DM RobC - "Hmmm.... it's a good thing I'm not a bard.." d20=1 ; Friday December 11th, 2015 8:27:37 AM
The party head back to the tree with booty in tow (booty meaning 'loot' in this regards).
Carver laments the outrageous cost of armor centaurs have to pay.
Osul kindly offers to share some of his hard earned gains with the taur. Who wouldn't want a well armored centaur looking over them?
Armand offers to patch up any dents in armor, or sharpen up any swords. The Mending cantrip was one of the few he first learned, and it has served him well.
Leskni heads towards Deeproot and casts some spells, attempting to find signs of life. The Detect Thoughts spell does not reveal any presence of thought. Leskni then carefully, very carefully, retrieves a small piece of back from the tree. She uses it for the basis of her Call Spirit spell, but either the spirit was unwilling or unable to escape from Gargul's gaze on this occasion (Highlight to display spoiler: {DM hide check vs DC20: Nat 1!})
Mack happily "entertains" people with his harmonica. Truth be told, his performance isn't all that bad, but certainly not one of his best.
Bendoc even joins in with some clapping. What he lacks in coordination he makes up for with enthusiasm.
Carver's performance with a violin is a beautiful accompaniment to the harmonica.
Things are going pretty well. And then Mack brings out a banjo. It's an average performance, akin to a busker on the street. Mack though feels bad about it regardless. It's certainly not his day for performing.
It is a lovely (late) Spring day though, performances aside. Birds are chirping loudly above the music high above in the tree, and not a single cloud can be seen in the sky.
The Tree of Parting looms ahead of you. Reaching higher than any castle spire you have ever seen. Its great canopy stretches out and seems to help support the sky itself. You can see lights, torches, magic or lanterns is hard to tell, but they shine about the upper branches
As the party return to the Tree, they can see a lively discussion is taking place up ahead. Standing outside the tavern can be seen a male centaur gesticulating wildly and talking with a hooded, robed female elf.
The centaur is wearing a green tunic emblazoned with a picture of a white tree. He looks young - barely an adult by centaur standards - with a dappled gray hide. His hair is iron gray and his eyes a piercing blue.
The elf is unremarkable in appearance. Messy blonde hair and narrow amber eyes. Underneath her robe the keen eyed of you note hints of leather armor. By her side can be seen a scimitar and shortspear.
"Please! You don’t understand! Something’s wrong with the trees! You have to come!" he begs of her "I’m sorry, I truly am, however I have a matter that must be investigated somewhat urgently. Can it wait?" she tries to placate him
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Friday December 11th, 2015 9:15:49 AM "Well, I guess it comes down to where in The Tree you want to be, in order to try? There is an awful lot of it - I'm yet to fully walk it all."
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 18; HP 33/33 Character Sheet Friday December 11th, 2015 11:00:50 AM
Atlas looks up from the gold bar that he has held in his hand the whole way back, a sparkle in his eye. His love of treasure kept him silent for much of the trip it seems. "Looks like there's never a dull moment. I'm beginning to think this arrangement is finally working in our favor."
Walking up to the two with the rest of the group, " 'Osul is correct, it is quite the big Tree. We happen to be here to help, so take a breath and tell us what this is all about as we follow you to wherever it is you need us to go."
----------------------------------------------- ooc: Did we get experience for the whole orc thing? I cannot seem to find it in my browsing of the archives. Thanks!
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+9=26 ; d20+10=18 ; Friday December 11th, 2015 11:38:00 AM
Armand approaches the strange centaur and elf. Diplomacy: 26, d20+9. "Greetings travelers. Is there a problem here? Can my companions and I be of some assistance? We are a fairly versatile group and we tend to try to be needed."
Armand will wait and listen to the tale. As he does so he will pay as close attention as he can to try and perceive the truth in their words. Sense Motive: 18, d20+10.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Friday December 11th, 2015 11:39:49 AM
Leskni walks up
"Good day. My name is Leskni. I couldn't help overhear a little of your conversation. Perhaps we'd be able to help if you're willing to tell us what the problem is. Either help you directly (looking at the centaur) or free you (looking at the elf) up to help him."
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 Friday December 11th, 2015 2:50:20 PM
Bendoc continues to hum the last song his companions played as he approaches the tree astride Shadow. Curious about the conversation between the elf and centaur he edges closer to the pair. As his companions offer assistance he gently runs his fingers through Shadows fur. Hmm, what's going on here, he wonders as he holds is tongue and listens for the pairs reply.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Friday December 11th, 2015 5:55:54 PM "Sorry, the sight of The Tree looming ahead put my mind back to Leskni's attempt to locate the spirit of The Tree." He turns to the centaur and in a break in the conversations simply asks, "What is wrong with the trees?"
========8>< - - - - - - OOC: Trey: 20-Nov-15 South of the road 3450 XP
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Friday December 11th, 2015 11:57:46 PM
Owen waits to hear more of what the elf and centaur have to say.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 18; HP 33/33 Character Sheet Saturday December 12th, 2015 5:03:17 PM
Atlas laughs, "We are an eager bunch to jump in and help."
OOC: Thanks Graham! That might just level me up :-D
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Saturday December 12th, 2015 10:23:42 PM "I take it you are discussing problems that need fixing, Tell us, that way we can decide what we can do to help you."
DM RobC - "We are an eager bunch to jump in and help." Monday December 14th, 2015 5:01:48 AM
The party are quick to enquire as to what is going on.
Atlas sees the humour in the situation. This party of heroes are happy to intervene wherever needed!
Bendoc stays silent, happy to just observe what is going on with Shadow alert by his side.
Armand greets the pair with open arms, and Leskni politely informs that the group just happened to overhear a part of the discussion.
Osul is more direct. He heard someone mention trees. Not the Tree of Parting, hopefully.
Carver also begs the pair to share what concerns them.
The elf and taur look wide eyed at the party. So many offers of help!
The taur has to look twice at Carver but smiles warmly "Sorry, I wasn't really expecting to meet any other centaurs around here. I'm Linos. What brings you out here, brother?"
Linos then goes on "I have come from Centaur Isle seeking aid. There is something wrong with the Whistal Trees. One has died recently, and I fear for the rest. Stallion Pholus, the elder of our village, bade me to leave the Isle and find someone to come and help us. I was hoping she would help us" he nods in the directoin of the elf
"Liana Breezefinder, emissary of Maab" the elf woman says with a bow of her head "I'm sorry, but as I explained to Linos, I have urgent business in the Culverwood. We have lost contact with a copse of the trees there and wish to find out what has happend. We regularly hear news from the trees, yet those in one area have fallen silent for some reason"
Linos paws at the ground impatiently.
Armand's gut-feel is that both are being honest with the party.
Knowledge Local or Knowledge Religion check or Carver DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {Whistal trees are practically sacred to Centaur culture.}
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Monday December 14th, 2015 8:04:58 AM Maybe there's something broader going on with the trees in general, in more than one area it seems..... hmmm.... I quietly ponder to myself, and make my way closer to Shadow.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+5=9 ; Monday December 14th, 2015 10:45:03 AM
Armand thinks about Liana's and Linos's words they seem well spoken and true. For a fleeting moment he thought he'd remembered something about Whistal Trees (Knowledge Religion: 9 d20+5) but can't remember it.
He whispers, "Now we have two directions. One thing my dad always told me. Never split the party."
Armand turns to Bendoc "You've done some travelling, how far is it to Centaur Isle? It would seem to me that the Culverwood is closer and could be more quickly investigated."
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 18; HP 33/33 Character Sheet Monday December 14th, 2015 3:16:31 PM
Atlas thinks for a moment, then speaks up, "First we have dreams of the Tree of Parting rotting or something like that, now two folks from different lands come here to tell us that their trees are in trouble. I don't believe in coincidence. Then again, maybe everyone that has a tree problem comes to the Tree of Parting looking for help. One would assume the people here know their trees.
[b]"Before we run off, let's check with Folbre, Ciyradyl, and/or Hiflanyl to see if they have heard about any other issues recently."
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Monday December 14th, 2015 3:58:34 PM
'Osul nods in agreement with Atlas. "Linos, forgive my ignorance, but I am.. ", he turns to Liana briefly and continues, "a local.", and turning back to Linos, "How far in which direction are the Taur Isles?" Somewhere in the back of his mind the phrase Islas Tauri attempted to present itself, but he ignored the thought, much as he is working hard to ignore the memory of the phrase "Like trying to find a Darkwood tree in The Culverwood"
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Monday December 14th, 2015 9:00:57 PM
Turning towards Liana
"Would you perhaps be willing to let us investigate the Culverwood while you accompany Linos to Centaur Isle? With magic like sending we should be able to keep you informed of what we find"
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Monday December 14th, 2015 9:05:50 PM "One way or the other the Whistal Trees need to be investigated. If Miss Breezefinder will agree to head to Centaur Isle to help there, I will give my oath to do what I can to investigate the Copse of trees that has gone quiet. But those trees far way at home must be cared for. I really don't want to head back there, at least not right now, but I will if she won't." Carver makes a statement, not a question or tentative maybe, but has declared his position.
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 d20=1 ; d20=1 ; Monday December 14th, 2015 9:16:59 PM
Bendoc scratches his chin and after a thoughtful moment replies to Armand, "I don't rightfully know but I reckon its far to the west. Carver and Leskni might know better than I as they are both Taurs."This can't be a coincidence all this stuff happening to trees around the Wold. What can it mean?
Knowlege local 1d20=1, Knowlege Geography 1d20+4=5 OOC: Wow two 1's
Owen weighs in, saying, "The Whistal trees are important for a number of reasons, not least of which is their inherent interest as magical artifacts. The Culverwood also boasts beings of great magical interest, such as the Ishgara Tree. I would be inclined to remain close to the Tree of Parting, as it is our base of operations."
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+9=20 ; d20+5=9 ; Monday December 14th, 2015 10:18:02 PM
Armand rubs his chin and turns to 'Osul. "'Osul, you are knowledgeable about the ways of nature are you not? Could these two events be related in some way?"
He then returns his attention to the female elf. "Ms. Breezefinder, could you tell us more about these trees of which you have lost contact? I would like to hear more of your realm." Diplomacy 20: d20+9
He wonders about the powers of Maab. (Knowledge Religion 9: d20+5). Armand shrugs his shoulders. The ways of the elder powers are not the ways of the true gods of the Wold.
DM RobC - "One thing my dad always told me. Never split the party." Tuesday December 15th, 2015 6:00:05 AM Mack goes silent in contemplation. Is something affecting the trees on a wider scale across the Wold?
Armand doesn't want to split the party. He isn't sure how far Centuar Isle is away from here, but bets it wouldn't be close by. He asks Bendoc, but alas he isn't sure either. Osul shrugs. It beats him as well. He turns to Linos to ask the pertinent question.
"Well it's about 250 miles to Izen, and from there, another 700 or so miles by boat to Centaur Isle" Linos explains.
Atlas isn't keen to make a decision on the spot. He wants to first gather more information. Perhaps the elves here have heard some tidbits?
Owen knows how the Whistal trees have reverence on Centaur Isle. Whilst he would like to help, he doesn't fancy venturing too far away from the Tree of Parting.
Leskni tries to take a diplomatic approach. The party can't be in two places at once, and splitting up isn't preferable. Perhaps Liana would allow the party to aid her, while she in turn helps Linos?
Carver weighs in. He understands how important the Whistal trees are to the centaurs. The relationship is almost symbiotic. If the druids on Centaur Isle have sent for aid, then it must be beyond their skills. Which also means, likely beyond his. Perhaps Liana is the answer? If she can help, then he vows to do what he can to help her in return.
Armand also has questions. He rubs his chin in contemplation whilst asking Liana to provide some further details if she can.
"Allow me to explain. I am a GreenMage. The trees - all of the trees - are my friends. Just as you and I speak to each other now, so do I speak with them. Their personalities are as varied as any person you would meet" she smiles and closes her eyes in recollection. But her face quickly becomes more serious. "We have lost touch with some of our friends. I have tried contacting them but they do not answer. The others I have spoken to are equally as confused as to what might have happened. I don't know if you have dared the Culverwood before, but due to its ever changing area we our divinations haven't yielded any insight. Hence why I am to travel there and find out for myself what is going on"
"And it is because you are a GreenMage that we desperately need you to come to Centaur Isle" Linos pleads.
"You understand that I would possibly be entrusting the wellbeing of my friends to these people?" she patiently responds. "However, in the past day I have heard from many people of the good that this group has done. So... if anyone could do it, it would probably be them" She still seems a little uneasy about trusting the group to the task.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' d20+12=20 ; Tuesday December 15th, 2015 6:14:22 AM
'Osul puts his mind to Armand's question, Is there a natural connection between a copse of trees in The Wood, and the Whistal trees of Centaur Isle? {Knowledge(Nature): 20}"I'm not seeing it, not yet. I thi..." He pauses, looks to Carver having already heard his words, and mans-up. "We will find out more when we get there, investigate, and compare notes. I want to speculate, but that could simply lead us down tangential paths - much like the next part of the journey itself - so I start with an open mind."
"The Culverwood is my home and more, and I for one would like to understand what might be ailing The Wood."
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' d20+16=31 ; Tuesday December 15th, 2015 7:32:41 AM
I like Carver's idea, and keeps us together as well. I chime in my opinion there if needed or asked.
The mention that Ms. Breezefinder is a greenmage peeks my interest greatly as well, as that is a path I have seriously considered going down myself at some point. I move a little closer to her to get a better look.
(d20+16 perception check of 31)
I say Hi, in Druidish, shyly, if Ms. Breezefinder notices me.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet d20+13=25 ; Tuesday December 15th, 2015 4:27:58 PM "Obviously, the situation in the Culverwood may well be beyond our capability. Or even yours. But, while we're certainly nowhere near as good as you doubtless are, we are capable. I myself can use at least some magics in order to attempt to contact the minds of even sleeping trees. And if the problem is a more mundane one, such as Fey getting up to some mischief or the like, then it is possible that a group of several diverse individuals, such as ourselves, will fare better than you your self will acting alone.
The Centaurs and Whistal Trees desperately need your help while Culverwood may only require our help. Surely a plan where we can at least hope to solve two problems affecting the Trees you so admire and like is better than a plan where only, at most, one problem can be addressed?"
Diplomacy of d20+13=25
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet d20+7=11 ; Tuesday December 15th, 2015 6:07:16 PM "We have ventured into the Culverwood before, we strived to do no harm, which I'm sure you heard about from your friends after we left with the Idiot who hired us for some test he was to undertake. If he'd had his way, he'd have hacked and hued his pompas arrogant self through the test." Having stated what he considers a fact, he doubts anything he says would sway the Greenmage any further.
Diplomacy 11
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+9=19 ; Tuesday December 15th, 2015 6:07:34 PM “Obviously we are all faced with some decisions here. Linos has travelled far to seek help for his people.” Armand pauses considering just how far Linos has travelled. “And you Ms. Breezefinder have deep concerns for your fiberous friends in Culverwood.”
Armand gathers his thoughts. “I know that we are not well known.” Armand amends his thoughts, thinking that he doesn’t need to muddy the issue with the changing dynamics the group has recently gone through. “But I’m sure that there are many known and respected residents of the Tree of Parting that could vouch for our character and skills.”
“Linos, you have travelled far for assistance. What has led you to the Tree of Parting for that aid?”
Diplomacy 19 (d20+9)
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Tuesday December 15th, 2015 7:33:30 PM
Owen is especially intrigued by Armand's final question, so he waits quietly for the elf's reply.
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 Tuesday December 15th, 2015 8:32:31 PM
As Linos explains the distance to the Taur Islands Bendoc lets out a low whistle and remarks, "Thats a goodly distance." He continues to listen to the conversation Bendoc wonders, [i]What good will I be when it comes to talking to trees?[/b] He has little else to add to the conversation.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 18; HP 33/33 Character Sheet Tuesday December 15th, 2015 8:43:52 PM
Atlas just nods as the others speak their mind. He watches Liana to make sure she's on board with the majority of us that think her going to Centaur Isle and us going to Culverwood is the best idea. If she wavers in any way he'll speak up. Once this is decided he has some questions to ask, but might relay them through 'Osul who is more familiar with the wood. He'll wait and see first though...
DM RobC - "The Culverwood is my home and more" Wednesday December 16th, 2015 4:55:42 AM Osul tries to think of any natural connection between the Culverwood and the Whistal Trees of Centaur Isle. It's said that both the Whistal Trees and some of the trees in the Culverwood have some form of sentience, but even that would be a narrow connection at best.
That Liana is a GreenMage draws Mack's attention. He gives her a closer look. He does notice some claw marks and small tears on the right shoulder of her robe, and watching him closely from a nearby branch on the tree sits a sizable hawk.
Mack shyly says hello to Liana in druidish. She smiles warmly back at him, and responds in kind If you speak Druidic - Highlight to display spoiler: {"Hello. I take it you are a druid too then? That does make me feel a little better about trusting you to the task. Don't mind Imen. He is my companion"}
She nods in the direction of the hawk and smiles
Leskni tries to convey the wisdom, that a group of good willed people might have better success with whatever might be going on in the Culverwood.
Carver adds that the party have ventured into the Culverwood in the past, and have lived to tell the tale.
Armand adds some kind words as well.
Armand then asks what it was that brought Linos to the Tree of all places.
Owen believes that to be a very good question indeed!
"Truth be told I wasn't expecting to find help here at all. I was headed to the Culverwood where I had hoped to find someone passionate about nature and with the knowledge to aid us. That I found Liana here was just pure chance"
Bendoc and Atlas listen intently. The task sound easy enough. But when the Culverwood is involved, "easy" is a relative term.
With the groups combined diplomacy, Liana looks to be much more at ease. "Very well. If you wouldn't mind travelling into the Culverwood to see what is going on with the trees there, then I will head with Linos to Centaur Isle. The forest is ever changing in the Culverwood - as you no doubt are aware. But this particular copse should be somewhere towards the southern-centre border. About 4 days journey from here"
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Wednesday December 16th, 2015 6:22:29 AM
'Osul positively beams as Mack and Liana exchange words. Once they finish, and he has quickly eyed off the hawk, he offers his own greeting. If you speak Druidic - Highlight to display spoiler: {Each word 'Osul speaks, and two or three are quite complex, is perfectly formed. But, there is no grammar or syntax or context. It is as though he has eaten (or been given) a list of words and can regurgitate elements, but has never learned to conversed with them. And it is also clear that he believes it made perfect sense.} "Mind?! I'd love too! What types of trees form this copse gone dark?"
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Wednesday December 16th, 2015 7:36:43 AM
(returning to Common) "I have a great love and respect for nature, but the path of the druid is still very new to me. I am doing my best to learn as quickly as possible." :)
"He looks like a very trustworthy companion!" nodding towards the hawk. Boy, that'd be cool to have a companion and friend like that. Wolves, hawks...SO cool. My mind drifts a little...
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Wednesday December 16th, 2015 9:09:33 AM "Well then I think we have some planning to do." He turns to Carver. "You mentioned needing new armor. I know it's not much but I have 13 gold pieces if you need it."
Turning to the group. "I assume the earliest we could start would be tomorrow. But I'm not sure what else needs to be done."
OCC Armand will visit Hiflanyl and offering 'mending' services. He will change out the following spells to be better prepared as a travelling companion. 0 level mending changed to create water, 2nd level Consecrate changed to Lesser Restoration.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Wednesday December 16th, 2015 11:14:43 AM
Leskni turns to the group "I have some 55 gold that I can lend to anybody who needs to improve their equipment. "
Other than that, she has few preparations to make. She will talk to Linos a bit. She is curious if he has any news of Linotaur Island (comparatively close to Minotaur Island as it is). She also wants to know how he has been treated on his travels here.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Wednesday December 16th, 2015 11:30:28 AM OCC in the leveling up to start I missed that I should have 4, 0 level spells. So I have amended my character sheet and don't have to change out mending but just add create water.
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Wednesday December 16th, 2015 6:12:28 PM "While every little bit helps, keep your money. I don't have the gold to even come close right now and I consider my mobility more important at this time. When it come time for better armor, it'll cost close to 4000 gold." Turning to the Greenmage, "Let us rest up this evening, get some good food in our stomachs. And we can head out first thing in the morning. Being well rested we should make decent time and investigate this for you. And knowing we should look in the southern-center area will speed up our search greatly."
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 Wednesday December 16th, 2015 8:10:14 PM
Bendoc takes out his pipe and lights it. With the pipe between his teeth he responds, "Tomorrow would be fine." He continues to smoke his pipe and nods his head in thanks toward Leskni, "Thanks but I got the gear I need."
He sighs to himself, Ah, the Culverwood, I wonder what strange things we'll find there?
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 d20=9 ; d20=8 ; d20=5 ; d20=16 ; Wednesday December 16th, 2015 9:24:14 PM
Owen pipes up after Bendoc, saying: "I'm not the most excited to return to the Culverwood, but it will be like old times again. I wonder if we'll happen on some of my army buddies still wandering the forest." Then, knowing that the Culverwood is always changing, tries to recall what he can about the southern-central border.
DM RobC - "Mind?! I'd love too!" Thursday December 17th, 2015 5:07:08 AM Osul interjects into the druidic conversation. His words are pulled at random and make no real sense to the keen observer. Liana looks confused, but smiles politely nonethless.
He also asks what types of trees are of concern.
"Oh there's Acer saccharum - not to be confused with Acer saccharinum of course - and a few Acer circinatum" Seeing some blank expressions, Liana explains in layperson terms "Maples"
Mack expresses his love of nature, and that the path is still quite new to him. Liana smiles and offers some counsel "It was new to all of us at some stage. Be happy that you found the path, and do not be afraid as to where it might lead you. There is too much for anyone to learn in a single lifetime. Just enjoy every step that you take"
"Imen? He has been with me since I was a child. You probably know that GreenMages often take plant based companions. But that would mean I would have to bid farewell to Imen. And that is not happening any time soon" She grins and looks at the hawk, who screeches a response back. Liana rolls her eyes and responds "Yes, yes, I'm talking about you"
The talk then turns to preparations.
Armand offers some gold to Carver to get that armor he desired, but Carver will have none of it. Armor for a centaur is expensive and will take some time.
Leskni pries Linos for further information "I'm sorry, I have not heard any news from Minotaur Isle. They tend to keep to themselves. As for my travels, I have been treated quite well to be honest. It was likely I was chosen for this task as I have had several dealings with non-centaurs in the past. There was one group from Bonetown who visited us, and they and I got along splendidly. They opened my eyes to the other races out there in the Wold. As long as I treat everyone fairly, they seem to do the same to me"
Bendoc is in agreement that the soonest the party could depart would be the next morning. Best take some time to prepare first.
Owen takes a moment to recall what he can of the Culverwood. Once inside the Culverwood, the trees and paths can shift about. Navigating inside could be difficult. Many explorers have entered and simply never been seen again. All manner of natural animals, magical beasts and fey could be found inside the southern border.
Liana extends her arm to Linos to shake in agreement "It is decided then. I will come with you to see if I can help with the Whistal Trees, while these heroes will investigate what is going on inside the Culverwood"
"Do any of you know the Animal Messenger spell? I will send word back here once I have done what I can on Centaur Isle. Please try and contact me there with what you discover."
If there is nothing further, Liana offers her arm to shake to each member of the party. She and Linos will then depart for Centaur Isle at haste.
The party are free to do any shopping and make any preparations they wish.
---------------------------------
OOC: Great posting so far this week, guys! Note that there will be a slowdown next week from Dec 24th through to Jan 3rd. I'll try and post daily if I can, but you guys aren't under any obligation to do so.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Thursday December 17th, 2015 8:23:49 AM "Those sounds like very wise words, Liana, and I thank you for them."
When I get a chance to talk to Carver more one-on-one: (for Carver only:)
Highlight to display spoiler: {I approach him about getting new armor. I don't want to offend his pride, but I also am saving up for things that I can't afford right now. That can be good news for him, though! I have about 2,300 gp he could use to help him get his armor. If it's truly a mobility issue though, I understand, and leave it at that. :) }
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' d20+5=12 ; d20+14=17 ; Thursday December 17th, 2015 12:29:40 PM Four days west - at a centaurs pace - on the road, and head north... 'Osul tries getting his bearings from the map in the Tree Tops, and his recollections.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Thursday December 17th, 2015 12:47:51 PM additional - what I get for starting a post before I go to sleep and finishing it in the morning.
"Emissary, I know the spell, but I must be missing something. What tiny creature is going to be able to find you in the Taur Isles within four days with only the simplest of instructions? Okay, communication is less of an issue for a woodland animal, but still?"
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Thursday December 17th, 2015 6:12:01 PM
Owen's thoughts drift into his memory, thinking on his recent travels and travails in the Culverwood... He appears rather absent from the conversation.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Thursday December 17th, 2015 7:02:42 PM “Ms. Breexefinder, Linos would you care to join us for dinner?” He sweeps his arms to include the group. “We have just returned from a journey and will need to refresh ourselves and rest before we depart in the morning.”
Armand will begin climbing the stairs of the Tree. He intends to visit his room briefly to drop off his equipment and freshen up. Before dinner he will visit Hiflanyl to see if he needs any mending done.
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 Thursday December 17th, 2015 7:51:15 PM Food, that sounds like a good idea,Bendoc thinks as he scratches his wolf's head. "Who's a hungry boy," he asks his wolf playfully. Looking to his companions, "Can't do much on an empty stomach." He follows Armand up the stairs.
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Thursday December 17th, 2015 11:23:19 PM
Carver heads for the Treetop, it's their regular food supplier. He orders up a Carver sized serving of wine and plates of food for the group to help themselves to. "I'm going to make a short night of it, I want to be well rested on the morrow, I also think I'll see if I can get some fresh food packed up for us and we can eat that for two or three days before we end up eating that hard to digest emergency rations....." He leaves an order to pick up in the morning for a few meals worth of portable food which he plans on carrying for the group....
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Thursday December 17th, 2015 11:48:30 PM "I think that I'll take tonight to write some letters home. I've been putting them off far too long"
Leskni retires to her room and writes a couple of letters to her family, letting them know what has been happening to her over the last few weeks.
Although she doesn't come out and say it in the letters, it is clear that they are meant to be a last expression of love if you doesn't return from tomorrows adventure.
She then gets a good nights sleep.
DM RobC - "Food, that sounds like a good idea" Friday December 18th, 2015 6:08:32 AM Mack is appreciative of Liana's kind words, but he has something else on his mind. He has a quiet word in Carver's ear.
Osul asks how Liana expects the Animal Messenger spell to work over such a distance. "Forgive me. My thinking was that a bird - such as a sparrow - could carry a small note quite quickly over such a distance."
"We'll be at Fort Stagg on the west coast" Linos elaborates "If the message is sent there, even if we are out, the centaurs there will be able to relay it on"
Liana then continues "Otherwise, I am happy to leave the means of communication with you. I, however, will send a message directly back to the Tree to let you know how I have progressed. If I finish with the Whistal Trees and am yet to hear from you, I will head back here"
Owen is lost in his own thoughts of the Culverwood.
Armand is kind enough to invite the pair to join them for dinner.
Linos looks genuinely appreciative of the invitation but his mind is set "It is gracious of you, however, Liana, I would desperately like to be off sooner rather than later"
Bendoc and Carver don't need to be invited, and are happy to meet in the Treetop Inn.
Leskni decides to have some quiet time to write some letters home.
------------------------------------------
The evening is quiet and it is good to have a nights rest in a proper bed.
Come morning, Ciyradyl can be found in the Inn ready to serve the party a hearty breakfast. The party are becoming minor celebrities, and it does well for business to have them seen.
She has also attended to Carver's order, and has prepared several unlabelled packages of food "This one is fresh, so you best eat it today. Those two are mostly fruits and biscuits. They should stay good for quite a while. No charge for my favourite patrons"
In the centre of the Inn, a small circular table has been fitted with a clean tablecloth, and cutlery for two people.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Friday December 18th, 2015 7:52:50 AM "Thanks Ciyradyl!
And thanks, Carver, for thinking about the fresh food for us for a couple of days, and being willing to carry that load." :)
I chip in to help prepare if anyone needs help. Otherwise, I just take a relaxing walk in the morning before we head out.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Friday December 18th, 2015 1:25:19 PM
Nothing really to add. Leskni has a pleasant breakfast before we head out.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+4=22 ; Friday December 18th, 2015 3:49:59 PM
Armand is quiet. He did not think to inquire if the others had laid in supplies, as he still had his trail rations, hard cheese and jerked meat. He sighs. 'It will take awhile to integrate into the group.' He thinks to himself.
He eyes the table in the center of the room wondering who it could be for. He keeps an eye on things during breakfast. Perception 22 (d20+4)
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Friday December 18th, 2015 8:14:12 PM
On hearing Mack's comment, 'Osul looks from Carver to the packages and back. "Is this your way of saying you don't like the fresh picked fruit and berries and nuts on our treks?" It is clear this is a jest - the wide smile never leaves his face.
His clean comfortable traveling clothes are all but obscured by a long hoodless robe in greens, which vary from the brightness of his eyes in full daylight to the deepest forest greens.
He looks at the map again, but only to reinforce the plan.
"So, does does any of us have any last minute thoughts for preparations before we finish breakfast and depart?"
- - - 8>< - - - Still sorting prepped spells - will post them late Friday / early Saturday
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Friday December 18th, 2015 8:41:03 PM "Not at all, but spending hours searching for and then harvesting fresh food takes up a lot of time. We can supplement the fresh food I have gotten and will be carrying. We can spend less time scavenging food and do more traveling. Now if we were to get fresh meat, the fruit and dried stuffs she packed for us will stretch even farther. I was just hoping to make it a more efficient trip. When I was still with the Fist, we ran into trouble when as a group we were transported far away from our base. People were lucky I carried the amount of food I did because most of our group had only one or two days worth. My portions are big enough to feed two, so I ended up going a bit light and we survived. I just don't want to go through that again, OK?" Carver eats heartily of the food brought out, one of the times he asks Ciyradyl, "Who's getting the special treatment?"
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 Friday December 18th, 2015 9:53:16 PM
Bendoc is woke up early the next morning as Shadow licks his face. Bendoc wipes the slime off his face saying, "alright I'm getting up. Okay, okay, get off of me you big fur ball," he playful admonishes the wolf.
He quickly gets dressed and gathers his things before heading down to breakfast. After breakfast he saddles his wolf ready for the journey.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Saturday December 19th, 2015 2:44:02 AM
Owen prepares new spells and then comes to breakfast with his robe freshly cleaned and pressed. He picks at his food, and when the discussion turns to trail rations he speaks up: "I purchased a Ring of Sustenance from the Catacombs. Once it attunes I won't really need to eat. And I'll be fully refreshed after two hours of sleep, so if we wind up chasing orcs again I'll be less of a burden."
_________________
Prepared spells: Highlight to display spoiler: {Bold spells are unused, underlined spells are in progress. 0: Detect Magic, Read Magic, Ray of Frost, and Ghost Sound. 1: Magic Missile, Sleep, Color Spray, Color Spray, and Silent Image. 2: Scorching Ray, Bull's Strength, Minor Image, and Invisibility.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Sunday December 20th, 2015 8:20:07 PM
Just posting to keep the stats up :-)
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Monday December 21st, 2015 1:36:39 AM
:-) exactly Paul
...except 'Osul wouldn't have Stabilize twice as an Orison.
DM RobC - "Okay, okay, get off of me you big fur ball" Monday December 21st, 2015 6:19:48 AM Mack take time to go for a stroll about the Tree. There is all signs of activity outside. Everyone looks busy.
Leskni enjoys the pleasant breakfast that Ciyradyl has provided for the group.
Owen joins in, wearing a freshly cleaned robe. He only nibbles at his food though, his thoughts drifting to the days to come when his ring of sustenance will be working.
Bendoc (with some wolf spittle on his face) and Shadow sit at one end of the table. Shadow eyes the food on the table but makes no move for it, save licking his lips.
Osul checks in with everyone. Are they set to venture out today? Are there any last minute preparations to be made?
Armand eyes the vacant table with curiosity. Who could it be that will be dining there today?
Carver just asks Ciyradyl outright.
"You haven't heard? Two folk from the Dragon Consortium will be visiting the Tree today! Can you imagine? Out of all the places in the Wold they will be dining here. What a remarkable time we live in"
Outside there is a call from a child "They're here!", which is followed by the sound of applause and cheers. Ciyradyl rushes back to the kitchen, apparently still with a few last minute things to take care of.
Mack - who is still outside - can see two humanoid figures, in hooded robes walking towards the tree. Each raises a hand in recognition of the applause they are receiving.
Ingrge Nighteer (Emerald Dragon) Monday December 21st, 2015 8:20:40 AM
The figure on the left approaching the tree is most definitely an elf. He is just under 6ft tall, has close cropped graying hair and a most horrifically scarred face. A small pack is on his back and a grayish hooded cloak covers what are definitely a wizards robes beneath. A rapier adorns his right hip, a long bow is on his back and he is using a darkwood staff shod at one end in some sort of metal and what appears to be a dragon's paw at the top.
There is a briskness to his movement as if he is in a hurry to get inside, but it is obvious that he is holding back to walk along and greet the people who are cheering for him. As children come up a smile suddenly brightens his once before stern visage, and he will kneel down and speak to each child and perform some sort of small magic just to see them smile.
In a small break between kids as they approach Ingrge turns to his traveling companion.
"Ah it is good to be home." " So Jass, what have you been doing with yourself since you , the Shields and the Knights retired?"
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet d20=8 ; Monday December 21st, 2015 9:23:48 AM
Leskni is most definitely not from around here and almost certainly doesn't have the right knowledge trained.
She did get a d20+2 = 10 on her knowledge check (I forgot that I had an intelligence of 14 when I rolled :-))
Is that sufficient for the character to know what the Dragon Consortium is?
Owen looks at the other party members with apparent interest. "The Dragon Consortium! I wonder who is visiting..."
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Monday December 21st, 2015 3:23:18 PM
Armand continues to eat his meal slowly, relishing the taste of a well cooked breakfast. He figures there is no need to go join the bedlam trying to see who is coming as eventually they will come in to eat.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Monday December 21st, 2015 3:41:14 PM
Like Armand, 'Osul enjoys his last cooked meal for a while. He has a view of the table for two from his seat, and assumes their eventual occupants will need some time to themselves. He's also not sure on the disposition of a Dragon Consortium, but he is willing to patiently wait to find out.
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Monday December 21st, 2015 8:17:47 PM
The hooded figure on the right stops and looks at the elf. "Oh, you know, here and there, I've never been one for putting down roots, eh?"
He takes off the hood and reveals a human man, full of confidence. Pale of skin and rapidly graying thin hair, Jass looks like a mummified but amiable thin man in his late 20s. Standing 5 foot 9 inches tall, his common traveler’s clothes and cloak is easily overlooked by the smile that plays around the easy-going mouth. “Hey, what’s the word?” he calls out with a friendly grin.
"Owen, isn't it? And Osul? Yep, I was dreaming about these two last night Ingrge, remembering my favorite watering hole in Floating City." Jass gives a broad wink, his enthusiastic smile juxtaposing with his half-dead appearance.
"Let's get this friend of yours to get a meal and a table." Jass lich-like gaze takes in the assembled heroes and he gives another broad wink. "And let's get a big table. I'd like to eat with some locals. These folk would do, eh?"
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Monday December 21st, 2015 8:39:00 PM
Owen smiles broadly. "Jass, it's good to see you in the land of the waking! But who is your companion?"
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 Monday December 21st, 2015 9:15:27 PM
Bendoc eyes the new comers and wonders, Dragon Consortium what's that? Can't be too bad people seem happy to see them. He grabs a piece of bacon off the table and tosses it to Shadow, "Eat up looks like we're going to have company." Turning to his companions he asks, "What is the Dragon Consotium?"
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Monday December 21st, 2015 10:42:01 PM
The emaciated sorcerer looks up at Bendoc, "Good question, young sir! The Dragon Consortium is a select group of heroes who are a force for good in the Wold. We help those who can't help themselves: give to those in need, with our resources and time. We help other good people learn to support themselves, rescue those unfairly held, and see that the old and handicapped are treated well."
He gives a grin, looking at the young heroes as a whole. "We also help advise, train and assist younger adventuring groups, guiding them to greater wisdom!"
"So how about we treat you to a drink in this amazing Tree, eh?"
Ingrge Nighteer (Emerald Dragon) Monday December 21st, 2015 11:16:26 PM
Looking around at the others Ingrge responds to Owen's question. "My friend, my name is Ingrge Nightseer." I am a member of the Emerald Dragons, or I guess they call us the Emerald Wyrms now, that we have retired, so to speak.
As to what the Dragon Consortium is, my friend Jass, here has the gist of it. In general we help people who can not by their own means help themselves.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 4:10:32 AM "Ingrge - well met!" He stands - he had no intention of standing, and yet here he is - and offers a handshake, and to Jass as well when the opportunity presents itself. In response to Jass' response to Bendoc's question he adds, "That sounds like the Woldian League of Adventurers?", and buffs the WLA badge on his vestments.
DM RobC - "So how about we treat you to a drink in this amazing Tree, eh?" Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 7:19:33 AM Leskni recalls hearing about the Dragon Consortium before. They are the heroes of heroes! The best the Wold has the offer! There isn't a court in the land that wouldn't welcome a Dragon Consortium member with open arms.
Owen is just a little curious as to who it might be. He needn't wait too long to find out.
Armand doesn't see the need to rush downstairs. The heroes will be coming up to eat shortly. No. He decides to keep his cool and wait.
Osul is of the same mind. He enjoys every morsel of food presented to him, savoring them for fear of when his next cooked meal might come.
Bendoc shares some of the delicious bacon with Shadow, who scoffs it down with a single bite. Best finish breakfast now as company has arrived.
Jass and Ingrge introduce themselves to the group. There are still a few onlookers - some trying to sneakily catch a glimpse of the Dragon Consortium members whilst others just stare outright.
Owen greets Jass by name. Do the two know each other? Is there history here?
Ciyradyl - the tavern owner - stands ready to serve. She has emerged from the kitchen with plates for both Jass and Ingrge. Plates laden with freshly cooked meats and vegetables. She is concerned for only the briefest of moments as Jass suggests a bigger table for them to dine with the local heroes.
"Er, um, er..." the elf is starting to get flustered, but manages to pull it together. She half drags/ half lifts the nicely laid out table-for-two and places it alongside the one that had been set for the party.
In an act that might further win the hearts and minds of the party, Jass suggests treating the group to a drink! Ciyradyl is quickly off to find some bottles.
Osul begins to wonder if the WLA and the Dragon Consortium have anything in common.
---------------------- OOC: Please welcome Steve and Kent, who have brought their PCs in for a visit! For those that don't know, the Dragon Consortium is for the best of the best heroes in the Wold. Even the highest level games have to face trials before that can even consider joining the DC. The heroes are generally very high level too!
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 2:25:47 PM
Armand sits dumbstruck. Flustered he manages to blurt out "Hello." As he rises and bows to them. He sits as they do.
What can this mean? So many powerful people converging on the tree like this. Is it a sign of things to come? Armand's mind races.
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 2:41:08 PM "Hello Jass of the Downs, I believe I met you at the retirement of the Black Bird Lake group of adventurers, I had no idea you were also a member of the Dragon Consortium though. It's been a couple years hasn't it?" Carver says as he introduces himself.
OOC:Sorry for missing yesterday, our society game went 2 hours longer than expected, I only got home after midnight, so I decided until i woke up to post.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 2:42:20 PM
Leskni approaches the two Dragons.
"Good morning to you. I am Leskni and have only recently joined this group. It is a very great honour to meet you. Stories of the Consortium's adventures and heroism have reached even to my homeland.
If it is not too impertinent a question to ask, perhaps you'd be willing to tell us something of what brings you here?"
OOC: I figure that a Liontaur is still a cat and wouldn't be that overawed by ANYBODY. And is very curious :-) :-)
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 6:50:15 PM
"You are a gem, Ciyradyl, you really are!", Jass gives the in keep a winning smile and small but heavy bag of coin.
Jass gives handshakes and waves to the heroes of the Tree of Parting. "Dreams at the Giggling Ghost tend to have long-reaching memories. Very long."
He looks at the centaur, "ah yes, Carver! Yes, I retired with the Blackbird Lake group but before that I was a part of the Gray Dragons. So when I retired, I rejoined the Dragon Consortium and got my DC Ring and stuff back. But that's not important right now."
He looks at Ingrge, obviously deferring to the elf. "Part of what we do is check up on up-and-coming heroes of the Wold to see and maybe help the new talent. Advice, moral compass, that sort of stuff, eh?"
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 10:56:13 PM
Owen inclines his head in a small bow. "Good to meet you, Ingrge. It's very kind of you heroes to ask us to join you."
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Tuesday December 22nd, 2015 11:09:06 PM "I don't think they are asking us to join them, but I think they are asking us to be aware of the Consortium. And to be aware that our decisions are always being weighed by those who watch over us, not just our own conscious' and our Deities. If sometime in the future we are worthy of becoming a true group of Heroes, we need to be the best we can. I expect it's sort of like being a Honor Fist Graduate in the Mailed Fist, where you then get the truly hard missions, am I right?" the youthful Centaur asks both of the visitors?
DM RobC - "So many powerful people converging on the tree like this" Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 5:35:03 AM Armand manages to say a simple 'hello', rising and bowing in respect to the DC. Is it a sign of things to come that so many powerful beings gravitate towards the Tree?
Carver greets Jass warmly, recalling a dream of the Giggling Ghost and the Blackbird Lake retirement.
Leskni shows that curiosity is common amongst all felines, and asks the pertinent question: what are the DC doing here?
Jass greets everyone warmly. He goes on to explain that the Dragon Consortium are always alert to up-and-coming heroes, and where possible, offer guidance - whether it is on morals, travels, or just to teach through story-telling.
Owen misinterprets the meeting, believing that Jass and Ingrge and here to invite the party to the Consortium.
Carver may have the right of it. That the DC are here to make themselves known, and to let the party that tales of their deeds are already spreading. Perhaps it is a glimpse into what the party may become in the future?
Ciyradyl considers leaving the bag of coin offered by Jass, but to decline something offered by him might be considered rude or ill-form. Instead she graciously accepts the coins, smiles, and backs away to fetch drinks.
It may still be breakfast time, but if Jass of Downs wants to buy drinks, then Ciyradyl will cater! She returns with several pitchers of juices, and some non-alcoholic ciders. "I've just put a kettle on the boil. Tea will be ready shortly" she advises, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow.
-------------------------------------------- OOC: Hi Folks! Per Jerry's email, we're in a slowdown period at the moment. There is no obligation to post each day. Take a break, relax. Unless someone does something completely unexpected (I'm looking at you Carver!) there won't be any combat until the New Year :)
Ingrge Nighteer (Emerald Dragon) Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 1:13:54 PM
Well we also ofttimes serve as spreaders of news and we like to keep track of what is going on in the Wold and meet those that are helping others and get to know them and see how we might be able to help them in turn.
I, we would love to hear a little bit about your group and perhaps some of what you have been doing.
Then we will likely share some information that might be of interest to you and those at the tree.
And then I would like to spend some time with my Near Father.
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 7:14:13 PM "Thank you Ciyradyl, and thank you Jass."
"Ingrge, I will defer to Mac, Carver, or Atlas when it comes to the broader history of ... our broader history." He thinks, "This would have been the perfect opportunity to launch our new group identity.", which then trails back into audible conversation, with, "Maybe we can sort that out before we leave?... Oh, the name, not the history."
To Jass, in response to his general statement about dreams at the Giggling Ghost he asks, "Also long-reaching consequences, I expect."
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 7:18:07 PM
Jass pours drinks, asking everyone what they prefer, and generally having a good time making sure everyone has a good time. He keeps his banter to small talk about the drinks, so that the others can consider and respond to Ingrge.
At last, he selects for himself a light cider, examining the color and how it clings to the glass before takeoff nag a sniff. His face lights up and the living cadaver beams. "Nothing like a crisp cider to take the road dust out of one's mouth, eh?"
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 7:54:57 PM
[/b]"Good sirs, I must defer to others about the history and doings of this group, for I have but recently joined. However, I understand our next undertaking is into the Culverwood and would appreciate any advise you could give about entering the forest."[/b] Armand will then drink some orange juice.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 8:22:39 PM
OOC: Well, I went on a short vacation with the kids, and it was SO much fun, I honestly completely forgot about posting in the Wold! That's a sign of a really much-need and fun little vacation, I think! ;)
IC:
Not liking crowds, and starting to think there is always a crowd here at the tree (much to my surprise), I keep walking outside. SOMEone has to keep watch while everyone else is partying all the time! :) I continue to meander outside, as long as I can get away with doing so without being rude. I'm sure any Dragon Consortium people aren't here to see me. ;)
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Wednesday December 23rd, 2015 11:37:40 PM
OoC: Nooooooo! Owen meant that they had asked the party to join them for breakfast, not the DC. I should have made clear my antecedent.
IC: Owen selects some fruit juice, then speaks up: "I too would defer to ... Carver or Atlas for the telling of the group's history. I joined the group before our most recent mission; they have led the charge from the beginning."
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 18; HP 33/33 Character Sheet Thursday December 24th, 2015 11:05:08 AM
Atlas comes out of his stuper and looks around, "Wow, did I drink too much last night? I feel like I just woke up from a bad dream. Hmm, did I hear someone mention a story? That happens to be my specialty!"
--------------------------------------------- ooc: Sorry for being gone for so long gang, had a personal item I had to take care of that had my head elsewhere. I'd be happy to tell our tale during the holidays. It just so happens that Atlas has the Storytelling skill, so as I do imagine it is done in a fantastic and exciting way (because me personally, I don't have that skill, lol)
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:4, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Friday December 25th, 2015 8:00:53 PM "But now we are recently returned - seems like we are always recently returned from somewhere - and have offered to take on the burden of the current task which would have denied Emissary Liana the opportunity to assist Linos in Islas Tauri. You may or may not have seen them leave as you approached The Tree."
"So, now we are almost set to venture into The Culverwood. Many of us have been in The Wood, and those who haven't have heard it's no haven. But to me it is home, and more, so I am hoping that it is even-tempered. If it is not then I hope that I can prove my metal, and learn a little more... a lot more about myself and about us as a team in the process."
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Friday December 25th, 2015 8:36:53 PM
If I happen to hear that Atlas is about to tell a story, I definitely sit down to hear it. I hope it's a good one! :)
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Sunday December 27th, 2015 3:39:21 PM
Jass listens with interest and again defers to Ingrge when talking about the dangers of the Culverwood. "Although, I've heard that the woods are alive, and, when convincing other people who are alive of my good intentions, I have found learning their culture and meeting them halfway tends to make things less dangerous, eh?"
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Sunday December 27th, 2015 4:26:21 PM "I guess I'd have to say the biggest danger we ran into last time into the Culverwood was what we brought with us, not what we encountered there. Gaston was our biggest enemy, by far."
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Sunday December 27th, 2015 10:46:54 PM "I wasn't amongst them then, but remember him being a topic of quieter conversations when I first met the group."
Ingrge Nighteer (Emerald Dragon) Monday December 28th, 2015 9:17:09 AM
Well as for the Culverwood, I can verify its sentience and its power. But it has only been really active since the re-awakening of the Fey King a while back. The wood like the fey themselves is more than a bit capricious and likes tricks and pranks. It has been well documented that even what people thought were permanent landscape features, to have moved or disappeared all together. If possible I would cut no live wood in the forest ans if you must, then be sure to ask for permission and have a dire reason for it. Hunting, while permissible should be only undertaken when absolutely necessary and only when you are sure of what it is that you are hunting. I will gladly answer any questions I can about the Culverwood that you may have, but I will let Jass relate news from other areas of the Wold as I don't get out of the Emerald Kingdom much these days. And what I can say will be second and third hand rumors.
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Monday December 28th, 2015 10:34:22 AM
Jass doesn't need much encouragement, and Ingrge's comment has the emaciated sorcerer holds court.
"Well, Ingrge has been keeping close to home, I have been traveling the wide Wold. The things I have seen, the things that are happening!"
"I'll have you know that Valdor Dragonstone (he's only the most famous Dragon Consortium hero ever) took a trip all the way to the Southern Continent to speak with some heroes. They call themselves the Iron Adventurers and hail from Hook City, a great city of magic. With any luck, they may become the next inductees to the Dragon Consortium. Taking on an Umbral Dragon I believe."
"Then there is the Western Isles, far beyond the lands of the Taurs. I met with a heroic group sails the seas around Bonetown and Rum in a ship named the Lionfish. There is a bit of monster mayhem happening over there, and a possible mix-up with Immortals and Deities!"
He takes a sip of his cider and again compliments the Tree. "Best I have ever had, truly! But maybe you would you be more interested in news closer to home, eh?"
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+6=20 ; Monday December 28th, 2015 1:35:55 PM
Armand is attentive to Ingrge's and Jass's presentation. He ask Ingrge, "So we should take whatever supplies we can. What about picking berries? Would this offend the wood as well?"
He sips some orange juice. He tries to remember tales of Ingrge that he may have heard in his youth. Knowledge History: 20 (d20+6). "I too am from the Emerald Kingdom. I have just recently left Waypoint."
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Tuesday December 29th, 2015 6:00:22 AM "Ingrge? But isn't that just common sense? If or no other reason than felling tree takes considerable effort - and ignoring for a moment the fact that the tree or close neighbor may take mortal offense - or just offense with mortalities."
"Jass? I do not understand what encourages remarkable members of sentient races to meddle in the affairs of dragons. Can you enlighten me?"
"Armand? Be thankful for the bounty, take no more than you and your companions need, and even then take no more than half the berries on any bush. Oh, and be sure before you start that the berries are not a bait to draw larger creatures into range for the bushes to take down for their own nutritional purposes." Than he looks to Ingrge for his experience in these matters.
Ingrge Nighteer (Emerald Dragon) Tuesday December 29th, 2015 1:04:55 PM
True Osul, tis mostly common sense but then even cutting a branch from a tree could be taken as a major offense were they sentient trees, kind of like me walking up to you and cutting off a couple of you fingers.
And yes Armand, Osul is correct about the berries, using thins from the Wold that are meant to be used is more than appropriate but just be sure the berries are what you think they are. Using dead fall wood and hunting for food is all fine as long as you are careful of what you hunt and now you use it.
I know Waypoint fairly well and my wife has her jewelry shop in Karri. Our home and that of any Emerald Dragon that is around in built in and around Old Saryd's Tower.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Tuesday December 29th, 2015 2:10:07 PM
Armand, slightly embarrassed, states, "My dad was the trashman in Waypoint. We didn't associate much with folk. But apparently he was an adventurer way back." He pauses. "He was not very successful it seems."
Ingrge Nighteer (Emerald Dragon) Tuesday December 29th, 2015 4:32:48 PM
Armand never be ashamed of your background or what your people do for a living. Some of the most heroic people I know are those that do honest hard work day in and day out, just to put food on the table and raise their families. That is why the members of the Dragon Consortium do what we do. Both my wife and I were homeless abused orphans. I don't even know what my parents looked like, or at least I can't remember. And my wife's father sold her to a slaver, so...
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Wednesday December 30th, 2015 11:39:16 AM
Jass laughs good naturedly at Osul's question. "The group is called the Dragon Consortium, but is not members of the Dragon Nation. Nation equals dragons, Consortium equals noble races. I've never asked Valdor or any other older member of the DC why they chose that name, either. Hub? That may be a good question."
Jass stretches back and sighs contentedly in the sun. "The DC helps people, and often that help manifests as working with the leaders of kingdoms or with identifying and confronting dangers that can threaten whole lands. Not because it it adventurous or for the fame, but because it needs doing. And the funny thing about it is that in doing these things actually made me a better person."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Thursday December 31st, 2015 12:31:59 AM
Owen, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, finally speaks up: "Ingrge, do you have any particular insight into the portion of the Culverwood we are to investigate, the southern-central region?"
"Also, I know that as renowned adventurers there must be many demands on your time. Are there any errands you might like us to run, now or when we're a bit more experienced? Any information or macguffins you'd like us to find for you?"
When Jass and Ingrge finish answering the various questions the group has posed, Owen (somewhat shyly) turns aside with Jass and asks, "Jass, I don't mean to impose, but you are a legendary sorcerer. I must ask if I can study with you, if only for a little while." Somewhat embarrassed, he looks at his shoes.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Thursday December 31st, 2015 8:07:10 AM
I also look at Owen's shoes. :)
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Thursday December 31st, 2015 11:51:35 AM
Armand accepts Ingrge's words and sits up a little more in his seat. Noticing Owen's attention to his shoes he looks tries to get a look at them. Armand wonders what is going on but from his position at the table cannot tell anything.
'Did Owen step in something or do his shoes need mending?' Armand ponders. 'Maybe they are just new and don't fit well.'
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Thursday December 31st, 2015 12:50:35 PM
Jass smiles at Owen's questions. "No, Owen, no quests or adventures coming out of my mouth today. Sounds like you are already set up to do a little helping, eh? And as for study," he laughs a little at himself, "you are already more learned than I am. You use hard work and knowledge to tap a broad range of magic that I could never hope to master. My magic is infused inside. While I can do some things very well, I can't get better by study, and I really don't have anything magic-wise to teach."
The perceptive sorcerer laughs at himself. "The only thing I could teach you is not to make my mistakes. It took me a long time to realize that I couldn't to everything, and often failed when I tried. I succeeded when I was a part of a team who trusted each other. You learn that, and at your age, and you are already better than me."
Ingrge Nighteer (Emerald Dragon) Friday January 1st, 2016 8:11:57 AM
We are certainly not at a point to be sending anyone off on assignments. I will however share a bit of information that has come our way that you may or may not find helpful or needed.
First off, there is most definitely unrest in Faragunia and western Alisidur as the Mailed Fist seem to be fighting each other in a Civil War!
Secondly, Bonetown is in peace and trade negotiations with the Shipping Guild, following a recent bloody conflict.
And finally, There are still rampaging hordes of undead freely roaming the Scab and surrounding areas following the unexplained destruction of Riddleport.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Saturday January 2nd, 2016 5:03:17 PM
Owen smiles. "Thank you for sharing your wisdom and information with us."
DM RobC - "Thank you for sharing your wisdom and information with us" Monday January 4th, 2016 4:21:44 AM Owen tries a bit of fishing; seeing if he can score the group an assignment from the Dragon Consortium. Alas, whilst Ingrge and Jass are happy to sit and talk about all manner of things with the party, they aren't here for business.
The time passes very quickly in the tavern. What started as breakfast soon becomes morning tea - or second-breakfast, depending on your way of thinking.
There is no sign of Linos or Liana. Both left the Tree the previous evening.
-------------------- OOC: Happy New Year, folks! I hope everyone had a safe and happy festive season.
If anyone has any catacombs shopping still to do, please take care of it asap. The real adventure will be starting very very soon
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' Monday January 4th, 2016 7:54:39 AM "Speaking of sharing, I was fortunate in the festive games in the Giggling Ghost and lotto over the season, and now I would ask you all to chose a number from 1 to 7 inclusive." 'Osul brings out 7 boxes, wrapped and otherwise adorned in a variety of styles and colors, and labelled #1 through #7.
OOC: I'll handle the present identification OOC until such time as the penultimate and ultimate gifts are determined.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet d8=7 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 10:37:13 AM "Thank you very much. That is greatly appreciated. I'm sorry, but I didn't get you anything in exchange. Giving gifts is not a custom amongst my people"
[ooc] No idea how to roll a D7 so I rolled a D8 and fortunately did not get an 8.[/ooc]
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 21 (T 13 FF 18), CMD: 18; HP 33/33 Character Sheet d20+2=13 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 11:08:01 AM
Atlas is still shaking his head after stumbling over the story of their past adventures. However, the thought of a gift brightens him up. "I'll take #3 please! Thank you so much 'Osul. I'll have to visit this Giggling Ghost place at some point."
ooc: Sorry gang, but I was completely consumed with this holidays and din't have a spare moment to put towards delivering the story that I was hoping Atlas would.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' Monday January 4th, 2016 12:06:27 PM "6! No, 4!!!" I'm very exited for a surprise gift, although also feel bad that I did not get anything for anyone myself.
Jass of Downs (Gray Dragons) Monday January 4th, 2016 6:21:59 PM
The sorcerer looks at the sun, and gets up. "Hey, Ingrge, we gotta scoot. There's..." He pauses and looks at all the attentive ears. "There's that thing about the thing over in thing-town, eh?"
"But before we go, maybe you guys will like some more presents, eh?"
The Dragon Consortium member places a sack on the table. "Something to help you do good work out here, OK?" Inside the sack is a collection of potions, all Caster Level 1
Potion of Cure Light Wounds x 2 Potion of Remove Fear x 2 Potion of Endure Elements Potion of Hide from Animals Potion of Hide from Undead Potion of Pass without Trace
Jass waits for Ingrge to take his hand and then with a magical word, the two heroes are gone! Spellcraft DC 22 = Highlight to display spoiler: { Teleport }
Bendoc | ( Dan H) | AC:19 (T: 15 FF: 15) HP: 47 CMD 19 Monday January 4th, 2016 8:06:21 PM
Bendoc mulls over what the Dragon consortium members have said and is impressed with their generosity and nods his head in thanks. At Osul's offer to share in his good luck he replies, "That is very kind of you, I'll go with number one." His wolf yips in approval at his choice.
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet d20+4=13 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 8:37:00 PM "'Osul you shouldn't have." Armand ponders. "I would take number 5, it is a magical number in some circles."
Armand's attention is immediately spun around to Jass of the Downs as the sack falls open revealing several bottles. "Your gifts are too kind for ones as lowly as we. I hope we prove worthy of your gifts." As Jass and Ingrge disappear Armand wonders at the powers of arcane magics. He shakes his head. Spellcraft 13 d20+4
He turns to his new companions. "I'm unsure of how best to distribute the Dragon Consortium's gifts. I would think those that will be charging forward into combat may best be served by having the curative potions. Beyond that I'm not sure who could use what to the best."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 d20=11 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 9:02:49 PM
Owen is also shocked by the spell. (Spellcraft 1d20(11)+9=20.)
When people start passing gifts around, Owen pulls out a gift in snowgnome-print wrapping paper. "Carver, this is for you."
Highlight to display spoiler: {Gift #21 - A magical quarterstaff with a small jade sphere affixed to one end. When swung, the jade leaves a faint trail of color in the air. It grants a +1 competence bonus to Perform checks, +4 when leading parades.}
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet d20+7=27 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 10:48:01 PM
As Jass casts his teleport and they both leave. "Well, they certainly make an exit with flair. If you didn't know, were were just shown a teleport, at least from the point of view of being left behind by one. Thank you Owen, but I really don't need a present, but if you insist I'll accept. I have a few from previous years, but none are really impressive, but I'll give you a rhino horn, made into a horn."
"I guess it's time to head for the forest, we made a commitment to find the lost grove, so lets get going...."
DM RobC - "Well, they certainly make an exit with flair" Tuesday January 5th, 2016 4:42:53 AM Osul brings the festive season to the party, sharing with them the gifts he recently won in his dream-like visit to the Giggling Ghost. Osul is rewarded with a Hero Point for his generosity!
Leskni is truly grateful for the gift, although lacks anything to give in return. Mack, too, is grateful for the present.
Atlas had been making a mental note of a grand epic to share with the party. Alas, he is having trouble with it. Still, a gift from Osul brings a smile to his face.
Jass and Ingrge bid the party well, however even DC members have things they need to attend to. They gift the party an assortment of potions before vanishing from sight.
Bendoc is impressed by the generosity of the Dragon Consortium members. When one has their own castle, they can probably afford to make such gestures.
Armand offers thanks to Jass and Ingrge, and then wonders aloud as to how the potions should be distributed amongst the party.
Owen is shocked by the sudden disappearance of the Consortium. Where did they go?!? In the spirit of the season he then offers a gift to Carver.
Carver is able to identify the spell cast by the DC members as a Teleport spell. Knowing it was Jass, it was likely a Greater Teleport. He offers a gift in return to Owen, and then reminds the party of the task at hand.
Is it time to leave the Tree and journey towards the Culverwood?
Mack (Eric R) AC: 16 (T 16 FF 13), CMD: 14; HP 29/29, Speed: 20' d20+16=19 ; d20+6=11 ; Tuesday January 5th, 2016 7:34:34 AM
Being the first time seeing someone teleport away, I am very impressed. I still check the area closely to make sure they didn't just go invisible, just to mess with us.
(d20+16 perception check of 19)
I have no major input on who grabs which potions. "I have no preference to the potions, but I can carry any or all for people if wanted (putting them on Party Treasure basically)"
I'm excited to be heading out finally. I break out the harmonica and start walking around a little while waiting.
(d20+6 perform harmonica check of 11)
OOC: Speaking of Party Treasure, where is that "Party" Wand Of CLW these days?
Armand (Robert D) AC 16/touch11/flat15 HP 32/32 CMD 16 Character Sheet Tuesday January 5th, 2016 1:45:40 PM
Armand turns to Mack. "That sounds fine by me. That way we can access them as circumstances arrive."
He turns to the rest of the group. "I'm ready to go, just let me get my gear from my room and I can meet you at the base of the tree." Armand finishes off another piece of bacon and swallows the last of his orange juice and leaves the table. He will go to the room and grab his gear and make his way to the base of tree.
Leskni (Paul Jackson) AC: 13/12/14; HP 27/27; CMD: 16 Character Sheet Tuesday January 5th, 2016 2:25:59 PM "I am fine with your carrying the potions. I am also ready to go"
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 12/12/10; HP: 21/21; CMD: 14 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 7:38:23 PM "Carver, I thought the staff might give you a bardic boost. Maybe Atlas wants it, to help with his storytelling?"
With that taken care of, Owen packs his bag and gets ready to go.
Carver (John C) AC 16, AC 18 with shield, CMB 6, CMD 17, HP 37/37 Character Sheet Tuesday January 5th, 2016 8:07:11 PM "I have my violin, and I use my voice, but I only plan to use songs while we are busy doing stuff during which I can't use the violin. If it would help someone else it'd be better. I still offer up the Horn, it's not for me, but it's too finely crafted to just throw away, plus a rhino had to die for it to be crafted. I just hope it was fully used or it was killed because it was rampaging."
'Osul(Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:15, HP:24/24, Speed: 30' d20+5=18 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 4:14:51 AM
'Osul misses the spell {Spellcasting: 18} cast by Jass, but is happy others can advise what it was. He appreciates the responses received. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be, Carver."
OOC: 'Osul still has the CLW wand. He is happy to hand over the responsibility... I mean wand... and focus more on trying to be a (better) Druid.
Presents - Instructions are provided by 'Osu where required or pertinent: Leskni's gift [#7] is an aluminium merchant's scale, embossed with the symbol of Ffloy, weighing only half a pound, and offering +2 circumstance bonus on Appraise checks involving items that are valued by weight, including anything made of precious metals. Atlas' gift [#3] is an ivory spoon that, when used to stir a drink, aids in combining any ingredients added to the cup. Mack's gift [#4] is an ornate magical razor that never leaves a nick or cut on the skin. Much prized by elves and shunned by dwarves. It can be used as a small sized dagger that only causes nonlethal damage. Bendoc's gift [#1] is a magical fist sized, porous, dark grey rock that "beats" like a heart. The owner gains a +1 morale bonus to saves vs fear. Armand's gift [#5] is a piece of goblin chalk whose markings can only be seen by those with darkvision. 10 uses remain. 'Osul looks at the remaining two boxes and hands them out! Owen's gift [#2] is a Gingerbread man with bronze icing. Grants Expeditious Retreat (CL1) when eaten. Must be eaten legs first for the magic to work. Carver's gift [#6] is Caterpillar’s Mushroom of Growth - This small mushroom may be popped in the user’s mouth as an immediate action, and will act as an Enlarge Person spell, lasting 1 minute. Usable only once. I hope that is everyone, and character's are welcome to trade amongst themselves.
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