Euan's Second Darkness (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

Lief spends his time donning his armor, and healing himself to the extent the demon rot will allow him. He'll need to prepare a remedy after they rest again. For Tanglebriar's inhospitable welcome, he's not hopeful that it will be easy.

"Ederin, can you gain a bearing on Thorn's End, from the map?"

Knowledge(Geography): 1d20 + 12 + 1d8 ⇒ (19) + 12 + (4) = 35

fort save DC 23: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25, pass
fort save DC 23, charmed life: 1d20 + 7 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 3 = 25, pass

Dimitrio falls away from the spider demon, panting and more than a little scared.

The smell of rotten fruit fills his nostrils and the bard is afraid that it's his nose that's actually rotting.

Hopeful the effect has stopped, he saunters over to Layne for help.

---------
I can't even heal up to max hit points with CON damage, right? Does the damage tallied account for reduced CON?

Allarnon is pleased with the results as the pair of overgrown spiders fall. Overall he came out of the ordeal unscathed as his unyielding rage and fortitude shielded him from the pain.

Turning around he sees Dimitrio's flesh begin to warp and rot away at a rapid rate. His stomach turns and he heaves his latest meal into the swamp before he is able to go and check in on him.

Detect Poison. If it is indeed Poison then Allarnon will cast neutralize Poison.

Neutralize Poison check if needed: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

if poison, then if this hits the DC of 23, Dimi, you get +4 to save.

Unfortunately it is not a poison, so the healing does not help with the saves and you can save the neutralize poison for later.

Dimitrio - the HP damage does not include Con loss. Did you take the penalty from the con loss on your Fort saves? If so, you're all done, if not... you might have failed both of those saves and be even worse off.

Quilindra did not have a map of the Tanglebriar, just some of the Aiudara gateways. I don't think she said where Thorn's End is located in relation to the gate. At least I meant not to. :) She did say it was just a few miles away however, and while that might not seem like much, Ederin, Allarnon, and maybe even Lief can give you some idea of what the terrain is like around here before you even set off.

Thick coils of stinging nettles, swaths of glistening mold and poisonous fungi, spiky vines and razor-sharp branches, and thick, sucking patches of soggy ground present a very real threat to any who would try to traverse the woodland.

Overland travel through Tanglebriar is 1/4 normal, and for every hour spent traversing the tangle, a creature must make a DC 16 Fortitude save to avoid taking 1d4 points of Strength damage from the various poison thorns, spores, and nettles that grow thick in the area.

Some of you can pass through the undergrowth OK, but the marsh-land is still a problem (so Allarnon, you might be at half move instead of 1/4 over long distances). At least one of you can fly above the tangle, though you won't be able to see each other at all though the thick forest.

Kaylayne, let me know if you plan to fly, exposed, above the treeline to look around.

"I'll scout from above," Kaylayne says, looking up. "You all will move so slowly down here, that even if I go very slow, I'll still go faster than you. Watch for the water. I'll guide you from above."

Kaylayne will travel near the treetops, moving half speed and trusting her vest of golden leaves to keep her hidden from sight.

Take 10 stealth: 30 stealth.

1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21 Know (geography) - To Thorn's End.

Every 100 yards or so, Kaylayne will cast Create Water and send down a long sheet (24 gallons) of (yellow) water to communicate direction for the party of muckwalkers.

K. Geo= Thorn's End: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30

Ederin nods at Kaylayn's plan. "Land is rough around here. I'll keep point but I ain't gonna be movin' as fast as I used to." He looks over Dimitrio and frowns. "We ain't gonna be movin' at all if Carini can't keep up though. Those bugs did 'im a number. I ain't got any spells to help him with." He looks at Kaylayne and raises an eyebrow, hoping she's got something.

When Dimitrio is taken care of, the archer stalks off, still wanting to keep his distance from the party after the encounter with Quilindra. He tries to find a path that is both efficient and less harmful to Dimitrio and Lief who are unaccustomed to traveling through rough terrain.

Perception: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33
Survival: 1d29 + 17 ⇒ (12) + 17 = 29

I assume my Woodland Stride makes me immune to the damage, but let me know if that isn't the case.

Every few moments Allarnon is doused with yellow water as Kaylayne dumps it from above. After nearly an hour he looks like a raccoon thrown into the stream as his wet fur flows haphazardly down his body.

"I hope this isn't what it looks like." He grumbles.

Perception: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34
Survival: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30

A few things before you guys go running off.

I need to know what direction you're going. Survivals and Knowledge Geography will be very helpful (and I'll keep your generally good rolls) once you have a direction. But you are currently in a very ugly forest with no idea what direction to go. Sorry I wasn't clearer.

You have no map and no Quilindra to guide you. You know you're close, according to Quilindra. Assuming she was telling the truth, Thorn's End is only a few miles away. Somewhere. You're not even sure what Thorn's End is, or what it looks like.

Also, once you do get going, Ederin quickly discovers he is suffering the strength damage like everyone else - even Kaylayne (unless she travels above the tree tops). From the ability, "Thorns, briars, and overgrown areas that are enchanted or magically manipulated to impede motion, however, still affect him." Apparently this forest is magically manipulated to impede motion.

The trees and shrubs yearn for flesh and seems to rustle softly with pleasure when you bleed. Barbs and thorns reach out to you as you go by, and branches you try and cut down out of your way seem to move from your blades, making travel that much more difficult. It's a real nightmare...

Kaylayne moves above the trees to scout, going up higher (100' or so) and above to see where things are before darting back down to the trees.

Kaylayne climbs above the treeline into the exposed air. From the ground you cannot see her, and she seems to be gone some time.

Kaylayne leads the party to the southwest first, keeping herself near the treeline to keep herself hidden and giving her quick access to an escape. Using create water as a guide, she leads the party to a natural opening in the forest.

She will explain, once they get to what might be a large pool of water or natural occurrence, that....

"Let's stop here for a moment," Kaylayne says, coming out of the forest trees into the natural opening. "I saw some crumbling towers to the north of here. There were some large fliers in the air over the building...and for me to see them this far off, that means that they are big."

GM Evilan, now that the party has moved a bit, is it possible for us to gauge how long it will take the party to get to the north towers?

"I don't imagine we're trying to go any further until Dimitrio is properly healed. I'm only slightly injured, but I can make a round of formulae to heal the rot's damage. The only question is where to rest that is safe."

The group is moving at 1/4 I think. Some of you can move faster, but not all. So it takes about two hours to reach a clearing in the forest to the Southwest of your original spot. Everyone please make two DC 14 fort saves, or suffer d4 Strength damage per failure. Kaylayne, that's you too unless you spend the entire time out of reach of the trees in plain sight above the canopy.

As you get closer to the clearing, you hear loud screeching and cawing. As you get even closer, it's clear the sounds are most unnatural. You think you hear the occasional screams of a woman as well, but it's hard to tell.

EDIT: Ninja boy suggests not traveling at all yet - which is fine. If so, you obviously don't have the information I just shared. :)

Fortitude Save v DC 14: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (19) + 10 - 1 = 28
Fortitude Save v DC 14: 1d20 + 10 - 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 - 1 = 11 Strength Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3

Lief sits down, and waits for the others to understand the wisdom in standing ground.

Allarnon Fort save 1: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (7) + 17 = 24
Allarnon Fort save 2: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (18) + 17 = 35
Tarkir Fort save 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Tarkir Fort save 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

The smaller, inferior thorns aren't able to penetrate Allarnon and Tarkir's thick hides as they push on through the copious forest.

Hearing the panicked scream nearby Allarnon prepares for another fight.

Allarnon-Barkskin
Tarkir- Barkskin; Greater Magic Fang

"Someone is in trouble Lief. We need to see if they are alright."

Allarnon continues to crash through the trees towards the noise. His large body knocks down the smaller trees and crumples the small bushes underneath his weight.

The party is ~200 yards from the clearing when they hear the screams.

So if you want to crash through the trees toward your opponents, you can, but it's a bit of work to get there and you'll almost certainly be heard as you approach if you do so with any speed.

Let's start with the first 3 rounds or so of actions - Allarnon cast three spells and is readying to charge in next round.

1d20 + 14 ⇒ (12) + 14 = 26 Know (planes) - Vrocks: DRs? SR? Spec Attx?

Kaylayne ponders what she knows of the demons before continuing.

How high is the forest top (where Kaylayne is) vs. the party?

"Yes, Allarnon, someone is in trouble." Lief shoots a thumb at rotting Dimitrio. "The screeching could be anything. Tanglebriar could be calling you to your death this very moment."

Drained of both constitution and strength, and barely able to draw upon his mind's inspiration, Lief looks in no way interested in following ahead with the others, but he remains attentive to Ederin and Allarnon for their motivation in saving the wailing woman, whoever she may be.

"Dimitrio, can you march? Or do you want to stay and rest?"

Kaylayne is ~70' up from the rest of the party currently flying ~10' over the canopy more or less.

Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Fort: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Despite finding himself struggling more than he expected, Ederin finds he is able to traverse the land without hurting himself too badly. "Alright, well, you stay 'ere and make sure Carini doesn't collapse. I'll follow quick like behind the bear and shout back if we need help."

Ederin doesn't want to push the weakened Bard more than they should, but he's not convinced Allarnon isn't right, and after they murdered the demon, possibly saving someone felt like maybe it would put him back in a good place.

While Allarnon prepares his spells, Ederin casts a spell on his boy and follows quickly behind the druid.

600' feet to go: Round 1: Kaylayne will cast Barkskin and move 20' closer.

580' feet to go: Round 2: Kaylayne will cast Magic Cirlce against Evil and move 20' closer.

560' feet to go: Round 3: Kaylayne will assume the form of a tiny, but mighty swamp hawk, and move yet closer.

530' away. Still flying in plain sight...but also as bird common to the area.

"Dimitrio, can you march? Or do you want to stay and rest?"

The bard shook his head, "No, I can barely stop myself from gagging. Do you not smell it? I'm f*~~ing rotting here!"

He quickly added, "Sorry, I know it's not your fault but I really need to heal. Can we go back to the other side of this gate and heal there?"

------------

A few rounds pass as the party debates, a little, what to do and prepares for a combat. The woman's breathless screams abate, and renew in that short time.

Three more rounds of actions please, but depending on what folks do, I might cut it off sooner. You're a ways from the screeching demons, and if everyone is going at their own pace, the party will split up pretty quickly. As Kaylayne noted, you're 600' from the clearing.

Let me know your next few rounds plans.

Allarnon is just now realizing that Dimitrio is having more difficulty than he originally thought. Wandering back he nudges Dimi.

"Sorry. Didn't realize the spider hurt ya that bad. We can rest for the night...but I am afraid that woman isn't going to make it the night."

Allarnon seems conflicted on helping the screaming woman.

OK, Kaylayne briefly gains, oh, sending, and communicates the nature of the enemy with the party. Facing a small handful of Vrocks, the party decides to wait, hidden in the forest, as the woman's screams continue.

Kaylayne rejoins the party, as herself (the three rounds of spell prep have NOT happened as yet - we're backing up that bit so you still have your spells and abilities), making her way through the canopy carefully. You're 200yds from the clearing. You can talk freely as the excited screeching of the Vrock and the panicked screams of the woman easily drown out any minor noises you may make.

Oh, and yes it's just damage as I said, so lesser restoration works just fine. However, Dimitrio, I still need two fort saves for the strength damage from the journey to this point.

Bruised, battered, and in a bad mood, the bard doies his best to trudge through the thorny vines.

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I thought we weren't moving from the gate. Dimitrio is in in now shape to traverse through poisoned thorns. Anyway, in order to facilitate the game going... :)
fort save DC 16, - 4 to roll due to -8 CON: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 7 - 4 = 4, fail
fort save DC 16, - 4 to roll due to -8 CON: 1d20 + 7 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 4 = 21, pass
STR damage: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Lesser restoration Wand on Dimitrio (CON): 1d4 ⇒ 1
Lesser restoration Wand on Dimitrio (CON): 1d4 ⇒ 2
Lesser restoration Wand on Dimitrio (CON): 1d4 ⇒ 3
Lesser restoration Wand on Dimitrio (CON): 1d4 ⇒ 2
Lesser restoration Wand on Dimitrio (STR): 1d4 ⇒ 1

Allarnon grabs ahold of the wand and helps alleviate some of Dimitrio's more serious ailments.

"Does that feel any better?" Allarnon apologizes again to Dimitrio as he nearly collapses from the forced march.

Lief takes the wand, and executes three administrations of its magic.

Lesser Restoration(Con): 1d4 ⇒ 2
Lesser Restoration(Str): 1d4 ⇒ 1
Lesser Restoration(Str): 1d4 ⇒ 3

"Well, I'm not going to be very helpful in destroying the vrock. I spent myself destroying the other one." He thinks on the creatures at hand.

Knowledge(Planes): 1d20 + 17 + 1d8 ⇒ (10) + 17 + (3) = 30 DR, SR, Special Attacks

"If we're close to Thorn's End, aren't the vrock doing us a favor, if they're attacking a member of the Winter Council? Aren't we here to simply slaughter the cabalists?"

"Vrock? Ain't that the thing they summoned when we were takin' the city back for Cryin' Leaf?"

Ederin frowns, knowing that he's improved his marksmanship since then, but not convinced it's enough to take on a group of them. He listens to the woman screaming and kicks himself for not rushing to save her, but he knows his party members are right, they need to be at full strength.

"Do we know the Winter Council is the only thing 'round here?" The archer asks. "Or do we know it ain't eatin' one o' their prisoners. The drow were summonin' these things, and they're in league with the Council, maybe the Vrock are workin' for them too."

Lief raises his eyebrows briefly, unable to concretely say anything other than to speculate. "The only ones mad enough to walk these woods would be Winter Council to hide away and Demon to stalk the lands. I suggest caution, with an eye on self-preservation. If there are numerous vrock, we may simply end up joining the unfortunate woman as playthings."

The young man looks to the others, expecting forward movement towards the only identified buildings in the vicinity, at least.

Allarnon grabs ahold of the wand and helps alleviate some of Dimitrio's more serious ailments.

"Does that feel any better?" Allarnon apologizes again to Dimitrio as he nearly collapses from the forced march.

Dimitrio smile slowly takes over his face as the healing magic wipes away all trace of disease or whatever it was that was making him feel like s+#*.

He slaps the bear-man in the back, "Aye, much better. Thanks."

He then turns to the others who were a little away discussing the screaming woman, "Sorry for holding you all up but I'm ready to scout and/or attack. Has a decision been made?"

---------

Kaylayne, now that she has joined the party, explains the two points of interest that she saw. She seems inclined to save the elf, because that's what good people do and there is no way of knowing whether the elf is an elf or a WC elf...

"...and I don't know if leaving her to vrocks will gain us any information about what is happening at our destination. Some information would be nice now that our guide has been murdered."

"We should save her."

Kaylayne begins to magic up and expects others to do the same.

"Let's go all out, knowing that we can rest before we assault our destination tomorrow."

Not quite sure what the plan is, but feel free to do three rounds of prep/movement if you wish to engage the Vrock. Reminder that you're ~600' from the clearing.

Though the screams are less pronounced, it seems clear the woman is yet alive when you begin your preparations.

"We should save her. Let's go all out, knowing that we can rest before we assault our destination tomorrow."

Lief looks at Ederin, before responding. "Kaylayne, what makes you think there will be opportunity to rest before we assault Thorn's End? Do you have its precise location? How do we know the destruction of the flock of vrock won't lead to continued aggression within or without the structures you sighted? Like Ederin said, the vrock could simply be the grounds guard for the Winter Council."

Lief decides that whatever foolishness ensues, Kaylayne will be at the front, backing her intentions with actions. He readies himself, for what little action he intends to take once the violence erupts.

"Ladies first." Lief gestures for Kaylayne to proceed.

"Dimitrio, here." The young man hands the dancer a vial that swirls with metallic flecks of color. Cast Stoneskin on Dimitrio (Yes, Lief has Infusion, to share his formulae...) 2 hours, or until discharged- DR 10/Adamantine, to prevent 120hp total.

Cast Shield, Cast Barkskin

Allarnon continues his preparations that he had only previously begun. While he had lost a bit of hope before with what happened with Quill he is slowly regaining a bit of his humanity back as the group agrees to not let the woman die.

Allarnon- Barkskin; Stoneskin DR 10/adamantine; 120 points
Tarkir- Barkskin

Once everyone is ready and as prepared as he can be with what he has left Allarnon begins to stomp through the thorny batch, making sure not to get too ahead of the group.

"Let's do this." He says grimly.

"Kaylayne, what makes you think there will be opportunity to rest before we assault Thorn's End? Do you have its precise location? How do we know the destruction of the flock of vrock won't lead to continued aggression within or without the structures you sighted? Like Ederin said, the vrock could simply be the grounds guard for the Winter Council."

Kaylayne looks at the boy and wonders when wisdom, selflessness, and mercy will find itself in a book he can read.

"I think there will be an opportunity because we can create that opportunity. I think we can rest after this fight if we wish. Not sure we are going to be forced to assault anything our wishes," Kaylayne replies calmly. "I don't have the precise location, but that's what I explained when I came down. It's one of two locations that might be it. Now that I see/hear the vrocks at play, I don't think this is it."

Kaylayne pauses to collect her thoughts.

"I don't know that killing the vrocks will matter much...but I hope that they are guards and that we can whittle down their number before we have to assault the place. You see, without our murdered guide, we don't have any sure path to sneak inside. In fact, we're mostly flying blind without our guide that was murdered."

"If we can save the elf, then we might gain a bit more insight into this land. And that would be welcome. She does not know why we are here...heck, mayhaps we can convince her that we are on her side, whichever it might be."

Kaylayne begins to prep.

600' feet to go: Round 1: Kaylayne will cast Barkskin and move 20' closer.

580' feet to go: Round 2: Kaylayne will cast Magic Cirlce against Evil and move 20' closer.

560' feet to go: Round 3: Kaylayne will assume the form of a tiny, but mighty swamp hawk, and land on Allarnon's back.

When we get to about 100' to go: Round 4: Kaylayne will concentrate inwards offering a bit of the Other Kaylayne's essence to the party: Haste: (Round 1/12) +1 to AC/Ref/Attax & movement, yadayadayada.

"Dimitrio, here." The young man hands the dancer a vial that swirls with metallic flecks of color.

Dimitrio takes the concoction with a curt thanks to Lief. He cannot fake the sour pickle face at the taste of the potion. With his skin becoming brittle and hard he cannot but wonder whether this dry skin will be permanent.

He pulled out his blade and buckler and readied himself for battle.

He nodded, "Aye, we could use some local knowledge so saving this elf will be good."

As battle becomes eminent, Dimitrio is hoping he regains his skin's natural suppleness soon. The bard casts another spell; this one an enhanced version of his usual blur spell.

----------
cast displacement

"Kay's right." Ederin says. "We ain't gonna be sure what's what until we go find out. Jus' gotta be careful an' make sure we ain't doin' anythin' too stupid."

This whole trip is somethin' too stupid. He thinks to himself as he follows everyone elses lead and preps himself for the battle to come.

Barkskin - 90 minutes
Gravity bow when Kaylayne casts haste

In the second round of the party preparations, they hear one of the woman's screams stop suddenly with a squelching thud.

The resulting laughter from the Vrock, carries throughout the forest. A moment or two passes, and you hear them no more.

Never the less, you reach the clearing and find a grisly scene before you. (I'll assume haste and other 'last minute' spells have not been cast)

The clearing is perhaps a hundred yards across at its longest point, but irregular. Nearer to you, lies a pile of elven bodies, perhaps a dozen or two in number, most having died in the last few months from the looks of it - and all in the same way. They fell from a great height.

The corpses are mangled and broken. Atop the pile, is an elven woman, clearly kitted as a warrior of some sort - though apparently her skills failed her against such overwhelming odds. Most of the pile consist of fighters of one sort or another, though some servants can be seen as well. From the looks of it, the demons have had a great deal of fun here with captured prisoners.

All is quiet now though, as the demons, having no playthings, are not present at the moment.

Kaylayne will rush to the most recent warrior's side to see if the woman still lives.

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Heal

Upon finding her truly dead, Kaylayne litters the area with a mixture of oaths and invectives. She grumps and twists and stomps.

"Too late. Too piddlespotting late," Kaylayne moans. "We needed her. We needed what she knew. And also, we need to kill those vrocks so we don't have to face them later."

Kaylayne ponders as she looks around the clearing for things of interest.

"I should bring her back," Kaylayne says to herself, but not herself. "I should bring her piddlespotting back, I brought back the bear...why couldn't I bring back an elf?" Kaylayne looks to be arguing with something, probably herself.

"I should bring her back, We needed her. We need to know."

Kaylayne shakes her head and searches the clearning.

1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27 Perception w/Detect Magic

According to Evilan, it's about lunchtime.

Kaylayne ponders as she looks around the clearing for things of interest.

"I should bring her back," Kaylayne says to herself, but not herself. "I should bring her piddlespotting back, I brought back the bear...why couldn't I bring back an elf?" Kaylayne looks to be arguing with something, probably herself.

"I should bring her back, We needed her. We need to know."

Dimitrio can't help but overhear Layne, "Do it, Layne. Bring her back. There's still time. It wouldn't be a waste of resources."

He added, "Who knows what sort of useful information she may have? And she was fighting the vrock. An enemy of my enemy and all that."

Lief watches the skies for any sign of the vrocks' return.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 + 1d8 ⇒ (7) + 19 + (5) = 31

When he's reasonably sure they'll be left alone, in the clearing, he looks over the pile of bodies, searching for crests, identifications, and, of course, useful items that may serve them, going forward.

Perception: 1d20 + 19 + 1d8 ⇒ (12) + 19 + (5) = 36
Knowledge(Nobility): 1d20 + 12 + 1d8 ⇒ (5) + 12 + (6) = 23

Aside from the woman's moaning, Lief actually enjoys the peace of the clearing, free from Tanglebriar at the moment.

The clearing is briefly searched and aside from some scatological evidence, you find nothing of value.

Lief concentrates on the pile of bodies, pulling them away from the stack and examining them more closely.

No item of particular value is found, but he does see insignia of various minor noble elven houses. Likely second or third sons and daughters relegated to important positions in the military.

Allarnon's jaw drops as he sees the pile of bodies. Reaching the clearing he slumps down near the edge in defeat.

"We....we were too late. We couldn't save her...." tears begin to form in his eyes. "We left her to die."

His mind grows fuzzy as he has difficulty differentiating right from wrong anymore. Most actions of late are folding into a large, massive gray area of doubt and self regrets.

"We....we were too late. We couldn't save her...."

Kaylayne goes to comfort Allarnon, her jaw deadset in determination and anger.

"Bring her, Alla. Bring her with us. On the morrow, I will try to bring her back...if she wishes to come back. Like I did with Tarkir. We'll need an ally," Kaylayne asks, trying to be hopeful.

"If she wishes to rejoin her fight against the demons, she'll come back to us. Bring her. There is still hope."

Kaylayne looks to the north, where the other point of interest lay.

"I figure the other location is about 3 hours north of here. Maybe we travel for a few more hours that direction, then look for a place to make camp, if we can. Or we can hide out around here and hope those vrocks come back. I think we should move and rest."

"Come morning, I'll ask the Other to see if this one's spirit will come back to her body. Maybe so, maybe not, but we should try."

Kaylayne looks around for consensus or other ideas.

Kaylayne's words bring Allarnon a small bit of hope.

She brought Tarkir back. Can she really bring back a person?

He gently grabs the elven warrior in his teeth and places her across Tarkir's back. Her limp body drapes loosely across but overall seems steady enough.

"Let's....let's find a place til morning."

The goal, I suspect, is to be close enough to not have a forest fort save in the morning, but far enough away that you aren’t discovered by whatever’s at Thorn’s End. Between the skillset of the party, and Kaylayne’s ability to fly above it all, you’ll find the perfect spot.

So, you travers the thorny, clingy, slow moving Tanglebriar for a little over two hours. (Three fort saves please - DC 14 each. Failure and you take 1d4 strength damage.) You find the best camp site you can considering - a dry patch with slightly fewer thorns than the surrounding ground. As you reach the area, Kaylyane’s preternatural senses begin tingling as she flies above the forest…

Surprise round for Kaylayne. The forest is quiet and there’s a new map.

You all notice the forest is very quiet here. Tanglebriar is quieter than most with a higher concentration of insects - the damn biting beasts - but fewer large creatures. So there’s a background hum throughout, but little in the way of bird chirps, or mammals moving about. But usually there’s some.

Here there is no noise, and few insects for that matter… It’ll be a lovely spot to camp for the night if you overcome whatever fell presence seems to be guarding it.

Round Surprise, Init X

Sensing something wrong, Kaylayne moves closer to the party. Down 35'.