Back in the lodge, the previous day:
"I'm Vrixx!" He proudly puts his thumb to his chest. "I don't know about no lady, but I do know who created this storm. You probably want to stay away. Queen Elvanna is going to cover the entire planet with this lovely weather. I like it, do you like it? Where is the mean man> I want to beat him up." He flutters around a bit.
The mean man is dead downstairs. Are you saying queen Elvanna is responsible for this weather? The queen of Irrisen? And she wants to cover the entire planet? That's... that's....that's hard to believe. But it somehow makes sense, who else could conjure such a weather?
Morde broods by the fire as the others talk, not being used to being around so many people at once is putting him on edge. watching the fire he tries to overhear the different conversations.
Kishai, not being very social or diplomatic, leaves the others to talk with the Fey and heads downstairs to sit by the fire with Mordred and flip through her journal making the occasional note.
Kishai looks back and forth between the huge bovine and the bridge. "Well we might not have to worry about the bridge at all. Our large friend here will probably not be able to cross it so we will have to figure out how to either go down into or around this ravine...." She begins to pace along the edge, looking for any obvious path down that they might be able to utilize.
" I don't mind a bit of cold, but putting the winter where it's not supposed to be will mess a whole lot of things up. But why would we want to stay away from who made the storm?"
---
Dhakor peers down to the waters below. "Yeah, this looks risky. River like that'll chew you up, even without the fall."
He looks around, trying to think of another plan.
Vrixx responds to Satu and Dhakor, "Oh good, he got what he deserved then. I don't know much about these rituals but she did order those around her to protect it with their lives and they probably will. But not me, no no no I'm safe."
Dhakor knows that you can cross, but it's a half mile down the mountain, which means you'll have to back track a little and lose some travel time. But you all agree that the Bison won't be crossing that easily if at all.
Kishai comes back from the edge of the ravine and looks in the general direction that Dhakor indicates. "Well, I think that safety is more important than speed. I have no issue taking our time backtracking to a safer crossing."
"So the mean man wasn't working for Elvanna then? We heard he was working with sone fey or other in a hat. How did he manage to capture you?"
" Yeah, there's a better crossing downstream, where the river widens a bit. Can't help losing the time, we'll just have to hope the ritual won't finish early. "
Vrixx responds to Dhakor, "I don't really know. I was kinda just invited to come along. But he was a jerk. After the invasion, I flew by the lodge and he was setting up a trap at the front door and I got curious and flew up to him. That jerk knocked out, not sure by what though... kinda sounded like a gong. Then I found myself in his little cage. He kept asking a lot of questions, similar to yours but more curious. I threatened him with my worst insults but did nothing. Heh," It smirks at you.
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Your party begins following the gorge.
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The date is 4713 AR on Fireday, 21st Earstus at 12:00 pm - current moon cycle: first quarter
The Location - Trail to Portal???
A cold wind blows through the forest atop the ridge. Heavy snow burdens the boughs of the evergreen trees, but someone has apparently cleared the snow from a large patch of ground to dig in the pine-needle-carpeted soil.
Garrasay looks at the deep snow on either side of the gorge. On a good day without the snow he might have been able to find a safe path around the obstacle, but under these conditions? Instead he opted to assist Mordeed intent on learning from the more skilled woodsman.
Durra, who was well at home in the snow usually, felt strangely lost.
Kishai is definitely not at home in the snow, but thanks to her infusion against the cold she steps up and tags along with Garrasay to try to help Mordred as well, hoping her experience in more temperate areas will be of use.
Yeah i think you're taking wrong turns there. We need to go this way if we want to come forward.
Satu wraps her pelt tight against the cold wind, motioning to a totally different direction and steps ahead.
-----------------------------------------------
Invasion? What invasion Vrixx? You mean that other fey captured you or the necromancer? I met that trap at the front door.
Satu says rubbing her still aching shoulder.
Morde hears the Feyling talking about Elvanna, she must be powerful indeed to do this to the weather. I might offer my services to her , if that the only way to survive.
When the knights and the Lady leave, Morde will tell them that if they need assistance and if it within his power he will assist. and gives a gracious bow to the lady as they leave.
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Looking around the chasm, Morde doesn't know what to say, Being the leader he is he points to a direction after studying the snow and says, " I agree with Lady Satu, This is the best way to cross." Knowing that sounding confidant is the most important thing. pulling on his knowledge of geography instead of survival he does believe it is the right way after several moments. Pulling close his cold weather outfit he puts away his Greataxe knowing he might need his hands on the downward climb. (reminder- Morde almost always has it out unless specifically mentioned)
Familiar with the area from his many wanderings, Cnut is able to offer directions here and there.
After many hours through the snow the group reaches a snow free patch. "Look. This is a welcoming sight, isn't it?"
You help the party navigate the gorge to a safer terrain to cross. The constant snow makes your travels hard. It will only taking several hours traveling in the difficult terrain and with a large party. You don't necessarily make your way back to where the bridge is, but you do find your way back to the trail.
The date is 4713 AR on Fireday, 21st Earstus at 12:00 pm - current moon cycle: first quarter
The Location - Trail to Portal???
A cold wind blows through the forest atop the ridge. Heavy snow burdens the boughs of the evergreen trees, but someone has apparently cleared the snow from a large patch of ground to dig in the pine-needle-carpeted soil.
Morde inspects the hole to see if he can identify the creature that made the hole and if anything is in it.
"Stay back everyone.", he draws his axe, wary for a trap.
Kishai comes up next to Mordred and studies the hole as well, claws bared in case of danger.
"grrrrrrr. Could it just be some animal caught in the snow desperately digging for food? RrrRRrRR"
Dhakor draws his trident and looks around the trees warily.
"Could be something burying food for later. Might be ticked off if't catches us poking around its stores. "
Mordred & Kishai moves up to the hole to examine it. Suddenly you all hear the sound of movement, trees moving to be exact. You look around and you see three trees suddenly animated and moving towards you as if hostile.
Once a frost fir's fertilized cones fully mature, it clears an area of sacred ground, removing any residual snow or ice so it can plant its seedlings. Groves often band together to share in the responsibility of protecting these offspring, and aggressively defend such plots from intruders.
You know they can speak languages and they are immune to cold and vulnerable to fire. Plant Traits and slashing weapons are best to get past their DR.
You also know a frost fir's bark constantly exudes a sticky resin that aids its combat maneuvers and natural attacks.
Initiative
Satu
Garrasay
Dhakor
Mordred
Kishai
Cnut
Durra (+1 in cold terrain)
Trees
Slides
Round 1
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17.00 - Trees
16.03 - Durra
15.00 - Garrasay
12.02 - Kishai
10.07 - Cnut
10.02 - Satu
07.01 - Mordred
06.03 - Dhakor
-------- Round End --------
The trees move, (green) double moves up to Garrasay. (Blue) double moves up to Mordred.
(Orange) moves up to Mordred and slams into him FF AC 15
20/x2
Misses
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Up next, everyone!
Slides
Round 1
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16.03 - Durra
15.00 - Garrasay
12.02 - Kishai
10.07 - Cnut
10.02 - Satu
07.01 - Mordred
06.03 - Dhakor
-------- Round End --------
Kishai moves away from the trees and calls out to the group "I've heard of these before. They're just protecting the hole where they've buried their young. We might be able to talk them down."
She then calls out to the tree creatures in Sylvan, hoping it is one of the languages they speak.
Durra moves through the group to protect them from the major threat. She has her axe in a threatening position.
Dhakor moves up next to Mordred and holds his trident at the ready, waiting to see what the trees do.
Petal rustles excitedly as the trees came to life. Garrasay could feel his desire to be able to communicate with the other plant creatures. "rRRrRrrggg. We are friends of the forest, we mean you no harm. We merely seek the source of this unnatural winter to restore the normal cycle. GggGrrRggg"
Despite wishing to resolve this peacefully, Garrasay knew that conflict might be inevitable. Still he wanted to give the trees the benefit of the doubt and prepared to cast a defensive spell if need be.
Seeing the beast move forward and attack him Morde dunks under the mghty blow by the Tree, "Halt, your violence against us. Or face the Law of nature." Morde readies his axe to attack the beast if it swings at him again. Inwardly he smiles that he aligned himself with those that were not quick to despoil nature, but the rules are harsh. If the creature attacks him again there will be nothing but twigs for his fire.
The trees are moving! Do you all see that?
Satu is seemingly more surprised than the rest. Nonetheless she raises her hands, showing surprisingly sharp claws ready to slash at them.
Fight them with fire if necessary!
She moves over next to Mordred, confronting the tree there.
Kishai speaks to the trees.
Durra, Garrasay, Mordred & Satu all ready actions.
The orange one responds.
And attacks and all your readied actions go off.
Durra hits blue and does some damage.
Mordred hits orange and it falls unconscious.
Dhakor & Satu both miss.
Garrasay casts shield.
Blue attacks Mordred AC 16
20/x2
Misses
Green attacks Garrasay AC 20
20/x2
Misses
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Up next, everyone!
Slides
Round 2
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16.03 - Durra
15.00 - Garrasay
12.02 - Kishai
10.07 - Cnut
10.02 - Satu
07.01 - Mordred
06.03 - Dhakor
17.00 - Trees
-------- Round End --------
Durra chops the tree once more and shouts: "What did he say?"
She then moves toward green
Dhakor seems to flow through the snow as he steps back and casts a spell.
"Hanspur, lend your aid to these travellers."
Taken aback by the ambulatory trees, Cnut is slow to respond. Once he shakes off his torpor, he steps away from Garrasay and chants a few words and makes some gestures. Nothing seems to happen.
"He said if we want to avoid this fight we will need to flee. I suspect they are too territorial and will fight unless we are out of their area. At least try to subdue them without killing"
Kishai strides up behind one of the trees and takes a half hearted swipe at it.
Rrrrroooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh! You don't get to hurt my friends you silly trees! You're not even supposed to walk or talk!
Satu circles around the other tree with a fire lighting in her eyes and then strikes at it.
@satu- "Good job circling around, where did you learn how to fight?" Morde shouts out before attacking the other tree.
Morde ducks under the other tree's attack before swinging his Axe in a sideways chop, living in the woods has tuaght him how to cut down trees pretty well.
The snow made any thoughts of fleeing unlikely. Faced with violent vegetation and no means to retreat from the situation there was little choice.
"AarrrrrrrrGgGggr" he growled in frustration at the furious fir.
He drew his flail and gripping it in both hand struck at the tree in self defence.
Durra hits and the tree falls dead.
Dhakor casts and moves.
Cnut casts and moves.
Kishai misses.
Satu hits and does damage.
Mordred hits and the tree falls dead.
Garrasay hits but the trees are down, do you finish off the tree that still seems to be alive?
The trees are unconscious or dead.
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Out of Combat!
Mordred will go back to search the hole, to see what's inside. Saddened to what he had to do, he stays quiet while doing this.
Kishai moves to the tree that still seems to be alive and does her best to try and keep it stable, then checks the others to see if they are still able to be aided. "These poor things were just protecting their young, which now are probably helpless. We cannot just leave them like this."
Satu seems to calm down after the fight, heavily panting. The fire in her eyes is now concealed again and they are just blue and green as before.
What did you mean Mordred? Nobody taught me how to fight. Were you taught? I just follow my instincts...it's...natural...somehow. I guess.
The claws on her hands vanish and she rubs her hands absent minded.
Poor young monsters. I guess they would have made us into manure for them probably. They should have just let us past and not attacked.
"we need to heal one, that's right. And then we go on"
Durra was not really familiar with plants she always favored the animal side of nature. She moves to Kishai
"let me do that."
As Durra heals the creature, Kishai speaks softly to it in Sylvan.
Garrasay was somewhat ambivalent about the fate of the trees. Just like with the bandits and fey before, though he would have preferred a more peaceful resolution they had been the ones that started the fight. He had simply done what he had to do to protect himself and the rest of the group.
"GrrRrRrrrr. This conflict was unfortunate, but we are entitled to defend ourselves against aggression. They were able to speak and reason and they are the ones that chose violence over diplomacy to resolve their territorial dispute. rrrrrrrrrr"
Kishai looks up at Garrasay as she is working on the creature. "I agree. You are completely correct. None of us are responsible for what happened or did anything wrong. I just hope that we can keep it from affecting the little ones as well."
"hrrrrrrrr." Garrasay growled quietly as he pondered. "Will the adult tree survive? If there are none to take care of the young, though I know nothing about them perhaps we could bring them with us and Petal could care for them. ggrgrgrr."
You stabilize the dying tree and you find the other two are already beyond saving.
You peer into the hole and find a pine cone at the bottom of it. The snow continues to fall with a slight wind picking up.
"When we are ready to move, I will try and awaken this tree so it can resume caring for its little one"
To reduce the possibility of combat resuming, Kishai will wait until the rest of the group is already starting out, and then she will wake the tree up. talk to it quickly, and immediately leave, hopefully before it can attack.