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Leftovers
Winter is Coming


The Culverwood Helps Those Who Help Themselves...Right? (DM BatMark) 
Monday November 14th, 2022 9:01:49 PM

Ash Inventories the known casters among the refugees, and thinks upon magic that might be useful for town, eventually suggesting a Hallow spell that integrates Endure Elements–even Widening it when others are concerned about the small radius. That said, she is not against burning non-Culverwood deadwood.
Beech listens quietly until folks start talking about spending serious party coin on the Hallow. He thinks that you have given the town enough for a good start, and anything else will have to be earned.
Sahabiel, in her usual wood-elven twang, defers to Ash on matters related to magical theory, but wonders whether the additional effects for Hallow are worth it, given the small radius. She notes the extensive stocks of fuel laid in for the winter, and the now plentiful warm clothes available as a result of the wool you brought back from your trading mission to Karri. She agrees with Beech that the people of the village need to be weaned off of the party’s dole.
Lothlo also agrees that the Hallow spell would be too expensive and the town needs to become self-sufficient.
Zazu tries to find villagers who might be trained to cast a few helpful spells, and wants to eschew burning wood this winter. The trickster wonders whether the Hallow has to be to a specific deity, and even if it could be Hallowed to the Culverwood. The Bunnywrangler agrees with Beech that the town should be self-sufficient, and it even has a reserve fund if needed. Speaking of funds, Zazu remembers to repay the party for the extra value of the magical rod claimed in your last adventure.
Naithi agrees with the general sentiment of the party with respect to self-sufficiency for the villagers, and wonders aloud whether the time has arrived to undertake the previously discussed Choosing Ceremony.
Panzer walks in during the discussion and finally makes some sense of the conversation, but then turns to more practical matters of encouraging folks to pitch in carrying the iron from the boat to the smithy. He is tenacious and diligent, but apparently not a patsy content to let the others slack off and jaw on endlessly while he does all the work.
Nightingale pitches in with a will to help Panzer move the iron.

Sure enough, as winter sets in, the villagers do prove to be as resourceful and determined to make a go of the village as you had hoped. Before you even realize it, a month passes with the mundane tasks of surviving and thriving here on the chiaroscuro of tamed and civilized lands. It is cold and wet, not cold enough for snow, but plenty of sleet, and frost near every morning. It is a good thing there is enough fuel, and that the local heroes did a last supply run! The weavers have made good use of the yarn that you acquired in the Emerald City, helping ward off the worst of the damp cold. As you go about your business, you do hear chatter among the townsfolk about the upcoming Winter Solstice, and the possibility of a repeat of last year’s celebratory solstice cookout. Folks are still a-buzz about those croustillons!

Zazu canvases the folk for any who might show aptitude and interest in learning magic, but finds that the adults are focused on plying their well-known trades rather than dabbling in matters beyond the ken of the average mortal. Some of the younger folk, on the other hand, seem quite keen on the idea, perhaps as a way to avoid some of their mundane chores! The challenge will be that most of them have not had proper schooling, what with growing up in a slave camp and all. Perhaps some tutoring would help get their education on track and even offer the chance to spot potential talent in their midst? Could this be part of the Choosing Ceremony that Naithi recalled to your minds?

How do our heroes wish to pass this time? The village is sturdier, warmer, and better equipped than ever, but winter still poses challenges. You find that the local worthies seem inclined for now to give you some space, out of respect for all that you have done for them, although they are generally happy to interact if engaged.


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Monday November 14th, 2022 10:32:42 PM

Sahabiel laughs and is out the door after Panzer - she is the only one there that is equal to the badgerfolk in feats of strength, and they both know it, which makes her suitable to be lifting the heaviest items together with him.

As the next month goes by, she slips into a comfortable routine of prayer and exercise in the morning, followed by making her patrols, checking on how the leshy are doing, and on the saplings planted this year - she finds herself wishing it would just snow already, as snow at least would blanket and insulate them, which is good, whereas the sleet sometimes makes her fear for the vulnerable young trees. Then later in the day she will help out at the pharmacy to help treat the various little winter ailments people come in with, and spar with the guards for both their training and her own. And of course she watches Nibin grow from a tiny little kitten into a slightly less tiny kitten.

The Choosing Ceremony is on her mind. She wonders if she has any right to take an apprentice herself already… not for the part of serving as a knight-cleric to the Culverwood, that is sort of a calling that one should awaken to rather than become through vocational training, but she knows that her skills as a healer, herbalist, and forager are valuable to the community and should probably be passed on to someone if at all possible.

Also, taking someone in would resolve that other matter of who she can rely on to feed Nibin and look after her garden, the next time she needs to leave for a few days or longer, wouldn't it…?

(ooc: if this comes about, can we suggest our own candidate and their family circumstances?)


Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 2:42:23 AM

Ash puts the idea of a Hallow spell to the council and will let them decide whether it's worth the investment or not. It's a lot of money after all.

She isn't sure it would be a good idea to take on a ward right now. The Choosing Ceremony is about pairing orphans with carers of a sort. Someone they can learn from and who can care for them on a daily basis. Perhaps even form a family? Even though there is a lot she could teach, given the group will be adventuring quite regularly she wouldn't be able to provide the 1-on-1 contact, care and daily lessons the child would need and deserve.

Ash does encourage Mike and Brianna to consider taking on apprentices though. Both are skilled crafters - Mike a great trapper and blacksmith, and Brianna is a talented healer and alchemist. She even nudges Codru to consider the same.

For her part, Ash spends time about the town doing random things here and there, and always keeping busy. She's handy at all sorts of crafting and cantrips are always useful to have around.

Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 10:32:50 AM


Zazu is very happy to train some apprentice wizards, although the emphasis is on being a teacher, not a parent. And if that starts with literacy, that's all good. More people reading is a good thing. The trickster makes sure that there are parental figures in the lives of students and that they are not relying on Zazu more than they should.

[OOC: Please let me know if there are costs that need to be accounted for, for spell books and materials, etc.]

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 12:23:28 PM

Beech, knowing how to read, will help with that if needed. He knows what it's like to have a disability. He'll also keep look out for any prospective sorcerers. Like many of the cantrips just happening around or near people, it's a sure sign of a untrained caster like himself...
Being four legged, he may not be physically the strongest, but he can carry more than mostly everyone, that's why he has a saddle pack and a pavilion tent in his supplies.
He continues to sketch what he plans for a home, and calculates how much magic it'll take... He could probably ask one of the druids in the group, but he'll hold off until he can afford the wand, then get one to use it for him, following the plans he's developed....

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 5:31:56 PM

Naithi joins Sahabiel and Panzer to help with the unloading. She might be small, but her strength is almost on par with the other two and the work goes quickly with Camalayas (her dire rabbit animal companion/mount and wild sibling), and Cuddly Mule (pack animal) helping her. Fizzgig (her guard dog that no longer participates in combat) is content to watch as Jen walks around with botas if water and wine due the helpers (each party member received a kitten we could raise. I trained Jen with Butler type skills).

Naithi reminds everyone that an apprenticeship is not the same as an adoption and they most apprentices could be given assignments or tasks while the group is away. She is willing to take on an apprentice herself, but as a Lost Child her diminished social skills might make finding a compatible apprentice challenging.

ooc: I'm not sure how much the new DMs know about the party members, so I included some extra information about Naithi's menagerie. Naithi also trained a large flying bug mount they is being used by the town guard.

Also, the players that started this campaign have one or two citizens they have a connection with (npcs we designed) they could assist us.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 8:15:57 PM

Panzer has no real job here, he pitches in when needed. For the most part he patrols the edges of the settlement. He watches for signs of unwanted predators and will go out with any hunting parties that want a hand. For the most part he trains and tries to stay in shape.

Once you were the apprentice... (DM BatMark) 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 9:10:15 PM

Sahabiel lends her strength to Panzer’s iron-moving enterprise. As time goes on, she is occupied with prayer, patrols, checking on the saplings, and helping the local medics. She considers taking an apprentice.
Ash puts the idea of a Hallow spell to the village council. She isn’t sure taking on a ward would be a good idea, but encourages the members of her coven and even her minotaur friend Codru to do so.
Zazu looks to take on some apprentice wizards.
Beech is able to help Zazu with the educational basics, and keeps his eye out for prospective sorcerers while drawing up plans for his future home.
Naithi joins in the heavy lifting, along with her menagerie of companions. She reminds folks that apprenticeship and adoption are different things, and figures that being a Lost Child might make it hard to find an apprentice for herself.
Panzer patrols the settlement and joins the hunting parties that continue to bring in much needed meat while the weather still allows.
Lothlo and Nightingale seem to be along for the ride.

After much consulting among the Champions and with the village leaders, it is clear that Naithi is correct in saying that taking in orphans as apprentices could be complicated. That said, the local leaders do agree that a Choosing Ceremony would be of benefit to the community, and are willing to work with the heroes to organize one. Hilia and Brother Matthew in particular solicit your ideas on how to come up with something that will work across the myriad cultures in the village, hopefully creating new traditions in the process. They would like to have the ceremony in about a month, giving time to make arrangements and then select apprentices before the worst of winter arrives.

Codru responds well to the suggestion by Ash that he take an orphan apprentice of his own. ”Hmmm, yes, I know what it feels like to lose my parents, even if it did happen later in life, and I think I might have useful things to teach a calf.” Zazu’s initial inquiries suggest that he might have a significant amount of basic education to impart before any serious study of magic can begin. Even with help from Beech and others, this will likely be the work of many months, or even years. Still, it will give the chance to spot and develop the brightest minds, so it does not seem a hopeless or worthless task.

There is plenty of time for other pursuits during the intervening weeks, so what else do our heroes get up to as winter begins to deepen?


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 9:33:29 PM

That's a great idea. The Windwoods and Nighttounges have running and performing in inns for generations, now that the town is getting on it's feet it would be nice to pass on some of those skills. It sounds like Hilia is already on board. I bet we can find a few orphans that show promise at both running an in and with some musical talent that we can help reach their full potential.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Tuesday November 15th, 2022 10:09:58 PM

Sahabiel suggests to the council that the trappings in which she cloaked her own gatherings to strengthen the sense of community across all its diversity have been fairly universal, and as such also have been working rather well for her. "I believe that the Choosing Ceremony should be festive, a part of a celebration, as too much gravitas just makes the young ones nervous about choosing right or wrong. Ya could put out tables and baskets of freshly baked flatbreads under cloth so that the scent can already get around, a promise that there will be a treat to look forward to later in the ceremony. And then let us all sing together - any song of hope for the future will do, but maybe ya have a bard of some skill around here to write something specific to the day, set to an already popular tune so that everyone that doesn't know all the words can at least hum along? Then I or another could speak the prayer of Guidance over the children one by one as they come forth to declare what trade they would most like to learn, or what they hope to do in their life... we probably do not want to make it feel as if they have to choose only from the apprenticeships put forward by various masters in their year? Then afterwards I can imagine volunteers start to hand out servings of bread with a scoop of sweet berry preserve - savory bread and sweetness something the children are like to enjoy. Teachers could individually approach the candidate apprentices at the tables then based on their choices, in the relaxed mood while everyone is eating... and we can close it with more song, music and dance? If ya then open the floor to more of the adults for merrymaking then too, ya make it feel like a rite of passage, starting with a lot of focus on the candidate apprentices while the adults look on, and then symbolically everyone joining in so the young can feel they are not apart but part of the same experience as their elders now?"

(ooc: O Mighty Culverwood, Wood's Will Be Done, tell your daughter why I did not just roll my KS(religion) and be done with "Sahabiel makes some suggestions for a suitable ceremony")

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 8:37:56 AM

Beech continues what he's been doing, as well as continuing target practice. He knows, he won't be choosing an apprentice, and spontaneous magic users are rare, unless it runs in the family. He's a different bloodline than his mom, which is also rare, but he assumes it's because of the Tecuri devices she traveled through when she was adventuring.
And then there's the fact that she's also a high priest of Alemi, and handled more Wold's Blood than probably 99.9% of anyone else in the wold. So between the two sources of extra strange magic, he has very weird blood flowing in his veins.

Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 3:00:33 PM


"It sounds like what we're doing is starting a school! And that's a good idea. We can use one of the longhouses, and that also keeps the kids out from underfoot in the wintertime. They'll have less time for school when we're out adventuring, so I suppose we should hire a teacher."

Zazu talks with the party members and the council to see if anyone recommends a potential teacher.

"And we adventurers can be part-time teachers when we are around."

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=10 ;
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 3:26:26 PM

Panzer arrived after the town was already a town, so he has less of a connection to the inhabitants, but no less desire to keep them safe. One thing that was proposed was a low wall/ditch surrounding the town. Panzer takes the time to plot that out, but knows it will be less useful without spikes.
Spikes, are generally saplings cut to length and pointed, facing out from the base of the wall. Spikes will be hard to come by, he thinks, when no one is cutting down any trees. Then it occurs to him, there will be some trees in the places that the farmers will want to plant crops. In general, crops do not do so well when shaded, so those trees should be removed.
Panzer puts his head together with the planters and the Culverwood clergy that inhabit the town and finds out where they plan to plant their crops next spring. With that knowledge he changes his morning runs to keep up his stamina into tree cutting expeditions to start clearing the trees from what will be the fields.

Knowledge engineering 10 to try to plan out how many spikes will be needed

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 6:19:04 PM

Sahabiel continues her daily routine as before. It may not be as visible as Panzer's digging, but making sure all the saplings they have been planting are as prepared as they can be to survive the heart of winter is a fairly big task by itself.

As one of the people that had suggested a simple ditch and rampart defense around the town as a means to keep wild animals and worse at bay, Sahabiel is supportive of the badgerfolk's hard work. When it comes to him making the ditch part deep enough that it could double as a very long spike pit, she does ask if he is not worried about any of the people from the village falling into it by accident?

(ooc: Sahabiel's original suggestion had been for something like this because those can be built with net zero materials, just moving earth to give the defender a high ground advantage, and no sides so steep they'd need reinforcement.)

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 8:19:25 PM

Panzer's plan is similar, just move the burm a bit closer to the ditch part and plant spikes sticking up from the base of the wall inside the ditch to discourage horsemen. This allows the defender to fight from higher ground as Sahabiel said but the attackers have to make up twice the depth of the ditch to cross. Still net zero materials except for the spikes.

Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 8:24:37 PM


"And the Lyre of Building would probably be great at helping make that."

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 9:03:13 PM

Naithi listens to all the suggestions and thinks about what would make a good apprentice for her

Ooc: short post today. I was swamped at work.

Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 9:03:35 PM

Ash spends more time in the town, helping out wherever possible. The protection for the town is something the others have well in hand. She spends her time in the community kitchen and checking in with the healers.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 9:06:18 PM

Those ditches are a good idea, and they will also help to channel rain water away from the town in bead weather. And anything we can use the Lyre to assist with is a good idea.

Choosing Day!. (DM BatMark) 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 9:47:47 PM

Panzer recalls the proposal for a spiked wall and ditch to keep the villagers safe, and takes his time planning the earthworks and figuring out where to cut trees that are already in the path of clearing fields for crops. He agrees with Sahabiel’s thoughts on the design, with a few minor modifications.
Lothlo is keen on the idea of passing on innkeeping and entertaining skills, and perceives that Hilia is on board. He likes the wall idea, and notes its potential benefit to drainage as well.
Sahabiel makes some suggestions for a suitable ceremony :) as well as offering thoughts about making the proposed earthworks effective and safe.
Beech remains disciplined about his activities, not getting distracted by all the hubbub about apprentices and such. He knows spontaneous casters are rare, and his own bloodlines show how hard to predict such things might be. When he does deign to speak, it is blessedly without the affectation of rolling his R’s like some sort of Highlands PirateTaur.
Zazu is enthusiastic about starting a school, and proposes using one of the longhouses to keep the kids out from underfoot during the winter. The trickster spends some time asking for recommendations for a teacher to run the school, with the Champions perhaps serving as part time faculty when around. Zazu also suggests that the Lyre of Building would be useful in building the earthworks around the village.
Ash helps out around town, particularly with the community kitchen and healers.
Naithi puts some thought into what kind of apprentice would be good for her.
Nightingale seems outwardly content to let things play out as the Champions wish.

The elven fighter, Painter, enthusiastically takes up the idea of building the wall. She frets that the new-found prosperity of the little village–and the word that no doubt got out about its big spending benefactors–could well draw threats. ”Doesn’t take much to bring out the worst in the creatures of Izen, and they do love to raid and fight.” She shakes off a bit of melancholy and goes off in search of Parvati, the engineer, muttering ”She may be a grumpy old sow, but she does know her engineering, and we will want to get a project this big just right.” The Council also supports the plan, and offers priority use of the Lyre to make the project move along smoothly, there not being much else to accomplish with the weather closing in.
Zazu’s proposal for a school is also generally welcomed, as it will give parents time to focus on their own trades. A call goes out, and eventually a middle-aged woman who was once a clerk for a traveling merchant clan, and a youngish gnome fellow who learned his letters at his parents’ table volunteer to teach the younglings, in return for their parents and apprentice masters’ agreement to provide coin, goods, and services in kind, as they will no longer have time to practice other trades. They also hope for donations of supplies to get things started, if any spare parchment, quills, and inks–or improvised substitutes–are available.

Finally, the Council generally accepts Sahabiel’s ideas regarding the Choosing Ceremony, and the event is planned. Tianna Nighttongue enthusiastically arranges for the entertainment, and most everyone in the village contributes to the baking and decorating for the event. Briana makes one suggestion for the event which the Council adopts, namely that a week before the ceremony, each candidate will be given a woven reed basket. During the course of the week, they should find something in or near the village that calls to them, or otherwise piques their interest. During the ceremony, they will present their discoveries, which in turn may help the masters choose suitable apprentices.

The Choosing Ceremony day comes, and the event is a resounding success. The singing is as varied and beautiful as the people of the village, and the turnout is high. The aroma of baked goods wafts through the gathered folk, as the youths come forward to present the gifts that the Wold has led them to. They look excited, nervous, hopeful, all the things that you would expect of younglings on the brink of (another) great change in their lives. Unusually, Codru steps forward first, his eyes having alighted on a young lad who carefully holds a small songbird in his basket. The bird seems injured, yet still has a sweet voice, chirping its song along with all the rest. Codru offers, ”I know a bit of singing and storytelling myself, young fellow, and would share these skills if you would like.” The boy looks stunned, then smiles and accepts. You see that he has long, graceful fingers as he handles the basket, and it seems like he might have some ability to get around a lute or oud–Codru has made a good choice!

(OOC: Feel free to create a similar scene for your selection of apprentices, or other participation in the ceremony when you next post. I trust you to not go too far off the reservation in creating your mini-mes!)


Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Wednesday November 16th, 2022 11:30:27 PM

OOC: What kinds of children are available to take on as proteges? Nightingale is a monk and cleric, and is trained as a midwife, dancer, and clothier

DM Note: Mostly orcs, with a few other teens/tweens old and strong enough to have served the orcs.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 1:53:00 PM

Beech is not expecting to take an apprentice, so he just wanders over to the area where the choosing is happening. He'll join in the merriment by silently casting a Dancing lights spell. He'll choose the vaguely humanoid shape light and have it dance around the festivities and just have fun...

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 2:28:42 PM

As the group talks about the ditches and burns Naithi reminds them that thorny bushes (I think we used a lot of raspberries and edible plants) were planted around the outside borders of the town as a defense measure that could be entranced with an entangle spell, so it would be best to place the burns inside the very border.

As the sorting ceremony approaches, Naithi mentally lists her various talents. Tracking, hunting, animal training and to a lesser degree husbandry, foraging, growing crops and walking the path of a Druid.

She also tries to learn the various religious inclinations if the citizens. Her assumption is that is there are children drawn to the faith (clerics, paladins, etc) that one basic instruction could be provided easily, but as their faith and knowledge deepen they may have to travel to the city for further instruction. As such, ensuring the town developes those relationships now will be important for it's children's future

ooc: If memory serves, the orphan population consists of freed human slaves they were captured by slaves and orcs that are mostly female. The males were all warriors that mostly died in combat if old enough to fight. I would assume there are orc orphans, but they are more likely to have one parent as the women didn't fight and treated just better than the slaves. Unless it changed, the orcs were also a little more self sufficient and not fully integrated.

Since humans reach adulthood at 15 I think we should have the ceremony at 14 so that there are no untrained sorcerers running around.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 2:29:05 PM

OOC
Make one up Jon, go nuts, within reason. I didn't think I was going to but I felt like it when I posted so, yeah.
IC

The Choosing Ceremony day comes, and the event is a resounding success. The singing is as varied and beautiful as the people of the village, and the turnout is high. The aroma of baked goods wafts through the gathered folk, as the youths come forward to present the gifts that the Wold has led them to. They look excited, nervous, hopeful, all the things that you would expect of younglings on the brink of (another) great change in their lives.
Panzer has on his winter clothing, his armor and most of his gear sits at home. His knives though, they never seem to be out of reach. The people they meet in the Culverwood say they want to be friends, and the clergy in town are doing everything they can to foster that, yet just about every time he steps near or into the woods, something tries to eat him. Or charm him, or lull him to sleep, or make him lose his way. It takes away all of the training and work he has done to make himself self reliant. He isn't great at everything, but he knows enough to get by. He just doesn't trust the 'wood.
Panzer was not a slave like some of the others in his group. He didn't live with these people and he didn't make a bid for freedom with them. He bumped into the group when he was hiding from some thugs and has since become part of their adventuring group. The townsfolk he barely knows at all. This didn't mean he didn't see alot of the things that went on in town. He was perceptive for a fighter. But he wasn't that invested in town so most things didn't affect him. For this reason he came to watch the choosing ceremony, eats some baked goods and have a warm drink as he watched their culture unfold. Maybe he would learn something.
He watched as the best in their craft stepped forward and selected the youth that they saw a spark of themselves in and took them on to teach their craft. One after another the younglings were picked and the pool grew more shallow. There was on lad, smallest of the bunch, a halfling child that would be about 10 in human years (he didn't know how halflings aged), that seems to always stand in someone elses shadow as the masters chose. He was struggling to hold the basket he had been given. It was enormous in his grasp and it kept moving like something alive was inside it. He was very different from the others and Panzer watched him closely. Finally after all the craftsmen had chosen the remaining children melted back into the crowd.
Panzer rose and got another cup of the Spiced tea that had been prepared, it was quite good and it warmed his bones which were cold from cutting the trees from the future fields all day. He was ready to head home when he found his path blocked by the little halfling boy.
" Mister Panzer, I want to train to fight with you." The boy half blurted, half whispered.
Panzer looked him over again, up close this time. The boy was small, definitely smaller than a halfling should be. He was dirty and looked as if he lived under a bush rather than in even a tent like some of the refugees still did. Under the dirt were bruises. Some were the dark purple of new wounds, some were the brown/yellow of nearly healed ones. In the boys basket was a surprise. A wolf pup wriggled in the bottom of the basket. It too was tiny compared to the size a pup should be this time of year. It kept trying to get out but the boy still managed to keep it contained.
Panzer was taken aback. He hadn't thrown his hat in to take an apprentice, what was this kid talking about? " Why?" [ was all the Badgerkin could ask.
" The other kids are bigger than me. They beat me up and I'm so small I can't compete with them. I heard the stories about you. The giant scorpion, the thieves in Karri, the boogyman. You're small and you are tough and you don't take no drek from nobody. Teach me to be like you, not afraid of mothin'."
Panzer stared at the kid in wonder, but then he shook his head. " Nope, you need better reasons. I'm not going to teach you to fight so that you can beat up folks that are bigger than you. That could lead you to think you are better than them, that they owe you something. It might turn you into the very people in the thieves guild I fought in Karri. Give me a better reason."
The kid stared up at him. " My mom and dad were caught by the orcs when I was little. They tried to do the work the orcs made them do but they were too small, too weak. Eventually it killed them. A lady looked after me after my parents died, but when she got free, she decided to move on and I was too slow to keep up so she left me behind. The people here didn't take me in, but they didn't shut me out. I been living on the fringes of the village. when I can catch food I eat. I been alone for like always and I want to BE someone. I saw this little wolf all alone in the woods. He was small and weak and the pack left him behind. I decided I would be his pack. I want to be strong so I can protect him and he doesn't have to be afraid of things bigger than him like I always was. I need you to teach me to not be afraid of stuff and to take care of myself and my wolf. I don't want to beat folks up, I just want to not be afraid to stand my ground."
Panzer looked at the boy, then thought about the 'wood. you want me to teach you to not be afraid huh? Here you have been living in the place I am most afraid of, by yourself, for a year and you want me to teach you? I guess I have to, even if I can just learn not to fear the Culverwood from you. " That is a good answer. That answer tells me I am not training a would be brigand, but someone who has other's in mind to protect. I'll train you. What's your name?."

Panzer took Fredo home that night and found him a place to sleep. Soon enough would come the physical conditioning and the hand to eye instruction that would make Fredo more hardy and more capable of either dodging a blow or landing one of his own.

Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 5:47:59 PM

Ash smiles as she sees a young brother and sister approach Mike and Brianna. Though not brother and sister, Mike and Brianna shared that sort of relationship. They grew up as orphans themselves, so to see them with these children has a nice sort of symmetry.

Then there's Codru. Ash actually thought he might have been reluctant to take on an apprentice, but her minotaur friend continues to surprise her. She's sure he'd make a good teacher.

She is respectful to any children who approach her, but she just doesn't think she'd be able to dedicate enough time for them. Instead she tries to pair them up with the crafters and professionals that she's familiar with.


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 8:57:27 PM

(ooc: awesome post, David!)

The day of the Choosing Ceremony has finally come, and Sahabiel is rather excited to see all the preparation pay off. She is doing her part, and for the occasion is even wearing her nice dress rather than her armor in a bid to be not so intimidating as she blesses the candidates with the prayer of Guidance as they come forward.

This prayer, Sahabiel performs now for a young girl, who by appearances is a half-orc of some degree of mixing. Once she has received the blessing, the candidate steps up and stands in front of the stone marker set there for today's occasion. When the half-orc girl opens the lid of her woven basket, therein are revealed a few bundles of herbs..

“My name is Ghundit. My mother works in the quarry,” the girl begins, “and she has taught me to be on the lookout for plants like these, cause it is heavy work and sometimes you go a little too hard and.. then the plants help.”

Sahabiel takes a peek with a herbalist’s eye at the selection the girl has in her basket, and sees there are some with analgesic properties. Some that are anti-inflammatory. Some that could be applied topically to alleviate muscle sores. Indeed, it is not hard to guess why each of those would be valued. What actually leaves her impressed is that the little bundle of the anti-inflammatory one is, at a glance, all stalks of the correct variety of that family, even though it is one that is hard for a layperson to tell apart from a more common variety that grows around the same place but lacks that particularly useful medicinal quality.

The girl, meanwhile, continues; “And I have seen the little leaf people that walk around on their own, helping out, and I had never before thought about it that plants could be like people or that the magic woods could be more than just a place and helping us when we came here..” At this point, the girl feels that people are waiting for how this gets to the point of the Choosing Ceremony, and she talks a little faster when she finishes her declaration with; “..and so I would really like to learn more about the wood and all the plants it gives us and what they do so I can ask them to help my friends, and maybe even help the plants back as a thank you?”

“A worthy wish,” Sahabiel assures her with a smile. She feels this girl has her heart in a good place, as well as what sounds like a healthy form of respect for the Culverwood. Her seeing the leshy nature spirits, rightly, as a people rather than as some magical oddity was encouraging. As was her apparent knack for at least the basics of curative herbalism.. it should not be too hard to help her expand on that… somehow before she was really aware she was doing it, Sahabiel catches herself considering what and how she could teach her.

She smirks. Perhaps it was time to encourage this one onto such a path, rather than just appreciate how encouraging the signs were for her suitability to it. “And a wish close to my own calling. I have already seen ya have some skill. If ya truly are interested in studying the ways of the Wood, and the domain of all plantlife, for the betterment of this community… I would guide ya in that.”

Ghundit accepts, and so Sahabiel too has accepted a student!

After the rest of the ceremony, Ghundit --a little overwhelmed at having landed the attention of a member of the leading group of adventurers on herself-- leads Sahabiel to meet her mother, a sturdy half-orc woman that looks about half human and introduces herself as Limka. Seeing them together Sahabiel now recognizes the mother and daughter pair from the busy days of the reeds harvesting, and soon the three are discussing Ghundit’s talent and education, in between participating in the song and dance of course as the ceremony gives way to joyous celebration, and neither Sahabiel nor Limka and Ghundit seem of a mind to let a good party go to waste by spending all of it talking.

In the end, Limka agrees to let Ghundit apprentice with Sahabiel, after extracting from the latter sworn promises about the girl's wellbeing and reasonable limits on study time, all assurances that Sahabiel has no problem giving. Sahabiel nods at Limka, “With all the care I would give any ward of mine, I promise. I think Ghundit is going to do very well at this-” Noticing the look of motherly pride on Limka’s face, she smiles and adds, “-but ya of course already knew that.”


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 10:19:27 PM

Lothlo sits around the fire with Laney, Hilia, and Tianna enjoying a cup of spiced tea and some biscuits. The watch as the youngsters go around the different trade masters learning about the various occupations trying to decide what they might enjoy. As the four of them enjoy the warmth of the fire they are approached by a group of three orphans, an orc girl, a half orc boy, and a human girl.

The female orc steps forward and introduces herself to the group.

I am Naf Stonehide, the boy is Hagan Bearstalker, and the girl is Alli Moonglow. We are friends and were wanting apprenticeship. .

Alli blushes a bit at the curt introduction.
Naf is still getting the hang of human pleasantries, her speech can be a bit abrupt at times. My name is Alli. We heard that you were entertainers and worked in an inn before you were brought into the camp. Back when we were in the slaver's camp we worked the show line. Naf and I would serve food and clean up the mess, and Hagan over here would butcher and grill whatever meat the raiders had found. We often would sing together as we worked... I think the let us because... well.

Hagan raises his eyes from the ground and finished the thought.
The let us sing while we worked because the got more pleasure listening to us than they would have striking us and telling us to shut up. It might not make for a great story, but considering the type of guys running the camp not getting hit is about the highest complement you can get. We were hoping you could teach us how to run and in and to perform to entertain it's guests.

Hilia looks at the orc Naf. She stands a good six inches taller than the others and has the same red hair that both Hilia and her daughter have. She wears a simple white dress with brown accents
It sounds like you have the experience to make a good apprentice, and I'm sure we can teach you all you need to know about running a tavern. As for entertaining... well, there's only one way tell if you've got an ear for it. Why don't the three of you sing something so we can hear what you sounds like together.

Lothlo pulls out his lute and starts to strum along as the three start to sing a song about a green pasture with a river running through it and about a couple falling in love. Laney looks over and Hilia and gives an approving nod.

You have definitely tell you have been singing together for a while. You harmonize well and your pitch is near perfect. I think we can teach you to keep your guests happy and entertained with your singing,

Lohtlo then asks the group if they have any skills with a musical instrument and Hagan responds.
I would love to learn the guitar one day, but we haven't had a chance to learn an instrument yet. They are hard to come by around here, and until we have a little more trade in town we don't really have a way to get some to learn on.

Tianna asks the others what instruments they would like to learn and finds out that Alli would like to learn the lute and Naf the Violin.
I think we have some that we can teach you on, and can look at getting you your own once you learn the basics

The four musicians agree to take on the three orphans as apprentice innkeepers and musicians.

Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Thursday November 17th, 2022 10:36:15 PM


Zazu really enjoys working in the school as a teacher. The wizard loves books, as well as book-making. As kids learn their letters and listen to Zazu read aloud, Zazu pays attention to find the cleverest, the ones who might be able to learn the arcane arts.

One child, a half-orc with a quick wit and a sense of wonder undiminished by a hard upbringing, really seems like an excellent prospect. Zazu tests the child, Grem, and finds the spark of the arcane! Zazu takes the kid underwing, and puts in extra time and effort.

"Grem, would you like to be my special student, and I will teach you about magic?"

"Zazu, that would be the best thing ever!"

Zazu smiles at that. The elf finds a family that can take care of Grem when the party is out adventuring, with the understanding that Zazu will make sure the whole family is well cared for and prosperous. At other times, Grem stays with Zazu, and the lessons get even more intense.

When the Choosing Ceremony comes, there is no doubt. Grem places a small chapbook of vellum leaves, made and bound by the child, into the basket. "I choose you, Grem," says Zazu proudly.

The Chosen Ones (DM BatMark) 
Friday November 18th, 2022 6:13:55 AM

Thurs 17 Nov 22

Nightingale wonders what sorts of youth will come forward as prospective apprentices.
Beech is not expecting to take an apprentice, but enjoys the merriment and adds a Dancing Light to the festivities.
Naithi ensures that the design of the earthworks takes into account the brambles that can be magically enhanced to fortify the village defenses. When Choosing Day comes, she assesses the religious bent of the inhabitants, and considers her talents.
Panzer asks good questions and eventually gets good answers, taking a small but determined fellow named Fredo under his furry wing.
Ash smiles to see a young pair of siblings approach MIke and Brianna and is surprised that even Codru makes a selection, but upon consideration concludes that he will in fact make a good teacher. She makes no selection for herself, but dedicates herself to helping others find good matches.
Sahabiel attracts a half orc girl, Ghundit, who shows more than a little bit of herbal skill and a good sense for the local nature spirits. Sahabiel comes to an agreement with the girl and her mother, and they leave off the talking to do some celebrating.
Lothlo teams up with Laney, Hilia, and Tianna to take on three orcs–Naf, Hagan, and Alli–as proteges in music making and innkeeping endeavors.
Zazu enjoys working in the school as a teacher, and discovers an orc child, Grem, with a spark of magic. Zazu strikes a deal with a family to make sure Grem is taken care of during adventures, promising to make sure the lot are well cared for,

Choosing Day proves to be a smashing success, and the bonds of the community feel tighter than before. Several of the Champions now have the additional duty of mentoring and caring for their new charges. Oddly, Ash was not approached by a youth during the ceremony, but rather by a winter fox, and she unties a note from around its neck.

Channeling all that youthful energy seems to invigorate all but the most curmudgeonly of the villagers. And it is good to have done so, because winter soon sets in with a vengeance. Progress is made on the earthworks, beginning on the western side of town along the river and completing about half of the work before snows blanket the area, making further progress more treacherous and uncertain, as it becomes harder to engineer precisely. It is even cold enough for the river to freeze, so no boats are usable but there is plenty of slippery fun for when work and chores and school are done. You are using more fuel, but there should still be enough, and you laid in enough food, supplemented by ice fishing, to ward off the worst of hunger. Sadly, Buggo, the pet dire cricket, has died in his cloth-lined cage. This dampens the spirits of the youth, who had adopted him as a mascot. You may make a DC15 Knowledge Nature Highlight to display spoiler: {An examination reveals that Buggo died of old age, having had a pretty pampered life for a dire cricket!}

How do you ward off cabin fever during this winter wonderland that is the Culverwood?


Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Friday November 18th, 2022 10:24:56 AM


As a teacher, Zazu's specialty is using illusions (visual and auditory) to illustrate the stories and lore the trickster is teaching to the kids. And Ranged Legerdemain comes in handy to help keep the students in line!

And if the reaction is good, the elf will also put on shows for the entire community. The adventures the party has had, the people we've met, and more fanciful things that Zazu has heard of or just imagined.

"Sure, that one-eyed, one-horned, flying, purple people eater may not be realistic, but it sure made Brother Matthew jump!"

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Friday November 18th, 2022 10:30:46 AM

As a start, Sahabiel gives Ghundit the time to attend the reading and writing classes Zazu is hosting, and to these she provides a few simple small tablets of clay inside a frame, so that the girl can practice drawing letters or plant shapes to her heart's desire without worrying about using up precious paper. She also has the girl observe and later help out in the shifts Sahabiel takes at the settlement's herbalist/apothecary, showing her more about how certain herbs are being used in preparations, and to help which conditions.

When she hears that this winter has claimed Buggo, Sahabiel visits to console the youths that had been fond of its company. “There will always be sorrow in parting with a friend, even if we know it must come when one we count as a companion was never born to endure as many winters as we do.”, she says, perhaps not thinking of the dire locust alone. “And the best way to honor a life well lived, is to remember and carry onward with all the best they brought out in us.”

Since Buggo made friends, Sahabiel is in favor of giving it a pet burial. If there are any of the big insect’s last sheddings to find in its enclosure, she will commission one of the artisans to fashion a finely carved insignia from the material, to put on a small memorial marker. The youth of Freedom Landing have been through enough, have had to run and find themselves in a new place without much in the way of tangible reminders of lives left behind. Creating a little something for the dire locust now is largely symbolic, to show that those days of running and unceremoniously leaving behind are over.

As for cabin fever.. Sahabiel is not much affected herself, spending much time still going outside and around, thanks to her gear providing her with a permanent Endure Elements. If she does meet people that seem to have it hard with the Winter season, she can only try to brighten their days a little.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet 
Friday November 18th, 2022 5:15:30 PM

Panzer too sees to it that Fredo goes to school. Each morning starts with a run in full kit, to maintain Panzer's stamina, and build it in Fredo. Then off to classes. Once classes let out though the physical conditioning continues. Panzer has the blacksmiths make a set of tools for Fredo and then the two get to work on the ditch and burm. Frozen ground is no easy thing to break up and then move and shape, but it is excellent for building muscle and fortitude.
Every other day instead of defense building, Panzer teaches fighting, usinf sparring weapons. At fiest it is theory, learning how to stand, how to move, how to protect yourself while moving, patience and how and when to fall back.
Panzer won't say that his muscles ache after all of these things, but he knows that Fredo must be hurting. He makes sure to put in an order to Sahbiel and her student for the same lineaments and salves that the girl already had been making for her mother, to help ease Fredo's pains.
Once winter really gets rolling and the snows start, working on the earthworks becomes more trouble than it is worth. Panzer keeps up the runs and the sparring, but augments it with book learning on tactics and some engineering. He teaches how and why they are building the defenses, and how they should best be used. He teaches how to fight in a mixed group with healers and spellcasters. He also starts a new project in his stone burrow home. He asks Fredo where he would like to put his room, and the two of them start working on that room when nothing else id pressing. ( at least and hour or two per night and a day or two each week in place of book learning or sparring) Fredo learns that he can have anything, so long as he is willing to work to achieve it.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 
Friday November 18th, 2022 9:19:58 PM

The apprenticeships start shortly after the ceremony. Every day after their school lessons one of the four adults spends part of the afternoon teaching the basics for running an inn or tavern. The tasks cover everything from cleaning and preparing meals, to budgeting and balancing the books. Even the most menial tasks is still seen as a welcome diversion on some of these slow, cold days that have arrived.

Later in the day another teacher spends some time teaching them the finer points of being a musician. They start to learn about scales, how to read music, and the basics of playing an instrument. They practice the basics on the extra instruments that the group has. Lothlo also sets aside a few coins to pick up their apprentices a few instruments of their own the next time he finds himself in town.

Ash (RobC) -- AC 17/12/15 -- CMD 14 -- HP 60/60 
Friday November 18th, 2022 11:19:16 PM

That's curious. Ash carefully approaches the fox, kneels, and takes the note from around it's neck.

It's a letter, written in beautiful sylvan handwriting. "My dearest Ashellian. I pray this letter finds you. First, know that we are all alive and well. Something has happened though, and Thaleus needs you. I know you have settled, but please, make haste and return home. We need you here. Be safe my little wildflower. Mother"

Ash places her hand over her mouth and stifles a gasp. Her parents encouraged her to find independence. Granted, they don't know about the whole 'captured by orc' situation. There's no way they'd try and contact her unless it was of dire importance. It's good that everyone is well, but why does her brother need her? She's at a loss for words. There's no time to waste though.

"Excuse me. Excuse me" Ash makes her way through the crowd and straight to her house. Once inside she hastily starts packing, throwing everything she can into her haversack. She's starting to panic a little as different scenarios play through her mind, but she tries to focus on 'we are all alive and well'.

With her belongings pack and Silk tucked under her arm, Ash goes in search of the others in the party to let them know of the news.

You can see her eyes are starting to well up. "I.. I have to go" Her hands are shaking as she holds the letter for others to see. "I.. I.." She doesn't finish the sentence, and instead starts giving everyone a hug. She just doesn't know what to say. "I'll be back soon"

Her family live in the Crying Woods, and that's quite a journey. She's already decided the quickest way will be make her way to Karri and buy a teleport scroll. Multiple expeditious retreat spells and beast shape spells should help get her there quickly.

"Take care" With those final words, Ash casts an expeditious retreat spell and makes for Karri as fast as she can.

-------------
OOC: This is Ash's exit from the game. Thanks all! This has been - and still is! - a great game

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Saturday November 19th, 2022 2:26:51 AM

Naithi walks around the town and enjoying the festivities. What started out as an opportunity for the children of the town to learn more and the various professions and talents that support the town, as wild as an opportunity for the towns orphans to formerly petition the various masters for an apprentice ship. Such a petition would be unheard of in other societies where orphans are often overlooked.

Naithi can feel the excitement in the air and knows this will be the largest and most historic of festivals due to the large number of orphans and unfilled apprenticeships. The children know that everything will be done to help them find a suitable trade or profession. They also know that some masters will have multiple people competing for a single spot. The master may also decide a petitioner is not a good fit for the position. The hope and anxiety are almost palpable in the air.

As she watches the people come together in support of one another and sharing in each other's choosings, several of the younger kids ask to play with Nature's animals and for an opportunity to visit her to learn more about growing plants and raising animals before their own Choosing Day in the coming years.

As she agrees to the various requests (to visit and learn, not to be an apprentice) her eyes land upon a small girl that has often come up and buried her head in Camalayas fur and scratched her ear as Naithi worked about the town. The girl loves animals, but such professions are lacking in the town as livestock is just beginning to be raised and most mounts are privately owned.

The girls is small, like Naithi, but she is her mirror idiot. Where Naithi is small and powerful, like a gymnast, she looks more delicate... Like a ballerina or a china doll. While Naithi is socially awkward, she is socially aware yet painfully shy.

Naithi makes note at the girl is rejected in her 5th request. Naithi's knows the girl is capable, but she appears to only be speaking to those in profession that no one else is speaking to. She is likely too shy to "compete" for a position and is looking to get placed in an unfinished roll rather than one she desires or would be a good fit for her.

Naithi speaks to Hilia. Can you please let that girl over there know that Camalayas and I would like to extend her an apprenticeship... If she is interested. . The girl would make a good apprentice, but as a Lost Child and a Morphling, Naithi may not be the best fit for someone that is shy or looking to develope her social skills and her frequent seclusion in her Druid Grove had prevented many young girls from seeking an apprenticeship for fear of being to far removed from their friends and the comforts of town.



Springtime arrives! (DM BatMark) 
Saturday November 19th, 2022 11:21:54 AM

Zazu uses magic to make lessons more interesting and keep the students engaged. The trickster uses the same gimmicks to entertain and tease the community.
Sahabiel gives her apprentice, Ghundit, time to take classes, and supplies some clay tablets. She then steers her to the local herbalist for some on the job training. Sahabiel uses Buggo’s demise as a teachable moment, and arranges a formal burial.
Panzer ensures that Fredo is getting academic and physical training, and introduces some sparring as well. They start working on a room for Fredo in the burrow.
Lothlo works with the other mentors on training for running an inn or tavern. The students are also introduced to the basics of music theory and Lothlo sets aside some coin for future instrument purchases.
Ash takes the note from the fox at the ceremony, and stifles a gasp upon reading it. She immediately returns to her house, reemerging with all her gear to let the Champions know that she has to go. She is headed home to the Crying Woods as quickly as magic can help get her there. She casts a spell and sets off toward Karri at a rapid clip.
Naithi walks around during the ceremony, keenly observing the goings-on, knowing that hope and anxiety will be strongly felt by the candidates. Naithi takes note of a painfully shy girl who has a deep affinity for animals, and is moved to ask Hilia to extend the girl an apprenticeship on behalf of her and Camalyas.
Beech and Nightingale seem a little scarce as winter sets in, but will hopefully reemerge in springtime.

And happily, springtime does come, the snows not having lasted overlong, and warmer days are finally here, if not fully established. There are still cold and rainy days, but hunters are able to range farther afield, and there is talk of a supply trip to Emerald City as the ice begins to break up in the river. You have made it through the worst of the winter, and better times have arrived! A council meeting is called for a week hence, and your suggestions are solicited for topics of discussion, yet another sign of the respect that you have earned from the villagers for all that you have done to establish and develop Freedom’s Landing.

What recommendations do you make, and what other activities do you undertake as the spring thaw arrives?


Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Saturday November 19th, 2022 4:13:14 PM

The Choosing Ceremony was interesting to Nightingale. The "family" she came from were all taught to follow Queen Maab in their own way. Sitting on a soft spot of earth, she too is wearing a dress like Sahabiel. Nightingale's is embellished in wildflowers, butterflies, and the symbol of Maab. While she watches the goings-on, she notices a male orc boy staring at her. Nodding at him, she continues to drink her mulled cider. After an hour, the boy is almost out of her mind, when she finds him standing in front of her. "The people here say you fight good, that you save the town, and other stuff. But I am as big as you, how you do those things?" In one fluid movement Nightingale stands up and pokes the boy on the nose. "My strength lies in my friends. Alone I'm not as strong as Sahabiel for instance, but together there is strength." The boy, upset that she poked his nose takes a swing at her. Nightingale blocks, but slowly, giving the boy an idea of how she fights. After several more swings he roars and charges her, and then finds himself on the ground with Nightingale sitting cross-legged on his abdomen. "That wasn't bad, but you ducked your head down and lost sight of your opponent. Who are you?"

She rolls off the boy as he glumly stands up and brishes the dirt and twigs off himself, "My name is Gratch. My parents were killed before we found this place. I have been living with the other children, but I'm too big to play with them. Everybody looks at me funny, because I already started marking my skin."Gratch points to several places on both arms that look like someone cut pieces of skin off and then rubbed ash into them"I asked several other people to teach me to fight, that's what my father did, he was a warrior. No one will teach me though, I'm, ummm, too hot headed they said."

Nightingale looks at the boy, whose almost as tall as she is. "My style of fighting is different from the others. My body is my weapon, hands, feet, elbows, knees, and head. I do carry weapons, but I seldom need them. It's true that I am not as strong as others, but what strength I have, has come from years of practice. If I take you as my student, you must understand that what I am teaching you is meant to protect yourself and to protect those around you. I won't teach you to run into battle blindly. I will also teach you about Queen Maab, as she has also guided my path. If you agree to my terms, then meet me here in this open space in the morning, and we will see how much or little you already know. Deal?

Gratch looks like he is going to roar and charge her again, then he drops his head, spits on his hand, and says "Deal." Nightingale grins, spits on her hand, and shakes Gratch's hand "Deal."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character 
Saturday November 19th, 2022 4:55:36 PM

Beech, Is around, but without a youngling to teach he makes himself available to the people preplanning the town. He also spends at lot of time in the cooking area, prepping and cooking, as well as trying various new recipes.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet 
Monday November 21st, 2022 1:29:54 PM

Panzer keeps teaching Fredo. Physical conditioning, book learning, sparring, footwork, tacticsand of course his normal learning at school/ Fredo seems to be running into fewer bullies now that the lad can carry himself with confidence that he has the skills to at least evade those bullies. Panzer also finds that Fredo has pretty extensive knowledge of survival, having lived on the fringe for so long. The room in Panzer's house is finally finished and Fredo decorates it with a great deal of gusto, finally having a place to call his own that he has earned for himself.
Panzer has no suggestions for the council. They are all smart people, they know what needs to be done for the town to grow. They need to plant, they need to make their crafts and get them to market and they need to continue building their community. They have learned how to do most of this in the past year and now they just need to implement it. Further public works projects such as gravel roads and such need to have the housing finished so that it can be determined where roads need to go, so that is most likely a year or so off yet.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Monday November 21st, 2022 7:57:00 PM

Sahabiel brings before the council as her main priority that it needs seeing to that all other work is planned and prepared in such a way that enough hands will be rested and free when time comes to clear, plow and plant the fields for the spring crops. "It will be the first year for most of us to do spring planting, and it will be a great bustle of activity for all coming out of the mostly indoor winter season. I think we would do well to give it extra attention until we can rely more on experience."

Also over this last part of winter leading into stpring, Sahabiel is a little less busy, as snow has long since blanketed her precious saplings, protecting them from worse until the warmer spring weather arrives. As Limka is similarly unable to work her usual job around the quarry while the clay deposits are frozen, the two work together to impart knowledge and practical skills to Ghundit, and can be seen building up a friendly report.. sort of. Actually, within weeks of mother and teacher spending much time at the treehouse with their daughter/apprentice, they seem to have reached a level of mutually respectful familiarity. Any distance and deference due to Sahabiel being a skilled knight-priestess of the Culverwood, has given way to good-natured jokes over how Sahabiel can't cook anything but basics, or why between a half-orc and a half-elf, somehow the latter is the musclebound green one.

(ooc: I am fast-tracking them to besties, but without doing so much roleplay writing that it would feel like having a sitcom inside the campaign.)


Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Monday November 21st, 2022 8:04:20 PM

ooc: My post will come late tonight. We have some sick kids

What to do next? (DM BatMark) 
Monday November 21st, 2022 9:43:11 PM

Nightingale finds an orc lad, Gratch, who needs–and eventually accepts–guidance both martial and spiritual.
Beech eschews taking on an apprentice, but is helpful in the cooking area.
Panzer keeps teaching Fredo, and finds that he knows a thing or two about survival. He defers to the council regarding next steps for development.
Sahabiel recommends to the council that other work be completed in time to rest and be ready for spring planting. She works with Limka to tutor Ghundit, and they all become closer to the point of familiar teasing.
Naithi is distracted caring for sick kids around the village, but will no doubt be more present soon.
Zazu and Lothlo are still hibernating, apparently.

The council appreciates Sahabiel’s advice, but is open to ideas from the others, as you are willing. Enterprising folk are also keen to follow up on the success of the fall trading trip to Karri, and have spent some of the winter lockdown producing new goods for the city. They welcome trading advice from the Champions, knowing that you set the stage well for a modestly prosperous trade.


Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Monday November 21st, 2022 10:09:49 PM


Zazu sniffled at Buggo's funeral, and tears flow when Ash says her goodbyes.

"Ash, I'm so sad you have to go! I'll write you letters to tell you how we are doing. Please stay in touch, and maybe come back to visit!" The elf makes sure to get the correct address.

After Ash departs, Zazu gives Boyo the biggest hug. "Don't cry, my little bunny. These things happen. Heroes go here and there in the Wold. That's the life of an adventurer. It's ok. Dry your eyes."

Boyo is not crying.

===== ===== =====

During the winter. Zazu continues to teach the village kids, to train Grem, and to follow up on a long-standing project. The wizard's "spell book" is a collection of hand-made vellums, rat hides and scraps, some of which date back to bits of spells written and hidden in the orcs' slave camps.With some self-training as a bookmaker, Zazu sets out to recraft the book from scratch, making it into a proper adventuring spell book.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character 
Monday November 21st, 2022 10:45:45 PM

Beech says his farewell to Ash, and he will agree to send messages if Ash wants.
He'll continue to do cooking and try and write down recipes so others can cook those people like, when he's not around.
He also adjusts his future house plans.... adjusting the kitchen in his private home, more to his liking as he cooks more, learning what he wants...

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 12:18:42 PM

Lothlo keeps training the three musicians along with the rest of his family. The winter passes fast, and the three apprentices have learned the basics of playing an instrument. The orc finds that a violin with a bow is easier for her larger hands and fingers, the half orc preferring a guitar, and the human girl a lute. They have a long way to go before they master the instruments, but they can play simple songs well enough that the town folk aren't annoyed at the sound of their rehearsals

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 40/53, CMD: 23 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 12:18:42 PM

Lothlo keeps training the three musicians along with the rest of his family. The winter passes fast, and the three apprentices have learned the basics of playing an instrument. The orc finds that a violin with a bow is easier for her larger hands and fingers, the half orc preferring a guitar, and the human girl a lute. They have a long way to go before they master the instruments, but they can play simple songs well enough that the town folk aren't annoyed at the sound of their rehearsals

Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 1:11:39 PM

Nightingale finds working with Gratch to be interesting. Combat skills he seems to grasp better than defending himself, and Gratch is loathe to move away from his opponent, even when Nightingale instructs him to move around and attack from different angles.

The fact that Queen Maab isn't a bloodthirsty deity also puzzles Gratch, who isn't too keen on having butterflies landing on him while he is training.

Nightingale doesn't push reading and writing on him at this time, as she is waiting for him to ask about learning them. She does begin teaching him rudimentary Sylvan, "as we live on the borders of the Great Culverwood, being able to talk to the other 'people' who dwell there can come in handy, especially if a Treant wants to know what you are doing lighting a fire."

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 4:39:40 PM

Once the ground gets softer Panzer resumes the task of the trench and burm with Fredo.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 42/42 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 6:12:54 PM

Naithi cries at Buggo's funeral and feels like she lost a close friend. Fizzgig, Camalayas and Cuddly Mule have always been with her, but Buggo was the first wild create she raised and tamed since leaving home.

She is further disheartened at Ash's departure. There were not many female adventures, and she felt a special connection with the young Blood Witch. Although Naithi doesn't bond easily with people, she throws her arms around Ash's waist (Naithi can't reach much higher) and makes her promises to return and send them a letter once she is settled.

Once her emotions are under control Naithi begins training the villages. A small band of hunters, a group of foragers, future farmers and orchard tenders, and several who are raising small livestock for both the town and personal use. She even has a partner to help manage her future brewery/vineyard/distillery (that is a ways off, but training will take awhile). She is also training a small group to explore the edges of The Culverwood, but it is limited to those native to the area and with the Forest Walk feat... If she can find any.

However these are citizens she is helping to train in specific tasks, but her young apprentice is with her dire everything. Learning everything and then some. Despite her shyness, or perhaps because of it, she is a natural at the druidic arts, and as she trains with the townsfolk she begins to come out of her shell a little as the interact and acknowledge her talents

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 7:30:15 PM

Sahabiel says her goodbyes to Ash, and expresses her hope that letters will find their way back here. With Ash traveling back to resolve matters in some distant 'back home', Freedom Landing will certainly feel the loss of one of its most learned. In the aftermath, Sahabiel tries to console and comfort Naithi.. and the two needed to speak in any case, because in addition to their cooperation in creating the grove, any group the likes of which Naithi is now planning to have explore the edges of the Culverwood would probably benefit from her knowledge; In being a native of the Culverwood and possessing the Forest Walk talent, Sahabiel is the very sort of person Naithi is trying to find more of, and Sahabiel has already begun one-on-one teaching Ghundit some of her magic forest survival, foraging and tracking knowledge, as part of her instruction in how to safely and quietly find several useful medicinal and otherwise useful plants and herbs that can be found in the Culverwood's undergrowth.

Still considering Beech a dear friend, even if he seems to have been rather withdrawn into himself through much of winter, Sahabiel also sometimes visits the liontaur's growing house. She is certainly among the interested if Beech is really creating recipes to produce better, tastier meals using the locally available ingredients here where magical forest meets verdant plain!

(ooc: Cayzle, if you ever visit Europe, please remember that it is called a bookbinder here? A bookmaker means.. something else.)


A boat, a boat!! (DM BatMark) 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 9:11:06 PM

Zazu is not crying, Boyo is crying. The trickster teaches the kids, and sets about recreating a proper spell book.
Beech says farewell to Ash, offering to send messages if wanted. Beech also writes down some recipes for folks to cook when not around.
Lothlo keeps training the three musicians, and winter passes fast as they pick up different instruments.
Nightingale works slowly to mold Gratch, developing his fighting skills and a touch of Sylvan.
Panzer resumes working on trench and berm with Fredo as the weather improves.
Naithi mourns Buggo, and is further disheartened by Ash’s departure. She occupies herself by training villages in a range of skills, even starting to think about creating some more spirited drinks. Her apprentice helps with all, and seems to be a natural with the druidic arts.
Sahabiel says her goodbyes to Ash, and hopes for letters. She consoles Naithi, and consults with her on those being trained to explore the edges of the wild Culverwood. She visits Beech as well, interested in what herbs might enhance those recipes!

It is well and truly spring, and not even the loss of Buggo and Ash’s departure can put a damper on things. As folk gear up for planting and trading, you hear a shout, ”A boat, a boat!!” and everyone scampers toward the river, where you see a flat-bottomed boat making its way from the east, from the direction of the Emerald City.


Zazu (AC20, HP46) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday November 22nd, 2022 9:18:51 PM


[OOC to Esther: LOL! I will try to remember, but my old brain is very full ...]]

Zazu feels a bit left out and ponders taking a level or two of druid just to have more nature cred.

But not really. "Wizardry is my specialty," the arcanist reflects. "And it is better to stick to what you know. I'm already less powerful than a pure mage given that I have my rogue training."

The trickster settles for sneaking tiny frogs into friends' pockets with the ever-useful mage hand.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 22/11/21 -- HP: 56/56 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 7:21:23 AM

Things begin as a day like any other before the boat is sighted on the river, and Sahabiel is making her round, keeping up with the talk of the community and sharing out words of encouragement, minor blessings, and bits of wisdom. “...I am not sure why either, but perhaps they have been coming out of hibernation early and are looking for a warm hiding spot-”, she says, reflecting on a curious local phenomenon that the people of Freedom Landing are starting to call ‘pocketcroak’. Before she can finish her thoughts though, the calls of the arrival of a boat distract all.

Sahabiel walks over to the river, curious. For a start, this is the best possible sign that the ice on the river all the way down to the Emerald City must have gone away now, and the waterway is again navigable. And more than that… well, it is too early to know for certain yet, but the timing works out and if this boat looks fresh from the yard and according to the specifications she paid the shipwright in Karri for, then she probably needs to be at the waterside right now.

She tries to see who is guiding this boat.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 40/40 Character 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 5:22:33 PM

Beech, hears that a boat is approaching, heads to the area that the docks are planed for, and will call for them to land there. He'll ready his rope of climbing to use as a temporary anchor. Commanding it to attach to the boat and a tree on shore then shorten up until its snug to the shore.
With a boat, if it is theirs, the next thing will be actual docks, or at least a couple slips, one for the boat, and one for any visitors....

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 26 HP 81/81 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 6:09:16 PM

Panzer pokes his head up from the earthworks and looks at Fredo.
" That is probably the boat that Sahabiel commissioned to be built for trade with Karri."
"Probably"
says Fredo, though he sounds less excited than a man his age might at a new sight like a fresh new boat.
[b]" Good, skepticism, you have good instincts. Hang back a little, I'll be up front. If things go wrong get back to the village and warn the hunters, then get armed. protect the village and our people. DON'T be a hero. If they are too strong get as many villagers as you can and get inside the edge of the 'wood. I very much doubt anyone will follow you in there."
"OK." Says Fredo.
Panzer stands up and heads towards where Beech is pointing the boat. He suspects that this is the treade creaft hat was commissioned but there is no reason to take chances. He doesn't work in his armor, that would be like slopping pigs in banquet attire, and he is painfully aware of how vulnerable that makes him, but it will be fine.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 36/43 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 7:46:49 PM

Nightingale will bring her protege with her as she joins her friends at watching the incoming boat ... like Panzer and Beech, she is hoping this is traders, and not raiders

Grindar, son of Grindor, Tree of Parting (Jeremy) 
Wednesday November 23rd, 2022 8:11:31 PM

As the boat approaches Freedom's Landing, Grindar begins to smile. He is pleased withe the progress that has taken place since his departure, and happy to see a thriving community. Of course the purpose for their visit is heavy on his mind, but he can't help enjoying the feelings of nostalgia. As the boat pulls up to the dock he shouts out, "Grindar, Son of Grindor has returned!"

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.



A Dark Threat (combat round 1) (DM Cayzle)   d100=84 ; d100=71 ; d100=43 ; d20+5=17 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+11=19 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=26 ; 2d6+5=15 ; d20+16=19 ; d20+11=14 ; d20+11=26 ; 2d6+5=10 ; 3d6+17=33 ;
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 12:31:16 AM


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).

Attack 1 = 23 (DM rolls an 84 - hit!)
Damage 1 = 9

Attack 2 = 23 (DM rolls an 71 - hit!)
Damage 2 = 14

Attack 3 = 25 (DM rolls an 43 - miss!)
Damage 3 = 8 - moot

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.

Camalayas
------
Maintain Grapple CMB = 31 (beats CMD 22, success)
Action - Pins opponent
Special Rake Attk 1= 4dmg +2 flaming (Eberyon's Tear)
Special Rake Attk 2= 3dmg + 6 Frost (Eberyon's Tear)

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.

Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp)  d20+27=36 ; d20+22=24 ; d20+17=24 ; d10+12=16 ; d10+12=17 ; d10+12=16 ; d100=28 ; d100=28 ; d100=34 ; d100=14 ; d100=82 ;
Wednesday November 30th, 2022 3:05:42 PM

Trellus makes a motion, casting a Quickened spell.

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.

A Dark Threat (combat round 2) (DM Cayzle)  d100=50 ; d100=50 ; d100=27 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=12 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=19 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=29 ; d20+10=29 ; d100=65 ; d100=31 ; d6=3 ; d6=2 ; d20+11=24 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+10=21 ; d100=34 ; d100=21 ; d20+10=24 ; d100=64 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d20=4 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2022 12:27:38 AM


[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

Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp)  d100=72 ; d100=85 ; d100=57 ; d20+27=42 ; d20+22=40 ; d20+26=32 ; d20+17=33 ; d10+12=20 ; d10+12=17 ; d10+12=19 ; d10+12=13 ;
Thursday December 1st, 2022 2:13:25 PM

"I'm sorry, I can't help him," Trellus admits.

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.

A Dark Threat (combat round 3) (DM Cayzle)  d20+5=13 ; d100=22 ; d100=79 ; d100=73 ; d100=91 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=30 ; d20+10=22 ; 6d6+12=37 ; d100=59 ; d100=98 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+10=15 ; d6=4 ; d6=1 ; d100=88 ; d100=86 ; d20+10=11 ; d20+10=29 ; d6=2 ; d6=2 ; d20+16=21 ; d100=30 ; d100=19 ; d100=8 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+15=23 ;
Friday December 2nd, 2022 9:33:17 AM


[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')

Attack 1 = 37
crit 1 =19
Damage 1 = 10
crit damage = 15
50% miss roll=41

Attack 2 = 33
Damage 2 = 10
50% miss roll=74

Attack 3 = 32
Damage 3 = 9
50% miss roll=35



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."

A Dark Threat (combat round 4) (DM Cayzle)   d100=2 ; d100=44 ; d100=21 ; d20+20=31 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+10=21 ; 4d6+8=25 ; d100=71 ; d100=60 ; d20+10=26 ; d20+10=27 ; d100=36 ; d100=77 ; d100=18 ; 2d6+4=13 ; d4=1 ; d20+10=18 ; d100=5 ; d20+10=14 ; d100=63 ; d20+10=23 ; d100=92 ; d6=1 ; d6=2 ; d20+10=24 ; d100=77 ; d20+10=29 ; d100=2 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d20+10=29 ; d100=15 ; d20+10=13 ; d100=53 ; d100=48 ; d100=56 ; d20+16=30 ; 3d8+21=33 ;
Saturday December 3rd, 2022 4:26:21 PM


Last round:

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.

A Dark Threat (combat round 5) (DM Cayzle)  d100=19 ; d100=54 ; d100=65 ; d100=53 ; d100=12 ; d100=81 ; d100=13 ; d20+3=21 ; d20+3=7 ; d20+3=11 ; d20+3=21 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ; d100=10 ; d100=5 ; d100=34 ; d100=41 ; d100=93 ; d20+10=12 ; d100=25 ; d100=75 ; d20+10=17 ; d100=2 ; d100=34 ; d100=75 ; d20+10=23 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d100=47 ; d20+16=19 ;
Monday December 5th, 2022 10:55:33 PM


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 (AC20, HP46-12glyph=34) and Boyo the bunny (AC18, HP23) (Cayzle)  d20+5=11 ; d20+3=14 ; d8=4 ; d8=7 ; d8=1 ; d20+11=12 ; d20+8=24 ; d6=3 ;
Tuesday December 6th, 2022 11:11:01 PM


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!"

A Dark Threat (combat round 6) (DM Cayzle)  d20+27=39 ; d4=1 ; d100=99 ; d20+27=29 ; 4d6+21=35 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+3=4 ; d20+3=14 ; d20+3=23 ; d20+3=8 ; d20+3=12 ; d20+3=9 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+3=10 ; d20+3=11 ; d20+3=22 ; 6d6=16 ; d4=1 ; d20+10=29 ; d6=6 ; d6=6 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=11 ; d6=5 ; d6=4 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=16 ; d20+10=24 ; d20+10=19 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d20+24=32 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=3 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 12:14:03 AM


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.

Trellus AC39(T18,FF35), CMD 39, 176/176 hp)  d3=1 ; d100=91 ; d20+28=37 ; d10+13=22 ;
Wednesday December 7th, 2022 3:05:30 PM

"Again, anyone who needs healing or help, shout out," Trellus calls.

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')

Attack 1 = 24
Damage 1 = 8
50% miss roll=41

Attack 2 = 19
Damage 2 = 9
50% miss roll=96

Attack 3 = 32
crit = 21 (nat 1)
Damage 3 =8
50% miss roll=73

***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.

Attack 1 = 38
Crit = 23
Damage 1 = 10
crit damage=20
50% miss roll=71

Attack 2 = 29
Damage 2 = 9
50% miss roll=96

Attack 3 = 19
Damage 3 =9
50% miss roll=20

***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!"

In fact, she is looking very agitated...

Zazu & Boyo | Culverwood | Cayzle 
Tuesday December 13th, 2022 11:46:54 PM


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.

OOC
Level up complete

Zazu & Boyo | Culverwood | Cayzle  
Wednesday December 14th, 2022 6:41:50 PM


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.

Zazu & Boyo | Culverwood | Cayzle 
Tuesday December 20th, 2022 5:15:36 PM


"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 ...

::casting detect magic::
Know Nature 35
Spellcraft 21
Survival 14

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.

Wwwwwhhhhhoooooo iiiiisssssss iiiiitttttt? Wwwwhhhhhaaaaattt dddddooooooo yyyyyooooouuuuu wwwwaaaaannnnttttt?

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

Attack 1 = 28
Damage 1 = 15
Miss chance =70

Attack 2 = 31
Damage 2 = 17
Miss chance =25

Attack 3 = 32
Damage 3 = 14
Crit confrim= 21 +4=25
Crit Damage= 16
Miss chance =98

***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...

Roots and Vines


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday January 31st, 2023 7:58:46 PM

Once they have made it back to Freedom's landing, Panzer looks the village over, trying to see if they have made it in time.

DM Jon-Paul - Roots & Vines 
Tuesday January 31st, 2023 8:51:30 PM

Zazu avoids touching the dead thing, and indeed feels a little upset that friends spoke harshly like that. The elf is quiet on the way back home & worries about Beech's strong negative feelings toward the Culverwood.

Beech beings a calm rant about the Sorcerer bloodline that flows through his veins and how fire is a large part of that however diluted it might be. Also, he tries to determine the extent of shadow activities.

Sahabiel born and raised within the familiar landscape of the Culverwood, gives Zazu a nod. She then mulls over several topics on the way home, but what concerns her most has to do with the divination that was given to her, which explained their need at home.

Panzer looks the village over, trying to see if they have made it in time.

Upon arriving at Freedom's Landing, you discover that it is a lovely morning in mid-Spring when the day is shattered by screams coming from the river! You arrive to see hundreds of huge vines have sprung from the Lygn Bridge absolutely covering the Bridge and Quay from shore to shore in thick, writhing vines. What’s worse, several citizens are ensnared!

For those of you that have the specified skills...

Know Nature DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { The animated roots and vines are living and made of wood. }

Know Arcana DC 24 Highlight to display spoiler: { The effect is similar to a Black Tentacles spell! }

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=31 ;
Tuesday January 31st, 2023 9:00:57 PM

I know everyone here has a good heart, I'm not worried about that. But the Culverwood can be terrifying on a good day, I don't want to see what it's like if it's actively upset with us... though I suppose this darkness is exactly that.

As the approach the village Lothlo scans the village and the surrounding area for any signs something is wrong, or any unusual shadowy areas approaching the village.

Perception = 31

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+10=22 ; d20+4=18 ; d20+20=32 ;
Tuesday January 31st, 2023 9:07:53 PM

Naithi calls out The Roots and Vines appear to be made of living wood. From what I can tell it isn't sentient. (DM, please correct me if I'm wrong about not being sentient)

Knowledge Nature= 22
Knowledge Arcane= 18
Knowledge Nature to determine if it is sentient= 32

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 9:52:23 AM

Beech sees the vines, then sees some of the villagers and a couple he considers friends, he summons a flaming sphere (casts the spell) and then starts rolling it through the vine, next to the trapped people, trying to force the vines to retreat leaving the people alone...
"Get them out or it'll eventually kill them." He yells to the others, having taken no time in delaying in trying to assist...

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+4=13 ; d20+4=16 ;
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 2:12:46 PM

Does anyone have a plan before I charge in there? My first though would be to freeze it since it looks like it came up through the water, but I didn't prepare anything like that.

ooc: Ignore the rolls. I confused detect magic (core spell) with greater detect magic (not a core spell)



Panzer Braun (David F) AC 32 (T16, FF28) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 4:02:20 PM

OOC
How thick are these vines? Like pencil and broom handle thick or like arm and leg thick? Has it been more than three hours since the hound fight?
IC
Panzer understands what Naithi means but it doesn't stop him from running in anyway. He draws one of the adamantine kukri as he runs. ( Dunno if it'll be a double move or not, if it is that's his turn, if not) He tries to pull people free of the vines, cutting at the vines if he has to.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+5=23 ; d20+5=8 ; d20+20=34 ; d8+9=11 ;
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 7:16:20 PM

Remembering that the shadow hounds didn't like the cold iron, Lothlo find the nearest trapped citizen and and sends a cold iron arrow into the plant (and does so in a place that won't put the citizen at risk, and for all similar attacks in upcoming rounds will make sure no citizens are at risk)

Attack = 34
Damage = 11

knowledge arcana=23
knowledge nature = 8

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+8=10 ;
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 8:57:06 PM

Sahabiel is unsure if this mass of vines sprouting from their bridge can be considered proper plants, or whether this counts as one massive plant creature or many lesser ones, but she has seen stranger... and she tries to pick the vines holding the villagers as she casts Command Plants, because she would not forgive herself later if she didn't try despite her uncertainty and it later turned out that would have been the obvious solution.

Command Plants, CL8, affects up to 16HD of plant creatures, no two of which can be more than 30 foot apart. Target of the spell: the vines holding villagers captive. Just in case these things have SR I rolled a caster check above.

Sahabiel attempts to compel as many of these vines as will come under her influence, to safely let their captives go free - and ideally out of reach of unaffected vines.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 8:58:16 PM

Posting an attack now.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 8:58:16 PM

Posting an attack now.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+13=20 ; d6+4=10 ; d6+1=3 ; d6=3 ; d6=5 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 9:13:07 PM

As the others charge in without a plan Naithi and Camalayas join them in a unified attack

Hit AC 23 for 29 (8dmg are flaming from embryons tearss)

(I'm using the coordinated attack ability for Naithi and Camalayas. They share 1 attack roll and add both their damage together. +2 were added to my attack roll for Maab's gift and +1 for enhanced attack SU)



DM Jon-Paul - Roots & Vines  d20+10=12 ; d20+10=30 ; d6+4=8 ; d20+10=21 ; d6+4=9 ;
Wednesday February 1st, 2023 11:00:45 PM

Beech Beech sees the vines, then sees some of the villagers and a couple he considers friends, he summons a flaming sphere (casts the spell) and then starts rolling it through the vine, next to the trapped people, trying to force the vines to retreat leaving the people alone... "Get them out or it'll eventually kill them."

Naithi Does anyone have a plan before I charge in there? My first thought would be to freeze it since it looks like it came up through the water, but I didn't prepare anything like that.

Panzer Panzer understands what Naithi means but it doesn't stop him from running in any way. He draws one of the adamantine kukri as he runs. He tries to pull people free of the vines, cutting at the vines if he has to.

Lothlo Remembering that the shadow hounds didn't like the cold iron, Lothlo finds the nearest trapped citizen and sends a cold iron arrow into the plant.

Sahabiel Sahabiel is unsure if this mass of vines sprouting from their bridge can be considered proper plants, or whether this counts as one massive plant creature or many lesser ones, but she has seen stranger... and she tries to pick the vines holding the villagers as she casts Command Plants because she would not forgive herself later if she didn't try despite her uncertainty and it later turned out that would have been the obvious solution.

After searching his memories, Naithi realizes, these roots & vines are not in fact sentient. As Beech sends his flaming sphere around the roots & vines, although it appears to be affecting the mass, the mass takes no damage.

Panzer Braun realizes more than three hours have passed since embarking on the trek homeward from the Culverwoods. Anyone within sight of the Lygen Bridge can determine that these roots & vines are as thick as an arm & a leg. As you run into the Lygan bridge to free your townsfolk you are immediately attacked with a heavy vine, but due to your stature, it misses you. You can engage trying to free the townfolks next round.

Lothlo appears to have hit the vines Highlight to display spoiler: {but doesn't appear to have caused it any harm.}

Sahabiel casts her spell but the vines Highlight to display spoiler: { appear to ignore your spell. }

Naithi and Camalayas join their friends in a unified attack against the vines and are immediately attacked by vines. Naithi gets smacked & takes 8 points of damage. Camalayas also gets a similar vine to smack him(her?) & Camalayas takes 9 points of damage. Your unified attack against the vine(s) Highlight to display spoiler: { appears successful and it appears you may have hurt it. }

(OCC: Map to come tomorrow...family came over and prevented my cartography skills from firing.)

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+9=29 ; d20+9=24 ; 4d6=14 ; 4d6=17 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 12:29:09 AM


Boyo hops to within 30 ft of the plants. Zazu casts a scorching ray at the vines. The ranged touch attack hits touch AC 29. That's a crit threat, and the follow up hits touch AC 24. Damage, if I understand how it works correctly, is 14 fire damage plus an additional 17 fire damage from the crit.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  8d6=29 ; 3d6=10 ; d20+9=16 ; d6+4=7 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 1:04:06 PM

Beech directs the flaming Sphere into an area next to a trapped villager, and then points his finger towards the "roots" and unleashes a Acidic Ray (bloodline power)
"I can't drop a fireball, I can hit some friends that are trapped. Anyone able to do anything to plants directly, damage wise?"

Flaming Sphere damage 10
Acidic Ray AC 16 (touch) 7 Damage

ignore the 8d6 roll

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+7=8 ; d20+16=32 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 7:31:26 PM

Sahabiel sees the vines are not affected by her prayer at all. "Nothing, hm? Well, it was worth a try... I'm afraid every other thing I have in mind is going to be a bit harder."

She starts to look around for a better understanding of the situation. Lygen bridge is only so wide, and between the flaming sphere floating about, and Naithi and Panzer going in close while also Lothlo needs a clear line of sight, the half-elf does not feel that competing for space at the bridgehead is necessarily the best thing she could be doing right now.

Instead, she starts looking around for a spellcaster... the whole scene looks like these tentacles must have only just appeared as they were approaching the settlement, and done so suddenly enough to completely surprise those settlers. That sort of growth out of nowhere reeks of magic.. and she would be one to know, it being one of her own common tricks as well. A caster, or... some sign of what caused this, anything, might be very near still indeed! With a quick prayer to the Will of the Wood to help her recognize any possible sources of magic, she begins to look over the riverbed below the bridge, and the opposite bank.

Detect Magic in a 60' cone, concentration up to 8 minutes. Assisting skill checks are Passive Perception 17, Active Perception d20+7=8 (<10, no benefit from that) and Survival (tracking/recognizing hiding spots) d20+16=32

"...I certainly hope this is not some mistake by my leshy spirit friends...", she thinks to herself. Beech and Panzer were already suspicious enough of every plant trying to kill them.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 8:24:17 PM

ooc: Both Naithi and Camalayas are female. (Cuddly Mule, Fizgig the guard dog and Jen the Butler cat are male. Only Naithi and Camalayas are combatants though )

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Spiritual Sickle attack: d20+13=22 ; Damage if that hits: d8+1=3 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 8:25:51 PM

Nightingale had been running with her friends, but the screams, and then seeing the cause made her stop in her tracks. That the 'Wood would allow itself to be used in this way hurt her heart. Finally shaping out of her reverie, she dips into her magics and summons a ghostly/glowing sickle and sends it to attack the vines, close to one of the villagers (hopefully one who isn't near the ball of fire)

[Spiritual Hammer - BAB = 10+WIS = 13 to hit, Damage is D8+1 Force damage - lasts 4 rounds]

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+12=21 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+7=25 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+5=23 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+11=12 ; d4+11=14 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 8:33:54 PM

Panzer begins cutting his way towards freeing the closest of the trapped people. He is confident that his adamantine Kukri will make short work of the vines.
(all attacks are adamantine and magic except for the bite)
Main hand 1 hits AC 21 for 18 damage
Off hand 1 hits AC 16 for 18 damage
Main hand 2 hits AC 10 for 14 damage
Off hand 2 hits AC 25 and confirms to AC 19 for 28 damage
Bite.hits AC 23 for 14 damage
Once Panzer gets a person free he tells them to run back towards the rest of the group.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+18=24 ; d20+18=33 ; d20+13=19 ; d8+9=17 ; d8+9=10 ; d8+9=16 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 8:59:38 PM

I'm not sure how effective I'm being against this thing, any ideas?
Lothlo pulls out a handful of arrows and gives it one more try to see if his first shot just didn't do enough to have an affect. Otherwise he'll need to rethink his strategy.

Attack 1 = 24
Damage 1 = 17

Attack 2 = 33
Damage 2 = 10

Attack 3 = 19
Damage 3 = 16

***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


Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+13=30 ; d20+11=31 ; d20+11=14 ; d6+4=5 ; d6+1=7 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 9:08:45 PM

Naithi tells Camalayas to flank as both girls take a 5ft step in opposite directions to flank the vines. Still unsure how tough the vines are, the two limit themselves to one attack each in order to have the highest chances possible to penetrate the plants defenses. As they sink their teeth into the roots Naithi is pleased to discover a sweeter taste once she gets through the woody exterior.

Actions
Both Naithi and Camalayas take a 5ft step in opposite directions to flank.

Naithi
Hit AC 30 for 7 damage (2 are flaming from embryons tear)

Camalayas Hit AC 31, confirm crit = 14 for 11 dmg (4 flaming)



DM Jon-Paul - Roots & Vines 
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 9:50:11 PM

Zazu : Boyo hops to within 30 ft of the plants. Zazu casts a scorching ray at the vines. The ranged touch attack hits touch AC 29.

Beech directs the flaming Sphere into an area next to a trapped villager, and then points his finger towards the "roots" and unleashes an Acidic Ray (bloodline power)

Sahabiel sees the vines are not affected by her prayer at all. Instead, she starts looking around for a spellcaster...

Nightingale had been running with her friends, but the screams, and then seeing the cause made her stop in her tracks. That the 'Wood would allow itself to be used in this way hurt her heart. Finally shaping out of her reverie, she dips into her magics and summons a ghostly/glowing sickle, and sends it to attack the vines, close to one of the villagers (hopefully one who isn't near the ball of fire)

Panzer begins cutting his way toward freeing the closest of the trapped people. He is confident that his adamantine Kukri will make short work of the vines.

Lothlo says, "I'm not sure how effective I'm being against this thing, any ideas?" He then pulls out a handful of arrows and gives it one more try to see if his first shot just didn't do enough to have an effect. Otherwise, he'll need to rethink his strategy.

Naithi and Camalayas Naithi tells Camalayas to flank as both girls take a 5ft step in opposite directions to flank the vines. Still unsure how tough the vines are, the two limit themselves to one attack each in order to have the highest chances possible to penetrate the plant's defenses. As they sink their teeth into the roots Naithi is pleased to discover a sweeter taste once she gets through the woody exterior.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Everyone, please place yourselves on the map. This is my interpretation of the area; with some help.


Zazu sees the attack hit the Roots & Vines, but no visible damage from the scorching ray. No burnt smells either.

Beech watching how his flaming sphere is affecting the Roots & Vines is dismayed realizing that neither the flaming spehere nor the acidic ray appears to have had any effect.

Sahabiel perceives Highlight to display spoiler: {No matter damage or activity, there will always be just as many as there were before. Fighting, magic, or fire; that won’t be the way to clear the roots and vines!}

Nightingale sees his spiritual sickle affect the vines and cause damage as the vine he hits pulls back and raises upwards as if to slap you.

Panzer both hits the Roots & Vines and manages to free the person he was trying to rescue.

Lothlo discovers as if he was having Deja Vu, that his arrows have no effect on the Roots & Vines.

Naithi and Camalayas although they believe to have discovered a tasty treat, perceive that the Roots & Vines are not reacting to their bites.

HP Tracker
"Roots & Vines":: total damage received: -3, -18 & -29

The Roots & Vines do not attack this round.


Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+9=28 ; d4=1 ; d4=2 ; d4=4 ; d4=3 ;
Thursday February 2nd, 2023 10:39:45 PM


Zazu tries an Acid Arrow. Reading a scroll ... hits touch AC28. That's 3 damage from acid this round, and 7 more next. If it has any effect.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Friday February 3rd, 2023 12:51:41 AM

Seriously? Beech is a 5x5 on that map...

The scale & map will be fixed today after some buy-in by the PtB.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+12=27 ; d20+12=21 ; d20+12=19 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+7=9 ; d20+5=23 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+12=15 ; d4+11=15 ;
Friday February 3rd, 2023 10:28:54 AM

Panzer steps in among the vines and roots and keeps cutting his way towards people to get them free. He also watches as different people keep throwing the same elemental spells at the vines with null results. It seems that piercing weapons and so far all spells do not affect the vines and roots. Thankfully he and Naithi seem to have this in hand, so far.

Main hand 1 hits AC 27 and confirms to AC 21 for 18 damage, 36 damage if critical
Off hand 1 hits AC 19 for 15 damage
Main hand 2 hits AC 26 and confirms to AC 9 for 18 damage
Off Hand 2 hits AC 9 gonna go with this misses
Bite hits AC 23 for 15 damage

Do we know the plant AC yet?

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Friday February 3rd, 2023 12:59:08 PM

Nightingale will continue having her sickle attack the vines ...

OOC: Now, dumb question time, does she have to stay in once place while controlling the sickle, or can she move. The spell description doesn't really say ...

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+7=8 ; d20+16=36 ;
Friday February 3rd, 2023 1:24:39 PM

Sahabiel is looking at the mess of vines on the bridge, and her companions fighting it, with a pensive expression on her face as she makes sense of what she is seeing through magic sight. On top of why her attempt to control these things as if they were plants had no effect at all, a picture is forming in her mind.

Then she calls out to her companions, "If ya see yer chance to free the people being held, take it, but don't bother trying to cull or fight the vines otherwise.. I am starting to believe this is all one big area enchantment or something, there are just more spawned for any ya manage to cut, burn, or magic out of the lot -- ya are not going to win this one by attrition so don't wear out yer strength fighting an endless tide, safe some for when we find the source."

Holding her holy symbol for guidance, Sahabiel continues to survey the area around the bridge while keeping away from the tentacle vines...

Detect Magic continued from previous round, surveying for any magic that might be at the root of this. Supporting skills checks: Passive Perception 17, Active Perception d20+7 = 8 (again <10, she will have to continue to be methodical for the area because she certainly is not having any luck with spotting), Survival (tracking/identify likely hiding places) d20+16 = 36

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 68/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+13=18 ; d6+4=6 ; d6+1=6 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ;
Friday February 3rd, 2023 2:15:46 PM

Unsure why their coordinated attack worked but their bites did not, Naithi and Camalayas join together in another unified attack, charging another part of the roots.

Hit AC 21 for 20 (8dmg are flaming from embryons tears)

(I'm using the coordinated attack ability for Naithi and Camalayas. They share 1 attack roll and add both their damage together. +2 were added to my attack roll for Maab's gift and +1 for enhanced attack SU)


Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Friday February 3rd, 2023 2:45:48 PM

Naithi hears Sahabiel call out as the two charge (ooc: Our posts overlapped) and Naithi does as she says when choosing a location to attack.

HP updated as well

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Friday February 3rd, 2023 5:04:12 PM

Beech, just lets the sphere simmer, not giving it a command.
He moves up, He stows his bow and pulls out his rope of climbing. "Panzer, get over here and stop trying to fight it. I've got an idea. I know my ideas are dangerous, but what the heck."
He starts looking for friends in the close area, preferably 30-40' from where he's currently standing...

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Friday February 3rd, 2023 8:40:56 PM

I can come too, Beech, if it will help. My arrows aren't doing a thing to these plants.,


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet 
Friday February 3rd, 2023 8:57:28 PM

" I'm cutting folks loose before something bad happens. Use your plan with someone else til I get them all free. "

DM Jon-Paul - Roots & Vines  d20+10=20 ; d20+10=17 ; d20+10=21 ; d6+4=7 ;
Friday February 3rd, 2023 10:14:46 PM

Zazu : Zazu tries an Acid Arrow. Reading a scroll ... hits touch AC28. That's 3 damage from acid this round, and 7 more next. If it has any effect.

Panzer steps in among the vines and roots and keeps cutting his way towards people to get them free. He also watches as different people keep throwing the same elemental spells at the vines with null results. It seems that piercing weapons and so far all spells do not affect the vines and roots. Thankfully he and Naithi seem to have this in hand, so far.
I'm cutting folks loose before something bad happens. Use your plan with someone else til I get them all free.

Nightingale will continue having her sickle attack the vines ... (OOC: spell question)

Sahabiel is looking at the mess of vines on the bridge, and her companions fighting it, with a pensive expression on her face as she makes sense of what she is seeing through magic sight. On top of why her attempt to control these things as if they were plants had no effect at all, a picture is forming in her mind.

Then she calls out to her companions, "If ya see yer chance to free the people being held, take it, but don't bother trying to cull or fight the vines otherwise.. I am starting to believe this is all one big area enchantment or something, there are just more spawned for any ya manage to cut, burn, or magic out of the lot -- ya are not going to win this one by attrition so don't wear out yer strength fighting an endless tide, safe some for when we find the source."

Holding her holy symbol for guidance, Sahabiel continues to survey the area around the bridge while keeping away from the tentacle vines...

Naithi and Camalayas Unsure why their coordinated attack worked but their bites did not, Naithi and Camalayas joined together in another unified attack, charging another part of the roots.

Hit AC 21 for 20 (8dmg are flaming from embryon's tears) | Naithi hears Sahabiel call out as the two charges (ooc: Our posts overlapped) and Naithi does as she says when choosing a location to attack.

Beech Beech, just lets the sphere simmer, not giving it a command.
He moves up, stows his bow, and pulls out his rope of climbing. "Panzer, get over here and stop trying to fight it. I've got an idea. I know my ideas are dangerous, but what the heck."
He starts looking for friends in a close area, preferably 30-40' from where he's currently standing...

Lothlo I can come too, Beech, if it will help. My arrows aren't doing a thing to these plants.,

Everyone, please place yourselves on the map, if you haven't done so. Map has been updated.


Zazu sees the attack hit the vines & roots, but no visible damage from the acid arrow. No acrid smell either.

Panzer most of his hits connect into the vines and he manages to free the next person he was trying to rescue. Will careful mental analysis, you realize that Roots & Vine's AC is 16.

Beech letting his flaming sphere simmer down by not commanding it, gets an idea and jumps into action.

Sahabiel using her perception discovers Highlight to display spoiler: {that there are a total of 5 people grappled: 2 orphan orc teens, 2 fishermen, 1 hunter, and Town Councilman Tianna Nighttongue! Panzer has freed the two teens. You also become aware that the vines aren’t squeezing, only grappling and pinning those that were standing on the bridge when the vines appeared, you also become aware that the vines will defend by slapping anyone trying to break a vine or free a grappled person.}

Nightingale sees his spiritual sickle affect the vines and cause damage as the vine he hits pulls back and raises upwards as if to slap you again. (OOC: Yes, you may move around while concentrating on your sickle)

Lothlo stop the arrow attacks and joins his friend Beech.

Naithi and Camalayas coordinated attack manages to free the Town Councilman Tianna Nighttongue!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Roots & Vines attacks Panzer Braun during his attack on the Roots & Vines but misses. Roots & Vines attacks Nightingale and also misses. Lastly, the Roots & Vines attacks Naithi & Camalayas and manages to eke out a slap across Naithi's face, for 7 points of damage.

HP Tracker
"Roots & Vines":: total damage received: -3, -18 & -29, -12, -36, -15, -18

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+7=8 ; d20+6=15 ;
Saturday February 4th, 2023 10:32:15 AM


Well, no smell ... no effect ... maybe this is an illusion?

Zazu studies the thing carefully. He tries to figure out if it is an illusion. And as a wizard who loves illusions ...

Boyo tries too!

Zazu Will save: 8 with a natural 1!

Boyo Will save: 15

[[OOC: Zazu and Boyo are marked b/z on the map in pretty green.]]

=====

Saving Throws and Illusions (Disbelief): Creatures encountering an illusion usually do not receive saving throws to recognize it as illusory until they study it carefully or interact with it in some fashion. A successful saving throw against an illusion reveals it to be false, but a figment or phantasm remains as a translucent outline. A failed saving throw indicates that a character fails to notice something is amiss. A character faced with proof that an illusion isn't real needs no saving throw. If any viewer successfully disbelieves an illusion and communicates this fact to others, each such viewer gains a saving throw with a +4 bonus.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Saturday February 4th, 2023 1:54:30 PM

Nightingale wants to try and figure out where the base of the vines are, so that when her sickle vanishes she can summon a friend to attack the roots/base ... which frees her up to attack or use other spells

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Sunday February 5th, 2023 4:48:43 PM

Beech commands the rope to loop around one of his trapped friends, and also to one of the near by trees or buildings, then still holding it, he commands it to shorten, pulling the victim out... he hopes....

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+12=31 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=11 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+6=7 ; d3+15=16 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+12=15 ; d3+12=13 ; d3+12=14 ;
Monday February 6th, 2023 5:47:19 PM

Panzer continues his swath of vegetative destruction and advances another 5 feet, hacking and slashing his way to the next trapped person (how many are still trapped?)

Main hand 1 hits AC31 and confirms for 34 slashing, adamantite, magic damage
Off hand 1 hits AC 20 for 18 slashing, adamantite, magic damage
Main hand 2 hits AC 26 and does not confirm for 15 slashing, adamantite, magic damage
Off hand 2 hits AC 26 and confirms for 27 slashing, adamantite, magic damage
Bite Hits AC misses ... slashing, piercing, and blunt damage
As he cuts people free he urges them to leave the area of the bridge and get t safety.


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Monday February 6th, 2023 7:36:28 PM

Lothlo does his best to aid Beech in freeing the trapped townsperson.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday February 6th, 2023 9:12:02 PM

Sahabiel feels relieved as Panzer frees the two teens, and Naithi manages to free Tianna. That is already half the people she was aware of freed, leaving only two fishermen and one of the hunters trapped by the vines. Trapped.. but not, as far as she can tell, being harmed..?

"It is just... holding people. And slapping back when attacked or when someones tries to free the people stuck in it. Could this be less an attack and more a.. distraction?" With as many people as are in the crowd behind them now, drawn in by the shouting and fighting, she is sure there must be at least a few, if not most, of the settlement's designated guards in the crowd. "Guards! Ya fan out around the settlement to see if anything else is going on while we're all down here. Hunters and any members of the volunteer militia here, ya pair up with the guard, we'll need the numbers. Watch each other's back, I want two pairs of eyes at all the key patrol points in the settlement up to the perimeter, and every pair in line of sight of two others so none of ya can be taken without someone seeing. If ya find anything amiss, flag it down the lines of sight towards here to let us know!"

DM Jon-Paul - Roots & Vines  d20+10=30 ; d20+10=30 ; d6+4=8 ; d6+4=8 ; d20+10=11 ;
Monday February 6th, 2023 10:00:36 PM

Zazu wonders if this is an illusion. Zazu studies the thing carefully. He tries to figure out if it is an illusion. And as a wizard who loves illusions ...

Beech commands the rope to loop around one of his trapped friends, and also to one of the nearby trees or buildings, then still holding it, he commands it to shorten, pulling the victim out... he hopes...

Nightingale wants to try and figure out where the base of the vines are so that when her sickle vanishes she can summon a friend to attack the roots/base ... which frees her up to attack or use other spells

Sahabiel Sahabiel feels relieved as Panzer frees the two teens, and Naithi manages to free Tianna. That is already half the people she was aware of free, leaving only two fishermen and one of the hunters trapped by the vines. Trapped.. but not, as far as she can tell, being harmed..? "It is just... holding people. And slapping back when attacked or when someone tries to free the people stuck in it. Could this be less an attack and more a.. distraction?"

Lothlo Lothlo does his best to aid Beech in freeing the trapped townsperson.

Panzer continues his swath of vegetative destruction and advances another 5 feet, hacking and slashing his way to the next trapped person
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The Roots & Vines attack Panzer and succeed with a Critical hit & a confirmed Critical hit, slapping you across your head and dealing 16 points of blunt damage. When your headache dwindles you realize you released another trapped person.

The Roots & Vines then go to smack Lothlo but miss with a wide swing.

Beech Highlight to display spoiler: {Please roll your CMD & let me know what you get in a "Post Private to DMs".}

Zazu & Boyo Highlight to display spoiler: { Nope, It is not an illusion! }

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+21=26 ; d20+15=17 ;
Monday February 6th, 2023 10:47:50 PM


Zazu wonders if this IS a distraction? The elf circles around on Boyo, searching for any sign that there is more to fear. Who knows what might be going on while everybody is pruning this willful bush!

Perception
Zazu: 26
Boyo: 17 plus scent

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Monday February 6th, 2023 11:04:37 PM

Nightingale contiunes having her spiritual weapon attack (this is it's last turn) and she pulls out a wand, moving while looking for a good place near the roots to call her friend to attack

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 10:14:05 AM

Beech, if the magic rope doesn't work, will just keep watch...
Mean while, he commands the flaming sphere to move out over the river and just sit there...

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 85/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+12=13 ; d20+12=27 ; d20+12=28 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+6=7 ; d3+15=17 ; d3+15=18 ; d3+12=14 ; d3+12=15 ;
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 5:48:19 PM

Panzer is hit in the face by the thickest vine ever. He stands stunned for a second and then continues the carnage. Clearly the blow has affected his aim because he misses wildly twice.

Main hand 1 Misses
Off hand 1 hits and confirms to AC 28 for 35 slashing, adamantite, magic damage
Main hand 2 Hits AC 21 for 14 slashing, adamantite, magic damage
Off hand 2 hits for AC 21 15 slashing, adamantite, magic damage
Bite Misses

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 6:29:38 PM

Lothlo turns to one of the freed towns people
Quick, can you fill us in on what is going on here? Where is everyone else? Is this the only danger in town right now?

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 6:34:09 PM

Naithi calls everyone over as she does a tactical retreat. The citizens are free (if I'm reading this right). We should pull back for now. I'm not sure if this is a spell, controlled plant, or a sentient plant creature, but it is not hurting anyone. If we attack it wet may only be injuring ourselves and wasting our spells before a more serious enemy shows themselves.

That aside, we shouldn't use violence when it is not necessary. We should set an example and save that for resort.


Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 6:34:47 PM

Once Nightingale's sickle vanishes she uses her wand to summon a beautiful golden eagle who'll swoop down and try to attack the vines holding people

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+7=24 ; d20+16=31 ;
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 6:42:43 PM

ooc - Quick check - my assumption that there would be an alarmed crowd watching all this saw no response, so are there more people here, or only us and the ensnared people, with the rest of the townsfolk conspicuously absent?

After her rallying call to any guardsmen hopefully in range, Sahabiel resumes her surveying with Detect Magic... they have still not found what is causing these vines to sprout in the first place.

Could not find my usual minipicture, so marked Sahabiel on the map as SHB, Detect Magic range 60' active, Perception d20+7 = 24 (Finally!), and Survival (identify hiding spots) d20+16 = 31

DM Jon-Paul - Roots & Vines  d20+8=10 ; d20+10=25 ; d20+10=29 ; d6+4=7 ;
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 8:02:27 PM

Zazu & Boyo wonder if this IS a distraction. The elf circles around on Boyo, searching for any sign that there is more to fear. Who knows what might be going on while everybody is pruning this willful bush?

Nightingale continues having her spiritual weapon attack (this is its last turn) and she pulls out a wand, moving while looking for a good place near the roots to call her friend to attack. Once Nightingale's sickle vanishes she uses her wand to summon a beautiful golden eagle who'll swoop down and try to attack the vines holding people

Beech, if the magic rope doesn't work, will just keep watch... Meanwhile, he commands the flaming sphere to move out over the river and just sit there...

Panzer is hit in the face by the thickest vine ever. He stands stunned for a second and then continues the carnage. Clearly, the blow has affected his aim because he misses wildly twice.

Lothlo turns to one of the freed townspeople... Quick, can you fill us in on what is going on here? Where is everyone else? Is this the only danger in town right now?

Naithi and Camalayas calls everyone over as she does a tactical retreat. The citizens are free (if I'm reading this right). We should pull back for now. I'm not sure if this is a spell, a controlled plant, or a sentient plant creature, but it is not hurting anyone. If we attack it wet may only be injuring ourselves and wasting our spells before a more serious enemy shows itself.

That aside, we shouldn't use violence when it is not necessary. We should set an example and save that for the resort.

Sahabiel After her rallying call to any guardsmen hopefully in range, Sahabiel resumes her surveying with Detect Magic... they have still not found what is causing these vines to sprout in the first place.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Beech Highlight to display spoiler: { Your magic rope trick is successful. You have freed yet another townfolk.}

Sahabiel Highlight to display spoiler: { You are correct. The only other people here aside from you are the unfortunate people that just so happened to be on the bridge when this happened. The rest of the townsfolk are doing what the townsfolk normally do when not on the river or near it. Also, your Detect Magic range 60' active is giving a possible "ping" on something but you can't be sure. }

Panzer is a Glutton for punishment. The Roots & Vines attack and manages to slap Panzer for another 7 points of damage, but you freed the last of the trapped townfolk.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 62/87 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 8:11:42 PM

Hp adjusted

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday February 7th, 2023 10:32:10 PM


"Nope, nothing else around that I saw," says Zazu. "Not Boyo either!"

"Good work getting the people out of the bushes. Now what? Can anybody talk with plants?"

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20+8=20 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+8=10 ;
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 4:18:06 PM

"Well, fire isn't gonna clean up these plants, let me study them for a while...."
Beech will go through his skills, arcane and spellcraft wise as well as wracking his mind about dungeons and such as well.... He doubts he'll figure out anything, but it's his job as he sees it...

Know Arcana 20
Know Dungeoneering 15
Spellcraft 10

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 62/87 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 5:17:51 PM

Closer to the far side than the party side, Panzer continues on and cuts his way free on the other side of the river. Hearing Beech, he gathers a few samples as he cuts his way free. ( I didn't make rolls to keep going since there are no more NPCs to rescue. If they are needed LMK)

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 7:09:24 PM

Hmm, the townsfolk didn't really say much. Well, unless we think we have a brilliant idea for fighting this thing, attacking it further may be a fruitless effort.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 7:49:51 PM

"I.. think I've found something?!", Sahabiel says with sudden renewed energy in her voice. She moves 5' in the direction of what she thinks she saw (if possible), and continues to observe, giving her detection spell more time to pickup details now that she knows where to look. "Let me get a longer look, this detection method only gets so much at a glance..."

Second round of Detect Magic in the same place, to get a better reading of that aura.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 8:10:08 PM


Zazu tries to look where Sahabiel is indicating. The trickster uses ranged legerdemain to feel around over there.

DM Jon-Paul - Roots & Vines  d20+10=26 ;
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 9:02:03 PM

Zazu "Nope, nothing else around that I saw," says Zazu. "Not Boyo either!" "Good work getting the people out of the bushes. Now what? Can anybody talk with plants?" Zazu tries to look where Sahabiel is indicating. The trickster uses ranged legerdemain to feel around over there.

Beech "Well, fire isn't gonna clean up these plants, let me study them for a while...." Beech will go through his skills, arcane and spellcraft wise as well as wracking his mind about dungeons and such as well... He doubts he'll figure out anything, but it's his job as he sees it...

Lothlo Hmm, the townsfolk didn't really say much. Well, unless we think we have a brilliant idea for fighting this thing, attacking it further may be a fruitless effort.

Sahabiel "I.. think I've found something?!", Sahabiel says with sudden renewed energy in her voice. She moves 5' in the direction of what she thinks she saw (if possible), and continues to observe, giving her detection spell more time to pick up details now that she knows where to look. "Let me get a longer look, this detection method only gets so much at a glance..."

The second round of Detect Magic is in the same place, to get a better reading of that aura.


Panzer Closer to the far side than the party side, Panzer continues on and cuts his way free on the other side of the river. Hearing Beech, he gathers a few samples as he cuts his way free.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The Roots & Vines are doing its thing, just flailing its arms this way & that...

Try as he might, Zazu is just not close enough to feel anything...

Beech enters "Deep Think" to study what's at hand...

Lothlo seems to be at an impasse...stuck between logical constructs...

Sahabiel moves closer by 5' to hone in her skills...(have you moved your token closer or should I?)

Panzer cuts himself free but not before your pal tries another slap...and swings wide!

At this point, all the townsfolks have been extricated from the "Roots & Vines" Thingie. Have you learned anything from them, or just sent them on their way?

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Wednesday February 8th, 2023 11:32:13 PM

Naithi is glad Sahabiel is on to someone and quickly questions the villagers as she directly observes the direction in question.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Thursday February 9th, 2023 12:44:50 PM


Atop Boyo, Zazu moves up to Sahabiel (up to 140 ft with a double move).

"Here. let me feel around with my special invisible hand power," Zazu says.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Thursday February 9th, 2023 1:44:36 PM

Beech will use Detect Magic on the samples Panzer brings to him, and sees if he can figure out anything....

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 62/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=15 ;
Thursday February 9th, 2023 7:08:27 PM

Panzer looks warily at the bridge. The vines reminded him of a black tenatcles spell, which was a nasty piece of work. He was strong, but small, thus easier to ensnare, and he didn't want to test running back through it to rejoin his friends.
Equally bad, in his mind maybe worse, would be trying to swim the river to get back. If it grabbed him there somehow he might drown. He puts on his thinking face, similar to a badger with constipation, and suddenly has a thought.
" Hey, Beech! Can you toss me the end of that rope and haul me back when you get a minute? I'll look around over here until you have a chance."
Panzer looks for clues on his side of the river.
Perception 15

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=33 ;
Thursday February 9th, 2023 7:58:34 PM

Lothlo looks around for clues as to what caused these vines to appear and signs there is any additional danger.
Lothlo tries again to get information from the townspeople, perhaps now that they are free they will say something.
What happened here? Can you tell me what you know about the arrival of these vines? Is there any additional danger or strangeness that you saw? Any more unusual darkness in or around the town?

Perception = 33

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday February 9th, 2023 9:01:42 PM

ooc: The previous update gave me no results on my actions to base a new action on, so I can only continue to wait for the results of my second round of observing with Detect Magic?

Highlight to display spoiler: {My faux pa. Your spell detects the Presence of a magical aura. please tell me what you would have done knowing this.}

DM Jon-Paul | Combat Map 
Thursday February 9th, 2023 9:18:13 PM

Zazu Atop Boyo, Zazu moves up to Sahabiel. "Here. let me feel around with my special invisible hand power," Zazu says.
Beech will use Detect Magic on the samples Panzer brings to him, and sees if he can figure out anything....
Naithiis glad Sahabiel is on to someone and quickly questions the villagers as she directly observes the direction in question.
Lothlo looks around for clues as to what caused these vines to appear and signs there is any additional danger.
Lothlo tries again to get information from the townspeople, perhaps now that they are free they will say something.
What happened here? Can you tell me what you know about the arrival of these Roots & Vines?
Panzer looks warily at the bridge. The vines reminded him of a black tentacles spell, which was a nasty piece of work. He was strong but small, thus easier to ensnare, and he didn't want to test running back through it to rejoin his friends.
Equally bad, in his mind maybe worse, would be trying to swim the river to get back. If it grabbed him there somehow he might drown. He puts on his thinking face, similar to a badger with constipation, and suddenly has a thought.
" Hey, Beech! Can you toss me the end of that rope and haul me back when you get a minute? I'll look around over here until you have a chance."
Panzer looks for clues on his side of the river.

Beech Highlight to display spoiler: { your spell detects the Presence of magical auras on the plant pieces you are holding. How long do you wish to concentrate on the samples in your hand? }

Naithi Highlight to display spoiler: { Who do you question, and what do you ask of them? }

Panzer Braun perceives Highlight to display spoiler: {No matter damage or activity, there will always be just as many as there were before. Fighting, magic, or fire; that won’t be the way to clear the roots and vines! }

Lothlo Highlight to display spoiler: { As you question the townsfolks, you manage to notice there is a head-sized seed pulsing in the middle of the bridge & that there is a red stone shard in the head-sized seed. You also catch out of the corner of your eye, one of the townsfolk; the hunter; is not keen on answering your questions or anyone else's and is doing his best not to draw attention to himself. }

Sahabiel is concentrating on her spell to decypher what is at the heart of this "Thing". Highlight to display spoiler: { During the second round of your Detect Magic Spell you know that there is one aura and the power of the aura is a most potent aura & is Overwhelming}

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Thursday February 9th, 2023 10:23:27 PM


Zazu keeps on poking around with his invisible magic fingers. "Usually I can feel at least a little bit through this trick of mine," the trickster says.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Friday February 10th, 2023 3:30:51 PM

Once the vines are done attacking the townsfolk, Nightingale will see to who needs healing and may be more injured than her magics can heal

OOC: I know I made postings on the computer at work, but I don't see them, sigh

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Friday February 10th, 2023 3:57:37 PM

Naithi begins asking the locals about the recent paranormal events that caused giant roots and vines to come to life and tackle people. She asks "Did anyone see how this started? Where did the plants cube from? Was there and castings, singing, music, etc?

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Friday February 10th, 2023 5:47:37 PM

"There is something there. I can see the aura.. it is a strong one... more than strong, overwhelming."

Sahabiel will rally her allies to join her in closing in on the source of this aura.

This is the third round of her spell, so she should get an exact location now. I just haven't heard where that is yet.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 62/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=21 ;
Friday February 10th, 2023 6:05:37 PM

Panzer looks around on his side of the river for any more clues as to where this plant monster came from. He looks for tracks, dropped items, hidden casters,and spooky totems that might be used to summon the wrath of the Culverwood.
Perception 21


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+5=9 ; d20+3=20 ;
Friday February 10th, 2023 8:47:40 PM

Lothlo notices something odd out of the corner of his eye.
Okay, looks like there isn't much going on then. Hey guys, gather round lets quickly debrief and head out.

When the group close he lets the group know what he spotted.

Don't look, I think something may be watching us and the towns people seem to be wary of it. There is a pulsing seed about the size of a head in the middle of the bridge. It looks like there is a red stone shard in the seed. The hunter in particular seems to be trying to avoid it's attention, so it's likely something a big enough threat that we need to treat it with caution.

Lothlo tries to figure out what the strange seed he saw might be.
knowledge arkcana = 9
knowledge plains = 20

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Friday February 10th, 2023 9:24:48 PM

Beech will concentrate on the plant part again... He wants to know what it is he's sensing....

DM Jon-Paul | Combat Map  d6=4 ; d20=1 ; d6=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=4 ; d6=5 ; d6=3 ; d6=4 ;
Friday February 10th, 2023 10:14:37 PM

Zazu keeps on poking around with his invisible magic fingers. "Usually I can feel at least a little bit through this trick of mine," the trickster says.
Beech will concentrate on the plant part again... He wants to know what it is he's sensing...
Naithi begins asking the locals about the recent paranormal events that caused giant roots and vines to come to life and tackle people. She asks "Did anyone see how this started? Where did the plants' cube from? Were there any castings, singing, music, etc?
Nightingale Once the vines are done attacking the townsfolk, Nightingale will see to who needs healing and may be more injured than her magic can heal.
Sahabiel "There is something there. I can see the aura.. it is a strong one... more than strong, overwhelming." Sahabiel will rally her allies to join her in closing in on the source of this aura.
Lothlo Lothlo notices something odd out of the corner of his eye. Okay, looks like there isn't much going on then. Hey guys, gather around let's quickly debrief and head out.

When the group close he lets the group know what he spotted.

Don't look, I think something may be watching us, and the townspeople seem to be wary of it. There is a pulsing seed about the size of a head in the middle of the bridge. It looks like there is a red stone shard in the seed. The hunter in particular seems to be trying to avoid its attention, so it's likely something a big enough threat that we need to treat it with caution.

Lothlo tries to figure out what the strange seed he saw might be.

Panzer looks around on his side of the river for any more clues as to where this plant monster came from. He looks for tracks, dropped items, hidden casters, and spooky totems that might be used to summon the wrath of the Culverwood.

The Roots & Vines thingie is still doing its flaying-in-the-air movement, but not actively reaching for anyone outside of its circular control. All but the hunter returns back to the village. The hunter looks nervous about something but is not forthcoming about it.

Zazu Highlight to display spoiler: { Your magic hand feels the Roots & Vines and they get more tangled as your reach moves towards the center of the bridge. }

Beech Highlight to display spoiler: { your spell detects one magical aura on the plant pieces you are holding. You "feel" its aura could last at least 4 days. }

Naithi Highlight to display spoiler: { Most of the townsfolks you question don't know much except that they were crossing the bridge when this thingie grabbed them and grappled them. One of the townfolks, the hunter, definitely knows something, but what it is, you don't know, but he's hiding something...maybe he's waiting for a more direct question? }

Nightingale, two of the townsfolks are unhurt physically, just shaken up. Nothing a good hot toddy couldn't fix. The others have minor scraps and bruises from being grappled.

Sabahiel Highlight to display spoiler: { Your detect Magic spell indicated the magic aura to be dab smack in the middle of the bridge & its strength is overwhelming }

Panzer Braun Highlight to display spoiler: { notices there is a head-sized seed pulsing in the middle of the bridge & that there is a red stone shard in the head-sized seed. }

Lothlo Highlight to display spoiler: { Neither of your skills leads you any closer to decyphering what the shard might be. }

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Amount healed: 2d6=8 ;
Saturday February 11th, 2023 5:57:23 PM

Nightingale will gather her friends and townsfolk that are injured, even if minimally and channel healing, which is recognized by the smell of fresh cut grass

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Sunday February 12th, 2023 2:29:21 PM

Beech shouts out what he's discovered, but continues with the Detect Magic to see if more is figured out...
"Not sure exactly yet, but this will be here at least 4 days as it is."

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Monday February 13th, 2023 12:58:29 PM

Since Nightingale has townsfolk around her she'll go ahead and ask the million gold piece question, "Did someone or something drop whatever that is on the bridge, or did someone from our home place it there?"

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+12=23 ; d8=2 ;
Monday February 13th, 2023 1:48:11 PM

Panzer pulls out his wand and tries to heal himself.
UMD 23
CLW for 3 damage
Panzer frowns, clearly not getting the healing he was hoping for out of the wand. He puts it away and begins to psych himself up for the next thing that has come to his mind to rid the village of this growth, removing the head.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday February 13th, 2023 7:48:55 PM

Sahabiel clears her throat and calls out a warning to all her companions and allies in earshot.

"Eh.. do I need to emphasize that the overwhelming magical aura I am reading from that thing in the middle of the bridge is at the power of a divine artifact? I've never seen anything detect this strong, and I've grown up in a more eldritch place than but a few of ya. I.. strongly suggest that the next thing ya try, ya do with some coordinated plan, because this is no trifle for anyone on their own to be messing around with! I do not want anyone even trying to touch that without some wards on them, because the magic on that thing may be stronger than ya in so many ways..!"

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Monday February 13th, 2023 8:18:09 PM

Naithi changes her tactic. What did you see and hear right before the attack?

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Monday February 13th, 2023 8:22:24 PM

Lothlo talks softly with his friends and avoids making any gestures that would indicate he's aware of the thing on the bridge.
We should ask that hunter if anyone messed with the thing on the bridge earlier and what exactly happened... and if we need to make sure the townspeople have left the area before we plan our next move.

DM Jon-Paul | Combat Map 
Monday February 13th, 2023 9:41:53 PM

Beech shouts out what he's discovered, but continues with the Detect Magic to see if more is figured out..."Not sure exactly yet, but this will be here at least 4 days as it is."

Naithi changes her tactic. What did you see and hear right before the attack?

Nightingale will gather her friends and townsfolk that are injured, even if minimally, and channel healing, which is recognized by the smell of fresh-cut grass, Since Nightingale has townsfolk around her she'll go ahead and ask the million gold piece question, "Did someone or something drop whatever that is on the bridge, or did someone from our home place it there?"

Sahabielclears her throat and calls out a warning to all her companions and allies in earshot.

"Eh.. do I need to emphasize that the overwhelming magical aura I am reading from that thing in the middle of the bridge is at the power of a divine artifact? I've never seen anything detect this strong, and I've grown up in a more eldritch place than but a few of ya. I.. strongly suggest that the next thing ya try, ya do with some coordinated plan because this is no trifle for anyone on their own to be messing around with! I do not want anyone even trying to touch that without some wards on them, because the magic on that thing may be stronger than ya in so many ways..!"

Lothlo talks softly with his friends and avoids making any gestures that would indicate he's aware of the thing on the bridge.
We should ask that hunter if anyone messed with the thing on the bridge earlier and what exactly happened... and if we need to make sure the townspeople have left the area before we plan our next move.

Panzer pulls out his wand and tries to heal himself. UMD 23; CLW for 3 damage. Panzer frowns, clearly not getting the healing he was hoping for out of the wand. He puts it away and begins to psych himself up for the next thing that has come to his mind to rid the village of this growth, removing the head.

Beech, Highlight to display spoiler: { during the next round of your cast spell Detect Magic you do not learn anything more than what is already known. What you discover in your second round, there is but one aura, and its power is OverWhelming.}

Naithi listens to the townsfolk all say the same thing, "walking across the bridge back to the village we heard what we usually hear nothing different, except perhaps a jovial and over-enthusiastic Hunter coming back from his sojourn." All but one that is, the hunter, who says nothing unless asked the right questions.

Nightingale, with her deliberate, direct, and somewhat rather blunt question asked of the gathered townfolks, the hunter finally speaks. "Myyy name is Whihl." Whihl, admits he found it on his hunt last night and was bringing it as a cool trophy when he dropped it on the bridge and the vines erupted everywhere.


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 13th, 2023 9:43:13 PM

" I have no idea what kind of ward you have in mind, but I aim to deal with that bud and gem as if it were the head of any other opponent. Remove the head and the body ought to stop moving around and causing trouble."
"So if you want to throw any spells at me for protection it would be a good idea to start tossing 'em."


Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Monday February 13th, 2023 11:40:45 PM


"Huh, well, whatever it was that Whihl found and dropped, it is definitely the thing that is at the heart of it. I just wish we could talk to it or make friends somehow. We could use a plant guardian, a friendly one!"

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 11:02:21 AM

Beech turns on the hunter...."Did you drop it for a reason, any reason at all. or was it accidental? It makes a serious difference. I'm not accusing you of placing it, but if it shook, twitched or anything at all. If you slipped, which I know is somewhat common on the wood, just know I don't think it's your fault. And how far away from here did you find it?"
Right this moment, Beech doesn't think the hunter did this on purpose, but evidence could change that....

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Channel Healing: 2d8=6 ;
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 6:09:00 PM

Nightingale sees Panzer's attempt to heal himself, and calls on Queen Maab again to help him along

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+3=18 ;
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 6:58:28 PM

OoC
Panzer isn't sure where Nightengale is, what with all the plant life flailing around in front of him. Is she close enough to channel energy on him? should he have taken the heal from before?
IC
Panzer pauses as some of his friends mention that it might be dangerous and that he shouldn't go near the pod thing without being 'protected'. He mostly agrees, it is dangerous and if it is as powerful as they are saying then it might well be fatal. But what kind of protection would help him? The vines are having a rough time hitting him now and the vines have shown no proclivity towards elemental damage....
He squares his shoulders and tumbles out into the vines, trying to not give the vines a good target to swing at (trying to avoid AoO)
Acrobatics 18
he puts away his off hand weapon as he rolls and hopes to end his move in the midst of the bridge next to the flower pod thing.

OoC2
Allowing the DM to place him because an AoO might stop his move and Panzer's player isn't sure jst which square to be in to be near the pod.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 6:58:33 PM

Sahabiel attempts to dissuade Panzer from doing anything impetuous... "I do have a few blessings prepared to give out today that I could place on ya - but once I do, ya'd be on a timer before the powers imbued would run their course. Our companions are still gathering information and these vines do not appear to be going anywhere right now... why not wait at least until ya know what they know, before trying to wade into the thickest and most impenetrable of this thicket of vines? While observing the magical auras on the bridge, I happened to see one of Zazu's magics trying to make its way through, and I don't think that worked out too well or they'd have mentioned it already?"

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 7:37:17 PM

ooc: Late post tight. It was parent teacher conference day.

Naithi turns to the group and calls to the citizens, Does anyone have a bag of holding, pants of pleasant, or portable hole I can use. I promise I'll pass you a fair price for it. I may be able to suppress the vines with it.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 8:58:06 PM

Pant's of pleasant or plenty? I'm wearing a very stylish pair, but there is no chance that thing will fit through the pockets, unless you have some clever plan.

DM Jon-Paul | Combat Map  d20+10=12 ; d100=37 ; d20=3 ;
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 9:35:51 PM

Zazu "Huh, well, whatever it was that Whihl found and dropped, it is definitely the thing that is at the heart of it. I just wish we could talk to it or make friends somehow. We could use a plant guardian, a friendly one!"

Beech turns on the hunter...."Did you drop it for a reason, any reason at all? or was it accidental? It makes a serious difference. I'm not accusing you of placing it, but if it shook, twitched, or anything at all. If you slipped, which I know is somewhat common on the wood, just know I don't think it's your fault. And how far away from here did you find it?"
Right this moment, Beech doesn't think the hunter did this on purpose, but evidence could change that...

Naithi turns to the group and calls to the citizens, Does anyone have a bag of holding, pants of the pleasant, or portable hole I can use? I promise I'll pass you a fair price for it. I may be able to suppress the vines with it.

Nightingale sees Panzer's attempt to heal himself and calls on Queen Maab again to help him along

Sahabielattempts to dissuade Panzer from doing anything impetuous... "I do have a few blessings prepared to give out today that I could place on ya - but once I do, ya'd be on a timer before the powers imbued would run their course. Our companions are still gathering information and these vines do not appear to be going anywhere right now... why not wait at least until ya know what they know, before trying to wade into the thickest and most impenetrable of this thicket of vines? While observing the magical auras on the bridge, I happened to see one of Zazu's magics trying to make its way through, and I don't think that worked out too well or they'd have mentioned it already?"

Lothlo Pants of pleasant or plenty? I'm wearing a very stylish pair, but there is no chance that thing will fit through the pockets unless you have some clever plan.

Panzer has no idea what kind of ward you have in mind, but I aim to deal with that bud and gem as if it were the head of any other opponent. Remove the head and the body ought to stop moving around and causing trouble." "So if you want to throw any spells at me for the protection it would be a good idea to start tossing 'em."

Panzer pauses as some of his friends mention that it might be dangerous and that he shouldn't go near the pod thing without being 'protected'. He mostly agrees, it is dangerous and if it is as powerful as they are saying then it might well be fatal. But what kind of protection would help him? The vines are having a rough time hitting him now and the vines have shown no proclivity towards elemental damage...
He squares his shoulders and tumbles out into the vines, trying to not give the vines a good target to swing at (trying to avoid AoO)
He puts away his offhand weapon as he rolls and hopes to end his move in the midst of the bridge next to the flower pod thing.

Whihl, in a sheepish way, explains to Mr. Beech, "he found it on a little island in the only pond in his hunting grounds. As far as why this happened, I dropped the shard of red stone as I was daydreaming while walking...as you know the wood a slippery and not being focused on my sojourn...I lost my grip on it. It fell & *Poof* instant Roots & Vines everywhere! Before you bother asking, I will not lead you back under any circumstance! I have had more than anyone's fair share of excitement over this Trophy!"

The townfolks turn to listen to Ms. Naithi ask for a magical device..but none answer her call.

Lothlo almost laughs at Naithi's suggestion, simply because the object is larger than the Pants!

As Panzer Braun enters into the area controlled by the Roots & Vines Thingie, the Thingie attacks by making a swing at Panzer. The swing is far off its mark and misses Panzer. Panzer, with his amazing Beastfolk skills of Acrobatics, makes it to the same area as the red stone shard in the head-sized seed is occupying.



Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20=18 ;
Tuesday February 14th, 2023 10:09:33 PM


Zazu watches from 30 ft away and tries to help Panzer with tugging up the shard with ranged legerdemain.

Aid Another roll d20 = 18

"He's very brave," Zazu says to Sahabiel, indicating Panzer.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 1:00:15 AM

"I'm sure we can find the pond, as long as you point us in the right direction, when we have time. Just stay back and please stay safe."

Not sure just what to do, Beech takes a hold of the rope of climbing and directs it to reach towards Panzer.

Overhearing Zazu, "No, not brave, just fool hardy enough to do something very stupid. Of course, fool hardy and brave are easily mistaken for one another, because the person being described is doing something that fits the bill ..."

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 10:19:17 AM


"OOH! Magic rope is a great idea! Here, use my immovable rod as an anchor for one end, if you like!"

Zazu activates the item so Beech can tie it to one end for safety. Or simply use it as a pulley.

"Hmmm," the trickster murmurs, "I could buy a block and tackle and use that and the rod to lift really heavy things ..."

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+14=18 ; d3=2 ; d20+11=19 ;
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 4:51:06 PM

Panzer hears both comments and whispers " I'm siding with stupid but necessary"
Panzer squares up with the plant pod and aims as carefully as he can. Then he slashes at the stem just below the pod, trying to sever it.
Hits AC 18 for 17 damage (adamantine, magic slashing)
He then tries to catch the pod as it falls (Zazu's aid seems to fit here so...) hitting AC 19, touch I guess, to do so.
He then tucks it under his arm like a wide receiver and prepares to get out of the plants next round.


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 6:21:30 PM

As it turns out Panzer is heading in to take hold of the stone fragment anyway, Sahabiel will at least cast Protection From Evil on him. She is not nearly as worried about the vines bodily attacking him, as she is about the fact that Panzer is about to physically touch an activated artifact radiating with magic at a godlike intensity! Then again, it doesn't look like it did much harm to that hunter... but of course that was before it was active.

She also makes a mental note to herself that if in the future she creates any magical items, they should require a command word before something like this could happen from just dropping it...

Action: Cast Protection From Evil on Panzer before he disappears into the vines

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+17=22 ; d20+17=36 ; d20+12=26 ; d8+8=14 ; d8+8=13 ; d8+8=14 ; d20+21=23 ; 2d8+8=20 ;
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 8:05:28 PM

Looks like we're doing this.
Lothlo checks if he has a clear shot at the shard, knowing he can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty should he see an opening.

Attack 1 = 22
Damage 1 = 14

Attack 2 = 36
Damage 2 = 13
crit confirmation= 23
crit damage = 20

Attack 3 = 26
Damage 3 = 14

***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 rolls to confirm crits.
"
-Trick shots available: Disarm Trick, Ricochet Trick, Staple Trick, Slice Trick, Sunder Trick, Grapnel Trick

Consumables Tracking:
0 arrows, 0 hero points


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 9:43:01 PM

" For Eberyon's sake I'm NOT trying to BREAK it just DETACH it. Stand down!"

DM Jon-Paul | Post-Combat Map  d20=6 ; d100=94 ;
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 10:45:40 PM

Zazu watches from 30 ft away and tries to help Panzer with tugging up the shard with ranged legerdemain. Zazu sends aid to Panzer, and then says, "He's very brave," Zazu says to Sahabiel, indicating Panzer."OOH! The magic rope is a great idea! Here, use my immovable rod as an anchor for one end, if you like!" Zazu activates the item so Beech can tie it to one end for safety. Or simply use it as a pulley.

Beech"I'm sure we can find the pond, as long as you point us in the right direction when we have time. Just stay back and please stay safe." Not sure just what to do, Beech takes a hold of the rope of climbing and directs it to reach Panzer. Overhearing Zazu, "No, not brave, just foolhardy enough to do something very stupid. Of course, foolhardy and brave are easily mistaken for one another, because the person being described is doing something that fits the bill ..."

Sahabiel As it turns out Panzer is heading in to take hold of the stone fragment anyway, Sahabiel will at least cast Protection From Evil on him. She is not nearly as worried about the vines bodily attacking him, as she is about the fact that Panzer is about to physically touch an activated artifact radiating with magic at a godlike intensity! Then again, it doesn't look like it did much harm to that hunter... but of course, that was before it was active.

Lothlo Looks like we're doing this. Lothlo checks if he has a clear shot at the shard, knowing he can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty should he see an opening.

Panzer hears both comments and whispers " I'm siding with stupid but necessary". He then squares up with the plant pod and aims as carefully as he can. Then he slashes at the stem just below the pod, trying to sever it.

He then tries to catch the pod as it falls and if successful will tuck it under his arm like a wide receiver and prepares to get out of the plants next round. "

For Eberyon's sake I'm NOT trying to BREAK it just DETACH it. Stand down!"


Zazu using his immovable rod as an anchor for Beech's rope trying to aid Panzer, coupled with protective spells from Sahabiel, has half of the team working together to retrieve a stone shard from the center of the bridge. Panzer takes a more direct route and tumbles right next to it while avoiding the typical Root & Vine Slap!

With all the support for Panzer that his teammates are providing, Panzer manages to sever the head-sized seed pulsing in the middle of the bridge on the Roots & Vines thingie along with the red stone shard which appears embedded in the seed. Panzer also manages to see Lothlo in his peripheral vision aiming in his direction with his weapon! To which Panzer immediately issues a directive towards Lothlo: For Eberyon's sake I'm NOT trying to BREAK it just DETACH it. Stand down!"

Meanwhile, as our group is busy retrieving items from the bridge, one of the two bards on the Council has overheard about the ruckus on the bridge from the townsfolks freed. The bard that arrives at the bridge raises the possibility that the red stone shard is a remnant of the SAAR!

DM Jon-Paul | Post-Combat Map  d20=6 ; d100=94 ;
Wednesday February 15th, 2023 10:45:40 PM

Zazu watches from 30 ft away and tries to help Panzer with tugging up the shard with ranged legerdemain. Zazu sends aid to Panzer, and then says, "He's very brave," Zazu says to Sahabiel, indicating Panzer."OOH! The magic rope is a great idea! Here, use my immovable rod as an anchor for one end, if you like!" Zazu activates the item so Beech can tie it to one end for safety. Or simply use it as a pulley.

Beech"I'm sure we can find the pond, as long as you point us in the right direction when we have time. Just stay back and please stay safe." Not sure just what to do, Beech takes a hold of the rope of climbing and directs it to reach Panzer. Overhearing Zazu, "No, not brave, just foolhardy enough to do something very stupid. Of course, foolhardy and brave are easily mistaken for one another, because the person being described is doing something that fits the bill ..."

Sahabiel As it turns out Panzer is heading in to take hold of the stone fragment anyway, Sahabiel will at least cast Protection From Evil on him. She is not nearly as worried about the vines bodily attacking him, as she is about the fact that Panzer is about to physically touch an activated artifact radiating with magic at a godlike intensity! Then again, it doesn't look like it did much harm to that hunter... but of course, that was before it was active.

Lothlo Looks like we're doing this. Lothlo checks if he has a clear shot at the shard, knowing he can shoot ranged weapons at opponents in melee without penalty should he see an opening.

Panzer hears both comments and whispers " I'm siding with stupid but necessary". He then squares up with the plant pod and aims as carefully as he can. Then he slashes at the stem just below the pod, trying to sever it.

He then tries to catch the pod as it falls and if successful will tuck it under his arm like a wide receiver and prepares to get out of the plants next round. "

For Eberyon's sake I'm NOT trying to BREAK it just DETACH it. Stand down!"


Zazu using his immovable rod as an anchor for Beech's rope trying to aid Panzer, coupled with protective spells from Sahabiel, has half of the team working together to retrieve a stone shard from the center of the bridge. Panzer takes a more direct route and tumbles right next to it while avoiding the typical Root & Vine Slap!

With all the support for Panzer that his teammates are providing, Panzer manages to sever the head-sized seed pulsing in the middle of the bridge on the Roots & Vines thingie along with the red stone shard which appears embedded in the seed. Panzer also manages to see Lothlo in his peripheral vision aiming in his direction with his weapon! To which Panzer immediately issues a directive towards Lothlo: For Eberyon's sake I'm NOT trying to BREAK it just DETACH it. Stand down!"

Meanwhile, as our group is busy retrieving items from the bridge, one of the two bards on the Council has overheard about the ruckus on the bridge from the townsfolks freed. The bard that arrives at the bridge raises the possibility that the red stone shard is a remnant of the SAAR!

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Thursday February 16th, 2023 6:26:57 AM

Attaching one end to the rod is easy enough, "What the Heck is a SAAR?" Beech has no clue, but is too busy to concentrate on too many things...
If Panzer is successful, Beech will have the rope attach to him and shorten, pulling him towards the group. If he is not, Beech watches and readies to as above....

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:09:54 AM

After channeling several times, Nightingale catches her breath and murmurs prayers that Panzer won't get eaten by the plant, then cheers when he has the seed or whatever in his hands

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+3=15 ;
Thursday February 16th, 2023 3:51:22 PM

OOC
It is not clear if Panzer has the pod or if it is at his feet....

IC
(If Panzer has the pod)
Panzer cradles the pod in his off hand and tucks it tight against his chest, he then rushes for the other side (party side) of the bridge.
Acrobatics 15

(If Panzer does NOT have the pod)
Panzer leans down and scoops up the pod and then tries to scamper off of the bridge.
Acrobatics 15

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday February 16th, 2023 4:19:22 PM

Sahabiel grins as she sees Panzer weave his way through the vines like a.. ah.. well, like a badger through undergrowth, and then successfully get a hold of seed and shard, severing them from the root and vines. She watches with great interest to see what effect this will have on the vine tentacles now that their source is no longer in contact with the surface of the bridge.

She does hear some commotion behind her, and someone saying something about SAAR -- and while she is curious to hear more about that, she is not taking her eyes of Panzer until he is safely back.

Spells in effect: Detect Magic

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Thursday February 16th, 2023 6:14:00 PM

Lothlo heeds Panzer's words and stands down.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20=14 ;
Thursday February 16th, 2023 7:05:31 PM


Zazu's knowledge check regarding the Saar shard ... raw roll of 14 means a 26 arcana, 25 nature, or 19 untrained for everything else.

"Did I hear something about that?" Zazu tries to recall.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:20:50 PM

Naithi watches closely, holding an action to charge in and help him should something bad happen.



DM Jon-Paul | Post-Combat Map 
Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:41:50 PM

Zazu's knowledge check regarding the Saar shard ... a raw roll of 14 means a 26 arcana, 25 nature, or 19 untrained for everything else.
"Did I hear something about that?" Zazu tries to recall.

Beech Attaching one end to the rod is easy enough, "What the Heck is a SAAR?" Beech has no clue but is too busy to concentrate on too many things...
If Panzer is successful, Beech will have the rope attached to him and shortened, pulling him toward the group. If he is not, Beech watches and readies to as above...

Nightingale After channeling several times, Nightingale catches her breath and murmurs prayers that Panzer won't get eaten by the plant, then cheers when he has the seed or whatever in his hands

Sahabiel grins as she sees Panzer weave his way through the vines like a.. ah.. well, like a badger through the undergrowth, and then successfully get a hold of seed and shard, severing them from the root and vines. She watches with great interest to see what effect this will have on the vine tentacles now that their source is no longer in contact with the surface of the bridge.

She does hear some commotion behind her, and someone saying something about SAAR -- and while she is curious to hear more about that, she is not taking her eyes off Panzer until he is safely back.

Lothlo heeds Panzer's words and stands down.

Panzer cradles the pod in his offhand and tucks it tight against his chest, he then rushes for the other side (party side) of the bridge.

Naithi watches closely, holding an action to charge in and help him should something bad happen.

Having successfully cut the head-sized seed with a red stone shard from the center of the Roots & Vine thingie seems like everyone is waiting for the thingie to stop, fall lifeless, or to deactivate, but it's still there. Panzer weaves and zags as no other can eventually arrive to the party side of the bridge.

Try as the group has, it is the town council Bard that fills in the missing blanks for the group...

...this red stone shard must be linked to the Change aspect of the SAAR, an immortal power of the Southern Continent. When it was born several years ago, the lands were rained with red shards. All were supposed to be gone when the heroes of the Wold went to the Sargrass and defeated the warped SAAR; this one must have been stuck for all that time!



Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Friday February 17th, 2023 11:07:49 AM

"The Change aspect of another immortal power...", Sahabiel muses and then casts her eyes to the mass of vines still occupying the jetty and bridge. "...It has certainly wrought some very inconvenient changes to our riverside constructions. Four days did you say, Beech, before this is going to go away?"

The half-elf eases her posture and turns fully towards the rest of her companions.

"Ya know? I would have been content to just keep this settlement and its people safe and live a harmonious good life in service to the Will of the Wood here. But if we are left to pick up the unfinished business of storied heroes, first the heroes of the Tree of Parting, and now the heroes of the Sargrass Plains, then we better step up our efforts 'cause that's quite some footsteps to walk in."

She shrugs; "Now... let's assign a guard to keep an eye on this bridge until we can think of a way to dispel the magic sustaining this mess. I have already seen enough of its aura to know that it would be beyond me to channel so much divine power as to cancel it out."

ooc: By overwhelming aura strength, this spell has a minimum dispel DC of 35, at present level I can not hit that number even if I roll a Nat 20 -and- spend a Hero point on top, so Sahabiel intuitively feels this is out of her league

"Next, if everyone agrees, I think I would like to hear a little more of the tale of the Sargrass heroes and every other story relevant to this SAAR? And if someone-" she eyes the reluctant hunter "-could draw us up a map or set of directions of where to find that pond...? I should hope not to find more than one of these shards on our doorstep, but since the one we have must have fallen to the ground there, originally, we might want to check if anything there was affected as well. I am going to sound like Panzer here, but I am not too eager to be caught by surprise if that whole little island ends up rising from the pond on the back of a huge toad or something."


Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Friday February 17th, 2023 12:53:04 PM

"Ummm, yeah, I did the math in my head, I could be off a few hours one way or the other, but I came up with 95ish hours. I'd say II could be off maybe 10 hours either way.
And a giant toad rising up is the least of my worries.
Does anyone among us, think that this Immortal Power this seed is linked to, isn't who is behind the Darkening of the Wood. So, from now until we fix this if we can, or another god comes down and tells me other wise, Fire is my first, and primary weapon of choice. If we let this change happen, we won't survive. No matter what we do, we are going to be tainted by either what we do, or don't do...."


Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Friday February 17th, 2023 12:58:04 PM

Nightingale expresses her interest in "hearing the stories about what we are and will be facing once they are brought up

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Friday February 17th, 2023 1:42:24 PM

Zazu is eager to hear more about what this bard says. And will camp out for a week or so until the vines disappear on their own, if that's what seems most likely to happen.

"But can we use this shard ourselves for something or other?"

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Friday February 17th, 2023 5:14:59 PM

" I have a use for it, or will once someone pisses me off, like another thieves guild or something. Until then does that mean I have to hold onto it and not drop it?"
" In the meantime, I think we might want to diversify our loadout of weapons. That thing looked like it was hurt by one thing, Slashing weapons. Pointy arrows didn't do it, and I don't remember if we tried anything blunt, but nothing but cutting seemed to phase it. An archer like Lothlo should be able to make blunt and slashing arrows, given the right supplies right? I think they call the blunt ones bird arrows and the slashers frog crotch arrows? I will be picking up some short swords and light maces I think. Adapt and overcome."


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Friday February 17th, 2023 7:26:52 PM

Good bard, your insight into this shard has been invaluable. I fear my knowledge of the Change aspect of the SAAR is sorely lacking, would you mind filling us in to the best of your ability. With this kind of power, any detail could be the difference between success and failure for whatever lies before us.

DM Jon-Paul | Post-Combat Map 
Friday February 17th, 2023 10:54:41 PM

Zazu is eager to hear more about what the Bard can explain, is willing to camp out 'til the Roots & Vines disappear, and then wonders if the shard can be used for a purposeful item.

Beech muses about this Immortal Power, the darkening of the woods, and whether they are related. He also does maths in his head...

Nightingale expresses her interest in "hearing the stories about what we are and will be facing once they are brought up

Sahabiel thinks about the phrase, "The Change aspect of another immortal power..." and wonders about how many more days before these Roots & Vines disappear. She then postures about following in the steps of Storied warriors.

Lothlo Good bard, your insight into this shard has been invaluable. I fear my knowledge of the Change aspect of the SAAR is sorely lacking, would you mind filling us into the best of your ability? With this kind of power, any detail could be the difference between success and failure for whatever lies before us.

Panzer points out, That thing looked like it was hurt by one thing, Slashing weapons.

-=-=-=-=- The Change aspect of the SAAR -=-=-=-=-


The Council Bard, looking at the Champions, continues:

The SAAR is an immortal of transformation. There’s an obscure tale that says the SAAR couldn’t guarantee all the Shards were recovered. However, it did set up that any crystal outside of the Sargrass would carry with it a ‘Negative’ that nullifies that Shard. Therefore, Whihl the Hunter must have carried this Shard away from its ‘Negative’. Find the ‘Negative’ and bring it here, and it should nullify the Shard causing the roots and vines.

Meanwhile...when the group turns to Hunter Whihl, Whihl explains to the heroes, that he found it on a little island in the only pond in his hunting grounds, but He will not lead them back under any circumstance!


Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Saturday February 18th, 2023 12:30:22 PM

Nightingale looks at the hunter with a hopeful look. She's hoping he can either draw a good map, or give even better instructions on where he found the shard.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Sunday February 19th, 2023 4:55:08 PM

"Well, It looks like a seed.... Wonder if that means we are going to be looking for a shell, like a pea pod or something similar..."

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Monday February 20th, 2023 4:26:23 PM

What is the negative exactly? Is it something we can easily bring back to the town? Do you know if it's going to be safe to bring back? I would assume there is no immediate danger if Whihl was able to bring back the see, but you know what they say about assuming.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Monday February 20th, 2023 6:33:43 PM

"A seed pod does make sense ... how big or small it is, I guess we'll have to look and find out."

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday February 20th, 2023 7:21:14 PM

ooc: I have not been in contact with the DM about this, but I am going to assume that the weekend did not entirely pan out as expected and this prevented Jon-Paul from posting on Sunday night. Since that leaves us with little to build on today, I am not going to email-chase anyone that misses the deadline tonight ;)

Also, can we presume that the 'Council Bard' can only be either Hilia or Codru? Since we are all personally very familiar with both these characters, we should probably just refer to them by name.

DM OOC: Right you are..sat most of the day in traffic...got home way too late...

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 20th, 2023 7:29:47 PM

Panzer looks at the bard as they trail off, not really having said much to enlighten the group. As usual, figure it out yourself boyo. He thinks.
" Why is this something we care about? He asks. " Beech said the vines will be gone in a couple of days . It'll be a little bit inconvenient but what isn't when the Culverwood is involved. I know some of you revere the Culverwood, but please explain to me hos the Culverwood isn't that noble kid in school that bullies you all the time? He is too big to take down and nobody helps you because he is noble, so he never feels the consequences for his actions."
"Want to cross the 'wood to see some friends that live in harmony and are children of the Culverwood? Well not until you wander around like lost sheep for a few days, no matter that you are trying to help. I say we stay here and prepare for the coming storm. The lads from the Tree of Parting warned us and then showed us that t would happen. One of them died as soon as that fight kicked off. If the Culverwood is going to turn dark and go like 100% against us and it wants to fool around and be difficult while we try and help it I say there are more than a few ways to not have the Culverwood as a neighborly problem anymore. Let's tighten up our defenses and get ready for the fight to come."



Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 20th, 2023 7:32:46 PM

hos=how,
sorry about the typo

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Monday February 20th, 2023 7:47:46 PM

"Correction, Panzer.... The Magic well be gone in a few days, if this is from a divine object, this SAAR for example, these changes would become permanent. So I'm now guessing, the 4 days roughly isn't a duration, it's a time limit for us to find this "shell" and cancel out the changes it has started here. I'm also beginning to think, that this little seed we have here, isn't what is triggering the darkness. I believe it's probably the same source, that is trying to extend it's reach and area of effect."

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday February 20th, 2023 7:55:20 PM

Sahabiel looks a bit pained at Panzer's complaints regarding the Culverwood, but she can hardly fault him.

"Well, the main difference would be that being a bully would be a conscious thing one does while awake. Whereas the Culverwood, as far as ancient immortal powers straddling the borders between our mortal world and the Primal world go, is... quite dormant. What ya perceive as it hindering us, is but it shrugging in its sleep at our existences that are but pinpricks intruding on the edge of its dreaming. If the Culverwood were to actually awaken, and start to consciously direct all the divine old power accumulated within it with intent and purpose..." -she looks in the direction where mere miles beyond lies the boundary of the deep Culverwood proper- "...then this settlement would not nearly be far away enough. Ya might as well plan a defense against the ground under yer feet. So pray it does not wake, or does so only to rid itself of this darkening before returning to its dreams."

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 20th, 2023 7:55:32 PM

Panzer's shoulders slump in dejection.
" So what you are saying is that another bullying Immortal power decided to stick it's nose into our little town and now we need to go kick it's butt and tell it we already have enough issues with the childish tantrums of the Culverwood and that IT needs to but out of our lives too?"

"Awesome. Let's go."


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 20th, 2023 8:05:03 PM

" Wait, so you are a priestess of the Culverwood. The Culverwood grants you powers in it's name and decides on what powers you can and cannot have, but it is dormant and asleep? So it granting you powers is like a reaction, like burping as it rolls over to a more comfortable position as it slumbers?"
Panzer is silent for a moment." Like I kinda knew that if it really wanted to it could just wipe us out, it is an immortal with all the powers that go along with it. But you don't think any of what it does is conscious decisions?"
More silence, more of that painful looking thinking face from the Badgerkin.
" So what if we kinda kicked it in the chops and woke it's butt up so that it could deal with the shadow seeping into it. Would that work? Cuz it seems like they are slipping this shadow stuff to it in the form of little night time infusions, like chamomile in your bedtime tea. Slowly subverting it into a darker form. What if we put some chili powder in it's tea and woke it up?"

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday February 20th, 2023 8:35:07 PM

Sahabiel chuckles a bit at Panzer, and then answers, "That could work... though it would take a greater magic than any of us possess-" she stops and looks glumly at the SAAR shard that Panzer is holding in his hands, and slightly rephrases, "-greater magic than any of us know how to summon or control. I have heard of miracle prayers of the highest circle that would allow a priestess or druid to offer their body to serve as a temporary avatar for the divine power they pray to. The state of complete communion between divine and avatar would work both ways, lending consciousness and awareness through the avatar even to a nominally dormant power. But.. well.. at the risk that in such a renewed awareness of the world through a waking mind, it could also be suddenly taking notice that there is a bit of a large gap that it used to occupy where it can't feel its roots anymore. The dragon Parnoth only succeeded in stealing away the Emerald Kingdom out of the Culverwood against a dormant divine - as a priestess of the Culverwood I'd actually be in favor of the wood reclaiming it, but we'd all be in a lot of most unharmonious trouble if it did so all at once in the way as it might be for ya to fluff up yer pillow when ya wake up at night and notice an uncomfortable crease had gotten into it."

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Monday February 20th, 2023 9:10:17 PM

Posting for Naithi
So, would the shard be an immortal power in and of itself? Or a conduit for a defeated immortal power? Or is it more like a remnant that while dangerous doesn't have an immortal power that we have to worry about angering and coming after us?

DM Jon-Paul | Post-Combat Map 
Monday February 20th, 2023 9:15:13 PM

Beech "Well, It looks like a seed... Wonder if that means we are going to be looking for a shell, like a pea pod or something similar..."

"Correction, Panzer... The Magic will be gone in a few days, if this is from a divine object, this SAAR for example, these changes would become permanent. So I'm now guessing, the 4 days roughly isn't a duration, it's a time limit for us to find this "shell" and cancel out the changes it has started here. I'm also beginning to think, that this little seed we have here, isn't what is triggering the darkness. I believe it's probably the same source, that is trying to extend its reach and area of effect."

Nightingale look sta the Hunter with a hopeful look. She's hoping he can either draw a good map or give even better instructions on where he found the shard. Then ponders on what Beech says.

Sahabiel looks a bit pained at Panzer's complaints regarding the Culverwood, but she can hardly fault him. She then counters Panzer's statement from per perceptions. Sahabiel chuckles a bit at Panzer, and then answers, "That could work... though it would take a greater magic than any of us possess-" she stops and looks glumly at the SAAR shard that Panzer is holding in his hands, and slightly rephrases.

Lothlo asks several questions about the Negative Shard: " What is the negative exactly? Is it something we can easily bring back to the town? Do you know if it's going to be safe to bring it back?

Panzer expounds on an idea of the parable about the noble bully, then equates that bully to the Culerwood. Thinks the team should bunker down where they are...Panzer's shoulders slump in dejection. then suggests we all go! Panzer stops, contemplates, and then spews philosophical possibilities about the CulverWoods and the coming darkness.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Hunter Whihl explains to the heroes, yet again, that he found it on a little island in the only pond on his hunting grounds, but I will help this little bit..."Go north about 11 miles "quips Whihl.

The council bard explained the tale of the "Change aspect of the SAAR", and reemphasizes, "However, the SAAR did explain that any crystal outside of the Sargrass would carry with it a ‘Negative’ that nullifies that Shard. Therefore, Whihl the Hunter must have carried this Shard away from its ‘Negative’. Find the ‘Negative’ and bring it here, and it should nullify the Shard causing the roots and vines. I suggest you all leave to retrieve the other shard.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 20th, 2023 9:58:02 PM

" Are you so sure about that Sahabiel? I can be really annoying."

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 65/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 20th, 2023 10:38:21 PM

After joking with Sahabiel, Panzer notices the Hunter, and not in a good way.
He had been peripherally aware of the hunter and his part in this mass of weeds, but this guy was being cheeky about bringing this added problem to the plate of the town. Panzer steps over to the hunter and sizes the man up. He tries to remember if this hunter has been in the town for long and then decides he doesn't care. He comes up only to about the man's midsection since he is small.
His hand whips out and grabs the hunter by the belt. He twists the belt just to make sure he has the hunter's undivided attention.
"The way you are quipping and making light of this whole thing does not sit well with me. A darkness is overcoming the Culverwood and that means that soon it will come for us as it already has the heroes at the Tree of Parting. I don't know if you like living here. If you like not having an overwhelming authority watching over you and dictating what you do, when you do it, how you act and all sorts of other unnecessary rules but if you do, you want to help us solve this, not make light of it. While I am not going to force you to take us where we need to go because forcing someone to face their fears makes them hate you rather than helping them overcome their fears, I would very much like it and think far more of you if you did agree to take us there, or at least most of the way there."
"Show us what you are made of. You go alone into these woods and hunt game. Deer, boars,birds and rabbits. All around you as you do are the predators of nature, Bears, wolves and great cats, yet those do not make you afraid I personally am terrified every time I set foot into the Culverwood, because at the woods whim it could separate me from my friends and have me wander alone until I starve or become lunch to one of the real predators that lives in there. But I go because I wouldn't be able to live with myself if the 'wood took one of my friends and I didn't at least try to help save them. Don't make the village give up the river as a means of travel, of trade and of growth and stability. Show us where you found this shard and put a stop to it."

Panzer lets the man go and turns back to his friends.
"I need to get something to put on this lump on my head and top off my rations, then I'll be ready to go. Gimme like 10 minutes?"

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 6:05:24 PM

"I'll need about the same amount of time, say 10 minutes to be sure things are ready to go. We shouldn't delay, I've heard stories about count downs.... Like a certain Keep dropping on a beach at a Lake. At least we have a couple days rather than minutes to do something."
Beech takes off and double checks the area where he has set up his camp.... Most of the 10 minutes are used, packing it up.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  CMW: 2d6=12 ;
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 6:08:41 PM

Nightingale will wander over to her friend and spontaneously cast Cure Moderate Wounds on his head

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 8:20:32 PM

That works for me, ten minutes should be enough time to feed my mule and to brew a pot of coffee for the road

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 9:00:56 PM

Sahabiel is not entirely sure what to make of all this, but she has a feeling that they are going to want to look into this 'negative' counter to the shard of Change. She wonders what the negative to Change would be.. Stability? Or something with a power that would reverse sudden changes? She must admit that her mind wanders on certain hopeful possibilities if a power which opposes Change, could be harnessed against the current changes taking the Culverwood.

She looks at the hunter that Panzer gave a piece of his mind, and decides not to chastise the man further... not right now. But that does not mean she has no thoughts about how he is dealing with all this. "Whihl.. ya seem out of sorts. Do take a rest, I'll leave it to Hilia to assign someone to stay with ya just in case. But later, do come by and tell me what frightens ya so about going back to that pond...? Ya are a hunter, and if ya are too afraid to go near the only water source in yer hunting grounds... well, that is going to be a problem for yer fellow hunters, isn't it?"

She makes sure councilor Hilia knows that she'd like someone to keep an eye on Whihl.

To Panzer, she gives a smile and an optimistic little pat on the shoulder. "I thought ya'd be more thrilled." She glances at the sky, and then gives a short nod in a direction at quite an angle from when she had faced towards the Culverwood before. "North is that way, and eleven miles should still be well within the Emerald Kingdom, only a little nearer to the Culverwood proper boundary than we are here. Ya finally get to investigate a place for once that is not either under Karri's bureaucrats or inside the Culverwood, hm?"

Sahabiel will prepare Kohlrabi for a trip.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 9:57:10 PM

Panzer grins at and thanks Nightingale for the healing. " I think I was out of reach when you were making sure the ones caught in the vines were OK. Thanks a bunch, that takes down the lump and makes it alot easier to not see two of everything."
He looks up at Sahabiel as she tells him that they won't need to enter the Culverwood on this trip. " I'm very glad for that. I wasn't kidding while I was talking to Whihl. I'm tough and hard to kill and I know that, just ask the thieves guild. But that place terrifies me. It makes you think everything is OK as it leads you right up to a pool that makes you lose time. That dryad was OK because she could still draw nourishment from her tree. But a mortal like you or me fooled by that place would waste away and die of thirst or hunger and never even notice. It's the same with how it leads you astray while making you think you are on the path. Get lost enough and you may never find your way out. Heck even with a map, a compass and a clear night sky to navigate by the stars I can get lost in places I have been before, Nevermind when the forest is actually leading me astray. I'll be fine as long as I have you native forest dwellers here to keep me out of trouble."
He heads home to find Fredo at his books learning who did what to whom a long time ago. He describes Whihl to Fredo and tasks the halfling to keep an eye on the hunter. He explains what happened and why the group doesn't exactly trust the man. He wants Fredo to stay out of sight and watch. He knows the lad has some keen senses and that when not armored he is a match for Panzer at hiding. He has faith in the student to keep watch and report anything odd he sees.
10 minutes later he is ready to embark on another daring walk in the woods.

DM Jon-Paul | Post-Combat Map 
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 10:14:49 PM

Nightingale will wander over to her friend and spontaneously cast Cure Moderate Wounds on his head
Sahabiel is not entirely sure what to make of all this, but she has a feeling that they are going to want to look into this 'negative' counter to the shard of Change. She wonders what the negative to Change would be... Stability? Or something with a power that would reverse sudden changes? She must admit that her mind wanders on certain hopeful possibilities if a power that opposes Change, could be harnessed against the current changes taking the Culverwood.
Lothlo That works for me, ten minutes should be enough time to feed my mule and brew a pot of coffee for the road.
Panzer After joking with Sahabiel, Panzer notices the Hunter, and not in a good way. He then proceeds to grab Whihl by the belt and pontificate about doing the right thing. When finished, he mentions, "I need to get something to put on this lump on my head and top off my rations, then I'll be ready to go. Gimme like 10 minutes?"
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The group appears decided on their collective next steps, which is to say they are starting another journey heading north to Whihl’s Hunting Grounds... Although their preferred guide; Whilm isn't coming along, they have a good idea it's roughly 10 miles north of their current position.

Although Whihl was there just last night, you never know how many bumps are along the road. Should we assume you will rest up and leave in the morning?

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 10:50:06 PM


Zazu is ready. "Me and Boyo can travel on a moment's notice!"

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Tuesday February 21st, 2023 10:54:35 PM

We were literally just arriving back home from our last sortie into the Culverwood when we ran into the situation on the bridge upon our return. If the DM is offering us the possibility to get a night sleep, food, and get back all the spells we used between the night we spent looking for the dryads and now... I would take it.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 1:43:59 PM

Nightingale looks down at herself and then to Zazu, "I'd like a bath, clean clothes, and good night sleep in my own bed before we leave again. That and I need to talk to my protoge about some things to work on while I am away."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 2:26:11 PM

"I guess we are resting then? I'm good either way." Beech has used a few spells, but considers himself good to go.
If it's decided to rest, he'll go to the community building and sleep there the night.
If it's decided to go now, he just pulls his bow and is ready....

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 5:10:44 PM

As it seems to be getting a bit late in the day already to set out again, rather than depart on another mission right away Sahabiel visits her home to spend time with Limka, Ghundit, and Nibin. A hearty meal of braised meat and vegetable stew is shared, and after enjoying the comfort of a warm bed, Sahabiel feels much better the next morning. She prays for the divine to empower her prayers anew at the start of day.

ooc: Refreshed spell list

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 7:50:04 PM

I'm good with leaving in the morning, it's a long round trip, and with everything going on it's safer not to be caught outside after dark.

DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 8:49:28 PM

OOC: Does anyone knows what's the situation with Naithi? Do I need to shift posting times? I've sent him an email...just awaiting his reply.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 9:35:42 PM

"OK, tomorrow is good too. Gives me a chance to prep new spells for the adventure."

Spells prepped for tomorrow:

SIX Level 1 Spells: Color Spray x2, Feather Fall, Mage Armor x2, Obscuring Mist.
FOUR Level 2 Spells: Acid Arrow, Darkvision, Invisibility, Scorching Ray.
THREE Level 3 Spells: Major Image x3



Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 10:34:14 PM

Panzer rests, ready to set out in the morning.

DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map 
Wednesday February 22nd, 2023 10:40:10 PM

Zazu is ready. "Me and Boyo can travel on a moment's notice!" "OK, tomorrow is good too. Gives me a chance to prep new spells for the adventure."

Beech figures out the teams decided to rest up before another sojourn. "I guess we are resting then? I'm good either way." Beech has used a few spells but considers himself good to go. He'll go to the community building and sleep there the night.

Nightingale looks down at herself and then to Zazu, "I'd like a bath, clean clothes, and good night's sleep in my own bed before we leave again. That and I need to talk to my protege about some things to work on while I am away."

Sahabiel As it seems to be getting a bit late in the day all ready to set out again, rather than depart on another mission right away Sahabiel visits her home to spend time with Limka, Ghundit, and Nibin. A hearty meal of braised meat and vegetable stew is shared, and after enjoying the comfort of a warm bed, Sahabiel feels much better the next morning. She prays for the divine to empower her prayers anew at the start of the day.

Lothlo I'm good with leaving in the morning, it's a long round trip, and with everything going on it's safer not to be caught outside after dark.
-=-=-
The groups make their individual plans, they pack, make plans, eat, bathe, and get a good night's rest / or meditate for recuperative needs. In the morning the young adventurers make their way to the hunting grounds north of Freedom's Landing, some 10 miles north.




Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 4:51:37 AM

OOC - these are Nightingales spells she's prepared for the journey

Adventuring: [updated 1/7/23]
Orisons: Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Stabilize

1st Level: can cast 4 a day + 1 Domain: Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Protection from Evil – Entangle (D)

2nd Level: Can cast 3 a day + 1 Domain: Hold Person, Sound Burst, Spiritual Weapon – Barkskin (D)
Spon. Cast: 1st CLW, 2nd CMW

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 12:58:51 PM

So these are the spells that Nightingale will have prayed for .. just so y'all know

Adventuring: [updated 1/7/23]
Orisons: Detect Magic, Guidance, Light, Stabilize

1st Level: can cast 4 a day + 1 Domain: Bless, Magic Weapon, Shield of Faith, Protection from Evil – Entangle (D)

2nd Level: Can cast 3 a day + 1 Domain: Hold Person, Sound Burst, Spiritual Weapon – Barkskin (D)
Spon. Cast: 1st CLW, 2nd CMW

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20=2 ;
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 3:38:59 PM

Beech is bright eyed and ready to go, Bow in his hand and spells all refreshed....
8-1st, 7-2nd, 6-3rd and 4-4th levels

Beech keeps a watch as best he can, he knows now that he should have paid more attention to the trainers on the Isle, they could spot things he never saw until they were almost on top of him.... Oh well, he'll try at least....

Perception, 2....

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+7=21 ; d20+10=14 ; d20+18=34 ;
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 5:39:51 PM

Perception d20+7 = 21, Knowledge(Nature, in woodland terrain) d20+10 = 14, Survival (Wayfinding, in woodland terrain) d20+18 = 34

Sahabiel surveys the hunting grounds from her warhorse's saddle. A pond large enough to hold an island in it somewhere in the area should be fairly easy to find from here. And if need be, since many of the larger animals would use it as a place to drink, she expect she can always fall back on following converging animal tracks.

Now let's see... what do we have here?

Whihl’s Hunting Grounds


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=29 ;
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 7:17:16 PM

Hopefully the negative prevented any vines or anything of that sort from having sprung up to welcome us, but it's best we don't let our guards down.
Lothlo surveys the hunting grounds as well, both looking for the negative, and for any signs of danger either from the normal animals of the area or dangers that might have sprung from the shards.

Perception = 29

DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map 
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 9:30:15 PM

Beech Prepares for the day with his spells and his bow.
Nightingale also, prepares the day's spells.
Sahabiel prepares and atop her warhorse, begins her tracking skills to determine the best way forward & to the pond!
Lothlo is hopeful about the negative shard. He will also aid in survival skills.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The ground is soft and the trail is less than 24 hours old.

Sahabiel, please roll 10 each Survival DC 15 checks. For every failure, have everyone else roll Perception DC 20 to see a print and get You back on course.



Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=22 ; d20+6=7 ;
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 10:40:42 PM

Panzer assumes a position next to Sahabiel . He lets her do her thing following the path and keeps an eye out for trouble.
Perception 22
Aid another Survival 7

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Thursday February 23rd, 2023 10:46:10 PM


Mounted on Boyo and keeping a sharp eye open, Zazu says, "Maybe I can help with that."

Zazu, a forest-born elf, uses Aid Another on those tracking rolls to help Sahabiel. Since Zazu's modifier os +9, that's an auto success to hit DC10. Thus, Sahabiel should have a +2 on each of those rolls.

If the trail is lost, Zazu's Perception checks are at +21, and so the elf sets the party back on track each and every time, no roll needed for a DC20.

"My eyes are like unto those of an eagle!" Zazu giggles. "Or at least, these nice spectacles I'm wearing are!"

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Friday February 24th, 2023 1:41:12 PM

Nightingale will look down at her boots and then offers, "Not that I want to split the party, but if we see something ahead of us, I can run ahead and check whatever 'IT' is out..."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20=16 ;
Friday February 24th, 2023 3:05:39 PM

Beech, keeping is comments to himself for once... Has his bow ready in case it's needed, He is always ready to cast a spell already so....

Perception 16

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+18=32 ; d20+18=22 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+18=24 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+18=31 ; d20+18=26 ; d20+18=27 ; d20+18=24 ;
Friday February 24th, 2023 5:43:19 PM

Result from ten consecutive Survival checks: 32, 22, 28, 36, 24, 28, 31, 26, 27, 24. Made vs DC 15, none of those are failed checks.

Sahabiel seems to be quite steady in her wayfinding as the party makes progress.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Friday February 24th, 2023 7:40:53 PM

Naithi and Camalayas follow the group and help when they can. Her tracking skills are good, but Sahabiel does not appear to need any help. Instead she keeps her eyes peeled for danger.

ooc: Sorry for disappearing. We have a house full of sick kids, one with pneumonia, and just got 2 feet of snow. Our Internet had been craving as well because everyone was snowed in and using Netflix.

DM OOC: No worries, we just wanted to know you were alright. Any parent will know family comes first...and when they're sick...even more so. Glad to see you back. You feeling better?

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=17 ;
Friday February 24th, 2023 7:41:44 PM

Lothlo keeps an eye out for prints, but Sahabiel's keen eye beats him to the prints every time.

DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map 
Friday February 24th, 2023 9:00:12 PM

Zazu , Mounted on Boyo and keeping a sharp eye open, Zazu says, "Maybe I can help with that."

Beech keeping his comments to himself for once... Has his bow ready in case it's needed, He is always ready to cast a spell already so...

Naithi and Camalayas follow the group and help when they can. Her tracking skills are good, but Sahabiel does not appear to need any help. Instead, she keeps her eyes peeled for danger.

Nightingalewill look down at her boots and then offers, "Not that I want to split the party, but if we see something ahead of us, I can run ahead and check whatever 'IT' is out..."

Sahabiel seems to be quite steady in her wayfinding as the party makes progress.

Lothlo keeps an eye out for prints, but Sahabiel's keen eye beats him to the prints every time.

Panzer assumes a position next to Sahabiel. He lets her do her thing following the path and keeps an eye out for trouble.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

With the awesome skills of your lead tracker, Sahabiel, the group has no issues following the day-old tracks made by Whihl the hunter. The group successfully navigates the ten miles to the aforementioned hunting grounds. While here, you come upon 5 little creatures seemingly barring your way forward.

Everyone making a perception check DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You see 5 tiny, vaguely humanoid creature that seems to be made completely of bundles of sticks wound with thorny vines. }

Everyone making a perception check DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {You see the tiny, vaguely humanoid creatures consisting of Gnarled sticks bundled by vines and brambles form their entire body. }

Everyone making a Knowledge (Nature) check DC 13 Highlight to display spoiler: { You see 5 TwigJacks barring your way forward. You are also surrounded by bushes.}

Everyone making a Knowledge (Nature) check DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: { Deep in old-growth forests, Twigjacks spend their time tormenting intruders and wreaking havoc on settlers. }

Everyone making a Knowledge (Nature) check DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: { Twigjacks resent being considered plants, and are proud of their fey heritage. }

Everyone making a Knowledge (Nature) check DC 28 Highlight to display spoiler: { Twigjacks weakness is fire. }

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=24 ; d20=3 ;
Sunday February 26th, 2023 11:59:25 AM

perception 24
Sense Motive 3
" Sahabiel, are these guys going to attack us? They seem OK, but I don't know what kinda plant things they are."
Panzer keeps his weapons out but doesn't advance or threaten the figures , waiting for those that know better to guide him.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20=5 ; 8d6=25 ;
Sunday February 26th, 2023 1:00:40 PM

Beech has no idea what they are, "Panzer, you say they're plant things, I'm betting fire kills them like it does most plants, just need to know if I'm cleared to deliver a party favor or not. But on first hostile act on their part, I drop them a gift anyways...."

On the very 1st hostile action from whatever is facing us, I drop a fireball to catch as many as I can....

Fireball, Damage 25, DC 18 for 1/2

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Perc Check: d20+10=13 ; Know Nature: d20+7=9 ;
Sunday February 26th, 2023 1:50:22 PM

While looking at the wood and nature around her, Nightingale tries to keep a "weather eye" out for danger or oddness .... ohh look a squirrel, and a butterfly

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+7=8 ; d20+7=27 ; d20+12=19 ;
Monday February 27th, 2023 10:54:33 AM

Initial perception check: Nat 1. Not having that since it would look really out of line with how well her scouting was going and just when everyone was counting on her. Using a Hero Point to reroll. New result: Nat 20. Now that is why they call them hero points, right? ;) Perception: 27, Knowledge (Nature): 19

Sahabiel has a lucky moment of perceptiveness, and notices the creatures well up ahead. "Wait, those are.. oh. Oh!" She sounds not too pleased with what she sees. Answering Panzer and Beech, she softly speaks; "...they're Twigjacks. A kind of fey - the troublesome kind. I may be able to make use of them, but Beech - don't ya put that spell I see ya getting ready for too far away. In fact, do look scary. We may well need it if this doesn't work out."

She nods to one of the other companions. "Naithi! Please follow by my side, if ya would?"

In addition, Panzer steps up with Sahabiel and Naithi.

Sahabiel dismounts from Kohlrabi, and starts walking towards the little gathering of twig-bundle creatures. Right when she comes into their presence (move action), she does two things - she floods her aura with the power of the Culverwood by expending one daily use of her Channel Energy ability (standard action), and at the same time (free action) she briefly activates her own Bramble Armor while performing a traditional gesture of greeting.

<"Greetings, little ones. Is this land under your protection?">, she speaks in the Sylvan fey tongue.

Now the long ooc explanation of what she is doing here and why and what I hope it will establish;

Being from a community deep inside the magical Culverwood that has always known the fey among its neighbors, Sahabiel has recognized these little fey beings. Now here is the thing - she knows these are low-tiered fey. They have a dangerous cunning, yes, but they are not among the supernaturally clever or wise fey races - no smarter than the average commoner really. And they have no magical way of just knowing who or even what Sahabiel is.

So all the Twigjacks have is their senses, which means that (A) they see a woman with pointed ears, verdant forest green skin, and brown hair, who (B) speaks the fey language fluently and (C) effortlessly wraps herself in brambles just like them just to deliver a greeting. Then (D) in Pathfinder only very powerful creatures, or divine spellcasters over 5th level have a strong aura that can be intuitively felt by creatures sensitive to that -- e.g. by fey. So low tier fey'd instinctively get a sense that this woman is wrapped in a powerful aura that reveals her as a Chaotic Good being, and tastes of the power of the Culverwood itself. (E) By bringing Naithi and Camalayas along, she is showing herself with a second person with a powerful presence of aura only a little less strong than Sahabiel's, with two aditional benefits - Naithi's aura being that of one very close to fey herself, and that Naithi is still blessed with Dryad's Favor since the riddle contest scene. (Not asking James to use that ability here, but it is just there)

So, behind her saccharine smile and friendly greeting, Sahabiel is sending kind of a very big "Know your place, you do not want to even think of messing with us - we are not your everyday mere mortals." vibe. She is leaving it to Beech with his large presence in the background (F) and his visible readiness to throw a fireball, to make any Bluff/Intimidate checks here - after all, the Twigjacks should feel less worried about whether Sahabiel might be willing to act against them if they do not listen to her, than they should feel worried that Beech would, and that he is only waiting for a reason to...

Now back to in-character narrative

<"A hunter came here, and took one thing, but left another thing behind. Something that does not belong in the woods. I am here to take that thing away.">, Sahabiel continues speaking at the Twigjacks. <"If you were to prove yourself useful, I would acknowledge your knowledge of this area, and may even reward you for it.">

Character sheet modified: Hero points 6 -> 5

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Monday February 27th, 2023 2:51:24 PM

Naithi goes along with Sahabiel. She hopes her aura is of benefit, but doesn't expend it as the lingering aura is more beneficial.

Naithi also respond on Sylvan. Greetings. I am Naithi, and this is Camalayas. We mean you no harm and come in peace.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20+8=27 ;
Monday February 27th, 2023 4:38:49 PM

With his bow in hand, he fingers a seed.... At the least hostile action, he'll throw it, leaving just enough room between his friends and targets so as to curl their eye lashes. (effectively catching the twigs and the flash will stop at the show tips if as needed, if the twigs are that close....
It's hard to be intimidating, but he does a darned good job of making the finger rolling seem scary...

Intimidate 27

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday February 27th, 2023 5:53:01 PM

"I'll be a possum's cousin if I am letting you two walk up there without me to respond to them if they get uppity.Yeah, yeah I know you are both big girls and can handle a little melee, look at it this way. If I walk up with you now and they decide this is their hill to die on I am that much closer."

Panzer knows about two words in Sylvan and they are not 'hi, I'm friendly'. Therefore he has little idea what Sahabiel is saying to the little twiggy's. He might understand that the tone is a bit imperious, but that is a stretch. What he does know is Sahabiel said they are 'the troublesome kind' of fey, so he wants to be close if they start something. He is not very fire resistant but he is willing to live with Beech dropping a fireball in his lap so long as the enemy makes like a twig and burns.It only hurts him once. It hurts them five times.

OOC
Please change Panzer waiting for them to do something to Panzer stepping up with Sahabiel and Naithi.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday February 27th, 2023 6:37:09 PM

( ooc: Panzer is welcome to come along. Having what looks like a talking badger as a bodyguard is not disagreeable with the image of sylvan grandeur Sahabiel is projecting here. )

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+5=15 ; d20+15=32 ; d20+11=22 ;
Monday February 27th, 2023 6:54:06 PM

Lothlo listens to the others describe the creatures in front of him.
Hmm, fey. I wonder if they are here to try to keep the shard from causing harm to the Wold... or if they are looking for the shard because they intend to use it to cause harm.
Hopefully they speak Sylvan and want to talk.


Greetings friends. At least I hope you are friends.
I don't believe we have seen you on this island before.
Is there anything we can assist you with?


Diplomacy =22

DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map  d20=4 ; d20+1=17 ; d20+2=13 ;
Monday February 27th, 2023 9:16:52 PM

TwigJacks

Beech has no idea what they are, "Panzer, you say they're plant things, I'm betting fire kills them like it does most plants, just need to know if I'm cleared to deliver a party favor or not. But on the first hostile act on their part, I drop them a gift anyways...." It's hard to be intimidating, but he does a darned good job of making the finger-rolling seem scary...

Naithi and Camalayas Naithi & Camalayas goes along with Sahabiel. She hopes her aura is of benefit but doesn't expend it as the lingering aura is more beneficial.

Nightingale While looking at the wood and nature around her, Nightingale tries to keep a "weather eye" out for danger or oddness .... ohh look a squirrel and a butterfly!

Sahabiel knows what these creatures & put on a strong showing of Fey diplomacy with friends to speak with the Twigjacks.

Lothlo listens to the others describe the creatures in front of him. He then wonders if they are friends or foes. Next, he will use Diplomacy when the time comes.

Panzer keeps his weapons out but doesn't advance or threaten the figures, waiting for those that know better to guide him. Panzer steps up with Sahabiel and Naithi.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
When Sahabiel steps forward into the area that contains the five (5) TwigJacks, the TwigJacks shift uncomfortably, as they sense a group of Very Competent Heroes. The TwigJacks listen to Lady Sahabiel and her friends but sense the motives behind her words. When finished, the TwigJack leader amble forward a bit to stand out and begin with, Sylvan, his opening volley:

"Ah, My'Lady, we are humbled by your presence so deep into our forest, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" He pauses for effect, then continues, whatever it is, we only ask for rewards of food and sparklies for information, for that is why you visit with us, yes to parlay?

Sahabiel,& Naithi please make a sense motive check against DC 13: Highlight to display spoiler: { You know something is up and your senses tell you that the leader is vying for the upper hand.}

Sahabiel, & Naithi please make a sense motive check against DC 18: Highlight to display spoiler: { The leader is trying to show strength in opposing numbers.}

Sahabiel, & Naithi please make a sense motive check against DC 23: Highlight to display spoiler: { You can sense the TwigJacks have greater numbers.}

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Monday February 27th, 2023 10:19:09 PM


Nervous, Zazu casts Invisibility affecting both wizard and familiar.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 2:03:34 AM

Once Nightingale realizes that something is happening, she will pay attention to what is going on around her.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+9=17 ; d20+9=23 ;
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 6:35:51 PM


Zazu has a hunch, and senses motive on Sahabiel, & Naithi!

Sense Motive checks 17 and 23!

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+5=18 ; d20+2=10 ;
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 6:38:47 PM

Naithi realizes that the leader is trying to gain the upper hand and show strength in numbers.

She lets Sahabiel take the lead in the conversation, but will offer up her trail rations, gold and gems received as loot, and gingerbread cookies from the Giggling Ghost. She also has a variety of wild food collected from the Culverwood.



Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 6:39:58 PM

Naithi will try to signal her findings so the group discreetly... But I cannot remember what type of roll that is.

DM OOC: Bluff for Secret Messaging.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 7:21:49 PM

Beech, seeing they ignored his attempt to intimidate them, and considers his options...... All of which include Fire.... He still thinks of them as plants, not mattering what they are.....

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=18 ;
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 8:22:29 PM

Lothlo reaches into his pocket and pulls out a trinket.
I have a beautiful colorful bauble I won at a festival a while back that I've been hanging on to which I'm happy to offer.
Lothlo continues to scan the area for signs of threats while the others talk.

Perception = 18

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+5=10 ;
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 8:56:30 PM

Sense Motive d20+5 = 10, fail

Sahabiel raises an eyebrow when the Twigjack leader speaks of her coming deep into their forest. While this is indeed a rather more forested spot on the edge of the Emerald Kingdom, she feels that.. well, by her own standards from being born and raised inside the depths of the Culverwood, anyone calling this “deep in the forest” has never been proper deep in a truly old-growth forest. Perhaps distracted by that thought, she does not pick up on everything the Twigjack was doing, but thankfully Naithi is there quickly signalling to her that the Twigjack leader acts like they are up to something... something about the number of them? Sahabiel did previously take notice that this little clear spot where the Twigjacks were waiting for them is conspicuously surrounded by bushes...

She carries on her conversation with the leading Twigjack. She can not really fault it for seeking to get the best out of the encounter for themself, and she had sort of expected that anyway. At least it is becoming clearer why Whihl looked like such a bundle of nerves about going back to this hunting ground… whatever tricks these unkind fey may have done to him, it is actually rather surprising to her that Whihl was able to go hunting in a Twigjack infested area and come back with his life at all! As far as she is concerned, unless somehow these fey can be made to leave the area, nobody should risk themselves coming into their domain – there are surely other hunting grounds within ten miles from the village that are not aggressively guarded by hostile fey…!

The thought also occurs to her that should she later find out that Whihl knew about these fey living here, then she is personally handing that hunter over to Panzer for.. a necessary talking to.

<“Parlay, indeed. And food and.. sparklies.. can be arranged, if we reach agreement. First, I would know from where to where your clan’s grounds stretch, so that I’ll know how much of the matters that brought me here would be of concern to you. Know this - we have learned of at least two great vile outside forces intruding on the Culverwood, so do not seek to pretend your clan holds greater claims than it can truly defend should it come to it - for it would come back to bite you if you made me believe you have things well in hand over here when you do not. Little as your kin and mine normally have to do with each other, I do respect you protecting your forest home, and I would regret to see it fall to the decay brought by the outsiders. On this much our goals align, that I as you would keep the deep wood pure, even if our methods differ. Will you side with me this day then, and either help or at least not hinder us as we remove one outsider influence that was seen near here?”>

Really hoping to win over the Twigjacks, she crouches and extends a hand invitingly. <“On this I will give an oath, that while you live here, I will lend my own power to discourage hunters from coming here again.”> If the little fey figure seems receptive, Sahabiel is willing to seal such a promise, which she certainly does intend to keep (because she is going to mark a Twigjack clan as a big no-go on the map for all the village’s hunters!), by planting a kiss upon the moss atop the Twigjack leader’s head.



DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map  d20+1=11 ;
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 10:34:08 PM

[u]Sealed with a Kiss[u]


Zazu Nervous, Zazu casts Invisibility affecting both wizard and familiar. Zazu has a hunch, and senses motive on Sahabiel, & Naithi!
Beech seeing they ignored his attempt to intimidate them, considers his options...... All of which include Fire... He still thinks of them as plants, no matter what they are...
Naithi and Camalayas realize that the leader is trying to gain the upper hand and show strength in numbers.
Nightingale, Once she realizes that something is happening, she will pay attention to what is going on around her.
Sahabiel engages with the TwigJack leader even though she knows he is on the opposing side. She takes in all she is learning so as to mark and warn others of this area. In addition, she seals the promises with a kiss.
Lothlo reaches into his pocket and pulls out a trinket. I have a beautiful colorful bauble I won at a festival a while back that I've been hanging on to which I'm happy to offer.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The TwigJack leader thinks about Sahabiel's offering for a few minutes. He then steps forward, closer to Lady Sahabiel, and extends his hand to shake on this arrangement Lady Sahabiel has offered. He then bows his head slightly awaiting the sealing kiss. The TwigJack leader even appears to beam. Once concluded, the TwigJack leader just as easily & quickly switches pitches. The TwigJack leader is willing to trade information for rewards of food and sparklies, as aforementioned. Initially, his demand for whatever information you seek is:

1 bauble & 1 foodstuff each: there are 7 of you, so 7 baubles & 7 foodstuffs.


The TwigJack leader says, "If you find this barter too steep, we could always play a game & give you a chance to get the information for a cheaper fee. What say you?"


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=10 ; d20=5 ;
Tuesday February 28th, 2023 11:52:28 PM

Paanzer winces internally as Sahabiel allos the Twigjack into her space to seal her deal. Hw doesn't know what this dal is tough because he doesn't speak Sylvan. Instead he keeps his eye on the other Twifjacks and triues to gauge their mood.
Perception 10
Sense Motive 5

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 8:47:08 AM


Zazu listens intently, and finally begins to understand what is going on here.

As an elf who speaks Sylvan, Zazu translates for those who need help. And especially explains that the fey want a bauble and a tasty treat from everybody.

Zazu offers a little box that gives a nasty shock to anyone who opens it. "Be very very careful! You could kill yourself with this. That said, it is the kind of trick I think you would enjoy." (This is one of Zazu's two remaining Glyph-trapped boxes; this one is trapped with electricity.)

"And I have some crunchy trail rations for you to enjoy."

As an aside, the elf whispers to Sahabiel, "You're doing a great job here!"

[OOC: Zazu is still invisible, and delivers the box and rations via ranged legerdemain.]

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 3:39:57 PM

I am happy to let you have my colorful bauble. As for food, I have some trail rations as well that I can offer for the information.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 7:35:39 PM

(ooc: sorry, a slightly rushed post tonight - I have some ideas I think you'll like very much, but I will need to know if we are already on the island in the pond where this encounter is taking place, or not yet?)

DM OOC: No, you are in the vicinity, but not there yet...

Sahabiel finds the terms of the fey acceptable. When given the choice between paying a price that she can afford, or to get involved in what the fey might consider a game, the first is almost always the preferable option..

She looks over to Beech, who for as long as she has traveled with the Champions tends to do the camp cooking during their longer stops... "We will barter for information. Sir Beech, it might be early for lunch, but might I impose on ya to set up the cooking gear and prepare for our fey hosts seven fey-sized servings of something good? And.. if there could be some extra? Our hosts may have an appetite for seconds, and we for information."

(ooc: Sahabiel means to make use of the fact that seeing and smelling food being prepared makes you want it more, thus raising the perceived desirability of the food to the fey by the time they receive it)

Being on top of the negotiations, when she sees one of Zazu's explosive trick boxes being added to the offerings with no more than a cryptic warning about its nature, she politely intervenes and urgently impresses that item's trickster nature on the Twigjack, and that the box should never be opened and instead be used to play a trick on one they wish harm. As much as Sahabiel appreciates Zazu's whimsical nature, getting her conversation partner blown up because of unclear usage instructions would certainly set these talks back.

(ooc: Sahabiel actually does carry quite a selection of tradeable precious stones and gems on her person, since she uses them as just an easier to carry form of higher value coins, but I have never needed to set individual types or values to them.. since however one of the key features of Freedom Landing is that we have access to freshwater pearl oysters and crafting shiny mother-of-pearl fashion accessories and haberdasheries was our highest value trade with the guild in Karri, I think it is safe to assume she is going to have at least a few polished freshwater pearls on her person?)

DM OOC: one could be persuaded to believe so...

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 9:48:12 PM

Beech, being asked to do something, other than cook Fey, hesitates only a few moments to stow his bow. He will then pull out a couple pans, and then ask, "Need some help making a stone ring, to keep the fire contained."
He pulls out some staples that he always carries and if no one helps by making a fire ring, he's go about it, then start up a fire. It all takes time, and a fireball is quicker, but he knows it would anger his friends...

(no cooking roll as just setting up fire pit and stuff fire) The seed is still extremely handy if or when it's needed....

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 10:15:35 PM

Naithi checks her pockets and realizes the she has more items in her than she remembered!

As a token of our appreciation for your knowledge I would like to offer in trade some delicacies of our region that I personally discovered and collected. This bag contains a large variety of spices and ingredients including a variety of mushrooms and fresh water mussels and fish that have been preserved to be used in soups and stews. I also have trail rations, ale, or gingerbread cookies (from the G.G.) if you prefer.

As for baubles, will trust you to know the worth of your information. I have a variety of mother of pearl I collected, multi colored stones (Lego caltrops from the G.G.), or a platinum and Garnett cloak pin (600gp value). I also have a piece of special meat that is laced with a sleep potion and will put the the eater to sleep. It is nice for escaping animals that you need to get past without hurting them.

I also have a second bag I would be willing to trade in exchange for any local seeds, seasoning, and recipes you may have. Trying the various foods of the Wold is a great joy to me and I'm always looking to try something new.


ooc: I found our old loot tracker sheet because I recalled claiming a cloak pin and realized I have I forgot to add some items my sheet. The only item not jewels or jewelry is a ring of counter spells. I have the gold, so I'll update my CS ASAP.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 10:27:56 PM

Naithi helps Beech to set up the stone fire pit and begins cooking with her magic frying pan (magically enchanted with Rose's temp control).

When the fire is done she will turn the red hot coals into a flower and put it in her hair.


DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map  d100=18 ; d20+1=15 ; d20+1=21 ;
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 11:41:34 PM

Zazu listens intently, and finally begins to understand what is going on here. As an elf who speaks Sylvan, Zazu translates for those who need help. And especially explains that the fey wants a bauble and a tasty treat from everybody. Being the ever-mindful trickster...his gift is his bond! As an aside, the elf whispers to Sahabiel, "You're doing a great job here!"

Beech dabbling with his special seed, Beech, stores it to start prepping his cooking wares then asks for help "Need some help making a stone ring, to keep the fire contained."

Naithi and Camalayas begin to describe both her tasty foodstuffs & baubles, before helping to tender the fire...Naithi helps Beech to set up the stone fire pit and begins cooking with her magic frying pan (magically enchanted with Rose's temp control). When the fire is done she will turn the red hot coals into a flower and put it in her hair.

Sahabiel knowing the nature of the TwigJacks, stays on top of both the negotiations and Zazu's ways warning the fey of his Special gifts. Then she moves on to the bartering phase of the discussions.

Lothlo I am happy to let you have my colorful bauble. As for food, I have some trail rations as well that I can offer for the information.

Panzer winces internally as Sahabiel allows the Twigjack into her space to seal her deal. He doesn't know what this dal is tough because he doesn't speak Sylvan. Instead, he keeps his eye on the other Twigjacks and tries to gauge their mood.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The TwigJacks are most intrigued by the foodstuffs & to a lesser degree, the Sparklies. When Beech and Naithi begin to both tend the fire ring & cook the foodstuffs coupled with the various spices and mushrooms, you get the feeling if the TwigJacks could drool, they would be doing just that!

A couple of the TwigJacks, the two outliers of the five seem to be bauble fascinated. These two are taking great delight in hearing what you have to offer in terms of the baubles.

Everyone makes a Perceptions skill check DC 13 Highlight to display spoiler: { You can hear some of the TwigJacks discussing which is more important; Baubles or Foodstuffs. }

Everyone makes a Perceptions skill check DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: { You hear one TwigJack whispering to itself what if the biggins don't like the information? Will the take the foodstuffs back?}

Everyone makes a Perceptions skill check DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: { You hearing one TwigJack whispering to itself that the others might not like this trade & could this go south fast? }


Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  PERC d20+10=26
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 11:13:16 AM

ooc: Sorry, work got busy last night

IC: Nightingale hears the "deal" of a shiny and food ... she starts rummaging around ni her Bag of Holding, it actually looks more like her bag is trying to eat he arm....but she pulls out a few things to offer to Sahabiel the dealmaker, "Cousin, will these work as a shiny? Nightingale is holding a couple of 10gp moss agates ... and a small bag of sugar crystal candy

OOC2: Forgot to add roll

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=18 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 1:29:00 PM

Perception 18
Panzer hears the whispers about the Bigun's maybe not liking the information. He wonders why we wouldn't like it? He shrugs and drops his pack. Looking through it he finds nothing shiny that they might want. Instead he pulls out most of his food and brings it to Beech.
"You trust these guys?" He whispers to Beech.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20+6=13 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 1:30:10 PM

Beech, once the fire is started, will try to cook up a better than trail meal, it probably won't be up to his standards, but that can be fixed with a bit more heat, with spices.
What he makes is a rice based dish, with a few veggies and some preserved fish, which the town has plenty of. He makes it a sweet and slightly spicy dish. (think General Tso's flavoring)
"This should be enough for the trade, this is an amount I'd make if some would like seconds in our own group."
He pulls out his own personal spoon, takes a full spoonful and eats it. ["Not my best, but I'm also using a very makeshift cooking pit." Proving he didn't add anything he wouldn't eat to the dish, without having to say it aloud.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 1:31:57 PM

Beech will show the peach pit tucked into his belt to Panzer....

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+2=21 ; d20+13=25 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 2:06:25 PM

Naithi finished cooking a hodgepodge of things in her frying pan. Things that don't look like they should go together... But the smell is heavenly! Paella! The paella is all things good: juicy seasoned meats and seafood, tender-crisp beans, and the best part, saffron scented rice with crispy toasty rice bits. It is a dream come true.

Forgive me, but I overheard summer of your conversations. We always do our best not to go back in our word. If you give us the information we seek, then these gifts are yours, even if we don't like the information. We prefer information we don't like over falsehoods or not knowing anything. We just ask that you tell us what you know.

(Note that Naithi stores fresh ingredients magically and just need to dismiss the ability to retrieve them)

Cooking Skill = 21
Perception = 25


Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+21=36 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 5:53:57 PM


Perception 36

Zazu echoes Naithi's words. In Sylvan, the elf says, "Yeah, no worries. A deal is a deal. But do try hard to give us good info, so that we will bring you more food and stuff in the future."



Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=28 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 6:02:42 PM

Lothlo watches as the food is prepared and keeps an eye out for any dangers that may be lurking near by.
And even if it's news we wouldn't want to hear, we'd rather find out now than get the bad news after spending hours or days of just to find out the same thing.
Perception = 28

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 7:46:16 PM

Sahabiel looks on as the Twigjacks almost salivate over freshly prepared food, and so many of her companions producing so many kinds of shinies from their pockets and bags that she has to hold them back a little to avoid there being more than seven in the offering on the table.

Estimating that the fey would most understand things that are either related to trickery, or precious shiny stones that would fit inside the hollows of their bodies so that they can wear them, she sets up Zazu's magic trick box, two each of Nightingale's polished moss agates and Sahabiel's polished freshwater pearls, one of Naithi's mother-of-pearl inlaid objects, and Lothlo's bauble, alongside seven fey-servings of Beech's fresh paella spreading their wonderful aroma.

<"This is what we offer for information. I will consider you to have earned this much, if you give me these simple truths three.">

She smiles, and knows she is deliberately going to make it not too difficult for the Twigjacks to live up to their side of the bargain, because she has a bit of a plan for which it would help to wet their appetite for further dealings.

She raises one finger. <"One truth of the world. I would know where you and your clan have roamed for the past moon, especially the time during which darkness settled under the canopy of the Culverwood.">

A second finger goes up. <"One truth of your experience. I would know what you and your clan have noticed or heard of any changes to the land.">

And then the third to make three. <"One truth of the way. I would know if you or any other in your clan know the way to a certain island that lies in a pond not far from here, an island which a hunter recently visited - and you may show us you know of it by being our guide to there.">

She fixes her eyes on the Twigjack with a well-practiced look of priestly sagacity; <"For depending on what we find there.. I may have a greater task that would be well suited for your kin, and for which I would at that time offer an enduring boon for you and all your clan.">


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 7:58:34 PM

(ooc: I forgot to roll Perception, but since at least half the party was already hitting that roll out of the park and talking aloud reassuring the fey that we are good for our word on this deal, I am just going to leave my post as it is. Because if anyone might be worried about our willingness to really do this deal, I can't think of anything more reassuring than getting on with actually doing the deal, right? ;)

DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map  d20+1=12 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 10:37:32 PM

Three Truths

Zazu echoes Naithi's words. In Sylvan, the elf says, "Yeah, no worries. A deal is a deal. But do try hard to give us good info, so that we will bring you more food and stuff in the future."

Beech with his culinary skills, use of spices and the like creates a savory, sweet & slightly spicy dish for the trade. Of course, he "poison" tastes the foodstuff to show the Twigjacks it's safe.

Naithi finished cooking a hodgepodge of things in her frying pan. Things that don't look like they should go together... But the smell is heavenly! Paella! The paella is all things good: juicy seasoned meats and seafood, tender-crisp beans, and the best part, saffron-scented rice with crispy toasty rice bits. It is a dream come true.

Forgive me, but I overheard summer of your conversations. We always do our best not to go back to our word. If you give us the information we seek, then these gifts are yours, even if we don't like the information. We prefer information we don't like over falsehoods or not knowing anything. We just ask that you tell us what you know.

Nightingale hears the "deal" of a shiny food ... she starts rummaging around in her Bag of Holding, it actually looks more like her bag is trying to eat he arm....but she pulls out a few things to offer to Sahabiel the dealmaker, "Cousin, will these work as a shiny? Nightingale is holding a couple of 10gp moss agates ... and a small bag of sugar crystal candy.

Sahabiel looks on as the Twigjacks almost salivate over freshly prepared food and so many of her companions producing so many kinds of shinies from their pockets and bags that she has to hold them back a little to avoid there being more than seven in the offering on the table. She then uses her weirding way to try and bind the TwigJacks to 3 "Truths."

Lothlo watches as the food is prepared and keeps an eye out for any dangers that may be lurking nearby. And even if it's news we wouldn't want to hear, we'd rather find out now than get the bad news after spending hours or days just to find out the same thing.

Panzer hears the whispers about the Bigun's maybe not liking the information. Does he wonder why we wouldn't like it? He shrugs and drops his pack. Looking through it he finds nothing shiny that they might want. Instead, he pulls out most of his food and brings it to Beech.
"You trust these guys?" He whispers to Beech.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The leader of the TwigJacks continues the barter, by saying, "the trade was simple, 1 bauble & 1 foodstuff per biggin for the information you are seeking, which is simply the answer to the Truth of the Way. I will tell you the way, but we will not guide you. It's not our "turf". As for the Culverwood, we do not know of which you speak. This One truth of your experience. We know not of any changes to the land, as our land in here, as he stretches out his arms and twirls around.

Your request for "One truth of the Wold. Since we know not of this darkness, we cannot answer your request.

"Now that our terms have been met, is this agreeable to you? Yes?" says the TwigJack Leader. If you agree, the four other twigJacks begin to move the baubles and Foodstuffs behind them into the brambles. As soon as a TwigJack enters the brambles another comes out empty handed ready to continue the assembly line of moving the agreed-upon barter back into the brambles. It is only the twigjack leader that remains in place.

Everyone makes a perception check DC 13 Highlight to display spoiler: {You aren't 100% certain, but it looks like there are more unique-looking Twigjacks than just 5.}

Everyone makes a perception check DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: {You decypher that there are about 15 TwigJacks in total.}

Everyone makes a perception check DC 23 Highlight to display spoiler: {You know that between what Sahabiel already said and the numbers counted, a fight would have been ugly.}

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=17 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 1:47:29 AM

perception 17
Panzer watches the parade of Twigjacks as they collect their bounty and realizes there are more tan 5. How many more he isn't sure but way more than 5.
He shrugs.
There were way more than 5 rogues in the thieves guild too, and they seemed to be alot tougher than these fey. But any fight he doesn't need to bleed in sounds good to him.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+13=20 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 1:44:22 PM

Naithi counts the number of Twigjack and becomes more curious about their food situation.

Is it difficult finding enough food for all of you out here? Perhaps we could make arrangements to trade more often. Is that something you would be interested in?

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Perc Check: d20+10=16 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 2:27:08 PM

Like Panzer, Nightingale is content in letting her "cousin" deal with the interesting little creatures

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Friday March 3rd, 2023 4:36:16 PM

Beech, cringes a little at the question Naithi asks, but keeps his mouth shut, yes he understands Sylvan, but sooner than later, we are going to be pitted against someone we call "friends", It's gonna happen, and when it does, it's gonna splatter like a seagulls poo hitting a stone from a couple hundred feet....

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+7=17 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 7:51:49 PM

Sahabiel too notices the discrepancy in numbers of the Twigjacks... more than they could see must have been hiding, as had been Naithi's reading of the situation earlier. As expected then, and this only validates her belief that a fight here was better avoided.

<"I am satisfied. You have given me your answers, and so in fair exchange the food and shinies are yours. That you might have no knowledge of certain matters, I already accepted as a possibility.>

And even as they are, these answers are not without value. They tell her, for one thing, that these Twigjacks are fairly unsocial and insular, likely having little contact with other fey in the Culverwood despite it being so close by. It also tells her that the darkening of the Culverwood is, for now, limited to the boundaries of the Culverwood indeed, and that the temporary darkening of Freedom Landing must have been an effect of the dark druids' directed attack upon the heroes of the Tree of Parting while they were in the village. For these creatures to have not noticed any changes in their domain, again despite how close this was to the Culverwood, it can not have been a larger phenomenon.

It was a pity that the Twigjacks would not act as guides to the island... but at least she had learned a few useful things, and they had all avoided a nasty fight that would have surely been costly on both sides. An outcome well worth a pot of paella and some replaceable baubles.

Sahabiel will offer a few more servings of the paella, from the extra that Beech prepared, for the leader to elaborate a little more on what they do know about the pond and island, of however limited relevance. Unlike perhaps Naithi however, she has no expectations of developing future relations with this little fey clan beyond avoiding conflict, and even that is likely best achieved by just avoiding their turf now that they know it is there. Although.. she will allow that thought to linger, of her speaking of bestowing 'an enduring boon' on them should they accept 'a greater task' from her later. (ooc: Sahabiel did have something specific in mind when she said that, but a rather useful side effect is that it supports the perception that there are greater boons to be won from playing along with her, that can not be gained by e.g. simply ambushing the party later and stealing their things, as would be the case if she allowed the Twigjacks to think only in terms of the foodstuffs and baubles they carried to barter with.)

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=35 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 8:52:47 PM

Lothlo watches as the five twigjacks disappear with the food, and another five return for the shinies, followed by... another five? Still, they seem to have held up their end of the deal, and he can't really blame them for hiding their full numbers.

perception = 35 (nat 20)

DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map 
Friday March 3rd, 2023 9:50:09 PM

What could have been...

Beech cringes a little at the question Naithi asks, but keeps his mouth shut, yes he understands Sylvan, but sooner than later, we are going to be pitted against someone we call "friends", It's gonna happen, and when it does, it's gonna splatter like a seagulls poo hitting a stone from a couple of hundred feet...

Naithi counts the number of Twigjack and becomes more curious about their food situation. Is it difficult finding enough food for all of you out here? Perhaps we could make arrangements to trade more often. Is that something you would be interested in?

Nightingale Like Panzer, Nightingale is content in letting her "cousin" deal with the interesting little creatures

Sahabiel also notices the discrepancy in the numbers of the Twigjacks... more than they could see must have been hiding, as had been Naithi's reading of the situation earlier. As expected then, and this only validates her belief that a fight here was better avoided. Sahabiel thinks about the other possibilities, and what could have been.

Lothlo watches as the five Twigjacks disappear with the food, and another five return for the shinies, followed by... another five? Still, they seem to have held up their end of the deal, and he can't really blame them for hiding their full numbers.

Panzer watches the parade of Twigjacks as they collect their bounty and realizes there are more than 5. How many more he isn't sure but way more than 5. He shrugs. There were way more than 5 rogues in the thieves guild too, and they seemed to be a lot tougher than this fey. But any fight he doesn't need to bleed in sounds good to him.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

As soon as all the baubles & foodstuffs have found a home amongst the brambles, and all that remains visible is the assumed leader of the TwigJacks, he, steps closer to the biggin's spokesperson, and says, "What we know about your destination...your destination, a pond with a small island is another half mile north of here, on the other side of the brambles. Since you have kept up your side of the barter, we can let you know there are other critters in other parts of the area, whether you see them or not. That is all."

With that, the leader pivots on heels (what could be heels) and disappears into the brambles.

You now have your final path to the pond with the small island. I would suggest you find a place to rest, meditate, have a meal, and plan your next move forward. To quote a leader, there are others in the area, even if you don't see them."

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Friday March 3rd, 2023 10:32:02 PM


"That's good advice! Let's rest and then be on our way!"

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Saturday March 4th, 2023 6:53:33 PM

Nightingale frowns for a moment, and looks to her friends once the TwigJack leaves ... "Did he just say brambles, I'm wondering if we're going to be facing another plant battle - I don't remember the hunter saying anything about going through brambles to get to and from the island."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Monday March 6th, 2023 2:03:19 PM

"If we are gonna rest up, i'll take first watch."
Beech has a plan for clearing Brambles as needed... It's only a small area at a time, but it'll leave a bare spot....

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday March 6th, 2023 4:58:02 PM

Sahabiel nods to Beech. "When we are ready to move along, we will have to be careful and watch for signs of anything anyway. Oh, and l think we should go around the brambles rather than through? I do not think they can be a closed thicket stretching on and on, or no hunter should have even bothered trying to come this way."

(ooc: does rest mean a short rest for lunch only, or are we talking about long enough to reset per-day abilities and spell slots?)


DM Jon-Paul | Roots & Vines Map 
Monday March 6th, 2023 5:47:32 PM

DM:

Long rest to reset spells...

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Monday March 6th, 2023 7:38:12 PM


Zazu studies and preps spells. "Boyo Boy! I sure wish I had more than one third level spell in my book! What am I, a sorcerer! Next time I hit the Catacombs, I am definitely going scroll shopping!"

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday March 6th, 2023 7:42:21 PM

Panzer looks around. It is noon. He has just completed about the same amount of exercise as he and Fredo do every morning, except they run instead of stroll like the group has been doing. Normally this warm up would be followed by a day of digging out the trench and berm."
" Rest, seriously? Whatever, I'll take middle watch then so y'all can sleep. I don't think we have used even 1 spell among us, but what do I know."

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=31 ;
Monday March 6th, 2023 7:53:32 PM

I'll keep an eye out if you guys need to rest and prepare your spells, after all, we know we aren't alone out here.
Lohtlo scans the terrain and the tree tops for any signs of danger while people rest and prepare for what lies ahead.

Perception = 31

Whihl’s Pond


Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Monday March 6th, 2023 8:44:15 PM

Nightingale hasn't used any spells so she can take a longer watch so others can rest longer

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Monday March 6th, 2023 8:45:58 PM

Naithi offers to take a whichever shift is most convenient. She doesn't have dark vision, so if it is a dark night it will be better if someone else takes that shift.

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Pond Map  d20=20 ;
Monday March 6th, 2023 10:14:08 PM

Zazu wishes he had more spells and thinks he needs a shopping trip! "That's good advice! Let's rest and then be on our way!"

Beech "If we are gonna rest up, I'll take the first watch." Beech has a plan for clearing Brambles as needed... It's only a small area at a time, but it'll leave a bare spot...

Naithi Naithi offers to take whichever shift is most convenient. She doesn't have darkvision, so if it is a dark night it will be better if someone else takes that shift.

Nightingale frowns for a moment, and looks to her friends once the TwigJack leaves ... "Did he just say brambles, I'm wondering if we're going to be facing another plant battle - I don't remember the hunter saying anything about going through brambles to get to and from the island." Nightingale hasn't used any spells so she can take a longer watch so others can rest longer

Sahabiel "When we are ready to move along, we will have to be careful and watch for signs of anything anyway. Oh, and l think we should go around the brambles rather than through. I do not think they can be a closed thicket stretching on and on, or no hunter should have even bothered trying to come this way."

Lothlo I'll keep an eye out if you guys need to rest and prepare your spells, after all, we know we aren't alone out here. Lohtlo scans the terrain and the treetops for any signs of danger while people rest and prepare for what lies ahead.

Panzer " Rest, seriously? Whatever, I'll take a middle watch then so y'all can sleep. I don't think we have used even 1 spell among us, but what do I know."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The night is filled with the sounds of the forest, alive and filled with life. Of the three watches, all three have a cacophony of life, but it's all uneventful. You are all awake in the morning, feeling well-rested and bursting with energy.

You follow the directions given to you by the leader of the TwigJacks, and soon enough, you can see in the distance what you believe to be a body of water, with a smidgeon of land in it. As you get closer, more of it comes into view.

Everyone roll a perception check against DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { You noticed as you get closer to the pond, that the Pond is contaminated.}

Everyone roll a perception check against DC 13 Highlight to display spoiler: { You can tell something is not right in the pond. It's a hue of purple!}

Everyone roll a perception check against DC 16 Highlight to display spoiler: { The area around the pool consists of beautiful plants and trees being strangled by evil vines pulsing in purple light. }

Everyone roll a perception check against DC 19 Highlight to display spoiler: { The Pool itself is partly clear and glowing, partly murky and magically purple-glow, all swirled together! }

As some of your friends or maybe also yourself realize something is off, how close do you get to the pond itself?

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20=16 ; d20=19 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 12:03:13 PM

Beech sees the pond, and instantly realizes something is extremely wrong.
"Not sure, but that purple water in the pond and the fact that those vine are pulsating with a purple light and choking off the other plants that looks like they grew here and before whatever is happening were healthy and very pretty, are obvious clues that it's not good...."
Considering what he knows, he has nothing......
He will try to spot a shell or something that can hold the seed, that they are here to find....

Perception checks
16 "for plants"
19 to spot the shell or whatever

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=24 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=11 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 1:47:41 PM

Perception 24
" Well, I have seen good before, and that most certainly is not it. I will venture a guess that the purplish stuff is the 'negative' we came to find, but what is it doing to those vines and why are they choking off all the natural looking plants that grow here? What do you folks that know nature see? Am I missing something and this is just another Tuesday in the Natural world?"
How far from this shore to the 'island'? about 15 feet?
Are there tracks from the hunter that show how he got out there? Survival 20
Are there trees around the pool? How tall are they? How thick?
Are there any animals or signs of animals here? Survival 11
Are there any trees on the island?
What is the airspeed of an unladen swallow?
Panzer isn't getting any closer than he is right now. If Beech wouldn't mind though, having his magic rope get the Badgerkin up into a tree to see what can be seen from above would be helpful.


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+7=11 ; d20+12=25 ; d20+20=25 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 4:28:15 PM

Perception d20+7 = 11. I might as well be rolling d6 for perception instead of d20, I don't seem to be using the higher numbers anyway

"Well.. that pond does nay look very healthy now, does it?", Sahabiel says tentatively.

The words of her companions quickly catch her up to a few things she hadn't even noticed at first herself, and since this looks decidedly a growth magical, she tries looking for clues from a bit of a safe distance - after the incident with vines taking over the bridge and pier back at the settlement, she is rather wary of any vines that 'just happen' to be growing in any place associated with that artifact Whihl brough back.

Knowledge(nature, magical forest) d20+12 = 25, Survival(magical forest) d20+20 = 25, starting at 20' distance and only closing in to 15' if her checks suggest it is safe to do so

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Perc Check: d20+10=30 ; Know - Nature: d20+7=20 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 6:22:46 PM

Nightingale sees what's happening, the vines, the pond, and stops dead in her tracks .... "That's, that's, not natural. The vines, they're abhorrent."

OOC: Although a definitive answer would of course require further measurements, published species-wide averages of wing length and body mass, initial Strouhal estimates based on those averages and cross-species comparisons, the Lund wind tunnel study of birds flying at a range of speeds, and revised Strouhal numbers based on that study all lead me to estimate that the average cruising airspeed velocity of an unladen European Swallow is roughly 11 meters per second, or 24 miles an hour.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=24 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 8:01:45 PM

Lothlo looks at the mix of clear and murkey water before them.
I think it's best that we don't get close until we make a plan. It's likely to behave similar to the plants back in town, and the null is designed to keep it in check, so we are likely in for something crazy as soon as we approach. Do you think there is a way we can simply distract the vines enough to give the null an edge to start taking control without putting ourselves in too much risk? And does anyone see any of the other creatures that we were told about, we don't want to put them at risk, or if they are already in trouble we will want to lend a hand as soon as we move towards the pool.

Perception = 24

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Pond Map  d100=26 d100=75
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 9:16:14 PM

Whihl's Pond

Beech sees the pond and instantly realizes something is extremely wrong. "Not sure, but that purple water in the pond and the fact that those vines are pulsating with a purple light and choking off the other plants that look like they grew here and before whatever is happening were healthy and very pretty, are obvious clues that it's not good...."

Considering what he knows, he has nothing......He will try to spot a shell or something that can hold the seed, that they are here to find...

Naithi agrees and chooses not to dive into this particular body of water. I don't know what that is, but it might be worth finding out. I suggest standing back and doing some fishing. If the water is mutating the wildlife, catching a small fish and seeing what changes it underwent will let us know how to prepare.

Nightingale sees what's happening, the vines, the pond, and stops dead in her tracks .... "That's, that's, not natural. The vines, they're abhorrent."

Sahabiel "Well.. that pond does nay look very healthy now, does it?", Sahabiel says tentatively.

The words of her companions quickly catch her up to a few things she hadn't even noticed at first herself, and since this looks decidedly a growth magical, she tries looking for clues from a bit of a safe distance - after the incident with vines taking over the bridge and pier back at the settlement, she is rather wary of any vines that 'just happen' to be growing in any place associated with that artifact Whihl brought back.

Lothlo looks at the mix of clear and murky water before them. I think it's best that we don't get close until we make a plan. It's likely to behave similarly to the plants back in town, and the null is designed to keep it in check, so we are likely in for something crazy as soon as we approach. Do you think there is a way we can simply distract the vines enough to give the null an edge to start taking control without putting ourselves at too much risk? And does anyone see any of the other creatures that we were told about, we don't want to put them at risk, or if they are already in trouble we will want to lend a hand as soon as we move towards the pool.

Panzer " Well, I have seen good before, and that most certainly is not it. I will venture a guess that the purplish stuff is the 'negative' we came to find, but what is it doing to those vines and why are they choking off all the natural-looking plants that grow here? What do you folks that know nature see? Am I missing something and this is just another Tuesday in the Natural world?" Panzer isn't getting any closer than he is right now. If Beech wouldn't mind though, having his magic rope get the Badgerkin up into a tree to see what can be seen from above would be helpful.

Panzer decides to ask many questions to no one in particular & no in particular answers:

How far from this shore to the 'island'? About 15 feet, give or take a few.
Are there tracks from the hunter that show how he got out there? (Survival 20)There are tracks leading to the pool and then no tracks until the small island shore.
Are there trees around the pool? How tall are they? How thick? No trees around the pool currently.
Are there any animals or signs of animals here? Survival 11 There are no current animal tracks leading to the pool...
Are there any trees on the island? Brush & Bramble on the island.
What is the airspeed of an unladen swallow? 24 miles per hour or 11 meters per second.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
{DM Request: Please place yourselves onto the Pond Map with either initials or create a legend so it's easy for me...I'm not a spring chicken anymore!}

From what I can perceive, no one is closer than 15' from the edge of the pool{See dotted line on map}. Now that you are all within visible distance of the pool, you all see:

At the pool, the party finds that the Pond is contaminated. The area around the pool consists of beautiful plants and trees being strangled by evil vines pulsing in purple light. The Pool itself is partly clear and glowing, partly murky and magically purple-glow, all swirled together. The island is bare of trees. It has brush and brambles on it as well as hedges.

What is everyone doing? Who will be going fishing, if anyone at all?

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 9:21:20 PM

Naithi agrees and chooses not to dive into this particular body of water.

I don't know what that is, but it might be worth finding out. I suggest standing back and doing some fishing. If the water is mutating the wild life, catching a small fish and seeing what changes it underwent will let us know how to prepare.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+15=27 ; d20+15=23 ; d20+12=18 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 10:54:34 PM


Zazu creeps up stealthily to within 25 feet. The trickster uses ranged legerdemain and a tiny box to fish out a sample of the contamination. setting it down, Zazu tries to figure it out.

Detect Magic
Spellcraft 27
Know Nature 23
Know Arcana 18

Boyo sniffs it with his wrinkly nose. (scent)

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 12:24:31 AM

Map note: can't access and boxes that the overlay is covering...

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+9=12 ; d20+9=20 ; d20+9=11 ; d20+9=21 ; d20+9=20 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 5:09:40 PM

OOC:
Hedges? Yes, some.
So we can't see the turf of the island then? Sure you can, it's not a labyrinth.
How far away from the pool is the nearest tree? 10 feet.
The map is view-only to me - fixed.
-=-

IC:
Panzer Sighs when he notices the Hedges ( which were probably noticeable from the get go) and walks away from the island a bit. He drops his rucksack and slowly begins peeling off his armor, stacking it neatly on his ruck so it isn't on the ground. When he is done he walks back to the nearest tree to the island and climbs it.
Climb 12 no progress
Climb 20
Climb 11 no progress
climb 21
climb 20
If the climb is a 1/2 move this should get him 45 feet up and give him a fabulous view of the island. He takes 20 and studies the island.
Perception 24
Do the hedges look like a maze?
What is on the other side of the hedges?
Are there any creatures on the island?

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 7:25:05 PM

ooc: I could not add a location to the map because it has been shared view-only - Fixed.

Sahabiel eyes the hunter tracks leading right up to the water. "Well.. unless Whihl is a greater fool than I believe him to be, I think we can presume that the pond was not like this when he was here, or I can't really imagine him entering the water to get to that islet..."

Sahabiel proposes a course of action that will allow everyone to keep at least 15' away from the water -

"Let's see if the same trick that worked on the bridge will do again... everybody, please keep yer distance for now and keep watch on the surroundings, I'll be looking towards the islet and searching for another one of those strong auras."

ooc: Sahabiel prays the Culverwood to grant her to have the ability to see magical auras again (Detect Magic), and since the center of the islet as drawn is exactly 60' behind the 15' line, she is going to have to slowly walk around that circumference and look at the island from every angle to cover it entirely with her detection - until she finds something, then she would stay put and keep her detection focused that way until it gives her an exact location.

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Pond Map 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 8:21:34 PM

DM: Sorry, it was an oversight. Everyone that has the link can now access as editor the Pond Map.

Pond Map description:
The island is 20 feet in Diameter.
The dotted line is 15' from the pond's shoreline.
The pond is 10 ft around the island, like a moat.

I'm looking into getting a better future map.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=31 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 8:59:10 PM

Sure thing. I'll keep an eye out for any additional threats and will leave you to do your thing Sahbiel.

Lothlo scans the area for any signs of unseen guests, or of vines heading towards them.
Perception = 31

ooc: the map looks like it has the 15' zone only 10' away on the horizontal access.

DM: I understand your concerns. Sheets is not the best tool for map-making. I tried. I'll look into improving it.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 9:50:56 PM

OOC: For the life of me, can't find my pic of Nightingale, so I had to improvise.

DM: no worries, whatever works for you, works for me!

Nightingale moves up close to Lothlo, pulls a wand from her bag and pokes herself with it, with a grin on her face ... (Divine Favor, +1 to hit & damage rolls for a minute - this is applied to her and not Lothlo)

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Pond Map 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 9:58:52 PM

Whihl’s Pond

Zazu creeps up stealthily to within 25 feet. The trickster uses ranged legerdemain and a tiny box to fish out a sample of the contamination. Setting it down, Zazu tries to figure it out.

Boyo sniffs it with his wrinkly nose. (scent)

Nightingale moves up close to Lothlo, pulls a wand from her bag, and pokes herself with it, with a grin on her face ... (So this is applied to her, as I'm blonde ... Divine Favor, +1 to hit & damage rolls for a minute)

Sahabiel eyes the hunter tracks leading right up to the water. "Well.. unless Whihl is a greater fool than I believe him to be, I think we can presume that the pond was not like this when he was here, or I can't really imagine him entering the water to get to that islet..."

Sahabiel proposes a course of action that will allow everyone to keep at least 15' away from the water -

"Let's see if the same trick that worked on the bridge will do again... everybody, please keep yer distance for now and keep watch on the surroundings, I'll be looking towards the islet and searching for another one of those strong auras."

Lothlo Sure thing. I'll keep an eye out for any additional threats and will leave you to do your thing Sahbiel. Lothlo scans the area for any signs of unseen guests, or of vines heading toward them.

Panzer sighs when he notices the Hedges ( which were probably noticeable from the get-go) and walks away from the island a bit. He drops his rucksack and slowly begins peeling off his armor, stacking it neatly on his ruck so it isn't on the ground. When he is done he walks back to the nearest tree to the island and climbs it.
Climb 12 no progress
Climb 20
Climb 11 no progress
climb 21
climb 20
If the climb is a 1/2 move this should get him 45 feet up and give him a fabulous view of the island. He takes 20 and studies the island.
Perception 24
-=-=-=-=-=-
Zazu & Boyo, Highlight to display spoiler: {Detect Magic - Yes | Spellcraft 27 - a strong aura. | Know Nature 23 - The water is unnatural in its contamination. | Know Arcana 18 - The aura is overwhelming. || Boyo - It smells of rotting decaying materials & something else, but Boyo doesn't know what. }

Sahabiel Highlight to display spoiler: { You are granted another chance to use Detect Magic || You don't have to go far, as you detect a similar Overwhelming aura. }

Lothlo Highlight to display spoiler: { Nothing is currently heading towards you or your group. }

Panzer Highlight to display spoiler: { Do the hedges look like a maze? No. | What is on the other side of the hedges? Ground and low grasses. | Are there any creatures on the island? Not a one. Your Perception indicates it's unusually quiet.}
-=-=-

The area for those of you that made perception checks, is unnaturally quiet. The water is also quite still, almost like Still Life*. What's your next move?

Highlight to display spoiler: { * Still Life by Iron Maiden }

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 81/87 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:51:14 PM

Divine favor is a personal spell, with a target of you. Therefore the wand's user may cast it on themselves, but not on someone else

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 10:55:34 PM

“Hey everybody! The nasty stuff in the water is really strong Magic, and it smells like rot.”

Zarzuela inspects the waters.

“I suggest not touching it!”

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 3:55:44 PM

Sahabiel again finds the strength of the aura ahead of her almost overwhelming, but she is expecting it this time. "...I am reading the aura of another artifact grade something on that islet alright, and I am going to guess that must be the 'negative' to that shard Whihl brought back. If ya give me a little longer to study the auras on that islet, I think I should be able to get an exact location we can focus on."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20=4 ;
Thursday March 9th, 2023 4:20:40 PM

Beech, again looks to see if he can spot anything that could be considered a cover, on the isle.

(previous roll 19 and not replied to)
Current Roll: 4

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=18 ;
Thursday March 9th, 2023 7:46:13 PM

Take all the time you need Sahabiel, with magic this strong we are definetly better knowing all we can before we do anything.
Lothlo continues scanning the area for signs of danger while Sahabiel continues her investigation.

Perception = 18

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 9:48:42 PM

{OOC: DM:: I'm trying some different suggestions on the map...let me know what works & doesn't via email.}
*-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-*
Zazu lets everyone in the group know that "The nasty stuff in the water is really strong Magic, and it smells like rot.”

Beech again looks to see if he can spot anything that could be considered a cover, on the isle.

Sahabiel believes that if she just concentrates on the aura a bit longer, she can pinpoint the area they are looking for.

Lothlo Take all the time you need Sahabiel, with magic this strong we are definitely better at knowing all we can before we do anything. Lothlo continues scanning the area for signs of danger while Sahabiel continues her investigation.

Panzer comments, Divine favor is a personal spell, with a target of you. Therefore the wand's user may cast it on themselves, but not on someone else.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Beech Highlight to display spoiler: { Both perception skill rolls were spot on, but the center isle is but a place of rest on a hot summer's day, containing nothing of consequence. If you didn't know any better, so you think the isle is just a distraction. }

Sahabiel Highlight to display spoiler: { The longer you concentrate on the aura, the more you are convinced that the object you seek is underwater.}

Lothlo Highlight to display spoiler: { Where you stand, you cannot see any danger, but that doesn't mean it isn't there!}
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
In summary, you've come to a proverbial fork in the road. You received directions from the TwigJacks; without a fight; which lead you straight here to this place. You see Hunter Whihl's tracks leading straight to the water's edge. Your gifted magic users have detected the same type of aura coming from the Pool itself which is partly clear and glowing, partly murky and magically purple-glow, all swirled together. You have cautiously decided to not get too close to the water's edge. You know from the Bridge in Freedom's Landing that the Roots & Vines abruptly appeared near a water source.

What do you do next? Skipping stones perhaps? Perhaps you'll set up camp to watch the pool at night?



Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 11:14:51 PM

Following her wand snafu ... she'll pull another one, her wand of Bless, and wait to use it until something happens

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Friday March 10th, 2023 1:02:23 AM


"Well, IF we wanted to, does anybody have water walking or water breathing? That seems like an option we ought to at least ponder."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Friday March 10th, 2023 12:06:28 PM

"I can try an icestorm and see if it will freeze the top of the pond. Oh, I think the island out there is a distraction, maybe even not there...." At that thought, he picks up a stone and throws it to the island and sees if the island is a figment....

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Friday March 10th, 2023 2:41:25 PM

Sahabiel looks pensive as she continues to study and get a sense of all things magical in the direction of the islet. "I think... from where I feel the aura strongest.. what we are looking for might be underwater now? Whether it was so before, or whether those vines have snagged it, when I concentrate on that strongest aura, it seems to be coming up from below the waterline?"

In light of that realization, she whispers to Beech;

"Good thinking, that would keep the vines from reaching up! But freezing the surface is not going to make getting something from under it easier... so.. how about this, I am going to see if I can narrow that location down further (ooc: Detect Magic, 3rd round of detecting in same direction), and then see if the Culverwood will grant me an elemental.. a small water elemental in water would move as but a current, giving vines no purchase, yet using its vortex aspect might form a funnel strong enough to throw clear the object onto the shore.. assuming it is not very much larger than the shard we already saw? Could ya check with the others if anyone has any supporting enchantments that might increase the likelihood of such an attempt working? I can call on only two small elementals today, so each one has to count..."

ooc: Sahabiel's proposed action is to first maintain another round of Detect Magic, so that she gets enough of a detailed location that she can direct a summoned creature to it. Then, she would conjure a Small Water Elemental to slip into the pond and use its vortex aspect to pick up the negative shard from underwater, and fling it out of the pond.


Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Friday March 10th, 2023 2:51:21 PM

ooc: My daughter's surgery went well. I'll try to post after work.

DM: That's awesome news! Congrats!!!

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Friday March 10th, 2023 4:20:19 PM

Panzer climbs down from the tree and looks at the water. He shrugs and then starts taking off the rest of his gear until he is left with a belt, undies, a ring and an amulet.He straps his kukri to his belt and picks up a boot.
" Keep narrowing the location down. I still think the purple stuff is what we need. If it is and I scoop some out in my boot and dump it on the vines they SHOULD go away. I mean, thats hat we came here for, right, something to rid the town of the bloody vines. So here I go."
Panzer walks out to the water, through the vines that are doing their best to choke out the local flora and dips his boot deep into the pool, trying to get the the less clear and purple swirlly layer. So long as nothing tries to kill him he will fill up the boot and dump it on the vines and watch to see what happens.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+20=26 ; d8+9=17 ;
Friday March 10th, 2023 8:11:52 PM

I guess we are doing this then. I've got your back should things turn ugly, but I'm not sure whether my arrows will have any affect.

Lothlo pulls out a cold iron arrow and readies to defend against any attacks that may come as people start to take action.

Roll each once: D20 + 19(+1 within 30'), 1d8 +8 (+1 within 30') , and +4 to confirm crits

Attack = 26
Damage = 17

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map  d3=3 ; d20+4=21 ; d20=11 ;
Friday March 10th, 2023 9:53:28 PM

The Pond
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Zazu "Well, IF we wanted to, does anybody have water walking or water breathing? That seems like an option we ought to at least ponder."

Beech "I can try an ice storm and see if it will freeze the top of the pond. Oh, I think the island out there is a distraction, maybe even not there...." At that thought, he picks up a stone and throws it to the island and sees if the island is a figment...

Nightingale Following her wand snafu ... she'll pull another one, her wand of Bless, and wait to use it until something happens

Sahabiel tries to concentrate for at least another round to try to determine where the shard actually is, and then quickly formulates a plan to retreive it.

Panzer climbs down from the tree and looks at the water. He shrugs and then starts taking off the rest of his gear until he is left with a belt, undies, a ring and an amulet.He straps his kukri to his belt and picks up a boot. "Keep narrowing the location down. I still think the purple stuff is what we need. If it is and I scoop some out in my boot and dump it on the vines they SHOULD go away. I mean, that's what we came here for, right, something to rid the town of the bloody vines. So here I go."

Panzer walks out to the water, through the vines that are doing their best to choke out the local flora, and dips his boot deep into the pool, trying to get the the less clear and purple swirlly layer. So long as nothing tries to kill him he will fill up the boot and dump it on the vines and watch to see what happens.

Lothlo Readies his bow with a cold iron arrow just in case Panzer runs into trouble.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Beech Highlight to display spoiler: { Your rock hits the isle and rolls into a bush. Bush takes 3 hit points of damage. The isle is real. }

Nightingale Highlight to display spoiler: { Your wait is over...something has happened! }

Sahabiel Highlight to display spoiler: { Your 3rd round of Detect Magic tells you the Negative Shard is underwater but because of the Negative Influence of this shard you can't get a good pinpoint location. }

Panzer Highlight to display spoiler: { As you get close to the edge of the water...something rises out of it and attacks you! }
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As Panzer Braun makes his way over to the edge of the water, two huge translucent creatures shape-shift between a spinning column of water and a crashing wave rise up out of the stillness. These wave-like creatures have vaguely humanoid faces and smaller wave “arms” to either side. As they reach their 40 foot apex, they attack!

Panzer gets wet, but both creatures miss hitting you.

Lothlo fires his arrow as Panzer gets attacked hitting one of the watery creatures for 7 points of damage!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Critter Damage:
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Watery Critter 1:: 17/?
Watery Critter 2:: ?/?

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+12=21 ; d4=4 ; d4=1 ; d6=6 ; d6=2 ; d6=4 ;
Friday March 10th, 2023 11:30:39 PM


Zazu shouts, "This is not good!"

The elf springs into action, spurring Boyo on into the fray!

The dire bunny hops forward, to, say 32AF.

Still invisible, that ends after the wizard casts Acid Arrow. But invisibility makes this a sneak attack.

"We'll see if these things can even BE sneak attacked!" Zazu mutters.

"These things are big, but that's good. Means I don't have to worry about firing into the melee."

With a +2 to hit from being invisible, and with the monster losing its dex bonus to AC, with luck this will be a solid blow. "Hopefully they are not immune to acid!"

Zazu rolls to hit touch AC (without dex bonus) 21, aiming at the one on the right/east.

The acid arrow this round does 2d4 damage plus 3d6 sneak attack damage plus another 2d4 next round.

For this round, that's 5+12 = 17 damage.


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Saturday March 11th, 2023 12:38:55 AM

Panzer's AC are currently 18, 16touch,14 flat without armor

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Saturday March 11th, 2023 12:22:20 PM

Nightingale will use her wand to cast Bless on herself and her friends ... then she'll put it away ... and think about her next course of action

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Saturday March 11th, 2023 5:18:12 PM

Sahabiel is rudely shaken out of her observations by the sudden outbreak of mayhem. She at least appreciates the irony that not ten seconds earlier, she had told Beech that she hoped the wood would grant her a water elemental and how it would be hard to detect in the pond. Well, goes to show one should be careful what one hopes for.

Events have her on the back foot. "Such size! E.. Elder elementals? From contaminated water? Panzer, please try and get away from there! If they're bound to that pond, they might cease attacks if ya keep far away enough from it!"

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  8d6=27 ;
Saturday March 11th, 2023 6:23:44 PM

Beech thinks, well, I can see them... they are above the mean level of the pond... They attacked with vile intents... At least I brought the party favors....

Beech tosses a fireball, catching the water creatures, and avoiding Panzer... He yells out, "I'm sending gifts, I'll try not to hit people, but leave me space..."

Fireball, Damage 27, DC 18 for 1/2

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+6=10 ;
Monday March 13th, 2023 1:38:38 PM

Panzer's AC are currently 22, 20 touch,14 flat without armor (Total defense added in)

Somehow, you don't know how and neither does Panzer, The towering Water Elementals miss hm. Those with really keen ears hear some sort of bark of surprise as the waves crash to the ground around the Badgerkin. He rolls away, very wet. You are sure at least some of that dampness came from the waves landing and exploding so close to Panzer. He will not try to dissuade any of you from thinking that was the only liquid that soaked him.
Panzer now feels like a very small ant dropped into a very small pool with very large fish. He is not fond of this feeling. He hears Sahabiel shout something about moving away from them and maybe stopping their attacks. That sounds good to him since his armor is way over there against a tree.
Panzer goes completely defensive (total defense, +4 dodge AC,Standard action) and attempts to run out of the way. He plants his feet and makes like a rabbit and runs.
(Ignore the roll I was going to do something else and then realized that it wouldn't work)

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Monday March 13th, 2023 8:09:04 PM

***posting for James***
Naithi and Camalayaas go into full defensive mode, not wanting to anger the water cirtters if there is a chance for peace.



Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday March 13th, 2023 8:14:02 PM

Sahabiel readies her shield, and runs to position herself at the 15' line to give Panzer somewhere clear to run to.

(ooc: If possible, Sahabiel would like to Aid Another to give Panzer +2 AC once he makes it to within 5' of her, but I am not actually sure if the rules allow that? Aid Another in combat is mostly written from the point of view of helping someone make an attack, with shielding them and adding those +2 to AC instead being written in as almost an afterthought -- so it has that weird requirement for being in a position to "attack the target".. so I am not sure if that means rules-as-written that I can only offer shield support to Panzer if I am within range to attack the pond creature, or if for the purpose of using my shield for my ally, that means my "target" would be Panzer?)

DM: If you readied the action to say, I'll give "Aid another" to Panzer of +2AC if he makes it to within 5' of her. I would accept that.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+18=35 ; d20+18=36 ; d20+13=17 ; d8+9=15 ; d8+9=14 ; d8+9=13 ;
Monday March 13th, 2023 8:21:27 PM

Sending some help your way as well, we'll see if cold iron works on these critters as well.

Lothlo pulls out three cold iron arrows and aims them at the elemental taking all the damage.

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 = 35
Damage 1 = 15

Attack 2 = 36
Damage 2 = 14

Attack 3 = 17
Damage 3 = 13

***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: 4 arrows
0 arrows, 0 hero points


Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Monday March 13th, 2023 10:02:36 PM


Zazu shouts encouragement to all the party. "Come on, friends! We can defeat these watery monsters!"

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Monday March 13th, 2023 11:00:13 PM

Nightingale calls upon Queen Maab and summons a Spiritual Sickle (Weapon) that she will have defend Panzer until he's out of danger

SW: +6 to hit, damage is 1D8+1, it strikes as a spell, not a weapon

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map  d20+4=6 ; d20+4=20 ;
Monday March 13th, 2023 11:14:24 PM

DM:: Using the Colored Pond Map

*-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-*
Zazu & Boyo make sneak attacks against the Elder Waters while invisible!

Beech thinks, well, I can see them...they are above the mean level of the pond...They attacked with vile intentions... At least I brought the party favors....

Beech tosses a fireball, catching the water creatures, and avoiding Panzer... He yells out, "I'm sending gifts, I'll try not to hit people, but leave me space..."

Naithi and Camalayas go into full defensive mode, not wanting to anger the water critters if there is a chance for peace.

Nightingale will use her wand to cast Bless on herself and her friends ... then she'll put it away ... and think about her next course of action.

Sahabiel is rudely shaken out of her observations by the sudden outbreak of mayhem. "Such size! E.. Elder elementals? From contaminated water? Panzer, please try and get away from there! If they're bound to that pond, they might cease attacks if ya keep far away enough from it!" Sahabiel readies her shield and runs to position herself at the 15' line to give Panzer somewhere clear to run to. [DM: Checking on your request]

Lothlo pulls out three cold iron arrows and aims them at the elemental taking all the damage. (Water1)

Panzer Panzer's AC is currently 18, 16 touch, and 14 flat without armor. Panzer goes completely defensive, even though the surprise attack didn't harm him with the exception of being water soaked!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Both Elder Waters advance on your positions, leaving their pool & closing ranks. Zazu & Boyo hit the monster in their attacks. Zazu notices Highlight to display spoiler: { The elder waters didn't seem to be phased by the sneak attack. }

Beech , bringing the party favors catches both Elder waters while still in their pool only affecting them and not Panzer. They both seem to have taken damage from the fire blast.

Lothlo pulls a sharpshooter maneuver and wallops Elder Water 1 with 3 iron cold arrows.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-



Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d4=4 ; d4=4 ; d20+10=22 ; 4d6=15 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 6:50:35 AM


[OOC: That fireball did just 4 to the one? Confused!] [DM: Fixed!]

Zazu's acid arrow from the last round inflicts another bit of damage to Water1 before the spell ends: 8 acid damage, sweet!

Zazu and Boyo started the round at 32AF. Realizing that the monsters are immune to sneak attacks, there is no longer any reason to be within 30 ft; they move to 39 AD. Zazu gets out a scroll and reads a Scorching Ray.

Ranged Touch attack on W1 hits touch AC22 for 15 fire damage.

Stuff Used
Spells: Mage Armor, Invis, Acid Arrow
Scrolls: Scorching Ray
Gave away a Glyph Box

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  8d6=20 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 12:33:13 PM

Beech takes and moves away a bit. And tosses another party favor at the two elementals.

Fireball, damage 20 DC18 Ref for 1/2

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 2:22:35 PM

(Panzer's AC are currently 18, 16 touch,14 flat without armor)

Panzer makes haste to his pack(double move) and prepares to try and negotiate with the elemental guardians.
" Can any of you speak to them? They might stop trying to drown and smash us if they get the seed back. It's in here somewhere..."


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 6:04:23 PM

Sahabiel backs away and speaks a Prayer for favor upon herself and her companions in this dangerous situation.

She also hastily yells a bit of lore she'd know as a summoner of elementals, reminding her companions; "If fight we must, then make this a running battle - though ya would have no chance to stay ahead of them in water, water elementals are slower on land than we are!"

(ooc: New active effect: Prayer, 8 rounds remaining.
Allies are +1 on attack, damage, saves, and skill checks.
Opponents are -1 on attack, damage, saves, and skill checks)


Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 7:00:21 PM

Naithi doesn't speak Aquan, but she will try her best to communicate non verbally. Although she thinks she is just making herself a target for a free hit, she cannot risk killing creatures in a fight because the have what could potentially be their young. She takes the seed from Braun and holds it out to her, hands raised above her head and takes a couple steps forward with her head slightly bowed. If an attack comes she will shield the seed with get body to protect it.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 7:18:28 PM

Seeing that one of the elementals has been damage more than the other, Nightingale will re-direct her sickle to attack the one everyone else is targeting

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 8:07:09 PM

ooc: Since not everyone wants to fight, Sahabiel's suggention for a running battle can also be reinterpreted for a running diplomacy, or a running anything else - as long as we keep moving ahead of them and never letting them come into melee range, we are at least buying time to come up with something even if we look silly going round and round in circles.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 8:57:25 PM


Zazu does not understand the confusion.

"These are water elementals, not plant creatures! Elementals do not grow from plant seeds! And they attacked us!"

The elf sees no reason to try to reason with these unreasonable foes!

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+20=40 ; d20+20=21 ; d8+9=17 ; 2d8+9=18 ;
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 9:05:30 PM

Lothlo sees the chance for peace, and decides to follow suit.
I'm all for a peaceful resolution if they will go for it.
He retreats back and will hold back sending out another cold iron arrow, unless the elemental chooses to continue with violence.

ooc: I only see one elemental on the map now, but didn't see us killing the second one

Attack = 40 (nat 20)
crit confirm = 21+4=25
Damage = 17
crit damage = 18

***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:
5 arrows, 0 hero points


DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 9:18:46 PM

Elder Waters

Summary thus far {with DM corrections taken into account}:

Elder Water 1 has taken 73 HP of damage thus far and collapsed into a pool of water. Elder Water 2 has taken 31 HP of damage & begins to retreat back into the pool.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Zazu continues to attack EW1 without realizing it's already finished.

Beech continues with the party favors...striking both full-on. The first one is already a pool of lifeless water & the second takes the full heat!

Naithi and Camalayas doesn't speak Aquan, but she will try her best to communicate non-verbally. Although she thinks she is just making herself a target for a free hit, she cannot risk killing creatures in a fight because they have what could potentially be their young. She takes the seed from Braun and holds it out to her, hands raised above her head, and takes a couple of steps forward with her head slightly bowed. If an attack comes she will shield the seed with get her body to protect it.

Nightingale Seeing that one of the elementals has been damaged more than the other, Nightingale will re-direct her sickle to attack the one everyone else is targeting

Sahabiel backs away and speaks a Prayer for favor upon herself and her companions in this dangerous situation. She also hastily yells a bit of lore she'd know as a summoner of elementals, reminding her companions; "If fight we must, then make this a running battle - through ya would have no chance to stay ahead of them in water, water elementals are slower on land than we are!"

Panzer " Can any of you speak to them? They might stop trying to drown and smash us if they get the seed back. It's in here somewhere..."

Lothlo Lothlo sees the chance for peace and decides to follow suit. I'm all for a peaceful resolution if they will go for it.
He retreats back and will hold back sending out another cold iron arrow unless the elemental chooses to continue with violence.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As soon as Beech tosses his latest party favor, in the aftermath, one is a puddle and the other is quickly retreating back to the pool, where it will disappear once it hits the water.

Anyone with Knowledge Planes skill please make a check vs DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: { These are Elder Water Weirds. Once they attack, they fight to the death. The first creature has been permanently dismissed.}

Anyone with Knowledge Planes skill please make a check vs DC 21 Highlight to display spoiler: { You recall something about these creatures having damage reduction..and something about their special abilities in water.}

Anyone with Knowledge Planes skill please make a check vs DC 24 Highlight to display spoiler: { One such ability is called Reform Body (Ex) When reduced to zero or fewer hit points, the water weird collapses. If it was on water at the time, it reforms at full strength 1d4+1 rounds later. }

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+13=25 ; d8+7=9 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 6:44:47 PM

(No skill points in Knowledge(Planes), can not attempt untrained knowledge check for DC > 10)

Sahabiel realizes that if they allow the surviving one to go back to the pond, it will be impossible to tell where in the larger body of water it is again! That would mean it would not be safe for them to go near the pond without risking being attacked by surprise again, right? And that would make getting to the negative shard in its underwater hiding place... quite a lot harder. With these things on her mind, as much as she would have liked to follow her own advise to not try to stand and fight the elemental guardian, Sahabiel decides to just risk it now that the assault so far has already halved the threat, and proven the guardians to be more defeatable than expected. Even if it means she might take one of the creature's attacks, she thinks she might be able to survive at least one, if that buys the extra time keeping the creature where her companions can target it for one more volley of attacks...

Intention: prevent the elemental from withdrawing to where we can not target it, by trying to make it engage in continued melee with her

Sahabiel moves in and, with a brief utterance of apology to the powers of the elemental plane, strikes at the retreating creature from behind.

attack roll d20+13 = 25, modified +1 morale from Bless and +1 Luck from Prayer makes 27
damage d8+7 = 9. If creature has DR (which from earlier attacks sounded like it?), Sahabiel's enchanted morningstar counts as Magical (+1), Bludgeoning, and Piercing


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+17=18 ; d20+17=19 ; d20+12=21 ; d8+8=13 ; d8+8=10 ; d8+8=9 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 8:53:29 PM

The sharpshooter sees Sahabiel's spell and realizes that they are fighting once again
Oh, I guess we're not trying peace anymore.
Lothlo tries to quickly send three more arrows towards the retreating creature, but in his rush to hit the target his aim suffers.

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 = 18
Damage 1 = 13

Attack 2 = 19
Damage 2 = 10

Attack 3 = 21
Damage 3 = 9

***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:
7 arrows, 0 hero points


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+18=25 ; d3+15=16 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 9:12:52 PM

(Panzer's AC are currently 18, 16 touch,14 flat without armor)
Panzer sees that one of the water elementals has fallen and the other is in rough shape...he guesses? It took a lot of hits and seemed to be trying to get back to the pool. Time to be bold...
Panzer moves at his top speed and draws his main hand blade. He then heroically charges the elemental (can't draw on the picture, Panzer is one more cell north)
The main hand power attack hits AC 25 for 17 magical adamantine damage

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  8d6=29 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 9:13:01 PM

Beech tosses yet another Fireball....

"Gonna run low on these soon, I can only toss just so many party favors a day..." Beech yells out to the group.

Fireball, damage 29 DC18 Ref for 1/2

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+11=16 ; d4=2 ; d4=2 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 10:50:18 PM

Zazu attacks the water elemental with another acid arrow, this one from a scroll.

The trickster hits touch AC16 thanks to the prayer. Damage is 5 this round, and next round another 2d4+1.

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 10:52:00 PM

Ides of March

Beech "Gonna run low on these soon, I can only toss just so many party favors a day..." Beech yells out to the group.

Sahabiel moves in and, with a brief utterance of apology to the powers of the elemental plane, strikes at the retreating creature from behind.

Lothlo Oh, I guess we're not trying peace anymore. Lothlo tries to quickly send three more arrows towards the retreating creature, but in his rush to hit the target, his aim suffers.

Panzer sees that one of the water elementals has fallen and the other is in rough shape...he guesses? It took a lot of hits and seemed to be trying to get back to the pool. Time to be bold... Panzer moves at his top speed and draws his main hand blade. He then heroically charges the elemental!
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As Sahabiel realizes the other Elemental was retreating she pulled out all the stops and moved in, with a brief utterance of apology to the powers of the elemental plane, strikes at the retreating creature from behind using her enchanted Morningstar hitting it with a soul-retching thud, collapsing it into another messy pool.

At this point, all your adversaries have been dismissed. All the other attacks may be "Pulled" (stopped) before you follow through with them. Waste not, Want not!

Everyone close enough to the pool, make a perception check vs DC 5 Highlight to display spoiler: { After the defeat of the Weirds, the Pool is now pure. The character of the place begins to change ... the decay and foulness recede. }

Everyone close enough to the pool, make a perception check vs DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { As it recedes, a purple, wedge-shaped rock is found. The rock has an indention the perfect size of the Seed Pod discovered in Roots & Vines encounter. }

Whoever enters the pool, Highlight to display spoiler: { Under the Purple Stone are other stones, glowing with Pizazz! }
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Summary

1x Purple Rock (aka Negative Shard)

Total Wealth: Each PC receives 13,000 gp of Wealth::

Glittering Pile of Gemstones (ruby, emerald, opal, amethyst, garnet, and tiger agate) worth 5,000gp per hero

When the Purple rock is moved, you individually receive floating stones that migrate to you of their own accord. Each is worth some 8,000 GP.

Zazu Highlight to display spoiler: { you receive the Deep red Sphere (+2 Dexterity) which begins to circle around your head!!! }

Beech Highlight to display spoiler: { you receive the Pink-and-green Sphere (+2 Charisma) which begins to circle around your head!!! }

Naithi Highlight to display spoiler: { you receive the Pale blue Rhomboid (+2 Strength) which begins to circle around your head!!! }

Nightingale Highlight to display spoiler: { you receive a Deep red Sphere (+2 Dexterity) which begins to circle around your head!!! }

Sahabiel Highlight to display spoiler: { you receive the Incandescent blue Sphere (+2 Wisdom) which begins to circle around your head!!! }

Lothlo Highlight to display spoiler: { you receive a Deep red Sphere (+2 Dexterity) which begins to circle around your head!!! }

Panzer Highlight to display spoiler: { you receive the Pale blue Rhomboid (+2 Strength) which begins to circle around your head!!! }

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
OOC DM: I suggest you camp for the night. Rest up for your trip back home and come what may. If you have any questions, you may email me.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 11:23:04 PM

Nightingale claps as she suddenly has a second Ioun Stone circling her head ... and at the pretty rocks the group found. Who took damage, so she can use some of her healing energies?

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 7:38:25 AM

Sahabiel only realizes just how close to coming undone the elemental creature must have already been, when the crushing impact of her enchanted weapon seems to shatter the last hold of something ethereal. Within moments the towering column of water held up by elemental binding magics becomes, for the briefest instance, a towering column of water suspended in the air now held up by nothing at all, before the entire affair collapses in an almighty splash right in front of where she was standing, part of the ensuing wave knocking her back.

She gets back up on her feet looking bedraggled and wet, places her weapon back at her side, and clears her hair out of her face while she turns to face her comrades. "Ya know... if our bards back home are going to tell this story in song... they can take poetic license on that last bit. Any of ya have that handy quick-cleanup prestidigitation cantrip prepared?"

---

The very low Perception Check DCs are below her passive perception rating, so automatic success noticing that the pond clears up and is no longer an evil glow and all that

Even with it secured and explored, Sahabiel will still rather be safe than sorry, and perform the rite of Purify Food and Drink on any water anyone takes from the pond for cooking, washing or general use as the group makes camp. Like Nightingale, she will offer to use her healing talents on any that need it. (They'll reset again anyway if we are taking a long rest for the night now).

With both the seed-like shard and the rock-like negative shard now in their possession, the half-elf suggests; "For our return trip.. how about we put those two together to cancel out their effects for now so we do not risk another sudden eruption of vines if we drop one or the other?"


Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 2:43:05 PM

" This stone doesn't seem to be working on me. It floats around my head but I don't feel any stronger. I think it is interfering with my belt. Does anyone want to trade?"
" Also while we are resting anf preparing to return home, does anyone see ANY way the the hunter got out to that island and got this seed free to make a mess in the village without being annihilated by those water elementals? I thought he was a liar before and I am doubling down now. He is working against the town and I hope he hasn't done anything else while we were gone. Or that Fredo caught and killed him when he tried something."

Panzer seats the red seed into the purple negative and tucks them awayhoping nothing has happened at the Village.

OOC
Enhancement bonuses don;t stack so If we have conflicting bonuses on the stone and our other gear we can either trade to get something that works or lose half the value when we sell them to the Catacombs. If we can, trading is by far the better option..

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+21=25 ;
Thursday March 16th, 2023 4:44:13 PM


Zazu's Perception: 25

"Look everybody! Not only is the pond clear, but there's a rock in there we need for the seed! I'll fish it out with my ranged legerdemain."

The trickster's ability to work at a distance hopefully suffices to bring the stone to the surface?

====

Zazu sympathizes with Panzer. "Yeah, my Dexterity stone is not a good fit with my belt. Anyone want to have it? I don't really need Strength, sorry, but somebody can use extra Dex, right?"

[OOC: Zazu is already ahead on WBL, so giving away his stone makes sense. I'll add the 5K gp onto my sheet, though!]

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 4:57:22 PM

"Oh, and I'll take first watch!"

[OOC: PC Sheet updated. Giving away my ioun stone -- somebody please claim it! First to post a request gets it!]

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 5:17:57 PM

"I'll take Strength, I have Charisma, which I will either trade or sell to the Shoppe. I'm planning on buying a headband, just been too busy.
Oh, Can anyone here do shapewood as a spell. I can buy a wand, but it'd be cheaper if someone can cast. I think I need like a total of 35 or 40 eventually. And that cost will help my spells or archery get better, rather than my home."

Beech will take Zazu's stone, handing over his, he then trades with Panzer, who now both get what they want.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 7:52:17 PM

Lothlo listens to the discussion of the magical interference of the items.
If it's going to interfere with my belt, then I can trade my dex stone for someone's strength.
I don't need to worry about recharging spells, so I can take first watch as well.



Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 7:52:57 PM

" I can use dexterity Zazu. I'll toss my strength stone in and take your Dexterity one."

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 9:46:31 PM

Stones & Shards

Zazu "Look, everybody! Not only is the pond clear, but there's a rock in there we need for the seed! I'll fish it out with my ranged legerdemain."

Beech "I'll take Strength, I have Charisma, which I will either trade or sell to the Shoppe. I'm planning on buying a headband, just been too busy.
Oh, Can anyone here shape wood as a spell? I can buy a wand, but it'd be cheaper if someone can cast it. I think I need like a total of 35 or 40 eventually. And that cost will help my spells or archery get better, rather than my home." Beech will take Zazu's stone, handing over his, he then trades with Panzer, who now both get what they want.

Nightingale claps as she suddenly has a second Ioun Stone circling her head ... and at the pretty rocks, the group found. Who took damage, so she can use some of her healing energies?

Sahabiel "Ya know... if our bards back home are going to tell this story in song... they can take a poetic license on that last bit. Any of ya have that handy quick-cleanup prestidigitation cantrip prepared?" Having miraculously just taken out the last of the Elder Water Weirds, she continues to act cautiously about the pool.

Lothlo Lothlo listens to the discussion of the magical interference of the items. If it's going to interfere with my belt, then I can trade my dex stone for someone's strength. I don't need to worry about recharging spells, so I can take the first watch as well.

Panzer complains bout his granted stone. In addition, leaps to the conclusion that the Hunter, Whihl, is untrustworthy based on these recent events and his interactions with him.
" I can use dexterity Zazu. I'll toss my strength stone in and take your Dexterity one."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

As the groups set up camp for the night and decide amongst themselves who is handling which watch, some go about creating some makeshift shelters and others set up a campfire. Soon after a small meal, talk centers around the two shards, reddish-Pink & Purple, and what to do with them, where it should be done, but mostly, what these shards really are.

Everyone Make an Intelligence check vs DC 12 Highlight to display spoiler: {Perhaps, while you're here and have the time, you should investigate these items. What Knowledge skills would help here? }

Everyone Make an Intelligence check vs DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {Does any Magic User have scrying spells? }

Anyone with Knowledge or Divination Spell(s), Highlight to display spoiler: { The SAAR is an immortal of transformation. There’s an obscure tale that says the SAAR couldn’t guarantee all the Shards were recovered. However, it did set up that any crystal outside of the Sargrass would carry with it a ‘Negative’ that nullifies that Shard. Therefore, Whihl the Hunter must have carried this Shard away from its ‘Negative’. Find the ‘Negative’ and bring it here, and it should nullify the Shard causing the roots and vines. }

-=-=-=-=-
Who is taking which watch? What is the rest doing in the meantime? When will or will you sleep?



Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:06:26 PM

Naithi watches as the stone circles her head, and then tries it out on Camalayas who purrs appreciatively. She'll need to think about who is better suited to carry the stone.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:16:19 PM

Nightingale can do the first watch or two, as she can meditate while watching over her friends

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+5=18 ; d20+15=25 ; d20+15=16 ; d20+15=24 ; d20+15=35 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+12=24 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 9:06:39 AM


Intelligence check 18

Zazu has a hunch about these items. The wizard casts Detect Magic and takes a closer look.

Spellcraft checks to ID items, with elf bonus -- DM, please use as many as needed: 25, 16, 24, 35, 21

Knowledge Arcana: 24

"Hmmm ... does anyone else have any thoughts about these?"

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character  d20+1=20 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=21 ; d20+8=14 ; d20+8=15 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 12:35:02 PM

Beech, while pulling prepared food from the haversack, "I tend to follow mom's example, Scrying is not a type of magic I'm familiar with. As to the shard and cover, don't combine them, until we get home. I think from what was said earlier, if we combine them here, anything beyond the reach of the seed, which I can see reaching that far, as the vines only grew in like a 50' area around it. So my suggestion is we use the cover at the bridge and pray that the vines disappear when we do so or we may be stuck with them for the future."

Int Check 20
Know: Arcane 21
Spellcraft Checks if needed : 21,14,15

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet  d20=5 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 5:34:21 PM

Intelligence 5
Panzer knows nothing other than that Whilil almost certainly is bad and sent the heroes out here to die, or at the very least stay out of his way. Panzer wants Very much to run back at full speed and feels the weight of the nights they have already spent dilly dallying around on this quest are going to come back to bite them but he knows that alot of the spellcasters are low on spells and doesn't want to run the group headlong into a fight at home with them tired and low on spells. So, he remains quiet and takes middle watch, going so far as to have Beech cast a darkvision scroll on him for the duration of his watch.
He puts his armor on for the watch as well.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+2=14 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 6:42:37 PM

Intelligence check 14

By a serendipitous series of events, Sahabiel never changed the selection of her morning prayers since that time she had to prepare the prayer of Divination to ask the Will of the Wood about the best course the party could take that time in the dryad grove... after that sent them hurrying back home and right into the discovery of those vines overtaking the bridge, there just has not been a quiet morning to think about changing up her morning prayers again, so she has been renewing those same ones every day since... and so, it just happens she does in fact have the prayer of Divination (4th level divination spell, cleric list) prepared today as well.

Sahabiel will share the information so obtained with the rest of her party. The.. slight problem is that I, the player not the character, do not understand what the hint locked behind having a divination spell is meant to tell us? Question to DM - if that was from the module, are you sure that hint was supposed to be provided out here, and not back at the bridge in Freedom Landing?

Come evening, Sahabiel would like first watch, because after it gets really dark she does not see quite as well as some of the others.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Friday March 17th, 2023 7:18:50 PM


Zazu also wonders about the fellow who brought the seed to town. "Does anyone have Detect Evil? We should use that on the seed guy."

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+2=8 ; d20+3=5 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 8:27:49 PM

Lothlo looks at the shards. They are beautiful, but the magic they are filled with eludes him.
Sorry guys, I can't identify these and haven't heard about them before. Hopefully someone else here has more experience with this type of thing.

int check = 8
knowledg (arcana) = 5

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20=6 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 9:56:45 PM

Naithi has Camalayas smell the stones, but it doesn't yield and new results.

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Friday March 17th, 2023 10:27:56 PM

OOC::
DM: Really tired tonight...will post in the morning...

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Know: Arcana - d20+7=10 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 10:45:56 PM

Nightingale would like to look at the seed and it's pod ... maybe she can discern something about them ... she'd really like to know how they got into the pond in the first place

OOC: I'm changing her Ioun Stone from DEX to WIS if that's okie dokie =)

It's fine. Please notate it on your PC sheet.

Planting the Seed

Planting the Seed


DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Saturday March 18th, 2023 7:48:40 PM

Campfire

Zazu has a hunch about these items. The wizard casts Detect Magic and takes a closer look.

"Hmmm ... does anyone else have any thoughts about these?" Zazu also wonders about the fellow who brought the seed to town. "Does anyone have Detect Evil? We should use that on the seed guy."

Beech while pulling prepared food from the haversack, "I tend to follow mom's example, Scrying is not a type of magic I'm familiar with. As to the shard and cover, don't combine them, until we get home. I think from what was said earlier, if we combine them here, anything beyond the reach of the seed, which I can see reaching that far, as the vines only grew in like a 50' area around it. So my suggestion is we use the cover at the bridge and pray that the vines disappear when we do so or we may be stuck with them for the future."

Naithi watches as the stone circles her head and then tries it out on Camalayas who purrs appreciatively. She'll need to think about who is better suited to carry the stone. Naithi has Camalayas smell the stones, but it doesn't yield any new results.

Nightingale can do the first watch or two, as she can meditate while watching over her friends. Nightingale would like to look at the seed and it's pod ... maybe she can discern something about them ... she'd really like to know how they got into the pond in the first place

Sahabiel By a serendipitous series of events, Sahabiel never changed the selection of her morning prayers since that time she had to prepare the prayer of Divination to ask the Will of the Wood about the best course the party could take that time in the dryad grove... after that sent them hurrying back home and right into the discovery of those vines overtaking the bridge, there just has not been a quiet morning to think about changing up her morning prayers again, so she has been renewing those same ones every day since... and so, it just happens she does in fact have the prayer of Divination (4th level divination spell, cleric list) prepared today as well.

Sahabiel will share the information so obtained with the rest of her party. The.. slight problem is that I, the player not the character, do not understand what the hint locked behind having a divination spell is meant to tell us? Question to DM - if that was from the module, are you sure that hint was supposed to be provided out here, and not back at the bridge in Freedom Landing?

Come evening, Sahabiel would like the first watch because after it gets really dark she does not see quite as well as some of the others.

Lothlo looks at the shards. They are beautiful, but the magic they are filled with eludes him.
Sorry guys, I can't identify these and haven't heard about them before. Hopefully, someone else here has more experience with this type of thing.

Panzer
Panzer knows nothing other than that Whilil almost certainly is bad and sent the heroes out here to die, or at the very least stay out of his way. Panzer wants Very much to run back at full speed and feels the weight of the nights they have already spent dilly-dallying around on this quest is going to come back to bite them but he knows that alot of the spellcasters are low on spells and doesn't want to run the group headlong into a fight at home with them tired and low on spells. So, he remains quiet and takes middle watch, going so far as to have Beech cast a darkvision scroll on him for the duration of his watch. He puts his armor on for the watch as well.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Zazu Highlight to display spoiler: {You decipher that the magical Geometereic stones are in fact Ioun Stones. These that you & your friends have augment your basic Attributes. As far as the shard is concerned, it is the polar opposite of the Reddish-Pink Shard discovered under the bridge in Freedom's Landing. }

Beech Highlight to display spoiler: { You are quite astute in your observations about the shards. Bravo! As for the magical Geometereic stones are in fact Ioun Stounes. These that you & your friends have augment your basic Attributes. As far as the shard is concerned, it is the polar opposite of the Reddish-Pink Shard discovered under the bridge in Freedom's Landing. }

Sahabiel
Highlight to display spoiler: { Your attempt at Divination on the Shards & Stones yields the following:

1) The Shards are equal & polar opposite of each other. They were designed to nullify each other when attached together. When connected together and at their boarders, will exist a magenta color.

2) The shard's creation was at the behest of the Warped SAAR for purposes only known to it.

3) The Ioun stones were brought there by the Elder Water Weirds attracted by the Purple "Negative" Shard.

4) The Purple Rock, aka the Negative Shard pulses with a purple light. It needs to affect something and control it. You all have the blazing insight that if you don’t get it to the Pink Shard quickly, the Purple Rock will start trying to control them!

}

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
All three watches (if you do 3 of them) are uneventful. The natural sounds of the area return overnight now that the Water Weirds are gone.

You all wake feeling fully rested, well-fed, and ready to tackle another challenge! Those that are of a magical nature rise with all their slots restored and or fully recharged if you meditated.

Where will you go now? What's your plan?

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Saturday March 18th, 2023 8:19:07 PM

In the Morning....."Let's make haste, a moment here and a moment there will add up."
Beech will keep people going, he's ready to be finished here, there is only the hunter to deal with yet...

OOC: decided on a Int bonus Ioun stone, a skill point is always good.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Sunday March 19th, 2023 12:48:36 PM

OOC: Nightingale went with a WIS stone ... to help her clerical abilities a bit

IC: Nightingale is ready to face whatever challenges the party wants to tackle, "If these two now being together has stopped the issues around the village, I'd like to know how they got here in the first place..."

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday March 20th, 2023 3:52:17 PM

ooc: I updated my character sheet - added ioun stone and 5,000 worth of gems, and deducted what we'd used to pay the Twigjacks - also, I'll be creating my legacy item soon, which is going to drain the cash portion of my WBL substantially

Also OOC... this is a placeholder post because I am about to send something around the group by email for clarification before I can say what my character wants to do.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Monday March 20th, 2023 5:44:21 PM

I agree with Beech, we should make sure things are better back in town now. If the vines are still there we won't have much time left to figure out what went wrong, so the sooner we confirm the better.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Monday March 20th, 2023 5:50:23 PM

Naithi listens to the others and is also unsure why the group is waiting to return to the village to unite the two pieces. Might it not be safer to do so away from town, or will doing so in town help resolve the situation there in some way.

ooc: Thank you all for the prayers. Health wise everyone is doing better and we are taking a much needed vacation.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Monday March 20th, 2023 6:34:54 PM

OOC
Glad to hear it James
IC
Hopefully before they rest Panzer says,
" I think we might need to be near the vines when we put them together in order to dispel them. I have no concrete reason to back this up, it's just a feeling."
"One other thing I want to discuss though. I think that Hunter Whilil was an agent of the darkness acting on the Culverwood. This shard is an excellent distraction to buy them some time to attack us properly. I think he is either WAY more powerful than he looks, or that he summoned the elementals we just faced. Because if thatI would like to try and hide our strength when we go back to town. I am always in armor, not fond of swimming and, well, I do ill advised things alot. It is not out of the realm of possibility that those elementals could have drown me. If that happened and I wasn't there being annoying and drawing attacks, some of us might get hurt. What i'm saying is that you guys drag me back to town "'dead' and look kinda beat uf yourselves. Hide our strength and if there IS an ambush waiting for us in town, we gain an advantage when they think they have the upper hand."


Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Monday March 20th, 2023 9:13:28 PM

As Panzer speaks, and begins to make sense about how this darkness started in town in the first place, she gets that "O S**T" look on her face.

When he finishes Nightingale will add, "A travois, its called a travois ... and we can make it more convincing by say rubbing dark red berries on the wraps, so it looks like you seriously got smacked around ... although, the fact that my cousin and I are healers and you being injured, we may need a cover story to make this work."

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Monday March 20th, 2023 9:38:29 PM

Do we stay or do we go?!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

At this point, there appears to be some confusion as to what to do next.

Some would like to march straight back and either resolve the shard issue or a hunter issue.

Some would like to have a ploy in store for said hunter...

Others, still, need time to sort this out.



Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Monday March 20th, 2023 11:26:17 PM


Zazu is fine with heading back home and putting the matter-anti-matter shards together there.

"What could go wrong?" the elf asks innocently.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:40:03 AM

OOC: I've read the email a couple of times. It does seem weird that it was written in a way to NOT expect the adventurers to do something out of the box...all the years I've GM'd I always have a plan B and even C as I know my players are gonna go off the rails and into the unknown rather than follow the golden path I have laid before them ... of course thats when something big and nasty tries to eat them, but, its all fun and games, at least until the healers die a slow painful death being eaten by giant space hamsters

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 10:23:33 AM

Beech is ready to go...

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 7:49:19 PM

Panzer is ready to go

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 8:32:01 PM

Naithi is also ready to go when everyone else is

ooc: I've had the experience of taking over as GM and having a module already written for me that just about had players mutiny. I have the utmost respect, sympathy and patience for and GM taking over a module.

DM: Thank you. Hopefully, ya'll won't Mutiny.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 8:41:17 PM

Sahabiel too declares in favor of hurrying back to Freedom Landing (after resting, as the case may be).

She is not so convinced that Whihl could be malicious.. a fool and possibly a coward, but that is not quite the same thing. In any case, Sahabiel remembers that before the party left on this expedition, she had asked for Hilia Nighttongue to arrange that someone would be keeping an eye on Whihl. Since Hilia is quite competent, she is not overly worried that Whihl might be engaging in any particularly heinous acts in Freedom Landing right now... but she sees no harm in Panzer's plan either. It is not as if a wayward hunter is the only potential threat to the settlement right now, with those darkness serving druids and their servitors around, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to misrepresent their strength.


Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 8:57:36 PM

I'm ready to go as well. I don't think we need to worry about any kind of ploy, though if we have a spell we can use to check in on the town it might be worth doing before we go.

ooc: Are there giant space hamsters in the Wold? I've only encountered the giant space snail, good times.

DM Jon-Paul | Whihl's Colored Pond Map 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 8:58:37 PM

Ready to Go!

Zazu Zazu is fine with heading back home and putting the matter-anti-matter shards together there. "What could go wrong?" the elf asks innocently.

Beech Beech is ready to go...

Naithi Naithi is also ready to go when everyone else is.

Nightingale As Panzer speaks, and begins to make sense of how this darkness started in the town in the first place, she gets that "O S**T" look on her face.

When he finishes Nightingale will add, "A travois, it's called a travois ... and we can make it more convincing by say rubbing dark red berries on the wraps, so it looks like you seriously got smacked around ... although the fact that my cousin and I are healers and you being injured, we may need a cover story to make this work."

Sahabiel to declares she is in favor of hurrying back to Freedom Landing (after resting, as the case may be).

She is not so convinced that Whihl could be malicious.. a fool and possibly a coward, but that is not quite the same thing. In any case, Sahabiel remembers that before the party left on this expedition, she had asked for Hilia Nighttongue to arrange that someone would be keeping an eye on Whihl. Since Hilia is quite competent, she is not overly worried that Whihl might be engaging in any particularly heinous acts in Freedom Landing right now... but she sees no harm in Panzer's plan either. It is not as if a wayward hunter is the only potential threat to the settlement right now, with those darkness-serving druids and their servitors around, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to misrepresent their strength.

Lothlo I'm ready to go as well. I don't think we need to worry about any kind of ploy, though if we have a spell we can use to check in on the town it might be worth doing before we go.

Panzer is ready to go...
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The group has pretty much come to the conclusion that now is the time to head back home, with their quarry, after a rest; if needed.

On the way back, do you take the same route as the one you took to get here? If yes, then your trip back to the Bridge covered in Roots & Vines stands before you after your short trip; which is uneventful. Who does what at this point, now that you all stand before the bridge?

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+21=32
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 11:59:06 PM


Zazu makes sure that mage armor is up, and seated on Boyo as always, looks at the plant to see if it has changed.

Perception 32

"I think we should put the shards together now, near that plant thing. I volunteer to do it remotely."

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 3:59:27 AM

Nightingale sighs, "It's too bad we can't ask those vines to move to a different spot, and add them to our town's defenses."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 1:44:36 PM

Beech, murmurs to Panzer's "corpse", "Darkvision"
He'll cast it, if the answer is aye... then out loud, "With Panzer out of commission, if something goes sideways, remember we're down our front line."
Beech is the one who's been tugging along the travois and making rude comments about lazy people, light heartedly.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+8=10 ;
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 4:37:31 PM

Sahabiel softly prays for the wood to guide her eye, and looks around from her place in the saddle atop Kohlrabi's back. As the group finds itself back at the vine-covered bridge without incident, she feels that the honor of joining the shard and its negative and -in theory- reclaiming the bridge by doing so, should belong to Panzer. It was he after all that went through the most personal risk to secure both pieces.

This... will rather depend of course on how long and how far, having arrived at the bridge without coming under attack, Panzer wishes to pursue this ruse of incapacitation?

ooc: Passive Perception 17, Active Perception d20+8 = 10 so actively looking around she does not spot anything she already didn't see from just riding onto the scene. Used +1 from Guidance prayer on the active skill check.

OOC: Another 2 on my d20 for Perception. Sahabiel's consistently low Perception rolls are becoming a bit of a running gag by now, aren't they?

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16  d20+13=30 ;
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 7:33:47 PM

Naithi keeps her eyes open for danger on the way back (perception=30) and offers to either combine the shards or provide backup when someone else does

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+15=16 ;
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:07:47 PM

If everything is clear other than the roots, how do you guys want to proceed?
Do you think one of the lookouts can have someone send a boat over to take us?



Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet  d20+4=5 ;
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:12:51 PM

Panzer re3mains still. To Beech's question he whispers simply "Wait". Wearing his armor it is fairly easy to look dead. No one can see the rise and fall of his chest.
Perception 5
As would be normal, he sees and hears nothing.


DM Jon-Paul | Bridge Map 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 10:14:19 PM

The Planting

Zazu makes sure that mage armor is up, and seated on Boyo as always, looks at the plant to see if it has changed. "I think we should put the shards together now, near that plant thing. I volunteer to do it remotely."

Beech , murmurs to Panzer's "corpse", "Darkvision" He'll cast it, if the answer is aye... then out loud, "With Panzer out of commission if something goes sideways, remember we're down our front line."
Beech is the one who's been tugging along the travois and making rude comments about lazy people, light-heartedly.

Naithi keeps her eyes open for danger on the way back (perception=30) and offers to either combine the shards or provide backup when someone else does.

Nightingale sighs, "It's too bad we can't ask those vines to move to a different spot and add them to our town's defenses."

Sahabiel softly prays for the wood to guide her eye and looks around from her place in the saddle atop Kohlrabi's back. As the group finds itself back at the vine-covered bridge without incident, she feels that the honor of joining the shard and its negative and -in theory- reclaiming the bridge by doing so, should belong to Panzer. It was he after all that went through the most personal risk to secure both pieces.

This... will rather depend of course on how long and how far, having arrived at the bridge without coming under attack, Panzer wishes to pursue this ruse of incapacitation?

Panzer plays a deadly ruse remaining still. To Beech's question, he whispers simply "Wait". Wearing his armor it is fairly easy to look dead. No one can see the rise and fall of his chest.

As would be normal, he sees and hears nothing.

Lothlo If everything is clear other than the roots, how do you guys want to proceed? Do you think one of the lookouts can have someone send a boat over to take us?
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As our heroes make it back to their "Home", everything is tense. The Bridge is the same, Roots & Vines in all!

Sahabiel Highlight to display spoiler: { The woods hear & answer your prayers: Insert the Reddish Shard back into the seed. Then Join the Purple Shard to the Reddish embedded shard. Wait. }

Naithi doesn't notice anything of real change, with the exception that most of the villagers are avoiding the area of the bridge.


Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 11:59:53 PM


Zazu uses Ranged Legerdemain to make sure it is even possible to manipulate each shard. [OOC: Can't see why it would not be, but best to test.]

If the trickster is able to manipulate each shard, then we are all set to go!

"I can put them together, I think," says Zazu. "Better for me to do it from 30 feet back, right?"

If no one objects, and if there is no problem moving the shards, Zazu and Boyo stand back 30 feet and put the two shards together.

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle)  d20+12=16 ; d20+11=18 ;
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 12:03:09 AM

OOC: If you need a Disable Device check or Sleight of Hand (at -5 doing so from a distance), then here are some rolls:

Disable Device 16

Sleight of Hand 18

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 8:59:22 AM

Sahabiel interjects as Zazu prepares to rejoin the shards. Speaking with inspired gravitas, a sure sign she is speaking in her capacity as a cleric of the Culverwood, she says; "A detail, Zazu! The Will of the Wood, it is... to rightly unmake this, we must needs start from the state in which it sprang up. We must join the purple shard to the reddish while the reddish is set in the seed, as it was before. And then, we wait."


Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21  Perception: d20+10=30 ;
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 12:41:53 PM

Nightingale is busy watching what's happening on the other side of the bridge ... she's trying to see if the hunter is watching

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 3:29:16 PM

Beech leaves the travois attached, it's not really slowing him down. That was Panzer is close at hand when needed and he can drop a spell on him if needed as well. He fingers his bow, but no arrow is drawn, he's not sure what's gonna happen, but expects it to be spectacular.
Either it'll fade and leave it's marks, or it'll trigger something else to happen, and that will be spectacular as well.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 8:02:42 PM

Panzer plays dead. As he lies there listening to his friends work out the logistics of putting the two parts together he wonders why two different Woldian powers would come together like this. The Culverwood was being drawn towards darkness, an even worse concept in his mind. The darn wood was murderous when it was neutral, imagine if it changed to darkness and evil. And then there was this Saar thing, an agent of change.
Hmmm, change? Isn't that what's going on with the Culverwood? What if uniting these two shards doesn't banish the vines, but it sparks the change the Culverwood is on the brink of. Panzer was not the brightest crayon in the box, but suddenly this seemed like a bad idea. The shards were so powerful that they defied identification.
" Darkvision me. I have a bad feeling." He whispered to Beech.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 9:08:06 PM

Beech, pulls a scroll, casts the spell, and then adjusts Panzer's "corpse" to deliver it....

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23  d20+20=40 ; d8+9=16 ; d20+24=36 ; 2d8+9=15 ;
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 9:23:07 PM

Okay, I'll try to keep you covered while you go in, but I won't shoot unless something is attacking you to try to keep things safe as possible.

Attack = 40
crit confirm = 36
Damage = 16
crit damage=15

Zazu (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 9:39:11 PM


Zazu listens to his holy friend and takes a close look at the seed / plant. Can a trickster use ranged legerdemain to set the puzzle together as needed? Red into Seed, Purple into Red?

DM Jon-Paul | Bridge Map 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 10:48:36 PM

Red into Seed...Purple Into Red...Magenta!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Zazu uses Ranged Legerdemain to make sure it is even possible to manipulate each shard. If the trickster is able to manipulate each shard, then we are all set to go!
"I can put them together, I think," says Zazu. "Better for me to do it from 30 feet back, right?" If no one objects, and if there is no problem moving the shards, Zazu and Boyo stand back 30 feet and put the two shards together.

Sahabiel interjects as Zazu prepares to rejoin the shards. Speaking with inspired gravitas, a sure sign she is speaking in her capacity as a cleric of the Culverwood, she says; "A detail, Zazu! The Will of the Wood, it is... to rightly unmake this, we must need start from the state in which it sprang up. We must join the purple shard to the reddish while the reddish is set in the seed, as it was before. And then, we wait."

Nightingale is busy watching what's happening on the other side of the bridge ... she's trying to see if the hunter is watching

Beech leaves the travois attached, it's not really slowing him down. That was Panzer is close at hand when needed and he can drop a spell on him if needed as well. He fingers his bow, but no arrow is drawn, he's not sure what's gonna happen, but expects it to be spectacular. Either it'll fade and leave its marks, or it'll trigger something else to happen, and that will be spectacular as well.

Panzer plays dead. As he lies there listening to his friends work out the logistics of putting the two parts together he wonders why two different Woldian powers would come together like this. The Culverwood was being drawn towards darkness, an even worse concept in his mind. The darn wood was murderous when it was neutral, imagine if it changed to darkness and evil. And then there was this Saar thing, an agent of change.
Hmmm, change? Isn't that what's going on with the Culverwood? What if uniting these two shards doesn't banish the vines, but it sparks the change the Culverwood is on the brink of? Panzer was not the brightest crayon in the box, but suddenly this seemed like a bad idea. The shards were so powerful that they defied identification.
" Darkvision me. I have a bad feeling." He whispered to Beech.

Beech, pulls a scroll, casts the spell, and then adjusts Panzer's "corpse" to deliver it...

Lothlo Okay, I'll try to keep you covered while you go in, but I won't shoot unless something is attacking you to try to keep things safe as possible.

Zazu listens to his holy friend and takes a close look at the seed/plant. Can a trickster use ranged legerdemain to set the puzzle together as needed? Red into Seed, Purple into Red?
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Zazu discovers that he can in fact use Ranged Legerdemain to manipulate a simple device.

Sahabiel interjects the wisdom she learns from her inspired patron about the order of the shards and Zazu pauses before continuing the Planting of Seeds.

Nightingale, scan as she might, cannot locate the Hunter within her vision range...he is simply nowhere to be seen.

Beech & Panzer wait with bated breath until the next shoe drops. Panzer is a bit more so, as he is perseverating on the topic of agents of change. Before too long, Beech casts Darkvision onto Panzer.

Lothlo tries to keep every one of his friends covered while the scene is tense.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After listening to Sahabiel, Zazu deftly manipulates the Shards, because the Purple Rock and Pink Shard are each others’ negatives, the closer they get, the less corrupting the Purple Rock, and they cause the slow down of the Roots and Vines synchronous wave. Zazu holding the rock in front of them, using Ranged Legerdemain, will see the roots and vines lay down and form a path. The Rock and Shard start pulsing in unison. When they touch, the Rock and Shard come together with an audible *click*. The Roots and Vines stiffen and crush the bridge! But then, they start elongating and soaring into a beautiful living arch of wood. In the center, the Purple Rock becomes the Keystone, the Pink Shard a lynchpin, and they settle into a nondescript gray. But the Bridge soars across the river, wide enough for two carts, gentle enough for one horse to pull a cart, and many nooks and nesting areas for animals or hanging lanterns, or spots to jump off into the river for swimming... In short, it is an amazing and lovely thing!

And as the Bridge settles into its final form, from downriver, the citizens can see a merchant ship! A merchant from Karri (aka Emerald City), has come to Freedom’s Landing with a hull full of preserved foods and live animals to trade for the amazingly crafted goods of the town! The merchants are amazed at the Bridge, and the citizens are only too happy to tell the tale of the Champions of Culverwood, over a suitable party in the Town Square, of course!


Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Friday March 24th, 2023 8:57:00 AM

Naithi carefully examine the bridge to make sure it is safe before any town folk cross it. The bridge truly is beautiful, and amazingly will designed. This bridge will serve well as a model for the architecture of the city. Living wood shaped in a harmony of beauty and function that embraces nature.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Friday March 24th, 2023 12:54:41 PM

Nightingale will examine the bridge as well, especially looking for what nooks and crannies could be used to plant flowers and herbs

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Friday March 24th, 2023 3:18:10 PM

"Well, it's a lot fancier than I planned, but it'll suffice and seems to be a lot less work.

Seeing that effect in action, that reminds me to ask.... Can anyone cast shape wood? I'll compensate you someway, but it'll be a lot more cost effective that my buying a wand of it. It'll be quite a number of casting, involving grafting to living trees and such. I know i've kept it as a open secret, but this bridge gives me a chance to finally say it out loud."


When nothing further seems to be about to happen, Beech will cross the bridge, halfway across, he seriously considers releasing the travois and dropping Panzer there, but they have one of the hunters to confront.... He's searching for that hunter as he's moving....

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Friday March 24th, 2023 7:52:58 PM

"Shaping wood? I do have the ability..", Sahabiel tells Beech. She is still looking at the 'new' bridge. "I was not sure what to expect from the SAAR as a power of change, but... changing our bridge this way is more benign than I was expecting. That said, I will be keeping an eye on this for a while until we are certain we know all its tricks if it has any. Pleasing to the eye it is, don't ya think?"

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Friday March 24th, 2023 9:15:51 PM

That is definitely not what I was expecting to happen. It's a rare and pleasant surprise when you are expecting the worst and the gods instead smile upon you.

Lothlo looks out and sees the ship heading their way.
And it looks like we were just in time too. News of this bridge could increase talk of how we are starting to thrive out here and increase trade, but I shudder to think what ill effects those roots would have if word got back the town was currently overrun with them.

ooc: What is the current status of our town in regards to trade? Depending on the DM we seems to jump between a successful new trading outpost and an impoverished town that would be lucky to find a few copper to get bare bone supplies.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Friday March 24th, 2023 9:20:10 PM

" Huh, not what I expected."

DM Jon-Paul | Bridge Map 
Friday March 24th, 2023 9:40:06 PM

Commerce Continues

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Beech "Well, it's a lot fancier than I planned, but it'll suffice and seems to be a lot less work.
Seeing that effect in action reminds me to ask... Can anyone cast shape wood? I'll compensate you in some way, but it'll be a lot more cost-effective that my buying a wand of it. It'll be quite a number of casting, involving grafting to living trees and such. I know I've kept it as an open secret, but this bridge gives me a chance to finally say it out loud."

When nothing further seems to be about to happen, Beech will cross the bridge, halfway across, he seriously considers releasing the travois and dropping Panzer there, but they have one of the hunters to confront... He's searching for that hunter as he's moving...

Naithi carefully examine the bridge to make sure it is safe before any town folk crosses it. The bridge truly is beautiful, and amazingly well-designed. This bridge will serve well as a model for the architecture of the city. Living wood is shaped in a harmony of beauty and function that embraces nature.

Nightingale will examine the bridge as well, especially looking for what nooks and crannies could be used to plant flowers and herbs

Sahabiel "Shaping wood? I do have the ability..", Sahabiel tells Beech. She is still looking at the 'new' bridge. "I was not sure what to expect from the SAAR as a power of change, but... changing our bridge this way is more benign than I was expecting. That said, I will be keeping an eye on this for a while until we are certain we know all its tricks if it has any. Pleasing to the eye it is, don't ya think?"

Lothlo That is definitely not what I was expecting to happen. It's a rare and pleasant surprise when you are expecting the worst and the gods instead smile upon you.

Lothlo looks out and sees the ship heading their way.

And it looks like we were just in time too. News of this bridge could increase talk of how we are starting to thrive out here and increase trade, but I shudder to think what ill effects those roots would have if word got back the town was currently overrun with them.

ooc: What is the current status of our town in regard to trade? Depending on the DM we seem to jump between a successful new trading outpost and an impoverished town that would be lucky to find a few coppers to get bare-bone supplies.

Panzer " Huh, not what I expected."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Everyone is pretty much taken aback by the transformations created by the power of the SAAR shards. Not only did it clean up the mess taking away the Roots & Vines disturbance, but it generated a new Bridge of Living Wood; the new architectural wonder of Freedom's Landing.

This lasting gift heralded the arrival of trade vessels from Emerald Cityn loaded to the hulls.

In retrospect, the Champions mull over these two new arrivals, while some of their team search for the Hunter of the hour.

The living Wood Bridge is exactly what seems like an amazing gift from an immortal power.

OOC: Lothlo, I'm inquiring to the PTB to be able to give you a valid answer to your question.

Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Friday March 24th, 2023 10:43:57 PM


At first Zazu is speechless, but then the elf gives out a "YIPEE" and beams with joy!

Laughing, Zazu says, "Boyo Boy! That was great! I built a bridge! From now on my name is Zazu Bridgebuilder!"

The elf rushes over to the merchants. "Did you guys see that? I made it! I built that bridge! It's the best bridge ever! Made by me, Zazu Bridgebuilder!"

For the rest of the day, Zazu Bridgebuilder goes around town telling everybody the story. The trickster does not neglect to tell the part played by his friends, of course.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Saturday March 25th, 2023 1:57:45 PM

Nightingale will catch up to Sahabiel and in sylvan ask her "Cousin, the seed is now part of the bridge ... should we ask however if it is removed whether it will cause more mayhem, or do we think it's power is spent. I know too little about the SAAR to fathom a guess."

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Saturday March 25th, 2023 8:48:39 PM

"The way it formed, I get the impression of how those shards work, or at least how I think they work.
The Heart of Change, the items that were sent to cause the change around the wold, are active. The shard, or as I see it, The Cloak will counter the effects of The Heart as long as it's covering it.
But... and here's the Big part, once The Cloak is removed The Heart becomes active. We've all seen that in action, and I expect each Shard is different, in look and effect. Now for the speculation part...
The Cloak once re-matched with The Heart it's a counter to, can only counter it but nullifying it completely.
I'm betting the magic of creation that created our new bridge either is already or soon will be gone, permanently, and that includes the cap stone and it's linchpin, which are now just decorative pieces of history."


Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Monday March 27th, 2023 1:34:01 PM

Naithi laughs at Zazu. I was always partial to Zazu Barrel Rider myself.

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Monday March 27th, 2023 8:17:30 PM

Looking at the bridge that was created, I agree that it appears to be permanently secured at this point. The amazing bridge didn't just randomly form on it's own, so I'm inclined to assume that whatever caused the bridge to be formed was intended as part of something bigger to permanently keep the shards safe. The alternative is that the bridge is now a giant beacon to make the location of the shards known, which seems to go against the stories we've been told.

Still, it would be prudent to check for any crazy magic still in the bridge.


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Monday March 27th, 2023 9:13:19 PM

Sahabiel heads over to the dock as a volunteer to help the visiting trade ship unload its goods for sale. When she realizes that a lot of its cargo is preserved foodstuffs, she soon takes a break and goes to bring Limka and Ghundit back with her as well... her half-orc housemate would know better which ingredients she can turn into some fine meals, and helping unload things would let her know early what is going to be up on offer at the market after.

The three will stay together to make the most of this market day and the surrounding merriment that comes with it. If nobody already has, she offers some coins for some of the more musically inclined settlers to go get their instruments as an impromptu band to liven up the occasion with a bit of festive music, too. She believes that with all the dire events of late this town could really use a break to lighten the mood, and having a bit of a shindig to celebrate both the improved bridge and the arrival of traders is as good an excuse as any.

Sahabiel will also take care of the cost of any food items Limka wants to purchase from the traders -- she knows that Limka stocking up on good ingredients will mean good meals in her own future.

Springtime in Freedom’s Landing


Co-DM Jon-Paul 
Monday March 27th, 2023 9:39:11 PM

In Summary::

Beech believes he is now forming an idea of how the Shards of the Warped SAAR work, if not but a cursory view.

Naithi laughs at Zazu. "I was always partial to Zazu Barrel Rider myself."

Nightingale will catch up to Sahabiel and in sylvan ask her "Cousin, the seed is now part of the bridge ... should we ask however if it is removed whether it will cause more mayhem, or do we think it's power is spent. I know too little about the SAAR to fathom a guess."

Sahabiel Sahabiel heads over to the dock as a volunteer to help the visiting trade ship unload its goods for sale. When she realizes that a lot of its cargo is preserved foodstuffs, she soon takes a break and goes to bring Limka and Ghundit back with her as well... her half-orc housemate would know better which ingredients she can turn into some fine meals, and helping unload things would let her know early what is going to be up on offer at the market after.

The three will stay together to make the most of this market day and the surrounding merriment that comes with it. If nobody already has, she offers some coins for some of the more musically inclined settlers to go get their instruments as an impromptu band to liven up the occasion with a bit of festive music, too. She believes that with all the dire events of late this town could really use a break to lighten the mood, and having a bit of a shindig to celebrate both the improved bridge and the arrival of traders is as good an excuse as any.

Sahabiel will also take care of the cost of any food items Limka wants to purchase from the traders -- she knows that Limka stocking up on good ingredients will mean good meals in her own future.

Zazu Bridgebuilder!
At first, Zazu is speechless, but then the elf gives out a "YIPEE" and beams with joy! Laughing, Zazu says, "Boyo Boy! That was great! I built a bridge! From now on my name is Zazu Bridgebuilder!"

The elf rushes over to the merchants. "Did you guys see that? I made it! I built that bridge! It's the best bridge ever! Made by me, Zazu Bridgebuilder!" For the rest of the day, Zazu Bridgebuilder goes around town telling everybody the story. The trickster does not neglect to tell the part played by his friends, of course.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Champions of the Culverwood; you may now rest and recover in town after your recent quest to rejoin the Saar shard and its negative, thereby removing the immediate threat to Freedom's Landing. You all have an opportunity to work with your apprentices, continue to aid the town leaders in building this refuge, tend to the local grove, shop in the Catacombs, and engage in trade with the Emerald City.

Also as a gentle reminder, the Champions have access to the Lyre of Building and the special seeds, that are available in the village.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 12:03:16 PM

Beech, keeps watch over the dock area, and will start laying out a repair and ship building area, he also double checks the new bridge and checks it daily for magic.
He'll also get together with one of he team mates that can cast Woodshape and start in on his "tree" house.


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60  d20+11=16 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 8:36:35 PM

Sahabiel asks Beech if those daily checks on the bridge he is doing could be set for a time of day that she can join him there, so that between them they can cover both the arcane and the divine aspects, and she is happy enough to find that everything seems quite inactive now.

ooc: I missed Nightingale's question yesterday - Sahabiel will honestly answer her cousin that she does not know yet, but that she and Beech will be checking up on it until they do know.

She also makes sure that all of Freedom Landing's hunters are made aware of the Twigjack clan, and has their area declared as off limits - for reasons first because of such fey being too dangerous for them, and second because such was the deal she made with the troublesome clan's leader.

She still exercises and trains in arms with the militia in the morning, and the coming of spring means that more people can share the burden of the patrols that during winter Sahabiel had taken a larger role in (as she could walk around unhindered by snow or cold). With more free time as a result, the half-elf Culverwood cleric now spends longer afternoons with Ghundit at the herbalist workshop, teaching the girl more of her skills while doing real work preparing everyday non-magical medicine. There is a need for it too, since the town's stores of those will have taken a bit of a hit with how many people had to treat minor injuries recently... She is thinking of course of the incident of not two weeks ago when fighting in the middle of the town had forced civilians to run for cover in the dark. Sahabiel feels still grateful that Freedom Landing does in fact have as many orcs and half orcs as it does, because if not so many people had possessed darkvision then to lead those who couldn't see to safety, there probably would have been worse to worry about than scrapes.

Profession(herbalist) d20+11 = 16



Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 9:14:40 PM

Panzer asks Fredo what he observed of Whilil while the Champions were gone.Aside from that it is another typical day in town. Panzer tries to pretend that the Culverwood is not a malevolent force that simply wants to kill him and he and Fredo work on the ditch and berm.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 9:31:13 PM

Naithi spends some time in town, connecting with the town folk before returning to her Druid Grove and preparing it for the winter.

She knows that her Grove's roots grow deep and that the most ancient tree in the Culverwood will protect it from the worst of the winds, but she takes pride in her work and it makes her feel more connected to the forest. Eventually the entire Grove will become it's own mini biome with a climate independent the rest of the Wold, but her first goal is to make a hot spring in the center to provide water and enough warmth to prevent the roots from freezing.

When she is done she will visit the WLA, Catacombs, leave a small gift out for the fey.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:10:39 PM

Nightingale will work with her protege, play with her cat, look at changes she might make to her house, and help out around town as needed. If all else fails, she'll sit with some of the ladies and help work on blankets and clothes

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:36:17 PM

Hmm, I don't hear the lyre going right now. Probably a good thing, we wouldn't want to do anything that would agitate those vines, and who knows the affects the vibrations would have. Any thoughts on what to build?

Afterwards Lothlo checks in with his apprentice and joins them as they try to record the excitement with the roots to song.

ooc: what kind of things are we able to build right now that would stay in line with the level of growth we are trying to maintain for the settlement?

Zazu Bridgebuilder (AC20, HP52) and Boyo the bunny (AC19, HP26) (Cayzle) 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:46:37 PM


Zazu is keenly aware that a wizard should have a LOT of spells to choose from. But the trickster only has one third level spell! One option is to visit the Catacombs and buy a scroll or three. Another is to go to Karri and pay a wizard to copy spells from a book. But we have to go to Karri for Catacombs access anyway, right?

"Anyone want to take a trip on the river?" Zazu asks.

Co-DM Jon-Paul 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:38:29 AM

Spring is in the air

Zazu is keenly aware that a wizard should have a LOT of spells to choose from. But the trickster only has one third level spell! One option is to visit the Catacombs and buy a scroll or three. Another is to go to Karri and pay a wizard to copy spells from a book. But we have to go to Karri for Catacombs access anyway, right?

"Anyone wants to take a trip on the river?" Zazu asks.

Beech keeps watch over the dock area and will start laying out a repair and shipbuilding area, he also double-checks the new bridge and checks it daily for magic.
He'll also get together with one of his teammates that can cast Woodshape and start in on his "tree" house.

Naithi spends time within her Druid Grove and preparing it for the winter.

Nightingale will work with her protege, play with her cat, look at changes she might make to her house, and help out around town as needed. If all else fails, she'll sit with some of the ladies and help work on blankets and clothes

Sahabiel asks Beech if those daily checks on the bridge he is doing could be set for a time of day that she can join him there, so that between them they can cover both the arcane and the divine aspects, and she is happy enough to find that everything seems quite inactive now. She also spends time making sure hunters know about the new "off-limits" areas of the TwigJacks & is grateful for the citizens that have Darkvision; namely the Orc & half-orc members.

Lothlo Hmm, I don't hear the lyre going right now. Probably a good thing, we wouldn't want to do anything that would agitate those vines, and who knows the affects the vibrations would have. Any thoughts on what to build?

Afterward, Lothlo checks in with his apprentice and joins them as they try to record the excitement with the roots of song.

Panzer asks Fredo what he observed of Whilil while the Champions were gone. Aside from that it is another typical day in town. Panzer tries to pretend that the Culverwood is not a malevolent force that simply wants to kill him and he and Fredo work on the ditch and berm.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Beech, the bridge is now a "Living Wood Bridge". What types of magic are you looking for?

Lothlo, as far as the bridge is concerned, the bridge is now a "Living Wood Bridge". No Roots & Vines here. If there is great concern over the safety of the bridge, have Sahabiel ask her mentor about it. As far as what to build, Highlight to display spoiler: { I'm asking the PTB, will reply as soon as I have an idea. }

Panzer learns that Whihl has been keeping to himself in his shelter, appearently here is a anti-social recluse, surprise he goes outside at all!

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:07:03 PM

What specific things will be working on to get get ready for winter again? We did bring in a lot of cloth and sewing items ... what kinds of goods and animals did the traders bring with them?

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:21:09 PM

Since we did need to get last minute cloth last winter, a few more sheep would be great if they have them. We want to make sure that at a minimum we have enough wool to patch and replace what we have without needing to go to the city.

Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:41:46 PM

If Panzer consults with the others on what to do with Whihl, Sahabiel suggests that perhaps they can encourage him to try his hand at tanning, since he just doesn't seem fit to be an outdoors man. It would at least somewhat build on any skill with taking animal hides he may have already picked up as a hunter. Also, since the tanning business is a smelly one, being fine with spending a typical day alone in a workshop while other people keep their distance might actually be a benefit...?

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:54:29 PM

Panzer returns to working on the ditch and berm.

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 9:55:00 PM

Naithi offers to go with Zazu to the Catacombs. I know how you feel. Druids may have access to a wide variety of spells, but I'm limit to only the lowest levels... Or I was. With this ioun stone I should be able to use more scrolls and wands to help make up the difference.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 9:57:19 PM

Detecting for magic.... if the bridge is living, there should be no magic, except what is fading from the transformation.

Co-DM Jon-Paul  d100=93 ;
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 10:18:58 PM

The Bountiful Ship of Emerald City
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-
Beech Detecting for magic.... if the bridge is living, there should be no magic, except what is fading from the transformation.

Naithi offers to go with Zazu to the Catacombs. I know how you feel. Druids may have access to a wide variety of spells, but I'm limited to only the lowest levels... Or I was. With this ioun stone, I should be able to use more scrolls and wands to help make up the difference.

Nightingale What specific things will be working on to get ready for winter again? We did bring in a lot of cloth and sewing items ... what kinds of goods and animals did the traders bring with them?

Sahabiel If Panzer consults with the others on what to do with Whihl, Sahabiel suggests that perhaps they can encourage him to try his hand at tanning since he just doesn't seem fit to be an outdoorsman. It would at least somewhat build on any skill with taking animal hides he may have already picked up as a hunter. Also, since the tanning business is a smelly one, being fine with spending a typical day alone in a workshop while other people keep their distance might actually be a benefit...?

Lothlo Since we did need to get last-minute cloth last winter, a few more sheep would be great if they have them. We want to make sure that at a minimum we have enough wool to patch and replace what we have without needing to go to the city.

Panzer returns to working on the ditch and berm.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Nightingale Highlight to display spoiler: { consulting with the PTB to determine the itinerary of the merchant ship }

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The Champions go about their standard routines in order to prep for the winter season. With a recently received merchant ship from the Emerald City there is much to do to sort and store the goods. There is the continuation of the building plans for the village's growth. There is the matter of Beech's "Tree" house.

The champions discuss among themselves what to do with Whihl the hunter in order to settle unfinished business and offer a profession that will make him into a more productive citizen that is on par with his current skillset instead of a recluse.

Your new "Living Wood" Bridge is an example of a Natural Wonder. Your actions have cleansed the corruption caused by the separation of the two shards. The rejoining of the shards gifted you this Natural Wonder. As for the lingering magic, Mr. Beech could not have said it better.

Beech (JohnC) AC 19(23)/14/15,HP 46/46 Character 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 1:57:07 PM

Beech, daily checks over the new bridge, and then scouts out an area for the "Repair & Ship Building" yard. Yes, it's still in the future, but Beech expects to find a couple donor trees in the area that will need to be removed. With Woodshape, it can be grafted to the trees he has picked out as living beams and the base of the walls. All of which will be grafted "living" wood. The only things which which won't be alive that he currently has planed are the doors, windows and the kitchen area. Even the roof will be woodshaped as well as the spiral steps around one of the foundation trees.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 3:18:19 PM

Panzer returns to working on the ditch and berm.

Panzer Braun (David F) AC 28 (T16, FF24) CMD 27 HP 87/87 ) Character Sheet 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 3:18:41 PM

Panzer returns to working on the ditch and berm.
All caught up


Sahabiel (EstherLauren) -- AC 25/14/24 -- HP: 60/60 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 7:02:29 PM

(ooc: David, your catch up posts made me smile, you can be such a mood -- you really want to see it recognized on the map that we have been upgrading the town defenses with ditch and berm works, hm? )

(also ooc: I kind of do not want to advance time past the day the traders visited us yet, because I think some of us are still waiting for a list of what the ship brought that we might want to buy?)

Although on the surface all seems well again now in the settlement of Freedom Landing, Sahabiel is not able to put out of her mind that while resolving the immediate problem with their bridge was a victory, that entire problem was little more than a distraction from the greater problem of the darkening of the Culverwood, a problem that is still plain for anyone going near to see. She prays as intensely as she ever has for the means to protect what she holds dear.

(ooc: JP, I have a feeling that Sahabiel's legacy item is going to manifest soon-ish, I will share my files with you as I work on getting approval)

Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 56/56, CMD: 23 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 7:17:51 PM

Lothlo watches as the ship starts to unload it's cargo.
Do you think that the merchant ship has any coffee? I may need to pick up a few bags if they do.

Nightingale (JonS) HP 51/51 AC 21 CMD: 21 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 8:49:03 PM

One other task that Nightingale has, is to begin figuring out a way to cover her home in herbs and flowers. While a plant growth spell would work, she is looking to create a garden of sorts with useful and beautiful items. She also starts thinking about bees and beehives and honey, hmmmm, honey

Naithi (JamesD) AC: 24/16/19 HP: 51/68 , CMD = 18 Camalayas AC = 22/16/16 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 9:36:39 PM

Naithi enjoys the time her and Zazu spend riding rabbits to town and hopes to get back before the ships unload.

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