Tobias Wednesday January 11th, 2006 11:41:47 AM
Tobias says, "It seems like the first course of action should be to keep the vines from withering further, while we fine some help (from a fixer or the druids). I think the most straightforward way would be to water them and somehow get them light. Perhaps a wizard with a Light or Daylight spell Selithe? Would that be easier to find than unguent or other magical means?"
Tobias ponders the vines some more and then thinks out loud, "Why was the plant growth in the Bell Tower so much greater than in other buildings in the area?"
Dwight Wednesday January 11th, 2006 9:46:01 PM
Still looking and poking around, Dwight tries to think of what Pa taught him of trees. Mumbling mostly to himself he tries to recall how Pa hardened tree stumps to make benches out of that withstood many seasons without further decay.
"If time permits I could write a letter to my Pa," he finally offers. "He works with trees you see, trimming, removing, and of course using the wood gotten from the downed trees. Not a craftsmen, but he has made benches for the outdoors. If I had paid more attention, I would recall how he did it. I remember him mixing a thick paste and then spreading it on the dead trunk. The trunk would then last for years. If his paste would work on a vine and it could arrive soon enough, I am sure it would be cheaper than buying more ungent or hiring other means."
Selithe Thursday January 12th, 2006 1:15:53 AM
Selithe looks to Tobias and thinks some to herself before answering, "The light spell produces light, sure enough, but I don't think it would produce the type of light plants need. A sun light spell would most likely work the best, however you're looking at a lot of work to keep these plants alive and maybe too much work depending on why they are even here. I think we should look into this Fixer and see about it."
Kendry Thursday January 12th, 2006 2:37:50 AM
Kendry investigates the length and breadth of the spread of the vines, measuring linear feet, and taking a length of silk rope around the trunk and vines at various points, and from the numbers he tallies, he calculates how many flasks it would take to carry out his first suggestion, preferring to err on the generous side of total coverage required.
He announces, "Well, it would take [x - DM fill this in, please!] more flasks, at 150 gp each to cover the whole plant in the unguent of timelessness. Calfast, sir, - is there enough in the coffers to cover that? I'm happy to donate mine to the cause, and pay for one of the extras we'll need."
Regarding Zardock's suggestion, he asks, "Well, is there a fixer in town? Or nearby? They deal in Woldsblood, do they not? Dangerous stuff. Dwight - you know anything about that sort of thing? And, say, isn't your pa in just the next town over? Humble's Ford?"
Three Strategies (DM Cayzle) Thursday January 12th, 2006 7:48:15 AM
Kendry figures it would take maybe five to 10 vials of the stuff, depending on how far up the vines go, and if he tried to get some of the magic oil into the roots as well.
Calfast summarizes: We have three possible answers:
(1) Kill the vines but leave them in place as structural supports, strengthened and preserved as Kendry and Dwight suggest.
(2) Nurture and grow the vines, so that they remain a healthy integral part of the tower.
(3) Get rid of the vines and then get a Fixer to repair the damage.
Zardock adds, "I met the guy I'm thinking of about a week ago -- he was working on one of the Giant Defense Towers north of here."
Calfast adds, "I don't want to spend more than 2,000 gold."
The burgomeister asks for final comments before the debate is ended.
Airin and Fioni Thursday January 12th, 2006 8:19:02 AM
Airin listens to all proposals and agrees that keeping the vines from withering should provide to be good enough for the time being. But a long term solution has to be found as soon as possible.
"How long will it take to apply the potion to the vines love?" she asks Kendry. "Maybe in the meantime we could try to contact some of the elder druids either around Angel Springs or back in the Culverwood. I guess me and maybe one extra person should be able to ride back the Culverwood and the ancient Druid Circle and contact Clover, while the rest of you and a few extra hands cover the vines, don't you think?"
If the group agrees that riding back to the (treacherous) forest (where we could use the Forest Walking feat Airin does not have) she and her companion, will ride straight towards the Culverwood and the ancient druid circle. Airin should be able to find her way back quite easily, and she can always ask Aunt Marigold to escort her to the Whistler Oak. Blossom, Airin's pony, is probably around here somewhere, as she was teleported with that ancient tome as well.
Podo Danderfluff Thursday January 12th, 2006 8:51:22 AM
"I think we should follow Zardock's suggestion about using a Fixer to resolve the problem. After to ascertain this Fixer's help, we can let him in on our potion of timelessness at that time," says Podo to the group.
Tobias Thursday January 12th, 2006 12:41:35 PM
Tobias talks to Selithe, "Ok, that seems reasonable. If you think keeping them alive naturally is a lot of work, then we should go with the oil."
To the rest of the group, "Seems to me we'll want to use the oil then to keep the tower from getting any more unstable. Even with the fixer, it will probably take some time to get the repairs done."
As Tobias listens to Airin's plan for the Culverwood, he gladly volunteers to be her guide. "The Culverwood is my home, and I would be happy to return to it (even if only for a short time). I can take you to the druid circle. And, you don't have to worry about getting lost with the guide named Pathfinder..." And, he gives her a smile.
[OOC: Tobias does have ForestWalking.]
Dwight Thursday January 12th, 2006 6:19:46 PM
Content with the conversation steering towards the fixer and not his pa, Dwight makes a sigh of relief. Others can tell, while the offer was genuine, it was not his preferred choice.
"Can the fixer take care of the vine 'quietly'?
Kendry Friday January 13th, 2006 3:36:02 AM
"Let's say it takes ten flasks, carefully applied," Kendry says. "That's another 1,350 gold pieces.
"However, the unguent does not halt decay. It slows it. So, rather than the building collapsing in, perhaps, a few weeks or months, it will do so in a few years or decades. It's not a bad fix, but only temporary.
"An old proverb says, 'In the abundance of counselors there is wisdom.' On the other hand, 'Too many cooks spoil the broth.'
"So much for proverbs," the bard says dismissively, wondering why he even brought them up. "If the goal is to undo the harm of Eberyon's influence, and to refortify our beloved bell tower - not to mention satisfying a bit of curiosity I have about their practices - I'm inclined to request the aid of this fixer you mentioned.
"Now, dear Airin, it's quite likely that our Culverwood druid friends are also capable of coming to the rescue. But with so many who were with our group being scattered to the winds - truth to tell, I'm not excited about you and Tobias scooting off yourselves to go fetch our friends. If that's the route we're going to take, then let's do it together, as a group.
"Now, if this fixer is able to repair the Giant Towers that help protect our valley, surely he - it's a he, right? - has the wherewithal to deal with this edifice.
"So, in short, I'm open to any of the ideas put forward, but am personally most inclined to agree with Podo. Let's have the follower of Alemi, who is skilled in the power of Woldsblood, repair, restore, and refortify our building. Besides, it would give us an excuse to visit the Giant Towers, eh?"
As an afterthought, Kendry turns to Calfast. "Should circumstances arise that cause unexpected delay, it would not require our presence to go the direction I first suggested."
Airin and Fioni Friday January 13th, 2006 5:57:55 AM
"You could be right Kendry. Maybe there is a way to send an animal messenger to find the Druids from the Culverwood so they can come to Angel Springs and inspect the problem with these vines."
"Let keep a visit to the Culverwood in the back of our mind Tobias, if things go wrong and we fail to contact them by other means we can ride fast to find them and bring them here. OK?"
"I don't think I would let a chance to see the Giant Towers go by! Now... you do know they once were made to stop the Giants from the northern hills from invading our peaceful valley right?!?"
Well, guess there's no speedy visit to the Culverwood this time.
A Decision is Almost Made (Temp DM Cayzle) Friday January 13th, 2006 6:49:36 AM
A consensus seems to be forming around Zardock's Fixer solution. A trip to the Culverwood, would be farther than a trip to the nearest Giant Tower. To get to the Culverwood would require a transit of the entire length of Crescent Valley and then beyond. But are there no druids closer than the Culverwood?
Zardock says that the Fixer -- his name is Alekzander Toomane -- is indeed a he.
So is the party determined? Will it be Alekzander?
[OOC: To be honest, my friends, the thought of nurturing the vines and sustaining them to continue to prop up the Tower had not occurred to me when I wrote the module. The Fixer is the default solution to this problem. But a druidic solution is a nifty idea. Please feel free to pick either one, as you see fit. Do not think that the Fixer is the best solution just because the DM's NPC suggested it! Frankly, I like to reward creativity and good thinking.]
Whatever the group decision, what is your plan? When will you set out? Will you need any supplies or preparation?
Airin and Fioni d20+9=28 Friday January 13th, 2006 9:35:15 AM
"Well then shall we go out to find this Alekzander?", Airin asks her friends. It seems she's rather anxious to get some action again.
Having a second look at the vines (knowledge nature 28) Airin tries to determine how long the vines would last. If she finds they will wither quickly Airin says: "I do suggest someone should nurture the vines in our absense. We don't know how long we will be gone, and we don't want the tower to collapse while we're out to find some help. Maybe some local druids can help with this job?"
Airin checks her food and drink supplies in her backpack and notices she urgently needs to refill these. She has enough other thingies to enjoy a little trip up north towards the Giant Towers
Tobias Friday January 13th, 2006 11:40:22 AM
"Lady, I am at your disposal to travel to Culverwood whenever you need it." Tobias says to Airin with a hint of regret in his voice.
"Let's go to the Giant Tower and find the fixer. And, someone will have to keep the vines alive long enough for our return."
Tobias will need to gather some rations and water for the trip, but otherwise, he is ready to go.
Podo Danderfluff Friday January 13th, 2006 8:38:53 PM
Podo says, "Whatever you folks decided to do is fine with me, but I need to add that I think visiting the Giant towers would be nice. It might come in handy one day to see what they are all about incase the G'kin come knocking!"
Off to a Giant Tower (DM Cayzle) Saturday January 14th, 2006 12:30:52 PM
Airin looks at the vines and realizes that she needs more information. She climbs the stairs. Inside the Tower the light is very dim, basically threading in through four arrow slits half-way up the tower walls. There are landings at each of the arrowslits where an archer could stand. Being, of course, halfling-proportioned, the arrow slits are pretty small; nonetheless, it is clear that the vines have tried to grow out through them into the sun. Airin sees that the vines have been crudely hacked at here so as to prevent the tendils from leaving the tower.
Even higher up, there is a closed trap door going up. The tendrils stop here. Opening the door, Airin steps put to the roof chamber, where the bell is. A rope snakes down through a small hole in the floor. There are four pillars at each corner of the square tower, supporting a tile roof. The view is amazing -- you can see the entire town! And miles into the countryside.
Zardock joins the druid on the roof. On the way back down, he looks at the damage the vines have caused the structure, and the extent to which they now support it.
Coming down, Airin and Zardock have a couple thoughts and suggestions. If the vines are watered well (they are very dry), and if the trap door is kept open in the day, maybe the vines will last another week before there is any significant danger.
Calfast says that he can make sure of that, at least.
The group agrees to go gather any possessions and supplies needed and to meet Zardock on the Old Traders Road headed north out of town in an hour or two.
Tobias Sunday January 15th, 2006 6:53:35 PM
"That sounds like a good idea. We need them to stay alive long enough for us to make it to the tower and return."
After Tobias gathers some rations and water, he's ready to head for the Old Traders Road.
Kendry Sunday January 15th, 2006 10:52:26 PM Agenda Kendry tells his friends, "All right. I'm going to have a quick word with our good Burgomeister, then it's off to the smithy, with a stop by my family's music and toy shop, and popping in to a store or two. Who would like to pick up some good food for our little journey? I have cooking pots, utensils, cups, and a few other things - no where near as extensive a collection as our good friend Olo carted around with him. Anyway, I'll see you all in an hour and a half, or thereabouts. Anyone who wants to come with me on my rounds, feel free."
Talking with Calfast Kendry takes a scroll case out of his haversack, and hands it to Calfast. "When you can find time, sir, you'll find a fairly complete report of our comings and goings to date in this." It is a copy of the journal Kendry has been keeping since first they got together at the start of the elections, including the Eberyon story, and their trip to Lawni's Lens, including sketches of some of the folks they've met, and maps of where they've been.
"Sir, I really was hoping when we came here to be able to receive more training from the WLA. By the way - I'd be interested in seeing what it might take to gain title to Lawni's Lens. There are ghosts and gargoyles and unseen servants there, at least. But no clear evidence of a landlord. It's a wondrous place, though, Calfast, and deserving of more exploration. Maybe the WLA might use it as a training center here in the valley - or perhaps you'd prefer they be stationed here in Angel Springs."
The Rounds He checks in with the blacksmith, picking up his two ponies, and checks to verify that the shoes were changed, and the pack saddles and tack have been looked over and brought up to snuff - not that they've seen a great deal of wear and tear as of yet. If he owes any more than the four gold pieces he paid yesterday, he'll settle that account.
He lets his Nalfein and Leska know that they'll be heading out of town for a bit. He tells them, briefly, about Lomar the ogre/ogre mage, and asks them to see about having a masterwork drum made for him. He gives them the dimensions. He thanks them for welcoming his friends so.
Finally he stops by a few stores, and picks up some good spices, flour, salt and fresh tea, and visits the Catacombs outlet here in town.
When he finishes up, he loads his ponies, climbs up on Chean, and joins his friends at the edge of town, ready to travel northward.
Airin and Fioni Monday January 16th, 2006 3:29:58 AM
"My my! Even by careful watering and making sure these vines have plenty of sun we might stall their withering." Briefly Airin instructs how to take good care of the vines for now.
Thrilled by the thought of a new journey, Airin starts to prepare Blossom for the ride and collects some supplies (simply rations and stuff - no real things to visit the CC for).
Then the time has come to ride with her friends once again. A great bunch they are and Airin's glad she can ride with them.
Taking sides next to Chean and Kendry, Blossom trots North to find the Giant Towers. Fioni feels the excitement as well and cheerfully shrieks high above their heads as she turns North as well...
to find new adventures...
Tobias Monday January 16th, 2006 2:24:18 PM
Tobias says to Kendry,"That sounds like fine cooking equipment. Perhaps we'll have some time to hunt on this trip, and you can put all of that equipment to good use."
Then, Tobias collects his few belongings, buys a pony, and gathers with the party eager to leave the bustling city behind and head for the quieter countryside.
Podo Danderfluff Pipewood Monday January 16th, 2006 8:09:57 PM
"Say, how much time do we have before we need to leave? I need a few items for the general store first."
If the answer is 15 or so minutes, Podo will ask for directions to the nearest store andthen head off for a small necessarity trip to restock. If not, Podo says, "I'm ready!"
Selithe Tuesday January 17th, 2006 12:56:06 AM
Selithe prepares to leave with the others, happy to going to be moving again and moving with a spring in her step for sure as she moves to check on her riding dog. She hadn't done much with her of late and really should spend more time with her also.
Selithe does wait for Kendry when she does this also and smiles to pick on Kendry, "Hmm, so which of these dogs was mine again?" Knowing Kendry will tell her the right one she can't resist picking on him abit, "mmm, I think the on your say is yours is really mine." Selithe grins and gives her brother a nudge before continuing, "sorry bro, couldn't resist."
One she get her dog ready and everything is ready to move out since she packs all her supplies with her where she goes.
Kendry Tuesday January 17th, 2006 1:52:04 AM
Kendry smiles at Airin, and takes her hand for a moment, when Selithe speaks to him. He listens, and smiles.
"Gra is yours, sis. She's the girl. Cheann is mine. He's the boy. You eat too many of Leska's biscuits for breakfast this morning?" he answers, and asks his sister, teasing right back.
[OOC: Go back to the Catacombs to see the transactions, starting with Jake the Janitor serving Justin Webber-Selithe-Crescent Valley-Ticket #477 (Staffer Kim) d8=8 d8=5 Wednesday August 24th, 2005 2:19:16 AM ...to see that Gra is the female that Selithe bought, and down to Kim / Kendry / Crescent Valley: #479 Friday August 26th, 2005 4:34:18 AM ...to see that Cheann is the male riding dog purchased by Kendry]
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