Kylar Drugo |
Of courssse we will figure out what isss happening. Kylar says with a flick of his forked tongue.
Varian Amari |
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
clw: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Varian uses his wand of clw on himself... then turns and asks "WHo else needs some aid?"
Then he adds, "We will find this Devarre if we can and learn what he knows of this."
DM Ranginui |
The Foreshawks do their best to to guide the Pathfinders, suggesting travel West deeper into the Verduran forest. Grateful townsfolk provide food and drink for the Pathinders, a meager reward perhaps but at least enough to outfit the expedition.
The way is not easy; the mist is everywhere, thick and cloying. The normally noisy forest is as quiet as death. It is really only Eolowyn's woodcraft that keeps the Pathfinder's from wandering lost in the woods.
The first day passes as they group makes its way into the misty forest. It is late into the night when she comes - after the watch is set and moon glowing somewhere hidden beneath the clouds.
A slender, furtive figure separates from one of the trees at the edge of camp. It takes only a couple of steps and then collapses to the ground with a gasp of pain. “Please... you must help us!” a small voice implores. “They came from the shadows... inside the mist! My sisters are dying! They’re burning our trees! We have nowhere else to turn! You must help!”
Varian Amari |
Varian assesses her condition...
heal check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
If she is hurt and healable, he'll cast a quick cure wounds on her with his wand.
cure light: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Then he tries to engage her in some quick conversation...
"Who are they who are doing this? burning your trees! that's horrible and I for one want to help you. To do so, we need to know who and what we will be up against, and where to find them."
diplo: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23
Eolowyn |
Knowledge (Nature) take 10: 10 + 5 = 15
"Where do we go to assist you? We will aid you and your sisters, burning a dryad's tree is horrible!" Eolowyn responds while quickly repacking her pack.
Mathias Kelythis |
While not a fan of fey, the word of a greater monster gets Mathias' blood boiling. "Direct us to the location; I will see to it that the monsters are consumed with destruction."
Kylar Drugo |
Shock followed by anger fill Kylar as it reminds him of his home back in the jungles of the Mwangi Expanse.
We ssshould hurry before more harm fallssss upon your kind.
DM Ranginui |
The dryad seems beyond the reach of even the strongest of mortal magics to save; rather, it is the mystical link she shares with the forest that is under assault.
The fey seems in pain and confused, only weakly answering the questions. She lapses between Taldane and the sylvan tongue.
“Who did... Spriggans. Horrid little gnomes. Half-plant, malicious, they grow like weeds. Legends tell of such creatures once locked away in a place called the Fellnight Realm. But that was... was... thousands of
years ago... so long.”
She pauses, suddenly doubling over in pain, grabbing her stomach and then her head. [b]"Hurry, save my sisters. It is too late for me!" The creature gathers just enough strength to point to a hill to the West, and then collapses to the ground still and dead. From the distant hill, fat and lazy flames can be seen rising from an enormous bonfire. The dryad's body is already cracking and withering, starting to look like nothing so much as a dried log fallen in the forest.
Eolowyn |
Eolowyn says nothing, but you see tears rolling down her face. She whistles once and Arrano stands up. She mounts the giant bird
"Make haste! I will see you there"
Eolowyn speaks a command and Arrano jumps into the air and flies towards the flaming hill.
- - -
While flying Eolowyn estimates how long it will take for Arrano to reach the hill. She casts Gravity Bow just before they will arrive and then readies her bow. Guiding Arrano with her knees they circle the hill at a height of 200 ft.
Eolowyn's favored terrain is forests, giving her +2 on initiative and perception checks
DM Ranginui |
It will take perhaps ten minutes for the rest of the group to get there - it's only a quarter mile away, but the terrain is difficult/forested (for those without woodland stride).
As the Elven ranger and her fierce mount make wide circles around the hill, she spies a scene of horror. A gully leads through this part of the forest, rising into a small hill of silver-barked paueliel trees, many of which lie fallen and hewn into large piles. A bonfire bathes the fog hovering at the forest’s edge with an orange glow, its flames burning away some of the mist, and replacing it with the heavy tang of woodsmoke instead. A woman’s screams punctuate the muted laughter of small figures capering about the fire. An elf-like female and a badly wounded unicorn lie bound upon the ground near a stack of man-sized, hand-cut logs that have been crudely carved into humanoid forms.
As Eolowyn watches, the fellnight spriggans lop off another branch from a paueliel tree and throws it onto the fire, eliciting another scream. Only a couple of trees yet stand unharmed upon the hill.
Eolowyn |
It is at times like these that I wish I could have cast message
Eolowyn does a quick count of the sprigans and tries to determine if there is one of them who acts as the leader of these foul creatures.
DM Ranginui |
Eolowyn's keen eyes spot four spriggans swarming over the hilltop - a few have roses growing from their thorny wrappings, but otherwise seem identical.
Eolowyn |
I have to act now, before they hurt more dryads.
Surprise round?
Eolowyn sends an arrow to one of the spriggans while Arrano keeps on circling at 200 feet above the ground.
Deadly aim, Gravity bow, 2nd range increment (200 ft<220 ft), Cold Iron arrow
Attack: 1d20 + 14 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 14 - 2 - 2 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 + 4 = 12
After her first arrow Eolowyn targets one of the slower-reacting spriggans and sends three arrows his way. If the target of her first shot is slow to react she will target him.
Round 1 attacks
Firing at a flatfooted enemy, Rapid Shot, Deadly aim, Gravity bow, 2nd range increment (200 ft<220 ft), Cold Iron arrows
Attack: 1d20 + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 = 12
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (5, 4) + 3 + 4 = 16
Attack: 1d20 + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4, 5) + 3 + 4 = 16
Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 9 - 2 - 2 - 2 = 23
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (6, 2) + 3 + 4 = 15
Crit confirm, Favored class bonus + anatomist gives me a +4 to confirm crits with bows.
Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 9 - 2 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 22
Additional Damage: 4d6 + 6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 5, 5, 3) + 6 + 8 = 31
DM Ranginui |
The twisted fellnight spriggans hiss wordlessly and scatter as arrows rain among them. They uselessly seek cover from the surrounding trees, but cannot escape the aim of the skilled archer. Eolowyn quickly drops one of the creatures before it has a chance to react.
Two of the spriggans pluck darts from their bodies and hurl them through the mist, aiming at the elf. Both thorns, however, go wide of the fast-moving elf.
The third remaining spriggan laughs hoarsely, and evilly smiles with black eyes at Arrano. A tinge of horror fills the air - but to the battle hardened elf and her mount, the feeling emanating from the creature just seems comical.
Eolowyn can go again. In case you are wondering, it used a spell-like that didn't work against your hit dice.
concealment <20: 1d100 ⇒ 82
concealment <20: 1d100 ⇒ 81
thorn: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
thorn: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Eolowyn |
Eolowyn fires three more arrows at the spellcaster
Round 2 attacks
Rapid Shot, Deadly aim, Gravity bow, 2nd range increment (200 ft<220 ft), Cold Iron arrows
Attack: 1d20 + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 + 4 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 14 - 2 - 2 - 2 = 12
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 + 4 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 9 - 2 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 - 2 - 2 - 2 = 15
Damage: 2d6 + 3 + 4 ⇒ (6, 4) + 3 + 4 = 17
DM Ranginui |
Focused on keeping her bearings in the steady mist, this time Eolowyn misses all but one of her shots. However, finding themselves quite outclassed, the spriggans scatter into the mist, magically disappearing whenever they reach patches of thorn.
Landing upon the hilltop, Eolowyn finds two remaining dryads and the single unicorn severely wounded, but alive. The unicorn looks up at the elf warrior. "Gozreh be merciful - I am Palombier. Free me from these bonds!" the blood smeared unicorn pleads.
In short order - if a little out of breath - the rest of the pathfinders finally manage to find their way to the top of the hill.
Kylar Drugo |
You are a fassst one elf. Did you have any troubles?
Looking past Eolowyn Kylar sees the bloodied unicorn and holds a clawed hand to his mouth, letting out a low hiss at the two dryads.
Did you injure thissss creature?
DM Ranginui |
After a moment Kylar realizes both the Dryads are quite unconscious. The unicorn answers in their stead. "It was those plant creatures - the spriggans that did this. They aren't from here - they're not even of this world, I think. I was attempting to save the dryads but there were too many. Poor Averdine, Breena and Sebille - free me, and I can heal Fira and Hana. They may yet be saved!" The unicorn whinnies pleadingly.
Kylar Drugo |
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4
Of course! Kylar quickly rushes over and starts to untie the majestic unicorn.
Eolowyn |
"I didn't have any troubles, Arrano kept me safe"
Eolowyn helps Kylar with removing the bonds from the unicorn.
Varian Amari |
While the unicorn heals the dryads, if it's needed, varian heals the unicorn.
cmw: 2d8 + 7 ⇒ (3, 6) + 7 = 16
If unicorn isn't hurt, he'll heal one of the dryads while the unicorn heals the other.
DM Ranginui |
The unicorn seems like the noble and righteous beast it is.
The dryads are quickly roused by the combined healing of Varian and the unicorn, but are too shocked by the loss of their sisters to be coherent.
The unicorn Palombier seems to have more presence of mind.
"We thank you for your assistance - we of the forest have been fighting these strange creatures for several days now and thought ourselves alone. It is good to see that mankind has not left us to our doom. The creatures came from the northern reaches of the Verduran, past the waterfalls and lake from where the mist issues. We do not know exactly where, yet, but we have many fast fey searching." The unicorn stops to neigh, a sound of exhaustion and stress. "What is it you are seeking in these woods, travelers?"
Eolowyn |
"We are seeking a druid named Devarre. The people from the settlement of Bellis have also been attacked by these creatures and they asked us to find the druid as he may know more of what is happening. Do you know where he can be found"
DM Ranginui |
Palombir whinnies enthusiastically. "Yes, we kin of the forest know of this nature-priest, although he has been strangely quiet these last few days. He lives near a fey mound in the hills, a days walk north of the falls. Head east until you find the river, and from there head north until you reach the falls and continue on from there. Perhaps we can help you if you seek him, for he guards his home with illusions."
The unicorn rouses one of the remaining dryads and engages them in a short discussion in Sylvan. At the end of it, the dryad reaches into a tree stump, pulling out a bag and giving it to the Pathfinders. Inside are various earthly treasures such as gems and coins, but more importantly two bags - one dust of disappearance and one dust of dryness. "Take these" whispers the dryad. "They are from humans who have sought to woo us - you have earned this today." She sits back down, still weak.
The unicorn nods its head in agreement. "Consider this partial compensation for your aid. We still owe you our lives."
Little remains here but to continue West towards druid's home.
Varian Amari |
Varian nods and says, "Thank you for these things, they may indeed come in handy, as is the knowledge that we may be facing illusions as we approach the druid's home... I hope you remain safe now."
He turns toward the west and then back to the other pathfinders. "Shall we go?"
Eolowyn |
"It was our pleasure to help you and I will have none of this 'we owe you'. Everyone should help others if she can and so we did. If you are ever in a situation where it is possible to help us we will be grateful if you do. But do so out of your free will, not because you feel obliged to do so. Thank you for your gifts and be safe."
Eolowyn falls silent for a short while after her little speech. She then turns towards Varian
"East is the other way, that way we will never find Devarre"
"Head east until you find the river, and from there head north until you reach the falls and continue on from there."
I know, the GM later said west, but I could not let this opportunity go by
Kylar Drugo |
Kylar rocks back in relief as the unicorn is healed. Sighing deeply he stands up. We will do whatever we can to sssave thisss foressstt. Kylar hisses.
It reminds me of home.
DM Ranginui |
Oops. I meant West.
The next days travel through the misty woods is quite uneventful for the Pathfinders. Gradually thought, they hear a terrible, growling sound, and then a rustling that sounds like wind blowing through the leaves. Moments later, a terrible crash echoes through the woods.
Despite the hostile sounds, you can tell that what you are hearing is singing, albeit at quite a low baritone.
"Oh I dreamt of a fair lass,
a tall alder with leaves of green,
she swayed so sweet,
but the wind did blow,
and blew all her leaves away..."
You also note that the words are more then a little slurred together, as though from a drunkard.
Moments later an enormous treant bursts through the hedge line, flailing its limbs about in an enormous arc. You hear a grating sound from its oaken face.
"What have we here? More little vandals?" the words spill out of its mouth in a haphazard fashion.
Varian Amari |
Varian hopes this is one of the illusions that he was warned of and attempts to make it go away by disbelieving it.
will save?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
DM Ranginui |
The creature seems quite real.
Varian Amari |
heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
"Wait... that... creature... the tree... seems to be drunk. Perhaps it is more drunk than hostile."
DM Ranginui |
1d100 ⇒ 57
The treant stops and looks about in a confused fashion. He points a finger past the Pathfinders, towards the shadows beyond and starts babbling, slipping inbetween Sylvan, Taldane, and the language of the treants.
“Thorn and shadow! They’ve found a way out! And they’re here!...
"...ta the Fellnight Realm! Rhoswen's got ta' be put back!”
Abstract rounds/combat at the moment. What does the part do?
Eolowyn |
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10
"Who have found a way out and are here? A way out from where?"
Kylar Drugo |
Any of you make sssense of thisss?
Confused by the large talking tree's actions Kylar grabs his wand of Mage armor and begins to increase his defenses.
DM Ranginui |
The mish-mash of words (either in Sylvan or Taldance) does not seem to mean anything beyond the reference to the Fellnight realm that the dying dryad mentioned before.
None of the pathfinders have yet had insight into the specific cause of the treant's stupor, beyond it's general disorderliness and incoherence.
Eolowyn |
"Let's give it some space and we will continue once we are past it" Eolowyn suggests, not certain what to make of this occurrence.
Mathias Kelythis |
"Very well, no need to waste our time if this thing is not aiming to strike at us."
KN: Arcana to identify if there's a magical reason for the treant's state?: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19
Kylar Drugo |
Kylar nods his head as he gives the giant babbling tree a wide berth, not taking his eyes off of the creature.
Varian Amari |
Varian does his own bumbling best to give the treant a wide berth and let it pass by unimpeded.
DM Ranginui |
1d100 ⇒ 75
The Pathfinders begin to move away from the creature, but before they can move very far the creature is overtaken by another one of its delusional fits, this time more severe. It shouts out almost coherently in common.
“Rise up, world! Shake off yer dreams ’fore the nightmares reach us! If’n they wanna play with nature, we’ll show ’em all!”
At the bidding of the tree-shepard, two of the mighty pines of the forest rise up and begin to slowly move towards the heroes.
Eolowyn
Kylar
Varian
Mathias
Drunk tree and tree-friends
Kylar: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Eolowyn: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Varian: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Mathias: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
Treant and trees: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (2) - 1 = 1
Eolowyn |
"I don't want to kill you brother tree"
Eolowyn shouts while leaping from Arrano's back. She fires three arrows in rapid order at the treant and then says something in Elven to Arrano, who attacks the nearest tree.
Ride for fast dismount DC20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Point Blank Shot, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot
Attack Treant: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 14 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 27
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 3 + 4 + 1 = 11
Attack Treant: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 31
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 4 + 1 = 14
Attack Treant: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 21
Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 4 + 1 = 9
Confirm +4 from anatomist and Favored Class bonus
Attack Treant: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 14 + 1 - 2 - 2 + 4 = 24
Additional Damage: 2d8 + 6 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (2, 5) + 6 + 8 + 2 = 23
Arrano attack: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27
Damage: 1d6 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Varian Amari |
Varian sighs... seeing combat seems inevitable, and creates a great sword (swift action) and casts lead blades on it.
Kylar Drugo |
Stepping back behind Varian, Kylar begins to cast a long incantation as his hands move in all manner of contortions, the words spill forth from his toothed maw.
Begin casting Enlarge Person
DM Ranginui |
Large chunks of bark and many splinters fly about as arrows zip through the air. The treant, rather then looking angered, seems confused, not fully comprehending the events unfolding about him. The creature also seems on the edge of consciousness after the stinging of the elven bow... perhaps only another blow or two will steal consciousness from the drunken brute.
Mathias is up!
Eolowyn
Kylar
Varian
Mathias
Drunk tree (57) and tree-friends
Mathias Kelythis |
"Stop this nonsense!", Mathias shouts, sending several bolts of force at the moving tree.
Magic Missile: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 2, 1) + 3 = 8
Figure anything else will be overkill
DM Ranginui |
With small streaks of force and a lot of auhtority, Mathias fells the tree man. It staggers back and forth for a few moments before crashing to the ground, face down. The leaves on its "head" begin rustling in a way that might be mistaken for snoring.
Without their inebriated shepard to push them on, the stirring trees quickly return to their grazing upon Sarenrae's bounty. The Pathfinders quickly find four gourds of whatever the treant was drinking in the Treant's boughs.
Do you leave immediately or wait for the creature to sober and wake?
Kylar Drugo |
We need to keep moving.... Kylar urges onward. Thisss missst ssseems to be affecting everything in the foressst.
Kylar is for leaving immediately
Mathias Kelythis |
While Mathias is curious as to what the treant may have to say, he doesn't have the magic to make him acceptable to reach. "Very well, let's continue to make haste and find the druid."
[ooc]Varian, perhaps a lesser restoration to clear the drunkedness?[ooc]