JZ's Carrion Crown - (Wake of the Watcher) (Inactive)

Game Master JamZilla

Constantin rubs the sleep from his eyes and rises slowly. He regards the arrivals warily, trying to gauge their intentions, and spares a glance to Zed to see if the inquisitor looks like he's preparing to strike.

"Wait...you fight against the Way and always have?" Hazel asks, wondering if she's missing something due to the late hour and her own weariness. "So they've been trying to encroach into the wood for years, then. Did you have any idea why?"

She knows that it's an evasive response to his own questions but hopefully he and his...pack?...would be willing to humor them with an answer.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Despite the peaceful nature of the Prince's Wolves approach, Vermundr subtly rests his hands on the hilt of his trophy after climbing out of his bedroll and to his feet.

"And what can you tell us about the Way's interest in your woods?" he adds to Hazel's questions.

Vala stands quietly behind the others as the newcomers rouse everyone from their rest. Her clothes still bore the burn marks from the lightning Cybrissa had thrown her way during their fight atop the so-called Highthrone.

Her face darkens as she regards the group before them and she still felt the lingering irritation of their delays in Ardis. She lets the others carry on with Rakis' parlay, though her impatience is plain on her face.

Not so. Rakis says in reply to Hazel, holding up one finger. My tribe fought with mankind against the Tyrant, but in the lifetimes of myself and my great great forebears, the opposition to the Way has been largely academic - we have seen nothing of them.

Their encroachment into the woods was for a singular purpose - they wanted Sain's heart - though I do not know why. They slayed her, presented Malthus with part of it so that he may claim the title, and took the rest for themselves. That piece heart presents a problem.

We know of the dark sorcerer. With Malthus dead, I have eaten his heart and taken the position of Packlord. You certainly did me a favour there but with Sain's heart still in their possession, the Demon Wolves have pursued the Way, hoping to obtain it and stake their claim for the title. It is now the only thing between me and my rightful place as Packlord. So perhaps we can help eachother?

"With two different people claiming they've each eaten the right heart...it just puts things right back to square one, doesn't it?" Hazel nods, now with a clearer picture of things.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24

Not to metagame too much but I'll assume Hazel gets roughly the same impression that Zed did with his check earlier.

"Vrood and the Way, they've...taken something dear to us," she explains, with a glance at Vala. "Someone. Not to mention they're guilty of murder and a bunch of other crimes. We don't know why they took part of Sain's heart but we do know it can't be for anything good. So we're after some payback as well as throwing whatever kinks we can into their plans."

She returns the leader's smile with a rather sharp smile of her own. "I can't speak for the rest of my friends but I'd not have a problem with a little mutual back-scratching."

Hazel, which two people are you talking about? Just to be clear - Sain was killed by the WW. They cut her heart in two, giving a piece of Malthus to eat to become packlord. They took the other half.

When Malthus was killed, Cybressa - the wolf leader of the 'peaceful' pack - never ate his heart. She isn't interested in becoming leader, she just wants to be left alone. Rakis on the other hand, does have that ambition and in coming across Malthus' body he ate his heart making him Packlord.

Now the Demon Wolves aren't happy about this and have gone to get the other half of Sain's heart, believing eating that would make their leader rightful Packlord.

Who knew wolf politics were so complicated?

In any case, Rakis wants to help you so long as you help him in as much as you remove that other half of Sain's heart from the equation thereby ratifying his position beyond doubt.

Im interested in Zed and Vermundr's opinion on this especially as a monster hunter and someone with wolf blood respectively.

Yeah, it's a bit confusing but Hazel's larger point still stands thankfully - there's two different folks vying for Packlord and with each one trying to claim they've eaten the 'right' heart, it all gets messy in a hurry. I did edit Hazel's post slightly to clarify though.

Zed gives the others a small nod, and crosses his arms to show his hands aren't near his weapons.

"So tell us, what exactly are you proposing? What are we each obligated to do and getting out of this?"

A dozen insults flash through Vala's mind as Rakis explains his rise to power but she respects her friends too much to risk turning the exchange of words into an exchange of blows. At Zed's question though, her expression begins to soften slightly, as she begins to inwardly consider the possibility of bending these Prince's Wolves to softening up Vrood or the other pack once they arrive at Feldgrau.

The fewer obstacles between her and Vrood at that point, the better, after all.

Obligated? Rakis says with a toothy grin. You are not obligated to do anything. Rather, I think we can help eachother.

I am needed in the Shudderwood to bring the other packs into line. But I have sent several of my tribe to Feldgrau to deal with the Demon Wolves and also recover the heart. With your strength added to theirs I am sure you will prevail.

The Demon Wolves will be as at odds with the Way as you are if this Vrood still possesses Sain's heart, but at least my pack can aid in fighting theirs. I can give you tokens that show that you are friends of the Princes Wolves but they will mean nothing to the Demons, they are foul things, far stronger than any of the other tribes if truth be told. But it is their inherent cruelty and disorganisation that has stopped them seizing power previously.

Adimarus, their leader, is far stronger than Malthus and a terrible enemy should you have to face him. he says seriously.

So what I propose is that you aid my wolves while they aid you. You surely don't want to fight through my tribe and the Demons in order to get to what you seek which is almost certainly what will happen otherwise.

He licks his lips and narrows his eyes;

And with all else besides, you're friend is right, whatever the Way are up to it cannot be good. We Princes Wolves have not forgotten the oath we made to stand against them. It will be better for my pack to know you stand against them too.

Hazel, you make a good point about all this taking them back to square one. All I can say is that Vermundr will appreciate it is in the nature of packs to challenge eachother over and over again. You see this in wild wolves where a Beta will challenge the Alpha and then in turn be challenged and so on and so on.

In werewolves where you also have human 'reasoning,' you see this behaviour with the added complication of politics.

Vala nods curtly, speaking at last for the first time since Rakis and his lackeys' arrival. "That's plain enough. What are these tokens, then?"

Rakis produces a small square of cotton from his coat pocket.

It is a scent, madam. Just rub this somewhere on your person. My pack will know it, but so will the Demon Wolves.

Vermundr listens quietly as the others discuss the situation. After a long pause the burly northerner chimes in.

"If we agree to your terms and break the Demon Wolves' strength long enough to drive out the Way, do you believe you have the will to bring the rest of the Wolves of the Shudderwood to heel? Or at least keep another packlord from trying to forge an alliance with the Way? It's dangerous for outsiders like us to interfere in pack politics. If we're going to give you an advantage, we need your oath that you and your pack won't allow the Way's influence to take root in these woods again."

Kazamir is silent, watching his friends and the newcomers carefully.

Sorry, family reunion and visits this weekend. I'd throw in a sense motive, but Zed seems to have ti well in hand.

Hazel nods in agreement with Vermundr's words; thankful for his added perspective on the matter.

It'd definitely be nice to not have three different groups to tangle with at once after we get to Feldgrau.

Rakis considers Vermundr’s question, not dismissing it out of hand but giving it serious thought.

It’ll be tough. he admits. It is in our nature to fight and vie for position. But with Malthus gone and possibly Adimarus as well if either my wolves or you or the Way defeat him, then I think I have a chance to unite the packs for generations to come.

Are you in agreement?

Hazel turns to look at her friends; she knew what she thought of the situation but what about them?

"I think we should do it. We can use all the help we can get, especially since we weren't planning on having to deal with the Demon Wolves too," she murmurs.

Satisfied, Vermundr grunts and gives a slight nod. "Let's get this done."

Alright then. We have heard nothing back as yet from my brothers. We are warriors, not magicians, so have no means of communicating with them but I expect them to return with the heart, or not at all.

An accord then. Take these.

One of his men steps forward with the squares of cloth.

My men will smell them before they see them and know the significance. As will the Demon Wolves though, so be mindful, they may not be as ingratiating as my men.

And I can only reitterate. Be wary of Adimarus Ionocu. That... creature has a black heart, one I would not seek to eat under any circumstances, and he is a mighty and terrible warrior.

Happy to go or any more questions?

Vala looks to Hazel, a gentleness softening her face briefly. "What about the Stairs of the Moon, dear? Are you alright with it going back to the wolves?"

Constantin accepts his piece of cloth quietly.

"That's right...we reconsecrated the Stairs of the Moon to Desna," Hazel nods slowly, their experiences there already having taken on an odd, dreamlike quality in her memory. "It's a holy place again. Will you and your people keep it that way?"

Well I'm not much for tradition. he replies. This place is just bricks and mortar to me so if it means that much to you I don't care where I put my throne.

I shall bid you farewell and wish you good luck. I sent six after the Demon Wolves - enough to stand a fighting chance but few enough to move quickly. They will help you. he says simply with a small bow and slinks back into the darkness. The torch his companion carrying, suddenly extinguished.

If you continue to rest then you can do so without incident.

The party awakens the next day to find the weather has not improved. If anything, it has grown worse as the rain has now been joined by a shroud of low mist that hangs over everything and hampers your vision to just a few hundred feet

Never the less, you press on, the horses by now filthy with mud and none of you faring much better as you slop through large tracks of sodden field.

Some way in the distance, just at the edge of your vision in the mist, you see the outline of a solitary farmhouse with an enormous tree growing beside it.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

"Hold a moment..." Kaz points to the tree. "Bodies, hanging from the tree. I would gauge that they are beyond our help, now. DO we investigate, or do we press on?" he asks, his neutral tone giving no weight to either option.

"They could be more victims of Vrood," points out Constantin. "On his way through here."

"If it's that tree is the work of the Way we should flush them out and destroy them", Vermundr suggests. "I say we look around."

As you approach you can see that the bodies are that of werewolves, though from which tribe, it is impossible to tell.

The bodies twist and sway gently from ropes tied to the tree, tongues lolling from their decomposing heads.

You approach the farmhouse from the rear, there doesn't appear to be an entrance on this side.

Once the group gets close enough, hopefully without incident, Hazel breaks off from the others to have a closer look at the hanging bodies. First and foremost, she counts their number, recalling that they'd been told there were six of the Princes' Wolves sent towards Feldgrau.

Who were you? Foe or would-be friend?

She also tries to figure how long they've been hanging from the old tree.

Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Busy evening so no real update I'm afraid. Could everyone roll me a will save though please and I'll roll for whoever doesn't have a chance to post

Will (DC 18): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"Tch! They're a rough-looking bunch," Hazel grimaces as she looks over the matted, hulking forms. "Guess they've not been dead more than a few days at most."

Will: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"Wait...these are human skeletons. Aren't werewolves supposed to revert to their human forms once dead regardless?"

Will save: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Constantin squints, then says, "Did someone magic these? An illusion or something? We seem to be seeing different things."

will: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
can't miss the arcana...

"Indeed they do, Zed. .

"Hazel - let me look for traps before we delve much closer, please."

If left unmolested, he'll start a search around the tree and yard, starting about ten yards out and circling slowly inward, looking both for tracks, signs of recent activity, and, when he gets closer, how they died and how long they have been dead.

Kaz's vague discomfort at long wilderness travel has become so routine, that it is more noticeable in its sudden absence. A crime scene, possible deception, a potential for clues or an ambush - the former inspector is re-invigorated, back in his element His back ram-rod straight, hands clasped behind his back, his steps careful and his dark eyes darting everywhere.

And now a collection of dice rolls. JZ, you can let me know how much of this he gets through...

We need a bard to start playing The Who, right now...

perception for traps: 1d20 + 1d6 + 17 ⇒ (16) + (1) + 17 = 34
perception for other clues: 1d20 + 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (2) + (2) + 15 = 19
survival for tracking: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
heal for cause of death: 1d20 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (17) + (2) + 9 = 28
heal for tiem of death: 1d20 + 1d6 + 9 ⇒ (6) + (3) + 9 = 18

Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Vermundr rubs his eyes and squints. "You're right, they're skeletons. Who would go through trouble of glamoring bodies to look like wolves? Why?"

Kazamir edges closer, the rest of the group close behind. He begins casting his expert eye over the scene, looking for the tiniest clue as to what might have happened, who did it and when it may have occurred.

For once his precision is his downfall for he is so focussed on the ground around the tree that he notices only too late the massive bulk of the tree shifting just a little bit.

Surprise Round

Vine, Kaz: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Grab: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (18) + 19 = 37
Constrict damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

One of the vines from the tree whips out like a lash and wraps itself around Kaz' throat. In an instant it is choking him and dragging him closer to the massive tree.

Surprise Round - Heroes (only Zed may act)

[ooc]He was the only one to beat the DC by enough to see the tree was veiled as well.

Map

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Zed tries to recall what he can, but he knows one thing: It can probably be beaten to death. With a flash his weapon is out and glowing a malevolent red as he swings it down.

Drawing as a move action (as well as moving if need be), activating bane as a swift, attacking as a standard.

Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 2 = 27
Damage: 1d10 + 14 + 2 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 14 + 2 + (2, 1) = 25

It is knowledge nature for this thing, but 15 doesn't get it

AOO, Zed: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21 Hit
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Grab: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24 Success
Constrict: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

As he closes in, unaware of the nature of this thing and not knowing that all of it's vines are as deadly as the one assailing Kaz, Zed takes a lashing from another one. It snakes out and stops him dead in his tracks, simialrly choking the life out of him!

Round 1 - Heroes

Wow on the nose with both rolls.

CMB to break out: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

"Whoa! The tree's alive!?" Hazel cries as the rather unassuming plant suddenly begins flailing about and grabbing up her companions. She swiftly calls on Desna to grant her skin the toughness of iron as she attempts to move up and strike at the tree with her starknife...

Attack vs. Killer Tree (+1 Starknife; Power Attack): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 24
Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
____________

Swift action to spend fervor and cast Ironskin, then Hazel moves up to attack - provoking an AoO if it has any left for this round.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29

"Kaz! Zed!" Vala reaches out as Zed and Kazamir are snatched up and a shimmering portal swallows Kazamir first, depositing him back beside her. "Don't stray too close!" She then proceeds to share all she knows of the murderous tree.

heaven's leap on Kaz!

"Trees burn." Constantin flicks his hand and etheric fire runs over the tree.

Spontaneous immolation fire damage: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 4) = 9 (Fort save DC 16 for half. If failed, catch on fire; Ref save DC 16 each subsequent round to extinguish.)

This is a new round so it does have an AOO available

AOO, Hazel: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Hit
Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Grab: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (7) + 19 = 26 Success
Constrict: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Again, the tree lashes Hazel this time, lifting her almost from her feet.

Spell resistance on that spell Constantin? DC 18

Reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19 Unbelievable

This is a Hangman Tree, a natural predatory in dense forest areas. This one must have migrated out of the Shudderwood for some reason

They can release hallucinary spores (which were the wolves in this case), they have spell resistance but are vulnerable to electricity and when they grab you they constrict you, strangle you (which makes it hard to cast spells) and can swallow you whole. Also, they can have up to 3 creatures grappled without having the grappled condition themselves

Caster level check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Nice. It felt that