free to ask questions, or make accusations, and see how Ebyron responds. And of course, Shadow needs to run home and get his acorns. :)]
Arm Monday August 29th, 2005 6:06:53 AM
Arm listens to the avatar's speech, then thinks quietly for a few moments. After a bit, he says to Ebyron, "How do we know that you are telling us the truth? When we elves voted, no one told us of the consequences that have resulted in so many deaths thusfar, so how do we know that MORE will not occur because of our choice?". He says this with a bit of trepidation, but his need to know is intense.
Evan ac 22, hp 6/24 Magic Vestment +4, Bard Song Monday August 29th, 2005 7:46:51 AM
Evan collapses at the base of the massive tree, smiling weakly to Mira and Wilfire. He breathes easier as he feels the curing effects of Wilfire's spell wash over him, but remains where he is, listening to the words of the King. He fumbles in his pouch for the three acrons then looks at Mira, studing her face, wondering how she will vote.
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] Monday August 29th, 2005 4:29:23 PM
Kadaz remains on guard, axe and shield raised to strike if the tree moves. He glares at it and demands "What use have dwarves of nature? An orderly, manicured world might benefit all."
Kadaz glares some more and remains very much on guard. In his dream the being named Ebyron wasn't nearly so willing to let others decide his fate. And this giant tree wasn't as close to being defeated as he makes it seem. Something is not right here. Hopefully the smart ones in the group can figure it out.
Conner Monday August 29th, 2005 7:26:50 PM
The fighter sheathes his sword while listening to the avatar. "And if we choose 'sleep'" he queries, "what becomes of nature if I choose sleep?"
Uriel Monday August 29th, 2005 9:58:01 PM
Uriel walks over to Evan and grasps his shoulder (heal for 12 points).
Near the tree, Uriel rests his greatsword point down and rests his forearms across the crosshilt.
"How is it that you call nature fair. That is a fallacy. Nature works under the premise of might makes right. The strong feeding off of the weak who in turn feed off those weaker still. There may be a symmetry to nature but it is not fair. I would call the balance you mentioned the domains of the powers of the Wold not just Nature. Our humble group did not best you, some other forces were at work here, forces of great strength and wisdom. If you are truly defeated it is by their hand and I for one will not defy Domi.
Tell us if you will Ebyron how you would reform if given the chance?"
Mira d20+8=24 Monday August 29th, 2005 10:21:54 PM
Mira listens with her ears to the words of the giant tree calling itself 'Ebyron', and the questions asked by her party. The sorcerer goes over to the trees now rooted in the cobblestones of the square. She moves a hand over the rough bark and wonders what magic caused them to spring to life at this avatar's command. (Knowledge Arcana=24)
Wilfire Ironhouse 2d8(3+6)+3=12 d8+3=5 d8+3=10 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 12:11:52 AM
Wilfire ignores the tree and instead begins healing his friends.
Evan- +12 conner- +5+10=+15
DM Kathy Tuesday August 30th, 2005 1:36:05 AM
The treant listens intently to your questions.
"Everything the Elves voted for has come to pass," he replies ot Arm. "Nature is ascendant, and the tyrant Parnoth is even now being pressed by the forces of the Culverwood. True, there were unforseen consequenses, but that does sometimes happen. No one save the gods can see the future with perfect clarity." He pauses for a moment. "I can give you no guarantees," he says to Arm. "I will say that, alive, I stand a better chance of controlling the powers of Nature. Without me..." He shrugs. "Well, who knows what will happen?"
His smile at Kadaz has something of the sneer about it. "Until the dwarves learn to do without food, they should have some use for Nature. Or did you think the fruits of the trees and the grains of the field were somehow manufactured by those who sell them to you? A resurgent Nature will benefit even you, Sir Dwarf, though you may not realize it."
He looks thoughtful at Conner's question. "If I sleep, I believe the Wold will go back to being very much the way it was. Of course," he adds, "that would be rather hard on those of the Culverwood, who could very well end up under the Tyrant's heel once again."
When he goes to reply to Uriel, there is more than a hint of a sneer about him. "Ah, so you would prefer the justice of your so-called 'civilization,'" he replies. "A justice where money, power, and influence can save even the most worthless and venal from their well-deserved fate. Nature cares not for wealth and power; natural justice is pure.
"I am not Ebyron himself," he continues. "Or rather, I am not all there is to Ebyron. I am an Avatar. All over the Wold, Avatars are being challenged by adventurers like you. So you are correct, Sir Paladin, when you believe that your group did not defeat Ebyron. You did, however, defeat me, and my fate is truly in your hands. Do not think to push your responsibility on a god. The decision is yours."
He pauses again before answering Uriel's final question. "I've learned a thing or two over the centuries," he replies at last. "I believe I have a better rein on the wilder side of my disposition, and that, in turn will enable me to exercise greater control over the natural forces that respond to my presence."
Arm Tuesday August 30th, 2005 6:02:12 AM
All this talk of control does not sit well with Arm. Even though elves themselves are lovers of nature, he really doesn't believe that anything should have total control of everything or everyone, much as the elves dislike being controlled by others. For the moment, he stands by idlely while the others finish their questioning...pretty much already knowing what his decision will be.
Evan Tuesday August 30th, 2005 6:52:39 AM
Evan smiles his thanks to Uriel and Wilfire as he watches Mira with the other trees. His fingers curl around the three acorns and he glances down for a moment as he pulls the acorns out of the pouch just far enough to see what each says. He let's two acorns slip back down into the pouch, closing his fist around a third. With his back still resting against the avatar, he waits for the others to make their decision.
Shadow Tuesday August 30th, 2005 12:43:14 PM
(OOC: Sorry for not posting yesterday, but I was in route to Birmingham, and into Hurricane Katrina. We made it fine, but last night was a little wild. I will try and post tomorrow and Thursday - Friday I will be back home.)
IC: Shadow is a little hesitant to leave the group while they are discussing their opinions for Ebyron, but he must get his acorns. He will run back to the apartment to gather the three acorns, and hustle back to the group.
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] d20+1=9 Tuesday August 30th, 2005 4:54:06 PM
"Excuse me, you say that if the world were to decide to send you back to sleep everything would return to the way it was last week?" This seems too simple - there must be a catch some where. Kadaz looks around careully - this thing may be summoning fae to help. (spot 9)
Conner Tuesday August 30th, 2005 9:34:48 PM
Conner looks around at the destruction that has befallen the city. Buildings crumbling under the weight of vines, flotsam littering the streets from where the river has washed over it's banks, and the temples filled with the injured and the dead.
He waves his arm across the grizly scene, "This is control...this is exercising a tighter grip on your wilder side?" the fighter replies incredulously. His face hardens as he glares at the avatar. "You'll have to do better than that, cause Amy and the others are dead and it doesn't matter if it was the act of a tyrant or just some unforseen consequence. Dead is dead!"
Mira Tuesday August 30th, 2005 10:01:18 PM
Mira moves away from the silent trees, and stands before the beaten avatar, looking him full in the face she says, "you fumble with our souls." She pauses, "we are but pawns in your game. Even the elves you profess to love so much." The colour rises in the mages face, as she fumbles with the ties of her pouch. "Prepare your brittle nature for the ethereal blow!"
Uriel Wednesday August 31st, 2005 12:28:46 AM
Uriel remains mute but looks thoughtfully as he plays with the acorns in his hand.
"Tell me more King of Nature of how you have more control..." Uriel says.
DM Kathy Wednesday August 31st, 2005 1:17:48 AM
Shadow dashes home to get his acorns. Meanwhile, many in the group seem to have reached their decision.
There are still some with questions, though.
"You misunderstand me," the Avatar replies to Kadaz. "Nothing can undo what has been done. If I am sent back to sleep, however, the balance between Law and Chaos, between Nature and Civilization, will once again be as it was." His mouth twists wryly. "And I cannot see how it was a balance worth saving. A tyrannical dragon enslaving the Culverwood, and unnatural experiments in the Southern Continent...would things not be better if Nature were better able to take care of its own?"
To Uriel, he says, "Look around you. The floodwaters are receding. The fae have ceased their mischeif and returned to their hiding places. The beasts have gone back to the wild. All of this is my doing. And yet, Nature's bounty remains. Vines and flowers still cover your drab stone buildings. They no longer destroy, but add life and warmth and color where before there was none. Properly controlled, my presence can be good for the Wold."
As the Avatar finishes his speech, Shadow comes pelting back into the square, clutching his acorns.
[OOC: If you have more questions, feel free to ask them. If your character is ready to cast a vote, go ahead and do so. Let me know what it is, either by posting it here or e-mailing it to me.]
Arm Wednesday August 31st, 2005 6:04:04 AM
Arm speaks up at this time, "And who are YOU to say what "proper control" is? I care not at all for this control talk.".
To Mira he says, "You need to sign to Evan what is going on, as he needs to know all of the information before he makes his decision. I noticed that you haven't been doing that, so he must be extremely confused by now.".
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] Wednesday August 31st, 2005 6:25:34 AM
"I know nothing of what is going on elsewhere in the world. But here in Plateau City your existance has brought only death and destruction. I cannot chose life for you. But it is not my place to chose death for a god. Thus I chose sleep. May you sleep for an eon more." Kadaz pulls the acorn with SLEEP on it from his pouch and holds it high.
Evan Wednesday August 31st, 2005 6:46:18 AM
Evan looks from one person to the next, listening to the questions and the avatar's responses. He smiles softly at Arm's comment to Mira as he is mute, not deaf. Then he slowly opens his hand and lets his vote roll off his palm to drop and land at the avatar's roots. As it comes to a rest, the choice can be seen.....LIVE
Shadow Wednesday August 31st, 2005 9:55:46 AM
Shadow arrives back a little winded just in time to hear Kadaz tell the avatar his choice of sleep. He gives Kadaz a puzzled look as to why he decided that, but is brought around when Evan drops his acorn. His face splits into a smile as Shadow realizes he feels the same way. He moves forward and rolls his acorn towards the roots of the avatar. When it comes to a stop everyone can clearly read the word 'LIVE' on it. Shadow moves back to allow the others to vote.
Mira Wednesday August 31st, 2005 7:06:39 PM
Mira's jaw drops when Evan smiles sweetly and drops the acorn that says LIVE. "Are you out of your mind!" she cries, moving in front of the ranger, loose strands of hair flying, and face red with fury. "Do you so soon forget the dead!" Waving at the representative of the Fey King, she continues, I held a child...a mere babe, in my arms. His mother's blood soaked his swaddling clothes!" Mira takes a deep breath and then drops the next bomb, "and but hours ago you held Zully, orphaned and her brother lost, all because...because..." Mira's face twists unpleasantly as she mimics the big tree, "a misunderstanding!"
Turning round, she looks at the tree, "and don't tell me this is what the elves want!" Gesturing to her companions, she continues, "I don't think this is what Arm wants! I don't think this is what Shadow wants! All this death...death, and destruction...I don't think this is what those who joined in the singing wanted!"
Mira's eyes narrow, "chaos, control, and...revenge! That is what I think this Ebyron wanted, and I am not convinced that you have any control over him!" she says, staring pointedly at the tree thing.
Mira finally gets the ties of her bag undone, and grabs the contents. Opening her palm she stares at the three nuts...LIVE...SLEEP...DIE.
Conner Wednesday August 31st, 2005 7:54:26 PM
"Are you telling us, no, promising us that nature's fury is past? That our towns and villages will be safe? Or simply that we have replaced one set of tyrants with another?" The fighter weighs two acorns in his hand as he awaits his answer.
Uriel Wednesday August 31st, 2005 10:08:45 PM
Uriel opens his mouth to speak and closes it again, upon hearing Conner's question.
"Yes King. Make us an oath that part of nature's fury that you are the root of has past and will not happen again!"
DM Kathy Thursday September 1st, 2005 1:20:27 AM
The Avatar sighs at Conner's question. "Did I not just say that none can see the future? I do not know what tyrants may yet attempt to hold sway in the Wold, nor whether they will be successful. I do know that, in my presence, Nature will be more powerful, more able to fight off those who would usurp the natural balance."
He looks at Uriel. "Very well. I swear that the destruction you have witnessed, the inadvertent result of Nature's joy at my awakening, has passed." It's hard to tell with the barklike face, but it seems that the Avatar's lips twitch in an ironic smile. "However, if I were really as untrustworthy as you seem to think, my oath is worth nothing. Take it and make of it what your will."
He listens to Mira, and says. "An accident, then, if 'misunderstanding' does not suit you. Whatever name you call it, the destruction was not intended. And it is over." With a sweep of his branchlike arm, he indicates the city. "Look around you."
Arm Thursday September 1st, 2005 5:52:21 AM
Prepared to make his decision, Arm reaches into a pouch to pull out the 3 acorns. Pausing a moment to wonder of THIS decision is the one he will be blamed for making, yet tired to death of second-guessing every action he takes, he says, "I agree with Conner. There MAY have been problems in the past, but it was something that the people of the Wold were used to, and could for the most part tolerate. In my heart, I believe there is MUCH that you hiding from us, so thus I make my decision.". Looking down, he chooses an acorn from his hand, and drops SLEEP at the avatar's feet (or roots, as it were).
OOC: OK, maybe I'm missing something here, but if Evan is not deaf, then why does Mira have to sign to him (unless she wants to speak privately to him, which in that case she could just whisper)? It's not a big issue, I'm just confused...that's all. :)
Evan Thursday September 1st, 2005 7:22:51 AM
Evan gazes at Mira as she rants in front of him, thinking that she has never looked so beautiful as she does at this moment, full of righteous anger at the nature king's avatar. Her comment about Zully strikes a deep cord within him, causing him to glance towards the avatar. When he looks back, he finds the Mira is staring at the three acorns in her hand.
As he tries to compose in his mind his response to Mira, he reaches out to lightly tap her wrist to gain her attention. His fingers dance, trying to put into words, the thoughts of his heart. Have you ever been dreaming, then awaken, but you are so deep within the dream that you believe that the dream is reality? Have you ever awakened but have been held so tightly by sleep that it takes you a few minutes to come to your senses? Evan points to the avatar.This is what I believe has happened with the nature king. He has slept so long, that it was difficult for him to gain his bearings upon awakening. Evan gestures to the destruction around him and continues, This is not a result of the avatar's reaction, but rather, a response by the forces of nature to the awakening of the King. What was done, was not done out of maliciousness but rather, more the actions of children, delighted to see their parent again. And as with all children, nature overreacted to the reawkening of the nature king. Now that the nature king is awake and has his bearings, he exerts control over his wayward children, keeping them in check. If we kill him or put him back to sleep, who will keep control over the forces of nature then? If we take away the only restraint on the forces of nature that exist at the moment, we will return to the horrors we have lived through this morning.
Evan reaches out to take Mira's hand in his, as he gazes intently into her eyes. His fingers dance along the palm of her hand as he continues, Salvation through death is no salvation at all. And to return the avatar to sleep merely puts the decision off onto others, most likely our children or grandchildren. It is shirking a responsibility we have now. Nature cannot not be locked away, Mira.
Evan ooc Thursday September 1st, 2005 7:25:33 AM
((Mira doesn't NEED to sign to Evan, he hears just fine. He was born without vocalcords, though, and is mute. Sometimes she signs to him to speak privately with him but mostly she signs to him, I believe, to practice the language. She's only recently learned sign language))
Shadow Thursday September 1st, 2005 8:32:28 AM
Shadow looks at Arm as he casts his vote, "I understand your reasoning, but we all need to make our own decision." He awaits to see what the rest of the group will do. He has made his choice and believes it to be the right one.
Wilfire Ironhouse Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:01:26 PM
Wilfire sat back and listened to what his friends had to say regarding this very important decision.
"Tis true" Wilfire thought "People in deh wol' were use'ta things a certain way. If it came to'a vote deh'd proba'ly vote ta go back to deh ol'ways".
"Deh ol'ways" Wilfire muttered aloud, and instantly his thoughts shifted back to the time spent in the shanty town. Images of children sifting through garbage quickly came to mind, and suddenly Wilfire wasn't so sure that they old ways were so desirable afterall.
"If ever we gonna do somefin ta help deh people" Wilfire appealed to his friends "Mayhaps dis is our best chance..."
Wilfire stepped forward and looked up at the huge tree with a look of utter seriousness on his face. "By the Gods, I swear ta pee on every tree dat I see till my diein day if yue fail me".
And with those words Wilfire tossed the live acorn to the ground.
Mira Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:25:43 PM
The green eyed sorcerer watches the ranger as he uses the only language he knows. She 'reads' what he says aloud, for those who do not understand Sign. Her face reddens as the logic of his argument sinks in.
"Fine then!" she answers, "I will not vote what my heart asks for, but I can not let this Fey King run amok either." Mira flings an acorn at the trunk of the tree. It bounces off the trunk and lands rune side up.
SLEEP
Conner Thursday September 1st, 2005 11:27:10 PM
Conner surpresses a grin at Wilfire's remark. He rolls the two acorns in his hand...LIVE...SLEEP. Soon it will be time to make his choice known.
DM Kathy Friday September 2nd, 2005 2:28:59 AM
The Avatar looks at the acorns on the ground. Three of them say SLEEP, courtesy of Kadaz, Arm, and Mira. Three say LIVE, from Evan, Shadow, and Wilfire.
The Avatar looks expectantly at Conner and Uriel. "I have said all I can," he says. "Make your choice, and allow this Avatar to return to the whole that is Ebyron."
Arm Friday September 2nd, 2005 6:01:06 AM
Arm looks expectantly at Conner and Uriel, then grips the pommel of his sword in case the "live" vote presides, and the avatar resorts to violence. He knows that he'll not do much damage, but it'll be a long cold day before he goes down without a fight. He has seen his entire village obliterated by the orcs, and he won't sit idly by while there's a chance of nature doing the same thing to the Wold.
OOC: to Evan-ok, gotcha...thanks! :) MAN, this is like waiting for OHIO's election returns...LOL!!!
Kadaz Friday September 2nd, 2005 6:52:11 AM
His vote cast, Kadaz waits for anything to happen. Like Arm, he readies his weapon in case the fight breaks out again.
Uriel Friday September 2nd, 2005 7:55:22 AM
Uriel looks up at the tree and across to his friends sighing at the tally.
"I suppose that this one is useless," he tosses one away.
"I cannot in good conscience vote to leave you free in the Wold. I still do not trust your words and I do not believe that Nature holds some higher moral ground than civilization. Nature has not whithered without you and so I choose sleep," Uriel says simply.
He takes the SLEEP acorn and moves it to the base of the tree.
Shadow Friday September 2nd, 2005 12:56:26 PM
Shadow looks at each of his companions and waits expectantly for them to finalize their vote. He sees some of them a little unsure of what will happen next. "I am not sure we are the only ones to choose, just like the elves." He says really to reasure himself more than anything else.
Wilfire Ironhouse Friday September 2nd, 2005 3:51:34 PM
Wilfire stood at the ready, knowing that anythign could happen as soon as the last acorn was cast.
Evan Friday September 2nd, 2005 6:55:55 PM
Evan gazes at Mira a moment, distressed by her anger. He reaches up and with a gentle touch, he turns her face so that she is looking at him once again. He touches his chest, crosses his arms over his chest then touches Mira very lightly on the tip of her nose as he mouths the words, I love you.
With his attention on Mira, Evan awaits the final vote.
Conner Friday September 2nd, 2005 8:57:19 PM
The fighter mulls over his decision, and then drops a single acorn at the avatar's roots before walking away. 'SLEEP'
DM Kathy Sunday September 4th, 2005 5:18:33 PM
As the last vote is cast, the tree creature gathers up the acorns rises to its feet once again. "I think you are making a mistake," he says to those who voted SLEEP. "But there are others yet left to make their choice. Ebyron's fate will be decided by heroes throughout the Wold. I can only hope that they are not as short-sighted as you."
With that, he disappears, leaving you in the middle of a torn and battered city. The floodwaters have receded, and the plants have stopped tearing up the buildings, but the devastation from the past few days remains.
Mira Sunday September 4th, 2005 11:05:18 PM
Mira watches the avatar of the Fey King depart, and then slowly turns in a circle taking in the ruined city. Where to start? she thinks.
Forming words with her hands and fingers, she speaks to all, and asks, "do you think it is finally over? Do you think he is really gone?"
Kadaz [ AC21, hp 44] Monday September 5th, 2005 7:16:42 AM
Kadaz responds to Mira's questions. "I don't believe he is really gone. Evil creatures don't leave just because we ask nicely. I suspect when he comes back it'll be a nasty surprise." Kadaz then wanders over to inspect the two new trees in the plaza. "Birdie, come here. I need you to do something!" he calls.
Conner Monday September 5th, 2005 9:11:39 AM
The fighter looks about for a comfortable spot before sitting down, his back against a slab of fallen stone. His stint in the military has taught him to find a comfortable spot no matter what the circumstances. Within a few short minutes he is asleep.
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