DM Kathy Friday August 5th, 2022 2:54:08 PM Zazu practices riding and illusions. He works out some simple signals to let his companions know when something is an illusion.
Ash looks for fragrant herbs. It's too late in the year for lavender or jasmine, but you do find some fragrant rosemary and sprigs of mint.
Nightingale makes beds for the kitten. She likes the one by the hearth; the one by the window is kind of hit and miss.
Panzer decides he should try to learn Sylvan.
Sahabiel continues strengthening her tree and planning for the winter celebration.
Lothlo hits upon the idea of crafting a few games to while away the winter hours.
Beech practices his spellcasting.
Naithi tends her animals and checks on the grove.
One morning, Naithi, Ash, and whoever else wants to tag along go to visit the druid grove on the other side of the river. It is a frosty morning, and all the trees and bushes have a thin coating of white. The bridge is a trifle slippery, but it has a handrail and you cross safely enough. Your breath steams in white clouds as you make your way to the grove.
In the grove, the plants are unchanged, but there is something new. It is an odd piece of metal, about 2 inches long, roughly carved in the shape of an arrow. It is not an arrowhead; it’s the wrong size and there’s no way to attach it to a shaft. It is something else.
Knowledge: Dungeoneering, Geography, or Engineering 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The material is lodestone, a naturally magnetized metal that always points north.}
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday August 5th, 2022 3:26:52 PM
Of course Nightingale would want to go check the Grove. She sees the piece of metal, wondering what it is and who left it behind...
OOC: She has none of those skills lol
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+3=9 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+14=26 ; Friday August 5th, 2022 9:04:54 PM
Lothlo looks from a distance at the odd piece of metal That looks like it might be a loadstone (engineering = 23)... I suppose the question is whether it's pointing north.
Should we be worried that this was found in the middle of the grove? Should we be worried that someone may have been messing around out here?
Lothlo looks around the area, knowing that the frost and frozen ground would have helped preserver any signs if someone had been walking around here recently. (perception = 26).
Dungeoneering=9 Geography =12 Engineering = 23
perception = 26
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Friday August 5th, 2022 10:44:54 PM
Most days, Sahabiel does not personally go to check on the grove even though she is one of the people that started it and continues to look after it -- instead trusting that the leshy tending it on a daily basis will let her know if there is some problem. Today however it seems that a rather large group of her companions have all decided to visit the grove-to-be together, so she tags along.
When the curiously out of place item is found and Lothlo speaks of it being a navigation aid, Sahabiel says; "I hope whoever lost this has a good sense of direction without it, else ya may need to keep yer eyes open for someone looking a bit lost in the area...?"
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Friday August 5th, 2022 10:58:29 PM
Ash is quite confident that this is in fact a lodestone.
"Wonder if someone from town dropped this? If not, we might have a visitor" Ash will pick it up, and holding it gently on her open palm turns to face north. She looks it over closely for any markings or signs of blood, and tries to discern it's value.
------------- Knowl check: Take10 = Pass all! Probably know the right direction in town, but in case, Survival check to discern north? 14 (Take10) Appraise: 21 (Take10) - to determine value Perception: 19 (Take10) - to examine it in detail
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Friday August 5th, 2022 11:33:43 PM
Zazu rides Boyo, like usual, on the outing to the grove. "Honestly, a person gets tired of not being on an adventure, ya know." Thinking of adventure, the wizard casts Mage Armor from a scroll before entering the grove.
"No Boyo, you don't need one. Look at your new shiny armor." Boyo is wearing his new magic mithril chain shirt!
Zazu plays with the lodestone marvel, seeing if it sticks to any of the metal the elf possesses -- thieves tools, crafting tools, magic rings, bits of metal on Boyo's saddle.
And then does the same thing using the arcane trickster's ranged legerdemain.
"Is it magical, do you think, Miss Ash?"
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Saturday August 6th, 2022 4:34:29 AM "Good thinking Zazu!" Ash will follow up with a Detect Magic spell to see if it has a magical aura.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Sunday August 7th, 2022 4:28:18 PM
Beech sees most of the group heading towards the grove, so he tags along, a bit behind the others....
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Monday August 8th, 2022 3:34:55 PM
Naithi ponders the strange arrow with Ash, but the knowledge of such things is beyond her. [b]I bet the feet left this, but I have no idea what it is supposed to mean. Let's bring it back and show the others. Perhaps one of them knows more.
ooc 1: Those skills are both untrained for Naithi
ooc 2: I'm out if town for two weeks in vacation. I'm try to post every day, but I would appreciate it if someone would post for me if I'm about to miss one.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+4=12 ; Monday August 8th, 2022 8:49:18 PM
seeing everyone all grouped up, Panzer joins them Engineering 12 " Isn't that kinda big for an arrowhead Lothlo?" A Lodestone? Naturally magnetized iron? I've heard of them but never seen one. How'd that get in the grove?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Monday August 8th, 2022 9:01:14 PM If that were an arrow head, I'd hate to see the giant carrying the fifty foot bow that would be needed to launch it... but it would make a good story. Perhaps I'll right a song about that this winter.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Monday August 8th, 2022 9:35:25 PM
Nightingale clears her throat, "Who might have dropped it here, if not for us, or the leshy, that's what I would like to know."
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Monday August 8th, 2022 9:59:22 PM
While the find of a lodestone --an object that nobody had expected to turn up in the grove this morning-- is an intriguing one, Sahabiel also remembers why they are here and while some of the others group around the object, she inspects the young trees planted here in the care of the leshy.
DM Kathy Monday August 8th, 2022 11:06:14 PM Nightingale does not recognize the piece of metal, but Lothlo identifies it as a lodestone.
Sahabiel and Ash express some concern for whoever dropped it. Will they get lost without it? Ash places it on her palm to try to watch it in action, but you soon realize that the slight magnetic pull of the lodestone isn't enough to overcome the friction of your palm. To see it work, you'll need to place it on a smooth surface. A tin plate would work, if somebody has a mess kit, or a smooth stone. A worn coin would do in a pinch.
At Zazu's suggestion, Ash casts detect magic. The lodestone does detect as magic, you see a faint Illusion aura and a stronger Transmutation aura. You do not recognize the specific spells. [OOC: These are special plot-advancing spells that are not in any spellbook, so all the Spellcraft checks in the world aren't going to identify them. :) ]
Naithi suggests bringing the lodestone back to town.
Panzer also recognizes it as a lodestone, and wonders who left it here. Beech is content to watch for now.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Monday August 8th, 2022 11:34:39 PM
Ash lays her mithral buckler on the ground and places the lodestone atop it. The smooth, polished shield should be easy enough for the lodestone to move against.
"Weird. There's some strange magic here. Some of it is from the illusion school. I don't recognize the specific spells though." Ash looks to Zazu. The wizard is far more familiar with illusions than she is.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Monday August 8th, 2022 11:40:09 PM
"Well clearly, we have to make a real compass of it!"
Zazu takes a cup (from the mess kit that never got jotted down on my PC Sheet, but which is definitely there!), fills it with water, sets a small leaf on the surface (with surface tension), or a bit of wood that floats maybe, and then sets the lodestone on that. Ranged Legerdemain is likely good for this kind of delicate work.
The elf pushes a strand of long hair back behind an ear so that it will not fall onto the makeshift compass and peers down to see if the lodestone will swivel.
"I bet it points somewhere interesting to go! Someplace magical."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Tuesday August 9th, 2022 12:22:49 PM
Nightingale ponders a moment, "Maybe someone needs help and this is how they are asking for it?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20=14 ; Tuesday August 9th, 2022 2:09:44 PM
Beech looks around, to see if anyone is watching the group at the item....
Perception 14
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Tuesday August 9th, 2022 3:38:33 PM " You might be giving that leaf alot of credit Zazu." Anyway, Panzer had no idea why the lodestone was there, how it had gotten there, or what it meant. It was natural, though odd. And it was in the most 'natural' place in the village, the grove. He went on with his day and continued to make charcoal out of brush and what wood had been previously collected.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+13=22 ; Tuesday August 9th, 2022 4:08:16 PM
Naithi agrees with Zazu. We should also verify if it is pointing true north. If magic is involved, perhaps it is leading us elsewhere.
Survival to identify true north= 22
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Tuesday August 9th, 2022 6:50:19 PM
Sahabiel looks nonplussed at Zazu's words. They are standing in a druidic circle, tended by nature spirit leshy, within only a few hours overland of a living god whose physical aspect could in its entirety be described as "someplace magical", so enchanted to or not the lodestone needle would be hard-pressed not to point in the direction of something like that. Having grown up in a Culverwood elf settlement herself, she is not sure why her friend looks almost giddy at the idea.
In any case, Sahabiel is cautiously optimistic about a strangely enchanted compass part turning up in the fledgling grove. Optimistic because as a member of the priesthood serving the immortal power of the Culverwood, she wants to believe it was its power that set them on this trail as a boon, perhaps to mark the creation of a new grove. Cautious because.. well, almost as much because of what it might lead them to if it is a boon from the Culverwood, as because of what it might be if its original was another...
With her trained eye, she starts looking for traces of activity in the grove... whether the work of friend or interloper, if she could find some tracks, or a lack thereof, that by itself might be able to tell her something new.
(ooc: Survival (tracking), Take10 and using Guidance cantrip, = 10+15 +1 = 26)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Tuesday August 9th, 2022 9:02:29 PM
Lothlo watches as they prepare the load stone. If it's not pointing to north and not pointing to the grove... what would that mean? Would that mean that someone left it for us? The they took a nap here and left without it to point them wherever they were going? Could it be a trap?
I'm getting ahead of myself, it may just be a standard compass or one pointing to the emerald city. Only one way to find out I suppose.
DM Kathy Tuesday August 9th, 2022 10:29:09 PM Nightingale suggests that maybe this is someone's way of asking for help.
Lothlo wonders what the whole thing means.
Beech keeps a lookout, but sees nobody.
Ash puts the lodestone on her buckler. It slowly pivots, stopping to point in one direction. As it does so, those closest to the lodestone hear a whispered "come find us." It sounds like several voices, all female.
Naithi can tell you that, whatever the lodestone is pointing at, it isn't pointing north. Instead, it seems to be pointing northwest.
Zazu attempts to create a compass with a cup and some water and balancing the lodestone on a sturdy leaf. But as Panzer predicted, this doesn't work as well. When he lodestone moves, it becomes unbalanced and slips off the leaf.
Zazu is still hopeful that the lodestone will lead you someplace magical, which makes Sahabiel roll her eyes a bit.
The direction the lodestone is pointing, more or less northwest, would shortly take you into the Deep Culverwood, a place some of you have not yet ventured.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday August 9th, 2022 11:15:13 PM
Zazu shrugs and laughs. "I know how to make books and traps ... compasses, not so much!"
"Ash, your idea worked better than mine. But either way, we have a direction and a mission! Let's go!"
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Wednesday August 10th, 2022 2:05:28 AM "So someone left us this stone and wants us to find them. Why not just walk into Freedom's Landing and say hi?" Ash is sure there's more to the story, and that the person probably had their reasons. "So help someone, trap, thieves guild seeking revenge. Pretty much any of the above."
"Well, no way to know I guess without checking it out. Say, does anyone have a Detect Evil spell they can cast on the stone? Just in case"
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Wednesday August 10th, 2022 11:24:37 AM
Panzer had been turning away when the lodestone whispered, in female voices. Hey now... Suddenly much more interested he hears Ash's comment and shrugs. " The fey are quite strongly attached to the Culverwood, aye? They are also notorious tricksters, which might explain the mysterious circumstances. But I kinda think it's something else." " This is a test. We are making a name for ourselves, AND we are trying to befriend the Culverwood. Going out on a limb, I think that this is an invitation to see what we bring to the table. We will receive direction, but the use of and the finding of the lodestone and the help it gives are an invitation to find this power and show that we are up to the challenge of working with it. I'm not tracker, or spellcaster and generally I act before thinking, alot. But if a threat looms in front of us I am the guy that will bite it in the shins and kick it's butt, or at least keep it busy while you guys kick it's butt. Anyway, I find this to be a great opportunity to show that we can work together to find this group of ladies and be of use to them. " " Lemme grab my gear and lets go follow this lead." He turns and scampers back to his home, grabbing his pack, Armor and weapons and returning a few moments later.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday August 10th, 2022 1:57:51 PM
Nightingale ponders the situation, then smiles, "Maybe it's an invitation to another Fey Dance ... of course, it's probably someone in need of our help, and who couldn't walk into town and say 'Hi'" she smiles as she pokes Ash.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Wednesday August 10th, 2022 4:25:24 PM
Beech, follows Panzer and grabs his adventuring pack and heads back with him to the glade, "Well, We're being invited for some reason. Either for or as Dinner..."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday August 10th, 2022 4:41:53 PM
Naithi shakes her head. It would be unwise for anyone to set a trap for us in a place like this. They run the risk of offending all the local fey and druids.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Wednesday August 10th, 2022 8:20:20 PM
Sahabiel too feels that this could very well be the work of fey. "Well, if it is the fey, then nothing good is going to come from ignoring the invitation... they'll only take that as a challenge to try harder at persuading us. At the same time though, it would not be something to walk into unprepared. Let us resolve to set out to find these message-senders tomorrow, and take the rest of today to think of what we are going to bring - in magics, in expedition gear, and in gifts."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Wednesday August 10th, 2022 9:01:13 PM
Lothlo watches in fascination as the lodestone slowly turns and points in the direction of the Deep Culverwood. If we think it may be a trap, we don't want to be too cavalier about running in the direction it's pointing. I don't suppose anyone knows a spell to see who the owner of the lodestone is or to use it to scry on they person who dropped it?
DM Kathy Wednesday August 10th, 2022 10:52:17 PM Zazu is eager to get started.
Ash wonders why whoever left the stone didn't just come to Freedom's Landing. She asks if anyone is able to cast a Detect Evil on the stone.
Panzer suggests this is a way of testing your mettle. He returns to town to fetch his gear. Beech likewise returns to fetch his gear.
And indeed, if you are going to leave right away, there are a few things to be taken care of first. You need to let the townsfolk know you're going to be gone, as you left this morning to complete a short errand. And some of you have kittens to look after.
Nightingale suggests that it might be the fae, which explains why they wouldn't come into town. Sahabiel agrees, and adds that if it is the fae, it's probably not a good idea to ignore the invitation. Summons. Whatever it is.
Lothlo suspects a trap, and asks whether there is a way of finding out who dropped the lodestone here.
So, some of the party is eager to be off, and others have doubts. But even the eagerest of the eager ones probably want to make arrangements in town before you head off. Seeing as you'd be headed into the Deep Culverwood, there may be other precautions you want to take.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Wednesday August 10th, 2022 10:53:03 PM
"Probably some fey playfulness. Let's not worry too much about a trap. If it's a trap, it's a pretty esoteric one. How would they know we were headed here? What if we did not realize it was a compass?"
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Thursday August 11th, 2022 3:37:11 AM
Ash goes in search of one of the town's children to deputize as her official cat minder. "That means making sure Silk gets plenty of belly rubs" she 'warns'.
It doesn't take long to pack and soon she's ready to hit the trail once more.
Ash hunts about for a glass jar big enough to put the lodestone in such that it can freely turn. She can't very well keep using her shield, and a glass jar means everyone will be able to clearly see it.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday August 11th, 2022 12:40:33 PM
Nightingale will follow Ash's idea, and find a young girl to watch over Ghost while she's away. "She has food over there, and she likes to sleep in the window sill."
Nightingale will gather up her adventuring gear, and then find the others.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Thursday August 11th, 2022 2:22:04 PM
Panzer turns to Sahabiel and asks, " I have the other two covered what would be an appropriate gift? Only time I have even seen the fey is that little dance party in the woods. I'm guessing some good food or fine drink would be a start?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Thursday August 11th, 2022 2:54:37 PM "I don't really have any gifts, other than cooking food for them." Beech chimes in. He heads back to town with the rest, since they are staying another night.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Thursday August 11th, 2022 5:07:01 PM
Sahabiel appreciates Zazu's optimism. To Panzer, she replies, "If we assume it is the fey, then depending on the type.. what they like best might be anything from a priceless gemstone to wine, a piece of string with a knot in it, or a smelly fish. Some lust for gold, and to others a coin is just a shiny bauble with a picture stamped on it. Something like a gemstone of course does have a better chance to go across well if what we are dealing with might yet surprise us by not being fey or sylvan beings. In any case, what fey pretty universally like, is the feeling that you are showing them proper respect and giving them something good - from your own point of view as much as their own. It has something to do with how concepts, intent, emotion and meaning attached to things are a bit like tangible, discernible properties in the primal home realm of their kind."
She playfully cautions her Beech against a display of skill, lest the liontaur give any fey folk ideas that they'd want to keep him to cook more for them. "Something you prepared well yourself could have a nice personal touch to it though.. didn't I see you preserve some of those berries that we have been getting by the basket from the bushes around the settlement? A jar of sweet home-made jam could satisfy a fey. Oh, not just any old pot of jam of course. That would just be jam. But one from your personal store for this winter, that you made with the intention that you'd enjoy it yourself... well, then you'd be giving up to them something that was yours. Fey have a quirky sense of valuing things, okay?"
She shrugs, "You might know some the stories... like how a noble lady of the fey world on a whim went to sit at the roadside disguised as an old beggar-woman to watch mankind. In the morning, a king rode by in his rich carriage, and selfishly desiring to be known for magnanimity he threw a coin out the window without even looking at her. The coin was gold, but it did not please her. In the afternoon, a merchant walked past, and selfishly desiring to show off that he could afford it, threw a coin at her. The coin was silver, but it did not please her. Then in the evening as it was getting dark, a kind but unfortunate man who himself had fallen on hard times came along and saw that she had neither fire for warmth nor anything on her but her clothes, and he stopped and offered to share with her half of a piece of bread that he had bought for only the value of a copper coin, if she'd share with him the story of her own circumstances. This man, she rewarded with a place in her own court." Sahabiel winks. "Faerie tales of course.. but why do you think there are so many like that?"
For her own preparations, Sahabiel packs her gear (pretty much the same as what she came walking -out- of the Deep Culverwood with earlier in the year) arranges for Nibin to be looked after, and if she can persuade the others to hold their departure until the next morning, she will pray to replace some of her prepared magics with others more suited to an expedition, instead of the ones she uses in the settlement's day-by-day. She also fills a belt pouch with dark earth she gathers at the base of her tree.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Thursday August 11th, 2022 5:23:38 PM ( OOC: Oh no! After I had Sahabiel speaking in Elven (and therefore normally) during our time in Karri, I completely forgot to put her accent back in now that she speaks Common again. Please just imagine that every "you" instead says "ya" and every "your" says "yer" in the post above ;)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Thursday August 11th, 2022 9:01:07 PM
Lothlo looks for a cat sitter as well,and lets her know that Mr. Scruffy like to wander around and help keep the mice out of the town. I have no idea if it's a trap or not, but even if it's not the Culverwood is one of the least safe places I've ever been, not to mention crazy confusing. We should make sure we are prepared if that's the direction we are heading. And Naithi, I suggest no unscheduled baths this time.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday August 11th, 2022 10:14:21 PM
'Unsafe, crazy, and confusing is why I love it!"
DM Kathy Thursday August 11th, 2022 10:29:12 PM Zazu points out that if this is a trap, it has a very odd hook.
Ash arranges for kitten care, and finds a glass jar for the lodestone.
Nightingale and Lothlo likewise arrange for kitten care.
Panzer and Beech ask Sahabiel for guidance on what kind of gift would be best for fae. Sahabiel is happy to answer, although the answer is far from straightforward. Rather like the fae in that respect.
Your preparations don't take more than an hour or so, so unless anybody plans on taking the time to prepare a really elaborate gift for the fae, you don't have to spend another night in town unless you want to. There's still plenty of daylight left if you want to leave now.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Friday August 12th, 2022 8:41:32 AM
Ash explains to the leaders of Freedom's Landing what the party will be up to. "Basically, we're heading THAT way.. " she says pointing in the direction the lodestone indicates "... because someone wants us to find them. Not sure why just yet. Hopefully we'll be back soon. Seeya!" She gives a big smile and a wave and then heads off to join the rest of the party.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Friday August 12th, 2022 12:58:11 PM
Panzer wasn't set on getting out there today. He was almost always ready because he no longer had spells to worry about. Many of the others did, and they did far different things while in town than while out in the wild. He was perfectly willing to allow those folks to change there 'hanging around town' spells into 'going out to get murdered' spells. He figured his survival chances went way up if they were as prepared as possible. His talk with Sahabiel had made up his mind on what an appropriate gift might be, so he was ready to go whenever. He just hung loose and waited for the others to be ready.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Friday August 12th, 2022 2:05:51 PM
Beech, doesn't need to prepare spells as his choices are limited already. When they are headed out, he keeps his bow at hand as usual.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday August 12th, 2022 3:27:48 PM
Nightingale sighed as she walked out her front door, knowing that she had prayed for spells to be used around town. "Oh well, I'll fix that later," she thought to herself as she met up with her friends.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Friday August 12th, 2022 9:00:58 PM
Lothlo does a quick check of his arrows and bow, making sure he has everything he needs for their excursion into the Culverwood Deep. Hopefully on this trip we'll have more need for music and berry jam than we do a bow and arrows, but there's no way of knowing until we see who sent us that locator.
DM Kathy Friday August 12th, 2022 10:21:34 PM
You make your final preparations, and although some peoples' spell selection is not ideal, you decide to start out today. The frost still clings here and there, but the day is warming. The sun is just a bright spot in the clouds, but it is doing its work nonetheless. You cross the bridge again and, following the lodestone, you step into the Deep Culverwood.
You notice the change immediately. It is still winter here--you can feel the chill in the air--but there is no frost and the day seems a little warmer. The trees and other plants are bigger here, healthier, more alive somehow. You sense a presence in the woods, a living force of some kind. You're pretty sure it's watching you.
[I need a marching order and Survival checks. Also, who is carrying the lodestone?]
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 d20+4=8 ; d20+9=17 ; Friday August 12th, 2022 10:28:56 PM
Survival in the woods just isn't Ash's thing (yet?). She's more a 'town' person.
She carries the jar with the lodestone in it so that everyone can clearly see it. She only needs one hand to cast spells so that leaves the other free, and she does try to stay away from up-front fighting.
As for marching order, she tries to stay near the middle of the pack. With her survival skills she'd likely lead the party right into a ditch somewhere.
-------------- Survival: 8 Perception: 17
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+9=17 ; d20+19=31 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+20=29 ; d20+14=24 ; Friday August 12th, 2022 10:49:23 PM
"Naithi is likely better than me in the woods, but I know a little."
Survival, with Culverwood bonuses, 17
Zazu does not cast another Mage Armor yet, but the wizard is ready to.
As the party moves, Zazu, riding Boyo, tries to be sneaky, and off to the side 20 ft. Zazu Stealth 31 Boyo Stealth 28
And they keep their senses receptive. Zazu Perception 29 Boyo Perception 24 plus scent
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20=1 ; Friday August 12th, 2022 11:46:13 PM "Survival, no one said I needed survival, I cast spells for a living." Beech quips. He's also not a front line type of guy...
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+6=11 ; Saturday August 13th, 2022 12:43:29 PM
Panzer takes point. He isn't really any good at navigating, but with knowledgable people behind him directing him he can do his part and walk into trouble first. Survival 11 to aid the main navigator. Panzer has no Culverwood knowledge so relies on the others to keep him from getting lost. He walks with one Kukri drawn, using the free hand to move branches out of the way rather than cutting them.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Sunday August 14th, 2022 7:49:21 PM "I did not expect to return to ya so soon.", Sahabiel says with a strange kind of smile as she rides atop Kohlrabi towards the Deep Culverwood. From the look in her eyes, she seems to be speaking to the place itself, rather than to any person.
She will ride at the front, behind Panzer so that she can give him timely warning of things to be aware of in the (to her) holy forest. At the point where they cross into the true Deep Culverwood, Sahabiel beckons all to stop for a moment as she offers up a few prayers in Sylvan tongue.
"Don't spread out too much, it will only be easier for ya to get lost if ya lose sight of the others", she warns her companions, "That's a bit easier here than ya might be used to."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Survival check: d20+7=26 ; Monday August 15th, 2022 3:47:37 AM
Nightingale can find her way in the woods, although not as good as some ... she'll be somewhere close to the front, in an offensive role
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Monday August 15th, 2022 5:19:42 PM
Panzer tries to keep Kohlrabi's hoof beats at the same distance behind him trying to keep his pace even and not get too far ahead of the others
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+5=15 ; d20+14=34 ; Monday August 15th, 2022 5:37:59 PM Hmm, no frost, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. I'm not sure how well you can track thing in a forest that's constantly moving regardless of frost. At least it's not so chilly in here. Lothlo takes a spot 2/3 back and scans the area as they march for danger, making sure to keep an eye for anything in the trees that may be waiting for them.
survival = 15 Perception = 34 (nat 20)
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Monday August 15th, 2022 8:24:08 PM
Sahabiel rides in her elven armor and with her morning star at her side, but she seems less fighting-tense than those of her companions that act as if an ambush might happen at any time. It is not out of some overconfident belief that these woods would not hold potential dangers even to her however, and rather more out of how aware she is that your troubles in the Deep Culverwood may well start with disorientation and getting lost, or any of a number of other seemingly minor events.
She keeps herself very conscious of the living, watching presence(s) she feels in the woods... finding comfort in her certainty that at least one of these presences always watching here will be the sentient will of the Culverwood itself. "Wood's Will be done", she goes through in thought, and her lips silently mouth the words.
( ooc: And in case other Survival checks than navigating the forest are needed, as long as she is within this magical forest Sahabiel's survival skill is at +25 for finding her way safely, and +19 for any other survival checks in this environment such as identifying edibles or hazards. When she needs to make an active survival check not related to just finding her way, she will do so while invoking the minor prayer of Guidance, bumping her +19 up to +20 so that she can consistently succeed on up to DC30 checks just Taking 10)
DM Kathy Monday August 15th, 2022 10:18:08 PM
You move through the Deep Culverwood. Panzer takes point, guided by Sahabiel. Next comes Nightingale, ready to support her companions in a fight. Naithi follows, on Camalayas, and then Ash and Lothlo. Beech brings up the rear. Zazu moves away from the group, intending to parallel them.
You have a rough time of it. Zazu finds that if he loses contact with the group, he and Boyo are soon lost and on their own. One time it takes nearly an hour to reunite again. You try to move in a northwesterly direction, but find that you are constantly getting turned around. Even Sahabiel cannot keep you on track, although at least she knows when you are moving the wrong way. The forest is definitely doing its best to confuse you, and if it weren't for the lodestone, you'd be hopelessly lost.
Luckily, though, you do have the lodestone, and Ash finds that she has to call out corrections every few hundred feet to keep the group headed in the right direction.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Monday August 15th, 2022 10:38:06 PM
Zazu sticks closer to the group. "It's not worth it if I'm wandering away when the battle comes."
"Thanks, Ash, for leading us!"
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Monday August 15th, 2022 10:52:15 PM
Ash smiles but can't take any credit here. "It's not me, Zazu. I've got no idea where we are or what direction we should be going. I'm just calling out the direction the stone is pointing". It's true. The others know far more than Ash does about navigating in the Culverwood. She's also a little worried about how the group will get out of the Culverwood when this expedition is done.
"Say, I know people get lost all the time in the Culverwood but I don't think we've seen it this bad before. Is it possible it's treating us as unfriendly and actively trying to steer us away from where the stone is pointing?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Tuesday August 16th, 2022 7:25:37 AM
Beech, even though he won''t say it outload, really don't trust the Culverwood, the Fey are flighty and random, the Culverwood is just plain nasty.... But he does trust in his new "Family" and half of them or more are enthralled with the area... He tries to stay prepared.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Tuesday August 16th, 2022 11:51:39 AM
Nightingale is watching out for butterflies, and ambushes ... and although the "Wood" is messing with them, she still enjoys the walk
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Tuesday August 16th, 2022 4:27:58 PM
Like Sahabiel, Panzer was more concerned with the Culverwood trying to get them lost than with something toothy and fearsome trying to eat them. But he watches for the toothy stuff anyway because his little brain is already so stressed out with going in a straight line that his brow is visibly damp with sweat. [i] Thinking is hard, no wonder I try not to do it most of the time[/i/
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Tuesday August 16th, 2022 6:14:41 PM
Sahabiel is glad that the lesson about staying close together was learned without anyone becoming permanently lost. "Let's just follow the way the needle points, shall we? Also, I think ya should know... for the misdirection glamours on this area to be this strong --and presumably permanently so or it would have been a bit much that someone'd have bothered with making that compass-- there must be something here that should not normally be found, and I 'ave no idea what that would be." She looks seriously concerned. "While we may just be walking towards a particularly reclusive tribe of isolationists, right now I also would not rule out the seat of an elder fey, a grand sylvan being, or even a passage to their primal realm itself. Those are not laughing matters even if we come invited, so.. let's try not to do anything foolish."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+14=30 ; Tuesday August 16th, 2022 9:00:40 PM I don't think it's being particularly unfriendly with us, I get the impression that this is just the nature of the Culverwood. Maybe it's more likely to ignore your presence if you're not an outsider, but if it was being unfriendly towards us I don't think there would be any doubt about that.
Lothlo continues to scan the are. Even if the Culverwood itself isn't being hostile towards them right now, the know from their past visit that there are no end to the surprises that await in this magical place.
Perception = 30
DM Kathy Tuesday August 16th, 2022 10:38:36 PM Zazu decides to stick closer to the group.
Beech, Nightingale, and Panzer try to stay alert.
Ash wonders why the Culverwood is messing with you to this extent. Lothlo suggests that it's just the nature of the Culverwood.
Sahabiel cautions her companions not to do anything foolish.
The lodestone can keep you on course, but it cannot protect you from all the dangers of the Culverwood. Luckily, Lothlo sees the danger in time, and shouts a warning, just as a cloud of pollen surrounds you.
Everyone needs to make a DC 24 Will save. You get a +2 on the attempt because of Lothlo's warning.
You immediately see the source of the cloud--a large plant with vinelike tentacles. Knowledge Nature 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {It is a Viper Vine}.
Those who fail their Will saves become captivated, and can take no actions except to move toward the plant.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday August 16th, 2022 10:43:44 PM
Zazu agrees and rides Boyo with the group.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 d20+12=15 ; d20+12=30 ; d20+13=24 ; Tuesday August 16th, 2022 11:04:16 PM Wow. Look at all the pollen!" Ash reaches out her hand to touch it, but quickly recoils. "Uh, this isn't the good kind of pollen" She gets a little distracted by it, but maintains her senses.
Ash notices the plant that created all this and calls out in alarm: "Viper vine!" She does her best to think of any strengths or weaknesses the plant may have.
She doesn't think everyone in the party will have the same strength of Will as she does, so she does what she can to stop them from doing anything silly.
Ash casts a Silent Image spell to create a wall surrounding the Viper Vine. If the party can't see the vine, maybe they won't approach it? If the Viper Vine can't see the party maybe it can't attack? It's all theoretical but she tries it anyway. "Casting a Wall spell!" She doesn't actually know a wall spell though.
Once she gets a better idea on who is affected and who isn't she'll be ready to drop the wall. First step is getting everyone ready for the fight.
--------------- Will Save vs DC24. 15=Fail! Use Improved Iron Will ability to reroll. 30=Pass! Know Nature vs DC23: 24=Pass!
Standard: Cast Silent Image. Create the image of a 20ft tall stone wall surrounding the vine. Will Save DC18 to disbelieve if interacted with. Move: Move to the West and hopefully out of the pollen
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 d20+11=23 ; d20+17=34 ; Tuesday August 16th, 2022 11:42:02 PM (Knowledge (Nature) vs DC23: 1d20+11 = 23, success)
"Viper vine!", Sahabiel calls out in alarm.
(Will save vs DC24: Spending hero point before roll for +8, 1d20+17 = 34, success)
Sahabiel musters her strength of will, helped by her faith and knowing that today she walks within the domain of the immortal power she serves, and she shrugs off the effect of the spore cloud with barely even a tug on her mind.
Not wanting to breathe in more spores and risking it wearing her down, she realizes she must seek to get the spores out of the air by any means possible, fast. Although weather magic to directly command the wind is not the way of her path, the elementals will heed her when she calls - and call she does.
Summon Monster II -> Air Elemental (small). Since air elemental will get to act before Sahabiel needs to roll her next saving throw, she has it use its body of animate air to sweep away the pollen from the air around her and as many of her comrades close to her as its 100ft movement allows, prioritizing those that make their save. Thank goodness for Sahabiel being close to the center of the group, if the map grid cells are 5' each, the elemental would have enough movement to move in a spiral that passes through the squares of each of her companions where they are now - although in the time it takes her to complete the summoning some of them may fail their saving throw and start moving further away.)
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 WILL Save: d20+11=25 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 12:31:33 PM
Nightingale shakes her head as the pollen floats in the air. She doesn't recognize the plant, but does know there are many that will trap and eat whatever happens by. She will back up enough to avoid the pollen and try to figure out what she can do in this situation...
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20+7=18 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 2:28:31 PM
Beech begins to stroll towards the vine, and then a wall appears.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+5=22 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 8:05:43 PM
Panzer takes the puff of pollen right in the face as he hears Lothlo call out. He tries hard to resist it but the pollen overwhelms his control over his body and he starts to walk toward it. Will save 22 fail
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+7=13 ; d20+15=17 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 8:29:13 PM
Lothlo spots the Vipervine, but it is too late. The pollen has captivated him and he starts to move towards the giant plant
will = d20+15=17 ;
DM Kathy d20+6=19 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 11:14:15 PM Ash calls out that the strange plant is a Viper Vine. She casts a Silent Image of a wall, in hopes of slowing down those captivated. She moves away, but not out of the pollen cloud. You need to make another DC 24 Will save or be captivated.
Sahabiel begins summoning an air elemental. Summoning is always a full-round action, so the air elemental will not be here before you need to make another saving throw. DC 24 Will save or be captivated.
Nightingale also tries to back out of the pollen, but the cloud has a 60-foot radius and you don't get out of it. You need to make another DC 24 Will save or be captivated.
Beech, Panzer, and Lothlo are all captivated.
The viper vine finds itself enclosed it a stone wall. It moves closer to the wall to try to find a way over or under it. As it probes with its tentacles, it realizes that the wall isn't really there, but I'm going to say that took a full round so it's down.
We still need initial saves from Zazu, Boyo, Naithi, and Camalayas.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+9=17 ; d20+8=17 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 11:15:56 PM
Zazu save 17 Boyo save 17
Neither save, and they move toward the vine, Zazu riding Boyo per usual. There's a wall in the way, so they try to go around.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 d20+12=13 ; d20+12=24 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 11:36:37 PM
Ash keeps concentrating on the wall. While it's in place her friends might not know which way to go.
It takes some effort but she keeps her senses and moves further to get away from the pollen.
----------- Will Save vs DC22: 19=Fail! Use hero point to reroll: 24=Pass!
Standard: Concentrate on keeping up the wall Move: Move up to 30ft North (or NW or SW or SE - whichever gets her out of the pollen)
RobC posting for Naithi d20+7=25 ; Wednesday August 17th, 2022 11:58:38 PM
Naithi and Camalayas hold off on attacking until the can work out a plan with the rest of the party. They don't succumb to the effects of the pollen, and move to the east to get outside of it's range.
------------- Will Save vs DC24: Naithi rolls 25. Lost Child ability means Camalayas saves too DM: Please advise how far east they need to go
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 WILL Save: d20+11=27 ; Thursday August 18th, 2022 1:01:32 PM
Nightingale will take her full and move 50' away to get out of the pollen cloud. She's desperately wracking her brain trying to come up with someway to save her friends (either east or west, whichever way is further from the pollen)
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20-5=12 ; Thursday August 18th, 2022 4:13:52 PM
Beech is stymied by the wall....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 d20+3=7 ; Thursday August 18th, 2022 6:14:46 PM (ooc: sorry, I was belatedly reminded by Zazu and Naithi's posting saves for animal companions that I had neglected that Sahabiel was riding on Kohlrabi at the start of this scene. Since Kohlrabi can't spend Hero points to reroll, I have to backpaddle on what I was able to do previous round - trying to do an elegant recovery that doesn't affect anyone else.)
Kohlrabi's Will save last round: d20+3 = 7, failed!
Sahabiel musters her strength of will, helped by her faith and knowing that today she walks within the domain of the immortal power she serves, and she shrugs off the effect of the spore cloud with barely even a tug on her mind. However, Kohlrabi under her suddenly starts uncertainly walking towards danger without her command, and Sahabiel has no choice but to quickly dismount before it picks up any speed.
Dismounting uses up her Move action. This means Sahabiel only had a standard action left and could not take a full action to start casting a summoning spell, so much as she'd like to play hero and deal with these spores for everyone, she can't.
Sahabiel has some idea of how to get rid of these spores, but for now it is all she can do to protect herself. Blocking her nostrils and holding her breath so that she will not be able to smell anything, she begins making her way towards the edge of the affected area, but she will not be casting any spells this way.. nor be able to communicate her ideas to her comrades.
Current round would see her complete the distance to be out of the cloud, and Kohlrabi being stumped by the wall, but Sahabiel has not even started summoning the elemental yet.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Thursday August 18th, 2022 6:59:54 PM
Controlled by the pollen Panzer approached the wall since the object of his infatuation was behind it.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+17=28 ; Thursday August 18th, 2022 9:06:38 PM
Lothlo continues his mindless march towards the Viper Vine, unable to focus on anything but the creatures movements.
*** Will save in case something happens that could wake Lothlo... at which point Lohtlo will sprint out of the pollen Will= d20+17=28
DM Kathy d20+23=37 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=31 ; d20+21=38 ; d20+21=38 ; 2d6+6=10 ; 3d6=8 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=9 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+4=7 ; d20+28=36 ; Thursday August 18th, 2022 10:38:28 PM Zazu and Boyo succumb to the pollen and approach the wall.
Ash maintains the wall, heroically resisting the spores herself.
Naithi and Camalayas both save, and move outside the range of the pollen.
Nightingale also moves away.
Beech, Panzer, and Lothlo approach the wall.
Sahabiel makes her save, but Kohlrabi does not. Sahabiel dismounts and moves out of the cloud.
Normally, the spore cloud of a viper vine hangs in the air for several rounds. However, it is winter, and the spores are a little less robust. Those not captivated realize that the area around the viper vine is now safe. Well, safe from pollen. There are still tentacles.
However, those who were captivated are still captivated. The viper vine attacks the largest target, Beech. Its horrible, gaping maw bites for 10 damage, plus 8 acid damage. Four tentacles follow, hitting for a total of 34 damage. Beech is grappled. That's the bad news. The good news is he gets a new Will save, DC 24, as a free action.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Thursday August 18th, 2022 10:47:13 PM
Ash drops her concentration on the wall, allowing the illusion to fade away. The group can now clearly see their target
--------------- OOC: Just posting that for now so others can make their actions. Rest of Ash's actions coming shortly
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Thursday August 18th, 2022 11:56:10 PM
OOC Do any of those adjacent to Beech being killed get a new save? I mean he was pretty much just ripped to pieces in front of us.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Friday August 19th, 2022 5:37:04 AM "Mother Maab!" Ash gasps at how brutally the vine attacks Beech.
She quickly casts a pair of spells to try and weaken the plant.
----------------- Standard: Cast Spectral Hand Hero point: Cast Bestow Curse. Vine to make a Will Save vs DC21 (using Focused Curse) or be cursed: "Each turn, the target has a 50% chance to act normally; otherwise, it takes no action."
RobC posting for Naithi d20+10=21 ; Friday August 19th, 2022 5:40:46 AM
Naithi is the nature guru of the team, and tries to think if there are any weaknesses or tactics that could be used against the plant.
-------------- Knowl Nature: 21 to work out any weaknesses that can be exploited
OOC: Does anyone want to post some other actions for Naithi?
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Friday August 19th, 2022 9:09:12 AM
Beech dies from the attack... so no save needed
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP -12/40 Character Friday August 19th, 2022 9:09:37 AM
updating header... sorry
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Friday August 19th, 2022 12:52:36 PM
Panzer stands and waits his turn to be brutally ripped limb from limb.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday August 19th, 2022 2:11:27 PM
Nightingale drops to her knees upon seeing Beech so brutally treated. She pulls out her wand and summons her celestial pitt bull and has it attack the viney plant
DM Kathy Friday August 19th, 2022 3:16:56 PM
Oops! I made a mistake. Beech did not die from the attack, because one of the tentacles missed. Beech took 26 damage from the tentacles, and should still be alive.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP -4/40 Character Friday August 19th, 2022 4:23:12 PM
Beech, seems to moan, but is still out cold.....
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+9=23 ; Friday August 19th, 2022 8:24:57 PM
[OOC: Sorry Confused ... are the captivated still captivated? If so, Zazu and Boyo walk up to the plant monster. If not. we'll take a round backing away and casting scorching ray from a scroll and hitting touch AC23]
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; Friday August 19th, 2022 8:25:30 PM
For 4d6 fire damage - 12 hp.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Friday August 19th, 2022 9:02:33 PM
Lothlo would be petrified at the horror the just befell Beech, but he's still too captivated by the Viper Vine to do anything.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 d20+11=18 ; Friday August 19th, 2022 10:18:43 PM
She is barely out to the edge of the spore cloud, or it starts to disappear - giving Sahabiel cause to turn around and head right back towards the viper vine. Distance spares her from the details of what happened to Beech, but from the amount of flailing of the vine tentacles alone she can already tell things are not good up there!
Knowledge (Nature) d20+11 = 18
Sahabiel tries to gauge the power of this particular viper vine.. it is a full grown specimen? Plants are literally her sphere of specialization and he has the received from the Culverwood sacred words to Command Plant creatures, but nothing in what she was taught suggests that she, as she is now, would be able to affect something this monstrous...
(ooc: Consulting with the DM, will have to post result during the weekend.)
DM Kathy d20+6=24 ; Friday August 19th, 2022 11:18:55 PM Ash drops her illusory wall. She calls up a Spectral Hand and, making a heroic effort, attempts to curse the viper vine. The plant resists. [Will save 24]
Naithi gives the situation some thought. The plant does not like cold. If anybody has a cold attack, even a Ray of Frost, now is the time to use it.
Nightingale summons a celestial pit bull, but does not put it on the map. Please put a token on the map, then roll the pit bull's attacks.
Zazu, Panzer, and Lothlo remain captivated. Beech is unconscious.
Sahabiel considers how she can best help her companions.
[Bad guy actions are suspended for the moment. Nightingale needs to roll her summoned creature's attacks, and Sahabiel needs to figure out what she's going to do. And Sahabiel's action may affect other PCs, so I'll wait on the viper vine's actions.]
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Saturday August 20th, 2022 1:15:42 AM
ooc aren't summons a full round action?
DM Kathy Saturday August 20th, 2022 2:24:01 PM
Right. Summon is a full-round action. I'd thought that casting it from a wand made it a standard action, but I was wrong about that.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP -5/40 Character d20=2 ; Saturday August 20th, 2022 4:13:20 PM
Beech is bleeding out... The numerous slashes, gashes and punctures all ooze out quite a bit of blood.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Saturday August 20th, 2022 11:08:26 PM
Pander stands by as the plant chooses its next victim.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Sunday August 21st, 2022 7:08:01 PM (ooc: This continues my turn of last round)
It was going to be a gamble, but even if she kept moving in she was not going to be able to reach Beech before the vine would be ready to strike again anyway, so... clutching her holy symbol, Sahabiel intoned the words of the most powerful miracle she was capable of among the prayers specific to her area of specialty. Even throwing her all behind the battle of wills this was only going to be about even chances that it might work or not, but if it did, it would end this battle here and now so that they'd be able to safely attend Beech's wounds.
(ooc: Sahabiel casts Command Plants. It would not normally be possible for a cleric of her level to affect a creature of this many HD, but throwing in a Hero Point, now she has a fighting chance... The viper vine gets to roll another Will save vs. DC17 - if it fails, Sahabiel commands it to heed her and stop attacking the party immediately.)
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Monday August 22nd, 2022 12:00:45 PM
Zazu rides on up to the big bad plant.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Monday August 22nd, 2022 8:16:00 PM
The Viper Vine continues to hold Lothlo captivated.
DM Kathy d20+6=14 ; Monday August 22nd, 2022 9:52:01 PM Sahabiel casts Command Plants, making a heroic effort to try to command a plant bigger than she normally could. The viper vine extends its tentacles--and then stops, twitching slightly. The spell worked.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Monday August 22nd, 2022 11:14:57 PM
Sahabiel senses her triumph in the battle of wills, and sighs with relief.
"Everyone, don't attack the viper vine, I have it - tend to Beech! And if at all possible, someone try to lead Kohlrabi back here too?
With the magic establishing a path for her to communicate to the huge plant creature, that actually leaves the question of what she is going to do now that it is listening to her. For the moment, she is satisfied to have it stand down and wait.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Monday August 22nd, 2022 11:24:51 PM
Pander continues st stand next to the vine captivated
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP -5/40 Character d20=19 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:05:43 AM
Beech, miraculously stops bleeding....
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 d20+13=25 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:17:04 AM "There's still the matter of what to do with our friends that are captivated." Ash holds her ground and doesn't approach the plant "I wonder what would happen if they were to be knocked out?"
If the party aren't brought to their senses, they could be blindly following the plant for quite some time.
---------------------- Knowl (Nature): 25 - to think of a way to break people free of the pollen effect
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 9:14:18 AM
Lothlo stands captivated, blissfully unaware that Ash is talking about knocking him out.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 CMW 2d8+3=12 ; Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:31:52 PM
Nightingale will order her pittie to grab Beech and drag them away from the plant ... Nightingale then hurries towards them already starting to call out for aid. Once she gets her hands on Beech the air explodes into the scent of fresh cut grass ... OOC: Nightingale's normal move is 50' ... and she's spontaneously casting Cure Moderate Wounds
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 12:58:51 PM
ooc: I'm back from vacation. I'll try to catch up and post tonight after work.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP -5/40 Character Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 5:47:44 PM
Beech lays there like a beached whale....He's large and not in the least helpful with his being moved to a safer location....
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 8:04:57 PM
Zazu is still mentally fascinated, but at some level the elf is glad the plant isn't eating anybody.
DM Kathy Tuesday August 23rd, 2022 11:13:31 PM Sahabiel warns her companions not to attack the viper vine.
Ash points out that many of your companions are still enthralled.
Nightingale drags Beech back and casts a healing spell.
You find that the captivation effect does not last long. In less than a minute, Zazu, Lothlo, Panzer, and Beech are back to normal--although in Beech's case still badly wounded. You can easily put the viper vine behind you.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 2:07:17 AM "I'm certain there are worse things in the Culverwood than a viper vine" Ash warns "I think we're lucky that's all we've encountered so far"
She waits for the others to gather their senses and bearings.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Wednesday August 24th, 2022 9:37:20 AM " So are we going to keep going deeper or are we cutting our losses and getting out of here?" Panzer is clearly upset at having lost control of his actions and seeing the state that Beech was in when he regained his senses.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 CMW: 2d8+3=12 ; Wednesday August 24th, 2022 12:29:46 PM
Nightingale will cast another healing spell on Beech before the group decides their actions
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 19/40 Character Wednesday August 24th, 2022 4:47:53 PM "What the Heck?" Beech asks when he recovers, then after its explained, he suggests... "Maybe those who are the ones familiar with these sorts of things, should notice them...." It's not hard so realize he's being mostly sarcastic... Beech does thank Nightingale.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 7:23:09 PM
Lothlo teases Beech back a little. I don't think noticing makes much difference. I had no problem noticing that thing for all the good it did. It just gave us a split second of awareness that we were already ambushed before we were under it's spell. Perhaps the real trick is not to try in a comically exaggerated manner, let the dangers of the forest worry that our nonchalantness is really just a trap we are setting for them.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:23:32 PM (ooc: I gather from DMs phrasing that the rest of this adventure is not ready for Sahabiel to command the living, vegetable, equivalent of a siege engine, and we probably do not want to travel with something that only moves at 10’ per round, so…)
Sahabiel was feeding the charmed plant creature a set of string suggestions that would stop it from attacking them again for the remainder of the duration of her control over it. It being just a creature following its nature as an apex predator, without cruel intent or malice, stopped her from seeing this as an existence she was justified to snuff out, so she made sure to still allow it to hunt.. just not people, and if at all possible also not here on this path they’d be taking back later.
After listening to opinions from Ash and Beech, she shrugs; “Oh come now, ya are talking as if the whole Culverwood is just a death trap. People live here, ya know? It is just that yer used to living in a world where people and settlements dominate over nature, and here… they don’t. If ya live here, ya do so under a covenant with the Will of the Wood, under the rules of necessity it sets, instead of trying to impose what would suit us. As long as we’re not breaking any rules, the Culverwood shouldn’t turn on us. Running into that viper vine and not seein’ the signs of it in time is bad luck, but ya can say the same about being struck by a cart in a town market, no?”
Sahabiel is in favor of following the magicked compass to find out what it was leading them to, as soon as everyone is back on their feet.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 8:26:12 PM
ooc: Strong. A set of strong suggestions.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday August 24th, 2022 9:33:22 PM
Naithi catches up with the others and asks if everyone is alright. We need to brush up on our survival skills and make sure we are keeping an eye out for trouble as we travel
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+20=35 ; d20+10=18 ; Wednesday August 24th, 2022 10:00:32 PM
Zazu recovers and looks around standing right next to the viper vine. What if it has loot? Maybe something from a fallen foe? The sharp-eyed elf takes a look ...
Perception ... 35
If there is something valuable to be seen, Zazu tries to snag it covertly with a legerdemain trick while Boyo backs away.
Sleight of Hand at -5 ... 18
Succeed or fail, the elf encourages Boyo to get out of there on the toot sweet!
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Wednesday August 24th, 2022 10:22:33 PM "In a town market I know enough to look out for carts. Since you are good at 'seein’ the signs' of things that are higher on the food chain than me, you could take point and like a tour guide point them out as you lead us past them. I would be hard pressed to cut my way through the hide on that thing and the minuscule amount of damage I would cause it IF I managed to hurt it is laughable. It could take the punishment I can dish out on my best day for a couple of minutes, fart out a cloud of that pollen and then have it's way with me as it slowly peels of my armor off, one plate at a time, to get at the gooey center. I saw what it did to Beech. I think it tripped over it's own tentacles trying to get to him and thus missed once. Aside from that I am pretty sure I saw it yawn before it nearly decapitated him. Nope, not my forte and I'm not walking into another leafy meat grinder like that. An entire thieves guild you say? Heck yeah lets go. This, Nope." Clearly that took alot out of the little badgerkin because he is breathing hard when he finishes. If you listen closely you can hear the panic in his voice because this thing had him dead to rights and shrot of the miracle Sahabiel pulled out of her faith, he is certain he was staring his death in the face, er, bloom, whatever. Flustered and embarrassed, Panzer steps away from the 'leafy meat grinder' so that in case another puff of pollen lets loose he has a chance to flee.
DM Kathy Wednesday August 24th, 2022 11:09:23 PM
You continue to recover from the viper vine fight.
Ash remarks that you're lucky this is the worst thing you encountered so far.
Panzer asks whether the group intends to keep going, and adds that he'd rather take on another Thieves' Guild than another of those plants.
Nightingale continues healing Beech, who feels that someone should have seen the viper vine sooner.
Lothlo says he did the best he could, and suggests you try to lull the Culverwood into a false sense of security.
Zazu looks around, but he and Boyo don't see anything unusual apart from the viper vine.
Naithi suggests the group brush up on their survival skills.
But the thing is, as experienced adventurers, you know that sometimes the Universe just decides that you need to randomly encounter something, and there's little you can do about it.
Sahabiel's spell lasts a day per level, and there's nothing stopping her from commanding the viper vine to accompany the group. However, as she points out, its speed is 10. Also, you are moving toward people who have asked for your help. How are they going to react if you show up with a hostile plant creature in tow?
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Thursday August 25th, 2022 3:50:35 AM "There may be people living here, but I'll bet there's a whole lot more than that could kill a person. Kind of the reason more people live in towns than in here." She isn't quite sure why Sahabiel keeps referring to her as a city person. Ash grew up in and around different forests, and knows quite a bit about nature too. "I like your optimism, but the Culverwood is a fickle place. It's mood can quickly change no matter who you are or what your intentions."
She says no more about it and looks to the lodestone to see where it points.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday August 25th, 2022 12:31:50 PM
Nightingale throws in her two coppers, "The Wood is alive, cities aren't. We are essentially walking around in someone's home if you think about it. The Wood is alive, so think of the viper vine as a guard dog, to be respected, and avoided if possible. Out here, we will rely on our survival skills more than our combat skills, and I think that's what has tripped us up. Anyway, this is where the viper vine lives, we're the intruders, I'm up for moving on and leaving it be."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Thursday August 25th, 2022 4:38:04 PM "Intruders are not invited. If you ask me to come to your house you don't leave an attack dog chained at the door to eat me."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 19/40 Character Thursday August 25th, 2022 7:18:55 PM
Beech nods in agreement with Panzer, and he keeps a seed in his hand for the foreseeable future, mumbling something about party favors.....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; Thursday August 25th, 2022 8:59:19 PM
Sahabiel feels that not everyone is quite on the same page about the Deep Culverwood and various metaphors flying around, and at the same time she is concerned that any attempt to sort that now might result in the party suffering a case of philosophy. Which would not be inherently a bad thing, just really inopportune in the current time and place.
"Alright, let's get everyone fit to travel again before something else happens..", she urges, and as the can tell that Beech is not looking so good after his experience with the viper vine, she channels some of the vibrant, regenerative power of nature for him and the group around them. (ooc: Channel Energy, one daily use now expended, 13 points of healing to everyone)[/b]
After, she gets back into the saddle, and from horseback keeps her eyes on the surroundings while Ash gets the compass back in working order so that they can continue.
Survival (navigate Culverwood) Take10 + 25 = 35
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Thursday August 25th, 2022 9:05:03 PM I feel that it's more like choosing to walk into flood waters than someones back yard. It doesn't really matter what you do, the situation can change in an instant and you are already surrounded by the danger. You don't necessarily get a warning before the water suddenly becomes more dangerous, and in the end it was your choice to enter the water in the first place.
Still... I can't help but be upset with myself for not seeing the Viper Vine in time for it to be helpful.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+10=20 ; d8=8 ; Thursday August 25th, 2022 9:37:23 PM
Panzer pulls out his healing wand and drops back near Beech. As the others move out he taps the Wemic a couple times to close the last of his wounds and burns. UMD 20, heal 9 points of damage With Beech back in top shape the Beastkin moves back near the front, falling in behind Sahabiel.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday August 25th, 2022 10:06:11 PM
Naithi is disappointed the plant wasn't destroyed. It looked tasty and there were several recipes it might go well in.
DM Kathy Thursday August 25th, 2022 10:17:23 PM
You continue to debate the dangers of the Culverwood, and whether or not it's a good place to live.
Sahabiel provides Beech with some healing, and Panzer uses a wand to top him off.
Naithi is disappointed not to be eating a really big salad, but she keeps her thoughts to herself.
Ash takes a bearing, and soon you are on your way again.
Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 Thursday August 25th, 2022 11:05:49 PM "So are we sticking with the same marching order or mixing it up?" Ash still plans to be away from the front of the pack.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday August 25th, 2022 11:09:24 PM
Zazu grins and offers a few more metaphors.
"The Culverwood is a moon, because she is made of green cheese."
"The Culverwood is a book, because she has many leafs."
"The Culverwood is a traitor, because she has many trees on."
"The Culverwood is a simile, because there is always like in the middle."
Boyo bucks Zazu off!
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Friday August 26th, 2022 2:25:54 PM
Beech, feels a whole lot better, and says thanks. He thinks on various magics and what he needs to try to focus on learning, when he can....
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday August 26th, 2022 3:27:38 PM
Nightingale didn't take any damage, but she does say a short prayer to Queen Maab thanking her and asking her for aid while travelling the Wood
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Friday August 26th, 2022 8:36:13 PM
Naithi checks on Camalayas, Fizzgig, Cuddly Mike and Jen to make sure they are ok.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+14=28 ; Friday August 26th, 2022 9:13:28 PM I suppose we should keep moving, make sure to keep your eyes peeled
Perception = 28
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+20=38 ; Friday August 26th, 2022 10:46:31 PM
"That's a good idea, Lothlo!"
Zazu tries to stop fooling around and keep alert.
Perception 38
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20=13 ; d20=20 ; Friday August 26th, 2022 10:49:53 PM " Sure, let's go." Panzer heads of in whichever way the lodestone points Perception 17 Survival 30
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