"Let us try diplomacy first and foremost. Ganit, I need you to find a vantage point at the entrance of the grove while we try to approach the fey. If they see us as armed invaders of their lands, that may sour our approach."
"Well, thank goodness that you have some common sense, my Lord. I will come with you if you permit. Mind you, I am happy to let you do the negotiating. Go ahead and lead us onward, my Lord! I am curious to see this Dryad."
Carina looks at her companions.
I think that Bron and I should approach. Zorestar, you and James watch from a short way back prepared to intervene if necessary. Ganit is already scouting.
Carina turns to Telias: Your eyes and ears would also be most appreciated if you would be willing. From above or in the woods.
Carina the looks to Bron. Shall we, your sword shall remain in your scabbard. I will be prepared to use any spells necessary if we should require such. However, I am hopeful that none shall be required. Nonetheless, with the armed Satyr here, we must be alert.
"Zorestar, you and James watch from a short way back prepared to intervene if necessary. Ganit is already scouting."
"Would I not be of more use to you if I could but gaze upon the Dryad and study her for a little while up close?" Zorestar tries to persuade Carina. "I mean, I do not get many opportunities to study such fey. I promise, I will not attempt any communication with the gentle fey. Please, m'lady, I would rather not be left behind in this instance."
As you approch and make your presence known, the beautiful dryad turns to you with her tear-stained cheeks. She seems to then smile slightly.
"Heroes of the Greenbelt? Have you arrived to save me and my tree?" she asks looking to the group with pleeding eyes. At this the satyr steps out of the treeline as he noticed he just broke a twig under his hoof, making his hiding pointless. "This is my lover, Falchos. We are in desperate need for you help. A evil plant has been destroying the forest nearby, killing all plant and animal life. When I confronted it, it tried to eat me and my love, but we escaped...barely." she pulls back a bit of the leaves to reveal a wound similar to that on her lover
"It is known as a Scythe tree. I will be willing to reward you in any way possible if you can destroy it and prove it to me." at this she takes a step towards bronwyn and gives a mischevious grin "I mean anything. My name is Tiressia."
In lessons about plants you came across one that showed the most interest. It takes barely any nutrients from the sun, air or water and perfers to hunt down living creatures, it's favourites being Elves and fey creatures (especially dyads) in it's hunt. This creature does not hunt merely for sustenance, but also because it enjoys the taste of flesh from these creatures and doesn't care if they are still alive as they enter it's maw.
It's branches and roots are twisted as if caused by a fire, but no one has been able to see one that doesn't show this sign, suggesting this is how they look naturally. The name comes from the many branches it has which are shaped into that of scythes which are used to tear creatures appart. The tree itself is enormous.
Being a tree-like plant most weapons will not harm as much as those that can slash at the creature. Arrows would have no effect for the plant has thick bark.
It has all the plant abilities of being able to resist any magical compulsions used to effect the mind as many other plants. It also has no vital organs to aim for in combat. It cannot be paralyzed, poisoned, polymorphed, put to sleep or stunned as they don't sleep.
This tree hides in plane sight, trying to blend in with the other trees it has already drained before striking at the next living creature it comes across, lunging out so that to keep attackers away from it as he tries to cut them up to peices with it's scything branches.
Despite it's appearance of being burnt, it is, like any other plant, vulnerable to fire. If anything, fire should be used to set the creature on fire and destroy it. It also has blindsight of up to 30ft and low-light vision so even if blinded, it'd be able to catch the group unaware.
Zorestar follows Carina and Bronwyn and listens carefully. He cannot help but peek over their shoulders to gaze upon the beautiful dryad, causing him to blush at the sight of her nakedness. However, once he hears the discussion about the scythe tree, he becomes very jumpy.
"It is known as a Scythe tree. I will be willing to reward you in any way possible if you can destroy it and prove it to me."
"A scythe tree?! I know what that is . . . ." Zorestar mutters under his breath. He then proceeds to bounce up and down on his toes, eager to speak but trying very hard to be polite and exercise restraint in this diplomatic situation. While the others discuss, the wizard eagerly awaits his opportunity to reveal all that he knows about the tree.
"As you say Lord."
Jameson hangs back as the group approaches the dryad, ready should the fey prove more treacherous than hoped.
Knowledge(nature):
Carina frowns as the dryad speaks directly to her husband before turning and giving her husband and even more reproachful frown. Hearing Zorestar mumbling behind her, she looks at him and grins seeing his embarrassed red face.
Well master mage, what do you know of this tree? Is this something that we can deal with? We are but a few and have obligations to those in our land.
Before Zorestar has a chance to speak, she turns back to the dryad.
My apologies. I am Carina Greenwood, Duchess of Vertaria. From your means of address, I assume that you know of my companions as well. My husband Bronwyn Greenwood, Duke of Vertaria, General Jameson Addercop IV, commander of the armies of Vertaria, Magister Zorestar Lebada, and the druid Telias Markan, protector of all that is natural in this great land.
She pauses for a moment looking at the scars on the two fey folk.
How did this Skith . . . Skyph . . . Scythe tree come to be here?
"Well master mage, what do you know of this tree?"
"I thought you would never ask." Zorestar smiles in delight, takes a deep breath and begins his lecture. "In Shargrin's Botany of Carniverous Plants, I remember reading that the Scythe tree uses practically no nutrients from the sun, air or water. In fact for nourishment, it actually prefers to hunt down living creatures! In particular, it favors hunting and eating Elves and fey creatures, especially dryads. Sadly, this vicious plant does not hunt merely for sustenance, but also because it enjoys the taste of flesh from these creatures and doesn't care if they are still alive as they enter it's maw."
"In regards to appearances, Its branches and roots are twisted as if caused by a fire. In fact of all the known Scythe trees, not a single one has been found without those markings, which clearly suggest that it is the natural appearance of said tree. The name, multos ramos falcatos comes from the many branches it has which are shaped into that of scythes which are used to tear creatures apart. Naturally, the tree itself is enormous."
"I also recall reading a paper by Leonarcisus Lauhausen entitled 'Bark, The Life and Protection of Extraneous Trees' that the scythe tree, in particular, is highly resistant to weapons that slash and pierce. In fact arrows will have practically no effect on the creature due to its thick bark. Furthermore, it has all the plant abilities of being able to resist any magical compulsions used to effect the mind like you would expect for many other plants. It goes without saying that it also has no vital organs to aim for in combat. Consequently in no way can you expect to paralyze, poison, polymorph, or stun the tree. Clearly it cannot be put to sleep since naturally they don't sleep."
"I also recall one lecture I heard given by Ezekiel Doolop on the subject of the Scythe tree. If you have not heard a lecture by him, I really recommend the experience. Not only is he a marvelous speaker, but he frequently makes use of illusions to demonstrate his points. I will have to think about getting him to the library for our brown bag luncheon series. Well, anyway, from what I learned from him, I now understand that the notorious scythe tree hides in plain sight, trying to blend in with the other trees it has already drained. When an unsuspecting victim walks by, it lunges out and tries to cut them up to pieces with its scything branches. Nine out of ten people who encounter this tree do not stand a chance of even noticing the creature, never mind surviving one of their attacks. Dare I tell about walking in the woods during a dark and gloomy night? I shudder at the thought! You see, the scythe tree has blindsight up to a range of thirty feet and even low-light vision so that even if blinded, it would still be able to catch the group unaware."
"If you have failed to grasp anything I have said thus far, there is one important fact that you must not forget. Despite its appearance of being burnt, it is, like any other plant, vulnerable to fire. Only fire can be used to set the creature alight and destroy it. I will now take questions."
Zorestar stands proudly, excited that he is able to assist in any way he can. However, as he notices the naked dryad, he blushes once again and tries to avert his eyes.
Carina listens to Zorestar, or at least she puts on a good show of attempting to listen. When he finishes, she smiles and you can almost see a flame flickering in her red eye.
Well, that is good news. I am quite good at burning things. But, are you certain that slashing and chopping weapons would be ineffective? I would think that trees would be most susceptible to axes and similar chopping weapons. After all, that is how most foresters chop down trees.
"Well, that is good news. I am quite good at burning things. But, are you certain that slashing and chopping weapons would be ineffective? I would think that trees would be most susceptible to axes and similar chopping weapons. After all, that is how most foresters chop down trees."
"Clearly, foresters chop down trees with axes, but as I was trying to explain, m'lady, this is no ordinary tree. I can certainly not speak from personal experience, but there are few who have survived that can. However, from the few sources that are experts on this matter, they all believe, as I do, that axes and blades would be virtually ineffective."
"Well, as I was saying, most slashing weapons are ineffective, unless of course he swing them at the tree. Then they actually do quite a bit of damage!"
Carina rolls her eyes at the mage: So, as I said before you incorrectly miscorrected me. The normal way of damaging trees will be the most effective. Burn it and chop it down.
Carina looks to James: Unfortunately General, it sounds as though you lance will be less effective, although you pack enough of a punch that it will undoubtedly hurt even a tough barked tree.
Carina then looks to the trees for a moment before calling loudly to nobody in particular. Arrows will also likely be less effective, if effective at all.
She then turns back to the dryad.
I do not mind helping those in need, but what type of a reward would you offer us? Under our rule, many fey have found peace in the woods of Vertaria. However, she looks at the Satyr, those who would do harm to the people of our land, including through trickery or mischievous seduction, shall be dealt with harshly.
Turning back to the dryad:
We were sent this way by a fellow fey, a nixie a distance to the west. She has requested that we return with some of your seeds which are capable of growing at a great rate. This is what I would ask of you for helping with this Scythe tree. I cannot speak for my companions however as they may have additional requests.
The f@#$ is a scyth tree?
1d20
"It is known as a Scythe tree. I will be willing to reward you in any way possible if you can destroy it and prove it to me." at this she takes a step towards bronwyn and gives a mischevious grin "I mean anything. My name is Tiressia."
Quite surprised with the fragile and enticing appearance of the fey, Bronwyn tangles with his words.
Erm, anything?
Clearing his throat to gather his thought, the baron then announces:
We would help you in any way possible, madam, but we would appreciate if you could provide us with those seeds. The kingdom of Vertaria has made friends with many of the woodland fey, and we protect our subjects and allies. You need not to worry for we are well-prepared to deal with this menace. Just point the direction and see it eliminated.
Since the fear of a treacherous attack has been dispelled, Bronwyn motions for the others to approach the party.
Would you be able to provide directions for Telias to guide us to this fiend?
She nods at this.
"I will give you these feather tokens." she says producing these small magical tokens in her hands with the effigy of a tree on them. "I will also give you more equipment when you defeat the horrid creature."
She points out to where it was last seen, but by your incomplete map, you notice the place she has pointed out is where that blighted hollow is.
Carina looks at where the dryad has pointed on the map and then looks up at the dryad.
Is not that section of the forest suffering from some type of blight? Is this Scythe tree the cause of the blight? Or is there some other more nefarious magic at work?
The dryad sheds a tear and nods.
"It is the tree. It feeds in it's search for me." she points out to the group "I asked for help from the other fey, but they saw are wounds and are too afraid to act."
"May I look at the map, please?" Zorestar asks politely. "I would like to calculate how long it will take us to arrive in this blighted wood. Does the map have a scale for distances?"
The Dryad turns ot the Baroness and nods.
"The blight is caused by the tree. It knows it is causing harm to all the creatures and plants, but it cares not. All it can do it eat and it enjoys it's eating habits." she explains, clearly feeling horrorfied just talking about this thing.
Carina lets out an exasperated sigh before turning to her companions: It sounds as though we have to track down a less than benevolent tree. Lets just hope that it enjoys fire and swords as it sounds as though it does not like civilized discussions.
"Never thought I'd heard those words. Lead the way I suppose."
"Although I understand the need to take down such malevolent trees, I cannot help but retain some appreciation for the dendrology associated with this fiend!"
Carina gives Zorestar a rather quizzical look, clearly having no clue what "dendrology" is.
"I am sorry, your Grace. Dendrology is the study of wooded plants. Please permit me to make myself absolutely clear. I am not by any means suggesting that we spare the life of this wretchedly evil tree, but naturally, it is fascinating to study and learn how such a fiend gained such power. Imagine if there existed a tree of the same magnitude who decided to use those powers for good! The forest would certainly be a much nicer place to visit! As it is presently, I suspect even the squirrels would choose to stay clear away." Zorestar scratches his beard in contemplation and then thoughtfully continues. "Although, I imagine evil squirrels could be lured to such a blighted place. In fact, there is no reason that we cannot assume that the scythe tree has evil squirrels as allies!"
"Yer makin assumptions about what good is and how a tree interprets it mr. book keepin, fire burnin wizard. Don be so quick ta discuss morality fer creatures ya don know an unerstand. Fer all ya know ya mashed this tree's cousin up ta build that fancy cart ya like."
Carina looks from the wizard to the druid:
All I know is that there is some type of evil fey and human eating tree not more than a short ride from our southern borders. A tree that will undoubtedly seek to harm us just as it has attacked and sought to consume the dryad. We must find this tree and then make sure that it does not harm any in this area again, irrespective of whether they are fey or humanoid. And, more importantly, from what I have heard, this scythe tree burns quite well. And burning things is something that I am very good at doing.
You can almost see a flame dancing in Carina's red eye as she finishes speaking about fires.
"Well if you are good at burning things, then I am sure that we will be all set. Just be careful not to burn down the entire forest or start a forest fire or something. The difficult part will be in finding this tree and not being taken by surprise when we come upon it. Well, jollyhoah! Let's be off to find the tree."
As Zorestar rides forward on his horse, he tries to get it to go without bumping so much.
"Easy there, horsey! Try to keep it nice and even!"
Actually, Zorestar, I'm learning from Jameson that there is a subtle, interesting science in dealing with horses and domesticated animals. It's all about proper posture, tone of voice and
-oof, the right, uh, saddle. Which I think this is not.
26th of Lamashan, Oathday.
The groups maps out the Dryad's area and moves into the blighted area that was highlighted by the Gnome and the group he was with. The forest appears normal until you enter the blighted area. Here all the trees appear dead, drained of life and decaying at a rapid rate. It is as if the area itself is against the creature. So far you don't notice anything yet.
ST:
Bronwyn:
Carina:
Zorestar:
Telias:
Jameson:
Ganit:
You are all surprised as one of the trees begins to moving and reveals that it has a large maw with a row of teeth and it's scythe-like branches come down and attack Ganit from quite a distance away as the tree has such a long reach. All you can then hear is it's voice, a slow and deep voice, filled with hunger and rage.
"Food." is about all you can get as it groans this word out.
Attack vs Ganit:
damage:
Round 1
Iniative:
Scyth Tree:
The Hermit Ganit D'Artain
Telias Markan
Sir Bronwyn Raslov
Carina Stigard
Jameson Addercop IV
Zorestar Lebeda
Order:
Zorestar
Jameson
Gamit
Scythe Tree
Telias
Carina
Sir Bronwyn
Round 1
Zorestar moves his hands in quick somatic gestures and then utters the arcane phrase "Acele ile hareket!" to cast Haste on his companions.
"The time has come for relative extrema! You will now attack with a relative maximum velocity!"
Carina waits hoping the tree attacks the heavily armored party members. Ok, she waits because she slow on the uptake and the tree beat her on the init.
"You're correct Bron, it's all in how you move your hips. Don't fight the horse, just move with it."
"You're correct Bron, it's all in how you move your hips. Don't fight the horse, just move with it."
Round 1
HP = 50/50
AC = 24/11/23
Weapon Equipped = Lance
Speed = 50'
Challenge = 2/2
Status Effects = Mounted
Donal HP = 44/44 AC = 20
Status Effects = Haste
Seeing Ganit hit and the target in sight, Jameson charges.
"I'll turn you into my next lance!"
AC 19
Weapon Equipped Bastard Sword +4 (1d8+4)
Speed 60 ft. (haste)
Bardic Performance 17/17 rounds per day
Status Effects haste (+1 dodge to AC, +1 to Reflex saves, +1 attack in a full-round action)
Bronwyn springs into action, taking quick steps towards the vicious tree while unsheathing his sword from its scabbard. The blade slides easily from the well-oiled sheath, gleaming like quicksilver as magic flows into its steel.
This monster menaces our lands and even nature itself with its random violence! Let us put a swift end to that before it claims any more lives!
Reeling from the attack, Ganit instinctively rolls into an offensive position; diving to his left and releasing a shaft.
Round 1
** spoiler omitted **Seeing Ganit hit and the target in sight, Jameson charges.
"I'll turn you into my next lance!"
The lance seems to deflect off the huge wicked tree and it's bark, leaving a very light scratch on it.
Reeling from the attack, Ganit instinctively rolls into an offensive position; diving to his left and releasing a shaft.
The arrow appears to merely bounce off the hard bark exterior. The tree appears to barely notice it.
Scythe Tree
The tree, being attacked by Jameson ignores him, remaining where it is rooted to try and attack Bronwyn, Telias and Carina.
attack 1 (Bronwyn):
attack 2 (Bronwyn):
attack 3 (Telias):
attack 4 (Carina):
attack 2 crit confirm:
attack 2 (Bronwyn) damage:
attack 3 (Telias) damage:
attack 4 (Carina) damage:
Round 1 updated
Order:
Zorestar
Jameson
Gamit
Scythe Tree
Telias
Carina
Sir Bronwyn
Feeling, or hopefully not feeling if Mage Armor is up, the slash of the branches, Carina quickly steps back slightly and raises her arms as her hands curl into claw like shapes.
Fire of death, burn from within and end this one's breath.
Then suddenly it is as though a flicker, or perhaps a spark, passes from her hands directly toward the tree where smoke suddenly appears from within the trunk as though the tree is burning from within.
Cast Spontaneous Immolation
Damage: + catch on fire and take 1d6+1 damage each round
--> DC17 Fort for 1/2 damage and no catching on fire.
Carina then steps back 5' to hopefully get away from the deadly branches.
"FEcking 'ell dat thigns got some sting innit!"
Withdraw to C8