Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Thursday August 23rd, 2018 1:35:48 PM
Hmm that's a lot of dust to have been spreading around.
'Osul-LAE(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Thursday August 23rd, 2018 5:42:40 PM
'Osul agrees in general, and not seeing anything of further interest here on the ground, begins floating towards The Tree.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Thursday August 23rd, 2018 7:57:53 PM "Hey what about that sappling? Why don't we plant it here to mark where Mack last was?"
Elyngael calls out to the others.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Thursday August 23rd, 2018 11:33:47 PM "The sapling will live long; its placement should mark something similarly timeless. I'm sure Mack will return soon enough."
'Osul-LAE(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Friday August 24th, 2018 12:47:34 AM "Meanwhile, it is getting rather tall and heavy (cumbersome, maybe?), sooner rather than later would be strongly advised. Remember, The Sapling and The Seed were provided so we would continue to communicate with The Tree (an aspect of The Tree?) while it slumbers. If we are going to consult with it, it need to be close by The Tree. This might be close enough, what do you all think?" "On the other hand, I thought it would make some sense for The Seed to be planted where The Tree originally departed, as depicted in the painting from the satyr..."
Shane P Friday August 24th, 2018 5:42:50 AM
the area secure, the Wardens make their way back to the Tree of Parting. during the walk, they discuss the seed and the sapling and what should be done with them. Horns signalling all clear sound from the tree when you all enter the clearing. once you are up Miles wishes to have a word with all of you, in private.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Friday August 24th, 2018 12:08:56 PM
Atlas nods to Miles and says, "Lead the way."
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Friday August 24th, 2018 3:26:52 PM
follows Miles and the rest of the crew for the conversation
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Friday August 24th, 2018 5:54:44 PM
Elyngael follows along.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Friday August 24th, 2018 5:59:20 PM
Privately to the group as they approached the Tree. "I agree with 'Osul and Elyngael. I think we need to plant the sapling sooner rather than later, as things seem to happen to us that causes our plans to go wonky."
Armand speaks up. "Well if it's a private conversation perhaps going to the Triple T, as is the usual course, would best be forgone. Might I suggest our headquarters? There is a large meeting room there."
Shane P Friday August 24th, 2018 10:05:12 PM
Miles follows you all to your house. What all did you see out there? he asks. then shakes his head. No...lets get to that in a minute. guys we are alone here, surrounded by hostile parties on all sides and we are the only source of succor for many miles. There is no garrison, and we are visible for miles around. We've been attacked by roving bands before. The best way to fight them is from the boughs of this tree, we can hit them at will and they can't hit us up here for spit. I admire you all for "talking the fight to the enemy" and all but it wasn't necessary, let them come to us. if one of you had been killed, it would have been a foolish death! . he huffs out a breath, nods, then looks up. now...what did you see out there?
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Saturday August 25th, 2018 9:07:22 AM "Point taken Miles." Armand says.
"However, in this case there was a lot of 'not being seen.' It looks like whoever was out there was using dust of disappearance and dust of tracelessness to get close to the tree. When I got there, it appeared there were many orcs and some ogres and bugbears in the mess. From the gear we found it looks like they belong to the same clan, something with 3 dots as a herald." He pauses. "Perhaps 'Osul can give more details he was the closest."
"All I know is I was tracking a small party that turned into a small horde. I haven't been around the Tree that much to know what sort of defenses you have."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Saturday August 25th, 2018 11:09:39 PM
Owen looks grim in response to Miles' concern. "We know that it is better to fight from the Tree. We came back to warn you, but did not want to leave half of the Wardens to fight the enemy alone." Then he chuckles and says "I guess next time I should prepare Message instead of Teleport."
'Osul-LAE(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Monday August 27th, 2018 5:48:45 AM
For the benefit of Miles, 'Osul recaps the previous late afternoon and evening, and their findings from this morning. The items and armor marked with the three dots are presented. "The horde was invisible and traceless. Had they gotten through the longer grass unspotted they could have apporached un-noticed... And too late we discovered they were working in league with a flying, invisible spellcaster. This was not our usual ground based foes here." He leaves plenty of room for others to add their perspectives.
Shane P Monday August 27th, 2018 9:22:01 PM
Miles keeps quiet as the Wardens lay out there concerns. he then points out that besides some of the current guests of the tree like Misbender and Inger, many of the permanent residences have a bit of spell power. there are alarm spells and various other means to detect advancing enemies and it's not like we havent had a spell caster or two come after us we've taken steps. what steps those are, he does not say.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Tuesday August 28th, 2018 12:50:49 AM
Atlas listens to acknowledges the wisdom of Mile's words, "Your plan makes sense, as always. I will heed your words to the best of my ability. However, it is clear from the symbol that we keep seeing that someone is out there building an army. Can the Tree withstand an army? I know that it is a wondrous and powerful thing, and the people here are courageous, but I think it might be time for us to act as Wardens and get to the bottom of this mysterious symbol we keep seeing."
'Osul-LAE(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Tuesday August 28th, 2018 10:37:11 AM "Plant The Sapling, then get to the bottom of this mysterious symbol we keep seeing. Before the time of no Tree."
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Tuesday August 28th, 2018 5:07:09 PM
Armand finds himself wondering with all the defenses that Miles has described, what does the Tree need with the Wardens. But then again where were all these defenses when those crazed Treants and demon elementals attacked the tree shortly before the whole red vine/sargrassi adventure took place.
He perks up, ignoring Miles. "Yes 'Osul we need to get that sapling planted before it's no longer a sapling. Where do you think we should plant it?"
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Tuesday August 28th, 2018 5:53:26 PM "That was why Elyngael, Khan and I were out scouting yesterday, when this all started. I think we might have a couple of locations that would work, and put simple defenses in place to help protect The Sapling while it gets established."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Tuesday August 28th, 2018 7:46:27 PM "If the sapling is supposed to be some sort of contact device for this tree then we should plant it at least past the canopy of the tree. That way it will get enough light and rain to grow but be near enough to be your contact device."
Shane P Tuesday August 28th, 2018 10:18:40 PM
miles sticks around to listen in as the crew discusses where to plant the tree. he speaks up.
My dad was a forester all his life. he taught me much about trees. kind of how I wound up here. I had to go my own way as a soldier, but the tree of parting gives me a connection to my father. He told me that as a rule of thumb if you know how tall the tree is going to get, you need to plant other trees at least that far from each other. it keeps them out of each other's light, and they don't compete for water and nutrients as much. .
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 d20+12=27 ; d20+15=30 ; d20+15=32 ; Tuesday August 28th, 2018 11:00:13 PM
Owen thinks about what the best place might be to plant the Tree. Knowledge (Nature, Local, Geography): 27, 30, 32.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Wednesday August 29th, 2018 6:23:35 AM
let's plant already.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 d20+5=21 ; d20+17=21 ; Wednesday August 29th, 2018 9:08:29 AM "I think our dad's think alike, Miles."
'Osul lays out a few prospective sites, their pros and cons, takes other suggestions onboard, and weighs them up also. {Know(Geography): 21, +2 Aid Owen, Know(Nature): 21, +2 Aid Owen} Though, mostly he is just helpful.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Wednesday August 29th, 2018 10:10:55 AM
Atlas is on board with Neshi, "I like Miles' suggestion, lets just plant it a distance equal to the height of the Tree of Parting in some direction. I would vote for East, along the route from the cities, but honestly, I don't have a strong opinion on it and will go with whatever the group decides. I'm going to go back to see James and get ready to travel. We'll do the planting when we leave."
Turning to Miles, "Can we have someone from the Tree provide some magical assistance to help it get started and protect it from those that would do harm? Maybe a ward or something?"
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Wednesday August 29th, 2018 7:39:59 PM "The sapling should probably be planted north or south of the tree, that way the tree itself will never block sunlight."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Wednesday August 29th, 2018 8:04:45 PM
Owen says to the group, "Ideally we would wait to do this until Mack, our Greenmage, got back."
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Wednesday August 29th, 2018 8:13:44 PM
Armand shrugs and takes out his scholar's journal and begins to make entries and do some editing.
Shane P Wednesday August 29th, 2018 10:34:34 PM
Ideas are passed around, some wish to get the danged thing planted already, others wish to wait for a more auspicious time when their friend is back from his service to Maab. It seems prudent to not tarry too much longer, else the sapling will become a too large to move. it's growing like a weed.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Thursday August 30th, 2018 6:37:34 AM "So, how did the Tree scaling competion go, Miles?"
"I'll be ready as The Wood sees fit for the planting come morning, but the support of the leaders and people would be welcome. And while I would like to wait for Mack to return, when he does, he will be best placed to determine the best course of action for The Seed."
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Thursday August 30th, 2018 2:32:04 PM
Atlas finds his way back to the group, astonished that nothing is decided yet. " 'Osul, I do agree with you, but at this rate it will be another month before we manage to get this done. Hopefully you don't take offense to this..." Atlas goes to the tree, picks it up and starts heading north. "El, you said north or south right? I'm going north then, closer to the Culverwood. Anyone can join if they wish, it will only be a short walk, maybe half a kilometer or so. It will probably be something grand to talk about in 10 years when this amazing tree is grown to full height and people are living here too. Please do yell up to the locals, I'm sure they can catch up. I'll walk slow."
As Atlas walks he talks to himself and anyone else that might be within earshot, "We'll have to come up with a name. Tree of Parting II isn't fitting. Hmm, what about The Tree of Life, or The Peace Tree, or maybe The Saint Tree...hmm, something here is bound go catch on. It is a living thing, and if the Tree of Parting can be the judget, it seems to have some will of its own, at least the Tree of Parting did when it attacked the attackers that one day. It takes care of the people and animals like a loving parent or grand parent. And yet, this tree is new, so is it like a new born babe with a huge weight on its shoulders, or is it just an extension of the existing Tree of Parting and inherits its wisdom and desire for good? Or is the Tree of Parting actually just a plant and neutral on things going on in the wold. I don't think so, it gives me a feeling...back to naming. The Sacred Tree, The Skyward Tree, The Tree of Innocence, The Tree of Virtue, oh, I like that one." Atlas goes on and on as he waits to see who catches up. The tree is getting heavy, but he didn't spend the last few years of his life defeating monsters to let a little tree get the best of him.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Thursday August 30th, 2018 3:46:52 PM
Joining Atlas, He peruses the names along with him and adds several of his own, what about the "Sanctuary Tree," "Justice Tree" or the "Asylum Tree."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Thursday August 30th, 2018 5:19:23 PM
Elyengael jumps up and follows Atlas with the sapling.
"Maybe we should let time decide on what to call the sapling."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Thursday August 30th, 2018 7:15:56 PM
Owen strolls with Atlas and looks for a good spot to place the sapling.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Thursday August 30th, 2018 8:10:24 PM
Armand slams his journal shut and leaps up to follow Atlas.
"At last something concrete to do." He thinks to himself.
Shane P Thursday August 30th, 2018 8:46:26 PM
leave it to Atlas to break an impass with action and purpose. as he walks he is joined by other member of the tree, boolia and Ryan Inger help Atlas carry the tree, soon all the tree dwellers are on the floor, each helping atlas, to carry the tree. It seems everyone wants to have a small part in the new tree. something to tell the grandkids about. About a kilometer and a half from the tree of parting, a strong wind blows against you, strong enough that you stop. everyone looks around. it's a slight hill, a small stream flows at it's base. the shadow from the Tree of parting bearly reaches here in midwinter, and never during the other seasons. what is more the place feels right, almost as if the tree itself is saying "right here"
someone thought to bring spades and soon a hole is dug, once again everybody takes a shovel of dirt out the hole, Miles Lilliput and Hiflanyl kind of take on the role of master Arborists and provide good direction and advice on how to plant the tree. from how to handle the root ball to how to tie it out till it's roots take good hold. they put together a plan to keep it watered until the roots can reach down to the water table. Miles even arranges for a patrol to come out here to keep an eye on it. once the tree is planted it's a thing of beauty. it's like a picture the very definition of "the tree on the hill" and dosen't it already look bigger?
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Friday August 31st, 2018 1:02:27 PM
Atlas looks about at the assembled group and smiles, This was a good day he thinks to himself. He then speaks up "Thank you everyone, that was more emotional than I thought it would be. We have done our duty, and thanks to Miles, Lilliput, and Hiflanyl we have a plan to ensure that this new tree grows to it's full potential. While I haven't spoken with the others about this, I am sure they will agree. As the Wardens of the Tree of Parting you can be assured that we will extend our protection to this new tree as well." Atlas looks about sheepishly, not really meaning for that to come off as a speech or anything.
"Head back? Or are we having a picnic now?"
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Friday August 31st, 2018 8:39:19 PM
Elyngael and Khan scout the area to make sure there are no orc, bugbear, orgre, or what not, tracks in the area.
They will stay within site of the gathering of people.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Friday August 31st, 2018 9:13:57 PM
Armand busily records the entire event in his journal, making sure everything is recorded for posterity, or at least for the scholars guild.
He speaks to Atlas. "Well said. I think we should head back. It's getting late and we need to rest. Then we need to decide where or what to do next. We've been stagnating for awhile here doing nothing really."
Armand pauses and then continues when other Wardens are also nearby to hear. "Granted that apparently several months have passed since the whole meteor, red vines, Sargrassy jaunt occurred. But we've got several things to consider. 1 - What happened in Plateau city, before Maab yanked us out of there it seemed that some secret group had designs on the town. 2 - Some giants were attacking the local country side between the Tree and Plateau City, wiping out towns and what not. Granted that may have been tied into the whole shebang with the secret organization in Plateau City. 3 - Owen's back but he originally left to go check his family and never made it. Maybe we should help him in checking what's going on with them. Perhaps they need to be transplanted to the Tree where Owen can spend more time with them."
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Friday August 31st, 2018 9:42:06 PM "Atlas, no offence taken. Apparently I can herd cats, but I don't have your gift for getting people to follow."
"As it is I will be staying out here with The Sapling in vigil and meditation until sunrise. People are welcome to stay as long as they like, and we will return for breakfast."
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Sunday September 2nd, 2018 11:37:00 AM
OOC: DM Rob's post on Monday July 9th, 2018 10:00:25 AM included reference to "Several uneventful weeks pass" and "A few venture to "nearby" Plateau City to visit the guilds there.". Pending DM clarification, I'm assuming the WLA and/or other guilds have the situation in Plateau City, Sawdust, and such in hand. If not, I'm sure we would have found out otherwise during that downtime.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Sunday September 2nd, 2018 11:49:11 PM
Owen weighs in on the discussion: "We'd know if something were happening in Plateau City. As to seeing my family again, I've just learned to Scry and Teleport, so that should give me a better chance of finding them."
Shane P Monday September 3rd, 2018 2:39:08 PM
ooc: 'Osul is correct. the situation in Plateau City and environs is well in hand.
after the planting several folks head back to the ToP. while a few stay and bask in the quiet pride and wonder of planting a new MegaTree on the plains. 'Osul finds that meditation comes easily to him here, a calming peace of mind, like setting with an old friend and stalwart protector at the same time.
back at the tree food is prepared and baskets sent out to the folk staying by the tree, only 'Osul spends the night in quiet contemplation. The food is good. bacon wrapped and pecan-crusted pork tenderloin, spiced green beans, carrots and some kind of pungent sauce that perfectly pairs with the rest of the meal. Atlas was right...today was a good day.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Monday September 3rd, 2018 8:03:47 PM
Armand will return to the Tree and sleep.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Monday September 3rd, 2018 9:10:23 PM
After assuring herself there are no humanoid tracks in the area, Elyngael and Khan return to the Tree for the night.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Monday September 3rd, 2018 11:38:55 PM
Owen stays with 'Osul for a while, but ultimately heads home for rest.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Tuesday September 4th, 2018 7:57:49 AM
'Osul prepares for dawn. The focus for this mornings meditation is clear - the newly planted Sapling. With the arrival of the rays of light, 'Osul casts Speak with Plants, and asks The Sapling their impression of their new home, and if it is comfortable. Eventually, he offers to cast Plant Growth (Enrichment) on the top of the hill, whether or not it directly benefits The Sapling. He leaves a clean hill behind him as he returns to The Tree.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Tuesday September 4th, 2018 3:19:26 PM
Atlas stays as 'Osul finishes his work and then he heads back with him. When back at the Tree with everyone he suggests, "Should we come up with a plan for heading out and tracking down that symbol we keep coming across? We need to deal with this at some point and I don't see why we wouldn't just tackle it now since we don't have any other pressing tasks."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Tuesday September 4th, 2018 9:12:49 PM "That would be a good plan, Atlas. Any suggestions?"
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Wednesday September 5th, 2018 11:06:06 AM "It just so happens that I do. If we look at each instance we can see that they seem to be coming from somewhere to the north east. We should see if we can get a message to the Emerald City to see if they have encountered it at all, but my guess is that it will be further east."
Atlas asks the folks of the Tree if someone can communicate with Emerald City for them and ask the question.
-------------------------------------------------------- ooc: DMs, what do you want us to roll to see if we know what direction we should be going? We've had enough encounters with this symbol that I'm guessing we should have a good idea of where to start looking. With our druid able to fly, I expect that we could cover a lot of ground searching in a relatively short period as well.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 Wednesday September 5th, 2018 11:46:05 AM "Word on where else they have been sighted recently would be useful. Failing that, we could follow the trail of the group back from where they've come from." "By the way, Owen, what do you recommend by way of tactics against invisible, flying wizards?" To be fair, after that last fight, 'Osul is willing to get 2 coppers worth (or more) of advice on the subject of tactics from any Warden willing to share.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Wednesday September 5th, 2018 4:01:35 PM
Is this the symbol associated with the consortium? (PC might remember but I certainly don't) IIf so I am certainly up for getting back after them. I know we had that prisoner but then he was killed but didn't we get some information anyway back at the jail, just before MAAB grabbed us?
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Wednesday September 5th, 2018 5:30:18 PM "Hmm." Armand contemplates. "I could do the whole speak with dead thing on one or more of the Orcs, but we'd be faced with the same potential problem we had with Gaston. Their, unwillingness to talk. Still it could be worth a try. We'd have to come up with three questions to ask. Maybe where do you come from?" He turns to the others. "What do you think?
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Wednesday September 5th, 2018 7:09:07 PM
Owen grins as 'Osul asks about his most common tactic. "Well, I can cast See Invisible, but that's only helpful for me. Dispel Magic would help with either the flight or the invisibility, once we can see them. Conjuration isn't my specialty, but Glitterdust would be helpful for a little while. The best option is probably a Druid spell, 'Osul: Faerie Fire. That will light them up for all to see."
"Actually, if we have to fight a spellcaster like that again, I have some tricks prepared..."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Wednesday September 5th, 2018 8:01:28 PM
Elyngael says, "Usually the easiest thing would be to try and back track them. With a group that large there passage should been easily noticeable. However, with what their magic user was doing I'm not sure backtracking them is an option."
Trey posting for DM Shane Thursday September 6th, 2018 12:47:23 PM
The group mulls a few different ideas, but one thing is for certain, you are heading out. You pack your bags and prepare for the long journey, with a stop at the place where the encounter happened to possibly speak with the dead. James assists you in your preparations, prepares your horses that have been returned from the city (for those of you that want to ride), and assures that all will be well. The people of the Tree wish you safe hunting.
You are only about 500 feet out from the canopy of the tree when you see a strange shimmer to the air in the distance, like you would see when looking off into the distance in the hot desert, but it appears to be substantial, like you could touch it if you walked up to it. It encompasses everything to the north, whether you look to the left or right, it appears to be spread ahead of you. The horses and any other animals with you make a little noise and seem uneasy when they see the wall.
You are about 100 feet from the shimmering wall and it stretches up and out in both directions as far as the eye can see. You don't feel any change in the environment and if you step back it disappears. It only appears once you are within 100 feet. If you are riding, walking, or flying you all have the same experience.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Thursday September 6th, 2018 1:08:29 PM
Atlas is glad to be on the road, and happy the horses will get them there faster, but he doesn't get to enjoy it long. "What the heck is this?" He pulls Sabre up short, impressed by the combat trained horse's reaction compared to the others.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Thursday September 6th, 2018 2:37:27 PM
Neshi eyes the shimmery space and calmly kneels down, grabs a small rock and heaves into the center of the shimmer.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 d4+1=4 ; d20+23=37 ; d20+2=4 ; d20+13=17 ; Thursday September 6th, 2018 5:56:47 PM "I don't remember anything like this being here when we came back from The Sapling for breakfast, eh Atlas?" He follows 'Neshi's lead, seeing the response of the shimmerwall, and tries something of his own. He gets close enough to it to try summoning a small pack of dogs on either side of the shimmerwall (d4+1=4 dogs), which he then commands to cross the wall with "come" and "away" commands.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+9=21 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+13=28 ; Thursday September 6th, 2018 8:58:46 PM "This doesn't look good. And the tree was planted to the south remember." Armand casts detect magic and gazes at the wall. spellcraft 21 (d20+9) He's trying to determine what sort of spell this is. If this is as big as indicated then is this god level magic?
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Thursday September 6th, 2018 9:24:10 PM
Elyngael looks at the shimmering wall in dismay. "Not again! Why can't we just protect what we have where we are? If this is another dimension door or world, I'm not sure I want to do anything but leave it alone. It's not hurting us. I just want to be a good Ranger and explore and protect what we have." Elyngael looks at the others standing there trying to figure out what to do.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 d20+20=30 ; d20+19=20 ; Thursday September 6th, 2018 11:07:14 PM
Owen chuckles at Elyngael's complaint. He casts Detect Magic and attempts to learn more about the shimmering wall. Knowledge (Arcana): 30. Spellcraft: 20.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 d20+5=14 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+2=7 ; Thursday September 6th, 2018 11:25:40 PM "Thanks Owen. I have Faerie Fire, but there was large number of unseen on the ground, and I didn't see the other guy until he was no longer invisible, I think." "Armand, Atlas left The Tree with The Sapling headed north, closer to The Culverwood. Now, I may not know north from south... No, wait a minute!" He takes a moment to try to offer some support to Armand's thoughts on what this might be. "You are already a good ranger Elyngael. Be confident in your footing, and reach further!"
Aid Armand: (Spellcraft: 14, Know. Planes: 12, Know. Religion: 7)
Trey posting for DM Shane Friday September 7th, 2018 11:46:37 AM
The group gives a collective sigh at another hurdle preventing them from attaining their goals. 'Osul, Armand, Owen, as you study the wall you sense that it is more than a magical field. There is no known mortal magic that could create something so massive that it would go as far as the eye can see in all directions. Your thoughts are confirmed when Armand's detect magic spell results in nothing. Armand, you have the sense that this could be something divine, but if it is your knowledge does not provide any clues as to what it could be.
As 'Osul, Armand, and Owen study the wall, and Elyngael lets her frustration be known, Neshi picks up a rock and throws it at the wall. The moment before it hits she sees a dragonfly cross in front of it and fly into the wall. When the dragonfly touches the shimmer there is a flash, you cannot tell if it is a physical flash or a mental flash, but you blink your eyes involuntarily and you see that you are as you were moments before, just when you were about to cross into the area where you could see the shimmering wall. You have the memory of what happened, but you appear to be exactly as you were a few seconds prior to crossing that threshold.
'Osul, you cannot sense the dogs that you had started to summon. It is as if your spell never completed before the dragonfly crossed the threshold. However, you do remember sensing animals on the other side of the shimmering wall prior to the disruption.
You stand about 110ft from where you think the wall was, 10ft from where you think you crossed the invisible line that let you see the shimmering wall. You look about and all seems normal from your vantage point, except for the sense of 'how the heck did I end up back here' that you are left with after the flash. There is a slight sense of dread that seeps in as you consider that the sapling is on the other side of that wall, off in the distance.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Friday September 7th, 2018 11:55:07 AM
Atlas looks about, "Did you see that? The dragonfly hit the wall and boom, here we are again. Did we teleport back here or go back in time? Ugh, I'm with El, I just want to get on with our adventure and get past these stupid diversions. It is like the Wold is punishing us for some reason. Shouldn't it be happy we planted the next great wonder?"
Atlas takes a deep breath, tries his best to get over his whining, and looks to the others for help. "Any ideas? You all are the experts when it comes to magic and the divine. Although, I'm more than happy to try running into if if you think it will help. Then again, maybe it is gone, I'll check" Atlas walks forward about 15 feet to see if he can see the shimmering wall again.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire d20+7=17 ; d20+7=15 ; d20+7=26 ; Friday September 7th, 2018 3:47:41 PM Knowledge Planes DC 17, Spellcraft Dc 15, Knowledge Arcana 26
Neshi walks back up toward the line where they could see the shimmer and looks at it from several different angles even going so far as to do a sniff test to see if he smells anything different about the area or not. Looking where the dragonfly was, Neshi tries to remember what happened to the dragon fly, did it pass through something?, was it flash fried?, He even goes so far as to look for dragon fly remains on the ground.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Friday September 7th, 2018 5:33:01 PM
Armand turns to 'Osul, "North South," he waves his hand in the air, "that's why I'm not a ranger...or a druid.
Armand takes the shovel from his bag of holding and walks up to the line. About a foot short of it he starts digging a hole. Goal to dig about a foot down and then begin slanting over to the magic field. Does it extend below the ground?
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 d20+15=23 ; Friday September 7th, 2018 5:35:29 PM
Elyngael turns around and surveys the area behind them. Just to make sure they didn't get teleported to the other side of the field and not realize it. Is the Tree still behind them? Is there anything different about the Tree?
Perception (d20+15=23)
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:47/59 d20+31=43 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+21=32 ; Friday September 7th, 2018 9:20:24 PM
OOC: How far are/were we from The Sapling? "Can someone else try casting a spell? I just tried to summon a pack of dogs to both sides of the shimmerwall to test it, but they failed to assume form. Meanwhile, I've broken with tradition, and need to rectify that." ————— Cast Toros Taur's Try (Centaur), and check Survival(Weather Prediction): 43, usually good for 6 days.
Perception: 34, Knowledge (Nature): 32, plus any relevance of 'Osul's druidic meditations this morning being focussed on The Sapling
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Sunday September 9th, 2018 7:05:41 PM
Owen says "I think it might be a time effect? To be sure, we should have part of the group test it. I'll hang back; you guys stand where you can see it. See if it requires a living trigger like that dragonfly or if a rock will do it. Don't touch it yourself, though: remember the mirror image fight we had that one time?"
Trey posting for DM Shane Monday September 10th, 2018 12:14:40 PM
As a group you look about and all seems the same. Elyngael, you see that the Tree is behind you and it appears that you could just go home with no trouble at all.
The Sapling is still over a kilometer away to the north. As you enter into the area again the wall does re-appear and further arcane investigation indicates that this is not a spell of any kind and not likely due to magic. This would lead to the assumption that it is either divine or something else entirely. Those with knowledge of Astral planes are unsure if this could be something related to that.
'Osul, as you look about you see what you believe is that same dragonfly flying about. It buzzes about quickly, but doesn't approach the shimmer again. Instead it lands on Neshi's back.
Armand, you continue to dig as the group goes about trying to figure things out. One would imagine that a wall of this size would extend into the ground as well, but it is worth a shot. However, it seems that life isn't always as one would expect. You take a breath and stab your shovel into the ground a final time thinking that it has to touch the wall if it extends down, but nothing happens. It was delicate work ensuring that your elbows, head, and other body parts didn't touch while you were shoveling, but sure enough, after you clear some dirt away you notice that the wall sits about 6 inches above the ground, right about where the grass rises up and almost touches it. It was nearly impossible to see before, but as the dirt falls away and the grass lowers, sure enough, the wall stops.
Owen, as you watch the group you pick up a rock since no one else did. You're thinking about throwing it as you watch Armand finish digging, but you notice a flock of geese above flying straight towards the wall. Unfortunately you see them too late to take action and they fly directly into the wall.
Flash, you all are back to where you were before entering the area where you could see the shimmering wall. Owen, you look up to see the geese flying where you would have assumed they were when they entered the area. Their formation scatters and they seem confused. A couple geese manage to fly straight north still and it is only a matter of a few seconds before they disappear from view and reappear where they were again. You cannot see the wall, but you assume based on their positions that they flew into it again. This time around it is enough to cause them to fly in a different direction. They form up again and head south.
Neshi, you catch 'Osul watching you and notice that he is looking at the dragonfly on your back. You remember watching the dragonfly approach the wall and there was the mental flash, but you don't remember exactly what happened to the dragonfly when it touched. The only conclusion you can draw is that the moment the dragonfly touched the wall you had the mental flash, therefore there was no way to see what happened to it. However, inspection of the ground in the general area you think it touched shows no trace of it.
Atlas, you continue to be flabbergasted as you depend on the others for their knowledge. No one suggests running through it, so there is that.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Monday September 10th, 2018 12:24:33 PM
Atlas looks a bit ashamed, "Armand, next time let me do the digging. I'm here for that type of stuff, you shouldn't tax yourself so much."
"Well, based on what Armand found, we could just dig under it. However, I worry about leaving the people of the Tree here without the ability to get to the Sapling, or anything to the north really. Granted, maybe the solution is on the other side? I'll do the rest of the digging."
If the group is up for it, Atlas shakes off the latest flash and starts to dig a big enough hole for everyone to crawl through, even if they don't want to go through, it would be good to have it there."[/b]
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Monday September 10th, 2018 3:30:46 PM
Hmm I wonder if somehow Maab or some entity is protecting the sapling from anyone encroaching upon it until it is large enough to do for itself? I suggest we go around it and while we are at it we can figure out how large the area is that is encompassed by the wall.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Monday September 10th, 2018 5:37:49 PM "Hold up Atlas, Neshi has a point. We haven't yet gone east or west to see how far this thing extends. Maybe we should do that before trying to dig a trench big enough for us to get the horses to the other side."
Armand looks to where he was digging the hole. Can he tell if the hole is still there or if it 'reset' when the geese hit the 'wall'?
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Monday September 10th, 2018 5:38:50 PM
OOC - 'Osul should you reset your hp, healing 1 hp/level+con bonus per 8 hours rest.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Monday September 10th, 2018 6:30:42 PM
Owen thinks for a moment. "Well, we can try digging underneath while keeping the everything nearby from running into this giant wall. Between Wind Wall, some archery, and maybe an illusion or two we might be able to do it. It's a big barrier, though...
I'm also a little worried about why something divine would want to keep people from heading north."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 d20+15=31 ; Monday September 10th, 2018 6:53:50 PM
Elyngael continues to look around.
Perception (d20+15=21) How can we tell if time is actually passing?
"Well if we are going to scout east or west I suggest we not split the party."
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 Tuesday September 11th, 2018 7:04:14 AM
OOC: Thank you, meditation counts as rest.
"I'm not convinced it is a time-thing..."
"'Neshi, that sounds like something Queen Maab might do. Potentially, this could be normal - the when or how sentience is bestowed, or it could be abnormal, as in catching up for lost time." A twinge of sadness and regret shadows his face momentarily. "And you've got a new friend, or something that thinks you are a good place to rest."
"I'm not convinced it is a time-thing, but I'm all for keeping together.", he adds with a nod to Elyngael, "But next time you want digging done, let me know so I can find something that makes quicker work... or I could just... Could you back up and give me some room, please?" Given the space, 'Osul will cast Soften Earth and Stone,... "and I've got something with more kick if that isn't enough."
"I'm not convinced it is a time-thing... What?!"
Trey for DM Shane Tuesday September 11th, 2018 11:34:05 AM
As you all discuss options, Armand looks over to where the hole was and sees that it is as if he never picked up a shovel. Atlas would have to start from scratch, but that will be a lot easier now with 'Osul's softening of the ground.
However, the group seems intent on trying to see where this shimmering wall might end, more so than what is on the other side anyway. After a brief discussion you decide to head east. It doesn't take more than 50 feet when something triggers the wall again and all of you are back to where you started. Using common sense the group decides to travel east outside of the wall's effect this time.
Periodically you walk into the area (on purpose and by mistake) and one or more of you see the wall again, ensuring that you are on the right track. It is perilous work checking on the wall since no one knows what will happen if only one of you are in the area when something goes through it. However, before fate can show you, you see something on the horizon.
Up ahead you see what appear to be humanoid figures. From this distance it is hard to tell anything about them. Maybe 3 or 4? You cannot tell what race they are or what they are doing, but you can see that they stand right about where the wall would be and are busy moving around. Before you take action you see them disappear and reappear about 100 feet from where they were. They seem to be suffering from the same thing you did.
You are far enough away that they haven't seen you, but also you cannot really see them all that well either.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Tuesday September 11th, 2018 11:39:26 AM
Atlas hears Elyngael and looks up to see if the sun has made any progress across the sky since they started with all this. He continues to watch as they travel, a feeling of unease settling in his belly.
When they see the figures Atlas looks to 'Osul, "I think we need some eyes in the air, my friend."
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Tuesday September 11th, 2018 5:11:11 PM "Interesting. They seem to be getting bumped back and restarting. But we do not seem to have the same effect here. Is the time disturbance localized then?"
Armand looks at Atlas. "Eyes in the air? Why do you assume there may be hostilities? This is just like when we met that poor trapper on the road."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Tuesday September 11th, 2018 8:46:35 PM
Owen smiles at Armand's worry. "Atlas probably meant that they would be easier to see from a distance if we were in the air. He didn't imply hostilities."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Tuesday September 11th, 2018 9:09:02 PM
Elyngael begins to wonder if it wouldn't be better to go back to the Tree and wait for whatever is stopping their progress to go away. It's not like they can deal with god level magic.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 Wednesday September 12th, 2018 6:27:30 AM "Whatever it is, it needs to be witnessed, and maybe even recorded. Shall I go and see who or what the others are, and extend the hand of friendship?"
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Wednesday September 12th, 2018 7:51:25 AM
if any go, I think we all should go. There is no need for hostilities until there is, so I say we keep making our way around mapping as we go and see who they are.
Trey for DM Shane Wednesday September 12th, 2018 10:53:35 AM
After some discussion, and the suggestion that maybe they should revisit the Tree, the group decides to get a closer look. As one, you move in that direction and at one point there appears to be a nice long stretch where those figures are not bounced out. If at any point you are in the area of effect and the figures get bounced out, you end up getting bounced out as well, back to the last point where you entered and could see the shimmering wall. The time you spend in the area of effect is not long enough to watch the sun move, so it is hard to say exactly what is happening. However, the feeling you are given is that when you are bounced out time is reset for anything that was in the field of influence, but everything outside of it appears that it is not impacted.
Eventually you make progress and get close enough to notice that it is 2 boys and a girl. One boy appears to be older, maybe 12ish, the other two appear to be around 8 years old. They are human, and they are wearing clothing you would expect from farmer's children, but they are covered in dirt that has made streaks down their faces from what appear to be both tears and sweat.
You can also now see that they are clearly trying to dig a hole under the wall. As you approach, the boys seem to hurry with their digging while the girl yells at them, although you can't hear exactly what she is saying. The hole appears to be big enough now for one to fit through. Sure enough the younger boy starts to scoot through as you get closer. The larger boy turns to face you with his back to the hole and the girl moves behind him. She is urging her little brother through the hole and you clearly sense worry in her voice.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 d20+6=19 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2018 2:31:07 PM
Atlas laughs at what Owen says, "Thank you Owen, but you really do think more of me than you should. I plan to assume they are hostile until we get closer and see for sure that they are not." Atlas dismounts from his horse and walks the beast so that he can more quickly defend himself if the need arises.
All appears to be for naught though when they see the kids. "It's just some kids. Looks like they are having some luck with the digging this time." As they approach Atlas leaves the area of influence and enters back in so that if they are bounced again he doesn't end up further away.
As they approach Atlas puts on his most un-scary face and says to the kids, "Hey there, no need to be scared. Are you OK?"
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+10=15 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2018 5:57:05 PM
Armand follows Atlas's example and weaves in and out of the wall's influence.
Armand shakes his head at Atlas leading the diplomatic way. "Hello good people. Are you lost?"
Aid other diplomacy 15 (d20+10)
OOC Do we recognize these children? Anyone have knowledge local?
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 d20+23=24 ; d20+23=24 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2018 6:06:03 PM
*This could almost be me and my siblings a dozen years ago.*, 'Osul thinks to himself.
"Can we help you?", he adds as he quickly looks for signs of injuries. Perception: 24, Heal:24 - Glad both natural ones aren't automatic fails for skill checks!
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 d20+17=26 ; Wednesday September 12th, 2018 8:38:01 PM
Elyngael continues to look around. She makes sure to stay out of the bounce zone as much as possible.
Perception (d20+17=26)
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire d20+7=26 ; Thursday September 13th, 2018 6:54:51 AM
Staying toward the back as to not overly startle the children, Neshi tries to get a sense of what is going on with them.
Perception DC 26
Trey for DM Shane Thursday September 13th, 2018 5:31:44 PM
You all put on your most kind and welcoming faces for these children, doing your best to appraise the situation and help them in any way that you can. The younger boy has made it through the small channel they dug and he shouts back to the others, "Come on, hurry up before something touches the wall!" The girl quickly turns and starts to crawl under the wall as you realize that sound is traveling through the shimmering wall as if it wasn't even there.
The older boy responds to your questions as he takes a step backwards towards the wall. He seems very cautious and his voice cracks a little as he starts to speak, "Hello good people. We were, um, we were looking for our bugbear, he ran this way and then the wall went up between us. He kept running while we kept being forced back." The boy takes a peek behind him to see how the girl is doing before continuing.
"We are not hurt or anything, just frustrated. If you don't mind, we're going to try and get through this wall before we get sent back again." With that he turns to try and follow the girl, who is halfway under the wall right now.
You don't recognize the children, but you do know that there are farms in the area. You sense that the kids are nervous and in a hurry, but you are unable to tell if it is due to the wall or something else. You are on the fence on whether or not you believe their story. Neshi and Elyngael, you notice that the boy on the other side of the shimmering wall has something stashed away in his shirt. You cannot tell what it is, but his shirt is larger in the front and it isn't because he has grown a beer belly at this young age. The boy is moving a lot trying to encourage the others to get through, so you are not sure if the moment you see in that spot of his shirt is moving on its own or just due to his movement.
As all this is going on, you notice that the shimmering wall is starting to take on color, or rather a mix of color, like a muted rainbow of colors across the surface. It is still completely transparent, just a very slight hue thus far.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Thursday September 13th, 2018 5:36:13 PM
Atlas, as always, starts to wonder what the kids could be up to. However, this time he shows good restraint. Instead of doing something rash, he looks to Armand for direction, smirking to show that he is being a good little fighter.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+15=25 ; d20+10=30 ; Thursday September 13th, 2018 7:52:33 PM
Sense Motive 25 (d20+15)
He intones to Atlas, "See this is why we need a code language."
"Really, you have a pet Bugbear? Somehow I don't believe you. Maybe you better tell the truth before we just hit the wall and we get a reset." Diplomacy 30 (d20+10)
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Thursday September 13th, 2018 10:32:26 PM
Owen has had an idea about how to pass the wall, but will wait until this situation with the children is resolved... He's pretty suspicious of the kids.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 d20+23=34 ; d20+11=23 ; Friday September 14th, 2018 7:33:00 AM
'Osul steps out of the conversation - that is well in hand - but he is also less than convinced by the offered explanations and goings on. Perception: 34, Sense Motive: 23
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Friday September 14th, 2018 12:31:23 PM
You all clearly sense that something is amiss. Two children are now through to the other side and the oldest is on the verge of diving through the hole, but before he does a sense of resignation crosses his face and you see tears start to form in his eyes. "We did have a bugbear, we raised him from when he was little, but he's dead now. An old witch killed him and said that if we didn't take a plant to some new tree by a stream that she would kill us too. She put a curse on us and said we would turn black and get boils on us while we died a horrible death if we didn't have it there by tomorrow. Len there has it under his shirt. Can you help us?"
As the boy tells the story Len pulls out the plant and you can see that it is a small vine like plant, but before your eyes it starts to whither and blacken. The girl wails in grief, presumably assuming that they are next to blacken and whither.
You do notice that she looks a little older than she did, and when you look at Len he seems more like 12 now than 8. They are aging on the other side of the wall!
Trey for DM Shane Friday September 14th, 2018 12:32:09 PM
You all clearly sense that something is amiss. Two children are now through to the other side and the oldest is on the verge of diving through the hole, but before he does a sense of resignation crosses his face and you see tears start to form in his eyes. "We did have a bugbear, we raised him from when he was little, but he's dead now. An old witch killed him and said that if we didn't take a plant to some new tree by a stream that she would kill us too. She put a curse on us and said we would turn black and get boils on us while we died a horrible death if we didn't have it there by tomorrow. Len there has it under his shirt. Can you help us?"
As the boy tells the story Len pulls out the plant and you can see that it is a small vine like plant, but before your eyes it starts to whither and blacken. The girl wails in grief, presumably assuming that they are next to blacken and whither.
You do notice that she looks a little older than she did, and when you look at Len he seems more like 12 now than 8. They are aging on the other side of the wall!
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Friday September 14th, 2018 3:53:11 PM
Neshi steps forward and touches the wall before the boy makes it all the way under, not wanting them to get away before things are settled out with the children and this supposed witch.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Friday September 14th, 2018 7:13:12 PM "Okay that's just weird. I have no idea what type of magics are involved here." Armand says.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Friday September 14th, 2018 7:24:36 PM
Elyngael and Khan stand just outside the barrier threshold, ready to react after the reset.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 Saturday September 15th, 2018 2:07:41 AM
With no strong concerns, 'Osul reenters the conversation, after getting Armand's attention. "A witch cursed you, you say? Where did you meet her? ... What did she look like? ..." 'Osul listens intently, and initially he doesn't think this is a witch, or at least not a curse on the kids. He does think whoever they are, they are a bully, and likely mean harm to The Sapling. If a curse can be identiified then that is beyond his abilities. He looks to the other wardens and asks, "So, who is our resident expert on curses and witches?".
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 d20+20=31 ; Sunday September 16th, 2018 2:43:49 PM
Now Owen is really suspicious. He tries to figure out what this curse is. Knowledge (Arcana): 31.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Monday September 17th, 2018 8:50:08 PM
Owen looks carefully at the changing children.
Shane P Monday September 17th, 2018 11:25:39 PM
seeing her brothers start to change the girl quickly slips beneath the wall as well. As she does so there is a flash of light, when it clears the hued wall is gone, the land has subtly changed and there is a small tree with a small mound directly below it at its base. three ghostly figures seem to be standing beneath the tree. a girl in her mid teens and two boys in their pre teens. As one they point to their feet, look up at you pleadingly and then look at the tree.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 d20+23=39 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2018 4:57:47 AM
OOC: I'm sorry. I don't know what time of night is was that I read Trey's Friday post for DM Shane, but I utterly missed the last two lines. Of course there would have been strong concerns from 'Osul if I had.
What's going on with their feet? "What is it with threes?", he interjects before trying to get closer to see better. Perception: 39
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 3:05:35 PM
Atlas isn't sure what to do. He's not spooked by the wall or what happened, but he is spooked by the ghostly figures. He looks to their resident expert on death and asks, "Can we help them in any way?"
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 3:06:04 PM
OOC: Oops! Meant to change my Post Name, sorry!
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:26:54 PM
I fixed it for you Trey.
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+4=14 ; d20+13=27 ; Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:35:32 PM
Armand looks at the figures. Perception 14 (d20+4) Knowledge Religion 27 (d20+13) Are they some form of undead? Or any other ideas that Armand would have in regards to communicating with the figures
He turns to Atlas, "Well this is fairly strange. I do have speak with dead on hand because we were talking about testing the orcs for information. But I'm not sure it would work here, because I need a corpse."
To everyone, "Is that the sapling we planted? Can anyone make out what they are pointing to on the ground? I guess we'll have to go over and talk to them. But stay close I may enact Death ward to protect us from negative energy when we get closer."
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Tuesday September 18th, 2018 5:46:52 PM
Neshi looks perplexed as nothing happens as he touches the wall while they are talking to the boy, hoping to reset the time before the they all to makes it under, when suddenly the kids are under there is a flash and the wall is gone?
What now that wasn't supposed to happen!!!
Shane P Tuesday September 18th, 2018 7:53:55 PM
The tree is not the tree you planted, You recognize the tree though, it's one of the trees off to the left-hand side of the trail headed toward Plateau City, it's mostly hills and grassland, so the rare tree is worth note...it's about a half mile from the trail and about 10 miles away from the Tree of Parting.
at the base of the tree are the skeletal remains of three young humans, the roots of the tree sprout from the chest of one and weave through the chests of the other two. it's touching and pitiful at the same time, even in death two of the skeletons have hold of the hands of the one whose chest has sprouted the tree.
Shane P Tuesday September 18th, 2018 7:53:55 PM
The tree is not the tree you planted, You recognize the tree though, it's one of the trees off to the left-hand side of the trail headed toward Plateau City, it's mostly hills and grassland, so the rare tree is worth note...it's about a half mile from the trail and about 10 miles away from the Tree of Parting.
at the base of the tree are the skeletal remains of three young humans, the roots of the tree sprout from the chest of one and weave through the chests of the other two. it's touching and pitiful at the same time, even in death two of the skeletons have hold of the hands of the one whose chest has sprouted the tree.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 8:03:30 PM
Shane - You're not giving enough time for everyone to post to your Monday post before you make your Tuesday post. If you post at Midnight, most of us are already in bed and won't get to post until the next day. It's not very fair.
I'm sorry, my schedule is a bit screwed at the moment, but I will try to accommodate.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 8:05:04 PM "Well it looks like they've been dead for awhile. Not sure what the next step is here."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 Tuesday September 18th, 2018 10:28:57 PM
Owen frowns, saying "Well, this is confusing and rather unnerving."
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Wednesday September 19th, 2018 7:18:17 AM
Armand nods his head. "There is dead and then there is dead dead. Those skeletons look like they've been here a long time. There's no way my speak with dead spell is going to work. Maybe 'Osul can talk to the tree."
Armand looks around. "On the other hand weren't we going to try and find where those orc's came from?"
OOC Have we started a new module yet or are we just piddling around? Because the header has still not changed.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:39:21 PM
Atlas wonders aloud, "These poor children, maybe we should just bury their remains and they can be left in peace?" Atlas looks for approval from the group before beginning to dig the children a grave to be put to rest.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 Wednesday September 19th, 2018 5:41:01 PM "I can do that, Armand. The memory of trees and all that. Please keep trying to get more information from the children?"
'Osul casts Speak with Plants, and introduces himself and the group before asking what it might remember about the bones at it's roots. He relays what he can, and asks for any other questions from the team.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(23)19/(19)15/(18)14; HP:67/67 CMD: +20 character sheet energy resistance 20 fire Wednesday September 19th, 2018 7:52:07 PM
Neshi scratches his head not at all sure what should be done or how they should proceed .
Shane P Wednesday September 19th, 2018 8:59:13 PM
OOC: Trey started this thing to keep you all occupied, I'm just trying to finish it up in a logical and flowing way so that we can start the module, it's kind of a sorry move to just say something like " and suddenly you all wake up!"
When 'Osul casts his spell the connection is odd. the tree has no sort of sentience not even plant sentience, but it is a plant, it has obviously been magically tampered with. its almost as if there are an array of options laid out in your mind. Add...withdraw...release...consume...cancel...destroy. you sense a great deal of power within the tree...almost like its a receptacle or something. how the power got there, what it can be used for, and who put it there are other questions not answered by the tree.
Armand you notice something strange as well. the kids aren't ghosts..they are souls. The tree looks/feels/smells? like some kind of soul jar
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+13=33 ; d20+8=16 ; Thursday September 20th, 2018 7:22:34 AM
Armand looks perplexed. "A soul jar? That's odd, is the tree a construct then? I think soul jars are more arcane than divine magic."
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 25 (T 15 FF 20) , CMD: 27/22, HP 97/97 Thursday September 20th, 2018 3:03:54 PM
Atlas puts his shovel away, interested in what he's hearing. "So you think the tree is holding their souls, maybe even killed them? What if we just destroy the tree? I hear they love fire."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Thursday September 20th, 2018 8:17:06 PM
Elyngael has no idea what to do. "Maybe we should cut it down first?"
Shane P Thursday September 20th, 2018 9:45:10 PM
ideas are tossed around about how to deal with the situation...but no movement as yet. the souls seem to be trying to talk, but without lungs or a voice box...their words remain unheard.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 d20+15=22 ; Thursday September 20th, 2018 10:27:41 PM
Owen says, "We should contact a Soulseeker. They would know what to do with this strange conglomeration." He tries to think if he knows of any in the vicinity of the Tree. Knowledge (Local): 22.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 Friday September 21st, 2018 6:51:17 AM "The tree can be interacted with as a tree, but it is not a tree. And what it is, or what it holds, or both, are powerful. Powerful doesn't mean inherently evil, so can someone, please, check to see if this actually is evil, or good. Then, if it is evil, chopping it down, or burning it down might release the powerful evil. As might, you know, just releasing it, so most of my concentration is going on not accidentally activating it."
Shane P Friday September 21st, 2018 4:28:44 PM
Armand notices that the tree really is a tree, but it’s also a construct, like a golem would be the closest approximation you could come up with, you don’t really have words for it. It’s like a magical cistern that you throw living things into and it converts them into magical energy. The energy in it is neither positive (good) or negative (evil). It just is. The mechanism by which it works though...that’s pretty evil. The kids aspects realize you cannot hear them and start pantomiming chopping the tree down
Armand (Robert D) AC 20/touch11/flat 19 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+9=25 ; d8+4=12 ; d20+9=14 ; d8+4=8 ; d20+9=28 ; d8+4=10 ; Friday September 21st, 2018 5:15:19 PM
Armand goes up to the tree while taking out his +1 adamantine war hammer. "As a duly appointed representative of our lord Gargul upon this plane I command you to RELEASE those you hold imprisoned."
"Hmm, there's three of them. He thinks to himself.
"RELEASE" He shouts and whacks the tree with his +1 adamantine war hammer. To hit 25 (d20+9) damage 12 (and adamantine overcomes most hardness.
"RELEASE" He shouts for the second time and whacks the tree with his +1 adamantine war hammer. To hit 14 (d20+9) damage 8 (and adamantine overcomes most hardness.
"RELEASE" He shouts for the third time and whacks the tree with his +1 adamantine war hammer. To hit 28 (d20+9) damage 10 (and adamantine overcomes most hardness.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20 T:14, FF:16, CMD 25, HP 83/83 Friday September 21st, 2018 5:18:20 PM
Elyngael checks her supplies. "Does anyone have an axe?"
She decides to use her sword and try to chop the tree.
'Osul(Graham) AC:18 (T:13, FF:15), CMD:21, Saves:(F:7/R:6/W:13 + RNL), HP:58/59 Friday September 21st, 2018 7:00:36 PM "Alright then!" If there is still anything left to work with, 'Osul engages the tree/not-tree Release option, and gives voice to those thoughts, incase the tree is listening.
"And if that doesn't work, I reckon we can have this tree toppled in a minute, tops."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 16/12/14; HP: 54/54; CMD: 17 d20+20=28 ; d20+19=30 ; Friday September 21st, 2018 7:13:52 PM
IC: Owen realizes that if the kids were turned into energy long ago, there's nothing the group can do that will save them. They are no more, and magical energy is all that remains.
In a moment of inspiration, Owen realizes that he can seal away this foul artifact after it is destroyed, and in doing so honor the memory of the children. Looking about for a nearby boulder or rocky outcropping, he casts a spell he he has seen but never learned: Stone Shape. Using his knowledge of the arcane and his spellcrafting ability, Owen taps into the powerful flow of magical energy released by the construct and uses it to draw more and more stone from the earth, sculpting it into a towering statue that depicts the three children holding hands. The stone encases their remains and the broken construct used to destroy them.
OoC: Hero point, Knowledge (Arcana): 28, Spellcraft: 30.
Shane P Friday September 21st, 2018 8:56:39 PM
Elygale's sword cuts the tree well, much better in fact that it should, Armands hammer shakes the tree tremendously and Owen draws the magical power from it via his connection with the speak with plants spell. the tree separates from the stump and a wash of light and power pour forth from the stump. no damage is gained by anyone but you can all feel tremendous magical energy pouring into the environment. enough that ancient events where things impacted the magical fabric of the world glow briefly as the energy passes
The souls of the children become almost real from the energy, they start to speak, but something catches their attention and a smile comes to their faces, they see beyond into the lands of rest, Mom! Dad! they raise their hands as if to embrace...and fade away.
the statue of the kids is a masterpiece, they look like they will move at any moment, they look happy, just like they looked before they faded away. you guess the spell must have drawn from the more than just your memory because the kid's clothes, now that you see them in stone, look strange...old...really old. you don't know how long the kids have been there, but it looks like it must be for hundreds of years...perhaps even fourth age.
every spell caster receives one spell slot for each spell level. you know that when you cast a spell it will be the first one gone and will be gone forever.
all non-casters get +10HP that work the same way as the spells. first gone and then gone forever.
ooc: guys I am deeply sorry it took so long for us to get to the next module, work, life and a lot of other stuff put the module late. RobC is going to be taking some time off from DMing for a while. your New DM will be Jeremy Canaday, he will be sending out a Hello email to everyone sometime this weekend. I'll be hanging back and watching, thinking of new ideas for the next module and offering support when needed.
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