Clearing in the Dark (DM Cayzle) d20+25=41 ; Monday October 17th, 2022 11:29:15 PM
Grindar casts a buff and volunteers to sneak with Elyngael.
Trellus waits.
Elyngael buffs Trellus and herself. She sneaks forward as well.
Armand offers spells, including Light, to Trellus.
Human-shaped 'Osul waits to learn from the scouts.
Moridark makes Trellus invisible, and then listens.
Elyngael and Grindar creep forward. Alas, the keen eared enemy hears something, even with the range penalty..
The clearing is about 100 ft in diameter. You see 6 humans in a circle. around outside the circle, you see 6 shambling mounds and three treants. All six are focused on the darker spot at the center of the circle.
But several lift their heads, looking around. One says, "What's that?"
You are out of sight, but they have heard a sound, and they are scanning to see who is there.
Elyngael and Grindar are on the edge of the clearing, about 45 ft from the humans and 35 feet from the closest shambling mounds. The rest of the party is 120 ft away.
Actions?
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 d20+41=45 ; Tuesday October 18th, 2022 7:36:03 AM
'Osul (who isn't aware of the forward actions) listens intently for anything new, chaged, absent... {Perception: 45}
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+33=39 ; Tuesday October 18th, 2022 12:50:44 PM
Grindar singles to Elyngeal that he is going to attempt to sneak back to the others to report.
Stealth: 39
Trellus - MikeK - (AC17 T14 F13, CMD 35, HP (176/176) Tuesday October 18th, 2022 2:25:32 PM
Trellus continues to wait, various spells and items at the ready.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+27=42 ; Tuesday October 18th, 2022 5:22:55 PM Trellus, book says rangers are caster level -3. So Barkskin is maxed +5 at level 12.
Elyngeal will freeze in place and become one with her surroundings. Stealth d20+27=42. (Hide in plain sight: can use Stealth in favored terrain even if being observed.) She wonders if Brawn will sense the danger she's in and alert the others.
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
spells Barkskin
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Character Sheet Tuesday October 18th, 2022 6:08:48 PM
Armand whispers, "I wonder how long we should wait? You know I'm not going to trudge through the forest." He then casts Air Walk on himself.
OOC DM, the 5th level potion of anything, is that a level 5 spell or level 5 caster?
on going: Air Walk
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Tuesday October 18th, 2022 10:51:18 PM
Moridark strains to listen for anything that would indicate his friends are in trouble. The mage then casts invisibility on himself.
Clearing in the Dark (DM Cayzle) d20+25=26 ; Tuesday October 18th, 2022 11:19:14 PM
Moridark and Armand cast spells. Trellus waits. 'Osul listens.
The alert dark druid rolls a nat 1 on the perception check! Elyngael's hiding in plain sight and Grindar's return to the party go completely unnoticed.
Elyngael can tell, however, that the druids are more alert than they were. The three treants start to patrol the edge of the clearing.
'Osul can hear them moving.
Grindar returns to the party and lets everybody know what is going on. And to be safe from detection, you all may want to back off some. Spellcasting now might be heard by the treants!
Your next move?
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+33=34 ; d20+33=37 ; Wednesday October 19th, 2022 12:42:52 PM
Grindar reports back to his friends, warning them of the danger, and that their presence is known. He than sneaks back to Elyngael's position, as he is uncomfortable with leaving her alone. Before he leaves, he tells Cotton to stay with the rest of the party, and follow their lead.
Perception 34 Stealth 37
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Wednesday October 19th, 2022 1:08:45 PM
Trellus listens to Grindar's report, but says nothing.
He does activate his Winged Boots, and draws a potion from his haversack.
----- Activate Winged Boots Retrieve potion of heroism.
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Character Sheet Wednesday October 19th, 2022 5:31:56 PM
Armand whispers, "Okay let's go. From what Grindar said they are 120 feet up that way. If Trellus and I are flying and I assume Moridark is flying on his horse, and 'Osul can fly. We should get there quicker."
OOC We should be able to get there in two turns of double moving. I'd rather fight out in the open than in the tree's. Or I think if we were hasted we might get there in 1 turn. I think I can run while air walking and fly speed is usually 60 for the spell.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+27=38 ; d20+31=32 ; Wednesday October 19th, 2022 5:52:26 PM
Elyngeal continues her vigileance while waiting for the others. Stealth d20+27=38. (Hide in plain sight: can use Stealth in favored terrain even if being observed.) Perception d20+31=32. Can she tell what race the figures are to see if they fall into a favored enemy status?
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
spells Barkskin
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Wednesday October 19th, 2022 7:07:50 PM
Moridark strains to listen for anything that would indicate his friends are in trouble. The mage then casts invisibility on himself.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Wednesday October 19th, 2022 7:11:59 PM
Moridark whispers,”I am flying and would prefer to cast haste on Elyngael as well it if you want it now I will cast it now.”. Once getting an answer the mage either will or will not cast haste before moving out.
Clearing in the Dark (DM Cayzle) Wednesday October 19th, 2022 8:19:37 PM [OOC: Anything potions have a caster level of your character level. They can be of any wizard or cleric spell you like (from the Core Rules), chosen when you drink it, but keep in mind that the drinker is the target, so don't drink a potion of Fireball -- well, unless you are immune to fire and you are in the middle of a group of enemies, maybe?
A level 5 Anything Potion allows spells up to 5th level.]
Grindar reports back and then sneaks back to the druid circle. The druids are more alert! Are you sure?
Trellus gets ready to buff and fly.
Armand whispers a plan. He is wise to whisper. The druids are on higher alert now, and the treants are patrolling.
Elyngael does not have to make another stealth check to stay hid, seeing as she is just standing still in her favored terrain. Her keen eyes, despite the darkness suggest that the druids are mostly human, elf, and half-elf. Hard to tell. ALSO, Elyngael only, please Highlight to display spoiler: {You hear parts of a whispered conversation in Sylvan. They are debating whether to prepare for combat, or if that is foolish paranoia.}
Moridark consider casting Invisibility. Note, however, that it will be a DC22 Perception check for them to hear you, and surely they will. Are you sure?
As an example of the loudness of spellcasting, the dark druids themselves start casting spells, and you hear them! Please make a Perception check ...
If you beat a DC22, you hear the casting.
If you make a DC42, then you can make two spellcraft checks to identify the spells. If anyone does so, I'll reveal the results in the next post, or earlier.
Elyngael, you get a +12 on these checks since you are close by.
We're going round by round now, friends.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Wednesday October 19th, 2022 10:03:36 PM
Moridark whispers,”I am flying and would prefer to cast haste on Elyngael as well it if you want it now I will cast it now.”. Once getting an answer the mage either will or will not cast haste before moving out.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 d20+41=45 ; d20+10=22 ; Thursday October 20th, 2022 7:07:58 AM
'Osul was listening! {Perception: 45 (again), Spellcraft: 22} He softly shares what he gleans before taking on the form of a Huge Air Elemental, and moving up and forward.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+23=35 ; Thursday October 20th, 2022 2:19:23 PM
Perception 35
Grindar hears the casting, but has no idea what they are casting. He decides to hang back, and move forward with his friends. He knows that they are about to give themselves away, and is ready to bring his Ax to bare if needed.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) d20+16=17 Thursday October 20th, 2022 2:39:44 PM
Wanting to keep out of sight and hearing of the casting druids, Trellus says nothing. He drinks his potion and starts flying forward.
He's so busy keeping quiet himself, that he doesn't notice any noise from in front of him. [Perception 17]
----- Drink Potion of Heroism Fly toward druids 30'
In Effect Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 120 minutes Invisibility Fly: Duration 5 minutes Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. Duration 10 minutes
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Character Sheet d20+8=19 ; Thursday October 20th, 2022 5:31:05 PM
Armand signals to Moridark to wait on the spellcasting. He cocks his head listening. Perception 19 (d20+8). But then shakes his head. He takes to the air and moves forward twice (60 feet).
As a reminder Armand has googles of night.
Spells: Air Walk.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Thursday October 20th, 2022 9:06:06 PM
Moridark flies just behind Armand staying close enough to not get lost even with his low light vision.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=48 ; d20+8=13 ; d20+8=22 ; Thursday October 20th, 2022 9:15:04 PM
Elyngael stays hidden. Perception d20+31=48. Elyngael's languages are common, elven, sylvan, and orc. Spellcraft d20+8 (+10 if it is elven magic)=13 and d20+8 (or +10)=22.
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn will move forward on the ground. His speed is 50 but I think he's in difficult terrain so double move should still keep him nearish the others.
spells Barkskin
Clearing in the Dark R1 (DM Cayzle) d20+11=16 ; d20+12=23 ; d20+25=40 ; Saturday October 22nd, 2022 1:27:55 PM
[OOC from last round: Moridark cast his invisibility. No prob.]
The decision is made, and the party moves to attack.
Everything is dark here. Can everybody confirm that they have darkvision? If not, how are they seeing? You have found that soft colored lights do not offend the forest.
If you can see in the dark and fly, you travel at half speed in the woods and normal speed in the clearing. If you can see in the dark and have Woodland Stride, you travel at half speed in the woods and normal speed in the clearing. (Flying with Woodland Stride does not stack!)
If you can't fly, cut that in half. If you can't see, cut that in half -- and how are you fighting, moving, aiming, and so forth anyway?
Please state your current movement and vision in your next post, or I will assume you are walking blind. My understanding is that Elyngael, Armand, 'Osul, and Grindar have darkvision. What about Trellus and Moridark? What about Brawn and Cotton? Being blind in combat inflicts significant penalties.
Also please make sure you keep your hit points up to date, and put active effects at the bottom of your post.
=====
Let's start with Elyngael, because she is closest.
Last round, you listened to the spellcasting. You understand that there are three casters of one type, A, B, and C on the map; and three casters of another type, X, Y, and Z. You cannot tell what the ABCs are casting. You do understand that the XYZs are casting Air Walk.
First off this round, you hear your friends approaching from the south, the bottom of the map, making no attempt at stealth.
Make a stealth check if you move or act. If you roll a 16, no shambling mound notices you. If you roll a 23, then no treant nor shambling mound notices you. If you roll a 40, then no creature notices you. Creatures who do not notice you are flat-footed and lose their dex bonus to your attacks.
You may place yourself anywhere you like on the map and make a full round of actions, including a full round attack. This represents your closeness to the battlefiueld and superb stealth in your favored terrain. Please post your map coordinates using the column letters and row numbers on the map along with your move and active effects, including movement capability if any and your vision.
=====
Next up, Armand. You took a double move, so you start on the map. Place yourself anywhere in row 45. Please note your map coordinates for yourself in your post. You may post a full round of actions starting from that spot.
=====
Moridark, you also flew with a double move. Even if you are blind, I'll allow it assuming you had a hand from Armand. Place yourself next to Armand in row 45. If you are blind and Armand wishes to continue to be your guide, he must devote one hand to the task, and cannot use that hand for any other purpose in his post -- and you must stay next to him.
Please note your map coordinates for yourself in your post. You may post a full round of actions starting from that spot. Also note that if you are blind, you can cast area effect spells, spells requiring a touch attack (with a 50% miss chance and a perception check at -20 to locate your target by sound alone), and spells on yourself (and Armand if he is holding your hand). Otherwise, you need line of sight to cast most other spells.
=====
'Osul, last round you deduced that some druids out there cast Freedom of Movement. Then you wildshaped and took a move action forward.
(I'm assuming that initiating wildshape requires a standard action?)
(Also, how big are you, wildshaped, please?)
You start the round off the map. You need to use a move action to reach Row 45 -- pick your preferred arrival square. After that, you may act freely. Please be sure to post your final coordinates.
=====
Grindar, you have darkvision and Woodland Stride, so you are like Armand. You took a double move, which puts you on the map on Row 45. Pick your location, and then post your round of actions.
=====
Trellus, you are flying. If you have some way to see, you reach row 45 and may act. If you cannot see, you are at half speed, and it will take you another full round of flying to reach row 45.
=====
Brawn and Cotton: If these animal pals have darkvision or can fly, they will need another round to reach row 45. If they can both fly and have darkvision, then they can start the round in row 45. If they have neither darkvision nor flight, it will take them another three full rounds to reach the map edge.
=====
Your turn!
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Character Sheet d20+4=11 ; Sunday October 23rd, 2022 8:47:14 AM Position R45 Armand has goggles of night and is air walking 15 feet off the ground.
Armand can only see 60 feet ahead of him and can barely make out Treant 3 so he also knows the clearing is ahead. He can also hear Brawn behind him making quite the racket. "Stand by." He softly whispers.
He casts light on a gold coin and tosses it to the east. Throw range? Str check 11 (d20+4).
With his Rod of quicken ready he decides to then cast Protection from Energy-electrical, because he knows 'Osul being a druid often plays with lighting.
He will then move to P43.
[i]Spells Active Air Walk. Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC26 T18 F22, CMD 44, HP (176/176) Sunday October 23rd, 2022 1:47:25 PM
This seems like a good time to use that darkvision potion.
Trellus retrieves it from his haversack and slams it down. He'll also cast his quickened Shield of Faith.
----- Retrieve potion from Haversack and drink Cast quickened Shield of Faith.
In Effect Darkvision: Duration 3 hours Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 120 minutes Invisibility Fly: Duration 5 minutes Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. Duration 10 minutes Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 Sunday October 23rd, 2022 3:39:19 PM
Elyngael will be at H30.
She is not going to do anything this round because she is still waiting for everyone to get closer. She remembers Atlas always going off half cocked and charging in ahead of the party and inevitably the party would have to wind up saving him. So she does nothing.
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision so is probably 3 rounds out. Unless Moridark still has the dancing lights going on. Also if Armand's lighted coin goes off then with lowlight I'm assuming he will see that and head for it.
spells Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus)
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 18 F: 18 W: 27 SR: 18 HPS: 134/134 CMD: 28 d20+29=35 ; Sunday October 23rd, 2022 10:36:53 PM
Moridark follows Armand easily due to his natural darkvision. The mage stops at P45 15 feet above the ground and attempts to identify spells being cast ( Spellcraft DC: 35)
Sight: Darkvision Location: P45
Active Spells: Overland flight Invisibility
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:36, ST:(F18/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Monday October 24th, 2022 7:17:16 AM
'Osul thinks Freedom of Movement would be a good spell to cast, and does so before moving 60' forward and 60' up (on the 45 degree incline)
Huge Air Elemental: Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/-, Whirlwind, and Immune to Bleed, Critical Hits, and Sneak Attacks. Location: might not be on the map yet, and 60' up Active Spells: Freedom of Movement
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+23=36 ; d20+27=41 ; d20+27=37 ; d20+22=31 ; d20+22=30 ; d20+17=35 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+12=15 ; d10+13=14 ; d8+10=12 ; d8+10=12 ; d8+10=12 ; d8+10=11 ; d8+10=12 ; d8+10=11 ; d8+10=18 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=9 ; 2d6=8 ; 2d6=7 ; 2d6=4 ; 2d6=5 ; Monday October 24th, 2022 12:49:20 PM OoC.. The map is set to view only***
Grindar will move to T45, and look about to assess the battlefield. (Perception 36) He holds his position with a readied attack assuming any enemy attacks him.
Primary 1 Hits AC 41 for 12 damage plus 6 fire and 8 holy
Offhand 1 Hits AC 37 for 12 damage plus 6 fire and 7 holy
Primary 2 Hits AC 31 for 12 damage plus 4 fire and 9 holy
Offhand 2 Hits AC 30 for 11 damage plus 3 fire and 8 holy
Primary 3 Hits AC 35 for 12 damage plus 4 fire and 7 holy
Offhand 3 Hits AC 22 for 11 damage plus 5 fire and 4 holy
Primary 4 Hits AC 15 for 18 damage plus 1 fire and 5 holy
Two Weapon Rend: 14 slashing damage
(Please add +4 for favored enemy to any attacks verses plants)
Cotton is in the same boat as Brawn, and will stick with her wolf buddy.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Monday October 24th, 2022 12:58:56 PM
Moridark flies just behind Armand staying close enough to not get lost even with his low light vision.
Clearing in the Dark R2 (Hero Actions) (DM Cayzle) d3=3 ; d12=2 ; Monday October 24th, 2022 10:55:51 PM
[OOC: Although I am not hiding the map, keep in mind that Darkvision is only 60 ft. Armand, please accept a hero point for both reminding me of that and playing it to your own detriment. That's the kind of thing that marks a player as a hero!]
[OOC: With all the flying around, please put your altitude in your post!]
Armand casts a light spell, that's a standard action, and tosses it. Tossing it will be a move action from now on, but for this round, your generous DM allows it as a free action. The forest erupts at the light, with branches and vines and leaves seeking to cover it. The illuminated area, a 20 ft radius, is like a DC20 Entangle spell. This will last for 1d2 rounds, after which the light will be completely covered.
Then Armand moves a few feet over and uses a quickened spell to protect himself from lightning.
Trellus takes out a potion of darkvision (move action) and drinks it (standard action). He casts a quickened shield of faith. He remains a move action south of Row 45. Please pick a column for your position.
Elyngael stays hidden at H30. Brawn stumbles forward and ends the round about two rounds travel south of Row 45.
Moridark ends the round at P45, staying invisible and flying. He listens to ID spells cast. OOC: I'll use your one check on all spells cast, but in future, please make several checks, which I'll use one for each spell the enemies cast.
Rolling randomly for location ... 'Osul appears 60 ft up at Z-AB in Row 45, well above the Entangled Light. He also casts a spell.
Grindar moves toward T45. As he moves, he sees a bright light, and then the foliage entangling the surrounding area. Grindar. Grindar, you can shoose to avoid the entangle if you like to head for a different spot. Just let me know.
Grindar readies an attack if attacked. Note: a readied attack can only be a standard attack, not a full attack. Cotton stays with Brawn.
Friends, your actions are complete. The in-progress map is here. Please hold off posting for me to do enemy actions, which I'll post first thing in the AM. Sorry, two wisdom teeth out today. Slowing me down!
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP 3d8+14=23 ; Tuesday October 25th, 2022 5:26:30 AM
Grndar would definitely avoid the entanglement, if he could, so he would go to R45, and since he can only ready a standard action, he would do a two handed attack using improved vital strike. Using the first roll from above and removing the penalty for two weapon fighting and he hits AC 43 for 23 slashing damage plus 6 fire and 8 holy.
Clearing in the Dark R2 (Enemy Actions) (DM Cayzle) Tuesday October 25th, 2022 11:12:18 AM
Thanks, Grindar, for the clarification! Map updated.
The Treants move forward, in a formation between yourselves and the dark druids at center of the clearing.
The Shambling Mounds shamble in response to quick commands.
One group of druids, X, Y, and Z, cast the same spell. Moridark: Highlight to display spoiler: {Greater Magic Weapon}
The other group does something, without words, and, to any who can sense over there, disappear.
Please do include perception checks each round, if you hope to sense a hidden foe within 60 feet.
Dark Druid Y calls out in common and Sylvan, "Who goes there, intruding on a holy ceremony of the Mighty Culverwood? Friend or Foe?"
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+29=42 ; 3d8+14=26 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; Tuesday October 25th, 2022 12:26:50 PM
Grindar moves to P41, placing himself in front of Armand, with hope to protect the cleric, as he assumes Armand will do the talking. He once again readies an attack action using vital strike. He hits AC 42 (46 if it's a plant) and causes 26 slashing damage (30 if it's a plant) plus 3 fire and 9 holy.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC26 T18 F22, CMD 44, HP (176/176) Tuesday October 25th, 2022 2:18:17 PM
Likewise, Trellus will let someone else talk. The invisible warrior flies forward, starting to climb once he enters the clearing.
------ Double move to S40 - elevation 10'
In Effect Darkvision: Duration 3 hours Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 120 minutes Invisibility Fly: Duration 5 minutes Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. Duration 10 minutes Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 15ft high Character Sheet d20+39=50 ; Tuesday October 25th, 2022 5:31:44 PM
Armand will activate Touch of Glory and use it on himself (cleric level bonus on one charisma check). Diplomacy 50 (d20+39) He then says, "As a duly designated representative of the Wold, I order you to cease any and all supernatural activity and return forthwith the Culverwood to its proper state. Your actions have caused an imbalance of dark and light."
He will move to Q41.
Meanwhile he hopes everyone is getting into position if this goes sideways, which is what he expects.
--- Spells Active Air Walk (currently 15 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=46 ; Tuesday October 25th, 2022 5:59:15 PM
Elyngael stays put at H30 (since she is not moving or acting I assume she doesn't have to make a stealth check). She wonders if the tree's have some form of tremorsense. Hearing Armand she will wait to see what the party is up to. Breathing slowly and remaining calm. She tries to keep track of what she can see and hear. Perception d20+31=46
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision so is probably 3 rounds out. Unless Moridark still has the dancing lights going on. Also if Armand's lighted coin goes off then with lowlight I'm assuming he will see that and head for it.
spells Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+27=34 ; Tuesday October 25th, 2022 6:53:10 PM
Forgot to roll for perception. Rolled a 34.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) d20+16=32 ; Tuesday October 25th, 2022 7:42:19 PM
Moridark flies to N40 climbing to a height of 20 feet (if the tree branches are lower 0lease adjust as necessary). The invisible mage calls out in common, "I am Moridark. If you are peaceful I mean you no harm. I am here investigating because of issues at home. If you are peaceful then why did you cast magic weapon, and half you group dissappear?" Moridark scans the area looking for those who disappeared (Perception DC: 32)
Sight: Darkvision Location: N40
Active Spells: Overland flight Invisibility
Clearing in the Dark R3 (DM Cayzle) Tuesday October 25th, 2022 9:16:32 PM
Please keep in mind that unless you have something special, Darkvision grants 60 ft of sight.
Grindar moves to P41 to protect Armand and readies a swing.
Trellus makes a double move to S40.
Armand moves up next to Grindar and makes a stunning declaration.
Elyngael stays put.
Moridark, at N40, has a few questions.
'Osul holds back.
The dark druids are clearly surprised by Armand's excellent diplomacy.
Dark Druid Y, right on the edge of darkvision's 60 ft, calls out, "Okay, good point! We agree to step down! Come, my people, fall back!"
First he, and then all the treants, shamblers, and people start backing away to the north, and they move beyond your sight. Finally, after they move off north, only Elyngael can see a treant headed away.
No map needed, but let me know if you want one.
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:36, ST:(F18/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 d20+41=42 ; Wednesday October 26th, 2022 6:12:54 AM
'Osul moves into the clearing (watching as he goes - Perception: 42) and finds a convenient (almost) landing point. __ Huge Air Elemental: Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/-, Whirlwind, and Immune to Bleed, Critical Hits, and Sneak Attacks. Location: might not be on the map yet, and 1" to 2" up Active Spells: Freedom of Movement
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+27=32 ; Wednesday October 26th, 2022 11:21:00 AM
Perception 32
"Call me cynical, but that seemed to weave way to easy. I have this less than shady feeling, as though we have simply woven a trap around ourselves! If the dark druids are the thread in this cloth, than why would they simply walk away, like a bunch of whitehands? Sure you said some shady things friend Armand, but I'm still left uneasy."
Grindar looks around the clearing as he speaks, examining everything his orcish darkvision will illuminate.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC26 T18 F22, CMD 44, HP (176/176) d20+16=28 ; Wednesday October 26th, 2022 2:55:40 PM
"Yeah, but that was a truly waxed speech," Trellus' voice points out. "Armand has got it."
The blond man will fly to the middle of the clearing and look around for some way to get 'deeper'.
[Perception 28]
-------------------- In Effect Darkvision: Duration 3 hours Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 120 minutes Invisibility Fly: Duration 5 minutes Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. Duration 10 minutes Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=44 ; Wednesday October 26th, 2022 5:21:22 PM
Elyngael will call out, "Careful. There were 3 of their group that disappeared like when Moridark casts invisibility." She will then move around to the south edge of the clearing and wait on Brawn. She keeps looking around and listening. Perception d20+31=44
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision.
spells Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet Wednesday October 26th, 2022 5:32:29 PM
Armand is startled by the druids departure. "Well that was different. I'm not sure what to expect now." Hearing what Elyngael said Armand will drop down slightly and touch her on the head as he casts True Seeing on her.
--- Spells Active Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 True Seeing on Elyngael.
Clearing in the Dark - Encounter Over (DM Cayzle) Wednesday October 26th, 2022 11:28:07 PM
Elyngael and 'Osul notice that the treants are stumbling as they move away -- at half speed. The logical deduction is that they are unable to see in the dark. The shamblers can, as can the druids, or so it seems, from what little you can sense peering into the darkness.
Trellus flies to the center of the clearing. It seemed to have been the source of all the darkness, but the supernatural dark is fading even as Trellus approaches.
No one attacks or give chase. You hear the treants stumbling around as they retreat north, rearguard to the Dark Druids.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Thursday October 27th, 2022 7:28:15 AM
Moridark watches as the group leaves,"Well said, Armand." The mage watches over as the others move into the clearing.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Thursday October 27th, 2022 7:30:11 AM
'Osul reverts to human form, dropping the inch or so to his feet. No longer able to see, he chooses to adopt the face and form of a half orc (A Thousand Faces), and calls out for Parlez in druidic.
He didn't come all this way not to speak with other druids of The Culverwood. __ Half-orc: Darkvision 60', 30' move, etc. Location: somewhere near the fading darkness Active Spells: Freedom of Movement Active Ability: A Thousand Faces (Su)
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+27=44 ; Thursday October 27th, 2022 12:08:22 PM
Grindar listens as Osul shouts out after the departing dark druids, in a language he is unfamiliar with. He waits to see what will come of this, prepared for just about anything at this point.
Perception 44
Trellus - MikeK - (AC26 T18 F22, CMD 44, HP (176/176) Thursday October 27th, 2022 2:44:52 PM
Trellus hovers invisibly, also waiting on Osul.
"Wasn't the whole point of coming here to stop those guys from darkening the Culverwood?" his voice asks.
-------- In Effect Darkvision: Duration 3 hours Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 120 minutes Invisibility Fly: Duration 5 minutes Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. Duration 10 minutes Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet d20+39=40 ; Thursday October 27th, 2022 5:24:17 PM
Armand uses Touch of Glory again on himself. Diplomacy 30 (d20+39).
He calls out, "Wait if you just leave without fixing the problem then we will have to fix it and we may swing the balance too far to the light side. That would create another problem in the long run. Maybe we need to work together."
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet Thursday October 27th, 2022 5:24:32 PM
--- Spells Active Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 True Seeing on Elyngael.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=37 ; Thursday October 27th, 2022 5:55:40 PM
Elyngael will continue to look around and wait for Brawn to show up. Perception d20+31=37
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision.
spells Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Googles of Night for darkvision 60'. True sight (thanks to Armand)
Clearing in the Dark - Encounter Over (DM Cayzle) Thursday October 27th, 2022 11:32:11 PM
Moridark compliments Armand on his diplomacy.
'Osul, in people shape, calls out for a parley in druidic.
Grindar waits and sees. So too, Elyngael.
Trellus waits too, and seems to suggest that the party should not look a gift victory in the mouth ... "Wasn't the whole point of coming here to stop those guys from darkening the Culverwood?"
Armand buffs himself and joins 'Osul in his diplomatic effort. "Maybe we need to work together."
From the middle of the clearing, one of the dark druids calls out, in common, "Who are you, and what is your purpose? Do you really seek to balance light and dark? If you want only one, then you are our enemy, but if you want both, as you say, maybe we can find common ground. But we do not wish to fight. We wish to open the way and bring light to this dark place, but only the colored light favored by the Mighty Culverwood, not the bright white light that one of you has already creating here, profaning this holy place."
"Did you know that it was wrong to bring white light here? If you knew that, why did you do it? If you did not, then I wonder if you are ignorant, maybe innocent and ignorant, but still too ignorant to help us."
Three (including the speaker) cast Holy Vestment. The other three ... maybe they are hiding? Maybe wildshaped? Maybe casting too? Your perceptions only tell you that there are very faint animal noises in the dark.
The treants stumble north a bit more. You are certain they cannot see in the darkness.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Friday October 28th, 2022 10:16:32 AM
Orc'Osul says, "Intriguing." as he honestly tries to make sense of the other druid. __ Half-orc: Darkvision 60', 30' move, etc. Location: somewhere near the fading darkness Active Spells: Freedom of Movement Active Ability: A Thousand Faces (Su)
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Friday October 28th, 2022 11:13:03 AM
Since Armand got the conversation started, Grindar decides to chime in, "From my limited understanding, of the Culverwood, there are different layers, and the deeper you go, the darker it is. In the top layer, where we are from, there is abundant light, but something is amiss, and some of the essence of the lower layers is seeping into and corrupting it. We have seen first hand, and been attacked by blackened trees, that ooze the black sap. You know as well as we do that that is unnatural, and that would imply that the Culverwood is out of sorts. We came here ignorant of how the different layers worked, but with a urgency to investigate, and hopefully remedy the problem, before everything we hold dear is destroyed. It seems to me that you are experiencing something amiss down here, and seem bent on fixing the problem, so I suggest we work together to put the Culverwood back to right. On that account, have you any idea as to what maybe the cause of this situation?"
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet Friday October 28th, 2022 3:41:43 PM
Armand nods, "Well said Grindar." Then he turns to address the druids, "The light spell I cast moments ago was meant to provide a distraction to allow our party to arrive in a united front. I confess to knowing little of your ways. I am a follower of Gargul so I am not well versed in the light and dark of things, but I am versed in the life and death of things."
Not sure if I need to keep rolling diplomacy at this point.
--- Spells Active Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 True Seeing on Elyngael.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=41 ; Friday October 28th, 2022 6:09:06 PM Assuming by now that Brawn is with her. Elyngael gets into the saddle on Brawn so that she can guide him with her knees (and the occasional command). She speaks up. "Well I profess ignorance. I'm just a ranger all this talk of light and dark and colored light versus regular light. Maybe you could explain to me what you mean by that?" Elyngael will also continue to look around but not limit to just scanning the ground, if some of us can fly some of them may be flying too. Perception d20+31=41 (does favored enemy perception checks stack with favored terrain? Human +6, evil outsider +4, magical beasts +2, constructs +4)
Clearing in the Dark - Encounter Over (DM Cayzle) Saturday October 29th, 2022 12:16:36 AM
'Osul uses a single word to encourage the dark druid.
Grindar spells it out clearly. Something is amiss, darkness is seeping up where it should not go. And "Have you any idea as to what maybe the cause of this situation?"
Armand thanks his friend and pleads ignorance regarding the bright light taboo. "I am not well versed in the light and dark of things."
Elyngael asks for an explanation.
The druid leader says, "I have answers for you. Let me tackle them one by one."
"I regret to admit that one of our brethren is a schismatic. He has invited Darkness into the Culverwood from some other plane, through the intercession of some powerful being, we think. Here in this clearing you see his handiwork." He motions to the big black round thing in the center of the clearing.
"We have infested our brother's work with light. Here let us show you."
You see the dark dome thing at the center. You see the votary clerics put their hands on the dome thing. Where they touch it, an opening is created and light spills out.
Know Nature DC15: Highlight to display spoiler: {There are fire beetles crawling around inside, and they shed a warm orange light that does not trigger the foliage.}
"Our buglight is a beacon in my own career. Now we have to consider how to finish our ritual."
You see that each of the openings in the dome features a vine growing over the lintel and into the warm glow emerging from the openings in the dome. The blind Treants move toward the light.
The druid explains to Elyngael that colored light, naturally colored, is best, because this deep, the Culverwood rebels at the feel of bright white daylight.
The druid bows. "I am Cyrus, and I am first among equals here. Let me ask you, will you consider helping us complete the ritual? Many foes may come to stop us, and we could use defenders."
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 d20+40=42 ; d20+37=48 ; Saturday October 29th, 2022 6:11:50 AM { Sense Motive: 42, Knowledge(Nature): 48 } "At the top, Cyrus, trees of The Wood are carrying and spreading black ichor. If you stand against that darkness then I or one am keen to assist." "I am 'Osul of The Wood. I and my friends are The Warden's of The Tree of Parting. I will (in our time honored tradition) allow them to speak for themselves." __ Half-orc: Darkvision 60', 30' move, etc. Location: somewhere near the fading darkness Active Spells: Freedom of Movement Active Ability: A Thousand Faces (Su)
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet d20+22=30 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+22=36 ; d20+29=49 ; Saturday October 29th, 2022 9:34:24 AM
Armand considers the Cyrus's words Sense Motive 30 (d20+22) Knowledge Nature 29 (d20+10) "Intriguing. I am Armand and I will do what I can to aid in your work." He pauses as he thinks about who or what could have been involved in the darkness.
"I take it then you feel your schismatic brother is going to oppose your attempts to fix what was done? Do you know what sort of allies they have?"
--- Spells Active Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 True Seeing on Elyngael.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+18=35 ; Saturday October 29th, 2022 6:15:28 PM
Knowledge Nature d20+18=35 Elyngael looks at the fire beetles. "Well you're treant friends seem to be blind in the dark. Maybe they need some of that light as well. Or maybe some torches. How does the area around here feel about torch light? It's warm and glowy."
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision.
spells Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Googles of Night for darkvision 60'. True sight (thanks to Armand)
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) d20+27=37 ; Sunday October 30th, 2022 8:33:33 PM
OOC: I have been unable to enter the game to post until this evening. I apologize for missing several posts.
Moridark lands softly as to not interrupt the conversation. The mage drops his invisibility and walks up behind the others. As the druids began to discuss light and dark the mage takes out his notebook and makes some notes. ( Knowledge Nature 37)
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+5=24 ; Sunday October 30th, 2022 10:36:45 PM
Knowledge Nature: 24
"Using fire beetles, very shady idea, my name is Grindar, Son of Grindor, new member of the Tree Wardens, and former Culverwood Champion, as well as a sojourner of the Sargrass Plains. If my skills as a ranger can help, they are at your disposal!"
Trellus - MikeK - (AC26 T18 F22, CMD 44, HP (176/176) Monday October 31st, 2022 3:05:36 PM
Trellus stays where he is, silent and invisible.
-------- In Effect Darkvision: Duration 3 hours Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 120 minutes Invisibility Fly: Duration 5 minutes Heroism: +2 morale bonus on attack rolls, saves, and skill checks. Duration 10 minutes Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes
Clearing in the Dark - Parley Continues (DM Cayzle) Monday October 31st, 2022 10:31:48 PM
'Osul asks Cyrus about the black ichor. "After our ritual," he says, "There will, I believe, be no more spread of that, though there may need to be some clean up of what is already there."
Armand considers Cyrus's words. He has the intuition that the man is trying very hard to tell only the truth. He seems sensitive to the fact that you would detect any lies, and he is choosing his words carefully to make sure he does not say the wrong thing. Cyrus seems very aware that you could stop the ritual if it came to a fight, and he is frightened.
Armand recalls that the party has learned that there really are those who seek to darken the Culverwood. Heck, these could have been those guys. They are "dark druids" -- at least that's what the drow you met thought. But their treants can't see in the dark, and they seem to need shamblers to guide them, and they are using fire beetles here at the very heart of the darkness for illumination. Why is that?
If you get to observe the actual ritual, maybe you will learn more?
Armand asks about the schism and who will want to oppose them. Cyrus says, "We have many enemies, and it is impossible to say who may attack us. If you guard us during the ritual, though, surely we will be able to complete it in time?
Elyngael steps forward to the heart of darkness and peers through one of the openings. She sees the root growing into it. She sees the fire beetles illuminating it. And she sees the dark portal at the heart of it! It looks like a dimensional breech of some kind ... but to where?
Elyngael asks about lighting torches. Cyrus gasps and shakes his head. "Oh no! Please, no. Throughout the Culverwood, light and dark, shallow and deep, it is almost always foolish to light a fire. Fire burns wood. A torch is by definition burning wood. I beg you not to do so."
It does not even require a knowledge check to have heard that the Culverwood seldom tolerates flame.
Moridark joins the company and takes notes. Everything that Cyrus has said seems true. The Culverwood does dislike open fire. There are those who seek to darken the forest, and those who seek to stop them. Who these are, you do not know, but you will have to draw your own conclusions.
Cyrus looks alarmed when Grindar calls the bugs "shady" -- maybe he thinks you are accusing him of bing allied to the dark? But then Cyrus bucks up, thanks Grindar, and repeats his hope that you will stand guard so that they can complete their ritual and bring the Culverwood to the right balance of light and dark.
Trellus keeps watch.
Cyrus asks if you all have any other questions, and if you will protect them while they close this portal and perform their ceremony.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Tuesday November 1st, 2022 12:44:45 PM "I'll do my best to insure your safety." Grindar says as he takes up a defensive position with Cotton by his side.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC26 T18 F22, CMD 44, HP (176/176) d20+16=27 ; Tuesday November 1st, 2022 3:42:39 PM
Trellus is pretty sure some of these druids are still invisible. Cyrus seems shady enough, but Trellus remains where he is.
Meanwhile, he scans the perimeter for these enemies the druid is talking about. [Perception 27]
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Tuesday November 1st, 2022 4:55:20 PM "If you need an extra person in the ritual, for any reason, let me know. Until then we will prepare, and I will hopefully get back in the air to observe."
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet Tuesday November 1st, 2022 5:16:07 PM "We shall do our best to provide a guard to you. Be advised though there may be momentary flashes of brightness from divine light, maybe a flash of holy fire, but it will all be fleeting and brief."
--- Spells Active Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 True Seeing on Elyngael.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=32 ; Tuesday November 1st, 2022 5:59:22 PM
Elyngael will stay mounted on Brawn and move off slightly. She doesn't want to be more than 10 feet away from the Wardens. She also will scan the perimeter of the forest (I don't think from the map if we are in the center the forest is much beyond the 60' of darkvision). Perception d20+31=32
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision. Elyngael has Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
spells Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) True sight (thanks to Armand)
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Tuesday November 1st, 2022 7:32:51 PM
Moridark tucks his notebook away and flies about 7 feet above the wardens prepares to drop a haste to help the group as they guard the druids
Clearing in the Dark - Ritual Begins (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 1st, 2022 10:32:34 PM
Nobody has any further questions for Cyrus.
Grindar, 'Osul, and Armand speak for the party, and assure Cyrus that the heroes will guard them well.
Trellus stays invisible and alert. He sees that there are three "druids" of one kind, including Cyrus, who are clerics, actually, dressed in wood armor. The other three seem to be true druids, for Trellus sees them appear in bat form, then change back into humanoid form. One, a female, winks at Trellus. Maybe they detected him with a bat's senses?
Trellus sees no sign of enemies.
Elyngael, on faithful Brawn, is also alert. She sees the six druids touch the dark dome at the center of the clearing, making six entrances. She sees that a root from the earth has grown through each of the six openings and into the dimensional portal within the dome. At first plenty of fire beetle light spills out, but as each druid enters the dome and each's shambler moves in front of the opening, it becomes much dimmer, as the shamblers block a log ot bug light from escaping.
Moridark flies above the group. He hears the ritual start, but it is mostly in Druidic and Sylvan. And it is quite muffled.
Ten minutes pass. Please all post your actions, if any, in those 10 minutes, and then conclude with a perception check. Feel free to make knowledge checks about the ritual, keeping in mind that distance and muffling penalize you.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 7:43:23 AM
Moridark tucks his notebook away and flies about 7 feet above the wardens prepares to drop a haste to help the group as they guard the druids
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+27=29 ; d20+29=47 ; 3d8+14=32 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 12:48:55 PM
Grindar will take up guard duty at R8, with Cotton by his side at S8. He is prepared to attack anything that would attack the ritual, as he keeps his eyes peeled for any threats.
Perception 29
Readied attack hits AC 47 for 32 damage plus 2 fire and 8 holy
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) d20+16=21 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 3:55:59 PM
As Trellus' short term buffs wear off, he descends to ground level, becomes visible, and takes up a position sort of near Grindar.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 d20+41=58 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 6:28:36 PM
Orc'Osul thinks being that far away from the Darkness when there are closer points beyond the clearing from which to strike, and says as much. He takes up position, ready to start buffing those in reach - once he senses or is alerted to the arrivals. {Perception: 58} __ Half-orc: Darkvision 60', 30' move, etc. Location: R14 Active Spells: Freedom of Movement, Toros' Taurs Try, Active Ability: A Thousand Faces (Su)
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=45 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 8:12:07 PM
Since the Treants seem to have the south covered Elyngael will be at R13, riding Brawn (whose is size large so he would be R12,13 and S12,13.) She doesn't have an arrow notched but her bow is ready (she'll decide what to draw when something appears). She will cast protection from energy cold on herself and Brawn, and she will cast resist energy electrical on herself and Brawn. Perception d20+31=45
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision. Elyngael has Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
[/i]spells on Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) True sight (thanks to Armand) Protection from Energy Cold 120/120 (Brawn 120/120) Resist Energy Electric 30 (Brawn 30)[/i]
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet d20+7=8 ; Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 8:32:35 PM OOC - Elyngael remove True Seeing, time expired
Armand will head to U12. While he wants to observe and record the great spell being woven, he knows his duty is to be on guard duty. He will cast Freedom of Movement on Trellus, Resist Energy electric on Trellus, Magic Circle against Evil on Elyngael, and Protection from Evil on Grindar, and Protection from Energy Electrical on Grindar, (all these spells are duration 10min/level)
Perception 8 (Goggles of Night)
--- Spells Active SELF Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 TRELLUS Freedom of Movement on Trellus Resist Energy - Electrical on Trellus, 30 GRINDAR Protection from Evil - +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control Protection from Energy electrical 120/120 ELYNGAEL Magic Circle Against Evil - see protection from evil
Clearing in the Dark - Ritual Begins (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 2nd, 2022 11:26:54 PM
Moridark watches the ritual. He has to crane his neck to see past the shamblers, He sees that the six thick roots are pulsing, with darkness.
Grindar sees this too, and notes that the pulses of darkness seem to be moving from the dimensional opening and then out into the roots and down into the earth.
Trellus stands by Grindar and is ready for action.
'Osul comments and wonders, seeing no danger outside the clearing; the dangerous ones are inside the clearing.
Elyngael buffs and looks for a weak sot in the defences, and covers the north.
Armand buffs his friends and stays alert.
OOC: Next Actions to be posted in the AM!
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Thursday November 3rd, 2022 3:00:23 PM
Trellus looks around, not entirely comfortable with the thought of armorless combat.
"Light," he mutters to himself.
---------
In Effect Darkvision: Duration 2.75 hours Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 105 minutes Freedom of Movement. Duration 180 minutes Resist Energy - Electrical (30). Duration 180 minutes
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Thursday November 3rd, 2022 5:27:47 PM "I've just realised that The Wood has provided me with a spell I've not cast before. I wish I'd twigged to it earlier. Who would like to be able to wear their metal armour?"
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet Thursday November 3rd, 2022 5:40:22 PM
Armand blinks, he wonders if he missed something. "I'm okay without armor 'Osul. Hey Trellus, I still have Shield of Faith I can cast."
--- Spells Active SELF Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 TRELLUS Freedom of Movement on Trellus Resist Energy - Electrical on Trellus, 30 GRINDAR Protection from Evil - +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control Protection from Energy electrical 120/120 ELYNGAEL Magic Circle Against Evil - see protection from evil
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 Thursday November 3rd, 2022 6:13:48 PM "I'm not sure we have time to put on our armor. I can just see us all have suited up and something comes rolling in. We'd be flat footed and unprepared."
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision. Elyngael has Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
spells on Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Protection from Energy Cold 120/120 (Brawn 120/120) Resist Energy Electric 30 (Brawn 30) Magic Circle Against Evil +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Thursday November 3rd, 2022 6:52:18 PM "If their is time, friend Osul, I could really use my armor."
Clearing in the Dark - Ritual Ends? (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 3rd, 2022 10:36:26 PM
The party considers taking the time to equip gear with some trick 'Osul has thought of. If you choose to try this, you have time. Minutes pass ...
At last, the ritual nears its conclusion, if the louder volume of voices and fluctuating light level from within the dome is indicative. How they got fire beetles to grow dimmer, then return to normal, then dim, in a flashing cycle, and in unison, well, it's a good trick, is all.
Suddenly, you hear a voice that does not come from mortal throat, if you are any judge. If you speak Sylvan, then please Highlight to display spoiler: {THE COMPACT IS SET! WITH THE MAGICAL FOREST AS MY WITNESS, I VOW TO OBEY THE GREAT CULVERWOOD AS A LOYAL AND FAITHFUL FRIEND AND SERVANT, AND IF I FAIL IN THIS, LET THE LIGHT OF THE SUN BURN ME AND ALL MY WORKS TO THE BITTER END!}
The light from the fire beetles dims further and does not get brighter again. The chanting voices dwindle. Surely the ritual is moments from completion.
The man isn't willing to risk getting caught midway through getting into his armor, especially if Grindar is doing so.
He waits, and watches, and listens.
Things are getting warped in the ritual. "Light, I hope we didn't just get played," he mutters.
--------
In Effect Darkvision: Duration 2.75 hours Barkskin: +5 Natural Armor. Duration 105 minutes Freedom of Movement. Duration 180 minutes Resist Energy - Electrical (30). Duration 180 minutes
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Friday November 4th, 2022 4:52:41 PM "No, it does what I thought it does, but it is almost impossible to reverse. I'll save it for some metal clad opposition ... so not likely to be this confrontation."
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Friday November 4th, 2022 5:02:05 PM
'Osul turns, being not unfamiliar with strange voices in The Wood. He doesn't assume everyone knows Sylvan, and provides a good but partially innacurate translation into common, in the knowledge that sometimes repeating the words of a powerful nether creature verbatim can get one into trouble.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 d20+31=44 ; Friday November 4th, 2022 6:07:13 PM
Elyngael will help with the translation. Can she tell where the voice is coming from? Perception d20+31=44 "Maybe someone should check to see if the druids are okay?" she says.
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision. Elyngael has Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
spells on Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Protection from Energy Cold 120/120 (Brawn 120/120) Resist Energy Electric 30 (Brawn 30) Magic Circle Against Evil +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Friday November 4th, 2022 7:39:21 PM
Moridark watches the ritual from his perch in the air The mage takes the time to cast Circle of Protection on himself, and as the voice booms out he twists a pearl and goes invisible.
Active Spells: Overland flight Magic circle vs Evil Invisibility
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 5ft high Character Sheet d20+8=18 ; Friday November 4th, 2022 8:47:00 PM
Armand will click his heels to activate his boots of speed and go to S19 to look into the dark sphere. He wants to see if the druids are still moving around or lying dead possibly. ?Perception 18 (d20+8).
Goggles of Night for darkvision 60'.
--- Spells Active SELF Air Walk (currently 5 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120
TRELLUS Freedom of Movement on Trellus Resist Energy - Electrical on Trellus, 30 GRINDAR Protection from Evil - +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control Protection from Energy electrical 120/120 ELYNGAEL Magic Circle Against Evil - see protection from evil
Clearing in the Dark - Ritual Ends! (DM Cayzle) Friday November 4th, 2022 10:20:59 PM
The plan to change metal armor to ... wood? is abandoned for now.
'Osul translates, explaining that some powerful creature is swearing fealty to the Culverwood itself.
The light from the fire beetles dims.
The party braces for action. Moridark casts an abjuration. Elyngael suggests someone scout out the dome.
The fire beetles go out! The entire area is now pitch black. Most / all of you have darkvision, so that's not too bad ...
Armand hastily air walks over to the dome. He sees that the druids have finished their ceremony. They are slapping each other in the back and grinning.
"Thank you! Thank you!" says Cyrus. "We've brought the Culverwood to the correct balance of light and dark! And we did so with the help of a powerful immortal, who has sworn to serve Mother Culverwood! Truly an amazing occaision!"
Armand also sees that the dimensional gate has closed, and the huge roots have burrowed into the earth. The beetles are dispersing, no longer glowing.
The shambling mounds lead the dark druids out of the clearing. The Treants make a slow kind of rearguard.
Trellus has a suspicion, however, that all is not right.
"Light, I hope we didn't just get played," he mutters.
And speaking of Light, there is none any more.
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 10ft high Character Sheet Saturday November 5th, 2022 9:58:07 AM
Armand retreats (north S13) from the circle 30 feet and casts Blade Barrier around the druids before they leave the clearing. (circular 45' radius). "Wait a minute. Things don't quite seem right here. You got some 'splaining to do and it before you go. What you did seems more like you didn't restore to the Culverwood to what it was before, but instead fundamentally changed it."
Goggles of Night for darkvision 60'.
--- Spells Active SELF Air Walk (currently 10 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 Blade Barrier 18 minutes (15d6 to pass through, reflex 22 for 1/2 damage)
TRELLUS Freedom of Movement on Trellus Resist Energy - Electrical on Trellus, 30 GRINDAR Protection from Evil - +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control Protection from Energy electrical 120/120 ELYNGAEL Magic Circle Against Evil - see protection from evil
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 Saturday November 5th, 2022 6:30:28 PM OOC no direction on where the voice came from? "I don't like not knowing how the 'other' side of the Culverwood is. Anyone able to cast detect lies?"
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision. Elyngael has Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
spells on Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Protection from Energy Cold 120/120 (Brawn 120/120) Resist Energy Electric 30 (Brawn 30) Magic Circle Against Evil +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Sunday November 6th, 2022 9:07:30 PM
Moridark has trouble reading body language but hears the statements of his friends. The mage flies over the group of druids ready to fight if necessary
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP d20+27=31 ; Monday November 7th, 2022 10:50:11 AM
Grindar doesn't know much of anything about the gods and immortal powers. He serves Pantheon because he believes justice to be the most important of virtues. That said, when Trellus mentions getting played, he begins to get a bad feeling about the whole situation. It may be nothing, but time will tell.
In the meanwhile, Grindar stays on the alert, scanning the area for any signs of trouble. (perception 31)
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Monday November 7th, 2022 2:16:08 PM
"Uh, what powerful immortal would that be?" Trellus asks, "and how exactly will Mother Culverwood communicate with it?"
In Effect Delay Poison. Duration 3 hours. Haste: +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. +30' move, extra atk on full attacks. inspire courage - +3 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +3 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls Swift: Resist Energy (Fire) (30).
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Monday November 7th, 2022 8:45:35 PM
Moridark has trouble reading body language but hears the statements of his friends. The mage flies over the group of druids ready to fight if necessary
Clearing in the Dark - Ritual Ends! (DM Cayzle) Monday November 7th, 2022 11:05:50 PM
Wanting answers, Armand casts Blade Barrier around the druids before they leave the clearing. "You didn't restore to the Culverwood to what it was before, but instead fundamentally changed it."
Elyngael is starting to get suspicious and calls for lie detection.
Moridark flies closer to the druids.
Grindar listens to Trellus and begins to get a bad feeling about the whole situation. He stays alert.
Trellus has questions too! "Uh, what powerful immortal would that be? And how exactly will Mother Culverwood communicate with it?"
There are some answers called back over a departing shoulder.
"We have brought the right balance of light and dark to the Culverwood! Just like I said earlier!"
"We do not meddle in the affairs of immortals, for they are subtle and quick to anger!"
Three change into dire bats and continue flying. The other three, who had cast Air Walking earlier, ascend to bypass the blade barrier and keep going. The treants and shamblers mill about within the barrier.
Moridark is flying about 30 ft behind the dire bats and 60 ft behind the airwalkers, at the northern edge of the clearing. Everyone else is now out of darkvision range, near-abouts the center of the clearing. (correct me if your sense of your own position does not match that.)
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 d20+40=41 ; d20+41=54 ; Tuesday November 8th, 2022 6:52:35 AM
'Osul awaits an answer to the good questions already asked. {Sense Motive: 41, Perception: 54} __ Half-orc: Darkvision 60', 30' move, etc. Location: R14 Active Spells: Freedom of Movement, Toros' Taurs Try, Active Ability: A Thousand Faces (Su)
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Tuesday November 8th, 2022 11:29:06 AM "I guess the only way to learn whether or not we wove the right course is to return to our version of the Culverwood, and see if things have been put to right. I pray our actions were sound, and that the druids did what they said they did. We can always come back to this layer if things aren't as they ought to be."
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Tuesday November 8th, 2022 4:02:20 PM
Trellus nods glumly in agreement with Grindar.
"Which leads to the next question," he responds. "How do we get back?"
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 10ft high Character Sheet Tuesday November 8th, 2022 5:46:59 PM
Armand says, "I have a Gate spell on tap I can get us back." He pauses and grits his teeth. "It is very frustrating to know what is the proper course of action when we really haven't had any sort of solid clue as to what is broken and what needs to be fixed. USUALLY we've had some course of action, either from helpful hints from the Culverwood itself or being able to question someone or something. Before we go back I'd like to see if 'Osul can talk to the trees here abouts, or commune with the Culverwood or something. Maybe see if some of the diseased trees look better. Alternatively we can go into the area that was the deeper darkness and check that out."
--- Spells Active SELF Air Walk (currently 10 feet up) Protection from Energy - Electrical 120/120 Blade Barrier 18 minutes (15d6 to pass through, reflex 22 for 1/2 damage)
TRELLUS Freedom of Movement on Trellus Resist Energy - Electrical on Trellus, 30 GRINDAR Protection from Evil - +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control Protection from Energy electrical 120/120 ELYNGAEL Magic Circle Against Evil - see protection from evil
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 Tuesday November 8th, 2022 8:07:35 PM
Elyngael says, "I could enter that dark area they were working on and use my sun blade."
Brawn AC 33 /touch 17/flat 28 HP 125/125 CMD 29
Brawn has lowlight vision. Elyngael has Googles of Night for darkvision 60'.
spells on Barkskin on Elyngael (and one cast on Trellus) Protection from Energy Cold 120/120 (Brawn 120/120) Resist Energy Electric 30 (Brawn 30) Magic Circle Against Evil +2 to AC, +2 on saves against evil creatures; immune to attempts to posess or mind control
...The Blade also has a special sunlight power. Once per day, the wielder can swing the Blade vigorously above his head while speaking a command word. The sun Blade then sheds a bright yellow radiance that acts like bright light and affects creatures susceptible to light as if it were natural sunlight. The radiance begins shining in a 10-foot radius around the sword wielder and extends outward at 5 feet per round for 10 rounds thereafter, to create a globe of light with a 60-foot radius. When the wielder stops swinging the sword, the radiance fades to a dim glow that persists for another minute before disappearing entirely.
Clearing in the Dark - Ritual Ends! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 12:04:28 AM
'Osul listens to what the druids say -- and don't say -- as they high-tail it out of the clearing and out of darkvision range. Clearly, they do not want to engage further on the target. And you are left to draw your own conclusion from their hasty departure.
Grindar suggsts returning to the Shallow Culverwood, the one that co-exists with the rest of the Wold, to see what is up. If the heroes have to return to set things to right, well, they can do then when they find out they need to.
Trellus agrees with Grindar. But ... "How do we get back?"
Armand suggests a Gate spell. He wisely points out that the party went into this adventure with too little information.
Elyngael, if desired, moves into the center of the clearing and tries to use the sunblade. The device activates, but it produces no light. Truly, this area, this level of the Deep Culverwood, has no light in it at all, and no effort of yours, short perhaps of a Wish or Miracle, produces any light in this place.
Do you wish to return to the Shallow Culverwood that everyone knows?
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 8:54:29 AM
Moridark has trouble reading body language but hears the statements of his friends. The mage flies over the group of druids ready to fight if necessary
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Wednesday November 9th, 2022 11:58:33 AM "Let's try your gate spell, friend Armand, if that doesn't weave us home, we can try returning to the fairy ring."
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 2:58:38 PM
Trellus heads over to Armand for the gate.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Wednesday November 9th, 2022 5:16:38 PM "We do not meddle... You meddled plenty!" Or at least, that is all I can write of what he really has to say. "Who's for confronting an immortal power, if that isn't just another deception?"
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 10ft high Character Sheet Wednesday November 9th, 2022 5:24:31 PM
Armand sighs. "Okay. Stand ready." Armand then casts Gate, picturing the edge of the Culverwood when the first entered...since nothing has been right or normal since they entered the Culverwood.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 Wednesday November 9th, 2022 6:26:27 PM
Elyngael puts her sword away not understanding why it didn't work. "Let's go there's nothing we can do here. Make sure you make that gate big enough for Brawn to get through."
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 7:03:21 PM
Moridark has trouble reading body language but hears the statements of his friends. The mage flies over the group of druids ready to fight if necessary
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 7:06:30 PM
OOC: I am sorry for missing a few posts. I work 4 on and 4 off. My day starts at 4 am and I am usually in bed about 830 or 9.
Moridark watches the bats fly off and is tempted to follow when the party begins talking about using a gate spell. Moridark silently drops down and waits his turn to pass through
The Shallow Culverwood ... the Plot Thickens ... or Rather, DIMS! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 9th, 2022 10:47:44 PM
The powerful spell is cast, and it takes the party back to the upper Culverwood, the part that most people, certainly most non-natives, mean when they say "The Culverwood."
And after investigations, you find that the nasty black sap is gone. The signs of unhealth are repaired. But in addition, even at the height of the full noonday sun, the atmosphere is ... darker. The shadows, deeper. The light ... dark green where it had been dappled sunshine, full dark where it had been shadowed.
In game terms, every part of the forest, at least in sunny daytime, has the "dim" lighting condition, and everything has, in game terms, concealment. There are pockets of pitch dark, even in the day.
Things are definitely NOT as they were!
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Thursday November 10th, 2022 8:22:14 AM
What time of day is it?
'Osul is shocked - wandering about in a daze.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Thursday November 10th, 2022 12:31:53 PM
Grindar growls when he sees the changes to the Culverwood, "It seems we shouldn't have trusted those druids, but than again, maybe this is how the Culverwood prefers to be. I have commune with nature prepared, should I cast it in hopes of getting an answer?"
Armand (Robert D)AC 19/ t 12/ f 17 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 10ft high Character Sheet Thursday November 10th, 2022 5:20:17 PM
Armand sits down and sighs. "Well I for one am at a loss. By all means Grindar, try your commune with nature spell. I don't have any sort of divination spells ready today. But at this point, with no clear direction or goal I'm for heading back to the Tree. At least the diseased aspects of the wood are gone."
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Thursday November 10th, 2022 7:51:28 PM
"Well, if we're weaving back down there, I need to make a Catacombs run," Trellus declares. "Darkvision goggles are a must have."
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 29 T:17, FF:18, CMD 39, HP 185/197 Thursday November 10th, 2022 7:59:56 PM "I don't have commune with nature right now. I was all set to fight these dark druids that thief was talking about. But I just thought of something, aren't all druids supposed to be like neutral and in tune with nature. We never really knew what the thief did to get the punishment he got. Maybe it was deserved. Maybe the Culvewood has reverted to a more primordial state. It hasn't always been welcoming to humans. Anyone know any of the history of the Culverwood?" She scratches Brawn's chin.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Thursday November 10th, 2022 9:35:26 PM
Moridark shakes his head. The mage ponders all of his studies in an attempt to decipher what is going on
The Shallow Culverwood ... the Plot Thickens ... or Rather, DIMS! (DM Cayzle) Friday November 11th, 2022 12:20:36 AM
'Osul, dazed, wonders about the time of day. It is about noon ... and it may well have been that time has shifted a bit while you were traveling. Certainly, nearby Blackbird Forest is infamous for time skips, and the same is almost certain dealing with the Wold's Cradle ... maybe something like that has happened here. But if so, you have arrived after you left, not before. You know that's true because it is dimmer than it was.
Grindar realizes that the dark druids indeed sought to darken the Culverwood, and you all seem to have protected them while they did it.
The question is, according to Grindar, what does the Culverwood think of all this? A commune with nature spell would serve to learn about the Culverwood, but it seems mostly unlikely to reveal the motivations of the Immortal Power at the heart of the magical forest. A Commune spell might do the trick ...
If a commune with nature spell is attempted. what information is sought?
Armand, looking for a silver lining, is glad at least that the black sap is not leaking out all over the place any more. He sees no downside to trying the commune with nature. He is set to return to the Tree of Parting.
Trellus wisely declares that if the party is going to return to the Deeper, Darker Culverwood, then he has to buy Darkvision Goggles for sure!
Elyngael wonders about the nature of druids. She knows that in fact, Druids in the Wold can be any alignment -- OOC: That's a Wold House rule. But certainly, all druids have a respect and awe for Mother Wold and the ways of nature. She wonders if the Culverwood is not supposed to be dark, after all.
OOC: Anybody can feel free to make Knowledge checks any time.
Moridark is just confused. But certainly, it is clear now that the druids you met misled you. They said they wanted to bring the Culverwood to the right balance of light and dark -- which for them means mostly dark! That said, they seemed ill prepared for their own success, given that their treants could not see in the dark! Were they amateurs? It seems like that was a basic mistake.
They seemed ready to give up on their ritual when you arrived, likely fearing you. But you engaged them in a parley, and events just naturally transpaired.
Now, were they evil? Is this darkening a good thing or a bad thing? You suppose that's a good question to try to answer.
Meanwhile, one of you has suggested returning to the Tree. Another wants to go shopping. What do you do next?
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Friday November 11th, 2022 6:21:34 PM
Grindar isn't sure what kind of information he will gain, but he casts commune with nature anyway. He mainly hopes to decipher whether or not the forest has peace with the changes, or more accurately, the general state of the natural setting.
The Shallow Culverwood ... the Plot Thickens ... or Rather, DIMS! (DM Cayzle) Saturday November 12th, 2022 7:46:58 AM
Grindar casts his spell, and certainly SOME information comes his way:
(1) Animals ... he senses that at least some animals are magically adapting to less light, mostly with better vision or other senses.
(2) Plants ... he senses that leaves are getting darker, the better to absorb as much light as possible. There seems to be more mushrooms and fungi, too.
(3) These changes are really very minimal and subtle. You would not have picked up on them except for the spell. But the direction of change is clear ... slow adaptation. But he does not get a sense of whether the Culverwood Itself approves or disapproves.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Saturday November 12th, 2022 11:33:58 AM
Trellus sighs.
"I'm totally off the loom here, dudes. Does anybody know if we should try to stop what's happening, or everything's shady...pun intended."
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Saturday November 12th, 2022 12:02:26 PM "My spell has informed me that the flora and fauna are magically adapting, and it will certainly be a healthy environment for them. However, I'm not sure whether the Culverwood itself approves of the changes. Does anyone have the ability to communicate with the Culverwood, or at the least communicate with some power who can?"
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: currently 28 T:17, FF:22, CMD 39, HP 185/197 Saturday November 12th, 2022 3:42:26 PM
Elyngael takes out her bag of holding and returns everyone's armor. She puts her own armor back on as well. "Well my friends at this point I think I will be parting ways with you. I think it's time to return to my family and help with the guarding of the wagons." She gets on Brawn and they trot away.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Saturday November 12th, 2022 6:17:02 PM "Fare-thee-well friend Elyngael. Many shadows to you on your journey!"
Armand (Robert D)AC 26/ t 12/ f 24 HP 137/149n CMD 30 Air Walk 10ft high Character Sheet Sunday November 13th, 2022 2:47:58 PM
Armand dons his armor. He pauses in contemplation. "My friends I think I shall be leaving you as well. Much water has run under the bridge and most of the Wardens that I began my journey with have gone on to other things as well. Gargul keep you safe."
He casts Ethereal Jaunt and disappears.
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Sunday November 13th, 2022 3:59:17 PM
Grindar is about to respond to Armand, but he disappears before he has a chance. "Many shadows to you as well friend Armand!", he says to the blank space the cleric once stood. Turning to the rest of his friends he says, "This is a sad day. I pray they find what they seek, and who knows, maybe one day the great loom will weave them back to us."
CDM Jerry [OOC post] Sunday November 13th, 2022 10:27:17 PM
Hey players! We lost two players this weekend Lynnette and Robert. So I've sent you an email as we're down to two players who are not the 2nd PCs of DMs. Read, ponder, and reply to me. In fact, please reply that you've read it even if you want a couple of days to think.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Monday November 14th, 2022 4:27:29 AM "Fare..." He looks to Trellus, Grindar and Cotton. "I need to see this righted. I cannot leave The Wood - not like this!" "Any thoughts on the ritual?"
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) d20+32=37 ; d20+32=49 ; d20+32=44 ; d20+38=50 ; Monday November 14th, 2022 11:12:00 AM
Moridark waves to Armand and Elyngael as they depart, a biting sadness in his heart written on his face. The orc throws is hood over his face as the tears stream quietly down his cheeks. Moridark chokes a bit and then turns to the others, "We should probably get back to the task at hand." The mage looks out into the forest and begins to note the changes and what they might mean, (Arcana 37, Nature 49, Planes 50, Religion 44)
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Monday November 14th, 2022 1:51:30 PM "It seems to me that we would do well to somehow communicate with the Culverwood itself, or at least someone who can. If the Culverwood likes the change, who are we to try to undo it? On the hand, if the forest isn't keen on the current weave, we need to do whatever we can to make it right. I don't have it prepared, but we could head back to the Tree, get a good nights sleep, and than either you, friend Osul, I, or both of us can prepare Speak with Plants in the morning, and try to chat with Deeproot. He has a connection with the forest, mayhaps he may be able to let us know which strands we should weave next."
"Or I can Speak with Animals right now, or Commune with Nature right now, or Speak with Plants right now (though that at some small cost). I can do all these things, but when it comes to communication, it has been long since my meditations were a two way communication, not counting the gifts The Wood bestows upon me. But, for a hour at dawn I will as ever be receptive to the will of The Wood, and I will have shared in my meditations what has happened this last day."
"Still, my warning dream has not yet come to pass -- I am physically whole and not torn assunder by the battling plants."
"In the morning I was figuring to find the location of the entmoot, if The Wood will permit it. It would be of significance to The Wood, and so a Find the Path so bestowed would have the best chance. We've not been there before. We just have the painting."
'Osul casts Commune with Nature, and will accept and share what The Wood provides him by way of information.
After the spell concludes and he shares, 'Osul takes a few moments to reassess their position. {Perception: 47, Survival: 66+Forest Walking, Arcana: 36, Nature: 54+Forest Walking}
The Shallow Culverwood ... the Plot Thickens ... or Rather, DIMS! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 15th, 2022 11:00:05 AM
Elyngael and Armand ponder the situation and decide that the time is right to leave the party. Grindar, Trellus, 'Osul, and Moridark offer their farewells, sad to see their friends depart. But ever is it so in the lives of heroes, for karma weaves as it wills, and perhaps fate will bring your strands back together some day,
As for the dilemma facing the four who remain ...
Trellus is not sure what to make of the gloom, and asks his friends for advice.
Grindar suggests finding some way to contact the spirit of the Culverwood directly.
'Osul seems to ponder a parting as well for a moment, but then resolves that it is not yet time to go. Is he thinking about a return to the Dark, Deep Culverwood? "Any thoughts on the ritual?" he asks ... meaning the ritual you all used to go Deeper? Or the ritual used by the Dark Druids to dim the forest?
Moridark sets his razor-sharp mind to the issue at hand. He recalls the odd mention of some immortal power that has allied itself with the Culverwood ... a power of darkness? From where? It occurs to him [thanks to that Knowledge (Planes) check of 50!] that the Valleys of Twilight, ruled by Queen Maab, include factors of darkness, fey magic, nature, and things left over from other ages of the Wold ...
Grindar suggests communing with the tree spirit who has guided you in the past.
'Osul wishes to commune with the spirit of the Culverwood by direct means. Still, it is a rare thing that a god will communicate directly with a mortal, even with a major priest, without the intervention of major divination magic. But on a positive note, the druid considers the alternatives: "Still, my warning dream has not yet come to pass -- I am physically whole and not torn assunder by the battling plants."
The Druid also considers a Find the Path to locate those who might know better. He also ponders the lore of the forest, and he deduces that a change has been made to spread darkness, that it probably does not cover more than a small area of the Culverwood yet, and that it certainly seems likely to expand if it can.
Perhaps a battle between light and dark is the war of trees that he has seen in his vision?
[OOC: I gave the result of a general Commune with Nature last post.]
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Tuesday November 15th, 2022 1:53:39 PM "I'm open to any suggestions, as I really don't know what to do next. Do we make a trip to the Valleys of Twilight, in hopes of seeking an audience with Queen Maab, and if so how do we get there? Are you able to cast Plane Shift friend Moridark? Or do we try to find the Entmoot? Or do we try to return to the deeper levels and find that pack of deceivers and force them to fix what they broke? Are there any options I'm missing?"
Trellus - MikeK - (AC22 T14 F18, CMD 40, HP (176/176) Tuesday November 15th, 2022 2:28:00 PM
Trellus makes a face. The entire situation reminds him of the city's monks from his childhood. They never gave a straight answer either.
"I guess Queen Maab sounds best," he opines.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 Phantom Steed (Extended) Tuesday November 15th, 2022 8:54:42 PM
Moridark relays the information he gleaned from his studies to the others. "I cannot cast planeshift but I can teleport us wherever we may need to go. Although it does sound like Maab is the first solid clue we've had. "
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:30, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:3/18 Wednesday November 16th, 2022 6:37:25 AM "Count me in! Queen Maab it is. We can always delve deeper here again."
Grindar, Son of Grindor (Jeremy) AC 29(35)/18/25(32) CMD 40 144/144HP Cotton AC 34/14/30 CMD 35 126/126 HP Wednesday November 16th, 2022 1:53:45 PM "I'm all for going to see Maab, but how do we get from this plane to another? I'm not sure a normal teleport will do the job, but I'm no expert on such things."
LOG ON