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Wood of the Wood


DM Mitch  
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 8:50:18 AM
Ezekiel discovers, shockingly, that the trees are just trees.
Kazzor shares information about some of the fruits to those newer to the Cloudhaven area.
Dapple tells Siolo they’d be glad to have him along
R.J.[b] a wolf folk from a forested area has no idea what Kazzor is rambling on about. He agrees that the wood is next and takes a couple of sniffs of the new guy before agreeing to him coming along.
[b]Grim Ripr laughs about the fact that the mango peel can be eaten not that people would necessarily want to
Marest welcomes Siolo to the group and thanks the others for info about the fruit before taking some notes regarding the fruit
Yofiel suggests they drop off the fruit before heading out.
Siolo makes magic healing berries.
Grim heads out towards the wood.

The party is all ready to head out - in two different directions. Discussion clarifies that the original plan was to criss cross the plateau in one trip, rather than fetching something, heading back, fetching, heading back, and spending far more time on the job.

Heading towards the wood grove takes some time but the trip is fortunately uneventful. A few times you have to backtrack around uncrossable terrain - sudden rises or dips in the land to steep to climb or thicket to thick to cut through. There are plenty of signs of wildlife of all kinds, including some raptors, but none of them bother you. Predators aren’t going to attack a large armed group when much easier prey is available.

The party will arrive in the wood grove a few hours past midday so presumably stop for lunch at some point. There’s a nice little stream they run across heading in the right direction, allowing them to refill their water stores and serving as a possibly good spot to stop for the moment.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 10:55:07 AM
Kazzor fills his waterskin and waits for his friends to do likewise. He remains on high alert, with ax in hand. After what has occurred, he expects the raptors to attack at any moment. The fact that they don't only leaves him feeling uneasy.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 10:02:59 PM
Dapple gladly refills her waterskin. She eyes the berries with suspicion. "I'm a halfling you know," she says. "And I already had to skip second breakfast and elevenses. No way I'm just eating a berry."

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Wednesday March 1st, 2023 10:53:37 PM
Marest doesn't even have a waterskin, so she takes a long sip out of the stream.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=22 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 12:19:12 AM
OOC: you need to try a mango. Feel of it and if it is a little 'soft', then it should be ripe enough to eat. most times they are hard and you have to give it some time in the fruit bowl to ripen some. Much better ripe off the tree.

IC: While the group settles down for a rest and some refreshment, Grim heads upstream for some 50' or so to make sure the stream is clean at least that far. You don't want to be gulping down water with a dead animal in the stream just around the bend.

He spends the time silent and on watch.

Perception + 6 = 22

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 2:08:04 AM

The elf maiden enjoys the trek across the top of the mesa. The ups, downs, changes of scenery, backtracking. She further develops the map, from time to time looking back, to the sides, noting landmarks, foliage, hills, vales, and animal tracks - sometimes asking Kazzor if he recognizes them. She is pleased to find a place to rest, and fills her water skin.

"'Marest, here, drink from this," she offers the skin to her. After the hippy chick drinks up, she refills it. "I have a wineskin, too. Once it's empty of wine, I can let you use it. Or, if you'd care for a bit, feel free. Just don't take it all," she says as a tease.

As they sit to eat, she asks, "So, Siolo, what's your story? How did you come to follow the path of the druids?"

She is happy to take last watch.

DM Mitch  
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 7:36:36 AM
Kazzor fills his waterskin and waits for his friends to do likewise. He remains on high alert, with ax in hand. After what has occurred he expects the raptors to attack at any moment. The fact that they don’t, leaves him feeling uneasy.
Dapple is not a fan of eating only berries.
Marest forgot to bring a waterskin.
Grim checks that the stream is clear of befoulment. Fortunately it seems fine.
Yofiel keeps the map up to date, offers Marest a spare wineskin, and asks Siolo about his past.

The party continues on their way after lunch. It’s only a few hours later that they close in on the area where this ‘special wood’ is supposed to be. Considering this is a jungle and there was no description it’s hard to say what that means until you get there. The trees noticeably change into a different species from what you’ve seen so far and there are more larger and older trees then elsewhere.

A voice calls out, ”Who enters my grove?”


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 10:59:10 AM
Kazzor is about to say something like, "That's none of your dang business!", but Wisdom prevails, and he bites his tongue, allowing someone else to do the talking.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=26 ; d20+7=11 ;
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 11:45:59 AM

"We come, and seek permission to enter. I am Yofiel, an elf. These are my friends, and each may say who they are. We are of Cloudhaven, and need help."

=============
Perception: 26
Sense Motive: 11

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 1:58:31 PM

Having refilled at the stream (OOC: don't know what happened, must have forgot to submit or something), RJ joins with lunch and traveling.

He also feels somewhat at home upon approaching the older grove of trees. Hopefully, it will be cooler as well.

He keeps his weapon at the ready when the voice calls out.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 2:36:16 PM
"Hi, I'm Dapple!" she says. "Sorry, we didn't know this grove belonged to somebody. What do we call you?"

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 4:13:06 PM
Siolo takes off his pack and sits on the ground next to where he sets it. "We've got a few moments I s'pose," he starts as others are gathering water. "I was born and raised in th' Floatin' City t' two druids of th' Circle o' Alder. At some point not long ago I came 'cross some stories o' Fae Skiemir." His emerald eyes seem to grow at the mention of the place. "It sounds like a magical place and I wanna see it. So, I gathered m' things and I set off toward Plateau City. That's why I'm 'ere."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 9:04:44 PM
"Did that tree just talk?" asks Ezekiel. "I'm not drunk, am I? I don't even remember drinking rum."

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Thursday March 2nd, 2023 10:52:49 PM
Marest receives the spare wineskin from Lady Yofiel and accepts it gladly. Then fills the wineskin with stream water. She then slings the wineskin across her person, making sure her goggles fit in the perfect place on her face. Don't wanna blind myself in the process." Marest giggles.

When brushing close to the tree grove, and the voice calls out, Marest casts Barkskin upon herself (lasting 20 minutes) as a defense mechanism as she gets startled.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Friday March 3rd, 2023 12:20:20 AM
'Huh, figures, the Cloudhaven people wouldn't tell us about a grove guardian,' Grim mumbles.
However, if the town could get wood, then they should be able to as well. Just bargain for the right price.

DM Mitch  
Friday March 3rd, 2023 8:04:26 AM
Kazzor is about to say something potentially rude but wisdom wins out and he defers to someone else to talk.
Yofiel explains who she is and why they have come
R.J. joins with lunch and traveling after refilling from the stream. He feels somewhat at home approaching the older trees and hopes it will be cooler as well. When the voice calls out he is wary.
Dapple introduces herself, apologizes, and explains they didn’t know this grove belonged to anyone. She asks what to call the voice
Siolo explains a bit about himself to the others.
Ezekiel wonders if the tree is talking.

The voice calls out “Well Yofiel, Dapple and unnamed others. You have entered the grove of I, Delilah, The Dryad. Something few others rarely do and I do not know how I could potentially help you. Surely you must have taken a wrong turn somewhere and need to seek out a different grove.”


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Friday March 3rd, 2023 11:37:22 AM
Kazzor continues to keep his mouth shut, but his frustration is building, and starting to show on his bovine face.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=30 ; d20+7=26 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 2:48:19 PM

"Delilah, thank you for speaking with us. It is an honor to meet one who loves and cares for trees. I am an elf, and grew up in a forest, and learned to love the woods. Might I ask when was the last time someone came here? Do you know how long you have dwelt here? How far does your grove extend, and are there trees beyond your grove? Also, is there anything that you might like for us to do for you?"

Yofiel intends to explain what they seek but feels it would be better first to learn more about the tree spirit.

Also: What sorts of trees are evident in the area of the grove? Specifics would be appreciated.
[OOC: As I don't want to have to wait until Monday to drop the next line of questioning, once Delilah responds to what Yofiel asked, the elf when then adds something like this: "Let me explain why we ask. We are of Cloudhaven. So that we can travel up and down from the top of this mesa to the jungle below, we need to repair the lift. That requires a certain amount of wood to repair segments that marauding dinosaurs broke. We are trying to find what we need to take care of that. Is there a way we might accomplish that without harming you or your grove? Are there other suitable trees outside your grove?" If Delilah has not yet mentioned anything she might want the party to do for her, she repeats the query about whether she would like something from the party. If it be a right, proper, honorable, and possible thing to do, we should consider it.

Before we left, I believe we were able to get a rough estimate of the sizes and quantities of logs / lumber required for the lift repair task. If Delilah seems at all willing to discuss the topic, she will communicate their needs.]
============
Perception: 30 - Ascertain what sorts of trees lie in the grove, and whether from where we stand the perimeters of Delilah's grove can be guessed at
Sense Motive: 26 - understand Delilah's wants, desires, fears, hopes, motivations, and reactions to the party

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14  d20=14 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 7:26:22 PM
Siolo speaks up as well in sylvan, "An' I'm Siolo Sidhe o' th' Cirle o' Alder to th' east. This group is good folk."

********
Diplomacy 14+4=18

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20+5=7 ;
Friday March 3rd, 2023 9:28:20 PM
The Grove

"Lady Delilah, I am Marest, Surface drow of House Bralfah. It's a pleasure to know of you," explains Marest. "We are surveying the plateau. Do you mind if you place your grove on the map we are creating?" asks Marest of Lady Delilah. Marest does her best Diplomacy while speaking with the Dryad.

Diplomacy check: 7

Spells in Use:
Barkskin

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Friday March 3rd, 2023 10:47:23 PM

“My name is RJ and that’s all you need to know,” the wolf barked. “If you need me, I’ll be standing over there for a while.”

Moving towards Kazzor, “Not to complicate this delicate situation, but sooner or later I’m going to have to ask him about options to… freshen up.”

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Saturday March 4th, 2023 5:07:42 PM
"They say lightning is the wrath of the gods," says Ezekiel. "The trees remember what they did to earn suchnite even if man forgets."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Saturday March 4th, 2023 10:02:13 PM
OOC: Dang, I meant to say something all week and almost forgot.
Grim will be out of pocket on vacation all next week. I'll post tonight, but probably won't post again until next weekend. I might get access to a PC w/ internet, but don't know.

Hope no combat starts.
So someone can just post 'Grim grunts' or something like that.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Saturday March 4th, 2023 11:49:42 PM

Backstep, responding to Siolo
Yofiel takes in Siolo's recounting of his background and intentions. "So, the son of druids, and a druid yourself. Floating City, eh? Isn't that the city that has moved around somewhat?" "Fae Skiemir? Yes, a fantastical place, no doubt. Sure'n I would like to see it, too!"

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Sunday March 5th, 2023 1:10:27 AM
Hearing that the creature is a Dryad, Gim joins RJ. Orcs and Dryads don't get along very well in the best of circumstances, and this was not one of those.

DM Hugh 
Sunday March 5th, 2023 10:10:09 PM


Kazzor continues to keep his mouth shut but his frustration is starting to show.
Yofiel thanks Delilah for speaking with them and says it is an honor to meet someone who cares for the trees given her Elvish background.
Siolo gives his name and druid circle and diplomatically vouches for the party
Marest introduces herself formally and fully and explains they are mapping the plateau and asks to put the grove on the map.

R.J. gives his name and moves toward Kazzor, suggesting at some point he’s going to have to ask their new elf friend to freshen up
Ezekiel says that they say lightning is the wrath of the gods and that the trees remember what they did to earn such even if man forgets.
Yofiel also remarks on Siolo’s heritage, hometown and aspirations.
Grim Rippr joins Kazzor and R.J. since dryads and orcs typically don’t get along.

Delilah says, “There are many trees on this plateau. Some provide fruit I believe you would call them things like banana, mango or pineapple, some shelter like the mighty redwood or oak, some can even be used to make powerful healing items among other things. My grove is limited in area and I don’t know much about the area beyond as I am bound to my particular tree. As for other visitors, there has been only one, Gaston, he is the lift engineer for the cloudhaven plateau.”

Since Yofiel and Marest have given conflicting reports about why they are here Delilah asks

“One of you says you are on a mapping expedition, the other says that you are here for wood for Cloudhaven, but If Cloudhaven needed wood for the repair they’d send Gaston as he and I have a rapport. Is your mapping expedition legitimate and on whose authority do you create your cartography? Are you perhaps poachers and deforesters?”

Yofiel Only : Highlight to display spoiler: { You see Delilah’s tree which is an unusual one. You don't think you’ve seen one like it before. You also did notice some Oak near As the wind blows through the tree leaves and the shade shifts you think you see the the branches faintly glowing in the shadows. As for mannerisms she seems deeply concerned about Gaston as if there is more to it than just a rapport }


Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Monday March 6th, 2023 2:00:48 AM
"Apparently," Siolo pipes up energetically, "the large animals of this area rampaged about Cloudhaven and destroyed many people and things! Do you know why they would have done that?"

As he asks the dryad this question, he pulls out a small book from a pocket on the side of his pack. At the same time he uses his other hand to retrieve a stick of coal from a belt pouch.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Monday March 6th, 2023 9:04:00 AM
Kazzor can bite his tongue no longer, and he growles, "Cloudhaven was attacked and mostly destroyed by dinosaurs. Gaston, along with the majority of the population, is dead!

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Monday March 6th, 2023 12:46:18 PM
"Would you consider a parley? Perhaps we could bring you some fresh fruit every day in exchange for wood. It's like they say: a pineapple a day keeps the dryad at bay."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Monday March 6th, 2023 12:46:23 PM
"Would you consider a parley? Perhaps we could bring you some fresh fruit every day in exchange for wood. It's like they say: a pineapple a day keeps the dryad at bay."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Monday March 6th, 2023 4:01:16 PM

RJs eyes widen as Kazzor just spits out everything about the war. That's really blunt, even for him.

It takes a lot of effort to just think to himself Highlight to display spoiler: {What, were you raised in a barn?}

For the moment, he continues to just wait, even as Ezekiel starts yammering. He wonders if he's getting paid enough for this.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Monday March 6th, 2023 4:52:20 PM

Yofiel is new to the place and knew not Gaston. Yet she senses the affection Delilah holds for the man. Her eyes tear up as Kazzor confirms what she already had figured.

"Aiyyy," she exclaims with a quivering voice. Quietly, she breathes, "Many of us lost family and loves in that attack." She raises her chin toward Kazzor, and tells her, "He lost his bride." She steps gently toward the dryad and holds her hands out for her to take, if she chooses. "Gaston was your love?" she whispers, sorrow clear on her face. If the dryad seems approachable in this moment, yet does not take her hands, she softly rests a hand upon her shoulder. She is ready to give a hug if it seems the tree woman needs such.

No doubt other matters for the dryad are secondary at the moment.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Monday March 6th, 2023 5:20:52 PM
Dapple tries not to, but she can't help but remember Gaston as she last saw him, during the "body identification" phase. Throat ripped out, chunks of flesh missing, flies buzzing about the open wounds. She swallows hard and takes a deep breath.

"Gaston is gone," she confirms. "We were sent by the guy who's taken on leadership in Cloudhaven. And we're doing both--mapping and getting wood, I mean. Not enough people left to send out separate teams."

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20+5=12 ;
Monday March 6th, 2023 6:03:28 PM
Master of None

"Lady Dryad, as my friends have already explained, some more bluntly than others. We are doing my tasks on this outing:

Mapping as we go,
Collecting fruit to feed the many that survived,
Inquiring about how to fix the lift,
and any other tasks my friends were given that I either do not recall or can not remember.

I was passing through the area when the attack came. I was in the tavern and looking for safety but also looking to help. We, my friends, and I have assembled and volunteered for these tasks because we are the most abled of what's left of CloudHaven.

We are Healers, warriors, magic users, and herbalists. I hope you can help us." explains Marest. (Diplomacy Check: 12)

DM Hugh 
Monday March 6th, 2023 9:16:53 PM
Siolo energetically states that the town was attacked by vicious animals before pulling out a notebook.
Kazzor clarifies that, yeah, Gaston is probably dead.
Ezekiel asks about a parley and makes a terrible pun.
R.J. Muffins is alarmed by the blunt statements and thinks badly of his allies lack of tack.
Yofiel is able to show some empathy and emotion as she realizes there might be more to the relationship.
Dapple has flashbacks to terrible visions of the recent past. She confirms the statements of the others.
Marest explains the mission more carefully and attempts a diplomatic overture.

The dryad seems to gloss over some of the things that were said like offers of trade and diplomatic negotiation and focus on the news of the attack.
After Delilah takes in everything that was said she then asks in a somewhat meek voice, “and what of Annabelle, my daughter by Gaston? Is she lost as well? Please tell me my child survived at least.”


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 1:08:41 AM

Surely we would know the names of all the survivors who form part of the group we have been with. [OOC: I had asked for such, but DM Mitch said you two might want to reserve the naming of folks until the need arose. Looks like that need, in part, has arrived.]

If Annabelle is among the children who survived, Yofiel tells Delilah so, giving a brief physical description of the girl, and her (approximate) age.

If Yofiel somehow knows she is dead, she will say, "I... I fear not."

If she just does not know at all, she will look to the others to see if any are aware. She figures that Dapple and perhaps Kazzor have the best chance to know, assuming she has not been seen among the survivors.

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 1:58:47 AM
Siolo remains quiet at the last question of the drayad, knowing that this is not a conversation meant for him.

Instead, he begins scribbling and taking notes of his surroundings and the drayad.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 12:44:53 PM
Though he is a local, Kazzor isn't sure whether Annabelle is alive or not, but when Delilah mentions her, he softens his tone. As one well acquainted with loss, he knows what the dryad maybe feeling. "If this is your home, then I assume you're aware that dinosaurs, not normally found up here, have somehow managed to make it here, and they were hell bent on destroying Cloudhaven. They weren't acting normal, as even the plant eaters attacked. I don't know about your daughter, but I can say for certain that when I find who is responsible for such an evil act, your Gaston will be avenged, along with my Rina!" There is no elegance in Kazzor's voice, elegance isn't his strong suit, only shear determination.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20+1=21 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 6:26:10 PM
Ezekiel does not know how to respond to the dryad. He tries to remember if there was an Annabelle amongst the survivors.

Not sure what to roll here so I'll go with an intelligence check.

Int Check: 1d20 + 1 = 21. Natural 20.

If he recalls someone of that name, he'll say, "I remember a girl named Annabelle fleeing the ship of Cloadhaven on the lifeboats."

Otherwise, he will remain quiet for once.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20+1=21 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 6:26:10 PM
Ezekiel does not know how to respond to the dryad. He tries to remember if there was an Annabelle amongst the survivors.

Not sure what to roll here so I'll go with an intelligence check.

Int Check: 1d20 + 1 = 21. Natural 20.

If he recalls someone of that name, he'll say, "I remember a girl named Annabelle fleeing the ship of Cloadhaven on the lifeboats."

Otherwise, he will remain quiet for once.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20+1=21 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 6:26:10 PM
Ezekiel does not know how to respond to the dryad. He tries to remember if there was an Annabelle amongst the survivors.

Not sure what to roll here so I'll go with an intelligence check.

Int Check: 1d20 + 1 = 21. Natural 20.

If he recalls someone of that name, he'll say, "I remember a girl named Annabelle fleeing the ship of Cloadhaven on the lifeboats."

Otherwise, he will remain quiet for once.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20+1=21 ;
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 6:26:10 PM
Ezekiel does not know how to respond to the dryad. He tries to remember if there was an Annabelle amongst the survivors.

Not sure what to roll here so I'll go with an intelligence check.

Int Check: 1d20 + 1 = 21. Natural 20.

If he recalls someone of that name, he'll say, "I remember a girl named Annabelle fleeing the ship of Cloadhaven on the lifeboats."

Otherwise, he will remain quiet for once.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 8:51:46 PM
Dapple frowns, trying to remember. The kids tended to blend together in her head. Wasn't Annabelle part of the group that Dapple had led to the caves? Or was her name Alison? Annalise?

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 8:52:44 PM

RJ remains respectively quiet.

Though he figures we would have remembered a half tree child, alive or dead.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 9:53:59 PM
Annabelle

Marest, not being a local is unaware of the names of the children in the town, so like some of the other, Marest also remains quiet on that last question.



DM Hugh 
Tuesday March 7th, 2023 11:08:32 PM
Yofiel tells Delilah that Annabelle has not survived the attack
Siolo remains quiet at the last question knowing that this not a conversation for him so he starts taking notes of his surroundings.
Kazzor tells Delilah more about the dinosaur attack of Cloudhaven and swears that her Gaston and his Rina will be avenged as soon as they figure out who was behind them.
Ezekiel remains quiet as he doesn’t remember an Annabelle amongst the children.
Dapple frowns as the kids all tend to blend together
R.J. remains respectively quiet though he would have remembered a half-tree child whether it was alive or dead.
Marest not being a local does not know the names of all the children so she remains quiet as well.
Delilah seemingly has a break from reality at the news that first Gaston and Annabelle perished. “I don’t believe you and I’d like you to leave now.” she says as she retreats back into her tree.

Something seemingly snakes up the trunk quickly and reappears in the branches. You realize it was Delilah merging with her tree and moving up into its branches. In her hand is a long bow and she fires a shot into the ground at your feet.

“That one was a warning shot. As I said. Leave! Now! I have the high ground and I’m not afraid to use it”

Sense Motive DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { From the conversation you’ve had with Delilah so far you get the impression that she ins’t typically a violent being. Perhaps if you could somehow calm her down, she’d be more inclined to talk with you some more.}


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+7=17 ; d20+15=32 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 12:05:52 AM

Yofiel says to the dryad tree - "I will never seek to harm you." She turns to Kazzor, and offers him her composite longbow and rapier. "Please, friend, take these for me. The rest, save Dapple, move away, please." If Kazzor does not wish to take her weapons, then she will toss them into nearby bushes.

She then kneels down next to the grounded arrow. "If you must loose another at me, so be it. But I ask for peace. We did not come to deceive. We did not know you were here, Delilah. No one can feel another's pain in full. But grief brings power, a wound, a rage, a tearing of the heart. I will mourn with you, if you will. Or you may take out against me the pain that has whelmed up." She pauses a moment.

"Or tell me of your love for the man, and for your daughter. Tell us of moments sweet, or tender. Carefree, or confusing. Hot or cold. And her name - can you say why you named her Annabelle? It means 'graceful beauty' - does it not?" Another beat. "I will listen. We will listen. Or go away -- you decide."

Yofiel stops talking and rests her hands on her lap, palms up, looking up toward Delilah's tree, sorrow clearly on her face.
=========
Diplomacy w/ hero point: 32

Grim Ripr (Kim for JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+1=3 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 12:31:00 AM

Grim has been mostly quiet to this point, thinking things are going fine. But seeing the arrow embed itself in the ground nearby, and not being particularly astute at sensing motives at the moment, he readies his falchion.

Then the elf goes all peace initiative, handing off her weapons. He grabs the rapier before Kazzor has a chance to take it. "Blast it, Yofiel." He growls, "Hope you know what you're doing." He stomps off about 20 feet, but he's not going much further until he knows how all of this is going to turn out.
========
Sense motive: 3

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 12:40:01 AM

[OOC: In Yofiel's post the d20+7=17 was her sense motive roll, which succeeded.]

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14  d20=20 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 2:37:25 AM
The lean muscled half-elf closes his book of notes with his charcoal inside and boldly strides to stand next to the kneeling elf.

He shoots the drayad a surprisingly stern gaze. "That's quite enough Delilah. Your pain's completely understandable. But it is beneath you t' soil th' name o' your loved ones with violence towards one's whom had nothing t' do with their deaths," Siolo chastises. "When I was taught o' drayads I heard o' beautiful mysterious beings o' untold wisdom. Who were both fierce an' gentle as th' wood. Exemplifications o' virtues mortals should ever strive for." His freckled face turning to earnest and compassionate.

"There's an unknown entity at work here an' we need your help," he says with a mixture of matter-of-fact and pleading. He stares into Delilah's eyes with his piercing emerald eyes before speaking once more. "There's a potential danger that threatens us both. We must cooperate! Not jus' in th' now, but as a foundation moving forward. Nature and peoples are both weakened when we fight. Annabelle's a representation o' th' beauty o' collaboration. Flourishing beauty."

"Something has caused pain that you are experiencing. Help us so that vengeance can be enacted on th' responsible. Please. "

*********
Diplomacy 20 + 4 = 24

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 8:31:11 AM
Assuming it's been at least two hours since the fruit tree (otherwise his mage armor is still up), Ezekiel casts mage armor.

"Storm's coming!" he warns. He steps back 30 feet. If he did not cast Mage armor, he goes total defense.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 3:15:42 PM
"Me?!" Dapple hisses. "Why do I have to stay in the line of fire?"

But she does remain, standing uneasily next to Yofiel.

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 8:23:02 PM

RJ takes a few steps backwards, but he does keep his loaded heavy crossbow on his hip, waiting to be drawn.

If this tree creature fires again, RJ won't hesitate to draw his own weapon. (Readied action)

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20+4=22 ; d20+5=15 ;
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 8:58:30 PM
And a time to every purpose under Heaven...

Marest, understanding the dryad's potential loss, casts the Message spell pointing to Grim & R.J. and then messages them what she has determined through the sense motives skill.

Pointing to Grim & R.J., Marest whispers, "From the conversation you’ve had with Delilah so far you get the impression that she isn’t typically a violent being. Perhaps if you could somehow calm her down, she’d be more inclined to talk with you some more."

Marest will join Yofiel & her friends, Siolo, & Dapple in a show of solidarity, that we come in peace & can relate to loss.

Skill Checks

Sense Motive: 22
Diplomacy: 15

Spells in Effect

Barkskin: Duration 10 min./level = 20 Minutes
Message: Duration 10 min./level = 20 Minutes

DM Hugh 
Wednesday March 8th, 2023 11:13:36 PM
Yofiel tries her hand at diplomacy, removing her weapons and kneeling down next to the grounded arrow. She asks for Delilah to either vent her anger at her or let her know of her lost loved ones.
Grim readies his falchion when the arrow is loosed but then when Yofiel passes her weapons to Kazzor he grabs them and says that he hopes she know what she is doing as he stomps off.
Siolo reminds Delilah that as a Dryad she is better than this. He tells her there is an unknown entity at work and they need her help in order to enact vengeance on the responsible parties.
Ezekiel re-ups his mage armor and warns the others that a storm’s coming.
Dapple is concerned she has to stay in the line of fire but remains by Yofiel’s side.
R.J. takes a few steps back but readies to draw on the Dryad should she fire again.
Marest understands the Dryad’s loss and casts message to Grim and R.J telling them what she’s gleaned. She then joins Yofiel, Dapple and Siolo in a show of solidarity and peace.
Delilah starts weeping some more and manages a weak, “Forgive me” before retreating back into her tree.
The rest of the trees in the grove shake in sympathy with the Dryad’s loss and mourning.


Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 2:43:33 AM
Siolo closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. His messy red hair covers his face as he hangs his head. He then sinks to the ground and wraps his arms around his knees.

"It is not as fun being in these stories as reading them."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 6:18:57 AM

Yofiel gives a nod of gratitude to brave Dapple, Marest, and last to Siolo for stepping forth and appealing to the dryad as he did. "The stories are not real unless people like you and me do what we do."

She listens to the sympathetic shaking of the trees for a moment. She starts to hum a tune in a minor key, then opens up to this lament:
Could we have another hour?
Perhaps a smile, a cheek to kiss
One more chance to smell a flower
Walk together through the bower?
Annabelle, how you'll be missed

Lover, dear, the times we spent
'Neath starry skies on leafy bed
Joyous we, in love content.
Yet bitter now, I'll miss your scent
With you both gone my soul is shred

Hear me heavens! Hear my prayer!
Life no longer here abides
Gone my lover, gone mine heir
Grief presses down too deep to bear
Stricken down, two lives denied!
Yofiel hums another verse of the song, then repeats what she started it with.
Could we have another hour?
Perhaps a smile, a cheek to kiss
One more chance to smell a flower
Walk together through the bower
Annabelle, how you'll be missed


Grim Ripr (Kim for JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 6:35:37 AM

"Hmm." Grim murmurs. "Let's see how this plays out." He shifts his weight, yet calculates that the need for sudden action might have been minimized.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 11:17:02 AM
Kazzor feels Delilah pain, and completely understands her reaction. He's had a while to deal with his mourning now, and yet the pain is still there, maybe not as debilitating as before, but there none the less.
"You and I are of the same thread it seems madam dryad. You had your man and daughter stolen from you by some senseless act, and I had my lass and parents stolen from me. As I said before, when I learn who is responsible for the act, my father's ax, Bonvar, will avenge them, by my hand! Mourn your loss, as you ought, but know that justice will someday be served, and take solace in that."

Kazzor isn't trying to be diplomatic, he's just speaking from his heart. Seeing Delilah's suffering renews his anger towards the dastardly individual or individuals who perpetrated such pain, and he has to grit his teeth to not scream out in frustration. Frustration breed from not knowing who is responsible, and for not understanding why such an act would be done in the first place.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 5:22:11 PM
"Of course we forgive you," Dapple says to the tree. Can dryads even hear in their trees? "You were very upset, and nobody was hurt."

She looks around. "Soooo...we'll just be gathering that wood now, all right? Any particular place we should be harvesting?"

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+5=18 ;
Thursday March 9th, 2023 7:24:04 PM

RJ puts on a brave face about it all. "Don't really know what we're supposed to be doing right now."

Know Nature Roll 18 to identify where the wood they need is.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Thursday March 9th, 2023 7:25:16 PM
Solace...

Marest remains quiet, pointing to the remaining members of her groups that didn't understand the motives. She then explains Dryad's motives as she did for Grim & R.J.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Thursday March 9th, 2023 7:25:16 PM
Solace...

Marest remains quiet, pointing to the remaining members of her groups that didn't understand the motives. She then explains Dryad's motives as she did for Grim & R.J.

DM Hugh 
Thursday March 9th, 2023 8:48:55 PM
Siolo closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He remaks it isn’t as fun to be in these stories as reading them.
Yofiel gives a nod of gratitude toward Dapple, Marest and Siolo and tells the druid the stories are not real unless people like them do what they do. She then sings a mournful song
Grim Ripr shifts his weight a little, interested to see how this plays out.
Kazzor feels Delilah’s pain and reiterates his oath to avenge his loss and her loss. He feels frustrated
Dapple tells the tree that they forgive it and asks should they be gathering the wood now and if there is any place in particular they should be harvesting.
R.J says he doesn’t know what they should be doing right now.
Marest remains quiet pointing to the members of the group who might not have understood the dryad’s motives and explains them.

Delilah’s tree remains silent with respect to everything you say, save for the talk of gathering wood (OOC: See the perception check). What do you do now?
Survival 10 Highlight to display spoiler: {A nearby clearing would probably make a good place to camp for the night.}
Perception DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice thorns starting to form in the wood of the Dryad’s tree }
Know Nature DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { You recognize the glowing branches of the dryad’s tree as the special type of wood the lift needs to function. No other tree in the clearing has that property}
Know Nature DC 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { It is unwise to gather wood from a Dryad’s tree without permission. You could try and even succeed but at some point in the future their could be repercussion }
Sense Motive DC 10 : Highlight to display spoiler: { You get the sense that the Dryad wants to be alone with her grief for a while. If you approach her in the morning she’ll likely be open to talking again }


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+2=12 ; d20+11=27 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+7=13 ;
Thursday March 9th, 2023 10:13:52 PM

"We leave you to sorrow, dear lady of the wood," Yofiel says. "We will leave you to find solace in silence for now."

She points to a place a bit up and to the side where lies a clearing, perhaps a few hundred yards distant. She thanks Grim for holding her weapons, resheaths the rapier, and places the bow over the shoulder. "Shall we go that way for now? Looks like a decent place to set up camp, no?" she asks.

When out of earshot of the grove, she says, "A few minutes ago I noticed the branches of Delilah's tree had a glow about them. Based upon what I have read in the records in the office near the lift, it may be just what is needed for the lift. To escape the dinosaur attack, I climbed around the lift's perimeter, so I got a good, up-close view. The wood of some sections looked very much like... well, if some of the branches of her tree were given to Gaston, she would know.

"On the other hand, I think we should not share freely the source of the wood with any in Cloudhaven. Likely most folk there would be trustworthy. I doubt, though, that all would be wise with such knowledge."

If others are agreed to set up camp in the clearing, the redhead pitches in. "Perhaps in a day or so we may approach her again. What do you think?"

===========
Survival 12/10
Perception 27/15
Knowledge Nature: 29 (nat 20)/10,15
Sense Motive: 13/10
Each roll succeeded.

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14  d20=9 ; d20=7 ; d20=6 ; d20=16 ;
Thursday March 9th, 2023 10:29:28 PM
Siolo stands up with a mournful sigh and gives Yofiel a nod.

"I noticed that place as well," he agrees and follows along.

"Checking again tomorrow might be worthwhile."

**********
Survival 9+8=17
Perception 7+8=15
Kn Nature 6+6=12
Sense Motive 16+2=18

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20+9=25 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+4=10 ; d20=14 ;
Friday March 10th, 2023 8:12:11 AM
Grief...

Marest suggests we go a ways from the grove to make camp & return tomorrow.

===========
Survival 14/10
Perception 27/15
Knowledge Nature: 25/10,15
Sense Motive: 10/10
Each roll succeeded.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Friday March 10th, 2023 11:26:09 AM
Kazzor has no idea what the others are looking at, but he takes their words for it. He is fine with making camp, and coming back in the morning. "Just point to the wood you want to harvest.."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday March 10th, 2023 12:32:55 PM

"Did anyone notice the thorns that started to form in the wood of the Dryad’s tree?" Yofiel asks while at camp.

"Well, Kazzor, it may not be polite to point," she jests lightly. More seriously, she responds, "You see, some of the wood we will need is that of the branches of the dryad's tree. It is something that must be offered from her, not demanded by us.

"I am thinking that we might suggest the lift be named the Tower of Annabelle, in honor of Delilah's daughter."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Friday March 10th, 2023 2:31:39 PM
"It's bad enough to lose one's mate and spawn," days Ezekiel. "But she lacks even the closure of committing them to the deep beyond."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Friday March 10th, 2023 4:16:37 PM
"Sure, let's camp," says Dapple.

As they discuss their options, Dapple says: "Tomorrow's no good. Delilah's not gonna be in a giving mood; not this soon. And I don't think we should just hang out here waiting. We've got other stuff to do; let's go do it and come back later."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Friday March 10th, 2023 4:27:04 PM

RJ simply remains quiet for now, waiting for further instructions. He volunteers first or last watch, noting that they might get some visitors while hanging out for this tree.

Grim Ripr (Kim for JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Saturday March 11th, 2023 5:29:46 PM

Grim checks around the area, looking for possible avenues for attack by thunder gods, or lesser creatures. He eats, sleeps, takes a watch. If they need wood besides whatever the tree lady might give, he looks in the area to see if any trees match up to what they were told was needed.

"Talk to her in the morning, or whenever, I don't care. I am ready to chop something down."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Saturday March 11th, 2023 11:21:58 PM

Yofiel responds to Dapple's objection. "When someone is in mourning, emotions and needs ebb and flow. Ezekiel, you understand ebb and flow, right, man of the sea? Often a mourner will want some time alone - and some time in the company of others. What if we go mid-morning, after breakfast, to see how she is doing? Ask if there is anything we might do for her.

"As I earlier offered, if there is something good, righteous, and reasonably possible, I'd be willing to do something for her. I will not commit the rest of you, though if you wish as individuals to commit, then, fine.

"Should she not seem receptive, then we go elsewhere, and find what pieces we might - there are many trees about.

"On the other hand, if she seems receptive, then lay out the need of the survivors - to repair the lift. According to the research we did, it seems that the branches of her tree match the wood of the lift, of some of the areas that need repair. Ask how she would feel about the naming of the tower - something to commemorate her daughter."

She attends to the faces, the postures of her companions as she lays out this general plan. "How might we improve on this notion? What are its weaknesses? Other ideas?"

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Sunday March 12th, 2023 3:10:33 AM
"I honestly don't know Ms. Yofiel," says with a hint of helplessness. "I wasn't there when Cloudhaven was destroyed, nor do I have any experience with tragedy. Everything you said sounds good."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Sunday March 12th, 2023 11:56:36 AM
OOC: I'm back. Thanks for filling in. Looks like we've got a dilemma.

DM Hugh 
Sunday March 12th, 2023 8:43:29 PM
Yofiel tells Delilah they will leave the tree to find solace in silence for now. She suggests they go to that clearing that looks like a good place to camp. When out of earshot of the others she said the liftwood looks a lot like the wood of the dryad’s tree. She suggests they not make the source of the wood widely known back in Cloudhaven and suggests coming back in a day or so to talk to the dryad some more.
SIolo agrees about the campsite and that checking in tomorrow might be worthwhile.
Marest suggests they go further from the grove before making camp and come back in the morrow.
Kazzor has no idea what the others are looking at and is fine with making camp and coming back. He tells the others just to point at the wood they want to harvest.
Yofiel asks the others at camp if anyone else noticed the thorns starting to form in the Dryad’s tree. She makes a pun about it not being polite to point and informs that the wood must be offered not demanded. She suggests they offer to name the new lift the tower of Annabelle in honor of the Dryad’s late daughter.
Ezekiel says it is bad enough to lose one’s mate and spawn but the Dryad lacks even the closure of committing them to the deep beyond
Dapple agrees to camp but suggests they come back later than tomorrow but they shouldn’t hang around waiting. Instead they should continue on their journey and then loop back to the Dryad’s tree on the way back.
R.J. remains quiet. He volunteers for either the first or last watch]
Grim Ripr checks the area looking for potential avenues of attack by Thunder Gods or lesser creatures. He eats, sleeps, takes a watch and sees what other wood might be found besides that of the Dryad’s tree. He tells the others to either talk to her in the morning or don’t he is just ready to chop something down.

Yofiel responds to Dapple’s objections by likening mourning to ebb and flow and suggests sometimes they want to be alone but sometimes they want the company of others.She suggests they come back mid-morning after breakfast and see how she’s doing and if there is anything they can do for her. She reiterates that if there is something good, righteous and reasonably possible she’d be wiling to do it for Delilah but she won’t bound the rest of the group to it. She then says if the Dryad isn’t receptive they can press on but if she is then they lay out the need of the survivors to repair the lift and that the branches of the tree match the description of the wood where the lift was damaged. She suggests once again they name the tower in honor of the Dryad’s late daughter and then asks the others how the plan might be improved upon.
Siolo says he doesn’t know how to improve the plan as he wasn’t there when Cloudhaven was destroyed but everything said sounds good.


The party makes camp for the night. Aside from some random noises driven by the local fauna the night passes uneventfully. Everyone wakes up the next morning refreshed. Spells are prepared, prayers are said, etc. There seems to be 2 ideas as to how to proceed. Dapple suggested the party move on to another task on their checklist and come back later to visit the Drayd. Yofiel wants to go back after breakfast and see if she is open to giving them the wood for the lift in exchange for naming the new lift after the Dryad’s late daughter and potentially throwing in a favor if it is good, righteous and reasonably possible. How does the party wish to proceed?


'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Sunday March 12th, 2023 10:12:40 PM
Fork!

Marest chimes in, "We'll wait here, and allow lady Yofiel to visit the mourning Dryad herself. If she doesn't return by afternoon, we know were to look."

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Monday March 13th, 2023 2:18:31 AM
Disappointment flashes on Siolo's face before he speaks up, "Umm..if it's alright I'd like t' go too. I'm tryin' t' learn what I can about th' fey." He ends the statement by looking hopefully at the others.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Monday March 13th, 2023 3:19:37 AM

"Hmmm..." Yofiel says to Marest's suggestion.

"Surely, Siolo. I'd be fine with doing that - going, not alone, but with whoever else wants to join in. Or, we all could go, and those who don't want to get too close, well, just hang back if you want. My sense was that the news we delivered yesterday overwhelmed her. Her interest wasn't in harming us, but in insuring she could mourn without us strangers adding anything further to the burden our answers had laid upon her. The thorns she grew on her limbs are defensive in nature.

"We attended the mass burial. Gaston's body was among them. Dapple, you better than anyone would know whether or not Annabelle's remains were included among them. Let us at least give Delilah the knowledge that her loved ones were laid to rest, and a ceremony of grieving held over them by those of us who remain.

"I am of the opinion that seeing the nymph sooner rather than later would be the wiser course, but I make no claim to be all wise. I do fear if we do not at least mention to her we will give her the time she needs to grieve, that it will be easier for her to dismiss us ... people tend to fill their minds with ungrounded speculation if there are none to counter such with what is true. Knowing her love and her daughter were laid to rest and honored might ease her mind, and bring some of the healing that ignorance cannot provide.

"Those things said, Dapple, I trust you, too. You are a cleric and healer. If you still insist we first go elsewhere, I will heed your recommendation."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Monday March 13th, 2023 11:40:43 AM
"I don't care if we go back and talk to her now or later, we aren't splitting the party!", Kazzor growls.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Monday March 13th, 2023 2:33:41 PM
"I just worry that if we go back too soon it will seem like we're pestering her," Dapple says. "I mean, sure, she might be in a more receptive mood today, but she might not. And if she isn't, we're just making more work for ourselves."

She sighs. "I don't think I ever met Annabelle, so I'm not sure what became of her body. I don't think she was one of the ones we identified, though."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Monday March 13th, 2023 9:11:58 PM

RJ grumbles. "I don't know how to proceed, but I'm probably all for sticking around, and if she's not in a mood to talk, she's probably not going to even show up."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Monday March 13th, 2023 10:13:45 PM

"So, we go back, comfort her, but not pester her. If we do not come back, she may simply think of us, 'good riddance.'. Yet IF she seems receptive, perhaps we go gently. We tell her where Gaston was respectfully laid to rest." And, since [our DM let us know that] Yofiel is aware of Annabella's death, presumably she also has some notion of where Annabelle also was found, which she will communicate, to help give her mother some small measure of closure.

"To repeat myself yet again, we may ask her as well if there is anything she might wish us to do for her. If it meets the parameters I earlier mentioned, we accept. That may open the opportunity to let her know the need, etc. We don't take. We do ask, if the time then seems right. If it does not, we say we will depart, and arrange to come back at a more propitious time, after we have visited our third site.

"If that seems reasonable, then let us go visit her. Again, gently. Unless anyone object to this approach, let us go there to see her now. We at least let her know that the father of their daughter was buried with respect. Beyond that, let us see, all right?"

If none strenuously object, Yofiel says, "Well, then, let us go see her."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Monday March 13th, 2023 10:15:27 PM
... and the elf begins to trace the steps back to the grove...

DM Mitch  
Monday March 13th, 2023 11:03:39 PM
Marest suggests the rest of the party stay at camp and let Yofiel visit the mourning Dryad by herself and if she isn’t back by noon well then they know where to look.
Siolo volunteers to accompany Yofiel as he’d like to learn more about the fey.
Yofiel says she’d be fine going not alone but with whoever else wants to come. She says her interpretation of events was that the news they delivered overwhelmed the Dryad and her interest wasn’t in harming them but ensuring she could mourn as the grown thorns were defensive in nature. She points out that Gaston’s body was amongst those buried at the mass funeral and asks if Dapple knew if Anabelle’s remains were also there. She argues that she thinks they should return to the Dryad sooner rather than later but says she doesn’t claim to be wise and is willing to defer to Dapple being cleric and healer after all.
Kazzor said he doesn’t care if they go sooner or later they aren’t splitting the party.
Dapple says she is worried that if they go back too soon it will seem like they are pestering her and it might make more work for them in the long run. She also says she never met Annabelle so she isn’t sure if her remains were amongst the buried.
R. J. isn’t sure what to do but is willing to stick around.
Yofiel reviews the plan and heads back.

The night’s rest seems to have given the Dryad time to recover and reflect some. The party finds a bundle of wood waiting for them, packed and ready to go, of various sizes and shapes like their instructions requested they retrieve. There is no evidence of the Dryad.


Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday March 13th, 2023 11:42:47 PM
Grim just shakes his head and mumbles, a bit louder than usual, "I'm no expert in Dryads but I do know that typically the bond between a dryad and her lover is more of an enchantment to snare a male to mate with. I do know they don't like orcs, as the offspring of orcs and dryads creates, well, what an elf would call a loathsome grove of trees. They don't try elves because the elf's natural affinity to nature makes them harder to charm. Humans, though, are easy prey, for that purpose. So if you want the wood, find a suitable mate replacement.

As far as Annabelle, we can easily find out when we get back. No one said we had to get food, wood, map, and ore. Three out of four ain't bad. Let's leave this dryad to her grief, go find the ore, then head home with what we have and look for Annabelle. When we know for SURE her fate, we come back and see what happens."

Grim points in the general direction of the ore deposits and says gruffly, "THAT way!"

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday March 13th, 2023 11:43:43 PM
OOC: oh well, so much for my extraordinary excellent post! Sigh....

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 1:19:30 AM

Astonished to find the gift awaiting them, Yofiel looks at her friends, clearly struck by the "We thank you, Delilah, if you can hear us. We intend to name the tower, once repaired, for your daughter. Farewell."

"All right, Grim. Let's go that way. Who can carry the wood? How do we carry things from orchard, wood from Delilah, AND ore from the ... whatever?"



Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 1:54:34 AM
"I'm happy to carry the wood," Siolo interjects with a raised hand as ge is scribbling in his book.

After receiving the addition and situating it with his other stuffs, he looks to the others with a chipper smile.

"Ready to go."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 8:11:32 AM
"Just put the flotsom down in the hull," suggestd Ezkiel. "We can retieve it when we return to port."


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 11:22:59 AM
"I guess it's my lot in life to be a beast of burden" Kazzor complains under his breath.He than growles, "I got this!" He pulls out his rope and ties up the wood bundle like he did with the armor and food barrels once before, allowing him to carry the whole bundle while holding on to the two ends of the rope slung one over each shoulder, which he can let go of as a free action, and draw his ax if things get dicey.

(Kazzor can carry up to 800lbs)

Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 2:38:53 PM
"Can we carry all that?" Dapple asks. "And by 'we' i mean 'you guys.' Not a lifter, sorry."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 3:48:53 PM

"Yeah, I'm not volunteering anytime soon, myself." RJ noted.

He took a moment to stare at the wood pile but didn't say anything.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 7:43:18 PM
Marest hrms, saying, "I can barely lift my own stuff...wood is not part of that deal...."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Tuesday March 14th, 2023 10:17:29 PM
"Huh, I know you can carry all of it Kazzor, but it would be wise to split the load into two bundles. Something I learned from my human father."

OOC: once the DM determines how heavy this load is, Grim will know wheather splitting the bundle in into two is worth it.

IC:
Grim (with half the bundle or without) heads towards the ore deposits marked on the map.

DM Mitch  
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 7:50:38 AM
Grim Ripr suggests the bond between a dryad and her lover is more of an enchantment to snare a male to mate with and suggests if they want the wood they find a suitable replacement to Gaston. With respect to Annabelle he figures they can find out when they get back then come back when they are sure. He then points in the direction of ore deposit and says that way.
Yofiel is astonished to find the gift awaiting them and thanks Delilah and tells her they are going to name the newly repaired tower after Annabelle. She agrees to go “that way” then asks who can carry the wood.
Siolo volunteers to help carry the wood and then says he’s ready to go
Ezekial suggests they put the flotsom in the hull and retrieve it when back in port.
Kazzor says he guesses its his lot in life to be a beast of burden and then says he’s got this. He ties the bundle like he did with the armor and food barrels once before allowing him to carry the whole bundle using the ropes slung over each shoulder.
Dapple asks if “they” and by “they” she means the rest of the party can carry that all as she is not a lifter.
R.J. says he isn’t volunteering anytime soon and takes a moment to stare at the wood pile but didn’t say anything.
Marest says she can barely lift her own stuff and wood is not a part of that deal.
Grim checks the weight of the bundle and determines if it’s heavy enough to be worth dividing.

The bundle weighs about 50 lbs. Heavy, but not so much that Kazzor can’t easily handle it.

With the supplies secured and the Dryad grieving there’s nothing left to do here and the party heads out. The jungle remains thick and annoying to progress through,but the morning starts out nice and clear. After about two hours of walking they run into signs of a heard of animals frequenting the area. Survival DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { you see some deer tracks, but also some raptor tracks, both fresh. It seems a heard of deer is being stalked by a pack of raptors nearby.}


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20=20 ; d20=8 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 8:46:28 AM
Survival: d20 = 20 (disregard second roll)

"Look, tracks of a pirate animals hunting a merchant animal. If we can take them we best clear these waters of pirates for our own safety at least, and then we can claim the booty for ourselves."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 2:38:22 PM
"Dude, you're fixating," Dapple tells Ezekiel. "We aren't on the high seas; we're on a high plateau."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+2=11 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 2:56:16 PM

Yofiel giggles at Dapple's statement of the obvious. "Yes, Ezekiel. You might want to adapt to talking like a landlubber once in a while."

"So, raptors versus deer. I do agree with the general tenor of what our sorcerer said."

"R.J., you're good at tracking. Suggestions?"

She takes the bow off her shoulder, nocks an arrow, and is ready to continue.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20=13 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 3:48:00 PM
Stalking the Stalkers

Marest is able to decipher the tracks with her Survival skills. She discovers:

you see some deer tracks, but also some raptor tracks, both fresh. It seems a heard of deer is being stalked by a pack of raptors nearby.


Marest Stretches and makes sure if remains in the back of the pack, just in case a fight breaks out.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 4:23:45 PM
Kazzor has little skill at survival, but he takes his friends' word for it. He doesn't really want to go looking for a fight with dinosaurs, but will go along with the group.

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14  d20=15 ;
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 5:15:04 PM
Siolo frowns, "Let's give th' situation a wide berth. No need t' disrupt th' natural order." He shifts uncomfortably.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Wednesday March 15th, 2023 7:34:36 PM
"What do you mean we're not at sea?" asks Ezekiel.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=18 ;
Thursday March 16th, 2023 12:14:21 AM
"I know little to nothing about some great sea. But I do know that high altitudes can affect the brain. And we are pretty high up for someone used to this sea level he's used to. Either that or he's gotten into some of those herbs our shaman uses to talk to the Spirits," comments Grim.

Although highly skilled members have taken a look at the tracks, Grim looks at it differently, to see if he can tell how many raptors are involved.

Survival +6 = 18

"Are these raptors just part of the normal herd up here or are there extras," he asks to no one in particular as he studies the claw prints to determine the number in the pack.

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 12:26:30 AM
Siolo looks between Ezekiel and the rest for a moment quizzically. "Wait, y' all address th' sailing things? I jus' assumed that y' all ignored it." He then turns to Ezekiel with a concerned look, "We're not on th' sea. Are y' well boyo?"

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 6:18:56 AM
"Must have been struck by lightning a few too many times," says Ezekiel. "How many times is normal?"

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday March 16th, 2023 6:19:03 AM
"Must have been struck by lightning a few too many times," says Ezekiel. "How many times is normal?"

DM Mitch  
Thursday March 16th, 2023 8:21:59 AM
Ezekiel says he spots the tracks of pirate animals hunting a merchant animal and if they can take them they can clear the waters of pirates for their own safety before claiming the booty for themselves.
Dapple tells Ezekiel he is fixating as they aren’t on the high seas but a high plateau.
Yofiel suggests Ezekiel adapt to talking like a landlubber once in a while. She then translates to raptors versus deer and R.J. who is good at tracking for a suggestion.
Marest is able to decipher the tracks with her Survival skills and discovers the deer tracks and the raptor tracks. She stretches and makes sure her gear is secured in case a fight breaks out.
Kazzor has little skill at survival but takes his friends’ word for it. He doesn’t want to go looking for a fight with dinosaurs but will go along with the group.
Siolo frowns and suggests giving the situation a wide berth and not disrupting the natural order
Ezekiel asks what is meant by them not being at sea.
Grim knows little of the sea but knows something of high altitudes and also wonders if Ezekiel is high. He wonders if the raptors are native or if they are extra, like the giant herbivores.
Siolo is surprised people are addressing the sailing thing and asks if Ezekiel is alright.
Ezekiel comments that he must have been struck by lightning to much. How much is too much again?

The party’s conversation is rudely interrupted when a deer, separated from it’s herd, bursts through the undergrowth running past the party. Shortly afterwards a half dozen raptors burst through the undergrowth as well, giving the party a wide berth as they chase their prey.

While startling, the animals present no threat to the party and vanish as quickly as they appear.
Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { it’s hard to say with such a short look but the animals seemed normal to you, without the strange hint of intelligence the ones that attacked the town had.}
Survival 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { it occurs to you there is now an exhausted herd of deer settling down after a chase that would make easy prey. If you so choose you have rolled high enough to go find them and pick one off to provide the party with a nice meal of deer meat and fresh fruit for lunch.}


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29  d20+3=19 ; d20=18 ;
Thursday March 16th, 2023 10:36:51 AM
Perception 19
Survival 18

"They seem normal" Kazzor grunts under his breath as the raptors run past. "R.J., want to track us down some venison?"

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+8=14 ; d20+3=17 ; d20+5=14 ;
Thursday March 16th, 2023 1:16:35 PM
Perception 14
Survival 17
Profession Hunter 14

RJ looks up at what he had failed to notice before, and hoped his tracking skills hadn't been oversold. (It's a cross class skill for the character.)

This time, however, his tracking skills are on fire, and it doesn't take long to snipe a deer with his bow (especially since he can fire around corners) and get it prepared.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16  d20=5 ; d20=12 ;
Thursday March 16th, 2023 3:27:35 PM
Perception: 5.
Survival: 12.

Ezekiel casts Mage Armor in case the raptors come back.

Dapple (Kathy)  d20+5=11 ; d20+3=15 ;
Thursday March 16th, 2023 6:05:36 PM
[Perception 11; Survival 15]

Dapple is somewhat surprised that the group wants to stop to hunt, but then, there are some big appetites on the team. "We're making more stuff to carry," is all she says.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20+8=22 ; d20=15 ;
Thursday March 16th, 2023 9:08:21 PM
Animal Surprise

Marest, using her Perception skill notices...the animals seemed normal to you, without the strange hint of intelligence the ones that attacked the town had. In addition, it occurs to you there is now an exhausted herd of deer settling down after a chase that would make easy prey. If you so choose you have rolled high enough to go find them and pick one off to provide the party with a nice meal of deer meat and fresh fruit for lunch.

Marest turns and shares these insights with the rest of her group and extends the offer to RJ as he's the hunter in the group.

-=-
Perception Check: 22
Survival Check: 15

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=13 ; d20+2=19 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+4=13 ; d6+1=4 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 12:41:47 AM

"How many times is normal? To be struck by lightning, Ezekiel??" Yofiel responds. "Usually zero. Once, maybe, and if you are very very lucky - talk to Dapple about Wardd concerning that - if you are very lucky you survive. But you - YOU - have been zapped multiple times?" She shakes her head. "Whew. Perhaps that explains some of it. Ezekiel, I do not know how to say this just right. But, it may be that your head needs some special sort of repair."

The bard appreciates the insights that Marest and others provide.

When R.J. goes to take down a deer, she serves as backup, in case an additional arrow or two may be required. If so, her aim is somewhat lame (hit AC 11, 13). Just in case the second arrow is needed and finds its mark, it does 4 hp damage. However, if with R.J.'s first arrow, it is clear he got a clean kill shot, she will not waste the shots. If loosed, she will retrieve the arrows.

The elf finds a clear spot to build a campfire - or clears a spot if needed. She usually does a fair job roasting meat over a flame, and with the help of others, can fashion a spit to place the animal on, trusting to the more-well muscled members of the group to skewer and place it.

"All right, friends. How do I get stronger with the bow?" she asks around the campfire.

===========
Perception: 13
Survival: 19

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Friday March 17th, 2023 1:02:43 AM
Grim was a good hunter in his youth. Once he passed his Right of Passage, he grew in size and strength, but not in patience to stalk animals. HIs father taught him to hone what little patience he had in making the perfect bow and arrow and let the others bring in the food. So Grim hangs back and does not join the hunting party.

Instead, he keeps watch and stays prepared to protect the rest of the party.

DM Mitch  
Friday March 17th, 2023 8:43:53 AM
Kazzor points out that the raptors seem normal and asks R.J. if he wants to help track them some venison.
R.J. looks up at what he hasn’t noticed before and hops his tracking skill haven’t been oversold but it doesn’t take long to snipe a deer with his bow.
Ezekiel casts mage armor in case the raptors come back.
Dapple is surprised the group wants to stop to hunt but then again there are some big appetites on the team so she points out they are only making more stuff to carry.
Marest shares her observations with the rest of the group particularly R.J. as he is the hunter of the group.
Yofiel is shocked that Ezekiel may have been struck by lightning. Repeatedly. She tries to help with the hunt and preparing a camp.
Grim reflects on his past, his patience, and his hunting skills.

The deer goes down fairly easily, sending the rest of the herd once more fleeing in panic. The party is able to find a nice clearing and set up camp for lunch. They’ve worked hard and eat heartily so manage to eat enough of the deer that the remaining meat isn’t too much of a problem for their carrying weight.

After lunch they set out again and make good progress towards the northern edge of the plateau, which according to records found is rocky and rich in minerals.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29  d20+3=11 ;
Friday March 17th, 2023 11:12:32 AM
Kazzor enjoys the hearty meal and grunts his appreciation towards Yofiel for preparing the meal and RJ for making it possible. He answers Yofiel question by simply grunting, "Practice"

Back on the trail, Kazzor keeps his eyes peeled, ready to drop his load and draw his ax at a moments notice Perception 11

Dapple (Kathy) 
Friday March 17th, 2023 7:18:30 PM
Dapple surveys the rocky terrain, hands on hips. "What we need is a dwarf," she says. "But Wardd sent us a half-elf instead. That's some sense of humor you got there, boss."

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Friday March 17th, 2023 10:45:06 PM
Oh Deer!

Marest heartily enjoys the meal of game meat and thanks RJ and friends for making this meal break memorable.

Marest will trail the rest as she is not really into minerals and such...

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+9=14 ; d20+11=19 ;
Saturday March 18th, 2023 2:01:04 AM

"'Practice'? Right. That's what my father said about becoming a bard, Kazzor."

"Yep. A dwarf. Or a gnome. A miner," Yofiel reponds to Dapple. "But, let's just see what we find once we get there."

Yofiel brings her map up to date and extends it occasionally as they travel. One of her favorite things is to look for landmarks, and line them up with each other, as well as to look backward at the pathways they take in order to see what it might look like later when they come back from where they have traveled.

=================
Knowledge, nature: 14
Perception: 19

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Sunday March 19th, 2023 7:22:39 PM
Grim enjoys the fresh cooked venison and glad to have a died other than fruit or old dried Thunder God meat.

Continuing on, he makes his own 'landmarks', the cut path through the tall jungle trees. If Yofile mentions landmarks out loud, he simple point upwards and grunts 'Climb the tree and find your landmark.'

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+5=25 ; d20+5=14 ;
Sunday March 19th, 2023 11:52:34 PM

"Good plan, Grim." She will climb a few trees for a better view from time to time, using her climb skill, and knotted ropes.

Climb: 25
Climb: 14

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Monday March 20th, 2023 1:59:05 AM
Siolo nods, "That's a good idea." He watches, impressed, as Yofiel skillfully climbs the tree.

DM Mitch  
Monday March 20th, 2023 12:09:06 PM
Kazzor enjoys the hearty meal and grunts his appreciation towards Yofiel for preparing it and R.J. for making it possible. In response to Yofiel’s question he grunts, “Practice” and then when on the trail he keeps his eyes peeled for danger.
Dapple surveys the rocky terrain hands on hips and suggests what they need is a dwarf but Wardd sent them a halfling instead
Marest heartily enjoys the meal provided by her friends and when they return to the trail she keeps to the rear.
Yofiel replies to Kazzor that practice is what her father said about becoming a bard. To Dapple she agrees a dwarf, a gnome or a miner could come in handy but they should just see what they see when they get there. She also brings her map up to date.
Grim Ripr enjoys the fresh cooked venison and is glad to have a diet other than fruit or dried Thunder God meat. As they continue on he makes his own ‘landmarks’ that cut a path through the tall jungle trees.
Yofiel climbs some trees to find landmarks
Siolo is impressed at Yofiel’s tree climbing skills.

The party finds their way to the northern end of the plateau. The jungle plants become more spread out until they are replaced by hard rock and the occasional sparse patch of grass. The area you’re supposed to be able to find iron easy to access is around a small stream. Yofiel doesn’t spot it from the last tree before rocks over take everything so you’ll have to do a little bit of exploring yet.


Dapple (Kathy) 
Monday March 20th, 2023 2:11:29 PM
Dapple wanders around, looking down at the ground. "What exactly am I looking for?" she asks. "I mean, yeah, I know, iron, but what does it look like?"

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+8=12 ;
Monday March 20th, 2023 3:12:48 PM

RJ regarded Yofiel, showing that he crafts his own weapon. "A bow is not a tool. It is a part of you. It is your body and your mind. It is your best friend, your family, your lover. A bow is your essence and you will fire it better when it is you."

As he puts his bow away, "I've found that diet and exercise also helps. Patience and environmental awareness. I'm sure you've had some formal training."

After acknowledging the thanks for the hunt, he takes some time to look around the area himself in case anything is coming or stands out (Perception 12).

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20+8=13 ; d20+9=16 ; d20+9=29 ; d20+4=7 ;
Monday March 20th, 2023 9:54:27 PM
Diversity: Land of the Lost

Marest is somewhat shocked that all these different climates exist on one large plateau. "This is simply overwhelming to the senses. The smells, the texture, the dryness!"

Marest will look around at the open desert using her sense of perception to determine what might be plainly visible but missed. In addition, Marest will look for desert plants to add to her collection using her skills as a Professional Gardener.

Skill Checks:
Perception: 13
Knowledge (Nature): 16
Knowledge (Geography): 29 (NAT 20)
Profession (Gardener): 7



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=17 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 12:43:34 AM
Grim shrugs at Marest's comment. It's all pretty normal for him.
"We need to find strips of greenery. That's the mark of a stream. Now would be a good time to speak to a bird."

Grim looks for clumps of trees.
Perception +6 = 17

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=26 ; d20+2=18 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 2:18:22 AM

"When iron and water mix, Dapple, a reddish color can show up. Grim is right. Listen for water."

"RJ, thank you for your counsel," Yofiel says. "Also, I'd wager your eloquence and archery are heading for a merger."

She nods at Marest's observations.

"Ezekiel, if you spot the water first, do please say, 'Ahoy!'" she teases. The bard winks at Siolo.

"Kazzor, since we do not have a dwarf with us, your height can give us a different advantage - you likely can see a little farther ahead than the rest of us.

"If we follow the pitch of the land - water flows downward... let's see if the lay of the land might help us out."

She does keep an arrow nocked, but is not drawing yet. Should something spring forth to attack the party, however, she is trying to remain alert enough to loose a readied shot. [Left hand on bow, index and middle finger hold steady the arrow against the string with light back pressure.]

==============
Perception: 26 (looking, listening, sniffing for water, as well as for anything that whiffs of oxidation)
Survival: 18 - Blending her limited survival skills to help her find a stream.

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 10:26:09 AM
Kazzor simply shrugs when Yofiel points out his height advantage, and says "If you say so.". As one who has grown up surrounded by people smaller than himself, he has learned to take certain things for granted, though his skill at observation, in spite of his extra height, isn't nearly as impressive as one would think.

DM Mitch  
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 11:26:12 AM
Dapple asks what it is exactly that she is looking for. She knows they are seeking Iron but what does Iron look like exactly?
R.J. regards Yofiel showing he crafts his own weapon and explaining that a bow is a part of you and one fires better when it is you. He also adds that diet, exercise, patience and environmental awareness helps also. After acknowledging the thanks for the hunt
Marest is surprised by the diversity in environment up here.
Grim suggests they look for plants that might grow near water.
Yofiel has comments for everyone and suggests they search downhill.
Kazzor reflects on being tall.

It only takes about 20 minutes to find the stream. It flows inward towards the jungle from what is likely a natural spring, lazily twisting over the uneven rock surface. As they had been told they find signs of ore here - streaks of grayish green in the rock that turns into a more reddish color closer to the stream. Some of it is in loose slabs the party can merely pick up or the muddy streaks at the bottom of the stream. Others require a bit more work with tools that the party was given before being sent out. It shouldn’t be too hard to get the amount requested, though the town blacksmith will have to work to separate ore from rock when you get back.

The sounds of large animal breathing deeply comes from the other side of a hill a short distance away from the stream.


Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 7:34:25 PM
Hearing the breathing, Siolo quickly pulls a sprig of holly from a pouch on his belt and then mumbles a couple words as he passes the holly over his body.

After the incantation, he gestures to the rest of the group with a closed fist, save a raised index finger. He then rushes over the hill to investigate the source of the sound.

******
Casting Hide from Animals
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components S, DF
Effect
Range touch
Targets one creature touched/level
Duration 10 min./level (D)
Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); Spell Resistance yes
Description
Animals cannot sense the warded creatures. Even extraordinary or supernatural sensory capabilities, such as blindsense, blindsight, scent, and tremorsense, cannot detect or locate warded creatures. Animals simply act as though the warded creatures are not there. If a warded character touches an animal or attacks any creature, even with a spell, the spell ends for all recipients.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 8:23:47 PM
"It's 'Land Ahoy' not 'Sea Ahoy," says Ezekiel. "Are ye daft lass?"

Ezekiel mage armors up. (I believe that's his second one since we last rested).

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15  d20+13=33 ; d20+5=22 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:08:09 PM

RJ takes some time to try to get a little closer (stealth 33) and to identify the breathing (know nature 22).

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16   d20+9=24
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:10:19 PM
Sounds of large animal breathing deeply comes...

Marest freezes upon hearing the sounds of large animal breathing deeply...Marest whispers, "I hope that's the sound of Large animal snoring..." Knowledge (Nature) to identify the type of animal breathing deeply...

Skill Checks:
knowledge (Nature) = 24


Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=10 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 9:56:20 PM
"You assume it is a large animal. It could be a small squirrel with very sharp pointy teeth," Grim says nonchalantly as he drops the stuff he was carrying and readies his guisarme.

Perception +6 (listen for cries for help) = 10



Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 10:02:45 PM
"Can--can animals smell in their sleep?" Dapple asks uneasily.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=20 ;
Tuesday March 21st, 2023 10:24:08 PM

"'Daft lass'? I said neither 'land ahoy' nor 'sea ahoy,' Ezekiel," Yofiel declares, placing her left index finger over the arrow shaft to hold it in place, and putting her right hand on her hip. "'Ahoy' means something like 'hey' or 'look there' - you say it to get attention, to point something out. If you're a sailor, lost in a jungle, and you break through the flora, and spot the sea, then you can say, 'Sea ahoy!' My cousin sails ships, and his father, mine uncle, does as well. They say 'ahoy' when greeting others, with nary a 'land' nor a 'sea' included with their ahoy.

"So, don't 'daft lass' me, Mister Sea-going Fellow!"

Fortunately, this conversation took place before they found the stream, well out of earshot of any heavy-breathing behind-the-hill beasts.

So the half-elf druid and the lupine scout scoot on ahead. After giggling at Grim's remark, Yofiel quickly surveys the local terrain.

"Maybe they can," she answers Dapple. "Find a place for yourself a large creature might have a hard time reaching."

If there is a fair-sized ditch or protruding rock she can take advantage of to get some cover and measure of concealment, while still being able to let fly her arrows, she finds a good place to stand. She is ready to shoot arrows should some largish creature come galumphing 'round the hill at them. That is if it seems hostile or violent. If gentle or playful, she reserves the right not to shoot at it.

============
Perception: 20

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29  d20+8=9 ;
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 12:50:29 PM
Upon hearing the breathing, Kazzor drops his load of lumber and draws Bonvar from his back. He waits to see if any of his companions offer a plan, as planning isn't his strong suit. he does put himself into a position to charge the creature should it come barreling towards them.

Readied attack: Nat 1

DM Mitch  
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 1:01:56 PM
Siolo pulls out his sprig of holly and mumbles a couple of words before gesturing to the rest of the party with a closed fist save an index finger. He investigates the source of the sound with Hide from Animals cast on himself.
Ezekiel says, “It’s ‘Land Ahoy’ not ‘Sea Ahoy’ and reups his mage armor.
R.J. stealths closer and tries to identify the source.
Marest freezes and hope’s the noise is just an animal.
Grim says it could be a squirrel with nasty pointy teeth.
Dapple wonders if animals can smell in their sleep
Yofiel argues with Ezekiel about ocean terminology and looks for cover.

The party tracks down the sound. Up and around rise near the river they’re able to find a fairly well concealed nook. Without the noise to draw them in they probably wouldn’t have noticed it. Inside the nook is a massive cave entrance, big enough for even giant dinosaurs to enter. In front of that nook lays a t-rex. The massive beast rest comfortably, like a guard dog at it’s post, and it eyes the party as they congregate at the top of the rise. It seems to take special notice of RJ, seeing right through his attempts to hide and giving a small warning growl at the stealthy hunter.

The Trex seems completely normal, but with the various nature checks you note that it is a particularly healthy specimen, well cared for and unscarred. For all of it’s apparent laziness it is very alert and aware and apparently guarding something, though you cannot see into the cave it is laying in front of to tell what that might be.


Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 2:29:16 PM
"I'll check in th' cave," Siolo declares. "M' magic should prevent th' creature from being able t' detect me."

With that Siolo carefully approaches the cave entrance, eyeing the trex in case his magic is ineffective.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 4:34:54 PM

R.J. and Siolo are the only ones who went to look. So, the T-Rex apparently spotted R.J., but no one else - the rest of the party was staying on this side of the hill, awaiting reports, and getting ready in case the heavy breather came around the mound.

Any chance we could get a sense of distances here? How far away was the hill from the stream? How tall is the hill? How wide is the hill? And other relevant information. For those who went to check, how far down from the crest of the hill is it to where the T-Rex is?

Unless someone else says otherwise, Yofiel is waiting somewhere near the stream at the moment.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 7:17:20 PM
Siolo announces his intention of examining the cave, and is off before Dapple can say "don't outrun the cleric."

"I mean, there have to be eggs in the cave, right?" she whispers. "Or little dino babies. Why do we need to look?"

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 7:32:08 PM
OOC: The party tracks down the sound.
Ok, so despite only ONE went to investigate, and that ONE hasn't reported back yet, are we to assume we are all there withing easy melee range and can throw everything at it this round?

I need to know so I know what to do next.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 7:32:30 PM
well, two then.


DM Mitch  
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 7:48:20 PM
(Fair. A lot of people made checks about identifying the thing making the noise but I guess they just stood there and listened intently. My excuse is I'm sick and not feeling well - only Rj and Siolo are actually in line of sight to the Trex)

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 8:17:51 PM
The time of day

Marest is curious. Looking up at the sky, and using her knowledge skills, can she tell what time of the day it is?

How close to dusk is it? Can Marest remove her smoked goggles without penalty?

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 8:58:24 PM
**It was my understanding that Siolo and RJ went to investigate. Upon seeing the situation, Siolo continued forward after telling RJ that he was going to investigate and his magic should protect him. Therefore, RJ has the info of the situation. This is my understanding.**

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:00:08 PM
OOC: cool, not a problem. Get well soon so you don't accidentally kill us off. LOL!

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:10:20 PM

RJ stops Siolo from moving towards the cave, as silently as he can shake his head. It's pretty clear he'd rather withdraw and report back to the group. (He thinks to himself that among the other issues, we don't know what other creatures are in the cave, and is less willing to split the party.)

Having been spotted, RJ takes the tack of walking backwards slowly. He is ready to fire or run as needed, but figures that the dino won't attack as long as he doesn't do anything threatening or quickly.

If he makes it back to the rest of the party, he makes a report to the group.

(If Siolo insists on going it alone and with his spell, RJ will instead sort of slowly circle, again keeping the dino's attention while lowering the threat, but also remaining nearby in case Siolo needs saving.)

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14  d20=13 ;
Wednesday March 22nd, 2023 9:56:49 PM
Siolo shrugs a little, "Th' spell is cast. No sense in wasting it. I'll be careful."

Siolo continues toward the cave stealthily, in case there is something there his magic will not affect.

*******
Stealth 13+5=18

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 12:03:54 AM
Grim waits for a report. It has been a long, hot, trek and the stream looks very inviting, but nevertheless he maintains his guard.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 6:22:32 AM
"What's that darn fool doing?" asks Ezekiel. "Who sails into a squall like that?"

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29  d20+10=21 ; 3d6+7=20 ;
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 11:09:23 AM
Kazzor is a little anxious. He isn't fond of splitting the party, and though he would never say it, or even show it, he is worried for his friends. He remains ready to charge into battle if he hears a call for help.

Readied charge hits AC 21 for 20 slashing damage.

DM Mitch  
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 11:40:23 AM
Siolo volunteers to check the cave reasoning his magic should help him from being detected. Siolo then carefully approaches eyeing the T-Rex in case his magic is ineffective
Yofiel is waiting somewhere near the stream at the moment.
Dapple asks why they need to explore the cave as there are probably dino babies or eggs in there. Also outrunning the cleric is a bad idea.
Grim Ripr is trying to judge the distance between the party and the dinosaur.
Marest judges the time. It’s about a few hours after noon so the sign is high and bright.
RJ tries to silently convince Siolo to fall back and does so himself.
Siolo decides to go ahead anyway.
Grim waits for a report.
Ezekiel thinks someone’s being a darn fool.
Kazzor is anxious and ready to go fight something.

Siolo approaches and his spell seems to work perfectly. The Trex pays him no mind. As he gets closer he can better appreciate how massive the thing is - it fills the large cave entrance , seemingly intentionally placing itself to block as much as the entrance as possible. Which presents a problem - if he wants to go inside he’ll have to get past the T-rex without touching it in any way. Per the spell description even a light touch would end the spell, instantly revealing him and probably provoking a violent reaction. It will take a DC 19 acrobatics check to dodge past/over the dinosaurs tail - even if you make it you’ll have to make the same check on the way out.

Even if he decides against the risk Siolo is able to get a better look into the cave from this close. It looks like a natural cave or tunnel that extends at least 20 feet behind the dinosaur before his low light vision fails him.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 12:05:00 PM
Kazzor continues to anxiously wait for the return of the scouts.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+11=27 ;
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 2:04:43 PM

As it is taking a bit of time, Yofiel momentarily comes out of concealment and looks around to see how her friends are arrayed, as well as checking the hill and to either side to see if she can spot either of her two friends.

Once she has gathered this information, she returns to concealment - but such that she is still able to see to the left side of the hill and the hill itself.

==============
Perception: 27

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 8:45:09 PM
RJ continues to just wait for Siolo to decide what to do.

I’m the meantime he wonders if they should just the iron and leave.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 10:07:52 PM
Just for something to do, Dapple kneels by the stream and begins pulling out ore rocks, placing them in neat stacks.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 11:10:01 PM
The tension is ...

Marest helps Dapple gather ore while they await Siolo's return...or the loud roar of T-Rex surprise!

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Thursday March 23rd, 2023 11:47:54 PM
Siolo considers his options for several minutes.

He finally rejoins RJ and heads back over the hill toward thr others.

"It's not worth it," he says finally as they begin walking down the hill. "Th' danger 's not worth an unknown gain."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=11 ;
Friday March 24th, 2023 12:09:34 AM
Grim keeps watch as some start gathering ore rocks.

Perception +6 = 11

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday March 24th, 2023 1:48:05 AM

Once RJ & Siolo return, Yofiel asks what they saw. Meantime, she starts helping out with gathering iron. Whoever is carrying the tools, she asks about getting them out, so they can begin to recover more. She'd like to try out getting some of the underwater iron from the stream. "Iron ho!" she says, playing along with Ezekiel's fixation. Yet she says it not terribly loud, seeing as there may be a large beast on the other side of the hill who might wonder were she to make a loud exclamation. Since she is a bard, let us call it a stage whisper.

When the boys get back though, she is all ears.

DM Mitch  
Friday March 24th, 2023 9:24:10 AM
Kazzor anxiously awaits the scouts
Yofiel temporarily breaks concealment to see how her friends are arrayed and to see if anyone returned yet.
R.J. waits for Siolo to decide what to do, and wonders if they should just take the iron and leave.
Dapple begins plucking ore rocks out of the stream
Marest helps Dapple gather ore while they wait Siolo’s return or the noise of the T-Rex.
Siolo thinks about it before deciding the risk is too much and falling back.
Grim keeps watch.
Yofiel listens to the report from the others and starts trying to gather ore.

Gathering the needed ore is a slow but not particularly difficult process. It takes about 3 hours to gather all that the party needs. The Trex never seems to stir or bother the party while they work, staying in it’s little hidey hole and standing guard.

With the ore gathered the job is basically done. They’ve criss-crossed the plateau and gathered everything they need while making notes on important landmarks. They found evidence that most of the giant dinosaurs are gone, but some remain - the Trex and the giant herbivores are not native to the plateau. Whatever drove them to attack they seem docile now. It will take about a day to cross the plateau back to town and it’s getting towards later afternoon now - is there anything else the party wants to do during the day or before they head back to Cloudhaven?


R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Friday March 24th, 2023 9:32:18 AM

RJ is quiet for a moment. "You know, if people want to actually look into the cave, the best option might be to lead the T-Rex away while someone else sneaks in. We just couldn't pull something like that with two people, one of which was already spotted."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Friday March 24th, 2023 11:20:51 AM

"I for one want to see inside the cave, but we are in no state to fight a t-rex. Does anyone have the ability to charm the dang thing, or maybe befriend it? I've heard druids and rangers have the ability to make friends with animals. If not, I say we head back to town and ask if our fearless leader would be able to take care of this thing."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Friday March 24th, 2023 2:36:09 PM
Ezekiel uses mage hand to help fish ore out of the river.

"I think we best not risk rising the ire of the kracken."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Friday March 24th, 2023 4:14:53 PM

Listening to (presumably) Siolo's report, RJ's idea, and Kazzor's thoughts, Yofiel conjectures, "I wonder if the T-Rex is guarding whoever was behind the attack? Or, is keeping someone prisoner?"

She thinks about it some more. "How does this sound? Let us return to Cloudhaven and deliver the food, magical wood for the lift, and iron we have pulled up. That way, our fellow survivors can eat better, and start the work to repair the lift. After that, we ponder more and think through ways we might be able to overcome or bypass the monster, and then learn what is within the cave. However, before we leave..." and here the elf pulls out her mapping paper, using a fresh sheet, "let us get a good map of the area. Also, I wonder if there are any other ways to get inside the cave - another entrance on another side of the hill?"

She takes the descriptions Siolo and RJ provide, sketching a map.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Friday March 24th, 2023 8:59:56 PM
Future Plans

Marest interests are piqued when Yofiel begins to formulate what to do and comes back to the T-Rex cave.

Marest says to Yofiel, "Sounds like a great idea! Count me in!"

Dapple (Kathy) 
Saturday March 25th, 2023 12:35:20 AM
"Yeah, we should probably deliver the stuff before our untimely demise," Dapple says.

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Saturday March 25th, 2023 8:25:02 PM
"I don't think th' danger's overcome by other possibilities," Siolo adds. "Besides, that 'rex hasn't done anything t' us."

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Saturday March 25th, 2023 8:25:08 PM
"I don't think th' danger's overcome by other possibilities," Siolo adds. "Besides, that 'rex hasn't done anything t' us."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Sunday March 26th, 2023 5:17:30 PM
"Probably just a mama protecting her spawn," says Ezekiel. "Best not poke the storm."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Sunday March 26th, 2023 8:16:36 PM
Grim just shakes his head in wonderment of the low level of brain activity involved discussing the Terrible Thunder God.

"Terrible Thunder Gods DON'T JUST SIT AND GUARD!. If it is guarding something, it has been charmed to do so! It doesn't belong up here and it isn't behaving according to its kind!"
He throws his arms up in exasperation. "The cave is the key and we don't want to bother the Terrible Thunder God because it hasn't done anything to us? For the love of Honey-baked Wild Boar! It may have been the one to lead the attack! Do you think it will just sit here and guard until it dries up and blows away? Do you want to risk it wandering over to the town for lunch when it gets hungry?"

Grim stomps around growling for a few minutes until he calms down, then starts picking up his load.
"We start for home and find a safe place to camp, hopefully up on some high ground so we have the advantage over this thing if it comes snooping around."

He points to what he believes is the way back and grows, "That way! NOW!"

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Sunday March 26th, 2023 10:41:09 PM

Yofiel laughs at Grim's explosion. So like him! What a sweetheart - he cares a lot, she thinks to herself.

"Of course, the great lizard is charmed - or under another's control. I believe your surmise is valid, Grim. But, yes, let us drop things off, then figure out our next steps."

She joins Grim, beckoning the rest of the crew to come along, too. After a few hundred yards, she says, "We came down that way at this point, just a nudge to the right." She glances at her map from time to time. Her bow has a nocked arrow when she is not checking her map. "There are three spots I can think of that can give us the high ground that might have enough space for me."

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Monday March 27th, 2023 12:56:15 AM
Siolo's expression hardens as he listens to Grim. "I didn't know y' were such a expert o' thunder gods," he says coldly. "How d' y' know tha' creature participated in th' destruction o' Cloudhaven? Hmm? 'Re y' jus' gonna kill e'ery one y' come across jus' 'cause some were involved?!" the young man begins raising his voice. "How many o' yur kind's dun sometin' terrible, 'uh?! Do tha' give anyone rights t' jus' kill you!? Huh!? Don' be ridiculous! I'll no' stand by 'n let any creature be killed jus' 'cause someone's hurtin' 'r mad!" While he does not raise his voice that loudly, he emphasizes his points.

Siolo's face is flushed red with anger.

DM Mitch  
Monday March 27th, 2023 6:25:14 AM
R.J. suggests they could have someone check out the cave if someones were to lead the T-Rex away
Kazzor remarks that he would want to see the inside of the cave but he doesn’t believe they could fight the T-Rex. He asks if anyone has the ability to befriend the T-Rex and if not they should head back to town and see if Rothlorien could do it.
Ezekiel used his mage hand to help with the ore gathering and now he opines that it is best not to risk the ire of the kraken.
Yofiel ponders if the T-Rex is guarding whoever orchestrated the attack or if it could be keeping someone prisoner. She suggests heading to cloudhaven and dropping off what was collected before figuring out ways to overcome or bypass the monster. She also wants to make a good map of the area before they leave.
Marest agrees with Yofiel’s plan
Dapple thinks they should deliver the stuff before they meet their untimely demise
Siolo doubts the danger is overcome by other possibilities and points out the T-Rex hasn’t done anything to them.
Ezekiel suggests the T-Rex is a mama protecting her spawn and they shouldn’t poke the bear.
Grim Ripr shakes his head at the low level of brain activity involved in discussing the Terrible Thunder God. He points out that they just don’t sit and guard so that one has been charmed into doing so as it doesn’t belong here and isn’t behaving according to its kind. He suggests that the Terrible Thunder God may have been the one to lead the attack and that it won’t just sit there and guard until it dries up and blows away. He also suggests it is a potential danger to the town since it could get hungry one day. He suggests they start for home, then find a safe place to camp and that they should LEAVE NOW.
Siolo gets mad right back and calls out Grim on making assumptions and points out the parales to racism.

The party has plenty of time to argue about it as they head back to town. As mentioned it takes most of a day to get back. They make a few good hours progress back before turning in for the night. The evening is fortunately uneventful as is the night. The next day is hot, humid, and miserable, but the animals seem to agree that this is no time to be out and about so nothing bothers the party as they trudge onwards. They should arrive back in town about dinner time so maybe they can enjoy a nice prepared meal instead of just what they can make over the campfire.


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Monday March 27th, 2023 10:15:43 AM
"I can shoot freezing cold at you if anyone wants," offers Ezekiel, "though it might hurt a bit."

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Monday March 27th, 2023 10:20:26 AM
"I can shoot freezing cold at you if anyone wants," offers Ezekiel, "though it might hurt a bit."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Monday March 27th, 2023 11:42:09 AM
As Kazzor leads the party through the jungle, using his strength and size to trample a path, making it easier for his friends to travel, he wonders why he hasn't seen Fenton in a while. when they get back to Cloudhaven, he is happy to be done with his burden. He looks around for Rothlorien and if he finds him, he will fill him in on the t-rex and the cave.

Dapple (Kathy) 
Monday March 27th, 2023 4:03:27 PM
Dapple is looking forward to returning to the village--but just now she concentrates on keeping up.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Monday March 27th, 2023 9:09:30 PM
Marest has mixed feelings about returning to the village as it is not her home and she literally knows no one outside of her newly found travel companions.

Maest will pitch in when she can & try to be of use. Perhaps she will meet up with her adepts and brew something useful.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday March 27th, 2023 10:16:49 PM
Grim shoots right back at Siolo.
"Yes! Expert enough to know its natural behavior and it's not natural to be here. You treat it as if it was as smart as you! Well, maybe you are only as smart as it!" Tell me, how did it get up here? WHO brought it up here? Whoever brought it up here must have brought all the others too! So even if this smart Terrible Thunder God has no village blood on its hide, it works for the one who's responsible for this disaster, and that makes it just as guilty AND necessary to kill it to get to its Master!"

He steps up to Siolo and with his big index finger nearly sticking right up Siolo's nose he adds, "I Live HERE! My tribe LIVES HERE! In this jungle, fighting Thunder Gods for centuries! There is no such thing as an innocent Terrible Thunder God! That's why they are called Terrible Thunder Gods! They don't sit around discussing who's been bad and needs to be eaten! They just EAT YOU because they CAN!"

With a low growl he then turns away and with Kazzor leads the way back.



Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Monday March 27th, 2023 10:19:11 PM
OOC: LOL, ah, I'm just loving this barbarian thing. What freedom! :)

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14  d20+7=13 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 2:19:57 AM

During the journey - home? Is this her home, now? Well, at least for the moment. We'll see after the lift gets repaired. Hope mother is doing well. During the journey, though, Yofiel thinks she notes some sort of unease with Marest. But she cannot figure out what it is. [Sense motive: 13]. So, she decides to ask.

'Marest, do you feel... I mean, is there, is there something troubling you?"



Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 2:33:56 AM
Siolo maintains a silent anger as the group continues their travel back to Cloudhaven.

At night he sits next to the fire and angrily scribbles in his unnamed book.

'It's like there's no circle around here! Why not!?
This is the exact purpose of Alder. The people
could live in harmony. It seems like a no brainer.'

DM Mitch  
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:43:37 AM
Ezekiel offers to shoot freezing cold at anyone who wants it but it might hurt a bit.
Kazzor leads the party through the jungle using his strength and size to trample a path, making it easier for his friends to travel. He wonders why he hasn’t seen Fenton in a while and will be glad to be rid of the extra burden when they are back.
Dapple is looking forward to returning to the village but she just keeps concentrating on keeping up.
Marest has mixed feelings about returning to the village as it isn’t her home and she doesn’t really know anyone outside her travel companions.
Grim Ripr shoots right back at Siolo. He says they should be expert to know its natural behavior but it isn’t natural for it to be there and he points out they assume it is as smart as them but how do they know that they are only as smart as it. He then asks a litany of questions about the T-Rex and reasons that even if the smart Terrible Thunder God has no village blood on its hide it works for the one who is responsible and makes it just as guilty and necessary to kill it to get to its master. He then gives a history lesson about his people and that there is no such thing as an innocent terrible Thunder God because they don’t sit around discussing whose been bad and needs to be eaten, they eat you because they can.
Yofiel reflects on if Cloudhaven counts as home now and wonders if something is bothering Merest.
Siolo remains angry and scribbles notes to himself about the lack of a druid circle.

The party hits town and everyone is happy to see them. Their burdens are quickly taken from them and stored in the inn and smithy and the survivors gather about to hear the news of the trip, any conclusions the PC’s have drawn, and to hear if there’s still a heard of giant angry dinosaurs out there to kill them.


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:37:36 AM
Kazzor doesn't want to deal with a crowd. He's not comfortable being the center of attention, or at least part of it. As his friends take the spotlight and share their takes on the various encounters, Kazzor sneaks away to his quiet place. Once there Fenton appears to him.

Fenton: "You should be out there sharing in the accolades, you've earned it."

Kazzor: "I'm good, I don't like the limelight."

Fenton: "You do realize the rest of the survivors look up to you and your friends, don't you?"

Kazzor: "Maybe so, but I never asked for that, I just don't want to see anyone else get hurt"

Fenton: "That's a noble desire, and it deserves to be honored."

Kazzor: "No, it's just the right thing to do. Those that can, should. Besides I am seemingly no closer to finding the vile individual or individuals responsible for all this hardship. Once that has been accomplished, then I will receive accolades, then I will deserve them!"

After that Fenton disappears

Dapple (Kathy) 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 4:20:45 PM
Dapple tells the story of the monkeys, keeping it light and humorous. She does an impression of Yofiel, clinging for dear life to her rope full of monkeys.

"Oh, they didn't attack me," she says to anyone who asks. "They thought I was a monkey! Ha!"

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 5:29:50 PM

RJ continues to walk back, watching the group quietly. He isn't sure what to think about the question of whether the T-Rex was charmed, though he personally looked that thing in the eye and it seemed pretty in control and self motivated to him.

He took some time to consider all the severed ties - or lack of ties period - that various members of the group had. And he wondered if this group would get some level of pack behavior anytime soon.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 8:19:26 PM
Home is where you hang your herbs

Marest looks at lady Yofiel and says, "Home is where you hang your herbs, but I don't have such a place. So, I have to reevaluate how to take my "show on the road"."

Looking back towards the surviors of the CloudHaven tragedy...Marest feels lost.

Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 8:41:07 PM
"I don't think thunda-lizzies work for anyone," says Ezekiel. "Whoever was behind the attack was controlling them, sure as my name's Ezekiel. In any case, that was one big thunda lizzie, I ain't too keen on sailing into that storm."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13  d20+6=11 ;
Tuesday March 28th, 2023 10:49:36 PM
Grim calms down on their way back. Any frustrations is taken out on the vegetation that gets in his way.
He knows they don't have the skills yet to take on a Terrible Thunder God. His tribe takes the killing of one very seriously, that's because of the immense danger, and the planning can take days if not weeks. They are faster than you'd think and that tail can knock you into next week. It takes many, many arrows to pierce enough hide to hurt it. The warrior that wears Terrible Thunder God Hide Armor is venerated by all.

Patience.

While the villagers crowd around, he removes himself, just as he notices Kazzor do. However he is looking for the mage, the new town leader. He has questions.

Perception +6 (look for Rothlorien) = 11

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 3:47:53 AM
Siolo is unsure how to react to the reception his group receives. He sticks around though hoping to understand the tragic events that he was absent for.

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 4:40:00 AM

Conversations along the way back
"I like that thought, Marest. Perhaps we can find a place for your herbs in the outpost, at least for the time being. My home has been my family - for we traveled around." Yofiel gets a far-away look in her eyes for a moment. Then she shakes her head and continues on. "Now, with my father having been killed just over a year ago, and my young brother slain by a T-rex - I did not know what it was called when it bit his leg off - only my mother and I remain of our immediate family.

"If you would like to make your home with us, here, we would welcome you, friend."

The elf extends the same offer to Dapple. "It might make some sense, for now, for us women to dwell together, no?"

She speaks with the half elf druid. "Siolo, the T-rex? Once you described it to me - it sounds very much like the beast that slew my young brother only a few weeks ago. I admire your desire to think the best of other creatures. You saw how we got on with the tall plant-eaters. Living in harmony with some is possible. Yet not, I fear, with all.

"The anger you and Grim exchanged was palpable. You both made telling points. I don't know that resolving differences will be easy. At all. The plant eaters? They, too, attacked Cloudhaven. Likely they were the ones that damaged the lift. Whereas they seemed under the domination of someone at the time, I did not sense that control over them remains now. For me, personally, it feels easier to forgive the plant eaters, than the terrible lizard that guards the cave."

She goes silent for a bit, to give him a chance to respond.

After giving him that opportunity, she asks, "Would you mind sharing what you are writing about?"

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 4:53:09 AM

Back at Cloudhaven
Yofiel joins in the story telling, and laughs at Dapple's description of her appearance during the rope tug of war versus the monkeys. She tells of Marest serving as interpreter with the immensely huge herbivor lizards, and how one, a female, tossed her to the top of a palm tree after a brief conversation, then lumbered off to rejoin her family. "We think she was the mother."

She speaks of the terrain, the sights. She does not betray the dryad, Delilah. Though, she would like to return in due course to converse with her more, and feels grateful for the gift she gave.

She asks how things have gone over the past few days the party was gone.

And, the bard introduces Siolo to the community. "He know much about plants and animals. He is clever. He is passionate about what he believes. And, as you can see," and here she looks to some of the girls and womenfolk of the community, "He is cute."

"If anyone wants to talk about life on the sea, Ezekiel is the one to consult."

She talks of how strong and brave are Kazzor, and Grim. "Between those two, most of the wood, all of the iron, and most of the fruits and vegetables were carried by them, with Siolo also bearing some of the burden." She reaches into a pouch. "I carried this mango!"

Yofiel does want to join in counsel with Rothlorien when the group can address him in a more private manner.

DM Mitch  
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:38:39 AM
Kazzor sneaks away to his quiet place and has a conversation with Fenton
Dapple tells the story of the monkeys, keeping it light and humorous and does an impression of Yofiel clingling for life on the rope full of monkeys. She claims they didn’t attack her because they thought she was a monkey.
R.J continues to walk back. He isn’t sure what to make of the T-Rex as it seemed pretty in control and motivated to him. He wonders if the group would get some level of pack behavior any time soon.
Marest tells Lady Yofiel that home is where one hangs their herbs and that she needs to reevaluate how to take her show on the road. She feels lost among the Cloudhaven survivors.
Ezekiel suggests that the Thunda-lizzies don’t work for anyone and that whoever was behind the attack was controlling them sure. He points out that that was one big thunda lizzie and he isn’t keen to sail into that storm.
Grim Ripr calms down on the way back, venting his frustrations on the bush. He knows they don’t have the skills to take on a Terrible Thunder God. His tribe takes the killing of one very seriously because of the immense danger and the planning can take days if not weeks. Terrible Thunder Gods are fast, have tails that can knock folks into next week and it takes many arrows to pierce its hide enough to hurt it and as such its hide is venerated by all for armor. He extracts himself from the crowd like Kazzor does but he has questions for Rothlorien.
Siolo is a bit uncertain about how to react.
Yofiel like’s Merest’s thoughts, discusses family and home, and reflects on if the T-rex was part of the attack and why it’s easier to forgive herbivores rather than giant carnivores. She fills in details about the report and praises the members of the group not there to represent themselves while introducing the newcomer to anyone who didn’t happen to know him.

As seems to be becoming a tradition, after everyone is done congratulating the party on the successful run a big argument starts. Some people are in favor of buckling down to get the lift fixed and fleeing the area. Others think this is a terrible idea because the plateau is relatively safe, none of (well fewer of) the giant dinosaurs that could eat the entire group for a light snack. Other topics like revenge on the herbivores (no that’s stupid) or exploring the cave {If we don’t bother it maybe they won’t attack again} occur, but nothing really substantial is determined or decided and it breaks up for dinner after a little while.

Once everyone’s done eating Rothlorian, who was part of the group discussion but mostly listened without talking, gathers the group. ”I’d like to congratulate you again on a job well done. I also figure we should discuss next steps and anything you left out of the general report.”


Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 11:45:30 AM
Kazzor emerges from his quiet place once he hears the commotion die down. He notes that Rothlorien is addressing his friends, and rejoins the others. "We need to see the inside of that cave!" Kazzor grunts, "Why would someone have such a powerful guard dog, if it wasn't important?"

Dapple (Kathy) 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 2:24:20 PM
"The lift should be repaired," Dapple says. "Or else we hauled all that wood and ore for nothing. And by 'we,' I mean 'Grim and Kazzor.'"

"If people wanna leave," she continues, "I guess they can leave. But really, we want the lift fixed so the caravans can come back. You guys remember the caravans, right? All that cool stuff they brought?"

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 2:49:16 PM

RJ remains silent in regards to most of these issues, not wanting to get involved in anything but his next paycheck.

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:44:35 PM
Decisions decisions

Marest beings, "The large T-Rex is guarding the cave enterence, but he's not leaving anytime soon. Let's fix the lift and the other compoenets and get this city thriving again. Once it's thriving, we can continue to explore the plateau and get to the bottom of these Rampaging TGs once & for all!" says an exasperated Marest...then she quips, "stepping down off my soapbox now".

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 12:07:41 AM
On the way back
The firey haired young man's expression softens from the frustration. "Look fair lady, regardless o' how it went down, there's no point 'n feelin' hostility toward th' animal. It's either a predator or a puppet. I get th' grudge, but make sure it's directed properly." After his short message he looks a little abashed.

*************
At Cloudhaven
Siolo blushes furiously at Yofiel's introduction.

**************
Later
Siolo nods at Kazzor, "We should, but we can do so smartly. Without unnecessary danger or death."

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 12:53:07 AM
Grim doesn't get re-involved in the discussion about the Terrible Thunder God. It wasn't here before but the cave was. So whatever it is guarding is something that wasn't here before either. So what was NOT here before? The portal that brought them in. And the best place for a hidden portal is a hard to find cave. And the best place to put a portal is in the back of a cave protected by Terrible Thunder God and who knows what else inside. He regrets not have gone for a closer look and see what tracks were around.

Grim finally sees Rothlorien but his questions have to wait as the crowd is too near. His chance comes when the crowd disperses and Rothlorien meets with them.

"This things Chief. First one is that the grove of trees where we get wood to repair the lift is guarded by a dryad. We were very fortunate that she gave us the wood, but only because she heard us tell of the Thunder Gods' attack and she was Gaston's lover. We need to find the fate of her child Annabelle, who was with Gaston. That will help rebuild friendship with her and have a chance to get any more wood we need. Second, a Terrible Thunder God is peacefully guarding a cave near the stream where we got the ore. It did not bother us, just watched us, with an unusual intellect for its kind. The cave has to be explored."


Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 3:05:50 AM

On the way back
The elf listens to the reasoning and the heart of the half-elf who just joined the group. "Oh, to be sure, it is the one who influenced the great lizards toward whom I feel animus. But it may be a long time, if ever, before I feel kindly toward the creature that bit off my brother's leg, cast the rest of him down the cliff, and that also swallowed a young bride."

In Cloudhaven
"R.J. You are very quiet," Yofiel observes.

"Thank you for scouting for us." She does not probe. She figures he will talk when he has something to say.

Debriefing with Rothlorien
After Grim lays things out, the elf maiden suggests to Rothlorien, "With the wood, which I perceive has magical properties - when it is used to repair the lift, we would like to propose a naming. The mother of Annabelle gave us this portion of herself. Her daughter, who died, can give no more. Except, perhaps, her name. May we henceforth call the lift 'Annabelle's Tower'? And have someone carve that into two fine pieces of wood to place one at the entrance to the lift, and the other at the entrance on the valley floor?"

DM Mitch  
Thursday March 30th, 2023 7:22:19 AM
Kazzor emerges from his quiet place once the commotion dies down and urges Rothlorien that they need to see the inside of the cave as why would someone have such a powerful guard dog if it wasn’t important.
Dapple argues that the lift should be repaired or they hauled all the wood and ore for nothing. She says that if people want to leave they can but the real reason for fixing the lift would be for the caravans to come back.
R.J. remains silent in regards to most of these issues as he doesn’t want to get involved in anything but his next paycheck.
Marest argues they should fix the lift in order to get the city thriving again. She reasons once it is thriving they can continue to explore the plateau and get to the bottom of the rampaging TGs once and for all.
Siolo calms down on the trip back, is embarrassed by his introduction, and agrees they should check out the cave but only when they can do so safely.
Grim reflects on the implications of the cave. He then tells of the dryad and of the trex, stating they should find the daughter, or her grave, and find a way to explore the cave.
Yofiel reflect’s on Siolo’s logic and the difficulty of forgiving the dinosaur who ate innocents even if it was being controlled. She thanks RJ for his help and suggests naming the lift after the deceased engineer’s daughter.

At the mention of the dryad Rothlorian’s eyes raise. ”Wait, Delilah’s a dryad who lives in the grove? I thought she was an elf who lived in Platau city. I mean Gaston was pretty private but when he was in his cups he’d always wax lyrical about her and how his work kept him away from her too much. I always assumed that meant he only saw her when he got to make a city run for supplies”

After the initial surprise he shrugs it off. ”it probably wasn’t a secret so much as the important people who knew of her all died - remember I was just a guard. I stood around town and ran with the caravans fighting things so the guardian of the magic wood just never came up. As for the relationship, well we get all kinds here. Most people don’t want to risk getting eaten by dinosaurs for a living so there are a lot of odd backgrounds and personalities around here so it’s not the strangest relationship I’ve seen. We’ll be sure to honor their memories by naming the lift as you suggest.”

”As for the Trex, I could in theory beat one in a fight, but it’d be a close thing and would leave the town defenseless. We can maybe brainstorm some way to temporarily drive it off or sneak past it. Maybe something to blind it or draw it off? You’re right in that the cave should be explored, we’ll have to brainstorm a plan.”


Ezekiel (BrianW) - AC 13/13/10; HP 16/16 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 9:16:29 AM
"I have a thought!" announces Ezekiel. "The Grim one suggested that the Thunder Rex had unusual intelligence for its kind. But are we sure it is a Thunder Rex of unusual intelligence or a person of unusual appearance? Sea druids can take the form of sharks and kraken, perhaps this is a land druid in the form of a Thunder Rex, and a druid also has magics to control other thunder lizards. Siolo, are there those in your order capable of such feats? Perhaps even one whose whereabouts have been unaccounted for as of late."

Kazzor (Jeremy) AC 15/10/15 CMD 19 HP 29/29 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 10:25:25 AM
"Siolo, your a druid right, don't you have some magics that can make the t-rex leave us alone, like an animal charm spell or something?"

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 2:49:22 PM
Siolo nods thoughtfully, "Yes. I know some circle magics tha' can charm an animal, but it only works with its feeling toward me, not all o' us."

Dapple (Kathy) 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 3:27:45 PM
"Okay, so, we're going to talk about the T-Rex and ignore the lift," Dapple says. "And I'm sure that decision won't come back to haunt us."

"It's not very stalwart adventure-y, but maybe we should just watch the cave and wait for the T-Rex to go away?" she continues. "I mean, it can't stay there forever."

R.J. Muffins (Melvin) AC 19 (before prone)/15/15 HP 24 CMD 15 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 4:20:36 PM

RJ shrugs at Yofiel's thanks. "Just doing my job, ma'am."

After listening to the conversation, RJ began to speak. "I still believe that a two prong formation is best. One group provides a distraction to lead away the T-Rex, the other sneaks in and out of the cave before the T-Rex returns. It could have been done by Siolo and I alone, albeit with some risk even with planning. Though using a familiar or drone would be preferred."

Yofiel (Kim McCoy), female elf bard AC 14/14/12 HP: 14/14 
Thursday March 30th, 2023 4:52:11 PM

"As to repairing the lift - are there among us survivors someone skilled in carpentry or engineering?" Yofiel asks. "We have the drawings and those who were acquainted with the lift before it was partially broken. There is the smith apprentice among us, who can work to fashion the iron to replace those parts. With a woodworker, a carpenter, or a similar craftsman, the wood can be cut to size, I trust. If there are any with the requisite skills, that would not preclude the rest of us from puzzling out how to get into and back out of the cave while keeping our lives, now, would it?"

When RJ offers his thoughts on how to approach bypassing the T-Rex, she asks, "Where do we find a male bee to work on our behalf? You said drone, right?"

'Marest (Jon-Paul) AC:13 (T:13, FF:10), CMD:12, Saves:(F:5/R:2/W:3), HP:16/16  
Thursday March 30th, 2023 10:48:50 PM
Marest remains silent while listening to her friends.

Grim Ripr (JonathanT) AC 16 Tch 11Ffted 16 HP 30/30 CMD 13 
Friday March 31st, 2023 12:23:08 AM
Grim that watching the cave and the T-TG is the best thing for now.
"We must know our enemy before we can plan any attack. Whoever is inside the cave may come out to feed it or it may go hunting on its own. But we can't make attack plans without knowing how cunning it is and how much influence is upon it. I've never heard of anyone raising a T-TG as a trained pet from a hatchling to adult, but, a druid might be able to do so. There are also people I call Monstrologers that might be able to so."

Siolo (Joe) - AC 15/12/13 ; HP 14/14 
Friday March 31st, 2023 1:11:20 AM
The half-elf nods again, "I agree. A plan made without information's a plan poorly made. I read that in a book somewhere."

DM Mitch  
Friday March 31st, 2023 7:21:16 AM
Ezekiel suggests the Thunder Rex could be a person of unusual appearance and asks if it would be possible for a druid to take the form of a Thunder Rex so that what they saw wasn’t an animal but a polymorphed being.
Kazzor asks Siolo if he has some way of making the T-Rex leave the party alone
Siolo says he knows some magic that can charm an animal but it only adjusts its feeling towards him. not the group.
Dapple points out that they are going to talk about the T-Rex instead of the lift and that that decision won’t come back to haunt them. She suggests they wait for the T-Rex to go away as it can’t stay in the cave forever.
R.J Tells Yofiel that he was just doing his job and he reiterates a two prong approach to lure the T-Rex away would be best. He says he and Siolo could do it but a familiar or drone would be better.
Yofiel goes back to talking about the lift and asks the townsfolk if any have skills in woodworking, carpentry or similar crafts. She reasons if they can get the townsfolk working on the lift the rest of them can puzzle how get into the cave while keeping their lives. She asks R.J. where they are supposed to find a male bee to work on their behalf.
Marest stays quiet and listens.
Grim talks about knowing the enemy and that the t-rex might be tamed by a druid or monstrologer and need to figure out how smart it is and if it’s kept fed or leaves to hunt.
Siolo agrees that more information is needed.

Rothlorian considers everyone’s thoughts. ”We’ve been busy ourselves while you were gone. We have a tentative team trying to hone their skills to fix the lift. Tim, the blacksmith apprentice, a liontaur named Stella, a few others as needed. No one with woodworking experience - the carpenter and his apprentice were with the caravan below when the attack hit so no telling if they’re alive or not. It may be beyond the skill of anyone here honestly, certainly it won’t be possible to get it back to it’s previous state, but they’ve been practicing and with the materials you brought and the plans we found earlier we might be able to jury rig something up. Feel free to help out if you think you have any applicable skills.

The rest of us has been trying to work on more clearing and cleaning. We’ve got a house or two close to the fort secure and cleaned up and are working on a lookout system. We’ll have to figure out if there’s any way we can safely get some people out to the T-rex to watch it - it’s dangerous that far out and if something happened we’d never now until someone else went out there.”

He looks at the time - late evening - and shakes his head. ”It’s getting late and you’ve had a long trip. Again, good job. Lets get some rest, we’ll all be busy working on a lot of projects for a good long while yet.”


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