DM Kathy Sunday April 6th, 2014 8:28:39 PM
In the morning, you assess your wounds, break camp, and continue on your way.
The morning mist is still lingering when you reach the spot Trinawii described. It is a beautiful, green grotto. If you were a treant, this is where you would want to live.
[I had a very specific idea in mind for this grotto. I actually went out on the Internet to try to find a picture to match. Here is one. Here is another.]
As you approach, you can clearly see treants moving about in the grotto. A few of them seem to be approaching you. Those with sharp eyes [DC 25 Perception check] see Highlight to display spoiler: { a young woman sitting next to the stone pool in the grotto. She is hugging her knees to her chest, and she looks sad.}
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 d20+11=27 Sunday April 6th, 2014 9:44:47 PM But the torches and axes away.
Yngvar stops and spreads his hands wide. In SylvanWe come in peace, with limbs open. We wish to discuss mutual aid in the desire that we may both grow.
They won't make themselves visible yet so they move to the left and stay in the underbrush. They focus on stealthily moving around and seeing the layout of the glen... Perc Y = 21, T = 13. Stealth Y =26, T = 16.
He's especially interested in the female by the water but won't get too close to be seen...
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple d20+14=15 ; Monday April 7th, 2014 6:42:31 PM
Rag too is happy too someone else takes care of the diplomatics with these Treants... He admires th beauty of the grotte from a distance. Not out of sight though as he figures it's no use to play sneaky. He can't see anything special about the place though...
He sits on the soft earth covered in vibrant green moss and quietly observes the Treants gracious mivements... it's hard to understand why they attacked the Cthonians a while back...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 Monday April 7th, 2014 7:02:23 PM
Toregan stands beside Ygnvar with his weapons sheathed.
"We only want to talk with you. We have no wish for violence."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+9=28 ; Monday April 7th, 2014 8:24:07 PM "Wait, that can't possibly be Mywhyrr, can it?"
"Dryads don't live that long separated form their trees....I think...", says a rather confused Faust.
DM Kathy Monday April 7th, 2014 10:11:00 PM
Three treants approach you. They are jungle treants, with the appearance of exotic hardwood trees.
Yngvar and Toregan speak, telling of your good intentions, and asking for a conference.
The three treants do not respond immediately, but stand for several moments, their branchlike limbs swaying gently. Are they communicating with one another? It is difficult to say.
Finally, one of the three says, "We do not welcome trespassers here." The voice is male, and not especially hostile. He seems to be simply stating a fact: they don't like people coming here. Some more conversation may be needed.
[OOC: I'm well aware that there is no diplomat in this group. :) That's fine. I'm looking for good roleplaying and persuasive arguments. Roll a check if you like, but you don't have to. You can also try to use other skills, such as Knowledge Nature, in place of diplomacy.]
Meanwhile, Yeshua and Faust have noted the seated figure of a young woman. Is this the missing dryad? And if so, where is her tree?
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple d20-2=14 ; d20+14=20 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 6:28:27 PM
"We appologize for tresspassing but it is guidance and answers we come looking for... and perhaps there is something we can be of service with for you or your kin."
Diplomacy: 14 Survival: 20
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 d20+12=27 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 8:57:53 PM "We do not mean to trespass, as we have come in hopes of coming to a peaceful resolution to our situation with you, D.A.R.E, and the Trading Post. We have also come to repay a debt to one who has aided us."
Knowledge Nature (+12): 27
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+10=17 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 9:10:01 PM "Indeed, we had no intention of causing animosity on any level."
"As my friends have mentioned, if you are willing to have a word with us, we wouldd like to talk.", says Faust, surprised by the treants and the fact that they speak common.
Knowledge (nature) (+10): 17
Yeshua (Ken) AC 19 (poison -3 dex loss) and Truman AC 20; Joint hp pool 76/82 d20+19=36 ; d20+16=25 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=21 ; Tuesday April 8th, 2014 9:20:38 PM
Still unseen, they move closer to the woman while remaining in the underbrush and away from the treants... They wonder if they can get close enough to get her attention while being unnoticed by the treants... Their friends are engaging the creatures in a dialogue, so maybe they'll be able to find out if she's a prisoner or merely one who's voluntarily staying there for a specific reason, like she was missing her tree...
Yeshua Stealth - 25 Perc - 36 Truman Stealth - 32 Perc - 21
DM Kathy Tuesday April 8th, 2014 10:11:55 PM Yeshua approaches by stealth. You think it is highly unlikely that you'll be able to get the woman's attention without alerting the treants--mostly because she is gazing pensively into the pool and shows no sign of looking up. There are trees around here that don't seem to be treants--anyway, they're not moving--maybe one of them is hers?
Meanwhile, the rest of the party is trying to persuade the treants to let them into the grotto. Again, the three treants seem to speak among themselves for a long moment, then one of them departs. "Very well," says the tree who spoke earlier. "We will fetch Babarong, and he will speak with you." And that seems to be the end of his conversation.
Several moments later, you see another treant approach. This one resembles a gnarled old fig tree. He looks at you with eyes full of wisdom and says, "The young ones said you would like to talk. I am here to listen. My name is Babarong."
Hp: 46/46 AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Wednesday April 9th, 2014 1:32:37 AM
Za sets back and observes. The last thing he wants to do is let his mouth get them into trouble.
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Wednesday April 9th, 2014 5:42:13 PM I have oft heard that the trees live through the ages, that they endure extremes of weather that send men running. Would not man benefit from learning to embrace life as a tree? Bending with the winds of adversity, soaking in the strength of light. Taking time to carefully consider any action. These are all traits that are admirable.
Yngvar finds a place to settle down and sinks his fingers into the soil. This glen looks like a wonderful place to sink one's roots and contemplate existence. I look about and I see many forms of life co-existing in this glen, from grasses and shrubs, moss and trees. Insects, birds, that rabbit. All living in a great harmony of life. How can any creature of life trespass on another?
Yngvar looks at the girl, it is not natural for life to imprison another life. It is either live, and let live, or consume. Is the girl to be fertilizer, or are you divesting from the course of nature?
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday April 9th, 2014 6:32:09 PM "great speach! Rag thinks as Yngvar speaks. The Monk feels there little else to say than solehing like 'what he said'... so instead he remains quiet. An occasional nod from his head is to strengthen the speach from Yngvar. And then all can do is wait...
DM Kathy Wednesday April 9th, 2014 10:17:10 PM Za'Reed, Yeshua, and Ragnarök seem content to let Yngvar speak for the group, for now.
Babarong, for his part, listens intently, then is silent for so long that some of you begin to wonder whether he has perhaps gone to sleep. At last, though, he speaks. "It is an interesting thought," he says. "Worthy of further study. I thank you." Another long pause. "It occurs to me, though, that treants are not men, nor are men treants. Surely what is good for one is not always good for the other."
"This grotto, yes, is our home, and we strive to make it a pleasant one. Generations of treants have dwelled here. There is old magic here--subtle, but very powerful in its way."
He turns to look at the figure by the pool. "She is not a girl," he explains. "She is a dryad. She is here because her tree is gravely ill. We do what we can for both of them." His gaze sharpens. "Perhaps you know something of how her tree came to be so ill? We were told it was greedy men who did the damage."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Wednesday April 9th, 2014 11:23:02 PM
Faust's eyes widen in surprise once he hears the tale...it does fit all the logical pieces together nicely.
"Indeed, mr. Babarong, your kind and ours have very different needs, ambitions and mindsets. However, just like the carnivores prey on the herbivores, but are simply never numerous enough to completely decimate the herbivores; it is our belief and goal that us both, as intelligent beings, can and should get to a mutual agreement."
"Greedy men aren't unlike any predator that eventually grows too effective for its own good. At first, it will flourish, but given time it is bound to consume all of its prey, leaving nothing but itself to prey on and, as a result, leading to its own downfall. Which is why our group seek to have our needs met, those being passage and security on the Thunderlands, while respecting the jungle and keeping our intrusion to a minimum. It is much easier to find and establish such agreements before any sort of grudge can develop between both parties.", he concludes his train of thought, leaving the dryad to the others who are already close to her.
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 Thursday April 10th, 2014 6:37:53 PM
Toregan steps forward to talk once he hears of the dryad's tale.
"We were given direction to this place by another dryad, Trinawii, who was close to another dryad who's tree was near her's. Her name was Mywhyrr. One day, Trinawii went to visit Mywhyrr, only to find that she and her tree were gone. In exchange for directions here, we agreed to ask you if you had any knowledge of her. If the dryad here is Mywhyrr, we did not know she had come because her tree had fallen ill."
Toregan pauses for a second before continuing. "Did the dryad tell you who had done that to her tree herself, or were you told by someone else?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 19 (poison -3 dex loss) and Truman AC 20; Joint hp pool 76/82 Thursday April 10th, 2014 9:35:54 PM
Yeshua is impressed by his companions eloquent sophistry, something rarely heard among the wild beasts he and Truman encounter. The pair relax a bit as these treats seem friendly but remain in their hide...He'll see how the situation develops...
DM Kathy Thursday April 10th, 2014 10:19:02 PM Faust puts in a good word for diplomacy in general. Babarong nods, a process that takes nearly a minute. "Treants, too, avoid grudges," he said. "For we live such very long lives."
Toregan tells something of the dryad you are looking for. "Mywhyrr, yes, that is her name," Babarong says. "I do not recall her speaking of this other dryad, but you must understand--her tree's illness affects her, too. Her mind is not what it once was. She was sleeping when her tree was poisoned. Luckily, a group of druids came upon them both before too much damage had been done. They did what they could for her, then came to us to beg for our help. When we heard that a dryad's tree had been poisoned, of course we went right away. Alas, the tree's condition was beyond what our healers could do in place. We caused the tree to uproot itself and move to the grotto. As I said, there is an ancient magic here, and we hoped that healing would be more effective within the grotto. Also, here is where we store our most potent and effective remedies. We tried everything we could think of. The druids, for their part, produced a magic talisman and gave it to Mywhyrr to wear. They hoped it, too, would help counter the effects of the poison.
"Mywhyrr's tree improved, and we dared hope that it would recover in time. So we attempted to move it back to its original home. Alas, as soon as the tree left the healing embrace of the grotto, it began to worsen again. So there the matter stands. Mywhyrr and her tree get no worse, but they get no better either. And if they leave the grotto, it is likely that both will die."
(Ezra, the Second) Yngvar Hefnd AC 14{18}/14{18}/12{16} Mage Armor up -- CMD 13 -- HP 31/31 Friday April 11th, 2014 12:48:31 PM
Yngvar had been lost in feeling the sun shining down on him as he enjoyed the feel of the rich soil between his gingers.
We have also run into some druids. The druids we have met professed a desire to protect the animals and trees of this land, but then they sent animals to die upon stakes for no more purpose than a message. I have heard that sometimes a person can become so fanatical about saving something, that they destroy the very thing they wish to save. And some still consider their mission accomplished, in having destroyed a village to save the village.
Yngvar turns to his companions, I think that I will stay here for a while. I feel a tug and pull that is drawing me here.
With reluctance, he pulls one hand free from the soil and pulls at the lacing of his boots. Once freed he dips his feet into the pool of water and lays back, resting his head on his pack and pulls his hat brim low over his face.
Soon the soft rumbling of snores are heard from under the hat.
Yeshua (Ken) AC 19 (poison -3 dex loss) and Truman AC 20; Joint hp pool 76/82 Friday April 11th, 2014 2:00:56 PM
Yeshua and Truman, listening to the story, finally come out of hiding, now convinced that these treants mean them no harm. He goes over to the dryad, introduces himself and his sibling to her and then the treatns, and says kindly while Truman purrs in a friendly way, "I'm very sorry to hear about your condition madam. Would it be worth us doing some investigation on this poison or the magic within it at a nearby city, maybe where they have a guild that could provide some insight as to a cure, either via magic or alchemy?"
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 Saturday April 12th, 2014 9:11:37 PM
Toregan looks over to Mywhyrr with a solemn look on his face. "I've heard that dryads are not necessarily bound to a single tree for all of their lives. Is it possible for her to move her bond to another tree? If she is bonded to a healthy tree she should recover."
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Sunday April 13th, 2014 5:20:29 PM
Rag has been quietly listening to the others speaking with nods and an acknowledging 'yes' now and then. There are a few things that do catch his attention...
"Master Babarong... Mywhyrr's tree was poisoned you say... what foul poison was used? Who would have been able to do that? As her tree was standing next to Trinawee's tree, why then did they only poison Mywhyrr's?? I do realise these are a lot of questions but we've been trying to finding answers for too many riddles in the past weeks now... there are those that claim to protect but as Yngvar correctly said they are also trying to destroy... All of nature, animals, trees, plants, humans, elves... any living creature... we are all connected to one another like Mywhyrr is connected to her tree... what happens to one will affect the other...
What about the amulet these Druids gave Mywhyrr? Is it helping her??
One last thing... did these druids beg for help to finding the ones that poisoned Mywhyrr's tree?? Did you find them?? "
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Sunday April 13th, 2014 10:58:35 PM "That is indeed odd...what sort of poison could have such an effect...? I don't think the common man responsible for deforestation would have such knowledge; much less result to such a slow and unreliable plan...but regardless, not entirely impossible either, just sounds too awfully convoluted for a plan where money is involved, usually that means major errors due to cutting corners, not deliberate in an almost personal fashion."
"Master Babarong, these druids you mention, are they solo or do they belong to a larger group? Not only they are likely to know more details about this puzzle, but getting their cooperation would also be in our interest.", says Faust, hoping said druids are not part of D.A.R.E...
DM Kathy Sunday April 13th, 2014 11:00:39 PM Yngvar expresses some doubt about the motivations of the druids who saved Mywhyrr and her tree. But he also feels a strong pull to the grotto, and soon he is immersed in learning its secrets.
[OOC: Real Life has smacked Ezra upside the head, so he's taking a short break from the Wold. His character will stay here in the grotto until Ezra is ready to play again.]
Yeshua speaks directly to Mywhyrr. She looks up at him. Her eyes are a little unfocused, and she touches the talisman she wears around her neck, as if making sure it's still there. "City? I don't think I'd like a city very much," she says.
Toregan wonders whether the dryad could change to a different tree. Babarong frowns. "If dryads can change trees, I have not heard about it. It might bear further investigation."
Ragnarök has many questions for Babarong. "Alas, we were not able to determine the nature of the poison," he says. "In fact, some of our healers believe it is not a poison at all, but a disease. Some think it is both. Whatever it is, it has baffled our finest healers."
"I do not know why poisoners do what they do. I do not know why the other tree was spared."
[OOC: Recall that Trinawii's and Mywhyrr's trees were not right next to each other; they were several hundred yards apart, with lots of other trees in between.]
"The amulet does seem to be helping Mywhyrr, but it is difficult to say for sure. She does not want to remove it, that much I can tell you."
"The druids did not ask for help finding the ones who harmed Mywhyrr and her tree. They did propose that we ally ourselves with them, which we did gladly. The enemies of the forests are many, and it is good to have allies at one's side."
Hp: 46/46 AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Monday April 14th, 2014 1:56:51 AM
listening through all that has been said. Za thinks dare were the druids that poisoned her. But how to convince the Dryad. Something doesn't sit right here. Druids found her, Druids gave her the amulet. Faus, let's see if we can't determine what type of magic its imbued within that amulet.
If no one stops him, Za will cast detect magic, focusing as long as needed to determine every bit of information he can learn about the amulet around the Dryads neck.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Monday April 14th, 2014 5:02:21 PM "Master Babarong... we came with many questions but I think we forgot one... how may we be of service to you? " Rag asks.
Then he gazes at the Dryad and like Za he too thinks there's something fishy about the whole situation. The Monk also feels the Treants have been misguided... dispite all their wisdom...
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+14=28 ; Monday April 14th, 2014 9:08:01 PM "You just read my mind there, cousin. I hope you don't mind we take a look at her amulet, master Babarong."
"Also, I take my previous statement back, it might indeed be the work of greedy men...we are all just thinking of the wrong sort of greedy men, as even those who mean nothing but good might be culprits of the worst of evils without even realizing it...", finishes a grim Faust, as he walks together with Za to take a look at Mywhyrr's amulet.
Casting Detect Magic on self and Spellcraft to identify anything about the amulet (+14): 28
DM Kathy Monday April 14th, 2014 10:39:00 PM Yeshua is a little puzzled by Mywhyrr's answer to his question. [OOC: Your question was very clear, but Mywhyrr answered as she did. She seems a little disjointed, and Babarong did say that her tree's illness is affecting her.]
Ragnarök feels that there is something fishy about the whole situation, an opinion that seems to be shared by many of you. Treants are wise, but it occurs to Ragnarök that they are not well-versed in the arcane arts.
Faust and Za'Reed, on the other hand, understand magic quite well, and they examine the amulet to try to figure out what it does.
Both of you have some experience in magic items, so you had certain expectations when you looked at the amulet. You expected that you might see some Abjuration, keeping disease or harmful magic away. You might see Conjuration, the school for healing; or perhaps Transmutation to boost her natural abilities.
You were not expecting Necromancy, but that is what you see. You can't quite figure out what the amulet does, but there's no way it's helping Mywhyrr or her tree stay healthy. It is almost certainly harmful.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 d20+14=18 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 12:50:31 AM
Faust loses his speech and shows quite obviously that he is quite surprised by looking at the sort of magic at play, he takes a moment to recover his demeanor before he turns to the treants, but specifically Babarong, "Master Babarong...I'm afraid you and your friends have been taken for fools by these druids. This necklace...I had my suspicions about it, but was expecting nothing more than a strong compulsion spell...they are druids and I would expect they'd be more considerate with the jungle beings...but alas, it is far worse, they are indeed helpless zealots who have lost their semblance of rationality."
"What is at play here is necromancy, the art of death and undeath. This amulet is not healing her, rather, it is the very thing making her ill. Worse yet, as you report her losing her wits further when it's removed, I suspect it causes some sort of addiction to its effect, perhaps a disease or maybe a compulsion contingency. I'm tempted to remove it from her, if only to study the effects and try to have a better picture of what is happening.", he says, tense and serious, speaking with the worry of a doctor, who has just realized there is no way to make the patient better without making him worse merely for gathering information, which is what he'll do if no one objects.
"I know you have little reason to trust us, master Babarong, but we can tell this is the work of D.A.R.E., a zealot group with mostly druids, though they have arcane practitioners as well from what it seems. They aim to stop the advance of civilization upon the Thunderlands, regardless of it being harmless or reckless; but have obviously lost their ways in that they're willing to burn the jungle to prevent it from being destroyed. We'll do all in our power to get Mywhyrr back to her health.", he adds, obviously disgusted by the tactics at play, and convinced that D.A.R.E. has got to be stopped, not only for the civilization, but also for the jungle well-being.
If Faust's allowed to remove her amulet, new Spellcraft check to see if anything changes (+14): 18
Not sure how to proceed, but thinking of visiting the Catacombs for a Dispel Magic scroll and give it a shot.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple d20=3 ; Tuesday April 15th, 2014 5:49:57 PM
Rag is perplexed when he hears Faust explain the foul magic that is at work here... there's not much the Monk can do to help here though... this magic goes way beyond his comprehension. He has studies the art of war... nor the art of the Devine or Arcane like some of his companions.
If helpful he will aid his friends wherever possible (aid another 3... won't do much good)
"I have only been travelling with Master Faust here, Master Babarong, but I would trust him blindly. Please allow my friend to remove the amulet from Mywhyrr and see how we may help her..."
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 Tuesday April 15th, 2014 6:11:10 PM "We all knew that D.A.R.E were extremists, but to got his far...." Toregan turns to Babarong and addresses him. "I know you have no reason to trust us over the druids, but they have been fighting against us ever since we got to Cthonia. They've attempted to kill us at least twice, and aren't willing to listen to any compromise. I suspect that bringing the dryad here for you to aid was part of their plan to enlist your aid, ancient one. Thatthe amulet contains necromancy would explain why none of you can identify it, as it is as unnatural as magic gets."
Toregan pauses for a moment before speaking again. "We may be assuming too much actually. Did the druids give her this amulet after of before they brought her to you? Also, did you ever try removing the amulet and seeing how her condition progressed while in the grotto?"
Yeshua (Ken) AC 19 (poison -3 dex loss) and Truman AC 20; Joint hp pool 76/82 Tuesday April 15th, 2014 8:28:02 PM
Yeshua's puzzled about the necromancy, and also angered that these druids would do something that vicious and cruel to her... He and Truman frown and growl at no one in particular, and both would like a piece of whoever did this...
"Yes, I think we should remove her amulet, as it's likely killing her slowly anyway. The sooner we can help her, the better... But I do want to know more about this amulet and the dark magic that's behind it..."
He nods at Faust and says, "I've got your back too friend..."
DM Kathy Tuesday April 15th, 2014 11:00:13 PM
Alarmed, Faust reports his findings to Babarong. Ragnarök vouches for his friend.
Toregan asks about the timing. "The druids crafted the amulet here in the grotto, after we brought Mywhyrr's tree here. We were looking for ways to heal the tree; the druids presented us with the amulet and said it would help." The old treant looks both confused and sorrowful at the news he is hearing.
Yeshua, like many of his friends, advises taking the amulet away from Mywhyrr.
"There is wisdom in what you say," says Babarong. "We can remove the amulet and watch to see what happens. If the tree, or the dryad, worsen, we can always give it back."
With this plan in mind, you approach Mywhyrr. It does not go well. Babarong speaks low, soothing words, and you all do your best to assist, but Mywhyrr clings frantically to the amulet. "No! No!" she cries. "You are trying to kill us! My tree and I will die without it! No! Get away!" With a sudden lunge, she breaks free and darts across the grotto. Before you have quite realized what has happened, she has melded with a small, sickly-looking aspen tree near the edge of the grotto.
"Mywhyrr," Babarong says. "Mywhyrr, come out, please. You will harm yourself."
But Mywhyrr remains in her tree. Babarong tries to coax her out, as do several of the healers. To no avail. Mywhyrr stays where she is.
Babarong takes you aside. "I think," he says, "that given time and patience, we can coax her out of there in a few days. But as you have seen, she is unhinged. She will not willingly give up the amulet, at least not now."
"There is a remedy that may be of assistance," he continues. "But it requires a very rare flower which we do not have here. In our tongue, we call it Trannarom. In your tongue, the word may be Peaceflower. It has a calming effect, even against strong magic."
"We know where there is a patch of Trannarom. But harvesting it will not be an easy task. The plants there have grown wild--quite wild--and are completely unmanageable. We can do nothing with them, and nothing to aid you in getting past them."
"If you are willing to try, however, I believe that syrup of Trannarom may help Mywhyrr see reason. At least, for long enough to get the amulet away from her. Would you be willing to undertake the journey?"
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Wednesday April 16th, 2014 5:53:46 PM "Sounds like we'll be wresteling with some planets soon! If that might help Mywhyrr I think I'm game to retrieve this rare flower... how far should we travel? I hope not too far for the flower to survive the return trip..."
Rag hopes his friends will think likewise...
Yeshua (Ken) AC 19 (poison -3 dex loss) and Truman AC 20; Joint hp pool 76/82 d20+11=21 ; Wednesday April 16th, 2014 7:45:03 PM
Yeshua nods in agreement with Rag and says, "Yes, I'm game too, though I have some questions re: what we'll be encountering. What does the plant look like and is it dangerous itself? Also, tell me more about the plants in that area. Are any sentient and what types of threats should we expect from them or any other denizens? How about weaknesses, do you know the best weapons to use against them?"
"Also, do we need to rest at all before we go, as I'm still suffering from the poison damage. We don't have to, but does anyone else need to rest before we enter into hostile territory?" Know Nature (Jungle is my favored terrain so this should help me get an idea re: threats, as well as further questions to ask them re: clarification of dangers, etc.) = 21
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 Wednesday April 16th, 2014 9:56:06 PM
Toregan sighs as the area where Peaceflower grows is described. "Killer plants. And here I was hoping that the incident with the assassin vine was an isolated case. I suppose it was only a matter of time before we found parts of the jungle that actively wanted us dead. Ah well, I'm up for gathering this Peaceflower. It can't be any worse than the Crying Woods after all. And from experience, the best tactic for dealing with plants is to use fire."
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Wednesday April 16th, 2014 11:03:35 PM "Not a problem, already getting used to the murderous flora and fauna around these parts...in Cthonia, salad eats you...", snarks Faust as he double-checks his equipment and takes the chance to cast Magic Armor on himself as it now lasts for quite a while.
DM Kathy Wednesday April 16th, 2014 11:52:22 PM
[Boy howdy, it's been a while since I handed out XP. Let's fix that, shall we? Scene 1 was worth 800 XP; Scene 2 was worth 2500 XP. We're almost done with Scene 3, at which point I will award XP again. No, really.]
You agree to attempt to fetch the Peaceflower, although you do have some questions.
"As your friend said, most plants do not love fire," Babarong says. "In general, it is better to try to cut them than poke them or pound them." [That is, many plants have DR/slashing.]
When Yeshua mentions that you are hurt, Babarong looks concerned. "By all means, if you wish to rest here, you are welcome to do so. And I shall send the healers to you so they can treat your wounds."
He is as good as his word. Healer Treants attend you, and cast spells to restore your hit points and ability damage. Babarong also gives you a little sketch of what Trannarom looks like, and assures you that the plan itself is not harmful. He gives you directions to where it grows, a two-day journey from the grotto.
Everybody is back to full HP and full Dexterity. If you want to rest here, you can, or you can set out right away.
Hp: 46/46 AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Thursday April 17th, 2014 6:58:21 AM
Za doesnt seem surprised as the Dryad protects the amulet, agaisnt the advice given. Killer plants look out, Trading Post Hunters all the trees shout, find the peaceflower along the wild route. Helping others an protecting the weak, evil bosses see us an shriek, through the jungle wicked D.A.R.E. may creep, Soon they shall pay for what they sow they will reap.
Za sings aloud his agreement to find the flower. Necromancy is surely a wicked magic, even moreso as its being used against such a peaceful creature.
Has anyone ever heard of anyone other than druids in this DARE group? Or is it possible theyve enlisted the help of an arcanist? Or is it possible an evil druid is capable of using necromancy?
He hums his song as hes healed of poison and injury. For the second time since joining with the team, Za is very strongly and emotionally, driven to save the INNOCENT, PEACEFUL, and obviously naive, but loyal, Dryad. A creature such as her should never be used as a pawn within their evil scheme, no matter if their intentions seem good. Theyve twisted their goal into something more fitting of a demons idea of a midnight campfire.
This last thought sparked another question, Is it possible they got the amulet from a third party ally? If so, this could be bigger, and worse, than weve assumed so far.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Thursday April 17th, 2014 7:00:39 PM
Rag's worried... he's no good in dealing damage to plants... but who knows either by dodging or wrestling he might proove to be of use...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 Thursday April 17th, 2014 8:48:04 PM
b[]"They created the amulet here, so unless they brought that ally here with them to make it, I'd say its unlikely but possible. After all, they had to have contacts in the world in order for Keels to infiltrate the research group."[/b]
Taking a moment to think, Toregan continues. "Also, my magical knowledge does include some necromancy spells, though they are very few in number. Druids are more in tune to nature than I am, but they gain their spells in a similar manner to myself. If i can use necromancy spells, they most likely can as well."
Yeshua (Ken) AC 20 and Truman AC 20; Joint hp pool 82/82 Thursday April 17th, 2014 10:17:31 PM
Yeshua thanks the treants for their gracious healing, and admits he knows little if anything about the necromancy and it's affects upon that poor dryad... His and Truman's claws will be of good affect upon the plants, able to rip and tear at the vines and bushes... "Good call Za'Reed, and I'm starting to think that yes, there is a 3rd party at work here... But I'm not sure how we'd find out until we have an expert look at that amulet, but we have to get it off of her first..."
"Friends, are we ready to leave yet? If so, I'd like to scout out ahead with Truman, as we're in our element here traveling through the jungle..."
DM Kathy Thursday April 17th, 2014 11:42:25 PM Za'Reed wonders about the source of the amulet. Is it something druids could have created, or would they have needed arcane help?
Toregan points out that the amulet was created on site, by druids--or at least, by people the treants thought of as druids. He also points out that druids to have access to a limited number of necromantic spells.
Meanwhile, the rest of the party looks to the mission ahead. Yeshua volunteers himself and Truman as scouts, and Ragnarök worries that his monkish abilities are not ideally suited for battles with plants.
[Do you spend the night in the grotto, or do you leave right away?]
Hp: 46/46 AC:17/ T:13/ FF:14 CMD:19 CMB:+7 Za'Reed Saturday April 19th, 2014 10:31:23 PM
I believe ive used spells today, if so i think we should stay the night.
(Pedro) Faust Havler Tavir'e AC (17)/13/(14) -- CMD 14 -- HP 37/37 // Wolfgang AC 18/16/15 -- CMD 13 -- HP 18/18 Saturday April 19th, 2014 10:32:17 PM "We do have evidence that D.A.R.E. is quite likely a more diverse group than just druids. I mean, prof. Kells didn't seem to be a druid, what with using feromones, as a spellcaster, I'd expect a druid to conjure an animal out of thin air or something flashy like that."
"I could be wrong, though."
Faust is also ready for the road, but is not against spending the night if others need to rest.
(StevenVdB) Ragnarök HP 33/51 - AC26/25/20 / +4 vs AoO - CMD 31 / +2 vs Grapple Sunday April 20th, 2014 5:55:59 PM
Those Treants earlier wore Rag's mind out so je's in favour of spending the night under the relative security of their new Treant friends...
The Monk finds a spot with soft green moss (just a little check up on any ant nests or other crawlers) and soon he peacefully snores...
(Sean) Toregan Dondarin w/ Velox AC 19/15/14 -- CMD 23 -- HP 51/51 Sunday April 20th, 2014 6:45:55 PM (I believe that some of the party needs to rest, so it looks like we'll be staying for the night.)
Toregan sets up his bedroll in a relatively flat and dry area of the grove and gets as much sleep as he can.
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