"yep. This could be real bad". the druid said slowly, as he plucked each spattered leaf and tucked them into a pouch on his belt. Moving back and gesturing his companions close he whispered quietly " Ok. That there is fairy blood. That means we either got an injured fairy 'round here, or we got something that can find, catch, and hurt a fairy 'round here. 'M not sure which one I like less. I'ma 'gon try to talk to it, but if it's a fairy killer y'all be ready". Moving away from the group Muddy held aloft one of the berries that sparkled like starshine and called quietly in the secret and ancient language that his grandpappy had taught him "Most honored lord of the faewyld. I beseech an audience that I may render unto you assistance and succor, to garner your permission to pass unmolested as written in the Accords" . And he waited.
The last fleeting rays of the setting sun faded as Dakkar waited, his arm outstretched with his offering to the fey. As darkness settled around the group, the low drone of buzzing barely registered, growing in volume as something approached.
It could have been mistaken for a piece of bramble or briar, its twig-thin body twisted and barbed. Two eyes like drops of blood glared from its face as it alighted on the druids arm. Wings that mimiced those of a butterfly, dragonfly, and bee all at once slowed and stopped.
It's voice was nails on a chalkboard.
"Οι συμφωνίες πρέπει να τιμηθεί. μιλούν"
Orderic jumps back upon seeing the winged creature, his mind racing with images. His head begins to ache slightly.
Chern waits anxiously for his cousin to translate.
Dakkar shifted nervously before continuing in druidic
"I apologize for my ignorance of your language. I noticed the blood marking, and knew that tribute must be observed. We are neither wealthy nor great, but I do offer what meager magic I have. Please accept this tribute and allow us passage to Ulizmila's hut and back".
The faerie's mouth curled into a snarl.
"I spake dog-tongue of man. The fallen ones anger Shining Queen. Paid price. Anger Shining Queen no more. Blood. Death. Lesson to others. Now no one anger Shining Queen. Spake over."
With a twist of a twisted limb, the vegetation of the trail drew back, revealing the bodies of four pixies, transformed to solid wood. Their faces were trapped in expressions of eternal agony.
The faerie sniffed the berry and wrinkled his nose. He crushed it and kicked it off the druid's palm in disgust. His elbow spurs slashed and blood welled. A long, slender tongue - like a butterflies - slithered from its mouth and it lapped eagerly at the flow.
The offering and exchange of information completed, the faerie buzzed away and vanished into the distance.
Chern went over to the frozen pixies.
"Look at these guys... perfect wooden statues. Worth some good coin these are!"
However, knowing full-well his cousin would probably disapprove, he did nothing to take them.
Yet.
"We should proceed to the hut. Though I'm pretty sure whomever is trying to stop us getting a cure have already paid her a visit."
Oderic looked the four wooden figures on the ground. He quietly started to whisper and old lullaby.
Come little children, come with me
Safe and happy you will be
Away from your homes, now let us run...
Shaking his head clear Orderic turn to Chern
"I agree. some collector would pay a shinny coin or two for these. However, are they safe? I am always willing to make an" coughs "honest gold or three but not at the risk of my life. That need to be some serious gold, and payment up front. Rule number 4 after all."
Emrys ignored the entire exchange, uninterested in the strange figure until it spoke. Upon hearing a new language though Emrys paid closer attention, noting the sounds made by the creature, and committing them to memory as best he could.
Once the exchange was over and once the hunter had pointed out a need for haste, Emrys began to walk once again towards their destination. On his shoulder the weasel waved at the others, petitioning them to follow.
Balder, Chern, Dakkar, Emrys, Orderic
Ulizmila's Hut, Day 2, Night
It is full dark when you reach the site of the forest witch's home. The sounds of the forest become suddenly distant as the trees part, opening into a small, almost perfectly circular glade. The nearest stands of pine, eyln, and darkwood—all typically sturdy woods—twist away from the clearing, as if bent by some impossibly strong wind or seemingly in an attempt to flee despite their paralyzed roots.
At the glade’s center squats an ugly cottage, little more than a pile of twigs, shoots, and ivy stacked upon mud walls. From the thatched roof dangle bundles of gnarled roots, old dried beast carcasses, and knucklebone bangles, all clattering together like gruesome wind chimes.
A dozen small thatched fetishes—each shaped like a tiny man, imp, or rearing serpent—stand propped in the yard, keeping guard before a rickety plank door. Another fetish, shaped into something that most closesly resembled a goblin but with a grossly oversized head stood in the center of the dozen smaller shapes like a warlord marshalling his forces for battle.
Overhead, cloud scuttle across the moon as if reluctant to shed light on the hut or its strange collection of lawn ornaments.
Orderic looked at the various lawn orniments lining what would be considered a yard.
"I think those wooden statues would have been a nice gift to bring to help our welcome
than stands and waits
Orderic looked at the various lawn orniments lining what would be considered a yard.
"I think those wooden statues would have been a nice gift to bring to help our welcome
than stands and waits
Silence is Orderic's only answer.
Chern lit a torch and threw it nearby on the ground. Then he drew both his blades.
Chern's torch throws dancing shadows across the near end of the glade, and making the odd lawn ornaments even more eerie. For long moments, the crackling of the torch was the only noise and then the still air brought another noise to the heroes ears, a strange creaking - like trees bending in the wood.
The arm of the wooden warlord slowly rose to point towards Chern and several of the lawn ornarments lurched into motion, ponderously drawing nearer to the group.
The Witch's Welcome
Party Initiative
Initiative Order
21
18, 9/10hp
Enlarge Person on Dakkar:+2 Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 1 Rounds.
18, 11/11hp
16, 11/14hp
Enlarge Person on Balder:+2 Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 10 Rounds.
12, 6/11hp
8, 9/10hp
7
4
One of the fetishes, crafted in the form of a great serpent, slithered ahead of the others, its wooden belly rasping across the ground. It drew itself upwards and hissed, displaying dagger-like fangs set in its wooden jaws.
DM: The animated serpent ends its double move 10 feet from your front line (Chern and Orderic at this point). The imp is 50 feet away and the man is 70 feet away.
>Actions Up!
Chern Rd: 1 Init: 8
Chern moved up to the serpent and took a slash at it.
Orderic Initiative 12 Round 1
Slipping his mask on to his face, Orderic drops down in to a crouching positing. Cocking his head sideways he looks at the Goblin Figure walking towards him.
He reached in to his tunic and grabs a small twig of holly and mistletoe, and tosses it towards the feet of the creature.
"I'ma thinking we need some strategery in this here scuffle" Muddy called out to the others "Chern and Orderic you guys skirmish, Balder and I is gonna form a line. Emrys, you just stay tucked in between yer big brothers".
With that Muddy moved to one side of Emrys and took several deep breaths and inflated to the giant form he had assumed earlier. He used his great size to reach over Emrys and touch Balder while speaking a word of power.
Muddy chuckled at the surprised look on Balder's face and readied his now giant sized shield and club
Orderic Initiative 12 Round 1
Slipping his mask on to his face, Orderic drops down in to a crouching positing. Cocking his head sideways he looks at the Goblin Figure walking towards him.
He reached in to his tunic and grabs a small twig of holly and mistletoe, and tosses it towards the feet of the creature.
** spoiler omitted **
Emrys round 1 initiative 18.
Emrys stayed still, standing between the two giants. Full defence this round.
Balder round 1, initiative 16
Balder hoots as he grows in size By the light this is fantastic! A mighty dirge it is then!
Balder round 1, initiative 16
Balder hoots as he grows in size By the light this is fantastic! A mighty dirge it is then!
DM: This spell doubles any morale bonus. If they have one. No one does.
The Witch's Welcome
The Witch's Welcome Round 1 Recap
Dakkar and Balder grew to the size of ogres and move side by side, a wall of flesh denying access to the wizard behind them even as Chern moved to engage the wooden serpent. The lawn ornaments resembling a wooden man and imp rushed forward on carved limbs, churning the glade's grass to mud. The imp rushed into reach of the pairs enlarged weapons and suffered for its lack of caution as Balder's giant flail tore hunks from its surface as it threw itself against his shield without effect. Slower than it's brethren, the wooden human still struggles forward from 10 feet away. Orderic could only watch as the onrushing wooden effigy crushed his offering into the ground benesth one wooden foot.
The Witch's Welcome Round 2
Initiative Order
21
18, 9/10hp
Enlarge Person on Dakkar:+2 Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 1 Rounds.
18, 11/11hp
16, 11/14hp
Enlarge Person on Balder:+2 Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 10 Rounds.
12, 6/11hp
8, 9/10hp
7
4
The wooden serpent's head snapped forward, its dagger teeth seeking Chern's flesh but the warrior slapped it aside.
> Round 2 Actions Up!
Muddy Round 2 Init 18
Muddy watched the cauldron try to slip away
That's odd he thought What could be in that thing that....ohhh
"Orderic, Chern"! he cried out as he pointed at the escaping ironware "I think that be the one that started dis here fracas tryin ta get away. GIT HER"!
Trusting that his cousin would take care of the cauldron Muddy swung his club at the wooden imp.
club
damage
"Oh, and Emrys... a little help would be appreciated"
*edited*
Muddy Round 2 Init 18
Muddy watched the cauldron try to slip away
That's odd he thought What could be in that thing that....ohhh
"Orderic, Chern"! he cried out as he pointed at the escaping ironware "I think that be the one that started dis here fracas tryin ta get away. GIT HER"!
Trusting that his cousin would take care of the cauldron Muddy swung his club at the wooden imp.
club 1d20+1
damage 1d8+2"Oh, and Emrys... a little help would be appreciated"
DM: Dakkar's club and Balder's flail have destroyed the wooden imp. Dakkar has also now shrunk back to medium unless you use another action to grow again.
Orderic Round 2 Int 12
Already being in a crouched position, Orderic does a small little jumping roll to move in to the shadows. He begins to stalk the creature that exited the hut. Attempting to flank behind it, rapier in hand.
Chern Rnd:2 Init: 7
Chern took several hacks at the wooden serpent, but then moved back a few feet, to get a better sight on the thing he saw exit the hut.
"Watch it guys, some big black thing is trying to slip out behind you from the hut!"
Chern kept one blade pointed at the serpent, the other pointing to where he saw the thing, making sure Emyrys' weasel spotted it.
Balder round 2 ini-16
A low thrum comes from Balders chest that rises into a sustained note. Several more low tones escape his chest before it becomes a discernible melody.
Balder round 2 ini-16
A low thrum comes from Balders chest that rises into a sustained note. Several more low tones escape his chest before it becomes a discernible melody.
The Witch's Welcome Round 2 Update
Initiative Order
21
18, 9/10hp
Enlarge Person on Dakkar:+2 size bonus to Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 3 of 6 uses left.
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 3 rounds.
18, 11/11hp
16, 11/14hp
Enlarge Person on Balder:+2 size bonus to Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 9 Rounds.
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 3 rounds.
12, 6/11hp
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 3 rounds.
8, 9/10hp
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 3 rounds.
7
Animate Imp Fetish 4
Chern Rnd:3 Init: 7
Chern ran off towards the cauldron creature.
Chern Rnd:3 Init: 7
Chern ran off towards the cauldron creature.
Emrys fidgeted and rocked back and forth from foot to foot, unsure what to do. So he waited and watched, biding his time. Mistress says to always think things through. Think. Think. Think.
DM: roughly 24 hours since Rich's last post so he does nothing this round but keep up full defense. Round 2 recap up soon.
The Witch's Welcome Round 2 Recap
Chern felt a surge of strength in response to the skalds song and his blade tore splinters from the wooden snake, driving it back enough to let him disengage for a moment. A glance around showed him the wizard was still safe, protected by the giant forms of Dakkar and Balder, who tore a second animate lawn ornament to flinders as it approached and heavily damaged the last even as it closed and hammered the skald with a wooden fist.
An animate cauldron slipped from the hut and moved into the shadows and Chern called out a warning to the others. Orderic slipped into the wood himself to intercept the strange construct, vanishing from sight.
The Witch's Welcome Round 3
Initiative Order
21
18, 9/10hp
Enlarge Person on Dakkar:+2 size bonus to Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 3 of 6 uses left.
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
18, 11/11hp
16, 7/14hp
Enlarge Person on Balder:+2 size bonus to Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 8 Rounds.
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
12, 6/11hp
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
8, 9/10hp
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
7
6
Animate Imp Fetish 4
As Chern backed away the serpent slithered the few feet between it and Dakkar, striking out with its dagger teeth and narrowly missing the druid.
>Round 3 Actions Up!
Orderic round 3 int 12
"man that bard sounds worse than the freaky farie from earlier today. At least his wailing will muffle and sounds I may make
Continues to use stealth to close the gap on the cauldron
Emrys round 3 init 18
Heeding the Dakkar's request for help, Emrys took note of the nearest foe and once again released his staff, sending it winging through the air towards the nearest threat.
Attack
Damage
Orderic round 3 int 12
"man that bard sounds worse than the freaky farie from earlier today. At least his wailing will muffle and sounds I may make
Continues to use stealth to close the gap on the cauldron
DM: Any reason you'd turn down a free +2 to hit?
DM: Any reason you'd turn down a free +2 to hit?Orderic round 3 int 12
"man that bard sounds worse than the freaky farie from earlier today. At least his wailing will muffle and sounds I may make
Continues to use stealth to close the gap on the cauldron
Chern moved up to the cauldron and tried to hack at it. Sparks were emitted wherever steel met iron...
DM: Any reason you'd turn down a free +2 to hit?Orderic round 3 int 12
"man that bard sounds worse than the freaky farie from earlier today. At least his wailing will muffle and sounds I may make
Continues to use stealth to close the gap on the cauldron
Round 3 Init 18
thump thump
With every heartbeat the world pulsed green.
GRRRAAAAUUUUUGGGHHH
Beat the snake
damage
The Witch's Welcome Round 3 Recap
Dakkar smashed at the wooden snake, driving it back but unable to inflict any lasting harm. A quarterstaff, propelled wth incredible force cracked into the serpent as Emrys worked his magic.
Beside him, Balder's flail tore more chunks from the animated wooden man, the contruct barely held togeether.
Chern strode to meet the cauldron and the thing rushed from the woods towards him. Steel threw sparks as Chern's sword found a hole in the cauldrons defenses but then a gash on its side yawned open like a rust-toothed mouth and snapped shut on the warrior, dealing him a serious wound and trying to swallow him whole. Orderic raced after it, stabbing with his rapier at the rusted-iron pot without effect.
The Witch's Welcome Round 4
Initiative Order
21
18, 9/10hp
Enlarge Person on Dakkar:+2 size bonus to Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 2 of 6 uses left.
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
18, 11/11hp
16, 7/14hp
Enlarge Person on Balder:+2 size bonus to Str, -2 Dex, -1 Attack, -1 AC, Wpn +1 Size in dmg. 8 Rounds.
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
12, 6/11hp
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
8, 3/10hp
Raging Song: +4 Morale bonus to Str, +4 Con, -1 AC, 2 rounds.
7
6
Animate Imp Fetish 4
The wooden serpent bites at the druid again, missing a second time.
> Round 4 actions up!
round 4 init 18
Panting heavily and snarling with rage Dakkar throws down his shield and grips his club two handed, swinging with all his might
"Graaaugh"!
Smash snake
Damage
Emrys round 4, initiative 18
As Dakkar yelled in rage, swinging his club towards one side of the snake the enchanted quarterstaff propelled itself to the snake's other side, to catch the serpent between the two blows.
Hand of the apprentice damage
Orderic Round 4 Int 12
Upon seeing the walking cauldron attempt to swallow Chern whole, Ordering decides to change his tactic.
What a cursed place this is. NEVER GO IN THE WOODS. Why do you even have rules.
Reaching for his grappling hook he moves silently towards the back of the walking chamber pot, or at least what he assumes is the back of the creature.
He attempts to hook the grappling hook around one is the back legs. Then in a leaping tumble over the top to the other side of the cauldron, Orderic using his momentum attempts to flip the creature over in an attempt to make it movement come to a stop.
(flanking bonus)
Orderic Round 4 Int 12
Upon seeing the walking cauldron attempt to swallow Chern whole, Ordering decides to change his tactic.
What a cursed place this is. NEVER GO IN THE WOODS. Why do you even have rules.
Reaching for his grappling hook he moves silently towards the back of the walking chamber pot, or at least what he assumes is the back of the creature.
He attempts to hook the grappling hook around one is the back legs. Then in a leaping tumble over the top to the other side of the cauldron, Orderic using his momentum attempts to flip the creature over in an attempt to make it movement come to a stop.
[dice=stealth]1d20+6
[dice=jump tumble over cauldron]1d20+8
** spoiler omitted **
DM: This is the very definition of a trip attack. CMB vs it's CMD.
DM: This is the very definition of a trip attack. CMB vs it's CMD.Orderic Round 4 Int 12
Upon seeing the walking cauldron attempt to swallow Chern whole, Ordering decides to change his tactic.
What a cursed place this is. NEVER GO IN THE WOODS. Why do you even have rules.
Reaching for his grappling hook he moves silently towards the back of the walking chamber pot, or at least what he assumes is the back of the creature.
He attempts to hook the grappling hook around one is the back legs. Then in a leaping tumble over the top to the other side of the cauldron, Orderic using his momentum attempts to flip the creature over in an attempt to make it movement come to a stop.
** spoiler omitted **
While you didn't get around the cauldron cleanly, the tumbling works to add momentum, so I'm adding a +2 bonus to your CMB attack vs the Cauldron's CMD.
TIMBER!!!!!
Balder howled with glee as his flail sang through the air towards the crumbling wooden man.
Chern Rnd: 4 Init: 8
Chern continued to hack furiously at the cauldron.