DM RobC - "I would say we should prep for the Culverwood." Monday May 23rd, 2022 3:13:14 AM
Neshi, Armand and Moridark collectively try and work out what the dreams could mean. There are a lot of creatures and even spells that could touch a person's mind in their sleep so much so that it is impossible to narrow it down without further information. As for a 'dream' plane, the Vales of Twilight might be relevant. Seers say that all the dreams of mortals begin there. The Vales of Twilight are ruled by Queen Maab and it is the place she calls home.
The whole thing about going 'deeper' in the Culverwood is a little confusing. There are a lot of questions about this that you're just not sure of. Do you need to walk into the Culverwood and just keep going? Is that it? Maybe Deeproot will be a little more awake tomorrow.
The other discussion continues to be what to do with the thief. Osul is convinced that Karl speaks the truth: A thief by his own words, but not a murderer. An honest thief. Of course, there's no evidence of a crime having been committed. No-one has reported anything missing and he doesn't have any belongings on him that shouldn't be. Elyngael has Brawn take a good sniff of the man presumably in case they need to track him down later. Highlight to display spoiler: {There is no wrong answer or 'gotcha' here. Per Wold Rules: "If you opt to let your prisoners live, you can choose other non-lethal solutions, including handing them over to the local authorities, banishing, casting enchantment spells, or simply releasing them. Whatever approach you choose, you needn't worry about what they do in the future. A captive that has been released will no longer pose a threat to the Wold. They will go into isolation, or meet a foul end, or reform of their own accord, or some other such thing. The Wold will be safe from them."}
Back to the more important issue, it is sounding like a trip to the Culverwood is in order. What preparations need to be made? Elyngael might stock up on a few more arrows. It is getting late in the evening though. The Catacombs is always open which is a good thing. Travel - especially to the Culverwood - at this time might be hazardous though.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 35+5/18/32+5 CMD 39 133/133HP Cotton AC 31+5/13/28+5 CMD 35 126/126 HP Monday May 23rd, 2022 11:20:44 AM "I suggest we turn Karl loose, and hope he has learned his lesson, after all, we have no evidence he has done anything wrong. I also suggest we hit the rack and get an early start in the morning. The idea of trying to navigate the Culverwood in the dark seems foolish to me. I will try to communicate with Deeproot again, in the morning, before we depart, in hopes of finding him a little more awake, and maybe we can gain some insight as to what we need to do."
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(28)20 / F(28)20; HP160/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, Protection fro Monday May 23rd, 2022 1:57:03 PM
I might stay up a bit this evening and see if I can get some sort of message through to Eberyon that I may be heading into his wife's territory ...
Armand (Robert D)AC 26(30)n /touch 12/flat 24norm HP 143/143n CMD 27 Character Sheet Monday May 23rd, 2022 5:40:21 PM
Armand shrugs. "I would say investigating the Culverwood is our only option at this point. Particularly those black robed druids. From previous experience we know that scrying spells are not going to work well on or in the Culverwood. But the woods seems to have a sense of things and has led us where we needed to go on at least 2 occasions."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 28n (32 w/buckler)T:17, FF:22n, CMD 37, HP 188/188 Monday May 23rd, 2022 6:15:50 PM "I think we should wait to leave until morning." She looks at Karl. "Say could he be a guide to the area where these druids? Would you be willing to get us in their general direction? You don't have to stay until an actual confrontation, but just to get us close to where they operate?"
OOC, am I correct that non-magical items don't need to be procured through the Catacombs? For instance arrows with silver or cold iron heads?
Trellus - MikeK - (AC36 T18 F32, CMD 37, SR 25, HP (140/140) Monday May 23rd, 2022 7:01:19 PM
Trellus nods along in agreement with the others.
Morning it is. The man decides to turn in early and get some sleep while he still can.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 134/134 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Overland Flight Monday May 23rd, 2022 8:56:10 PM
Moridark nods to the group and the decision made. "Morning would be best. It would give us one last good nights rest before we begin this new path.'
DM RobC - "It would give us one last good nights rest before we begin this new path" d10=2 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 3:32:12 AM
Elyngael has an idea that Karl could help lead them into the Culverwood, but he shakes his head. "Thanks, but I don't know the way. I'd just as soon be clear of here as quick as I can". You suspect this is partly true. He in all likelihood knows which general direction it is to the Culverwood, but would have no idea how to navigate within it. That and he values his life too much to go back.
It's agreed that tomorrow the group will make for the Culverwood. The party all settle in for the night. Most have their typical happy dreams. Not all dreams are pleasant though.
Armand dreams of huge treant-like creatures tearing leaves and branches from each other in the middle of the Culverwood. More trees awaken and join in. The fighting starts in the center of the forest and quickly spreads. Soon, the entire Culverwood is at war with itself. Trees fighting trees until nothing is left standing.
Neshi dreams of the Culverwood turning brown and dying, destroying itself from the inside out. With the Culverwood destroyed there is nothing to protect the Tree. The great tree splits down the middle and the residents scatter.
Grindar and Elyngael are both woken by their animal companions. Cotton and Brawn have their hackles up and are pacing back and forth. Their teeth are bared and they're making deep, gutteral growls as they do so. Handle Animal check vs DC10 to calm them down.
Osul has a particularly bad nightmare. He's going for a walk through the Culverwood. Everything is calm and relaxing and as it should be to the druid. He notices he's being surrounded by plants, bright green to his left and dark black to his right. Vines quickly reach out from both sides, grabbing him and entwining around him. There's nothing he can do as they squeeze, tighter and tighter. Almost like snakes or tentacles, they crawl up to his face and wrap around his head. The last thing he remembers before he wakes is one of the dark vines forcing its way into his mouth and down his throat. Osul to make a Will Save vs DC38 or take 2pts damage and be fatigued the next day.
Trellus and Moridark have uneventful nights. They sleep peacefully and uninterrupted. The beds are soft and a nice change from the hammocks you sleep in on your travels. You could get used to this!
-------------- OOC: Non-magical items are typically purchased in the CC, however if it's just some arrows then consider them bought and deduct the gp from your sheet
'Osul (Graham) AC:34 (T:28, FF:30), CMD:29, ST:(F17/R16/W28 + RNL), HP:107/107, Wildshape(XIX):6, L. Lord:17, S. Burst:14 d20+39=56 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 9:10:14 AM
'Osul was enjoying his dreamwalk in the heart of The Wood, but it turns nasty on a copper. Fortunately, the imagery leaves no physical impact. {Will Save: 56 - no 45} He had to wake up for meditations in another hour in any case, and he shares the experience with anyone who is getting ready in the predawn. The dream and their journey in the new day are certainly features of the meditation. Afterwards he joins the rest of the Wardens, ready to head out.
OOC: Made a Concentration check (+39) instead of a Will save (+28). Corrected the modifier.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:28, ST:(F17/R13/W28 + RNL), HP:107/107, Wildshape(XIX):9, L. Lord:17, S. Burst:14 Tuesday May 24th, 2022 9:23:48 AM
OOC: Correcting header
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 35+5/18/32+5 CMD 39 133/133HP Cotton AC 31+5/13/28+5 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+4=5 ; d20+4=10 ; Tuesday May 24th, 2022 11:53:29 AM
Grindar tries to calm Cotton down, but the rapke is too startled to listen at least at first. It takes a while but he eventually is successful. After calming down Cotton, Grindar spends an hour in prayer, meditation, and spell prep. Once done, he finds his friends and after everyone shares their experiance, he says, "That was a shadeless night to be sure, I'm going to try to commune with Deeproot again and than we should be on our way." With that the ranger leaves the headquarters, and walks to Deeproots trunk. He once again tries casting Speak with Plants, and places his hand on the massive tree. "Deeproot, are you able to speak to me today? If so, can you give me any insight as to what is going on. We Wardens are about to embark on a journey into the heart of the Culverwood, and any foreknowledge would be helpful."
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(28)20 / F(28)20; HP160/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, Protection fro Tuesday May 24th, 2022 5:24:56 PM
Neshi relates his unpleasant dreams and gets ready to head out with the others.
Armand (Robert D)AC 26(30)n /touch 12/flat 24norm HP 143/143n CMD 27 Character Sheet Tuesday May 24th, 2022 5:46:31 PM
Armand says to Karl. "Well here's 10 gold to see you on your way. Hopefully it will get you going to a new start in life. Live well and long."
The next morning Armand wakes early and lies in bed contemplating the meaning of dreams. He will spend time the next morning in prayer modifying his requests from Lord Gargul. He will make a final check over his gear, but always wonders if there's something he's forgetting.
When they meet for breakfast Armand will relate his dream. "I'm not inclined to accept this as a vision, maybe just a case of nerves on my part. Since we all seem to have had different dreams I doubt it was any kind of a direct message. I'm ready to go I guess."
Elyngael calms Brawn down. She then casts speak with animal and ask Brawn what has him so upset.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC36 T18 F32, CMD 37, SR 25, HP (140/140) Tuesday May 24th, 2022 7:12:33 PM
Trellus wakes, spends time praying to Domi and receiving his spells, and then joins the others.
Only then does he hear the various dreams of his packmates.
"Sounds like a good time to have no affinity with nature," he remarks drolly. "But, it sure sounds like Culverwood could be at war with itself. Totally sunbaked."
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 134/134 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Overland Flight Tuesday May 24th, 2022 8:37:05 PM
Moridark takes his time memorizing his spells, and packing his traveling kit. The mage wanders downstairs to enjoy breakfast with his friends well rested, and comfortably dressed. The mage listens to teh various dreams/nightmares, "It seems as if the Culverwood is going to destroy itself from within. We should be ready to do whatever we can to help prevent it.'
DM RobC - "Totally sunbaked" Wednesday May 25th, 2022 3:16:48 AM
Elyngael has no trouble calming Brawn down but wants to know what made him so agitated. She casts a Speak with Animals spell and asks him. "Something wrong. Sense it. Deep in the forest. Danger. Death coming." Highlight to display spoiler: {I'm not sure how the previous DMs treated Speak with Animals so took a stab at keeping things brief}
Grindar tries to calm Cotton down. On his first attempt the rapke recoils from him, but eventually she calms down. She doesn't fully settle though. Something bothers her.
The party gather in the morning and share their nocturnal experiences. The dreams were different but the message was consistent: there's something going on in the Culverwood. As Trellus put it, it sounds like Culverwood could be at war with itself. You all start preparing for the journey as best you can.
Grindar heads to the Chapel and tries once again to commune with Deeproot. The tree spirit still responds with disjointed words but this time they are accompanied by visions.
The ranger first asks for insight as to what is going on. "... Conflict ... Corruption". Pictures form in Grindar's mind of the Culverwood. Bright, colourful plants and flowers physically fighting against rotten, twisted trees and vines. They are locked in an even battle but you can see more dark creatures approaching and about to join the fight. The vision fades before Grindar can see what happens next.
When Grindar mentions embarking on a journey into the heart of the Culverwood he receives a different response. "... Deeper ... Deeper". Once again he sees the Culverwood in his mind and he's marching through it. The light levels suddenly shift to complete blackness and then brighten again. The surroundings have completely changed. It's as if you're in a different forest. The trees aren't as natural as they were a moment ago though. The trees closest to you have dark shades of green but those further away are turning darker - almost black - before your eyes. They're covered in a thick black sap that drips into pools on the ground. There's an indescribable magic in the air that you can feel but cannot see. You're sure this is still the Culverwood but you realize you haven't physically wandered deeper. You've moved to a deeper layer of the Culverwood on an almost spiritual level. Not a destination one can simply walk to. The light shifts again and you find yourself on yet another layer. Here, everything is dark. You can only see a few feet ahead. The vision fades.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 35+5/18/32+5 CMD 39 133/133HP Cotton AC 31+5/13/28+5 CMD 35 126/126 HP Wednesday May 25th, 2022 5:37:58 AM
Grindar is shaken to his core by the visions Deeproot gave him. "Thank you friend, I hope we can stop what you have shown me before it can come to pass. I'm sure I speak for all the Wardens when I say we will do everything we can to keep this horrible thing from happening, including laying down our lives, if that is what is required."
Grindar hurries back to meet up with the rest of the Wardens. He shares what Deeproot showed him, and says, "I fear we are about to face a theat the likes of which will leave the Wold reeling, if we fail. Thus I say failure is not an option, we must prevail!"
Grindar is ready to head out immediately.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:28, ST:(F17/R13/W28 + RNL), HP:107/107, Wildshape(XIX):9, L. Lord:17, S. Burst:14 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 9:31:21 AM
'Osul shares his dream with the other wardens as they leave.
Armand (Robert D)AC 26(30)n /touch 12/flat 24norm HP 143/143n CMD 27 Character Sheet Wednesday May 25th, 2022 6:00:34 PM "Well the journey always begins with the first step. Let's get going. It's not like we can teleport there and Wind Walk would be faster but I'm thinking this time we just do it the normal way and see what clues we can pick up along the way."
Trellus - MikeK - (AC36 T18 F32, CMD 37, SR 25, HP (140/140) Wednesday May 25th, 2022 6:50:54 PM
Trellus listens to Grindar's tale.
"I'm ready to move," he answers Armand. "But do we know where we're going? Grindar's vision makes it seem like we have to get somewhere not on the physical Wold. Somewhere in the Lands of Rest, maybe?"
He shakes his head. "Not sure we have a solid lead. Until we do, I guess into the Culverwood is a good a direction as any."
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 134/134 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Overland Flight Wednesday May 25th, 2022 7:38:29 PM
Moridark listens to the tales from his friends and they steel his resolve. "Lets get this show on the road. The Culverwood isn't going to save itself!"
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 28n (32 w/buckler)T:17, FF:22n, CMD 37, HP 188/188 Wednesday May 25th, 2022 8:28:44 PM
Elyngael tells what she learned from Brawn. "Apparently the cause is deep in the Culverwood, maybe the only path to this other dimension is located there as well."
DM RobC - "Lets get this show on the road. The Culverwood isn't going to save itself!" Thursday May 26th, 2022 3:41:18 AM
Grindar thanks Deeproot for the information and then rushes to tell the others of what he has learnt - including the part about how it's "not a destination one can simply walk to".
The party are super eager to get moving though and determine that walking into the Culverwood is the best option and you can work out the details when you get there. The Culverwood may be in immediate trouble and there's no time to wait.
Trellus is the only one concerned that there really is no clear direction on which way to go, but agrees the Culver is as good a place as any to start.
You make final preparations, taking care that everything you need is tightly packed away. James is left with enough gold to keep the house in order while you're away.
With that all done you are finally set and head off from the Tree.
-------------- Everyone receives 40,000 xp for the previous 2 scenes for awesome roleplay!
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:28, ST:(F17/R13/W28 + RNL), HP:107/107, Wildshape(XIX):9, L. Lord:17, S. Burst:14 d20+40=45 ; d20+1=19 ; Thursday May 26th, 2022 9:05:25 AM "I've not used it before, but I have Find the Path to cast once we are in The Wood. I have to declare a place of significance, so I'm thinking the site of the Ent Moots."
He looks to see who might appreciate faster travel, and if that gets no takers he Wildshapes into a Huge Air Elemental and moves to overwatch/observer. {Perception: 45, Survival(Forecast - on entering The Wood): 69}
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(28)20 / F(28)20; HP160/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, Protection fro Thursday May 26th, 2022 11:56:22 AM
Neshi moves out with the others. and continues thinking about all he has heard.
"So it sounds as though we may have to head into the fae realm. I am a bit surprised I haven't heard from Ebreyon, if there is trouble brewwing dealing with the Culverwood and Deeproot; especially since our last visit with Deeproots daughter."
But he always has been a bit fickle over the years to say the least.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 35+5/18/32+5 CMD 39 133/133HP Cotton AC 31+5/13/28+5 CMD 35 126/126 HP Thursday May 26th, 2022 12:34:00 PM
Grindar travels in relative silence. The vision Deeproot gave him is still weighing heavily on his heart, and he finds conversation difficult. He tries, but fails to act in an optimistic manner, but finds it near impossible. He does find some solace in the fact that he is on the road, and he and his comrades are prepared to face down this new evil.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 28n (32 w/buckler)T:17, FF:22n, CMD 37, HP 188/188 d20+27=29 ; Thursday May 26th, 2022 5:34:11 PM
Elyngeal and Brawn take point keeping about 50 feet ahead and on the lookout. Perception d20+27=29
Armand (Robert D)AC 26(30)n /touch 12/flat 24norm HP 143/143n CMD 27 Character Sheet Thursday May 26th, 2022 5:59:23 PM
Armand walks along with the others. "Well if we get further in and can figure out where to go I can rearrange my spells and cast Gate to get us there."
Trellus - MikeK - (AC36 T18 F32, CMD 37, SR 25, HP (140/140) Thursday May 26th, 2022 7:06:13 PM
Trellus takes up the march. He gives Elyngael her 50', and occasionally looks around to Grindar to ensure he's moving in the correct direction.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 134/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Thursday May 26th, 2022 8:51:44 PM
Moridark steps outside and casts his usual extended phantom steed, and prepares to begin the journey. The mage flies just above teh party as they depart.
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