Tree of Parting / Champions of Culverwood Crossover
A Reunion (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 9:42:58 PM
Zazu reflects on the need to get more in touch with nature, but in the end decides to stick with wizardry and roguing. Mashing them up results in tiny frogs in pockets.
Sahabiel proposes an explanation for all the pocketcroak froggery, then heads to the river to see who is guiding the incoming boat.
Beech heads for the future dock area and calls for a landing there, using his rope of climbing to make it fast.
Panzer supposes that this is the boat commissioned for trade with Karri and issues tactical instructions to Fredo, mostly consisting of “don't’ get yourself killed.”
Nightingale brings her protege to watch as the boat arrives, hoping it is traders and not raiders.
Group of four heroes arrives by boat from downriver. One is familiar to you and announces himself:
"Grindar, Son of Grindor has returned!"
Indeed, it is an old friend, one who adventured with you in the past.
The other three are new to the new town, and they get an eyeful. Grindar notes a lot of changes.
The settlement at Freedom’s Landing has five larger wood-frame longhouse halls at its center, originally used to shelter the entire population. From there, families have been moving out of the longhouses and into private wattle-and-daub huts and cottage style homes. Due to the settlement's ideological choices (and fear) with regard to the Culverwood, residents are unwilling to fell trees, so wood for construction is extremely scarce -- pretty much everything that can be done with woven reed instead of wood, is. The outer perimeter is somewhat protected against larger creatures by a wall of briars, which was created using druidic magic on the many naturally occurring bramble bushes in the area and weaving them into each other. There is a simple bridge to head north across the river, leading to a fledgling sacred grove and some other natural resources on the opposite bank. Much activity is set along the waterline, with fishing, clay gathering and reed harvesting as well as it being the common water source.
Moridark, Trellis, and ‘Osul see that the population is an unusual mix: around half the population are orcs (all female or children) and the rest are an eclectic mix of elves, humans, and exotics
Winter’s hand here was heavy, but it has passed. No leaves yet sprout, and patches of snow linger here and there, but the promise of spring is in the air.
Trellus Thursday November 24th, 2022 9:48:14 AM
Trellus is a human male of average height and thick build. He wears mithril plate armor. A mithril shield is currently flung over his back and he carries a bastard sword at his hip. His armor is covered by a long, blood red vestment inscribed with silver runes and glyphs clearing marking him as a devout follower of Domi. A bone stud earring, shield shaped, and also inscribed with a hammer is in his left ear.
The blond man smiles easily, and gives Grindar's friends a courteous nod.
"Many Shadows. I am Trellus of Rattledam."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday November 24th, 2022 2:33:51 PM
Nightingale will ask Beech and Zazu, "Are these people known to you? I've never heard these names mentioned before."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday November 24th, 2022 2:34:36 PM
OOC: I hope everyone has an awesome day today, don't eat too much, or yell at your TV while watching the numerous football games on =)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Thursday November 24th, 2022 3:32:32 PM
Panzer hears Nightingale's question and looks to those that have been here from the start. Do they seem concerned or like they have seen a returning friend? Regardless, one look at them tells the fighter that this would bea pointless waste of time to resist them if they mean the town harm. This doesn't relax him, but it does make him ready himself to try and get as many townsfolk clear of the area if things , well, happen.
Panzer appears to be a man shaped Honey Badger. He has fur, a tail, whiskers and the teeth of a honey badger but his paws are much closer to hands and feet than to animal paws. His fur is fairly thick but his hide seems loose. This it seems is why it is difficult to grapple him. He wears sturdy traveling clothes and the hilts of many knives poke from sheathes on his belt and across his back.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Thursday November 24th, 2022 4:28:22 PM
Beech, will once the flatbottomed boat is properly tied off, greet Grindar. "Been a while. You seem to be prospering. How can we help?"
He directs his comments to Grindar, the rest he doesn't know at all, yet.
To Nightinggale, "Grindor's fine, I'll assume for now the rest are as well."
Beech, while he sounds like a youthful, Liontaur, his fur and mane look like they belong on one of the oldest liontaur's you've seen or heard of. The hair looks like it's turned white with age, while well groomed, it just looks ancient. He wears a mithril shirt and a set of saddlebags, as well as having a sickle and morningstar on his belt, is also 2 quivers, one normal sized and the other made for arrows 4' long. There is a bow in easy reach. Around his neck is a holy symbol, with a empty vial at the center. It is devoted to Alemi.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Thursday November 24th, 2022 8:17:33 PM
First grabbing another one of the mooring ropes to tie the back of the boat in place, to make herself useful, Sahabiel takes notice when Grindar announces his identity. She has never seen this man in her life, but the has heard that name in the stories of how the refugees came to be here..
She stands by, looking first to see if those who were there in the day, are going to make introductions for those who were not.
Sahabiel looks close to human in height and build, but with the distinctly elven facial features of one of a half-elven mixed heritage. Also rather distinct, her skin is a shade of green, though not in the same way as the orcish villagers, and she has to be rather muscular - not from what you can see, but rather from the reason that you can not see much below the neck - which is that she wears a well made set of elven style knightly arms and armor, including a heavy looking morning star, and is still moving around as if it is nothing.
“I was ready to welcome ya to Freedom Landing”, she greets when it appears nobody else on her side is going to start introducing them, her Common spoken with a rather noticeable wood-elf accent as she nods to Grindar, son of Grindor. “Less so did I expect I'd be welcoming someone back”. She smiles and also nods politely to Trellus, who offered his name, to include him in the exchange. “I am Sahabiel. Been here shorter than ya have been away, so this is our first time meeting. Can I trust it is a friendly cause that brought ya here? We don't have much out here, but I believe we can spare some ale for fellow adventurers bearing news...”
Zazu (Cayzle) and Boyo Thursday November 24th, 2022 8:48:19 PM
"Grindar! Grindar! You are a sight! A great sight! I'm so happy to see you again!"
Zazu, an elf with long hair and no armor or weapon at hand, smiles hugely and rushes up to hug Grindar.
"Come on, come in to town, relax! Be welcome!"
The trickster frowns to think of how people run in and out of life. Of the friends who escaped from slavery with the orcs from the very start, only three remain: Zazu, Naithi, and Lothlo.
"You just missed Ash! She was called away for family stuff."
"Hi Trellus! It is sure nice to meet your acquaintence. I'm Zazu! This is Boyo, my familiar! His name is Boyo because Boy oh boy is he cute!"
You note that Zazu is an elf who is small size when riding ... is that a medium size dire bunny?! But on dismount, Zazu expands to medium size, and Boyo shrinks to small.
"Come on everybody! Come sit in our common room and have a drink and a chat!"
A Reunion (DM Cayzle) Thursday November 24th, 2022 9:28:33 PM
Grindar and Trellus are friendly. but 'Osul and Moridark hold back.
On the side of the Culverwood heroes, there is some hesitation as well.
Nightingale asks Beech and Zazu whether they know these new arrivals.
Panzer also looks to those who have been here since the start to see how they react to the newcomers. He can tell that they are powerful, even beyond the might of the Champions.
Beech ties off the boat and welcomes Grindar, not knowing the others. He reassures Nightingale that Grindar is one of the good guys, and assumes the rest are heroes as well.
Sahabiel has at least heard of Grindar, and awaits introductions. When none seem forthcoming, she greets the newcomers in her wood elven-tinged Common.
Zazu is quick with a warm welcome.
How soon we forget old comrades! Nightingale, Lothlo, Naithi, Zazu, and Beech all adventured with Grindar! [OOC See as late as July 2021 in the archives.] Only Beech and Zazu remember, and Nightingale has clearly forgotten!
But Beech DOES vouch for an old friend, and Zazu is effusive in welcoming the visitors. Sahabiel, to her credit, is quick to offer the town's hospitality, and with that, it is enough. Soon the entire group is walking into town, towards the longhouses. One of these will serve as a place to sit, talk, and relax.
As you walk into the village proper, people stop to look and even to say hi. The town council has turned out, and from their ranks a stout orcish woman steps out to greet you all. Grindar recalls Murzush a sorcerer and leader in town. She looks you all over, directs people to scatter to get everything ready, and bows to the newcomers.
"Welcome to Freedom's Landing," she says.
Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) Thursday November 24th, 2022 10:23:59 PM
Grindar, a heavily muscled half-orc with an Orc Double Ax hung on his back, returns the greetings warmly, and returns Zazu's hug with all his heart. "It is so good to see you friends, allow me to introduce my companions. Trellus you already met, but this is Moridark and Osul. Moridark, a fellow half-orc, as you can see, is a master of the arcane, and my human friend Osul here, is a druid of the Culverwood. As much as I wish we were here to simply catch up and celebrate friendships old and new, I fear we are here for much more dire reasons. We need to go someplace to talk, as we have a tale we must weave for you, and that you must hear."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday November 24th, 2022 10:50:05 PM
ooc: Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I'm catching up on the posts now
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday November 24th, 2022 11:17:55 PM
Naithi rides up to Grindar on her dire rabbit's back, but is still much smaller than the half orc. It is good to see you! How have you been! Her face changes when she hears that there is dire news. Blood and muck, that's just what we need. Come. Let's go somewhere more private to discuss this.
When Naithi rides forward you notice her hide armor covers most of her outfit, and that it is topped with what was once a Bogeyman's coat and has since been tailored into something significantly more feminine yet distinctly fey in design.
To you she looks like a child or fairie, or some cross of the two. People always mistake her race's facial features for youthful innocence. It also doesn't help that she come up to most of their thighs and weigh less than their armor. (3'6" and 30lbs).
To the others she says, Oh...My name is Naithi(N-eye-thee), better known as Murder Muppet, a nickname I earned as a slave in the orc gladiator pits. You can probably tell by my appearance that I am one of the beastfolk. Specifically I am a Sloth-kin, which you would lump in with the Ursine or Bearfolk.
Camalayaas, my dire rabbit (reskinned large cat), and I are hunters and adventures along with my guard dog Fizzgig. I also have a trusted cuddly mule and Jen...sort of a butler cat that helps out.
Despite the time that passed Naithi, looks younger than when Grindar left and a little more aloof. If he can recall her ambitions, Grindar might be able to put together that the young druid is now bother both a Lost Child and a Morphling (Her and Camalayas are spiritually connected and share a hit point pool and Naithi is in the process of becoming a fairykin and growing fairy wings)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+4=13 ; Friday November 25th, 2022 12:40:54 AM
Once he hears where they are headed, Panzer excuses himself. The Badger-kin is caked in mud from the top of his head down to his toes. " Fredo, gather the tools and bring them home, then get washed up. These travelers bring news and I would have you hear it as well. You may hear something I don't." With this a halfling in the crowd sets off at a run to gather up the tools they were using, he is downright filthy as well. Panzer heads home and gets cleaned up. He dons his gear with practiced ease while Fredo returns and similarly gets cleaned up. Panzer doesn't know what they have to say, but in case it somehow kicks off as they discuss it, he wants his gear at hand. When he reaches the longhouse his dirty clothes have been replaced by a set of well tended full plate. The badger-kin wears it as if it is nearly weightless, even though it is clearly made of steel, not Mithril. He sits down with a warm cup of tea and braces for whatever bad news these adventurers bring. He looks for any sigils they might be wearing? his own badge from the WLA hangs on a chain around his neck. Perception 13 Fredo enters the longhouse as well and, after getting a warm drink, sits quietly and attentively listens to all that the newcomers have to say.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday November 25th, 2022 1:47:29 AM
Nightingale, hearing Beech saying these newcomers are "OK," will introduce herself. "Hello and well met. I am Nightingale du’Cullain, a votary of Queen Maab, and monk of small reknownm."
Nightingale is a tall and willowy surface drow. Her skin appears black but is actually dark blue. She keeps her white hair tied in a bun, except for one braid that she dies forest green, and generally has flowers mixed into. She wears smoky-glass goggles (Riddick-style) so that she can travel in the brightest of light and not be dazzled. Her obviously monk outfit has been embroidered with leaves and flowers. Her sandals are easy for her to kick-off, as she prefers to fight with her feet on the ground. Her monk tops are cropped so that her midriff shows. Running around her stomach and ribs are tattoo's of trees and flowers – the ink is magical and the colors change randomly. The only weapons anyone can see are daggers strapped to her calves, at her hips, and at the small of her back. On a living vine necklace is her holy symbol of Queen Maab.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Friday November 25th, 2022 7:03:57 AM
Beech motions with a toss of his mane, towards one of the longhouses. "This way. Unlike some others, I am usually ready." he points out Panzer's dashing off, and also the fact that having four legs, allows him to carry so much more. He will wait to start any serious conversations until everyone is present, but in the mean time, So, Moridark. Are you a book caster or a spontaneous caster? Myself, I'm the latter, like my mother, just not exactly the same type as she is."
Trellus Friday November 25th, 2022 12:23:30 PM
Trellus takes in the Champions with an easy smile. "That is quite the collection of animal friends," he chuckles. "I haven't seen the like before."
The man nods politely to the orcish woman leading the town. "Many Shadows. As Grindar says, we have come with news, and frankly, are unsure of the pattern that has been woven."
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115 Friday November 25th, 2022 5:42:17 PM
'Osul alights from the boat and catches up with the group. He is a human male is of average stature. His attire is best suited to his wanderings — druid's vestment, travelers clothes, backpack, etc.. A WLA badge is clearly visible, as is a headband not unlike an Ishgaran headband of Wisdom and a gnarled darkwood quarterstaff for a walking stick. What might otherwise be auburn shoulderblade length hair is braided upon itself to end in loops. He smiles and takes in Freedom's Landing. If there was ever a place and a name for launching...
"Well met!", 'Osul adds with a bow. "Weather Druid. There is much to discuss, and concluding the introductions will be the first part of that. Nightingale, you may recognise us by another name, just not in this number."
He looks to The Wood intently, and shares a weather forecast once he has his bearings.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Friday November 25th, 2022 9:03:52 PM
When ‘Osul identifies himself as a druid it catches Sahabiel’s attention, and she moves up to walk closer to the human’s side. “Is draoi tú i seirbhís na Coill na nDéithe ársa? Ansin cuirim fáilte romhat mar ghaol, a deartháir na Foraoise. Déanfar Rún na Coill!” (Players that understand Sylvan: Highlight to display spoiler: { “You are a druid in service to the Culverwood? Then I welcome you as kin, my brother of the Wood. Wood’s Will Be Done!”})
She introduces herself a little more elaborately than the first impressions on the bank of the river in which she had only give her name, saying “I am of the votary clergy of the Culverwood. From one of the guardian traditions formed to protect the boundaries of the sacred depths of the wood in this area, formed in response to the devastation wrought in Parnoth’s day.”
Moridark Friday November 25th, 2022 9:29:14 PM
Moridark blinks at the collection of people gathered around. The mage is still mourning the loss of his friends and to the mage it feels wrong to be surrounded by such happiness. The orc mentally shrugs and paints a smile on his face. Moridark looks at Beech, ”I am a book caster,” Moridark chuckles knowing his instructors would cringe at that title. ”I specialize in conjuration for the most part . What about you?”
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Friday November 25th, 2022 10:24:58 PM
As others begin introducing themselves, Panzer does so as well. " I am Panzer Braun, a knife fighter. This halfling is Fredo, someone who wishes to learn the trade of arms and whom I am mentoring."
Zazu (Cayzle) Friday November 25th, 2022 11:24:35 PM
"Thank you, Grindar. And Sir Trellus, I have to tell you that we had a dire cricket as a pet too, though he died this winter at a ripe old age. Old for a cricket!"
Zazu is pleased to compare notes with Moridark. "I'm an arcane trickster, and I love illusions."
Turning to 'Osul, the elf adds, "I was born in the Culverwood and love the forest too."
A Reunion (DM Cayzle) Friday November 25th, 2022 11:24:51 PM
Grindar introduces his friends.
Naithi welcomes Grindar, but is concerned by the news that he brings and suggests a private discussion. She introduces herself and her menagerie to the newcomers.
Panzer hears the news and takes Fredo to gear up. He returns with his WLA badge on display, cleaned up and armed for trouble.
Nightingale is encouraged by Beech speaking well of the newcomers, and introduces herself as a votary of Queen Maab and a monk.
Beech tosses his mane toward one of the longhouses, and suggests it as a place to talk privately. While waiting on all to gather, he inquires into the nature of Moridark’s arcane powers.
Trellus is amused to see all the beasts the Culverwood party has befriended.
Sahabiel notes with interest that ‘Osul is a druid, and reveals that she is a guardian votary of the Culverwood.
’Osul and Moridark are happy to compare professional notes.
Zazu chit-chats with the veteran adventurers.
Lothlo, who has been very quiet, stays in the background.
The orc leader, Murzush, is entirely ignored by all. She looks angry at that, but unsurprised, and she stomps off.
‘Osul pauses to predict the weather, and for an experienced druid such as he is, that’s easy. Sunny and clear. The odd thing, though, is that heavy clouds just blotted out the sun. No, actually, twilight has fallen early?! No, not even that. But it has grown darker as you stand in front of a longhouse, chatting. And it grows darker still. After a minute, it is like night-time. Treat all places that would have been bright or normal light as dim, and all shadowed or dim places as full dark!
Anyone with a connection with the Culverwood, a worshipper, a clericof the wood, a druid, or a natiove-born forest walker ... you folks have a feeling ... a hunch ... something is coming!
Surely today, a day of darkness, will be remembered in Freedom’s landing for a very long time. Indeed, in the annals it shall be called ... Black Friday!
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115 Saturday November 26th, 2022 7:12:36 AM
'Osul replies, "Déanfar Rún na Coill!" "The last time my forecast was remotely this inaccurate was in the lead up to the Battle of the Sarr, but then I was unable to divine any weather or future at all." "We are what remains of The Wardens of The Tree Of Parting, and I was just looking about to see if there was the faintest sign something like this was coming, having not noticed anything since getting on the western road." "No adult male orcs? I only ask because I would like to be able to see and guide and speak, and the form of a half orc covers these." With agreement he changes, otherwise not.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Saturday November 26th, 2022 12:21:34 PM "Nothing against getting spells from a book Moridark, but as to my abilities, I inherited the ability to cast from my mom. She's a High Priestess of Alemi and one of the elders of the tribe on Liontaur Isle. Usually, bloodline carry from generation to generation. So you'd expect me to be a Dragon caster like her. Well, she did a very large amount of adventuring in her youth and something she did during that time effected the magic I inherited. It also made cosmetic changes , like my fur. As to my magic, I'm more into direct damage, something I can eventually use with weapons."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+10=15 ; d20+13=19 ; Sunday November 27th, 2022 1:59:02 AM
Naithi notices Murzush leaving and rushes I've to apologize. I'm such a muck brain at times. I saw an old friend I thought was lost return and in my rejoicing I didn't give proper attention to those friends who have always been at my side. Please, come join us. Although we greet an old friend, to I'm afraid they bring us bad tidings. Your insight might be useful.
Naithi listens internet as the newcomers explain the situation and stares in wonder as the sky darkens. [b]I think you better weave that tale of yours quickly. What is going on with the sky?
Knowledge Nature = 15 survival= 19
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Sunday November 27th, 2022 9:23:08 PM
Lothlo comes running up from a long ways off. I was in the forest teaching my apprentices some basic foraging skills that come in handy when an inn is running low on supplies when one of the kids from town came running to tell me that some new guests had arrived. I had no idea that you were among them Grindar, it's good too see you again. And it's a pleasure to meet the rest of you.
ooc: sorry for my lack of posting, I wasn't expecting to have limited internet when I was traveling or I would have asked someone to fill in for me.
Trellus Monday November 28th, 2022 11:12:10 AM
Trellus' eyebrow pops up when Murzush stalks off, as the cleric/warrior had in fact greeted her.
The man waits patiently for the group to find someplace to talk, and for Grindar and Osul to do the talking.
Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) Monday November 28th, 2022 11:57:49 AM "I think you can remain as you are friend Osul, as you can see this is a eclectic pack, and the reason that you only see female and children among the orcs is because they were being treated almost as poorly as my friends who had be enslaved by them. when my friends won their freedom, they brought the females and the children with them so as to build a new life for every one. There is no prejudice here, or at least their wasn't last I was here, and besides we are now the guests of the heroes who dwell here.
As they enter the offered longhouse, and get comfortable, Grindar begins:
"The tale we weave begins at the Tree of Parting. As has already been explained, we are the Tree Wardens, and as you may or may not know the Tree of Parting is actually a slumbering ent, who originated in the heart of the Culverwood, named Deeproot. The weaving of the tapestry begins when we began to notice strange behaviors coming from Deeproot. Normally Deeproot acts in all ways like a tree, but as I said strange things began to happen, and so I cast talk with plants to commune with the ancient ent. In that I learned that something was wrong with the Culverwood, and we set off at once. upon arrival, some of our pack, myself included, cast commune with nature, where we learned that the Culverwood actually is comprised of several layers. Don't ask me how that is, for I struggle to understand it myself, but it seems we are on the top layer, and as you go down, the layers get darker and darker. It seems that some of the denizens of the darkest layers wished to darken every layer, and a struggle among the layers began. On our layer, we encountered trees that issued out a black sap, who were trying to kill the normal trees, and they attacked us as well.
We learned, through our commune with nature spells how to travel between the layers and as we traveled into the darker layers, we were attacked by more of these black sapped trees. Finally we came upon a small enclave comprised of druids and clerics of the Culverwood, that claimed they were trying to right a wrong caused by some unnamed person, and they were going to preform a ritual that would re-balance the Culverwood. It seems we were duped by a pack of whitehands, as the ritual actually is the cause of the darkening that is spreading through the Culverwood, the same darkening that you just witnessed. We come to you because as you can see, our numbers have depleted to the point that we no longer have the strength to right this wrong, and I fear it will fall to you to do so."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Monday November 28th, 2022 12:41:50 PM "We rescued a young Dryad from another layer before the winter. I have figured out I can manipulate the magic of the area, if it's a powerful node of magic, to transport us. In effect, I make it believe we are supposed to be there. I guess it's something I picked up from mom's use of Wold's Blood. But I'm only an activator, some of the others will have better ideas."
Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Monday November 28th, 2022 4:47:09 PM
Nightingale listens to the tale in disbelief, then remembers their recent encounter. " We were taught how to move ourselves through these layers, and you are correct, the deeper we went the darker and more evil they felt. Perhaps we should return to the Dryad Grove and seek to commune with Grandmother Yew for any insight into how we can fix the problem."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Monday November 28th, 2022 5:28:04 PM
Panzer stifles a laugh. " Sure we know about the layers, just another way for the Culverwood to lure folk in and kill them. What makes me laugh is the fact that any one of you could drop all your gear and still take all of us on at the same time, and win, yet you are coming here to ask us to fight something you can't?" "Anyway, I'll play along. Maybe this will earn enough goodwill that the Culverwood doesn't try to kill me every time I go near it." " What are Whitehands? Its a term I have not heard before. " "Do you have a plan to counter their ritual or do we need to do this without knowing the fix for the situation?" "What kind of time frame are we looking at to right this wrong? I assume it gained plenty of traction during the winter while we all basically hibernated." " Are these forces Fey?" " What will hurt them?" " Also how do we weed out the bad parts from the healthy?" The Badgerkin seems to run out of questions, though from the smell in the air the few brain cells he has are rubbing together furiously trying to come up with more.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Monday November 28th, 2022 5:35:19 PM
It is pretty clear from his demeanor that Panzer has few fears. It is also clear that the Culverwood terrifies him So far he has gotten lucky that his companions are skilled in the ways of the 'wood, but in his mind it is only a matter of time before they are not able to save him fast enough when the Culverwood next comes for him. Gargantuan scorpions, mind controlling vines, and Fey Bogeymen that heal off of his fear are just some of the things the Culverwood has tried to kill him with. Sooner or later it will succeed.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Monday November 28th, 2022 7:24:35 PM
Sahabiel nods and lowers her voice a little as ‘Osul observes the noticeable lack of men among the local orc population. “It was not by design. I was not there for it, but from what I have learned quite recently, the tribe these people escaped from believed strongly in the supremacy of orc males. Such cultures are inevitably punitive on both sides… if ya were not a male orc, you’d suffer from being treated as property at best. But if ya were a male orc, it’d be a life of constant loyalty tests to make sure ya were really ‘a right one’. To be suspected by yer peers of having even half the doubts one would have to have to start thinking of leaving the tribe, the consequences would be…” Sahabiel lowers her eyes with a hint of sadness. “… well, at the time of the breakout, that tribe had none among the male orcs that would dare to appear disloyal to their chief. None.”
(ooc: Sahabiel has recently begun sharing living space with the mother of her half-orc apprentice, and has been hearing more about it that way)
When the sudden darkening happens, Sahabiel gasps at a feeling as if that darkness is somehow physically rolling down her spine… “What the..?!”
As various people launch into explanations, she listens with growing discomfort while the visiting adventurers share what they know of the situation thus far. She venerates the Culverwood. To be told that the very ancient entity she has devoted herself to could be so easily corruptible by mortal interference in its balance, is rather much to take in.
She turns her eyes to the morning star at her side. “... A shift in the very balance of the Culverwood. This is not going to be something we can solve as simple as knowing who or what to put down, is it.”
- - -
If Panzer says any part out loud about worrying that the Culverwood is trying to kill him, she responds by telling him to keep courage, and points out that the way she remembers it, that particular fey bogeyman incident ended with Panzer almost single handedly devastating the creature and taking off it’s head with cold iron while Naithi and herself were holding it down in a grapple…“I felt it was you saving us there, Panzer.”
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Monday November 28th, 2022 8:45:44 PM Yes, the darkness. It was something you could feel in your bones, and it felt wrong. I should probably also mentioned that when we experienced it we were literally enveloped by darkness as we were toyed with by our attacker. I'm not sure if you experienced the same, but we may want to prepare for such events if calling upon magical darkness is a preferred tactic as we go deeper.
A Dark Threat (combat round 0) (DM Cayzle) d20=16 ; Monday November 28th, 2022 9:04:32 PM
There is a looming sense of SOMETHING arriving ... but it is noticed only by Lothlo, Naithi and Sahabiel. The others do not realize that the looming threat is in fact arriving RIGHT NOW!
There is no time to talk beyond a few words. You do not even make it into the longhouse. From two trees nearby, creatures emerge, as if by transportation via plants. The first ones out are plant creatures. After them there are dire bats. The bats are carrying something in their claws, things that emit darkness.
As soon as they emerge, the darkness expands and fills the area!
Lothlo, Naithi and Sahabiel can act (for the first round) normally. Everybody else cannot act, and must roll vs Perception DC16 or be flat-footed when attacked.
The darkness is pitch black. Unless you have darkvision or some other special sense, you are blinded.
You hear in the dark that the creatures are approaching. We're in combat. What do you do?
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+4=8 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 1:54:46 AM
Panzer is grateful for Sahbiel''s praise, but he knows better. " I had only one chance, and it was made MUCH easier by you and Niathi immobilizing him. From what you all have told me, once he began striking us we would have needed to resist a fear that I don't think I have the brains to have resisted. If I hadn't been able to place those slashes precisely due to him being immobile I think he would have turned me into a quivering pile of badgerkin when he struck back."
Perception 8 Panzer will be flat footed for the surprise round
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:115/115 d20+41=56 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 6:58:35 AM
'Osul (based on the responses) has thousand faces-ed into a halforc (Blindsight 60', etc.) {Perception: 56} 'Osul is not flat-footed, and tries to at least describe what he can see for those who cannot.
Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) d20+23=38 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 11:37:19 AM
Perception 38
Grindar isn't flat-footed, and as a half-orc has 60 ft of darkvision.
Trellus AC35(T14,FF31), CMD 35, 176/176 hp) d20+16=22 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 2:18:50 PM
The darkness closes in.
"Light," Trellus growls, in a manner that sounds like a curse. The cleric/warrior does not have darkvision.
[Perception 22 - not flat footed]
Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Tuesday November 29th, 2022 3:26:40 PM
As Nightingale can see in the dark, she will look for what direction the enemies are coming from to give her non-"see in the dark" companions a heads up
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+19=34 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 3:40:31 PM
Naithi can see thanks to her low light vision, bite as the world darkens she casts Dark Vision on herself and Camalayas (using the share spell feat). She then begins calling out the location of enemies to get comrades and describing the situation. Everyone, get those orbs and trust in my flower power!
Camalayas is a bit faster at assessing the situation and charges one of the darkness carrying enemies and immediately grapples it.
ooc: Our group knows that Naithi can permanently transform objects into mundane flowers as a dismissable ability. Naithi wants to keep as many orbs as possible. If it is permanently enchanted, like an ever burning torch, it should lose their ability while transformed and regain the ability when it is returned to it's normal state. With Zazu's mage hand this could be used for some great pranks or for helping out the local rogue.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+6=19 ; d20+17=28 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 3:50:08 PM
ooc: Grapple Check= 24 ( I accidentally used CMD instead of cmb, that is why the roll looks so big).
Naithi Acrobatic check to jump from Camalayas Back to the Bats back and provide flanking=19 (21 if Maab's gift applies: You get +1 on skill and ability checks to sense, influence, and attack animals, plants, and magical beasts. Rises to +2 at 5th level, +3 at 10th, +4 at 15th.)
Ride check if needed = 28 (30 if Maab's gift applies)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Tuesday November 29th, 2022 4:02:56 PM
ooc: Nevermind about Naithi transforming the orbs. I can only transform non-magical items. I suggest we instead put them in a Bag of Holding, cover them, or destroy them.
Can someone change my sentence to read "get those orbs and remove the flower power part?
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20=15 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 4:23:45 PM
Beech is caught flatfooted, with lowlight, but not darkvision, he's of of luck....
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+17=23 ; d20+17=23 ; d20+12=25 ; d8+6=9 ; d8+6=14 ; d8+6=8 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 5:17:26 PM Of course, the second I open my big mouth about darkness this happens. Oh well, not much we can do about it now.
As darkness closes in on them, Lothlo pulls out a handful of arrows and waits for a target. He lets the barge fly as soon as either enough light is supplied to see, or once he is told where to aim his shots.
Attack 1 = 23 Damage 1 = 9
Attack 2 = 23 Damage 2 = 14
Attack 3 = 25 Damage 3 = 8
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 58/134 CMD: 28 d20+12=17 ; Tuesday November 29th, 2022 7:16:08 PM
Moridark can't help but wonder what in the name of the God's he and his friends have stumbled into. The mage is a half orc and his darkvision allows him to see what is going on around him. The mage manages to not be startled and is not flat footed.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 Tuesday November 29th, 2022 8:06:05 PM
Sahabiel can see well even by starlight, but this degree of darkness is a bit much for her. Even so, she did get a chance to see that some manner of plant creatures were rushing towards them, before the bats came out and all went dark. (Since you said they are going to attack us this round, I presume the plant creatures were already within 40' last Sahabiel could see) Raising her voice she shouts a few compelling words in the direction she saw the invaders coming from... “Plandaí a mháirseáil, fan do ionsaí!”, she intones, hoping to at least buy some time for the others to ready a defense.
Command Plants, verbal component only, affects up to 14HD of plant creatures, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart, within 40ft of the caster. She calls on the oncoming plant creatures to stay their attack.
For her move action, she draws her morning star and brings it up into battle ready position for what is to come...
She is instantly grateful that she had already put herself at the side of the druid Osul, who seems to be not so hindered. “I’ll rely on yer eyes, if ya tell me what's where”, she lets him know.
Osul has thousand faces-ed into a half-orc, so he has darkvision. [Perception: 56] 'Osul is not flat-footed, and tries to at least describe what he can see for those who cannot.
Beech Beech is caught flatfooted, with lowlight, but not darkvision, he's out of luck....
Trellus The darkness closes in. "Light," Trellus growls, in a manner that sounds like a curse. The cleric/warrior does not have darkvision. [Perception 22 - not flat footed]
Grindar Grindar isn't flat-footed, and as a half-orc has 60 ft of darkvision.
Panzer Braun Panzer is grateful for Sahbiel''s praise, but he knows better. "I had only one chance, and it was made MUCH easier by you and Niathi immobilizing him. From what you all have told me, once he began striking us we would have needed to resist a fear that I don't think I have the brains to have resisted. If I hadn't been able to place those slashes precisely due to him being immobile I think he would have turned me into a quivering pile of badgerkin when he struck back."
[Perception 8] Panzer will be flat footed for the surprise round.
Nightingale As Nightingale can see in the dark, she will look for what direction the enemies are coming from to give her non-"see in the dark" companions a heads up.
Moridark Moridark can't help but wonder what in the name of the God's he and his friends have stumbled into. The mage is a half orc and his darkvision allows him to see what is going on around him. The mage manages to not be startled and is not flat footed.
Naithi, Lothlo, and Sahabiel can act ...
Naithi casts Darkvision on herself and Camalayas (using the share spell feat). She then begins calling out the location of enemies to get comrades and describing the situation. Everyone, get those orbs!
Camalayas is a bit faster at assessing the situation and charges one of the darkness carrying enemies and immediately grapples it. Her grapple check of 24 is two above the CMD 22 of the plant-thing. It is grappled.
Lothlo says, "Of course, the second I open my big mouth about darkness this happens. Oh well, not much we can do about it now." As darkness closes in, Lothlo pulls out a handful of arrows and waits for a target. With directions from 'Osul, Lothlo lets his arrows fly. But since he cannot see in the dark, he rolls a 50% miss chance for each attack (rolled by the DM this time).
Sahabiel Sahabiel can see well even by starlight, but this degree of darkness is a bit much for her. Even so, she did get a chance to see that some manner of plant creatures were rushing towards them, before the bats came out and all went dark. Raising her voice she shouts a few compelling words in the direction she saw the invaders coming from... “Plandaí a mháirseáil, fan do ionsaí!”, she intones, hoping to at least buy some time for the others to ready a defense.
Command Plants, verbal component only, affects up to 14HD of plant creatures, no two of which can be more than 30 ft. apart, within 40ft of the caster. She calls on the oncoming plant creatures to stay their attack.
For her move action, she draws her morning star and brings it up into battle ready position for what is to come...
She is instantly grateful that she had already put herself at the side of the druid Osul, who seems to be not so hindered. “I’ll rely on yer eyes, if ya tell me what's where”, she lets him know.
Sahabiel's spell affects a plant thing. It rolls a 17. Please do post your save DCs. Sahabiel's is, so far as I can figure, DC10 +4th level +3 wis = DC17 to save, and the plant has saved. Please let me know ASAP if this is in error.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
Plant-Things 1-6 All Plant-Things are AC19, CMD22
Plant-Thing 1 attacks 'Osul, slamming AC19, a miss.
Plant-Thing 2 attacks Grindar, swinging at the air, for AC12, a miss.
Plant-Thing 3 attacks Moridark, slamming at AC19, a miss.
Plant-Thing 4 attacks Trellus, slamming at AC14, a miss.
Plant-Thing 5 attacks Naithi, slamming AC26 for 15 damage to Naithi.
Plant-Thing 6 tries to reverse Camalayas's grapple, but a grapple check vs DC 19 fails. The monster remains grappled.
Plant-Thing 7 (23 damage) attacks Lothlo, missing with an AC14 welcome.
Plant-Thing 8 attacks Sahabiel, slamming Sahabiel with an AC26 goal, for 10 hp damage.
Dire Bats 1-3
Dire Bat I casts Finger of Death at 'Osul. Dire Bat II casts Finger of Death at Moridark. Dire Bat III casts Finger of Death at Grindar. All three, please make a fort roll vs DC23 for 170 hp or 33 hp if you save.
Next round!
Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 First strike: d20+9=29 ; Crit chance: d20+9=29 ; Damage: d8+1=7 ; Second Strike: d20+9=25 ; Damage if hits: d8+1=9 ; Third Strike: d20+9=15 ; Damage if hits: d8+1=8 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 1:58:27 AM
Nightingale will use a swift action to burn a Ki point, and attempt to attack Pant Thing 5 three times with her Flurry
OOC: Any chance we can get a rough map for determining the best location for AOE spells, that'd be awesome - Thanks
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:82/115 d20+18=32 ; d20+37=39 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 5:56:41 AM {Fort Save: 32 vs 23 for 33 HP damage} 'Osul keeps Sahabiel and Lothlo in descriptions. H wonders what kind of plant creatures are these, and what advice he can share? {Knowledge(Nature): 39 + Forest Walking}
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+12=16 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 11:31:47 AM
Zazu was definitely surprised AND flat-footed! But now the trickster comes to realize that the party has been tricked! Bats and plants! Surely THEY all can see in the dark just fine!
"Well, let's even the score," the elf says, hopping on Boyo, making sure no enemy is in reach (as best as possible in this darkness!) ... and then Zazu casts Obscuring Mist.
"Ha! Now everybody can't see!"
After his master says that, Boyo moves a good 15 feet in a random direction, avoiding enemies if possible, moving quietly.
Stealth 16. (DC36 to pinpoint if blinded)
Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP d20+22=23 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 12:27:17 PM
Even after burning a hero point in advance, Grindar fails his save with a nat 1 and falls to the ground lifeless.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 53/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+14=31 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ; d6=2 ; d6=6 ; d20+14=17 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 2:59:11 PM
Camalayas and Naithi maintain the grapple as the Dire rabbit pins her opponent and rakes her claws across it.
Enemy is now pinned: Pinned A pinned creature is tightly bound and can take few actions. A pinned creature cannot move and is denied its Dexterity bonus. A pinned character also takes an additional –4 penalty to his Armor Class. A pinned creature is limited in the actions that it can take. A pinned creature can always attempt to free itself, usually through a combat maneuver check or Escape Artist check. A pinned creature can take verbal and mental actions, but cannot cast any spells that require a somatic or material component. A pinned character who attempts to cast a spell or use a spell-like ability must make a concentration check (DC 10 + grappler’s CMB + spell level) or lose the spell. Pinned is a more severe version of grappled, and their effects do not stack.
Note they Naithi is also grappling, so there is a +2 to the check the enemy needs to break the grapple in addition to losing its dex bonus.
He then asks Domi for some help, and launches into whatever is attacking him.
----- Cast quickened Shield of Faith (no AoO) Activate War Domain Weapon Master ability to acquire Blind Fight combat feat. (Swift Action) (1/12) Attack Plant Thing 4:
Atk - miss due to concealment, and reroll is also a miss (28 and 28) Atk 2 miss due to concealment, and reroll is also a miss (34 and 14) Atk 3 hits ac 24 for 16 hp damage. (hits on concealment roll 82)
In Effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+10=15 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 4:10:26 PM
OOC I am so sorry folks. I assumed Panzer had darkvision in the encounter with the boogyman and he didn't. I guess I really should read my character more often.
IC Despite the combat around him, Panzer isn't attacked. He hears the sound of an ally falling and moves to Grindar to try and stabilize the Half Orc. He draws his wand as he moves and prays he can heal enough to stabilize the ranger. UMD 15 fail His skills abandon him though and all that happens is the wand clinks against Grindar's chest and no magic comes out.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 46/56 Wednesday November 30th, 2022 5:23:08 PM ooc: Your assumption about the normal DC against Sahabiel's spell is correct, it is 17
Sahabiel very quickly runs her options through her mind… in this chaos, to try to run anywhere blindly is likely to only get her to collide with people. She should not endanger the civilians – that would be to fail her role as a protector.
When chaos reigns, let the answer point to itself. Work with the one ally she is close enough to to know exactly where he is. She makes a five-foot step moving around Osul, to disengage momentarily from her melee attacker in such a way that to follow her it can only move into the space the druid threatens and the reach of Osul’s attacks.
“Osul, let’s team up smart about this! It was not hard to see from before ya are surely the more experience-honed between us, so… think ya can handle this plant beast I have after me? Should be a lot easier for ya than for me, and then we take on the opponent ya have on yerself together! Then we help the others with theirs. Ya can lead and attack since ya can see them, and I can focus on supporting ya with prayers, to fortify ya and to keep ya healed up through this!”
She does not wait before doing as she says - starting off with a Prayer right away.
Area: all allies and foes within a 40-ft.-radius burst centered on you. You and each of your allies gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a -1 penalty on such rolls. Duration: 7 rounds starting now.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+17=32 ; d20+17=30 ; d20+12=28 ; d8+6=14 ; d8+6=10 ; d8+6=11 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 6:58:40 PM
Even if he can't see, Lothlo knows what direction someone was trying to hit him from, and knows where his companions are telling him to aim. Hetakes a five foot step away from the plant that attacked him, draws three more arrows, and lets them fly.
Roll each twice: D20 + 17(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30') Roll each once: D20 + 12(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30')
Attack 1 = 32 Damage 1 = 14
Attack 2 = 30 Damage 2 = 10
Attack 3 = 28 Damage 3 = 11
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 101/134 CMD: 28 d20+18=32 ; Wednesday November 30th, 2022 7:33:14 PM
OOC: Does Finger of Death require a spell resistance check?
Moridark manages to shrug off most of the finger of death spell (Fortitude DC 32) and shakes his head slightly. The mage looks around at the fight and takes inventory. The mage draws his rod of quicken in preparation for next round and casts maze on the direbat that targeted him. [b]"Let me try to get at least one of these bats out of our hair for a few minutes!"[b]
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Wednesday November 30th, 2022 9:17:58 PM
Beech, got ignored, at least for now, he drops the large quiver at his feet, and casts enlarge person on himself, as a silent spell, so no one, not even the bad guys can hear him.
[OOC: Yes, the Finger of Death may be defeated by SR. Moridark, your SR is 18. The bats have a caster level of 17. Even on a roll of 1, they get an 18, so the SR issue is moot.]
Nightingale uses ki to attack Plant-Thing 5 three times. The surface drow's excellent darkvision is put to good use, and she crits and hits for 24 damage.
Osul continues to keep friends in the loop as to location. And he recognizes these Plant-Things as Shambling Mounds.
Grindar’s death is heroic -- well, as much so as a natural 1 can be -- but yes, he is dead!
Camalayas and Naithi manage to pin down Shambler 5.
Trellus casts a quick buff and attacks. He hits Shambler 4 for 16 damage.
Panzer Braun tries to help Grindar, but he is dead.
Sahabiel steps up to ‘Osul and casts Prayer.
Lothlo shoots three times. His miss checks, rolled by the DM, are 50, 50, and 27. Since rolls of 1-50 are misses, all three missiles miss, alas.
Moridark casts Maze on a bat. It is banished into an extra-dimensional labyrinth. It has an Int of 8, a -1 mod, and will be gone for the full ten minutes.
Beech, ignored, at least for now, drops the large quiver at his feet (so he can pick it up after being enlarged), and cleverly casts a silent enlarge person on himself.
Zazu casts obscuring mist, foiling even those with darkvision. The mist slightly hinders blindsense.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
Plant-Things 1-6 All Plant-Things are AC19, CMD22
Plant-Thing 1 attacks 'Osul twice, slamming AC19 and AC12, both misses.
Plant-Thing 2 ignores the relatively quiet Panzer, moving to a melee, and striking at Moridark. One attack hits AC23, a miss.
Plant-Thing 3 steps up and attacks Moridark, two slams hitting AC17 and AC19, both misses.
Plant-Thing 4 (16 damage) attacks Trellus, with two slam attacks, hitting AC25 and 17, both misses.
Plant-Thing 5 (24 damage) attacks Nightingale, slamming AC29 twice! But do those land? The mist causes the second to miss, and so Nightingale takes 9 damage.
Plant-Thing 6 tries to escape Camalayas's pin, and a grapple check of 24 wins. The monster is no longer pinned nor grappled.
Plant-Thing 7 (23 damage) attacks Lothlo, slamming AC23 and 21. Those will hit, but what about the mist? Both attacks miss!
Plant-Thing 8 attacks Naithi, slamming once with an AC24 attack ... a hit not stopped by the mist, so Naithi takes 13 damage.
Dire Bats 1-3
Dire Bat I is gone.
Dire Bat II and Dire Bat III both cast spells. No noticeable effect is perceived. They try to fly about silently, but a C24 perception check reveals their location in / above the mist.
Grindar Only Please Highlight to display spoiler: {You feel your soul rise from your body. You are an invisible spirit. What do you do, as your friends fight on your behalf?}
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Thursday December 1st, 2022 1:31:51 AM
Grindar is dead, Panzer has failed to heal him. The Beast kin snarls and drops his wand on Gindar's chest. " Sorry mate. Hold this for me, will ya. I have shrubbery to trim." Panzer draws his adamantine blades and listens for a target.
OOC Am I right in assuming that since Finger of Death has no effect other than to cause a massive amount of damage that healing Grindar to above Negative 10 Con would have saved him?
Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Thursday December 1st, 2022 5:28:52 AM David, the only thing that could have saved Grindar would have been a Breath of Life spell. Normal healing spells and the like won't work on someone who is dead. Where as Breath of Life does, as long as it is cast in the same round as the death.
Grindar feels his spirit leave his body, and he thinks to himself, "Well, this sucks, I didn't even get a chance to attack!" He looks down on his friends and hopes they can survive this fight. He makes a prayer to Pantheon, his Deity, and asks that the God of justice would protect his friends .
Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 First strike: d20+9=10 ; WHIFF, Second Strike: d20+9=11 ; WHIFF, Third Strike: d20+9=16 ; of that hits it takes: d8+1=8 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:10:42 AM
Nightingale will again burn a Ki point, attacking the leafman in front of her three more times
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:82/115 d20+34=44 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:19:55 AM
'Osul hears Sahabiel and she makes some good (if somewhat misguided) points. He shouts to Trellus to help Grindar if he can. "I look like I can hold my own in a fight?", 'Osul asks, supressing a chuckle, given what is going on around them. "My options are narrowing. If we do not stop this, The Tainted Wood will discard me or corrupt me." "Don't attack the Mounds with lightning."'Osul suggests as he defensively {Concentration Check: 44 vs 29} casts Control Plants on as many Shambling Mounds as will take it (46 HD) and shouts "Thoir ionnsaigh air do chompanaich" (Attack your companions!){SR: No, Will vs 44 vs 29} ________ Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks
'Osul (Graham) AC:26 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:82/115 Thursday December 1st, 2022 7:23:24 AM
OOC: {SR: No, Will DC34 to negate} - mea culpa
He continues working on the plant thing attacking him.
-- Activate War Domain Weapon Master ability to acquire Blind Fight combat feat. (Swift Action) (2/12) Attack Plant Thing 4:
Atk 1 hits ac 42 for 20 hp damage (72 on conceal roll) Atk 2 crit threat, CRIT on ac 32 for 36 hp damage (85 on conceal roll) Atk 3 hits ac 33 for 13 hp damage. (57 on conceal roll)
In Effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 53/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday December 1st, 2022 3:35:22 PM
Ooc: Can Grindar use Waard's blessing to delay the spell effects?
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20=15 ; d20+5=12 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 4:32:03 PM
Beech reaches down and picks up the dropped quiver after the spell enlarges him. He draws and fires his +1 Seeking Composite Longbow which currently enlarged as well. He aims at one of the shambling mounds, he hears Panzer griping about the thing next to him, so he chooses that one. (perception 15)
Attack 16 (forgot to add 4)
He then steps to the side, so he's not where he was when he loosed the arrow.
Spells in Effect:
Enlarge Person: 10 minutes Prayer : 9 rounds
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 101/134 CMD: 28 Thursday December 1st, 2022 6:25:13 PM
Moridark uses his wand and quicken casts invisibility on himself. The mage then casts maze on bat 2.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 53/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+9=25 ; d20+8=10 ; d20+8=24 ; d20+8=21 ; d6+1=7 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=2 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 8:18:02 PM
As soon as the sentient leaf pile breaks free Naithi grapples it back down. Hey guys, does this thing count as a vegetable or a protein
While Naithi wrestles with the walking salad Camalayas continues to attack it
Naithi Grapple check = 25 (27 if flanking counts. Naithi was riding it prior to the last grapple and Camalayas was in front of it)
Camalayas Bite Atk Hit AC 10 for 7 dmg + 4 Frost Claw Atk 1 Hit AC 24 for 5 dmg + 2 Flaming Claw Atk 2 Hit AC 21 for 2 dmg
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+18=21 ; d20+18=21 ; d20+13=16 ; d6+7=10 ; d6+7=11 ; d6+7=9 ; d100=41 ; d100=74 ; d100=35 ; Thursday December 1st, 2022 8:20:43 PM
Lothlo takes a 5 foot step away from the monster and fires 3 more arrows toward it. The arrows fly, but with the obscured view the arrows have a hard time finding their mark.
Roll each twice: D20 + 17(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30') Roll each once: D20 + 12(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30')
Attack 1 = 21 Damage 1 = 10 50% miss roll=41
Attack 2 = 21 Damage 2 = 11 50% miss roll=74
Attack 3 = 16 Damage 3 = 9 50% miss roll=35
ooc: if I understand the update correctly, there were attacks two on Lothlo would have landed but missed because of the mist (not 2 that hit and two that missed)
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 46/56 Thursday December 1st, 2022 8:47:15 PM “Ya will have to tell me more about the Tainted Wood and how it relates to the Culverwood as I’m used to, when this is over.”, she says. Right now the only strong sign she has that the true Will of the Wood is for her to oppose this rise of darkness, is that it gave her that sense of warning and is still answering her prayers.
She is noticing that Osul has not made a single direct attack, and what he says about narrowing options and being at risk of being discarded or corrupted sounds… confusing. Can she rely on him for her attempt at planning or not? She has several support spells prepared, but now she is not certain if she should put them on herself or on Osul. This would be too wasteful at a time like this to grant increased strength or evasion to an ally that might have no intention to actually enter the fray in person…
“Sorry in advance, but it would help inform my tactics a lot more if ya just told me straight if ya can handle yerself in a direct fight instead of alluding to things I don’t know about ya? What sort of support would help ya most?”
Sahabiel will for this round Aid Another on Osul, giving +2 AC, rather than expend her rapidly dwindling remaining divine power amid too much uncertainty about the druid’s capabilities.
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday December 1st, 2022 11:26:52 PM
Zazu casts a Minor Image in the mist to sound like one of the heroes fighting. Hopefully it will be a target, and the enemy will waste attacks on it. Will DC18 to disbelieve after interacting with it.
Then the trickster and Boyo stealth away another 10 feet.
[OOC: If you have darkvision and you are within 5 ft of your foe, then your miss chance is only 20% in the mist, not 50%.]
Panzer is upset that he could not heal Grindar, and wonders whether it was even possible. He pulls out the world's most expensive garden shears and gets ready to trim the hedge. That’s a move action -- you still have a standard action for this round, and you can assume an enemy is within mele range, so you can take a swing if you like.
Grindar prays to his god and feels that his prayer is heard. His ghostly form, invisible to all present, tingles with potential. He feels suddenly that in some way, some fashion, he has been imbued with some power to act from beyond the veil. Meanwhile, he begins to sense that, perpendicular to reality, there is an overlay atop the Wold-that-is, a sort of other reality that co-exists with this one ... and in that other reality, he sees glowing ted rivulets of some sort flowing across the landscape. Grindar simultaneously wants to help his living friends as well as to touch the red flowing substance.
Nightingale burns some ki and attacks again. Keep in mind that the Prayer gives you +1 to hit and +1 damage, along with other boons. But even the Prayer would not have helped this round: the martial artist swings and misses thrice. (The shambling mounds are AC19.)
Osul offers advice on how to deal with these shambling mounds, and casts Control Plants. But the spell targets specific plant creatures, and requires line of sight. ‘Osul can only see one plant-thing in the mist, the one attacking him. That one rolls a 13 on its save, fails, and follows ‘Osul’s command to attack one of its fellows. Actually, that’s a save of 12 with the Prayer.
Trellus takes three mighty swings, and all three connect. He inflicts 65 damage, which slashes the thing into mulch. It is dead.
Beech, an enlarged liontaur who is now huge in size, shoots. The seeking weapon lets him ignore the miss chance of darkness and mist, but he still has to roll a to-hit. This time he misses.
Moridark quickly turns invisible, and he wants to cast maze again on another bat. But now the mist is up, and he cannot see one. BUT ... wouldn’t the maze ruin the invisibility you cast a moment before? Confused. Please post an action for this round with your next post, as well as an action for the coming round.
Naithi grapples the shambler again. Her trusty animal pal attacks the grappled plant, and two hits land ... but the 20% miss chance from mist ... (I rolled a 22 and a 79) makes no nevermind. Excluding fire damage, the monster takes 7 damage. [OOC: Retcon from my mistake last round: Adding 13 rake damage. Note that with Fire Resistance 10, the shambler shrugs off the fire tear damage. 20 damage total.]
Lothlo again steps back and shoots thrice. One attack inflicts 11 damage. [OOC: Last round Lothlo took NO damage due to mist. The damage number by each Shambler’s name is the damage IT has taken.]
Sahabiel chooses to boost ‘Osul’s AC for this round, lending aid to another.
Zazu casts a simple Ghost Sound cantrip in the mist, hoping to make the enemy waste an attack on a farrago of auditory trickery.
Panzer is ready to attack, and his reflexes are honed sharp, but he does not actually attack? Please post two rounds of actions in your next post.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
Plant-Things 1-6 All Plant-Things are AC19, CMD22
Plant-Thing 1, controlled by 'Osul, takes a five ft step and slams its pal, Plant-Thing 2, twice, hitting ACs 26 and 30 (the 30 is a confirmed crit) for 37 damage.
Plant-Thing 2 (37 damage) strikes twice at Moridark. These attacks also hit despite mist, vs AC27 and 15. The one slam whips harsh vines into Moridark’s chest, inflicting 9 damage.
Plant-Thing 3 moves to attack the sound behind it -- but the ghost sound is a trick, and it hits nothing.
Plant-Thing 4 has been mulched by Trellus.
Plant-Thing 5 (24 damage) attacks Nightingale again, and one attack slams with a thick vine to inflict 8 damage.
Plant-Thing 6 (20 damage) tries to escape Naithi's grapple, and a grapple check of 20 just beats CMD19. The monster is no longer grappled.
Plant-Thing 7 (34 damage) attacks Lothlo again, striking with vines that both miss due to mist!
Plant-Thing 8 moves to attack Panzer, but it misses due to mist.
Dire Bat I is a-mazed.
Dire Bat II and Dire Bat III, newly buffed, swoop down to make flyby attacks. With their blindsense, they both target Trellus. Power attack gives -4 to hit and +12 damage. Str gives +4 to hit and +6 damage. They have improved vital strike. Greater Magic Fang gives +4 to hit and damage. They are diving for a +1 to hit, and Prayer gives -1 to hit and damage. They hit AC21 and 23; both miss badly.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20+7=22 ; d20+7=16 ; 2d6+1=7 ; 2d6+1=6 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 10:33:20 AM
Beech, listens and then attacks plant thing #6 as Naithi sounds like the most in trouble of our group.... (perception DC=0 can't roll under it) Rapid firing his bow....
(bow is seeking) Arrow 1 Hit AC 22 Damage 7 Arrow 2 Hit AC 16 Damage 6
Again, after shooting, he takes a 5' step in a random direction.
Spells in Effect:
Enlarge Person: 10 minutes Prayer : 8 rounds
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP d20+22=39 ; d20+26=30 ; d20+21=23 ; d20+21=35 ; d20+16=27 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+11=20 ; d8+28=36 ; d8+28=35 ; d8+28=35 ; d8+28=32 ; d8+28=30 ; d8+28=36 ; d8+28=32 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=5 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=3 ; d6=6 ; d6=1 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 12:47:13 PM
Grindar is torn. on the one hand, he feels that he can help send some of these enemy's to Gargul, but on the other hand the red rivulets are sooooo pretty. He chooses to help his friends, and even though he isn't sure if it will work or not, he attempts a full round attack on Plant Thing-3. He will use power attack this round.
1st Primary hits AC 43 (forgot to add favored enemy) for 36 damage plus 5 fire and 11 holy Off-Hand hits AC 30 for 35 damage plus 1 fire and 7 holy 2nd Primary hits AC 23 for 35 damage plus 1 fire and 10 holy Off-Hand hits AC 35 for 32 damage plus 3 fire and 3 holy 3rd Primary hits AC 27 for 30 damage plus 2 fire and 2 holy Off-Hand hits AC 33 for 36 damage plus 5 fire and 4 holy 4th Primary hits AC 20 for 32 damage plus 3 fire and 7 holy
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+14=26 ; d100=94 ; d3+13=14 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+7=8 ; d3+7=10 ; d20+12=31 ; d20+12=29 ; d100=70 ; d20+12=32 ; d20+12=14 ; d100=91 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+7=14 ; d20+6=16 ; 2d3+26=29 ; 2d3+26=30 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+13=20 ; d20+13=16 ; d20+13=18 ; d100=74 ; d100=93 ; d3+13=15 ; d3+13=16 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 1:33:57 PM
Last rround Panzer swings with Power Attack at Mound 8 hitting Ac 26 for 14 damage(magic) 94%
This round. Having found a target and been attacked by it, Panzer goes into full attack mode against the Shambling Mound.
Main Hand hits AC 31 and confirms to AC 29 for 29 damage(magic) 70% Off hand hits AC 32 and fails to confirm for 30 damage (magic) 91% Main Hand 2 hits AC miss Off hand 2 hits AC miss Bite Hits AC miss
AoO for this round AC 29 for 15 74% AC 20 for 16 93% AC 16 AC 18
Nightingale (JonS) HP 26/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 First Strike: d20+10=25 ; Damage: d8+2=6 ; Second Strike: d20+10=18 ; Third Strike: d20+10=13 ; She burns a Hero Point to add a +4 bonus to her second strike making it a 22 to hit; Damage is d8+2=7 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 3:19:28 PM
ooc: I updated my HP from what damage I can find she has taken at this point
Nightingale burns another Ki point (spent 3 out of 5 at this point), and attack the Shambling Mound in front of her again
Putting this here too incase y'all missed it up top - She burns a Hero Point to add a +4 bonus to her second strike
Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp) d20+17=29 ; d20+14=21 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 3:36:05 PM
Trellus feels the bats incoming and ducks out of the way.
Sheathing his sword, he tries to get a decent read on the bats' location.
If he perceives them, he casts Greater Dispel Magic as an Area Dispel.
"Anyone need healing or some sword help, shout out"
---------- Sheathe sword Perception 29 to get idea of bats' location. If perception check successful, cast Greater Dispel Magic, center of mass of the two bats. Dispel check 21.
In Effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes. Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 53/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+9=16 ; d20+7=18 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 8:00:10 PM
Naithi and Camalayas both try grappling the plant creature, but this time both attempts miss.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d12=1 ; d20+18=37 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+13=32 ; d8+7=15 ; d8+7=10 ; d8+7=9 ; d100=35 ; d100=40 ; d100=17 ; d8+18=19 ; 2d8+7=16 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 9:06:53 PM I can't see a thing, but thankfully neither can the guy in front of me. Lothlo takes another five foot step away from the attacker and takes a deep breath before releasing another volley of arrows towards the creature in front of him.
Roll each twice: D20 + 17(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30') Roll each once: D20 + 12(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30')
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 101/134 CMD: 28 Friday December 2nd, 2022 9:16:20 PM
Last Round: Moridark will not cast maze but will cast circle of protection vs evil on himself.
Current round: Moridark begins casting summon monster 5.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26+2 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:82/115 d20+34=44 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 9:35:00 PM
'Osul takes in Sahabiel's words, saying "Thank you. Please take a step back and buff this!", and starts defensively casting a spell.
{Summon Nature's Ally IX (Spontaneous casting, losing Shapechange), Saving Throw none; Spell Resistance no, Concentration to cast: 44 vs 33.} Hopefully, at the end of the round a huge Storm Giant appears in the adjacent space partially left by them and the shambling mound.
"Sahabiel, this is Lethius." ________ Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, save.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 46/56 d20+14=27 ; d8+8=15 ; d100=57 ; d6+3=5 ; d6+3=7 ; Friday December 2nd, 2022 10:45:31 PM (ooc: declaring my action for this round and the next, because readying an action gets weird when the initiative rules are not in use)
Sahabiel nods her understanding, and while 'Osul works his way through defensively casting the lengthy spell, she quickly triggers Divine Favor on herself (standard action)- a magic she could not transfer onto another if she tried - as well as triggering her Bramble Armor (free action) as she steps forward (5’ step) with her weapon and shield brought up (move action so that she can threaten squares around her again) in protection of the casting druid.
(ooc: Sahabiel puts herself and the zone in which she threatens AoO there as a buffer to prevent the nearest enemy from trying to interrupt the spell. If anything provokes an AoO by trying to get past her, her reaction attack hits d20+14 = AC 27, for 1d8+8 = 15 damage, d100=57 in which she is not deceived by concealment. Anything trying to hit her with unarmed attack or natural weapons this round also receives 1d6+3=5 points of damage from the magical thorns she has protected herself with. As soon as 'Osul’s Storm Giant appears on the next round, Sahabiel will use her own action for that round to put a Shield of Faith around it, improving its AC by 3 points.)
Zeoll and Boyo d20+13=25 ; d20+20=31 ; Saturday December 3rd, 2022 11:10:53 AM
Zazu hears 'Osul casting an area dispel up at a bat (spellcraft 25). "Good idea, sir!" the elf shouts.
So the trickster listens to hear a bat flying overhead ... (perception 31) ... and readies a Color Spray to hit its area. The will save DC is 17, and since it is surely more powerful than Zazu, the best the wizard can hope for is to stun it for a round. "Druids have good will saves, but it is worth a chance." He ponders poor Grindar and thinks, "Anybody can roll a one."
Panzer attacks Shambler 8, slashing it for 14 damage.
Invisible Moridark buffs himself with Pro Evil.
=====
Beech fires twice with his seeking bow, hitting Shambler 6 for 13. Then he takes a step to avoid any counterattack.
Resisting the call of Woldsblood, Grindar’s Spirit attacks Shambler 3. His incorporeal form passes right through the plant-thing, and it shudders. It is shaken this round. (-2 penalty on attacks, saves, and checks.)
Sahabiel nods understanding to ‘Osul and triggers Divine Favor and Bramble Armor (free action) on herself, then taking a five foot step forward to protect the casting druid.
Panzer power-full-attacks Shambler 8, slashing with a crit for 29 damage and then failing to confirm a crit but still inflicting 30. Your DM is confused, but allows it, for 59 total damage, and that destroys the plant-thing.
Nightingale burns another ki point to heroically attack the shambling mound in front of her. That’s three swings, but what about the mist? The DM rolls ... 2, 44, 21 ... the second and third swings are on target, but the third is a miss. The second, boosted by a hero point, lands against Shambler 5 for 7 damage.
Trellus pinpoints the bats and casts an area dispel -- but the bats are level 17, and a 28 is needed to dispel. Trellis’s roll of 21 does not suffice.
Naithi and Camalayas try to grapple the plant creature, but both fail to get a good grip.
Lothlo unleashes another volley of arrows at Shambler 7, hitting once for 10 damage.
Moridark begins a summons.
’Osul also begins a summons.
Sahabiel casts Divine Favor and triggers her bramble armor. SHe tries to protect ‘Osul.
Zazu is inspired by Trellus and tries to color spray a bat. The save vs DC17 is made at +20, so only a nat 1 will work. It rolls a 31 and is unaffected.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
Plant-Things 1-6 All Plant-Things are AC19, CMD22
Plant-Thing 1, controlled by 'Osul, takes a five ft step and again slams its pal, Plant-Thing 2, twice, hitting twice for 25 damage (rolls over 50 for both miss chances).
Plant-Thing 2 (37 damage) strikes twice at Moridark. One vine hits through the mist for 13 damage. That means to keep the summons going, Moridark needs to roll a concentration check vs DC10 + damage dealt + spell level, or DC28, or lose the spell.
Plant-Thing 3 (shaken) moves to attack someone who is not engaged. It moves to Beech and lashes out, missing wildly.
Plant-Thing 4 has been mulched by Trellus.
Plant-Thing 5 (31 damage) goes after Nightingale again, swinging, missing, swinging, and hitting for 7 damage.
Plant-Thing 6 (33 damage) lashes out with its wines at Naith1. It hits once for 10 damage.
Plant-Thing 7 (44 damage) attacks Lothlo again, missing once because of mist and again as a clean miss.
Plant-Thing 8 has been killed by Panzer.
Dire Bat I is a-mazed.
Dire Bat II and Dire Bat III, swoop down again, this time at ‘Osul, with flyby attacks. One finds Sahabiel instead and attacks her. Power attack gives -4 to hit and +12 damage. Str gives +4 to hit and +6 damage. They have improved vital strike. Greater Magic Fang gives +4 to hit and damage. They are diving for a +1 to hit, and Prayer gives -1 to hit and damage.
Vs Sahabiel, Bat II misses due to mist.
Vs ‘Osul, Bat III hits despite mist vs AC30. That’s a hit for 3d8+12 power attack +6 Str +4 magic fang -1 Prayer = 33 damage. To keep his spell, ‘Osul must make a concentration check vs DC52.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20+8=13 ; d20+8=26 ; 2d6+2=7 ; Saturday December 3rd, 2022 5:29:32 PM
Well, Beech knows exactly where one of the plant creatures is.... He takes a 5' step away and looses arrows at it....
Because it's well within 30', Point blank is in effect as well...
Arrow 1 miss Arrow 2 Hit AC 26 damage 7
He then calls out, "Got one over here." He doesn't sound overly excited, but is alerting the others near by.
Spells in Effect:
Enlarge Person: 10 minutes Prayer : 7 rounds
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d3+15=17 ; Saturday December 3rd, 2022 5:57:10 PM
OOC Don't be confused Cayzle. Panzer's player is a dum dum and rolled crit damage when he shouldn't have. He also forgot to add prayer. Who is this guy and why do we let him play this game? Fixing all the problems is this roll, I added the prayer damage to what the second attack should have dealt. Is the bad guy still up? Damage is 17, not 30
Cayzle Comments: No worries, it's down.
'Osul (Graham) AC:26+2 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F18/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:82/115 d20+48=56 ; Saturday December 3rd, 2022 7:37:26 PM
'Osul digs deep (Hero Point) trying to keep the summoning from crumbling to dust. {Concentration: 56 vs 52}
more to follow ________ Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, save.
OOC: +1 to hit for diving? This is new to me.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+18=28 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=35 ; d20+13=23 ; d8+7=15 ; d8+7=14 ; d8+7=15 ; d100=9 ; d100=13 ; d100=51 ; Sunday December 4th, 2022 8:18:41 PM
Lothlo continues his dance with the shambler, taking a five foot step back out of it's reach. Withdrawing a trio of arrows from his quiver he takes aim at the spot the shambler was in and lets the arrows fly towards his unseen foe.
Attack 1 = 28 Damage 1 = 15 50% miss roll=9
Attack 2 = 27 Damage 2 = 14 50% miss roll=13
Attack 3 = 23 Damage 3 = 15 50% miss roll=51
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 101/134 CMD: 28 d4+1=3 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=7 ; d4+4=8 ; d20+4=7 ; d20+4=8 ; d20+4=19 ; Sunday December 4th, 2022 9:07:31 PM
Moridark finishes casting his spell and 3 lantern archon arrive spaced around the mage. Moridark begins casting summon monster 5 again. The archon peer out attempting to find targets to attack (Perception 7,8,19)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 43/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+9=27 ; d20+8=16 ; d20+8=18 ; d3=1 ; d20+8=25 ; d6+1=4 ; d4+1=2 ; d4+1=4 ; d6=1 ; d6=4 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 1:59:03 AM
Naithi curses as she is hit and once again grapples the creature. Now I remember..Mushrooms! You guys always taste like mushrooms. Chicken and mushrooms, pork and mushrooms, watery mushrooms, but always like mushrooms. I can work with that!
While Naithi wrestles with dinner Camalayas continues to attack it.
Naithi Grapple check = 28 (30 if flanking counts. Naithi was riding it prior to the last grapple and Camalayas was in front of it)
Camalayas Bite Atk Hit AC 17 (19 if flanking counts while grappling, which I believe it does) for 5 dmg + 1 Frost Claw Atk 1 Hit AC 19 for 3 dmg + 4 Flaming Claw Atk 2 Hit AC 26 for 5 dmg
'Osul (Graham) AC:26+2 (T:21, FF:25), CMD:29, ST:(F20/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:85/154 d20+40=54 ; d20+27=34 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 8:33:20 AM
'Osul defensively casts Mass Bear's Endurance {Concentration: 54}, and is hoping he can reach out and touch Sahabiel and Lethius to share, as well as himself. He advises Lethius about the opposition, and apologises for the mist that is preventing him from seeing most of the opposition and many friends. He then asks if anyone can cast Darkvision or similar on Lethius. ________ Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, save. Bear's Endurance
Lethius tries to attune his senses {Perception(LLV): 34} and tries to find a target in the upper mist or above it. ________ Bear's Endurance
Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp) d100=83 ; d20+28=34 ; d10+13=23 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 11:01:03 AM
Trellus sighs as the bats are unaffected. "Light."
Hearing Beech, he makes his way over to the sound while drawing his sword. "On my way." Arriving at a monster, he calls on Domi and attacks.
---- Move to Plant 3. Activate War Domain Weapon Master ability to acquire Blind Fight combat feat. (Swift Action) (3/12) Attack Plant 3 Conceal check 83. Hit AC 34 for 23 hp damage.
In Effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes. Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks[/i]
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Monday December 5th, 2022 11:05:06 AM
Grindar realizes that his attacks don't do any damage, but they still have an interesting affect. seeing that his touch causes the shaken condition, he decides to take it one step further, and attempts to posses plant thing 3. If successful, he will use the plant body to attack the nearest enemy. (don't have clue what to roll for this.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 26/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Obscuring Mist Roll: d100=77 ; First Strike: d20+10=23 ; Damage: d8+2=10 ; Obscuring Mist Roll:d100=30 ; Second Strike: d20+10=30 ; Whiffs Monday December 5th, 2022 11:48:00 AM
Nightingale attacks normally, saving her remaining 2 Ki points
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+15=31 ; d3+14=17 ; d100=72 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 4:47:48 PM
Panzer hears the compost heap hit the ground and stop moving, at the same time he hears Beech Call for help. He knows that despite the physical armor the Liontaur is now wearing that he won't last long if something decides to dedicate itself to hitting him. Panzer picks his way across the field of battle to the sorcerer and swings at the living compost heap. Main hand swing hits AC 31 for 17 magic damage (72%) "Anyone able to make me airborne? Those flying rats are getting on my nerves. Being able to see them would help too, if possible. "
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+9=26 ; d3=2 ; d100=16 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 7:01:04 PM
Zazu is happy with the Obscuring Mist (which seems to be hindering the attackers) and the Ghost Sound (though that prank will not likely work again). The Color Spray was useless. The trickster briefly ponders another move and decides to listen for a bat. If the keen-eared elf hears one, then a readied Ray of Frost may zap it.
Ranged rouch attack hits AC26 for 2 damage.
But miss chance 16 means it is a definite miss!
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 46/56 d8=1 ; d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d8=2 ; d8=3 ; d8=6 ; Monday December 5th, 2022 8:10:59 PM (ooc: A flyby attack enters and leaves threatened space, and Sahabiel was set to use her reaction to take an attack of opportunity, I included rolls for it on my previous post. Did she get to make that attack against the dire bat that missed her on its flyby, since it must have passed through her melee range?)
[DM BatMark: Yes, thanks for flagging that we missed it. We'll include the AoO in today's DM post.]
After putting the Shield of Faith on Lethius, Sahabiel converts the divine energy she had prepared in her prayer of Sending into a spontaneous cure spell for Osul, who has been weathering some of the worse attacks. (4d8+7, rerolling 1s, for 26 hp restored) That might not even be one round of attacks from these bat-like creatures, but it is better than nothing for her to do while the enemy keeps itself outside her reach.
Beech steps five feet back from Shambler 3. At this distance, the mist gives Beech a 50% miss chance. He shoots, and one arrow could hit ... and the DM’s roll of a 19 in fact indicates a miss.
Like Beech, Lothlo takes a step back into the mist and shoots blindly. But one arrow hits true, hitting Shambler 7 for 15 damage.
From last round, Moridark has a DC28 concentration check to make after taking 13 damage. But the loremaster’s concentration check is a +28 -- he can’t fail it! Also, Moridark, please log the 13 damage you took last round!
Moridark’s summons -- 3 lantern archons -- arrive, sense the nearby Shamber 2, and attack with their rays They have miss chances of 20% and two attacks each ... 2 of 6 rays miss due to mist. Two of the remaining four ranged touch attacks miss. The two that hit inflict 6 damage to Shambler 2.
Meanwhile, Moridark starts another summons!
Grindar’s Spirit attempts to possess Shambler 3. This surprises the thing, and it loses its attack. But then Grindar is forced out of the plant creature.
Panzer hears his foe drop as Beech calls for help. He goes to Beech’s aid, striking shambler 3 for 17hp of damage before calling out for someone to get him flying to take on the bats.
Nightingale strikes shambler 5 twice for a total of 17hp of damage, surprising herself on the second one landing despite the swirling mists. [DM BatMark note: with darkvision and a foe within 5’, you only have a 20% miss chance.]
Trellus moves over to Shambler 3 and attacks it for 23 damage.
Naithi and Camalayas continue their combined attack on the plant creature. Naithi grapples it successfully despite the mist, and Camalayas claws it twice and chomps it with a bite to boot! The frost seems to rime its foliage a bit, but the flame again fails to harm it. All together, they do 14hp of damage to the cretinous compost heap.
’Osul casts Mass Bear’s Endurance on a few people, and lets his summoned storm giant know the situation. With his 15 ft reach, the giant readies an attack if he hears a bat come in close. When one does, he senses it and attacks ... but the DM rolled a 10 for his miss chance, and he swings and manages to hit nothing.
Sahabiel makes an attack of opportunity against the swooping bat II, smashing it for 15 hp of damage. It shrieks in more pain as her brambles do another 5hp of damage when it tries to attack. She follows up this coup with a spontaneous cure for ‘Osul, restoring 26hp.
Zazu is pleased with some but not all of the spells cast, and listens before firing a ray into the mist at a bat, which flutters away unscathed.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
Plant-Things 1-6 All Plant-Things are AC19, CMD22
Plant-Thing 1, controlled by 'Osul, continues to attack Plant-Thing 2, twice, but both attacks miss in the mist.
Plant-Thing 2 (43 damage) keeps attacking Moridark. One vine lashes through the mist to hit AC12 -- a miss.
Plant-Thing 3 (40 damage) is next to Beech but does not attack, surprised as it was by the incorporeal Grindar..
Plant-Thing 4 has been mulched by Trellus.
Plant-Thing 5 (48 damage) goes after Nightingale again, missing once due to mist, and then hitting AC17, also a miss.
Plant-Thing 6 (47 damage) stays in the grapple and attacks with its natural weapons. It swings at Camalayas, but misses due to the 20% miss chance.
Plant-Thing 7 (59 damage) attacks Lothlo again, with a miss and a hit vs AC23 for 13 damage.
Plant-Thing 8 has been killed by Panzer.
Dire Bat I is a-mazed.
Dire Bat II (20 damage) swoops down at Moridark, hoping to break his spell. The giant swipes at it and misses. It sees through the mist, and bites AC19, a miss. It swoops away.
Dire Bat III (no damage) cast dispel magic and gets rid of the mist.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Monday December 5th, 2022 11:12:53 PM
OOC Beech can not miss...seeking
Nightingale (JonS) HP 26/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 First Strike: d20+10=22 ; Damage: d8+2=3 ; Second Strike: d20+10=22 ; Damage: d8+2=9 ; Third Strike: d20+10=17 ; If that hits, Damage: d8+2=7 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 4:15:12 AM
If the mist is gone, then Nightingale will burn her 4th Ki point to try and hit the Shambler in front of her three times
A Dark Threat (combat round 5) (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 6th, 2022 9:43:06 AM
CORRECTION: Beech's seeking arrow does hit for 7! Corrected damage for Shambler 3: 47
Thanks Panzer!
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20+8=15 ; d20+8=10 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 9:56:02 AM
Beech, takes a step away, and shoots the plant thing that attacked him.
Arrow 1 Hit ac 15 Arrow 2 Hit ac 10
Both miss....
Spells in Effect:
Enlarge Person: 10 minutes Prayer : rounds
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+13=24 ; d100=46 ; d20+13=33 ; d20+13=28 ; d100=47 ; d20+18=34 ; d100=87 ; d20+8=20 ; d100=45 ; d20+7=15 ; d3+14=16 ; d3+14=17 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 10:05:55 AM
Panzer winds up and tries to mulch the shambler with less than spectacular results. main hand miss due to darkness Off hand Misses Crit due to darkness Main hand 2 hits (should be AC 24) for 16 damage 87% Off hand misses due to darkness Bite misses
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Tuesday December 6th, 2022 12:09:52 PM
Grindar decides to turn his attention on the dire bats. He floats over to dire bat 3 and attempts to pass through it.
Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp) d100=48 ; d100=7 ; d100=7 ; d100=13 ; d100=81 ; d20+18=20 ; d10+13=21 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 3:12:18 PM
"Right here, plant dude," Trellus tells Plant 3, trying to get its attention.
The darkness seems especially dark here, but he manages to get one blow in.
---- Activate War Domain Weapon Master ability to acquire Blind Fight combat feat. (Swift Action) (4/12) Full Attack Plant 3 Atk 1 miss due to concealment (48 and 7) Atk 2 miss due to concealment (7 and 13) Atk 3 hits ac 20 for 21 hp damage
In Effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes. Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks
'Osul (Graham) AC:28 (T:21, FF:27), CMD:30, ST:(F20/R14/W29 + RNL), HP:111/151, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited, Hero Pts:2/18 - Tuesday December 6th, 2022 4:56:10 PM "Thank You Sahabiel! Now to get Lethius in the air" Same process, this time he casts Air Walk on the storm giant. 'Osul wildshapes into a huge air elemental, and says (in Auran) "Get aloft and I will follow with guidance."
numbers next post
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 43/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+14=18 ; d20+7=12 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 6:35:58 PM
Naithi and Camalayas try to continue grappling the plant, but they are unable to pin the amorphous thing down.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+18=29 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+13=18 ; d8+7=12 ; d8+7=12 ; d8+7=11 ; d100=88 ; d100=19 ; d100=77 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 8:45:51 PM
Lothlo takes a nasty smack and quickly takes a step back from the plant. He wipes away a drop of blood and pulls out three more arrows, sending them flying into the darkness towards his assailant.
Attack 1 = 29 Damage 1 = 12 50% miss roll=88
Attack 2 = 19 Damage 2 = 12 50% miss roll=19
Attack 3 = 18 Damage 3 =7 50% miss roll=51
***Active spells and abilities*** Spells and Conditions in effect on self: Hasted for 7 rounds starting round 1 - Sharpshooter Skills "Can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty, +1 bonus on attack and damage with ranged weapons at ranges up to 30 feet, can take a –1 penalty on all ranged attack rolls to gain a +2 bonus on all ranged damage rolls (increases at +4 bab), Only a –1 penalty per full range increment between you and your target, threat range is doubled." -Trick shots available: Disarm Trick, Ricochet Trick, Staple Trick, Slice Trick, Sunder Trick, Grapnel Trick Consumables Tracking: 18 arrows, 0 hero points
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 88/134 CMD: 28 d4+1=3 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=17 ; d20+4=13 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 9:46:25 PM
Moridark summons 3 more Lantern Archons around him for a total of 6. The six Archons lookabout for targets to attack (Perception: 14,12,22,6,17,13) "I can cast fly if you can get to me, the mage shouts out.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 46/56 d100=21 ; Tuesday December 6th, 2022 9:46:48 PM
With Osul taking Lethius up into the sky, to hopefully put an end to those bats overhead, or at least stop them having free reign of the skies, Sahabiel is now without a partner on the ground. Since she recalls that she was not too far from where Naithi was walking when darkness fell, and she can clearly hear Naithi and Camalayas in their struggle with one of the plant creatures, she cautiously moves over in that direction (half speed move action).
If this brings her to within five foot, she tries to assist Naithi - but still in the dark, she fails to get any kind of grip on the enemy.
d100 = 21, the cover of darkness prevents her from laying a hand on the shambling mound
Zazu's happy mood is dispelled just as is the trickster's obscuring mist.
"What should we do, Boyo?" the wizard asks the familiar.
Boyo turns his ears to his master.
"I'm using freaking cantrips against major foes, and I'm being useless! I can't see! People are dying! I'm useless."
Boyo shrugs, and Zazu feels the dire bunny's muscles shift under the magic saddle.
"What? What?! I should go nuclear! That's nuts!"
The bunny shakes his head no, but Zazu does not see it.
"It's dangerous! It's crazy!"
"OK, we'll do it!"
Zazu digs into Boyo's saddle bags and comes up with a tiny box. "Go! Go, Boyo!"
Boyo and Zazu tumble in the dark toward a plant thing. The tumbling is to move to, then back and then forth, making sure no one is within five feet except the Shambler, Boyo, and Zazu. Moving like this provokes AoOs, so hopefully the tumbling avoids those!
Untrained Acrobatics to avoid provoking AoOs: Zazu: 11 -- no wait, 12 with Prayer! Boyo: 14
Then, if he survives the AoO, Zazu opens the box! It is trapped with a Cold Glyph of Warding, previously cast by Sahabiel! Per the spell, "A blast glyph deals 1d8 points of damage per two caster levels (maximum 5d8) to the intruder and to all within 5 feet." The reflex save is DC16. Damage is 3d8 cold, rolled as 12 or 6 if you save.
Zazu rolls a reflex save (with +1 prayer) of 12, nat one! The trickster takes the full 12 damage Boyo rolls a 24. With Improved Evasion, he takes no damage.
But which shambler did Boyo rush? There are 6, so let's roll a d6 ... number 3! It has to make the DC16 reflex save for 12 or 6!
"Don't come near me!" Zazu calls out. "I'm blowing up!"
Nightingale takes advantage of the disappearance of the mist to burn a ki point and strike shambler 5 for two out of three attempts, for 12hp of damage.
Beech takes a step away and shoots twice, but misses with both.
Panzer make a series of attacks on shambler 3, but only one hand hits, doing 16hp of damage.
Grindar’s Spirit floats through Bat 3, leaving it shaken!
Trellus connects with Shambler 3, killing it!
’Osul wants to cast Air Walk on his giant friend and then change into an air elemental. But is it a Quickened Air Walk? Doesn’t wildshape require a standard action? Your DM assumes you cast the spell, but does not Wildshape this round, unless you can show me where I’ve gone wrong?
The giant uses perception to pinpoint a bat, with a roll of 39, and that’s fine. He strides through the air to a bat ... rolling at random ... Bat 2. He swipes at it with his greatsword ... miss chance due to darkness is a d100, DM rolls a 99, so it lands. The bats have an AC16 -- they were counting on flying out of reach for defense! The giant rolls a 2, hits AC29, and inflicts 35 damage to Bat 2!
Lothlo steps back after taking a nasty smack from shambler 7, then retaliates with a trio of arrows, one of which strikes home for 12hp of damage. The plant-thing falls dead, pierced at the core!
Moridark’s six lantern archons focus on Bat 3, not wanting the penalty for firing into melee since the giant is fighting the other one. With darkvision they have no miss chance. 12 ranged touches (2 each) hit six times for 16 damage.
Naithi and Camalyas continue their grapple attempts, but can’t pin it down this time.
Sahabiel is without a partner on the ground now that ‘Osul has taken Lethius into the sky, so she tries to move toward where Naithi and Camalayas are fighting but can’t get a grip in the dark.
Zazu takes a self-destructive run at the third shambler still standing, that’s Shambler 5. The dire bunny runs back and forth, making sure no friends are in the blast radius. Without the mist, the shambler sees this and makes an AoO on (50/50) Zazu. The AoO is a vine that hits Zazu for 16 damage.
Activating a glyph, the arcane trickster riding a dire bunny triggers a glyph of warding that hurts Zazu for 12 points. Shambler 5 rolls a reflex save of 19 and takes 6 damage.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
All Plant-Things (shambling mounds) are AC19, CMD22 Dire Bats (wildshaped druids) are AC16, Touch AC12
Plant-Thing 1, controlled by 'Osul, continues to attack Plant-Thing 2, twice, hitting once for 13.
Plant-Thing 2 (56 damage) keeps attacking Moridark. Two vines hit ACs 16 and 16, two misses!
Plant-Thing 3 has been killed by Beech and Trellus.
Plant-Thing 4 has been mulched by Trellus.
Plant-Thing 5 (54 damage) has Nightingale and Zazu to fight. It attacks each one with a vine, hitting ACs 24 and 19, hitting Nightingale but not Zazu. Nightingale takes 12 damage.
Plant-Thing 6 (47 damage) stays in the grapple and attacks with its natural weapons. It swings at Camalayas, but misses due to the 20% miss chance.
Plant-Thing 7 pierced by arrows, slain by Lothlo.
Plant-Thing 8 has been killed by Panzer.
Dire Bat I is a-mazed.
Dire Bat II (55 damage) is fighting a storm giant. It rolls a 34 to cast defensively, and sends a Baleful Polymorph at the storm giant. ‘Osul, please roll a fort save for the giant at DC22, and it that fails, a will save vs the same DC.
Dire Bat III (shaken, 16 damage) casts a whirlwind. The funnel of air movies through each of the 6 archons’ spaces. Moridark, please roll DC25 reflex saves for each archon, with failure inflicting 14 damage on failure.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 7/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 First Strike: d20+10=17 ; Miss, Second Strike: d20+10=17 ; Miss, Third Strike: d20+10=15 ; Miss Wednesday December 7th, 2022 2:09:55 AM
Nightingale is hurting, but she spends her last Ki point, in hopes of dropping this Shambler so she can heal herself and her friends
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d10=3 ; d20=10 ; d20+8=18 ; d20+8=10 ; 2d6+3=12 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 9:16:01 AM
Beech hears combat all over the place, after the plant thing dies near him....
He can't pick out a specific combat, but hears the fight with #2, so he shoots that direction....
Arrow 1 Hit AC 18 Damage 12 (bonus' from +1 magic, +1 prayer, +1 point blank) Arrow 2 Hit AC 10 miss
While he's shooting, "Thanks"
Spells in Effect:
Enlarge Person: 10 minutes Prayer : 5 rounds
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Wednesday December 7th, 2022 1:05:05 PM
Grindar will pass through dire bat 3 again, to keep him off guard. He wishes his ax could bite into solid flesh, but alas, he is dead, and keeping his opponents off guard is the best he can do.
The blond man can hear three ground based combats. Having nothing else to go on, he moves to the nearest one. randomly rolling, its Plant Thing 2!
Arriving, he tries again to use Domi's help to overcome the darkness
---- Move to Plant 2 Activate War Domain Weapon Master ability to acquire Blind Fight combat feat. (Swift Action) (5/12) Attack Plant 2 hits ac 37 for 22 hp damage. (conceal roll 91)
In Effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes. Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d100=3 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 5:39:23 PM
Panzer listens, and hears Nightingale take repeated hits. His current target down he moves to he aid. Singles attack misses due to darkness. Missing his attack, he tries to taunt the mulch pile to attack him instead of the cleric.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 46/56 d100=29 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 6:37:10 PM
Sahabiel attempts to act again, but again her enemy enjoys the protection of concealment from her in this confounding darkness. She is starting to have thoughts about this being something she is going to want to look into a solution for in the future, now that she is proven so gravely hindered by being unable to see her enemy...
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+18=29 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+13=29 ; d8+7=11 ; d8+7=9 ; d8+7=11 ; d100=15 ; d100=68 ; d100=62 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 8:47:07 PM
Lothlo hears the creature in front of him fall. Can someone who can see what's going on call out where I have a clear shot to send some arrows? I can hear the fighting well enough, but I can't see where it's safe to shoot. Lothlo will prepare to send some arrows to aid his companions when someone lets him know where it's safe to aim.
Roll each twice: D20 + 17(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30') Roll each once: D20 + 12(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30')
Attack 1 = 29 Damage 1 = 11 50% miss roll=15
Attack 2 = 22 Damage 2 = 11 50% miss roll=68
Attack 3 = 29 Damage 3 =15 50% miss roll=62
***Active spells and abilities*** Spells and Conditions in effect on self: Hasted for 7 rounds starting round 1 - Sharpshooter Skills "Can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty, +1 bonus on attack and damage with ranged weapons at ranges up to 30 feet, can take a –1 penalty on all ranged attack rolls to gain a +2 bonus on all ranged damage rolls (increases at +4 bab), Only a –1 penalty per full range increment between you and your target, threat range is doubled." -Trick shots available: Disarm Trick, Ricochet Trick, Staple Trick, Slice Trick, Sunder Trick, Grapnel Trick Consumables Tracking: 21 arrows, 0 hero points
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 88/134 CMD: 28 d20+4=6 ; d20+4=21 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=16 ; d20+4=6 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=22 ; d20+3=20 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=19 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+3=14 ; 12d6=43 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 8:53:13 PM
The Archons take the full brunt of the whirlwind each of them taking the 14 points of damage. Thanks to the mages augment summoning they all hang around for a little bit longer. The six archons each target bat 3 with their beams of light all successfully hit for a total of 43 damage.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 43/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+9=29 ; d20+8=17 ; d3=1 ; d20+8=28 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+8=9 ; d6+1=3 ; d4+1=3 ; d4+1=5 ; d4+1=2 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d4+14=18 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 9:40:04 PM
Naithi pins the shambling mound as Camalayas continues to attack her dinner. Quit playing with you food and kill it all ready! The young morphling calls to her wild sibling.
Naithi -------- Grapple check to maintain Grapple and pin= 29 ( Natural 20)
Camalayas --------- Bite Atk Hit AC 17 for 3 dmg + 4 Frost Claw Atk 1 Hit AC 28 (nat 20, confirm crit = 27) for 8 dmg + 3 Flaming Claw Atk 2 Hit AC 9 for 2 dmg
Zazu (AC20, HP18of46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+11=26 ; d20+8=18 ; 3d8=11 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 9:47:21 PM
Devil-may-care, Zazu laughs and opens an acid glyph box, careful not to splash Nightingale.
Zazu's save: 26, with evasion, no damage. Boyo save: 18, with imp evasion, no damage.
Shambler 5: Relfex save vs DC16 for 11 or 5 acid damage.
A Dark Threat (combat round 7) (DM Cayzle) d20+5=21 ; d4=2 ; d3=1 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=18 ; d20+27=28 ; d20+22=33 ; d20+17=23 ; 4d6+21=29 ; 4d6+21=38 ; d20+10=15 ; d20+24=31 ; Wednesday December 7th, 2022 11:42:43 PM Nightingale is hurt, but spends her last ki point trying to drop her foe, unfortunately without success.
Beech offers thanks while shooting towards the sounds of combat with shambler 2, but hits neither friend nor foe.
Grindar’s Spirit tries to shake Bat 3 again, but it has experienced the sensation and does not react this time.
Trellus moves to Shambler 2, hits it, and kills it!
Panzer hears Nightingale taking hits and moves over to attack and distract Shambler 5, missing with the attack.
Sahabiel attempts to act in the darkness, but is confounded again and wonders whether she should do something to avoid the same problem in the future.
Zazu opens a trapped box and dodges the acid blast. Shambler 5 saves and takes 5 damage.
Lothlo hears the foe in front drop, and calls out for help finding another target in the dark. Rolling randomly to see which one he hears ... Lothlo shoots at Shambler 1, inflicting 26 to the controlled plant creature.
Moridark directs the archons against Dire Bat 3, and they hit for 43!
Naithi manages to pin Shambler 6, locking the monster down.
Graham has asked for a sub for ‘Osul, Failing that, I’ll have the druid’s giant attack Dire Bat II. It makes three mighty swings hitting twice, for 29 and 28, or 57 total damage.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
All Plant-Things (shambling mounds) are AC19, CMD22 Dire Bats (wildshaped druids) are AC16, Touch AC12
Plant-Thing 1 (26 damage), has no foe and stands still awaiting instruction
Plant-Thing 5 (59 damage) has Nightingale, Panzer, and Zazu to fight. The monster flails away at Zazu twice, but misses.
Plant-Thing 6 (47 damage) is pinned and tries to lash out, but fails. CORRECTION: Killed by Naithi's pet!
Dire Bat II (112 damage) is fighting a storm giant. Being very wounded, it casts on the defensive and then follows with Sleet Storm. That blocks all vision, and makes it safe to escape under the cover of the storm. It flies out, up, and away, no one sees where. Note that sleet can make you slip; consult the spell description.
Dire Bat III (59 damage) directs his whirlwind again, running over the archons and sending them back to the outer planes.
===== ===-= =====
Plant-Thing 2 is dead, since Trellus makes the killing blow!
Plant-Thing 3 has been killed by Beech and Trellus.
Plant-Thing 4 has been mulched by Trellus.
Plant-Thing 7 pierced by arrows, slain by Lothlo.
Plant-Thing 8 has been killed by Panzer.
Dire Bat I is a-mazed.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 43/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday December 8th, 2022 12:19:04 AM
ooc: Did Camalayas damage #6 any more?
Nightingale (JonS) HP 7/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 First Stike: d20+10=28 ; Damage: d8+2=6 ; Second Strike: d20+10=26 ; Damage: d8+2=5 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 5:07:02 AM
Nightingale will attack the Shambler in front of her twice
A Dark Threat (combat round 7) (DM Cayzle) Thursday December 8th, 2022 7:27:23 AM
CORRECTION: Camalayas did kill Shambler 6 -- Sorry I missed that.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d100=79 ; d100=43 ; d100=34 ; d100=8 ; d100=15 ; d20+14=21 ; d3+14=15 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 10:23:55 AM
Panzer manages to land one attack on shambler 5 for 15 damage
Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp) d20+17=27 ; 13d6=57 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 10:45:53 AM
"Well, let's try this pick," Trellus mutters to himself, while sheathing his sword.
Picking out the remaining Dire Bat, he casts a flamestrike at it, keeping the column high up enough so as not to impact anyone on the ground.
--------------------- Perception 31 to find Bat III, using hero point post roll to add 4. Flame Strike Bat III for 57 hp damage, Reflex DC 21 halves.
In Effect: Shield of Faith: +4 deflection bonus to AC. Duration 13 minutes. Prayer: +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character d20+8=20 ; d20+8=22 ; 2d6+2=10 ; 2d6+2=5 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 11:42:52 AM
Hearing the fighting going on overhead, Beech aims up and fires towards the fight, aiming for Bat #3.
Arrow 1 Hit AC 20 Damage 10 (seeking) Arrow 2 Hit AC 22 Damage 5 (seeking)
He then takes a step in a random direction...
Spells in Effect:
Enlarge Person: 10 minutes Prayer : 4 rounds
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Thursday December 8th, 2022 12:17:31 PM
Since his touch failed to upset DB3, Grindar attempts to pass through DB2
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:37, ST:(F20/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:111/151, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited - Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/- d20+21=41 ; 2d6+4=11 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 4:56:57 PM
Fort save for Lethius was a natural 20. I hope 'Osul was able to wildshape last round as he did not have enough actions to do so the previous round (which was my error).
'Osul Whirlwinds, moving to Dire Bat III {Reflex save 25 to negate 2d6+4=11 damage and a second save to avoid being } An affected creature must succeed on a Reflex save (DC 25) when it comes into contact with the whirlwind or take damage as if it were hit by the whirlwind creature’s slam attack. It must also succeed on a second Reflex save or be picked up bodily and held suspended in the powerful winds, automatically taking the indicated damage each round. A creature that can fly is allowed a Reflex save each round to escape the whirlwind. The creature still takes damage but can leave if the save is successful.
Lethius (in so far as it is possible) assist in dealing with the nearest shambler.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+18=24 ; d20+18=19 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=21 ; d100=41 ; d100=96 ; d100=73 ; d8+7=8 ; d8+7=9 ; d8+7=8 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 8:20:24 PM
Having heard the thunk of his arrows Lothlo knows the location of Shambler 1 was correct. Using his ears to guide him, lothlo retrieves three arrows from his quiver and sends them through the blackness towards the shambler.
Roll each twice: D20 + 17(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30') Roll each once: D20 + 12(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +6 (+1 within 30')
***Active spells and abilities*** Spells and Conditions in effect on self: Hasted for 7 rounds starting round 1 - Sharpshooter Skills "Can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty, +1 bonus on attack and damage with ranged weapons at ranges up to 30 feet, can take a –1 penalty on all ranged attack rolls to gain a +2 bonus on all ranged damage rolls (increases at +4 bab), Only a –1 penalty per full range increment between you and your target, threat range is doubled." -Trick shots available: Disarm Trick, Ricochet Trick, Staple Trick, Slice Trick, Sunder Trick, Grapnel Trick Consumables Tracking: 24 arrows, 0 hero points
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 88/134 CMD: 28 Thursday December 8th, 2022 8:25:24 PM
Moridark mutters darkly in snippets of about 14 languages. The mage begins to cast another spell as he realizes most of the sounds of combat are falling silent and quickly stops. The mage looks around for anyone who might need assistance
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 43/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+9=14 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+2=20 ; d20+5=6 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 9:41:58 PM
Note being able to reach anything Naithi turns the plant corpse she is grappling into a flower and pockets it as she climbs on Camalayas back.
She then directs Camalayas to take her to the last shambler, or the closest living one if she can't find it. The dire rabbit smells and hears her enemies, but the sleet prevents her from moving
Naithi ------- Preserve the corpse asa flower and ride Camalayas.
Camalayas ------- Survival to find enemy by scent = 22 Perception to locate enemy by sound = 20 Acrobatics to move in sleet = 6 (can't move this round)
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 46/56 Thursday December 8th, 2022 10:21:31 PM
The enemy in front of her has stopped moving, though it had little to do with anything she could accomplish. Instead then, Sahabiel holds up her shield to protect Naithi and Camalayas from the driving sleet -- she has to depend on these two to lead her to the remaining enemies in any case.
“It.. sounds like there are fewer battles still going now?”
Zazu (AC20, HP18of46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Thursday December 8th, 2022 10:33:49 PM
Zazu is stymied by darkness and sleet, and simply holds a glyph box, ready to open it with a sonic burst if any enemy appears adjacent to the duo.
"Are we done yet?"
A Dark Threat (combat round 8) (DM Cayzle) d20+9=23 ; d20+9=17 ; d20+9=18 ; d20+24=36 ; Thursday December 8th, 2022 11:05:50 PM
Nightingale puts down Shambler 5.
Panzer helps make sure it is down.
Trellus hits Bat 3 with a Flame Strike. It saves and takes 28 damage.
Beech pumps two arrows into Bat 3 for 15 more damage.
Grindar’s Spirit follows Bat 2, and passes through it, so that it is shaken.
Osul, having wildshaped last round, whirlwinds to attack Bat 3. It takes 11 damage and is trapped.
Lothlo shoots Shambler 1 twice for 17 damage.
Moridark looks around, but the dark and the sleet make it harder. He hears people talking in the area. The sound of battle has definitely lessened.
Naithi saves a corpse and then mounts.
Sahabiel stays close to Naithi. Battle has definitely ebbed.
Zazu readies a destructive (self-destructive?) attack.
===== ===== =====
Monster Turn
Plant-Thing 1 (43 damage), has no foe and stands still awaiting instruction
Dire Bat II (112 damage) -- within the whirlwind -- rolls a 36 concentration check and casts Word of Recall. It disappears.
Dire Bat III (113 damage) does the same, and blips away..
===== ===-= =====
Plant-Thing 2 is dead, since Trellus makes the killing blow!
Plant-Thing 3 has been killed by Beech and Trellus.
Plant-Thing 4 has been mulched by Trellus.
Plant-Thing 5 killed by Nightingale.
Plant-Thing 6 was killed by Camalyes.
Plant-Thing 7 pierced by arrows, slain by Lothlo.
Plant-Thing 8 has been killed by Panzer.
Dire Bat I is a-mazed.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 43/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+5=16 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+12=24 ; Friday December 9th, 2022 12:10:18 AM
ooc: I'm assuming we're still in fog and sleet and that Naithi and Camalayas have no idea plant thing 1 is standing still and not attacking. If she is unaware of that she will attempt to grapple shambler #1 (grapple check= 11) while speaking to it. If she is able to tell that it is standing still and not moving/attaking she will try speaking to it without attacking.
Knowledge Nature to know common and Sylvan and how best to communicate with it. = 24
Wild Empathy = 17 (Naithi can use wild Empathy on plant creatures with no penalty due to Queen's Creation) We are not your enemy. Why are you attacking us? Surrender and we can peacefully discuss why you attacked us.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Friday December 9th, 2022 3:29:53 PM
Hearing little to no combat, Panzer stand ready, waiting to see what is next. Then, the darkness goes away (You said the bats were carrying it, right?). Seeing only the controlled plant standing and waiting, Panzer moves to pick up his wand.
Zazu (AC20, HP18of46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Friday December 9th, 2022 4:50:27 PM
As soon as the darkness is lifted, Zazu casts invisibility and shares it with Boyo.
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:37, ST:(F20/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:111/151, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited - Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/- Friday December 9th, 2022 4:54:25 PM OOC: Die Bat III's whirlwind? I didn't see it listed as dropped or dissappeared.
'Osul winds down from whirlwind to elemental again. In Auran he asks if everyone is okay, if we are expecting anything back, and if the shambler he has under control and attacking other shamblers is still present. He then asks Lethius to translate.
Which Lethius does.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 d20+18=38 ; d20+18=23 ; d20+18=29 ; d20+18=19 ; d8+7=10 ; 2d8+7=20 ; d8+7=9 ; d8+7=9 ; d100=71 ; d8+7=8 ; d100=21 ; d100=20 ; Friday December 9th, 2022 8:37:34 PM
Lothlo hears his arrow hit and the creature fall Anything else I have a clear line of sight on? If not, tell me which way to run to get a clear shot at something.
If he is told that there is another creature in his line of sight Lothlo will aim for the new target is is pointed towards.
***Active spells and abilities*** Spells and Conditions in effect on self: Hasted for 7 rounds starting round 1 - Sharpshooter Skills "Can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty, +1 bonus on attack and damage with ranged weapons at ranges up to 30 feet, can take a –1 penalty on all ranged attack rolls to gain a +2 bonus on all ranged damage rolls (increases at +4 bab), Only a –1 penalty per full range increment between you and your target, threat range is doubled." -Trick shots available: Disarm Trick, Ricochet Trick, Staple Trick, Slice Trick, Sunder Trick, Grapnel Trick Consumables Tracking: 27 arrows, 0 hero points
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 88/134 CMD: 28 Friday December 9th, 2022 9:30:00 PM
Moridark carefully makes his way toward the sound of battle. The mage is still invisible and is careful to not startle anyone
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Friday December 9th, 2022 9:39:07 PM
Beech, with quiet settling in, stands ready, bow nocked....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 46/56 Friday December 9th, 2022 9:55:56 PM
Sahabiel, who can speak Sylvan and knows quite well the magic that Osul used to command the shambling mound, calls on her allies to not attack the last remaining plant creature. She also lets her companions know; "It is the same as with the viper vine before... we will have many days to work out something more permanent."
Assuming that with two dire bat-shaped druids fleeing, and one trapped in a maze spell for a while, the darkness returns to merely dim, Sahabiel will finally be able to look around the battlefield, and finds that there are no remaining invaders still fighting.
"I have a lot of questions right now... but let's start with whether everyone is alright... who is most in need of healing, and do we have casualties?" If she sees Murzush or another of the civilian leaders, she will ask that they make sure the townspeople are alright. Well, so far at least it does not look like anything is on fire despite how much magic was thrown around within the village. That is something.
(ooc: is it right that only Moridark would know that one of the three suspiciously spellcasting dire bats is going to reappear out of that maze spell in less than ten minutes? If so I hope he will share that information in time so we can prepare for it? I think it would help a lot if we could take a prisoner.)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+10=21 ; d8=4 ; Saturday December 10th, 2022 1:18:24 AM "... but let's start with whether everyone is alright... who is most in need of healing, and do we have casualties?" Panzer looks around. He is unharmed, few creatures came near him and his armor stopped those that did. Grindar is, well dead. The rest are in varying states of bloody. Panzer sees that Nightingale is barely standing and as he picks up his wand he taps her with it. NOW it heals her, lot of good it did poor Grindar. Nightingale heals for 5 damage Panzer catches Fredo's eye as the boy leads several of the townsfolk that had been nearby out of the hide he had gotten them into. The Badgerkin nods at the halfling, admiring his fast reflexes and his quick thinking to get them under cover. He quietly tells him to make the rounds and bring any wounded he finds here. Any seriously wounded he is to call out for a healer. Turning to Sahabiel he says " Grindar's dead. All I know is he dropped like a sack of potatoes. I didn't see anyone or anything near him, well, it as dark, so I didn't hear anything near him. He's gonna need alot more help than I can give him."
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Saturday December 10th, 2022 1:57:53 AM
Grindar watches and waits wondering if the fight is truly over.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Saturday December 10th, 2022 10:50:17 AM
Beech, will pull out a wand and join the healing as needed. He keeps the bow in the other hand, ready to drop the wand and go back to shooting if needed. He eventually reverts to his normal size, and isn't as intimidating anymore...
Zazu (AC20, HP18of46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) Sunday December 11th, 2022 9:49:34 AM
Zazu is just glad to be able to see! Even though all that can be seen is sleet!
"Wow! Just, Wow!"
A Dark Threat -- For Now, Defeated! (DM Cayzle) Sunday December 11th, 2022 10:14:20 AM
[OOC: The enemy whirlwind faded away after the last archon was banished. Sorry, shoulda mentioned that. The mist is also gone. The sleet is still ongoing, though, and that makes it impossible to see and hard to move.
Beech stands ready, bow nocked. As things calm down, he pulls out wand to help healing as needed.
Grindar’s Spirit watches, wondering if the fight is truly over.
Osul looks to see what happened to the dire bat’s whirlwind. [DM Note: See above] He checks on the others (using Lethus to translate from Auran) and sees that the shambler that he has under control is the one that is still standing, awaiting his orders.
Lothlo hears his target fall and looks for another. With the sleet, there is no seeing anything, but after a round or two it is clear that the enemy is either downed or fled.
Moridark carefully makes his way around the battlefield, still invisible and careful not to startle anyone. It is hard not to slip in the sleet. Moridark only, please: Highlight to display spoiler: {You remember that the Maze spell will end in about nine minutes and release the dire bat druid. And can he be casting buff spells while waiting to exit the maze?}
Naithi finds that the controlled shambler is just standing there, meeting ‘Osul next to it. Naithi sees that it is under ‘Osul’s control. Well, not literally, with this sleet, but figuratively.
Sahabiel , with her knowledge of Sylvan, realizes that the last shambler is under ‘Osul’s control and calls out for the party to stay its attacks on the creature. She asks who needs healing and what casualties you have suffered.
Panzer stands ready and picks up his wand when the darkness lifts and the last shambler is just standing, not rambling. He heals Nightingale for 5hp, and nods appreciation to Fredo for having gotten locals to safety. He responds to Sahabiel’s query by noting that Grindar is down. All this would have neem very hard in combat with the sleet, but now that combat is over, the sleet is more of a hinderance, as Panzer may have slipped a couple times doing this.
Zazu casts invisibility on self and Boyo when the darkness lifts. Though the elf still cannot see anything.
Nightingale and Trellus just stand and gape.
The battle is over. No enemies remain on the battlefield. The sleet is a problem, but without enemies, things just take longer. You know it will be gone in just under two minutes. Well, ‘Osul knows that for sure, and anyone else with the spell on their spell list probably does too.
Given the sleet, the people of the village continue to stay under cover.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 88/134 CMD: 28 Sunday December 11th, 2022 12:20:27 PM
Moridark carefully makes his way toward the sound of battle. The mage is still invisible and is careful to not startle anyone
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 88/134 CMD: 28 Sunday December 11th, 2022 6:20:43 PM
Moridark makes his way towards the others and let's them know the missing direbat will return in about 9 minutes and can spend the time in the maze healing up and preparing for combat. The meeting also starts counting people and realizes Grindar is not among those standing
Nightingale (JonS) HP 7/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 1st Channel: 2d6=7 ; 2nd Channel: 2d6=10 ; Sunday December 11th, 2022 9:18:28 PM OOC: Sorry was out of town for a second funeral service for my Dad
Not know who is alive or in need of healing, Nightingale drops to her knees and begins beseeching Queen Maab for aid ... She's going to channel healing energy, then burn her last Hero Point to gain an immediate action and channel a second time - I think I read that she can do that???
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:37, ST:(F20/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:111/151, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited - Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/- Monday December 12th, 2022 4:29:02 AM
In no particular order, 'Osul offers one Heal to the most severely injured, advises Lethius to advise everyone that if there is only one shambler left and it isn't attacking people then it remains under his control, having attacked all the other shamblers it could find, and survived and stoppped now it has none of its own left to attack. Like it or not, it is also a child of The Wood. Ask it questions - as you would a child.
Heal: 150pts and the list of conditions and there's actually a spare if it's needed.
...and 'Osul asks if someone can reach out to confirm if and how Grindar wants to come back.
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:37, ST:(F20/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:111/151, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited - Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/- Monday December 12th, 2022 4:51:54 AM
And Lethius does, though the translating is not what he thought he was brought here for.
Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp) 6d6=25 ; Monday December 12th, 2022 10:53:45 AM
In the absence of enemies, Trellus channels positive energy, giving the wounded a healing boost.
He then goes to check on Grindar. "I've got the components," he tells the group. "We'll need to put him somewhere safe and clean until the morning when I can cast the spell allowing us to make our plea to Gargul."
Heal everyone for 25 hp.
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Monday December 12th, 2022 12:36:53 PM
Grindar hears Moridark talking about the mazed dire bat, and is prepared to help, if he can. He wishes he could speak to his friends as they assemble around his lifeless body. He wishes he had a way to share with them that he is proud to call them friend, and looks forward to seeing them on the other side someday, hopefully in the distant future. He wishes that he could tell them his time in the Wold is done, and he has earned his rest. Through out all this, he finds the desire to go touch the red rivulet harder and harder to resist.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Monday December 12th, 2022 1:29:27 PM
Naithi is glad someone can help Grindar. I can help preserve the body. As long as it is non-magical, I can preserve him as one if my flowers until you are ready. I'm only sorry I didn't help him more in the battle. Somehow, I thought he had a way of cheating death.
ooc: Sorry. I would have used a hero point to help him, but I had thought his tattoo could save him. When I realized that was not the case it was already too late.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Monday December 12th, 2022 4:59:21 PM
Beech will remain ready then, because of the "Bat". When alerted the spell is ending, he'll cast a fireball as it returns, so it'll be caught in the explosion, then he'll move, and ready to shoot arrows... He'll still be large, as his enlarge lasts 10 minutes compared to the 9 of the maze....
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet Monday December 12th, 2022 7:31:19 PM
Panzer sits in the sleet waiting for it to stop or someone to explain what just happened.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Monday December 12th, 2022 8:23:26 PM
Lothlo looks around at the scene of the battle and surveys the damage. I don't like that they attacked the villiage, we need to do something about this asap!
Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) d20+9=16 ; 6d6=18 ; Monday December 12th, 2022 11:10:38 PM
[OOC: Of the Culverwood heroes, I think Nightingale is the most wounded, at 7 hp. That's likely a good Heal target? But really, the channel for 25 is probably fine. That said, we're out of combat, so no one should be spending any hero points. If there are two channels, they can come in two consecutive rounds, no trouble!]
An extra 25 hp does wonders. "Thank you for the healing!"
Zazu waits until the sleet is gone. After that, it is about 7 minutes until the dire bat comes back. So the elf gets ready to ambush the enemy with a sneak attack the moment it arrives, finding a good place to hide.
Sneak attack Scorching Ray hits touch AC16 for 18 damage.
A Dark Threat -- In Truth, Defeated! (DM Cayzle) Monday December 12th, 2022 11:55:18 PM
Moridark warns that the missing direbat will return in about 9 minutes and could have buffed up. Counting allies, he realizes that Grindar is not among the standing.
Nightingale drops to her knees and beseeches Queen Maab for aid, heroically channeling energy twice for a total of 17hp of damage. [OOC: we're not in combat; please use two rounds and do not waste your hero point!]
Panzer sits in the sleet waiting for it to stop or an explanation to start.
Trellus also channels positive energy (25hp of healing) before going to check on Grindar. He announces that he can cast the spell tomorrow to plead Grindar’s case before Gargul.
Beech remains prepared to confront the bat and readies a fireball for when it returns.
Grindar’s Spirit is prepared to help with the return of the dire bat. He wishes to tell his friends many things, but is unable, even as the call of the Woldsblood grows stronger.
Grindar's will is strong, and as a top-tier hero, surely stronger than that of mere ghosts and ghoulies. His desire to manifest pushes him into the material Wold, a little, and he appears as a translucent and ghostly image of himself. He speaks, and a faint whisper is still clearly heard. Grindar, you can communicate freely now.
Osul offers a heal to the most wounded (who gains 150hp and removal of various conditions), has Lethius tell the others that he controls the last shambler, and asks whether anyone can find out whether Grindar wants to return.
Lothlo surveys the scene and is determined to do something about the foes’ willingness to attack the village.
Naithi regrets not being able to help Grindar in life, but at least can preserve his body as a flower in death.
Zazu readies a sneak attack ray to hit the bat the moment it appears.
[OOC: Because of post scheduling and the coming Yule break, your DM must move the plot a bit along faster than preferred. Thank you and apologies.]
The sleet ends after two minutes, and everyone comes to understand the situation. With fireball, scorching ray, a friendly spirit attack, and the best offense from each of the heroes present, well, buffs or no, the dire bat does not even last a round after it appears. The druid reverts to humanoid form and falls to the ground, dead.
All heroes present earn a hero point for this battle. The Culverwood DMs may also choose to make their own award(s).
With the combat now really over, you have the opportunity to talk at last.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 56/56 d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d6=3 ; d6=1 ; d6=5 ; Tuesday December 13th, 2022 12:42:06 AM (ooc: Sorry this is late. And what an absolute mess of things to write a response to it has become!)
First Sahabiel does her small part in both healing those present (Channel Energy for 17 health), and then once the maze spell runs its course, in helping to bring the last dire bat down. While the result is a victory, she is still a little disappointed that the group end up using overwhelming deadly force, and it is only a dead body that hits the ground. She feels bad because she has questions she would have liked to ask this dark druid. She feels possibly worse that in theory, she still could. (Speak With Dead is a spell she could prepare by tomorrow morning, but it is not a prayer she would want to perform unless there is absolutely no other way to get answers)
Also after the sleet dies down, she finally gets a chance to look at Grindar's sad mortal remains... assuming Naithi has not already preserved it timelessly in the guise of a flower.
(Waiting with reacting to the re-appearance of a translucent Grindar until after Jeremy posts Tuesday what where and how)
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Tuesday December 13th, 2022 1:10:28 AM
Grindar realizes his friends can now see him and hear his voice, and he gives praise to Pantheon for seeing the justice in allowing him to speak with his friends one last time.
"Friends, old and new, it seems my time in the Wold is done and I must now move on to whatever awaits me next. You all have ment so much to me, and it is with much sorrow that I must say my goodbyes. Keep the up the good fight, and perhaps, if fate allows, we will see one another again one day, though for the sake of the Wold I pray it isn't anytime soon."
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:37, ST:(F20/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:111/151, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited - Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/- d20+41=42 ; d20+25=38 ; d20+4=16 ; Tuesday December 13th, 2022 6:06:25 AM
'Osul unshapes back into half orc. "Farewell Grindar!", he declares, confident he knows where he is going, and does not require reincarnetion 'Osul meticulously investigates the fallen druid for signs of the source of the darkness it spread, in addition to anything of interest. {Perception: 42, Knowledge(Arcana): 38. Knowledge(Nature): 66} He invites anyone with food eyes or a sense of things to join him.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Tuesday December 13th, 2022 7:58:50 AM
Beech will help examine the Druid. The only evidence they may get as to where in the "Deeper" Culverwood, they are going to need to head. Since he's figured out how to manipulate the magic, he wants those clues. With detect magic for items, and possible lingering magic essences to examine, he may be busy...
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Tuesday December 13th, 2022 8:54:13 AM
Nightingale will help search the enemies for any clues ... after spending several moments channeling (2 rounds versus using my Hero Point, so at this point I'm back to having 2)
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet d20+4=6 ; d20+4=12 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+4=9 ; Tuesday December 13th, 2022 4:43:06 PM
Panzer is not the sharpest stick in the woods, but he looks over the corpse of the druid too. He looks for the unusual, a tattoo, a token of some kind, Scars that seem significant, dirt that is not from 'here'. He finds little to tip him off as to where in the Culverwood they will need to go to find more druids to kill, but hopes his companions fare better. Perception 6 Spellcraft 12 Profession Miner 19 Knowledge engineering 9 Then he gets down to brass tacks. " So who were these clowns and where do we need to go to find more of them and make them go away? I think you mentioned you wanted us to go 'Deeper' into the Culverwood? I dislike that murderous place but everyone else seems to like it and I like having friends, so I'm in. Any chance we can just take a big old cold iron bomb with us and just lay waste to that part of the 'Deeper'?"
Moridark (Wade) AC: 25 T: 16 F: 21 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 88/134 CMD: 28 Tuesday December 13th, 2022 7:38:10 PM
Moridark waves at Grindar, and his voice cracks, "Farewell my friend. I pray we see you again in the next world." The mage proceeds to the fallen enemies and cast detect magic hoping to find some clues to aid in the next fight
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Tuesday December 13th, 2022 8:43:12 PM
Lothlo says good by to his old friend. Take care Grindar, hopefully our paths will cross again. Try to stop by if you ever find yourself in the area again.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 56/56 Tuesday December 13th, 2022 10:45:01 PM
Sahabiel bows her head solemnly and, not having known Grindar personally, speaks a more generic on-the-spot prayer for his eventual safe passage to the afterlife. She slightly feels the pressure because she is not accustomed to performing this rite for the benefit of someone who is still in a position to voice an opinion on it, but she also doesn't want to make it awkward by asking Grindar's spirit how he thinks she is doing.
Although she can not escape adding in a little "...at any time that ya deem appropriate..." onto the part that mentions the actual departure of his soul.
- - -
Sahabiel also keeps alert for updates from the rest of the village. "Though the dark makes it easy to forget about it, but it was daytime when this darkening struck. How many hunters were outside the village? Let's make sure everyone is accounted for!"
Zazu gives Grindar a hug and starts crying when the spirit says his farewells. "It's not fair to have to say goodby again, so soon after you came back!:
A Dark Threat -- In Truth, Defeated! (DM Cayzle) Tuesday December 13th, 2022 11:49:40 PM
Sahabiel adds her healing and helps bring down the last bat before turning to Grindar’s remains. She has ways to get information from the former if needed.
Grindar’s Spirit, now being seen and heard by his friends, gives praise to Pantheon and says farewell for now.
’Osul unshapes back into a half orc and gives his farewells to Grindar, knowing that he need not be brought back. He looks for signs of dark corruption in the remains of the dark druid., but finds that all the of the enemy’s possessions are as crispy and burns beyond recognition as is the fallen foe himself.
Beech helps search the fallen druid, looking for where in the Deeper Culverwood you must go. He uses detect magic to look for items and lingering auras. Alas, the only lingering auras are the powerful magics you used to bring about its downfall. Nothing aside remains.
Nightingale channels more healing energy before helping search the enemy for clues. But there is not much to see in the ashes and bones.
Panzer looks over the druid’s corpse too, hoping to spot something unusual that will point to where there are more druids who need killing. He wonders aloud who these fellows were, and whether a cold iron bomb might do the trick Deeper in.
Moridark waves goodbye to Grindar and hopes to see him again in the next world, then tries to detect magic on the fallen -- but as Beech has discovered, there is none.
Lothlo also hopes to cross paths with Grindar again.
Sahabiel offers a prayer and makes sure that the villagers are safe -- and indeed all of them are.
Teary Zazu tries to hug the spirit, with only metaphorical success.
You gather together in the building nearby to rest, drink, and most of all, talk.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday December 14th, 2022 12:03:55 AM
Naithi wipes a tear and says goodbye to Grindar. The Wold is a mysterious place. Perhaps our paths will cross again. I don't believe this is the end of your story, just the start of a new chapter.
ghost of Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) -26/144 HP Wednesday December 14th, 2022 12:48:21 PM
Grindar relishes the last few minutes with his friends, and then turns and embraces the Wold's blood, fading from the view of the living.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Wednesday December 14th, 2022 12:57:23 PM
Beech wishes his mother was here, she could help Grindar pass over easier. She knew all about Wold's Blood, in fact the holy symbol he is wearing has a empty vial inside of it for just a drop of Wold's Blood. He got it as a gift from her, once he reduced his spontaneousness to it's current level.... He silently wishes Grindar a safe passage down the river....
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Wednesday December 14th, 2022 1:36:29 PM
Panzer went inside to get a drink, he hated goodbyes.
Zazu looks to the veteran heroes from the Tree of Parting. "Well, that was sure something! How does it relate to what you were telling us?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Wednesday December 14th, 2022 8:51:11 PM
Lothlo watches as as Grindar's ghost fades away. That's not something I've seen before... Take care Grindar.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 56/56 Wednesday December 14th, 2022 10:19:56 PM
Sahabiel looks restless, and slams her fist against a wall. Then finally the dam bursts on the half-elf's pent-up frustration and sense of loss of certainties, and words and tears both flow. "Could we finally get some answers here?! My life is in devotion and service to the Culverwood. Am I supposed to believe that something ancient beyond history, and divine in power and will, can be shifted to darker aspect by one band of mortal druids? Not just that - I am from the inner Culverwood.. my family, my community, our neighboring communities, all are in there. Not just on the edge of the wood like we are here - within it. Is there some particular reason, any at all, that I should believe that our tiny settlement here was singled out for attack, or is this darkening and worse happening all throughout and anywhere too near the wood?"
Sahabiel is a woman who is justifiably worried right now that almost everyone and everything she loves could already be undone -- her home, her family, her childhood friends, everyone she knew before the time the Champions first came across her, and even the very Divinity in which she puts her faith. Grindar's death is sad, but the whole ongoing situation with this darkening of the Culverwood is torture for her -- and now they have these far stronger adventurers standing around that claimed to bring information, and yet she feels she still knows nothing of what is going on.
(I did warn in my previous post that she was looking very agitated!)
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday December 14th, 2022 11:17:51 PM
OOC: Character Sheet is updated - took a level in Cleric, next time she levels I'm looking at picking up The Cradled prestige class
A Dark Threat -- In Truth, Defeated! (DM Cayzle) Wednesday December 14th, 2022 11:59:29 PM
Nightingale ponders worship and the future.
Panzer went inside to get a drink, and immediately feels more powerful.
Beech wishes his mother were here to ease Grindar’s passage, with all that she knew of Wold’s Blood.
Grindar’s Spirit relishes a last few moments with friends, then embraces the Wold’s blood to be carried away from the world of the living.
Lothlo watches as Grindar’s ghost fades, which is not something seen before!
Naithi wipes a tear and says goodbye to Grindar, and hello to the start of a new chapter.
Sahabiel is clearly very worried about what is going on with the Culverwood. The recent happeneings seem beyond the capacity of mortals. So what is the deal?!
Zazu and Boyo looks to the veteran heroes from the Tree of Parting for answers. They ask how this all relates to what they came to tell the new heroes about.
But Trellus, ’Osul, and Moridark are silent. Mourning their friend? Just resting after a hard fight?
But maybe this is not the time. Grindar has passed on, content to move to the Lands of Rest. Some heroes are reserved, and meditate, pray, or drink alone. Others gather here, in this safe place, and talk quietly among themselves.
[OOC: Friends, with the Yule break here, required posting is over. Feel free to chat and check in, daily if you like, or not at all until the break is over. I'll be posting as Zazu, and maybe as a DM if there are questions about the Crossover. for those who are checking out, Happy Holidays. Also, keep in mind that the Giggling Ghost has amity, comity, and prizes! I'll also be on the Rules Board if anybody wants advice/help leveling up.]
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:31 (T:22, FF:27), CMD:37, ST:(F20/R17/W29 + RNL), HP:111/151, Wildshape(XX):Unlimited - Darkvision 60', Fly 120' (Perfect), DR 5/- Thursday December 15th, 2022 6:01:58 AM "Time to try ... something else. If you want answers then I need more than I have now." Over the span of an hour or so 'Osul casts a variety of spells (Commune with Nature, Control Weather, etc.) with the aim of finding out anything he can about the darkness here, and what can combat it. "I shall return." He takes elemental form and takes to the sky to seek how far up and wise this darkness has spread (altitude is no concern, in fact it is preferred). Still above the tree tops (how small they are!) he tests the resiliency of the darkness with a carefully placed Sunburst (confirming if this is remotely mundane magic less than 9th level), before returning. "So, what have I missed?" Before what remains of the light is lost, he shares what he has learned or otherwise understood of the darkness and it's source.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Thursday December 15th, 2022 2:23:21 PM
are we allowed to go to the catacombs over break?
[DM BatMark Note: Yes, you may shop in the Catacombs over the break, although I am not sure how ready the staff there will be. Feel free to start transactions.]
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 56/56 Thursday December 15th, 2022 7:51:22 PM
While waiting for 'Osul to return to the ground (and to some form that can form words in languages other than Auran), Sahabiel sits down and pulls a neatly wrapped bundle from her pack. As she unwraps it, it becomes apparent that it is a homemade lunch, and one beyond what you know Sahabiel's cooking is capable of putting together. She starts eating to calm herself down. If asked about it, she just raises an eyebrow. "Mm? What? Oh, Limka makes them for Ghundit and herself, and she has been making an extra for me too lately. Worried that I would not be eating properly if I can't lean on Beech's camp cooking, she is."
She eats another few bites in silence.
"...I really should go home and check up on Ghundit. Well, on the both of them. With the worst local effects of this darkening forestalled, there seems to be little for me to do right now? I think the least I should do then is make sure my apprentice is alright after what just came over the village, rather than only alive."
Calmer and with purpose Sahabiel will head to the cottage, and if nobody else interacts over the break then we can assume Limka will defuse the upset priestess, so that we don't carry her through weeks on an emotional cliffhanger and half the players out of sync for the holidays ;)
The Dark Details -- Revealed! (Guest DM Cayzle) Friday December 16th, 2022 8:57:13 AM
Some questions can be easily answered by inspection; others by 'Osul's spellwork.
Freedom's Landing is outside the magical Culverwood, by a couple miles. There is no darkness or dimming in the village, nor anywhere else in the Tamed Lands, as the cultivated Emerald Kingdom is known. But within the Culverwood proper, there is a definite dimming going on. Your DM does not believe that any Culverwood Heroes have been in it since it has gone fully dim. This is all clear by inspection.
The spells reveal that in the Culverwood proper, there is a dimming in effect. Moreover, even in a short time, life has started to adapt. Plants are darker in green, absorbing more light. Animals' eyes are getting a little bit bigger. What already lit by day is not dim; what was dim is now dark.
The Tree of Parting Heroes may know more about how this came to pass, and what forces -- mortal and otherwise -- have been at play in this. But are they too overwhelmed by grief to say? Are they simply eager to return to the Tree?
Zazu & Boyo | Culverwood | Cayzle Friday December 16th, 2022 8:58:49 AM
Zazu looks at Sahabiel's lunch and sits down next to her. "That sure looks tasty."
"Although for some reason I have a hankering for cookies."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Friday December 16th, 2022 12:02:49 PM
The moment passed, Panzer comes out of the longhouse, a cup of hot tea in his hands. He seeks out Beech and finds something to stand on to talk to the big sorcerer on his level, so he doesn't need to bend down. "Beech, you are the calmest one in combat so I figure I should ask you about this. Darkness seems to be the big thing for these fey and culverwood baddies, and I missed well over half of my swings in that fight. I am good at hitting opponents and I am getting better by the day at finding the soft spots on them, but that means nothing if I can't see them and I swing at nothing. You're the one that's on the sopt with hastes and other enhancements to make the rest of us better at what we do while sitting back and sort of moderating the fight, you know what I mean, right? Can I get some scrolls for you to hold to keep me effective in the fights we are about to get into? " "This dimming thing isn't going away unless we intervene and I don't need a bunch of hard case adventurers to come tell me that. It's the same as the thieves guild. The bad guys will stand on our necks until we grab them by the short and fuzzies and cut their heads off and make them stop. I'm not able to cast spells any more so I need help doing that. Will you start the fights up front near the sharp end with me and get me preped to end this thing?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Tuesday December 20th, 2022 9:58:38 AM
Beech hears out Panzer, thinks it over for a few minutes. Walking around a little, fingering his bow and flexing his fingers. He eventually stops and replies. "I can do that when it's appropriate, now so you know, casting a spell from a scroll, casts it at it's minimum level possible, unless you special request it at a higher level for an additional cost. If it's a spell that's Divine in nature, ignore the unintentional pun there, The higher the level, the higher chance I can fail at the spell and accidentally wipe the scroll clean. I think there are only a few Arcane spells I shouldn't be able to cast, and then there's those that are much more powerful, far beyond my current abilities. But as I said, I can do that for you, but you might not be the first in line, if I deem something else is needed more."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Tuesday December 20th, 2022 5:12:59 PM
Panzer heads to the catacombs.
"But you can't read scrolls in the dark, as I just learned!"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character Wednesday December 21st, 2022 11:50:30 AM "I have a heightened Continual Flame on my Ioun Stone, so regular darkness is either countered or negated in my area. More powerful darkness, well, we'll work on that, may be a bit down the road for that fix. At least my Bow negates a lot of that, at least for myself."
Zazu & Boyo | Culverwood | Cayzle Wednesday December 21st, 2022 8:50:36 PM
"I don't think a continual flame would have worked in that last fight!" Zazu exclaims.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Sunday December 25th, 2022 3:55:51 AM
Merry Christmas y'all
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Sunday January 1st, 2023 9:47:06 PM
Updating the Header
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Tuesday January 3rd, 2023 2:12:51 PM
Zazu takes the time to ponder and consider how to be more prepared for the next fight. The wizard writes down a series of notes, amending the hand-made book Zazu uses for prepping spells.
[OOC: Added Darkvision and Major Image to my repertoire on levelling to 8. Also, my sheet is linked above and ready for DM review.]
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Wednesday January 4th, 2023 5:01:26 PM
Panzer is also ready for review. He is also in the catacombs still, so Fredo will need to attend to thongs here until he gets back.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Wednesday January 4th, 2023 5:01:59 PM
Things *
The Darkness Recedes...For Now (DM BatMark) Wednesday January 4th, 2023 9:26:21 PM
After the long battle, the Champions are able to find some respite in the longhouse. They discuss means to deal with future battles with these Dark forces, leading Panzer to head off to the Catacombs in search of gear that might be of use. As you compare notes, you realize that the hard won lessons learned from your recent adventures have unlocked new growth in your abilities! Zazu has figured out new spells, including Darkvision–how handy that would have been in the last fight. What other discoveries have our heroes made? What else do you wish to do before turning in for the night, and some badly needed rest and recovery? And most importantly, what do you think of the task that the now-depleted Tree of Parting heroes have put before you, to take over their quest to deal with these forces of Darkness that seek to change the Culverwood?
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 4th, 2023 10:34:44 PM
Zazu bids the Tree of Parting heroes farewell. It seems like people are always coming into and out of the party's path.
The trickster practices with ranged legerdemain while the party ponders, playing cat's cradle in mid-air.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Thursday January 5th, 2023 12:02:50 AM
Fredo, tasked with taking notes and filling in for his absent teacher has questions. It would seem that the heroes of the Tree of Parting have invented almost no information to those in Freedoms Landing. We're it him about to risk his life for the seemingly ungrateful Culverwood he would like a great deal more information.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday January 5th, 2023 2:19:49 AM
Nightingale is sad and happy to see their adventurer friends return to their homes. At this point, Nightingale believes a visit to the Dryad grove may provide some answers on what is happening and possible ways to reverse it.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Thursday January 5th, 2023 1:41:15 PM
Beech, agrees with Fredo, other than something from deep in the Culverwood, not just physically, but also dimensionally now threatens the group as well as the village. Beech has figured out how to move the group deeper into and back out to the surface level almost at will, so traveling won't be a problem, just being prepared is going to be the issue.... After dinner he dismisses himself, heads back to his tent and turns in...
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Thursday January 5th, 2023 6:27:34 PM
Zazu thinks about the village, and wanders around making sure nobody is hurt, all the plant monsters corpses are cleaned up, and helping set things to rights.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 56/56 Thursday January 5th, 2023 8:47:38 PM
Sahabiel, although she has calmed down after going through some chores and checking up on those closest to her being alright, is still very worried about the state of the Culverwood. Nothing that the group has been able to figure out so far has been even remotely hopeful for the people and settlements that were inside the Culverwood when the Darkening of the wood started, or the integrity of the ancient power itself?
Part of her wants to travel into the woods to her former home to take stock of the situation, but she has people to protect here now too. (ooc: Sahabiel visiting her original people is not my intention, but I have to bring it up since it would be too weird for her to not be gravely concerned about her family and other relations that still live inside the wood)
For the moment,she just tries to see to her daily tasks and give instruction to her protege Ghundit.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 Thursday January 5th, 2023 9:10:10 PM
Lothlo checks on the villagers then rejoins the others. We should try to get a little more information before we do anything. Didn't we just hear that our friends were just tricked into making things worse? We need to do what we can to make sure we don't make the same mistake.
It's a beautiful day! (DM BatMark) Thursday January 5th, 2023 9:46:22 PM Sahabiel is worried about the state of things in the Culverwood, and those in the woods of her former home. She distracts herself from these worries by seeing to her daily tasks and instructing Ghundit. Panzer is absent, but Fredo is taking notes, even while disgruntled at the lack of information from the Tree of Parting party. Zazu bids the Tree of Parting heroes farewell, then practices some legerdemain in mid-air before moving around the village to clean things up and check on folks. Beech agrees with Fredo that something dimensionally, not just physically threatens the group and village. Lothlo thinks you need more information, to avoid being tricked like the others. Naithi keeps quiet for the moment. Nightingale has mixed emotions as the Tree heroes depart, and thinks that a visit to the Dryad grove may provide some answers.
Before the other party departs, they nod in agreement as Sahabiel, Beech, and Fredo opine that something beyond mortal powers is behind the Darkening of the Culverwood. ”Look, we can’t stay long, those Dark Druids clearly have it in for us, and our presence here threatens your village. We will move out immediately and draw their attention elsewhere. Perhaps this will buy you some breathing room to continue your own explorations, which should in turn help you carry on this quest that, alas, we cannot. Be cautious as you gain knowledge and build strength, for your foes are wily and powerful. We wish that we had more knowledge to share, but much of what we thought we had learned was false, and we ourselves were duped by the Dark Druids of the Culverwood. Good luck, stay strong, and be beacons of light in these dark times!” With that as a farewell, they make haste to depart, before another wave of foes arrives to threaten the peace of the village.
At least the clouds and unnatural darkness have also retreated, leaving the village feeling oddly normal after the unusual events of the evening. The attack seems to have focused on the Tree of Parting heroes and the Champions in their company, leaving the rest of the place unscathed. There is of course plenty of concern from your neighbors, but as no more threats emerge, and with the party’s efforts to check in on their neighbors, folks seem to calm down a bit. You are able to pass the night without further disturbance, or at least not more than caused by the knowledge that something is not right with the Culverwood.
What do you do in the light of the crisp spring dawn the next day?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Friday January 6th, 2023 2:15:42 AM
Naithi says farewell to the heroes from The Tree of Parting and checks to see that everyone is alright. She then helps Zazu with cleanup.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 43/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday January 6th, 2023 2:51:01 PM
Nightingale will continue training with her orphan, in fact, she takes him with her when she visits the WLA to train at 8th level (essentially). When she gets back, she ensures the flowers that surround her home are growing. When it comes to planting season she is going to plant wildflowers on the walls and roof - for insulation and color. She also plays with her kitten.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Friday January 6th, 2023 7:00:34 PM
Fredo heads home and amakes sure that Panzer's pack is ready to go with provisions and fresh blankets so that Panzer can leave to the Culverwood when he gets back from the catacombs (if he ever does)
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 56/56 Friday January 6th, 2023 8:36:13 PM
Sahabiel wishes their guests from the Tree of Parting a safe journey upon their departure, and turns her mind to her battle training and contemplation as she tries to think through the implications of what is going on. She tries to read the signs, influences emanating from the Culverwood, in the trees and plants she has been caring for, and somehow feels she is on the verge of something...
(ooc: Linked character sheet is being updated, not ready for approval yet)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Friday January 6th, 2023 9:13:56 PM
Lothlo says goodbye to his friends from the Tree of Parting He then pours a cup of coffee and discusses their next course of action. Do you think we should visit our friends in their grove to see if they can provide any insight? It's pretty much on the way, and with the new details we were given they may be able to give some guidance.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Friday January 6th, 2023 9:21:36 PM "Probably not a bad idea..." Beech has his gear ready to go, and is carrying stuff...
To the Grove? (DM BatMark) Saturday January 7th, 2023 10:16:17 AM Sahabiel sees off the Tree heroes and turns to training and contemplation. As she reads the signs, she feels on the verge of deeper understanding. Panzer benefits from Fredo’s packing. Highlight to display spoiler: {You can treat the Catacombs as out of game time, and rejoin posting as Panzer if you like.} Zazu sleeps in. Lothlo says goodbye to the Tree heroes and pours some coffee to continue the planning, including suggesting a trip to the grove for consultations. Beech apparently agrees and is carrying enough gear to be ready to go. Naithi says farewell before checking on others and helping with cleanup. Nightingale continues training her orphan, tending flowers, and playing with her kitten.
The Tree Heroes have departed, the village has returned to a sense of normalcy–such as it is on the edge of Culverwood–and you have tended to your apprentices and companions. Unbidden, though, thoughts of the recent darkness come creeping back, intruding on your thoughts. Out of the corner of your sight, do you sometimes catch a shadow that should not be, or is it just your imagination? Reality always takes a strange shape here on the border between the tame and untameable, light and shadow. Several of your number have suggested seeking guidance from your friends in the grove. Do you heed this counsel? Your previous contacts have involved some peril, so how do you prepare for the jaunt?
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Saturday January 7th, 2023 8:37:02 PM
test
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Saturday January 7th, 2023 11:03:51 PM
Zazu is keen to enter the true Culverwood and see what there is to see ... and visiting our dryad friends there seems like a great idea. The elf hops on Boyo and is ready to go, with a couple changes to the wizard's prepped spells list! Adding Darkvision for sure!
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Monday January 9th, 2023 2:33:06 PM
Panzer trots into town and is ready to go. He hands Beech a simple wooden scroll tube with 8 scrolls of darkvision in it. " Thanks Beech, those should keep me able to fight in the future." " Thanks Fredo, I want you to keep working on the ditch while we are gone and stay alert. If you see trouble like what just happened, Gather as many as you can and hide as far from the Culverwood as you can."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Monday January 9th, 2023 4:49:13 PM
Beech tucks the tube into one of his pouches, pats it twice, then moves it. As the wait for everyone to get ready continues, he moves the tube back to the first pouch. Satisfied, he double checks the bow's string, half pulls, then loosens it by hand, not just letting it go...., he restocks arrows in both quivers finds that one is down 2 arrows, he wonders where they got off too....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 59/59 Monday January 9th, 2023 5:15:23 PM
Sahabiel agrees that there may be value to visiting the Culverwood and seeing for themselves the extent of the changes happening there. Making the dryad grove their destination could either provide valuable information, or.. prove a mournful undertaking, depending on whether their allies' trees have been affected by this growing darkness. She dares to hope though - the at least a thousand year old grove was so shrouded in wards and sacred in its own right, just reaching it at all required an enchanted needle to point the way at all time. It seems unlikely it would bend to anything easily.
"It is true that the fey are likely to be more sensitive to what is going on, and might even have information from their kind elsewhere, through what various means by which the fey courts keep in touch. Also... well, we can sit around here but I am not sure what is within our power to do from here that would get many questions answered."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Monday January 9th, 2023 8:04:29 PM
Naithi cannot think of a better plan and prepares to head out.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Monday January 9th, 2023 8:49:44 PM The Dryads are probably is great danger already since they are living in the Culverwood, so even if danger is following us it makes sense to at least warn them.
Yes, to the Grove! (DM BatMark) Monday January 9th, 2023 10:00:03 PM Sahabiel agrees that there is value in visiting the Culverwood, the fey may have some information of use, and there is nothing more to be learned sitting around in the village. Panzer trots into town, handing a batch of scrolls to Beech for future use. He thanks Fredo and gives orders for while he is away. Zazu hops on Boyo and is ready to visit your dryad friends, new spells prepared. Beech tucks Panzer’s scroll tube into a succession of pouches, then checks his bow and arrows. Lothlo expresses concern for the dryads, wanting to warn them. Naithi can’t think of a better plan and prepares to head out. Nightingale keeps close counsel for the moment.
The party reaches a consensus to seek out the dryad grove again, and seems to be ready to move out. In your previous journey, you were guided by an enchanted lodestone left for you by the dryads. And even with that assistance, the journey was difficult and fraught with danger. How do you find the path? What precautions do you take as you go? What bold hero will lead the way?
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+21=38 ; Monday January 9th, 2023 10:00:23 PM
As the group departs, Zazu resolves to keep a sharp watch.
Perception 38
"I'm happy I'm still keeping my resolution!"
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 2:01:50 AM
OOC: Sorry. was fixing Nightingale, then got busy with housework
IC: After spending time in meditation, and giving her protege instructions on caring for her cat, and the martial exercises she has been teaching him, Nightingale will go find her friends, hopefully better prepared than their last excursion into the 'Wood
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Tuesday January 10th, 2023 12:30:29 PM
Beech knows he's useless in navigation, so he keeps his mouth closed while they are headed. He will do his best to remember the path they take...
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Tuesday January 10th, 2023 5:46:17 PM " I am the last person to WANT to go into the Culverwood, but like I said, I have grown fond of having friends, so let's go. I'll try to track my way there, but since trying to find anything in this forest is an outright joke I'll let someone Like Sahabiel do it. She understands the place and has an actual chance at success." Panzer takes point with both weapons drawn and ready.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+20=31 ; Tuesday January 10th, 2023 6:21:37 PM
Naithi helps the group find their way through the first
Survival= 31 (+6 for Forest Walking)
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 59/59 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 8:45:57 PM
Sahabiel asks Nightingale is she still has the enchanted needle that always point the way towards the grove. If at all possible, she thinks that little trinket should be mounted in a proper compass at some point.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Tuesday January 10th, 2023 8:52:30 PM It's too bad we can't use that seed pod, it would have made life a lot easier. Do we have a way to send a message to them to let them know we are coming? If not, I suppose I'll follow whoever leads us through the Culverwood.
It sure is Dark in here... (DM BatMark) Tuesday January 10th, 2023 9:28:29 PM Panzer continues to be a bundle of heroic contradictions, always going against what he wants to do in order to do the right thing. He takes point with weapons drawn, letting Sahabiel or others more canny re the wood’s ways set the course. Zazu resolves to keep a sharp watch as you go. Beech keeps his mouth shut regarding navigation and tries to remember the path. Lothlo laments that you can’t use the seed that you received on your previous adventures, and asks whether someone can contact the dryads to let them know you are coming. Naithi uses her forest walking to help guide the way. Nightingale finishes meditating and instructing her protege before joining her friends on this latest excursion. Sahabiel asks whether Nightingale still has the enchanted lodestone.
The Champions easily cross the river and approach the untamed Culverwood without incident. As you near, however, you get an unsettling feeling, and those with a connection to the Wood can feel that something is slightly off. It is hard to put a finger on what exactly is wrong with this always changing and wild place, other than it seems a bit more touched by shadow than is usual. As you enter the untamed Culverwood, you notice that everything is a little darker, from the filtered light overhead to the foliage on the plant life. Naithi starts off confidently to the northwest, retracing your previous journey to the dryads’ grove, and at first you make good progress. The first hour passes, though, and you start to realize that something is amiss. Certitude regarding the proper course turns to something only slightly better than a coin toss, with landmarks not quite where you expected or not appearing at all. Do you press on or try something new to find the way?
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Tuesday January 10th, 2023 11:55:19 PM
Zazu sighs. "It is as we feared and expected. I suppose we should be glad it is not worse. Is this the new normal, or will it get darker still?"
As for finding the dryads, Zeoll does not have the capability to act on the ideas that occur, but maybe others can?
"Can anybody talk to animals and plants and see if anybody can help us get there? Maybe someone can fly up and look down from above? Locate Creature, maybe?"
"Naithi, maybe turn something into a flower? Dryads like flowers, right?"
"Anybody able to play some music? Dryads like music too, I think?"
"Maybe cast Animal Messenger and send an animal out with a short letter asking them to meet us?"
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Wednesday January 11th, 2023 3:43:42 PM
Beech pulls out his Ioun Stone and let's it lighten the area (CL5 Continual Flame), he then settles his hand on the bow, ready to draw a arrow if called for....
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+6=7 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 3:55:07 PM
Panzer tries to help Niathi with navigating in the Culverwood, but as expected the Culverwood decides that easy navigation is not in the cards today. Survival 7
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 11th, 2023 5:16:00 PM
Nightingale, looks around, unhappy with the way the 'Wood is changing. "What about dancing, Dryads like to do that."
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 59/59 d20+26=31 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 7:43:00 PM
As far as Sahabiel is concerned, the only thing that feels clearly amiss is how dim the light in the wood has become. As for the sense of misdirection and inability to pinpoint landmarks... that part actually feels pretty much the same as the last time they traveled out this way. Without the lodestone, they would never have found their way to the grove without being turned around the first time, either.
"Nightingale, is the lodestone still drawn to a particular direction? Its very specific enchantment is for the singular purpose of leading to our allies' grove, we should at least be able to tell if it is still working or not."
Sahabiel meanwhile observes caution, with her morning star in hand, and uses her knowledge of survival in the woods to read their surroundings.
Survival (magical wood) d20+26 = 31 to avoid losing her way, or 27 for recognizing and reading tracks, signs of ambush, etc
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=19 ; d20+17=21 ; d20+17=34 ; d20+12=27 ; d8+8=10 ; d8+8=14 ; d8+8=9 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:01:36 PM
Lothlo draws his bow and readies himself if something should appear, he looks around the treetops and to see if anything dangerous is hiding in the shadows. The shifting may be normal, but it was still dangerous before. If the loadstone is working I think it makes sense to keep going. If not, should we had to the deeper areas... if we can? We didn't exactly do it on purpose last time, which is why going to the grove would be a wise start if we can.
Perception = 19
Roll each twice: D20 + 17(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +8 (+1 within 30') , and +4 to confirm crits Roll each once: D20 + 12(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +8 (+1 within 30') , and +4 to confirm crits
Attack 1 = 21 Damage 1 = 10
Attack 2 = 34 Damage 2 = 14
Attack 3 = 27 Damage 3 = 9
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+20=32 ; Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:07:42 PM
Naithi frowns. I didn't think to prepare any of those spells, but I do have several flowers we can use if necessary. Otherwise I have to wait until morning for new spells.
Survival to find way and keep from getting lost= 32
Good things come in threes, right? (DM BatMark) Wednesday January 11th, 2023 9:43:29 PM Panzer tries to help Naithi navigate, but everything seems off kilter. Zazu laments the darkness and wonders whether this is the new normal, briefly turns into a retired hero of old, then comes back to the moment to suggest some ways to go deeper into the Culverwood. Beech lights his continual flame ioun stone and stands ready with his bow. Nightingale, unhappy with the changes to the wood, suggests that dryads like dancing. Lothlo is on guard and wonders whether the lodestone could help. Alternately, you could try to go deeper. Sahabiel again suggests that the lodestone may be of use, if Nightingale is so inclined. She hefts her morning star and is not surprised by the ever-shifting wood, just by the darkness. She remains puzzled regarding the proper direction of travel, which seems to just barely elude her. Naithi, starting where Sahabiel left off, frowns in concentration, then surprisingly points to the northeast. She is quite sure that is the direction needed to get back on the path to the dryads’ grove.
Our Champions are a bit adrift in the woods at the moment. Three courses of action have been suggested, but which will they choose? Will Nightingale bring forth the lodestone to see what it might do? Do you dance or otherwise attempt to go deeper as a circuitous path to the dryads? Or do you follow Naithi’s renewed sense of certainty? The shadows seem to deepen as you stand and ponder…
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 11th, 2023 11:34:25 PM
OOC: Oh snap! Please don't hold Cayzle's old tired brain against poor Zazu! My own fault for two "Z" names, I suppose.
Zazu giggles. "Oh yeah, the lodestone! How did I forget about that? That's the best way for sure! Let's see if it agrees with Naithi's intuition."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Thursday January 12th, 2023 12:53:08 PM
Beech shrugs, he hopes the Lodestone works, but he expects something else is up.... He studies the warps of the magic in the area, he's not trying to move them deeper, but he might be able to notice is something else is moving the magic, or about to appear on top of them.....
He uses his UMD skill with a take 10.... for a 28 to perceive the magics
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+20=25 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 2:50:08 PM
Naithi keeps guiding the others so the best of her ability and compare her intuition and experience with the load stone to see the the two agree or if she can use it to enhance her abilities.
Survival to find way and keep from getting lost= 25
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday January 12th, 2023 5:16:09 PM
Nightingale will pull the lodestone out of a belt pouch and commune with Queen Maab to help it find the Dryad's Grove
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Thursday January 12th, 2023 6:31:21 PM
Panzer puts his face in his hands in frustration. He ants to cry thinking how hard it was to find the grove the first time with the lodestone. Now they were trying to find it without it? He waits for a solid diretion to head off into before moving out.
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+15=35 ; d20+13=21 ; d20+9=14 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 7:03:09 PM
Zazu's thoughts lie in the same direction as Beech's. Well, for the moment they do ... odds are Zazu's thoughts will soon hie off in another direction entirely! But for the moment, the wizard focuses on the threads of magic running through the divine ecosystem ...
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 d20+26=36 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:25:14 PM
Sahabiel stands guard while Nightingale checks the lodestone. With her senses on the wild woodland around her, she continues to read the terrain ahead. Although she was not quite certain last time, she is fairly sure now that she sees some terrain features to navigate by well enough to keep going in the direction they want for a while...
Survival (magical woods) d20+26 = 36
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=31 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+17=18 ; d20+17=27 ; d20+12=18 ; d8+8=11 ; d8+8=11 ; d8+8=9 ; Thursday January 12th, 2023 8:52:21 PM
Lothlo doesn't let down his guard, or his bow. He continues to scan the area for threats as he thinks about his knowledge of this area and whether their inability to keep a course is part of the Culverwoods normal bag of tricks, or whether it appears that something or someone is keeping them from reaching their destination.
Perception = 31 Knowledge (local)=24
Attack 1 = 18 Damage 1 = 11
Attack 2 = 27 Damage 2 = 11
Attack 3 = 18 Damage 3 = 9
Two steps forward... (DM BatMark) Thursday January 12th, 2023 10:00:51 PM Beech hopes the lodestone works, but studies the local warps of magic for clues. Zazu is eager to see if the lodestone points in the same direction as Naithi does. The wizard is of the same mind as Beech, truly a scary thought, and studies the threads of magic running through the area. Nightingale fishes out the lodestone and communes with the Fae Queen to help find the grove. It points in the same direction that Naithi had most recently indicated, to the northeast. Naithi is buoyed by the concordance with the lodestone, and is able to work with Nightingale to plot a course that seems correct. Sahabiel stands guard and reads the terrain, this time catching on to the signs that the others are seeing. Panzer despairs, holding his face in his hands and thus missing the moment when the path is regained by Nightingale, Naithi, and Sahabiel. Lothlo keeps his guard up and scans the area, but finds no fresh threats.
Nightingale, Naithi, and Sahabiel have regained the path, perhaps showing some favor from the Fae Queen herself. Regardless of the reason, they can see an intermittent glimmer of natural light woven into the path they seek. This contrasts with the thread of darkness woven into the rest of the surrounding Culverwood, which to Beech and Zazu somehow seems both natural and corrupted. The party is able to make some progress over the coming hour. Based on your previous trip, you would estimate that you are perhaps halfway there, although time and distance can be tricky here in the Culverwood, even without malevolent powers warping it even further than usual. Eventually you reach a small clearing, where you stop to take your bearings. There are two trails leading out to the northeast. Your guides will have to confer again to choose the right one…
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+6=9 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 12:29:24 PM
Panzer again tries to assist with finding the way, but the Culverwood still has other ideas. Survival 9
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20=10 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 3:24:59 PM
Beech, does his best to aid.... He adds his suggestions to the pool. And then he stays ready, expecting something to pop out of the woodwork...
Successful in Aid another Survival rolled a 10
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Survival Check: d20+7=27 ; Know:Nature: d20+7=25 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 3:26:03 PM
Nightingale inspects the trails for signs of recent passage and which on the lodestone is pointing towards
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 d20+26=34 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 7:29:33 PM
Seeing the intermittent glimmer of light, Sahabiel can only wonder if that means the fey are on some level resisting the darkness... she grows even more eager than before to meet with them and share what they each know. Once they make it to the grove, that is.
"I believe this one is the trail that will lead us the right way", she tells her companions with some confidence.
Survival (magical wood): d20+26 = 34, success if the DC is still 32. I have been rolling below average these last three rounds, so thank goodness for Sahabiel's almost out of this world modifier ;)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=23 ; d20+17=29 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+12=13 ; d8+8=13 ; d8+8=16 ; d8+8=11 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 8:43:38 PM
Lothlo again looks around and keeps guard while they try to decide which way to go. As he scans for threats he tries to determine if any of the paths seems less dark or less corrupted than the rest.
Perception = 23
Attack 1 = 29 Damage 1 = 13
Attack 2 = 31 Damage 2 = 16
Attack 3 = 13 Damage 3 = 11
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+9=15 ; Friday January 13th, 2023 9:16:12 PM
Zazu tries to help too.
Survival Aid Another 15
And back again (DM BatMark) Friday January 13th, 2023 10:02:18 PM Panzer tries to assist in navigating, but ends up befuddled. Beech is able to add a few thoughts to the direction finding. Nightingale compares the lodestone’s guidance with her own intuition, and happily finds the two in consonance. The widdershins trail curving to the left is the correct one. Sahabiel examines the fae light and also believes that the left path is the right one :) Zazu is able to chime in with useful guidance to the navigators. Lothlo scans for threats, weapons at the ready, but sees none. Highlight to display spoiler: {You have been rolling a number of attacks. I’m assuming these are intended to be readied attacks. Technically, I don’t think you can do that outside of “initiative” or in the Wold’s case, an encounter order determined by the DM. Happy to be corrected if you have knowledge otherwise. Regardless, a readied action can’t be a full round action, so you are probably rolling too many attacks if that is your intention.} Naithi keeps up.
You press on with redoubled confidence, and soon your confidence is rewarded. Through a break in the foliage, you can see the familiar outline of the dryads’ grove ahead, with oak, spruce, alder, and maple trees, all clustered around an enormous yew. The lodestone swings back and forth as it did the first time you arrive here.
Yet as you come closer, something seems different. The grove is like much of the greenery you have been passing in the Culverwood, darker in tone. It remains as hushed as when you first found it, but the fresh smell has been replaced with a slight mustiness. Not corrupt, just without the vibrant scent that you remember. Those with an affinity for nature or the Culverwood may make a DC 15 check with a relevant skill or ability. Highlight to display spoiler: {You are able to ascertain that the trees of the grove have gone dormant, sort of like trees elsewhere might do in winter, but somehow deeper.} There is no sign of the dryads, although even in the past it took some time for them to notice and respond to your presence.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Monday January 16th, 2023 2:31:16 PM "This looks right, the trees are in the right locations, but it seems almost dormant...." Beech stays ready with the bow, and with a spell , whichever he deems more useful....
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=19 ; Monday January 16th, 2023 2:41:09 PM
Panzer begins systematically searching the "streets" and looks for any sign of the dryads that should be here. Perception 19
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Know Nature Check: d20+7=22 ; Monday January 16th, 2023 5:53:10 PM
Nightingale feels sadness at what has happened to the Dryad's Grove. She will call out in Sylvan, " Friends, we are back, where have you gone?"
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Monday January 16th, 2023 6:40:59 PM
Zazu sighs. "We may not find out what we want to know here. The fey folk can't be pinned down at one's beck and call."
"Miss Sahabiel, have you tried casting Divination? Here in a sacred place, maybe that sort of magic can lead us onwards?"
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 Monday January 16th, 2023 7:02:29 PM
Sahabiel listens to Zazu, and replies; "I could prepare a ritual of Divination, but before I can petition the Will of the Wood for that, I am going to need to rest and pray here tonight.. but I suppose we were going to have to make camp for the night here anyway?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+5=24 ; Monday January 16th, 2023 8:55:21 PM I wonder if they are stuck in the deeper Culverwood or in a state where they could wake up soon. If they are asleep or dormant and we need to keep moving, we should leave a note to fill them in just in case.
Lothlo tries to determine whether this would be similar to the state of the lost dryad they rescued before or something else. knowledge arcana = 24
Good Morning, Culverwood! (DM BatMark) Monday January 16th, 2023 9:33:59 PM Beech notes that you are in the right place, but the grove seems dormant. Panzer searches for signs of the dryads, but finds no recent traces of their presence. Nightingale calls out sadly for your missing dryad friends, but gets no response. Zazu suspects you may not find what you seek here, but suggests that Sahabiel try a divination. Sahabiel supposes that you need to camp for the night anyway, and can petition the Wood for the Divination spell on the morrow. Lothlo wonders whether the dryads are stuck in the deeper Culverwood or might wake up soon. As he ponders the warp and weft of the magic here, he isn’t sure of the answer to that, but does discover that underneath the darker green of the grove’s foliage, there still is light magic pulsing through the place. It seems to come in slow waves from the great old Yew, infusing the lesser trees of the place, perhaps holding the darkness at bay. Naithi seems to be one with the Culverwood at the moment.
Although your investigation is turning up few new clues, you are able to camp safely for the night. The overcast sky in the morning is even darker than usual, but otherwise you experience nothing untoward. Nor do any of the dryads emerge to greet you, even after so much time. Perhaps the dormancy and slow heartbeat of light magic are the dryads’ way of staving off the darkness, much like mundane trees ward off a frigid winter? Certitude eludes you, but it makes the most sense from what you know of nature and magic.
You are able to gain spells for the day as normal. How do our Champions wish to proceed?
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Tuesday January 17th, 2023 1:47:26 PM
Beech puts out a cold breakfast, day old biscuits, a couple cheeses and some jam. He rechecks his gear, then says, "Would a small controllable fire help? And no, not a fireball, but a ball of fire. I can keep it from brushing against the trees, if it'll help."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Tuesday January 17th, 2023 5:32:38 PM
Panzer spends the night against Mother Yew's tree. It seems to be the anchor the grove is using to stay 'stable' so he thinks it best to stay near it. Also if Mother Yew Senses him near the tree, she might emerge. Morning breaks and no dryads have yet shown up. Panzer finds this troubling. What he says next is more troubling, but it is what it is. " We need to go deeper.I can't shake the feeling that there is a whole vvillage of dryads sitting next to that blasted hypnotizing pool, slowly wasting away. If this has been going on since winter fell they might be in distress from missing their trees." Panzer asks Beech to use one of the scrolls on him before they go deeper. He stands ready to go.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 8:23:48 PM
Sahabiel prays for the Wood to grant her a Divination today. (Spell selection updated)
Now, she just needs to come up with the right question, and the right materials... fortunately, as a rather skilled herbalist surrounded by magical forest, a herbal incense of the requisite value for the ritual should be about one or two hour's work.
Profession(herbalist), Take10 on d20+11 for automatic 21. Slight issue - almost all the information on herbalism, including gathering DCs and gold piece value, is in non-core books. So I can only hope our DMs will agree that under the circumstances, DC20 is a reasonable target for what I need it to do right now.
"Does anyone have a better idea for what answer I should seek of the Culverwood than what can be done to stop this darkening? I understand if some of ya might be tempted to ask where our allies are, but if that comes back as them being dormant in their trees, knowing that wouldn't actually help us forward.."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Tuesday January 17th, 2023 8:54:25 PM I'm afraid my best suggestion is head deeper and hope we aren't instantly surrounded by darkness.
1,2,3 Plans... (DM BatMark) Tuesday January 17th, 2023 9:46:35 PM Beech starts a cold breakfast and wonders whether a small, controlled fire would help. Panzer snuggles up with Grandmother Yew overnight, and wakes up refreshed–more so than he ought to be feeling having slept like that. Perhaps the pulse of internal light from the grand old yew has invigorated him! His initial inclination is to go deeper, in case the dryads are all trapped, and asks Beech to use a scroll on him. Sahabiel successfully gathers materials for her divination, made simpler by being an herbalist in a wood. She takes counsel from her friends regarding the question to ask. Lothlo seconds Panzer’s idea of going deeper, hoping that you won’t be instantly surrounded by darkness. Zazu, Naithi, andNightingale ponder before weighing in.
So there seems to be some lack of unity regarding what to do next. Live in the moment and maybe have a warm breakfast? Wait for Sahabiel to seek divine guidance from the Culverwood? Or plunge Deeper? Perhaps the others will break the deadlock. What say you all?
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Tuesday January 17th, 2023 10:29:03 PM
Zazu thinks lighting a fire in the Culverwood is always a bad idea. "I should probably buy a Temperature Control spell for my book," the wizard mutters.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 2:15:53 AM
Nightingale is saddened that no dryads have appeared, and that Grandmother Yew didn't seem to mind sharing the night with Panzer. After thinking while eating biscuits and jam she looks at Sahabiel, "Cousin, I agree that our journey is going to take us into the Deeper, perhaps ask the 'Wood if there a a specific place we should visit to begin undoing all this darkness."
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Wednesday January 18th, 2023 1:29:22 PM
Beech says, "When you figure where or how deep we're going, I can move us deeper when we're ready. And Panzer, I'll cast on you just before we go deeper, making the spell last as long as possible.... So, take your time, get the answer or answers to whatever you ask, then we'll go. I'm not a seer, my mom dabbled in that, but she is also considered a shaman to the tribe, so I guess that fits."
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 1:31:07 PM
Naithi shakes her head as she focuses back on her surrounding, no longer deep in thought
ooc: I'm catching up now. I've been dealing with two sick kids.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday January 18th, 2023 1:49:57 PM
Upon walking Naithi prepares a much more useful array of spells, including speak with plants. [b] I'm going to cast speak with plants on myself and speak with the Great Old Yew that seems to be winning something and keeping the darkness at bay.
Please relay your questions to me so I can ask them as quickly as possible. My time will be limited (even if speaking is a few action I don't expect we will get unlimited time ;)
I have several questions to ask... About the darkness, what it is eminating, where the dryad's are, how to help, etc. However I could use some help in asking them as clearly and sistinctly as possible.
ooc: Also, I'm hoping the DM grants me a little latitude in assuming that as a Druid Naithi knows better than I do what questions to ask the plant so I'm not treating it as much smarter or dumber than it actually is.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Wednesday January 18th, 2023 5:52:34 PM " do your recon. I'm ready to go when you all get your answers."
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 d100=29 ; Wednesday January 18th, 2023 7:32:18 PM
Sahabiel nods at her companions. What to do now or where to go now, it is all the same thing to a being of divine scope really - for travel too is an action taken, and any action can set one on a path to something or somewhere. With that in mind, she begins her ritual and places her faith in it that since she asks guidance in the Wood's own interest, the Will of the Wood will have every reason to guide them true by its own best estimation.
"A Adhmaid Dhraíochta neartmhair, cén cosán ar chóir dúinn siúl as seo a thugann an seans is fearr dúinn leigheas a thabhairt don dorchadas a chuaigh i gcion ort?" Highlight to display spoiler: {("O Mighty Culverwood, What course should we follow from here that gives us the best chances of giving remedy to the darkness that has befallen you?")}
Chance of succesful divination: 78%, d100 with success on 78 or lower: 29, success!
(ooc: My sincere apologies to anyone here that actually speaks Irish Gaelic -- I use it as a template for Sahabiel speaking Sylvan ;)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=19 ; Wednesday January 18th, 2023 8:44:03 PM It's definitely worth taking a few minutes to get any extra information we can before heading in. It would be foolish not to at least try. I'll keep watch while you work your magic.
Perception = 19
Speaking in Many Tongues (DM BatMark) Wednesday January 18th, 2023 9:34:13 PM Zazu thinks lighting a fire in the wood is not a good idea, and considers learning a spell to help in the future. Nightingale is saddened by the state of the grove, agrees that going deeper is the way to go, and suggests a question for Sahabiel. Beech figures he can move you deeper when it is time to go, and is ready to cast Panzer’s spell at the last moment. Naithi gets her head back in the present, having been quite rightly distracted by the state of those she cares about. She is ready to cast ‘speak with plants’ to help learn more about the situation, and solicits ideas for questions to ask. (OOC: The DM will certainly grant some latitude, but need your basic questions to work with, once the party helps you out.) Panzer is ready to go when recon is done. Sahabiel beseeches the Culverwood for guidance, and her lips move oddly as she says in a voice that creaks like a tree in the wind, “Is e an dachaigh far a bheil an solas agad as motha a dhìth.” Sahabiel Highlight to display spoiler: {Home is where your light is most needed} Lothlo agrees that gaining information is wise before heading in, and keeps watch during the divinations.
Sahabiel’s eyes light up (figuratively) when she channels the power of the Culverwood for a brief moment, but soon returns to her normal mien. Will what has been revealed to her guide your steps? What more can Naithi learn by speaking to the yew? What questions should she ask?
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Wednesday January 18th, 2023 10:46:58 PM
"Did it work? Did it work?" asks Zazu.
The reduced elf bounces up and down in the saddle, and Boyo looks like he wishes bunnies could roll their eyes.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Thursday January 19th, 2023 2:12:55 PM
Beech, even though not very good at it, keeps watch, because this divination stuff, is not his thing. He's waiting to be told when to take the group deeper....
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Thursday January 19th, 2023 4:59:00 PM
With Sahabiel and Naithi both communing through magic with the 'Wood, she will keep a weather eye out for trouble as Beech is doing
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Thursday January 19th, 2023 5:20:07 PM
Panzer doesn't speak Sylvan so he just sorta stands around waiting to know what's going on.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 Thursday January 19th, 2023 6:51:10 PM Jokingly: Sahabiel is left reeling from the words the Will of the Wood speaks to her, as she realizes the true depths to which this gloom has altered her beloved Culverwood -- the Wood has turned Scottish! (ooc: I used Irish Gaelic, you answered in Scot Gaelic - as a stereotype, that is such a spot on mood signal for switching from a place portrayed as cheerful, to one painted often as gloomy, intentional or not! xD )
Smelling slightly now of incense, Sahabiel shares the result of her Divination with the others. "The Will of the Wood, it told me... 'Home is where your light is most needed'. I... think it might not want us to right now be delving blindly into the deeper layers?" She thinks about what she should do now then. "I hope Naithi's magic is going to learn more of course. But as a last resort before we might have to call our visit here as having been to no avail, I could use the prayer of Sending to send a message to Quercia, mind to mind - even if she is dormant in her tree, that might get through to her attention? And she'd only have to think the words to send a reply." In any case, she will wait for Naithi to exhaust those other options first.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+5=17 ; Thursday January 19th, 2023 9:14:24 PM
Lothlo nods as he listens to Sahabiel's interpretation. That's what I thought when I heard the answer... I fear the woods may be telling us we made the wrong choice by coming here and we need to return home ASAP! While pretty sure that the message is telling them they are needed at their village, Lothlo notes that "home" and "light" could have specific meanings in the Culverwood and tries to think if he's ever heard reference to these in Culverwood stories and history to make sure there isn't something they might be missing in their message.
Knowledge (local)=17
Yew Who (DM BatMark) Thursday January 19th, 2023 10:03:39 PM Zazu excitedly wonders whether the spells worked. Beech keeps waiting to go deeper. Nightingale looks out for trouble. Panzer waits for an explanation. Sahabiel, after shaking off the gloomy tone of the Culverwood’s message, relays what she learned. To wit, “Home is where your light is most needed.” (OOC: I wish I could say that I did that lingo change on purpose, what with having some McCarter blood coursing through my veins, but alas, it was just me grabbing the online translation too quickly to notice. I like your interpretation, though!) Lothlo agrees that the Wood seems to be telling you to go home. He tries to recall whether ‘home’ and ‘light’ have special meaning here, but nothing leaps to mind. Naithi speaks to the old yew. It’s voice slowly, grumblingly stirs to life.
It would seem that you have a chance to ask the yew some questions…
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Thursday January 19th, 2023 10:41:51 PM
"What do yew know about the darkness? What is yew-neek about it? If we get some drizzles or even a big storm under a certain night sky, will yew rain us?"
"OW!"
"Boyo! Why did you bite me? I mean, why did YEW bite me?"
"OW!"
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Friday January 20th, 2023 2:51:21 PM
Naithi relies on the others for help as diplomacy isn't her greatest skill. We want to know about the recent changes have happened here. Where have the dryad's give? What is this darkness and are you holding if back?
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Friday January 20th, 2023 3:19:05 PM
Nightingale snickers at Zazu's comments, and even a little more as Boyo shows their displeasure at the comments
Lothlo (DM BatMark posting for WillD) Friday January 20th, 2023 10:17:23 PM
Lothlo adds the question most pressing in his mind. "If the Culverwood is telling us that Home is where our light is most needed, would that mean it’s telling us that we need to return to our village right away?"
When Trees Talk, Woldians Listen (DM BatMark) Friday January 20th, 2023 10:20:15 PM Zazu utters several crimes against Woldanity, and is summarily punished by Punny Bunny PoPo. Naithi turns to the others for help in formulating questions for the trees, focusing on the recent changes, the dryads’ locations, and whether the grove is holding back the darkness. Nightingale snickers at Zazu’s japes and punishment. Lothlo asks whether the divination from the Culverwood means that the heroes should return to the village right away. Sahabiel, Panzer, and Beech wait quietly.
It takes a while before Naithi is able to get information from the Grandmother’s Yew and others, but none of the dryads appear even then. ”Grandmother said darkness is coming, but we know not what comes with it. Must gather strength, save strength, feed the light. She dreamed of Dark Druids. She dreamed of something Darker behind them. In the Twilight, the Queen cries out. So sad. So dark. So dark.” The trees are not able to provide more insight into the meaning of the cryptic divination that you got from the Culverwood.
In the darkened distance–or is it in the deepness?–you hear an otherworldly howl, which is taken up by other voices. You may be imagining it, but it seems like a shiver runs through the trees of the grove. At long last, a face appears briefly in the bark of the old yew, ”Fly, my friends, lead them not to us!”
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Friday January 20th, 2023 11:58:32 PM
"Come on everybody! Time to go!"
Zazu turns on his bunny mount and leads the party away from the dryad grove.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Saturday January 21st, 2023 2:32:45 AM
Panzer is a badger of action. He finds the howls chilling, but his heart holds fast and he sees the wisdom of the Elder Dryad. He has a general sense of where home is and he turns and starts hustling that direction. He isn't sure Zazu knows where he is going, but Boyo is probably faster than he is so he follows the pair. It doesn't matter if they get lost right now The others are friends and servants of the Culverwood, they can find the path later. He breaks into a run and for the moment he tries to muffle the crashing sounds his armored bulk makes as he navigates the trees and underbrush. Once he can no longer see the dryad's home he abandons this ploy, and reverses it, making as much noise as he can. It isn't a far stretch, he is only just in control of his fear. He begins to make noises like prey. He crashes and thrashes his way through the brush, being sure that it sounds like he is in flight from those howls. When he thinks he is far enough from their grove, he actually nicks himself and smears the blood on the leaves as he passes, leaving an obvious and clear trail for whatever those predators are. A grim smile crosses his lips, because he knows the roles will change when they find him. Then they will be the prey.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Monday January 23rd, 2023 2:00:16 PM
Naithi urges Camalayas forward as the group flees the Grove, trying her best to recall anything from their last visit that works help her guide the group to advantageous terrain.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Perc Check: d20+10=23 ; Monday January 23rd, 2023 2:32:14 PM
Nightingale will follow her friends, on the look out for where the sound came from, and if she sees something chasing them
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20=15 ; Monday January 23rd, 2023 2:35:16 PM
Beech, having heard the information gathered, makes a decision. "Someone better lead the parade that seems to have already been started. Since it seems our destination has already been chosen, we need to go and go now." He looks over his shoulder at the retreating backs " And we are already behind, if we let them lead, we could end up visiting my mom, while visiting her would be nice, but I can hear her now..." do a poor imitation of her voice"You wanted to go to your home, and you end up at mine, now get out of here and go where you belong. And remember to eat your vegetables, you look skinny." He shakes his head, points at the retreating backs, and starts after them...
Survival check 15
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet Monday January 23rd, 2023 3:18:03 PM
Panzer runs until he finds "The Place" to stand. Somewhere he can put a boulder, Tree, or thicket at his back. He then will stop and limber up, waiting for the creature to find him.
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 Monday January 23rd, 2023 7:14:42 PM I must have just blanked out last Friday
Sahabiel quickly mounts up and ready to depart, following Zazu's lead - leaving behind camping gear if necessary. "Whatever that is, seeking us... our first aim must be to lead them away from here. How to deal with our pursuers, we will work out on the run."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=34 ; Monday January 23rd, 2023 7:15:04 PM
Lothlo follows the others, bow in hand. He keeps a close eye out for the dangers that they were warned about to make sure they aren't about to be ambushed.
Perception = 34
Not JK Howling (DM BatMark) Monday January 23rd, 2023 8:33:57 PM Zazu mounts up and urges everyone to get moving. Panzer prioritizes drawing away the howling creatures from the grove, making some racket once you move away, following Zazu and Boyo. He looks forward to the hunters becoming the hunted, and looks for a place to make a stand. Sahabiel agrees that leading your pursuers away should be the priority. Beech imagines being scolded by his mother, and follows the others, looking for ways to aid progress on the way. Lothlo follows, bow in hand and keen eye out for danger. Naithi urges Camalayas forward and tries to useful terrain nearby. Nightingale follows her friends and looks for the pursuers.
You are able to move rapidly away from the grove. The howling continues, although it is hard to pick out how many creatures are giving voice to the bloodcurdling sound–it certainly is many! Please make survival or other appropriate rolls to find an expeditious path through th Culverwood as you flee. You may also make a DC20 Perception check (Lothlo already passed this check) to Highlight to display spoiler: {As you move away from the grove and start to make noise, you can tell that the howling creatures have shifted course toward you and away from the grove.}
As you retrace your path home, you initially make good progress, and the howling seems to only slowly close the gap, if at all. The Wood, however, has a mind of its own as always, and the path soon becomes less clear. Do you continue to seek a rapid escape, or make a stand as Panzer seems intent on doing?
If you choose the former, please make appropriate checks vs DC32 to navigate the mysteries of the Wood as you have done before, or describe how you might improve your chances of success to lower the DC.
Regarding the latter choice, you can make DC16 Survival checks to find a spot that seems defensible against Wold-bound, mortal foes. Of course, not having seen your pursuers, you do not know what other means of approaching or attacking your position they might have, such as flight or more esoteric abilities.
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Monday January 23rd, 2023 10:20:19 PM
This howling unnerves Zazu, who simply follows along with the others. kind of freaking out a bit.
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet d20+6=10 ; d20+4=17 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2023 12:01:40 AM
survival 10 Perception 17 Panzer looks around once the others seem to lose the trail they were following. The p[ack sounds far enough off that he thinks he can catch his breath before they find the group. When Beech catches up he asks. " Can you spell me up Beech. The last thing to come at us had darkness with it. I want to be ready this time" He wraps a cloth around his wound to slow the bleeding and looks around for the Pack. Running just means you die tired. Panzer has run enough.
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Survival check: d20+7=10 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2023 3:49:50 AM
Nightingale stops and pulls out a wand, and uses it on herself, then her head snaps up and looks around, lost to spotting a "safe place" for her to fight from
[Wand of Divine Favor - lasts 1 minute - adds a +1 to hit and damage]
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Tuesday January 24th, 2023 11:59:50 AM
When Beech catches up, he already has the scroll out, he'd been expecting this request. He reads one of the spells and targets Panzer, casting the Darkvision on him, as he reads the magic erases the words of one copy off the scroll.... Highlight to display spoiler: { DF, keep track of Duration and uses, 1 has been used} He stashes the scroll, draws out the ioun stone with the 6th level casting of Continual Flame on it, tossing it over his head, and is ready to use his bow....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 23/12/22 -- HP: 60/60 d20+26=38 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2023 5:52:53 PM Survival (navigate magical woods): d20+26 = 38, vs DC 32, success
Feeling at one with the woodland terrain for now, Sahabiel calls to her companions, "This way, ya can still keep ahead of them! Even if it is a small chance, if these creatures are the ones that benefit from the dimming of the light, then I'd say we rather face them past the edge of the darkened wood than in it!"
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet d20+12=20 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2023 7:35:20 PM " And the edge of the wood is however far the treacherous Culverwood decides it is? Nah, I'm good killing them here. The Culverwood and all its misdirection for people actually trying to help it can kiss my furry butt." Panzer would like to try a wand of his own while he waits for the pack. He holds his off hand Kukri in his teeth and draws his wand of shield, tapping himself on the head. UMD 20 success
Dashboard Shield 1/10 rounds used Darkvision 1/1800 rounds used
Fight Club (DM BatMark) d8=6 ; d8=1 ; d8=7 ; d20+20=28 ; Tuesday January 24th, 2023 9:41:04 PM Sahabiel finds a good path to follow, wanting to get a better lit place. Panzer catches his breath and asks Beech to use a darkvision scroll on him before the coming fight. He wants to stand and fight, not trusting the wood to let you find your way out. He uses a wand to cast shield on himself. Zazu freaks out at the howling and just follows the others. Beech catches up, pulling out the scroll and casting before launching his continually flamey ioun stone overhead. Lothlo Naithi Nightingale pulls out a wand and casts divine favor on herself.
As the Champions waver between fight and flight, the howling gets quickly closer, and you are unable to find a particularly defensible position. Almost too quickly to comprehend, a swirling pack of shadowy hounds sweeps into view and immediately descends upon the party. You’ve never seen the like. They are almost like a roiling cloud of smoke, insubstantial and flickering through the undergrowth and each other, too many to easily count. An almost tangible darkness presses in upon your party, but is held at bay by Beech’s Ioun Stone.
In the swirling chaos, hounds actually seem to pass through Sahabiel, Naithi, and Nightingale, who feel a chill that seems to reach their very souls. They must each make a DC20 WILL save. On a failed save Highlight to display spoiler: {You are shaken.}
Panzer is also physically attacked, but the hound’s powerful bite glances off of his shield spell.
You may make attacks if you wish. Please roll 50% miss chances to reflect the flickering shadows and mad chaos of this swarm of hounds.
You may also each make a Perception DC24 check. On a success Highlight to display spoiler: {You can see that within the swirling mass of shadowy hounds, there is one that is more substantial. You may attack it with only a 20% miss chance. You must make this check each round that you wish to find and attack it.}
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet Tuesday January 24th, 2023 10:11:28 PM
How large do these hounds seem to be?
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 1:55:50 AM
Nightingale's action is to cast a spell on herself [Domain: Protection from Evil - would last 8 minutes if she gets it off]
[9 rounds left of Divine Favor - +1 to hit & damage]
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 8:02:14 AM
ooc: sorry, not sure why last nights post didn't go through.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20+7=10 ; d20+7=25 ; d8+1=9 ; d20+8=12 ; d20+8=13 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 12:08:01 PM
Beech spins and shoots at the pack of Wolves.... He shoots his +1 Seeking Composite Longbow rapidly at them....
Arrow 1 AC 10 (assume it misses) Arrow 2 AC 25, Damage 9 (magic + seeking)
"Not sure how effective this will be, they seem shadowy or images or something, trying to figure out what though...."
Know: Arcane to determine what is effecting them rolled a 12 Spellcraft to determine what is effecting them rolled a 13
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet d20+4=13 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+14=16 ; d100=59 ; d3=2 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=20 ; d100=92 ; d3=2 ; d3=3 ; d20+14=32 ; d20+14=22 ; d100=59 ; d3=2 ; d3=3 ; d20+14=23 ; d3=3 ; d100=59 ; d20+14=27 ; d3=3 ; d100=5 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 12:25:19 PM
OOC Questions Are the hounds standing and fighting when they make attacks or flitting in and out of combat. If flitting in and out due to their cloudy nature, are they provoking AoO's. ARe they incorporeal? Passing through opponents makes them sound incorporeal, but the miss chance makes them sound like they are displaced instead. What type of knowledge check do we need to identify them? IC Perception 13 Knowledge engineering 10 Panzer drops the wand and redraws his offhand blade (so no full attack this round) He lashes out at the pup that attacked him and any that pass near enough to allow him to strike.
Main hand Kukri (Power Attack) Hits AC 16 for 17 damage (adamantine magic) Miss % 59 % so hit
AoO ( Panzer has combat reflexes) 1 hits AC 32 and confirms to AC 20 for 17 damage or 35 damage if critical is confirmed Miss %92% so hits 2 hits AC 32 and confirms to AC 22 for 17 damage or 35 damage if critical is confirmed Miss %59% so hits 3 Hits AC 23 for 18 damage Miss %59% so hits 4 hits AC 27 for 18 damage Miss %05% so miss
Dashboard Shield 2/10 rounds used Darkvision 2/1800 rounds used
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+8=13 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+13=29 ; d20+2=7 ; d20+13=15 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 3:07:34 PM
As the chill sweeps over them Naithi is nearly shaken by the sensation, but Camalayas comforting body calms her. (Naithi only passed because of Camalayas)
Clears her head and realizes they one if the shadows is more substantial than the others and quickly points it out to the others.
Naithi and Camalayas charge at it together, but their new coordinated attack needs some more work.
Hit AC 15 for 12dng (5 flaming 3 Frost)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Wednesday January 25th, 2023 3:08:46 PM
ooc: I'm not sure why my damage rolls vanished, but I would have made up much higher;)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=23 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=17 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=10 ; d8+9=14 ; d100=14 ; d100=53 ; d100=95 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 3:38:08 PM
Lothlo looks around at the swirling mass of hounds that has enveloped them. They seem almost like a wall of shadows before him, he can only hope that his arrows can still land true against such foe. He pulls out a handful of cold iron arrows and decides to see how well they fare against the shadowy hounds.
Perception = 23
Attack 1 = 28 Damage 1 = 15 Miss chance=14
Attack 2 = 36 Damage 2 = 10 Miss chance=53
Attack 3 = 17 Damage 3 = 14 Miss chance=95
***Active spells and abilities*** Spells and Conditions in effect on self:
Sharpshooter Skills "Can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty, +1 bonus on attack and damage with ranged weapons at ranges up to 30 feet, can take a –1 penalty on all ranged attack rolls to gain a +2 bonus on all ranged damage rolls (increases at +4 bab), Only a –1 penalty per full range increment between you and your target, threat range is doubled, +4 bonus on rollsto confirm crits." -Trick shots available: Disarm Trick, Ricochet Trick, Staple Trick, Slice Trick, Sunder Trick, Grapnel Trick Consumables Tracking: 0 arrows, 0 hero points
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+10=30 ; d20+7=10 ; d2-1=0 ; d20+13=31 ; d8+6=9 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 8:05:24 PM Will save: d20+10 = 30 (Natural 20), success Perception check: d20+7 = 10 vs DC 24, failed
A battle it is then. Sahabiel feels one of the hounds passing through her, and a bit of an uncomfortable chill aside at the experience she does not feel any worse for it. It makes her wonder if these things exist either only partially or are not quite on the same 'depth' of the Culverwood as them yet...
She casts a Shield of Faith to shore up her defenses against such a foe, and stands ready to receive the next shadowy beast with her weapon if another should try that trick... while keeping close to Beech for the effect that her companion's floating gemstone seems to have at keeping darkness at bay.
Spells in effect: Shield of Faith (80 rounds remaining)
If an attack of opportunity comes up this round, she puts her morning star gloriously through the provoking hound (roll to-hit d20+13 = 31), in an blow that would have hurt it (d8+6 = 9 damage)... if it had not phased right through it's target (d2-1 - 0, failed the 50/50 check).
Its BIte is Worse than its Bark (DM BatMark) d8=7 ; d8=6 ; d20+20=38 ; 3d6+6=23 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 9:53:56 PM Sahabiel steels herself against the fear, and casts Shield of Faith to bolster her defenses. Panzer sees that the hounds are smaller than human sized, and are not standing and fighting, but rather flitting about in a dizzying, chaotic mass. His attempt to strike out with his kukri does not make contact. Zazu seems frozen for the moment. Beech shoots and hits a shadowy hound with his bow of seeking. That hound disappears in a puff of shadowy mist, but of course there are many more. He is unsure what these creatures are. Lothlo fires a series of cold iron arrows, two of which strike home, scattering those shadow hounds into sheds of mist and causing the pack to bay in dismay. They must not like cold iron! Naithi is saved from being terrified by the comforting presence of Camalayas. She discerns that one of the hounds is more substantial than the others and points it out to her allies. She and her companion charge this hound, but are unable to strike it. Nightingale cast protection from evil on herself.
You may attempt Knowledge nature or arcana checks at DC20 to identify your foes. These foes are confounding, to be sure. As you have observed, they seem to have some degree of incorporeality or phasing ability, confound the eye, and perhaps have some characteristics of a swarm. The swirl of hounds is so confusing that you are generally unable to take advantage of the fleeting opportunity presented by their moving into and out of reach. (OOC: This is a bespoke creation; enjoy the challenge, a foe worthy of our Champions!)
Your efforts to attack the hounds have made no discernible difference in the size of the pack, but only one manages to pass through a party member–Sahabiel–this time. Sahabiel, having already fought down the fear in her soul, is able to shrug this effect off again. Naithi is not so lucky. She is bitten savagely by the hound that she was attacking, taking 23hp of damage, before it flits away into the shadowy swirl. Naithi may Highlight to display spoiler: {You were bitten by the more substantial hound that you had seen. Because you made your perception check last round, you may make an attack of opportunity as it whirls away, in addition to your normal actions this round.}
Fey Hound Pack AC25
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+10=13 ; 7d6=22 ; Wednesday January 25th, 2023 11:32:29 PM
Zazu takes out a scroll as a move action, then Zazu readies a color spray and casts it when one or more hounds are within the 15 ft range. CL5, Will DC17 negates...
2 HD or less: The creature is unconscious, blinded, and stunned for 2d4 rounds, then blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, and then stunned for 1 round. (Only living creatures are knocked unconscious.)
3 or 4 HD: The creature is blinded and stunned for 1d4 rounds, then stunned for 1 round.
5 or more HD: The creature is stunned for 1 round.
If one is stunned, Zazu uses a hero point for an extra action and blasts it with a scorching ray from his scroll. Hits touch ac 13, and not only does it loses its dex bonus to ac, but it also takes another -2 to ac.
damage 4d6 with +3d6 sneak att ... 22 fire damage.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 Thursday January 26th, 2023 1:41:05 AM
ooc: Does Camalayas get an AoO as well?
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 8d6=27 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 12:09:01 PM
Beech, uses the hand that usually draws a arrow, to point, and toss a bead sized sphere he pulled from a pouch. As he tosses, "Party favor being delivered to the uninvited guests, look out." His target is the middle of the wolf pack, when it lands, it explodes in a flash of fire.
Fireball, 27 damage, DC 18 Reflex for half.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+13=16 ; d20+2=11 ; d4=4 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=13 ; d6+1=2 ; d6=2 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 2:50:13 PM
Naithi and Camalayas swipe at the fleeing hound, but their aim is no better. Once the hound is gone they heed Beech's warning and get out if the frey, making sure not to trigger any AoOs themselves.
They both choose to fight defensively(-4atk +2 Dodge) and hold attacks for anything that approaches them.
Naithi Hit AC24 for 2 dmg + 2 flaming Camalayas Hit AC 13, miss
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet d20+12=31 ; d20+12=28 ; d100=85 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+7=20 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+7=8 ; d20+9=19 ; d3+15=17 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+12=13 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 4:40:30 PM
Panzer steps into the pack and starts attacking everything he can reach. Main hand 1 Hits AC 31 and confirms to AC 28 for 35 damage Off hand 1 Hits AC 20 Miss Main hand 2 Hits AC 20 Miss Off Hand 2 Hits AC 27 and does not Confirm for 13 damage Bite Hits AC 19 Miss
Dashboard Shield 3/10 rounds used Darkvision 3/1800 rounds used
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 d20+7=18 ; d20+7=14 ; Perc Check: d20+10=28 ; Miss Chance 1st: d100=18 ; Miss Chance 2nd: d100=88 ; 2nd Attack: d20+13=18 ; Miss Chance 3rd: d100=23 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 5:58:44 PM
Seeing how her enemies are acting and reacting, she spots the more "substantial" creature, and goes after it, using a KI point to grant herself a 3rd attack ... but unfortunately, none of her attacks hit
KI Points: 1 of 5 used Domain: Protection from Evil - lasts 8 minutes 8 rounds left of Divine Favor - +1 to hit & damage
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+12=30 ; d2-1=1 ; d8+10=17 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 7:15:56 PM Attack roll, d20+12 = 30 (I made a slight mistake - since her BaB is over +4, I should have applied -2 for Power Attack instead of -1, so this result should be read as 29. Total number is +6 BaB, +5 Strength, +1 Weapon Enchantment, +1 Weapon Focus, -2 Power Attack for total modifier of +11, not +12. Thankfully doesn't matter as the target AC was given as 25, so a 29 still hits)
1d2-1=1, success on the 50/50 to affect the target
Damage roll 1d8+10=17 (+5 Strength, +4 Power Attack, +1 Weapon Enchantment)
When Naithi recognizes which hound in the pack seems to be the most real, though at a dear cost as they are attacked by it, and points it out to the rest of them, Sahabiel wastes no time and rushes in with an intent to knock that more 'solidly there' beast out, to keep it from attacking Naithi further. This time her signature weapon does not pass through the enemy, instead the heavy, spiked metal head slams into the creature with all the righteous fury that Sahabiel can put into it. As a militant member of the Culverwood's clergy, all this corruption the excess of darkness is causing --to the worldly embodiment of the ancient power she has devoted her life to-- has her feeling a lot of such fury indeed. "Wood's. Will. Be. Done!", she yells at the creature.
Spells in effect: Shield of Faith, 79 rounds remaining
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 d20+15=35 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+13=32 ; d20+13=21 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=17 ; d8+9=14 ; d100=70 ; d100=25 ; d100=98 ; 2d8+9=16 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 8:24:30 PM
Lothlo notices the hound bight Naithi and is able to follow the more substantial one. Taking another handful of cold iron arrows from his quiver, he shoots them at the hound as best he can
Perception=35 (nat 20)
Roll each twice: D20 + 17(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +8 (+1 within 30') , and +4 to confirm crits Roll each once: D20 + 12(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +8 (+1 within 30') , and +4 to confirm crits
***Active spells and abilities*** Spells and Conditions in effect on self:
Sharpshooter Skills "Can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty, +1 bonus on attack and damage with ranged weapons at ranges up to 30 feet, can take a –1 penalty on all ranged attack rolls to gain a +2 bonus on all ranged damage rolls (increases at +4 bab), Only a –1 penalty per full range increment between you and your target, threat range is doubled, +4 bonus on rollsto confirm crits." -Trick shots available: Disarm Trick, Ricochet Trick, Staple Trick, Slice Trick, Sunder Trick, Grapnel Trick Consumables Tracking: 3 arrows, 0 hero points
Bad Doggy! (DM BatMark) d8=8 ; d8=1 ; d20+10=28 ; d100=69 ; d20+10=28 ; d8=3 ; d8=4 ; d8=3 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 8:50:17 PM Zazu casts color spray from a scroll, but aside from lighting up the darkness for a moment, it seems to have no effect on your foes. Beech tosses a bead of fire into the midst of your foes, causing a wailing howl of pain to go up, and adding a fair amount of smoke to the shadowy swirl around you. Yet the mass of shadow hounds persists, even if somewhat diminished. Naithi and Camalayas take swipes at the whirling hound, but fail to connect. They take up a defensive stance, ready for more. Nightingale spots the more substantial hound, but even with focused ki is unable to land a blow. Sahabiel spots the more solid hound, and smites it with the Will of the Wood, eliciting another howl of pain. Lothlo fires three more cold iron arrows, this time striking the substantial hound each time. Panzer launches a flurry of attacks, with the off hand striking a shadowy hound into the mist, and his main hand luckily landing a solid blow on the more substantial creature!
With Panzer’s mighty blow, the leader of the pack lets out one last, un-Woldly howl before slumping to the ground in death. The remaining hounds dissipate into dark shreds of shadow that quickly fade away into nothingness, leaving no trace behind. Were they even real?
With the death of the hound, the surrounding darkness returns to the new “normal” for the darkened Culverwood. A quick search of the dead hound and the area reveals no treasure or other material goods. You are able to resume your journey back to the village, as the divinations suggested, if you wish.
Fey Hound Pack AC25 -127hp = DEAD
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) d20+9=14 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 10:17:01 PM
[OOC: The spray was from Zazu's head, the scroll was for the ray if the spray worked. Just niggling, sorry.]
Zazu asks, "Should we track them back to their lair? For one thing, they are bad things of shadow, and not helping the situation. For another, there might be loot."
Not wanting to let anything go to waste, Zazu skins the dead hound for its fur. Survival 14, and maybe someone can help?
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet d20+6=8 ; Thursday January 26th, 2023 11:23:49 PM " Don't do that." Panzer warns Zazu. ' I want us to take this back to the village, where the light is still normal and have those that really know what a hound like this SHOULD look like and such take a look at it. The hunters can then skin it. If this creature was perverted by the shadow, or darkness or whatever we are calling this thing, then I want to know how. It might help us later." "Now, which way is home?" Panzer will try to aid whomever is finding the path ( and suggest that the higher survival skill person in the group use the compass if that'll help and everyone else aid them) Survival 8 He then promptly fails the check
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20=10 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 1:48:09 PM
Under his breath, "I don't think I'll tell her, but mom was right, Party favors are always a good idea." He reloads the quiver, then says, "Knowing what it was is important, how it was tainted even more so. But taking the corpse back with us, could draw a direct reaction by whatever is causing this upon the village. Even taking the hide, could cause the same reaction. Personally, I say leave it to rot, and after the fireball, it's probably mostly ruined anyways." He also tries to assist finding the most direct route back home.... He actually gives some useful aid in the survival. (rolled a 10)
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+26=27 ; Friday January 27th, 2023 8:36:19 PM
Sahabiel is not done fighting yet.. although she takes the disappearance of the phantom-like dogs as the victory it is, her duties to the forest have not quite ended there. "Beech!" her voice rings while she furiously stomps on any remaining flames licking at the materials on the forest floor. "It was yer idea to throw a fireball in the forest, now ya help me put all this out."
The knight-cleric of the Culverwood is too preoccupied with preventing a forest fire starting at their back to take any lead on finding the way ahead for the party right now. Even at her most distracted though, she can still call out some helpful things whoever is making the check could try to look for.
Aid Another (survival) d20+26 = 27 vs DC 10, success despite being the lowest it is possible for Sahabiel to roll on that particular check.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Friday January 27th, 2023 9:06:16 PM
Lothlo surveys the scene and makes sure the threat has gone. Taking something that is evil and corrupted by darkness with you is seldom a wise course of action, I say we leave it here. Besides, we need to make haste back to the village. If a pack of these things are heading for there we could be in big trouble.
Are we lost? Friday January 27th, 2023 9:45:31 PM Zazu wonders about tracking the creature back to its lair. Just as he begins to skin the dead critter, he is sharply criticized for even thinking about it by Panzer. Panzer warns Zazu about skinning the dead critter and instead suggests taking the entire thing back to Freedom's Landing. Beech doesn't like the idea of skinning or bringing that tainted critter back home believing it may acerbate the situation in the darkening forest. Sahabiel is beyond miffed that Beech unleashed a fireball in the forest and demands he assists her in putting out the last of the flames. Lothlo suggests that taking anything from the forest that is evil and corrupted by darkness is seldom a wise course of action and recommends leaving it. He is concerned that if these critters are headed their way, making it home should be their highest priority.
You are able to resume your journey back to the village after giving some thought to fire-fighting & what to do with the deceased Fey Hound Pack. Question is, which way is home to Freedom's Landing? And who is leading the group?
With all the assists, coupled with the Compass tool, and a druid to boot, you find yourselves on the correct path home without delay.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character d20=6 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 10:20:16 AM
Beech decides to comment about the fireball. "The forest is terrible to begin with, I know that and I've tried to refrain from making it even more so. With this spreading darkness, I'm not gonna hold back on anything, including using fire pretty much at will. Once the darkness it forced to retreat or is defeated, I'll go back to normal. I'm not going to tie one hand behind back when we are fighting not only to protect our town, prevent whatever is happening from spreading, but also to keep our skins mostly intact and us breathing to boot. So if half the forest burns down ridding it of the shadow, I won't shed a single tear over it. Now let's get home, I believe we've been forewarned that this will strike there, or at least near there next." After being so loquacious and spinning about to point out the shadows all around, beech isn't sure exactly where to go... (fails aid on survival)
Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 Monday January 30th, 2023 1:38:53 PM
Nightingale was stunned that her attacks failed, then the light and fire show ensued, and she remained in shock, Beech is intentionally trying to burn down the 'Wood, no, fire against shadow creatures, hmmm, I may need to consider that somehow."
Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet Monday January 30th, 2023 4:38:42 PM " Nice job hacking down their numbers. Without that blast I would have never seen the more real one." "Lets get home before the forest forgets we are trying to help it." (From the sound of the DM post we can find our way home...?) Panzer moves on through the forest back to Freedom's landing.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 d20+20=22 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 5:37:11 PM
Naithi helps the group find their way through the forest, but even her keen senses have to work over time for the task.
Survival= 22 (+6 for Forest Walking)
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 d20+26=37 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 6:39:36 PM
Sahabiel grins at Breech, not at all unkindly. "I know, and ya didn't hear me complaining when ya used it. I am going to make ya take responsibility for the aftermath still though. By the way, with this darkening the climate in the forest feels a bit more damp too... I am sure I am seeing more lichen and mushrooms this time than on our previous trip."
She peers at the forest, and then confidently raises an arm to show a direction of travel. "When everyone is ready then? The way back home is through here, and I am getting a feeling most of ya can't wait to be out of the woods again.", she adds.
Survival (navigate magical woodland): d20+26 = 37, vs DC 32, success
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 Monday January 30th, 2023 8:41:06 PM Fire is a natural part of a forest's cycle, it's even required for certain tree seeds to sprout. So I'm sure that as long as you are responsible with the fire it will be forgiven if you are fighting the darkness... just don't go out of your way to viewed as a new threat.
I noticed they really didn't like the cold iron as well, though I'm not sure there is a magical equivalent you can use to replace a fireball.
DM Jon-Paul - Trekking to Freedom's Landing d6=4 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; Monday January 30th, 2023 10:03:43 PM Beech Beech decides to comment about the fireball and proceeds to expound on his beliefs about the forest & Fire. He gets so wrapped up in his diatribe he finds himself discombobulated. Nightingale remains in shock after the battle. Believes Beech is purposefully using fire to burn down the shadows... Panzer congratulates the team on hacking down the Fey Hound Pack. Then turns about face and makes haste to Freedom's Landing stating that they don't want to outstay their welcome. Naithi is taking care of business and working overtime to help the group find their way home. Sahabiel grins at Beech saying that she didn't complain but holds him responsible for the firey aftermath. She then makes a connection between the Fungi growth and the darkening of the Woods. She also does her best to help the group find its way.
Lothlo Mentions that fire is also a part of the life cycle. Recalls that the Fey Hound Pack didn't like the cold iron weapons and that no one wishes to outstay their welcome...and become a foe.
With group affords, you find discover the correct way back towards Freedom's Landing. As you progress toward home you can see the forest changing in hue from the darkness you experienced to the dimming of the once bright & normal light. As you progress home, it begins to look more and more like the Culverwoods you once knew.
The trip back to Freedom's landing is uneventful except for the visible changes in the forest.
Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) Monday January 30th, 2023 11:24:54 PM
Zazu does not touch the dead thing, and indeed feels a little upset that friends spoke harshly like that. The elf is quiet on the way back home. And worries about Beech's strong negative feelings towards the Culverwood.
Zazu quietly mutters, "But I was born in the woods. I like it here." And otherwise does not argue.
Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character Tuesday January 31st, 2023 2:06:13 PM
As they travel home, "No, there's not one that duplicates the effects of cold iron. I do have a cold based area of effect, but that'll hinder everyone's movement as well. And as to hating the Culverwood, I don't actively hate it, but I strongly dislike it when it tries to kill me. As to burning it down, I won't go out of my way to burn it, but I'm not going to back off from using the most effective magic I wield, a lot of my magic is based around what my mother used so effectively when she adventured. That just happens to be fire. I've learned to curb my own interests into my magic, the Ice spell is a good example of that. I probably won't be able to weed out what magic flows through my blood, but I'm not a carbon copy of my mother either. If you don't know, she is a Golden Dragon Blood Sorcerer, and Dragon blood has a lot of power, even diluted as it is in me." Beech will answer simple questions and such on the rest of the way home, as they travel, he tries to spot what the shadows have in store for them....
Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 Tuesday January 31st, 2023 5:58:42 PM
Sahabiel, also born and raised within the familiar landscape of the Culverwood, gives Zazu a nod. She watches the changes to the forest as they travel closer to its outer boundaries, and with every mile towards Freedom Landing, she feels more eager to see the little settlement again. The divinination that was given her, told them their light was going to be more needed 'at home', which right now was there, where her tree stood. Although she is confident that they left enough capable defenders there, in the absence of specifically targeted attacks that would have followed the senior adventurers that were more directly entangled with the druids behind this mess, she would like to see it again with her own eyes sooner rather than later...
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