The Fourth Crusade

Game Master Desriden

::"Aye. We don't want ta be fightin' the dragon in his own home. And I think it's sendin' its minions at us now. As for speakin' to these trees or not, I'm not so sure they're here ta be talkin'. But ya better decide quickly on what ya want ta do, Akor; they're almost here. I'm also for storin' those two in the mansion. They can't hurt anyone in there. Mainly themselves."::

::I can only open the portal to the mansion once a day, so we need to be sure of where to open it. Though if we're not going to keep our presence secret there's no need to keep the man and orc captive. They're safe enough over there (motions with hand) where we left them. So, we're taking out the guard, yes? We've got plenty of enhancing spells to do it and then some.::

::Sounds like we're leaning towards fight. Then I'll let whatever big baddies are headed this way to pass me by before making my move::

1d20 + 17 ⇒ (9) + 17 = 26 Knowledge(Nature) to find out about the treants capabilities

::"I'd rather not waste too many spells fighting the lackeys Spare. Let's take them out quickest way possible"::

1d20+17 Knowledge(Nature) to find out about the treants capabilities

::"I'd rather not waste too many spells fighting the lackeys Spare. Let's take them out quickest way possible"::

I believe we've already cast the buffs in preperation for the dragon. Though we may not have cast the short duration spells at DM discression.

::Agreed.::

::Save your spells and use steel brothers. We'll need all your magic for Her High and Scaliness.::

Darnak nods. ::"Malak's right. We can take care o' these."::

These truants are just like the ones you guys fought at the Demon Tree. Most of their attacks cannot hit you guys except for the trample, which just allows a saving throw. The treants can speak to all plants, so hiding will be difficult. They also have low-light vision and are skilled at throwing boulders long distance.

They also are plants: A plant creature has the following features.

d8 Hit Die.
Base attack bonus equal to 3/4 total Hit Dice (medium progression).
Good Fortitude saves.
Skill points equal to 2 + Int modifier (minimum 1) per Hit Die. Some plant creatures, however, are mindless and gain no skill points or feats. The following are class skills for plants: Perception and Stealth.
Traits: A plant creature possesses the following traits (unless otherwise noted in a creature's entry).

Low-light vision.
Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms).
Immunity to paralysis, poison, polymorph, sleep effects, and stunning.
Proficient with its natural weapons only.
Not proficient with armor.
Plants breathe and eat, but do not sleep.

Four treants burst into the grove, stopping at the edge of the treeline. The look around the opening, peering at the bushes, but see no sign of the guards who should have blown the horn.

Finally, one of them speaks and his voice is a grinding noise, like bark rubbing against bark in a storm.

"Who goes there? You are trespassing in the Echo Wood. Turn back or announce yourselves to the Master of this place."

The treants appears to be unarmed and are not spreading out to look for anyone.

Knowledge Arcana 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (20) + 24 = 44
Knowledge Nature 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (20) + 17 = 37

::These treants are not true creatures. They're animated by magic and will return to their unmoving state within a few hours. Green dragon Wyrms possess the power to animate such trees every day for a short time. As these are just magical constructs and not real there isn't much point in fighting them. I suspect the dragon is about somewhere.::

Edit: I hate spellcheck sometimes. It keeps changing "Treants" to "Truants."

Thaddicus looks around for a magical sensor, one of which that people use to scry on others. For years, Thad had not wanted to give his wife the satisfaction of being able to look in on him. On occasion, she had tried, but so far he had been able to elude her probing. The thought that the dragon was around somewhere was no big deal. The thought that it was scrying on them made him nervous.

Perception check: [d20+37]

FYI: I won't show up on a scrutiny sensor thanks to mind blank.

Akor steps out in front of the treants, Demonwrack in hand. ::"Stay hidden as best you can, and let me see if I can't speak to the trees. No need to fight them if they're going to turn normal in an hour or two"::

Nodding his head in respect, the champion of Iomedae says aloud "Greetings and well met, I speak on behalf of my companions. We have come here to seek an audience with Dimithkarjic, whom we've learned lairs nearby." 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (12) + 30 = 42 Diplomacy

2 natural 20's in a row? That's awesome! Of course, it would be for Knowledge checks. It's either that or the bad guy has 1 hit point left. :P

::"They want us ta announce ourselves. What bett'r way to bring the beast out, I say.::

::"Very well put, Akor.":: Darnak genuinely impressed with the Inquisitor's way with words. ::"Fortunately, they're too stupid ta realize WHY we want an audience."::

I guess that should be a 1d20 + 37 ⇒ (7) + 37 = 44 perception check.

The treant nods toward Akor and then opens his mouth to let out a soft rustling noise. He's talking to the plants, who will likely carry his announcement back to this master.

Once the noise is done, the treant raises one of his branches in a peaceful gesture. Then he sweeps it back to the side behind him, pointing at the bushes. Not one of them are moving.

"I present our Lord and Master, the Great Wyrm Dimithkarjic."

Through the heavy brush, a massive dragon's head pushes its way through the plants easily. The treants are flanking the creature and providing partial cover, along with the brush and bushes. The dragon might be powerful, but he's also not taking any chances.

"Greetings, mortals. I welcome you to my humble home here in the Echo Wood. I hope you have been as a polite to my humanoid servants as you have been to my trees."

The words might sound polite, but the way he holds his mouth and emphasizes his words draw attention to his lance-like teeth and massive maw. The only consolation is that the teeth might not even impale you as the dragon swallows you whole.

Does anyone currently have True Seeing up? It would have cost 250 gold in materials to cast.

No one saw the dragon approach until he was moving out of the brush itself.

That means this green dragon can use Stealth to hide in any sort of natural terrain, even if the terrain does not grant cover or concealment.

That also means an adult or older green dragon does not leave a trail in natural surroundings and cannot be tracked. A green dragon can choose to leave a trail, if it so desires.

I have tongues up.

::They just called the master. Saying we have not fought, but are heavily armed and that they haven't seen the patrol. ::

Seeing the dragons cautious actions, ::And that is why old dragons are paranoid dragons. Also it's rare they come when called upon.::

Knowing that elder dragons are crafty, Sparel quietly casts True seeing and surveys the area including the dragon.

Perception 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26

Thaddicus bows his head slightly in respect. Even if they are going to kill this dragon, it doesn't mean he can't be polite to the master of the wood. He marks the dragon well, not feeling the need to return any intimidations.

"Hail and well met mighty Dimithkarjic. I am Akor Sourgebane, champion of Iomedae. Your humaniod servants are safe, we put them asleep in case a fight broke out as we were unsure what to expect from you. We honestly do not seek a battle with one as ancient and powerful as you must surely be. My friends and I heard that you were present at the destruction of Starfall and wished to know if any had information that you could impart upon us" The Inquisitor says in Draconic.

1d20 + 30 ⇒ (6) + 30 = 36 Diplomacy

"Hail and well met mighty Dimithkarjic. I am Akor Sourgebane, champion of Iomedae. Your humaniod servants are safe, we put them asleep in case a fight broke out as we were unsure what to expect from you. We honestly do not seek a battle with one as ancient and powerful as you must surely be. My friends and I heard that you were present at the destruction of Starfall and wished to know if any had information that you could impart upon us" The Inquisitor says in Draconic.

1d20+30 Diplomacy

::Interesting approach. It could work. ::

::"It's not a total lie, and if it fails, then we already know what we must do. Spare, use whatever time I can buy us to cast whichever enhancing spells you wish. While it would be nice if I could as well, I have no problem relying on my goddess' other gifts. Malak, Darnak if a fight breaks out, the three of us need set up a flank. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that should aid us if we use that tactic. Thad, do not not forget we are linked up via my spell. It will not help us much while I fight up close, but if the dragon tries to take flight we need to rend his wings and hopefully force him to land."::

::I think the harsher problem will be if he loses himself in the foliage, but I have a trick up my sleeve for that.

::"Sneaky for a big fella. Impressive. I'm thinkin' this is gonna get interestin'.":: Darnak adjusts his hat, preparing for the worst.

The dragon smiles at Akor's politeness and even does him the curtesy of not showing all of his teeth.

"It is a pleasure to met you, Akor Scourgebane. I find the followers of your goddess always willing to deal fairly and reasonably with others in their travels. I was present at the razing of Starfall. I had been called there by invitation. I can share that parchment with you and other things that I saw that day. Assuming you have some other interesting information or baubles to offer me in return."

Auto-Succeed on Sense Motive. +28

::"Hm. The beast doesn't appear to be lyin'. This IS gettin' interestin'."::

::The dragon isn't really there. This is an illusion caused by the Project Image spell. In short, the dragon can see and hear through this illusion without exposing himself to harm. In addition, he can cast spells that originate from this illusion and those spells act as if the dragon himself was standing there to cast them. He cannot physically attack through the illusion, however. Disbelieving the illusion won't protect you against the spells cast through the Project Image. The range for that spell for a high level caster is a maximum of 300 feet. Oh, Shadow Cousin, see if you can stealth fully snoop around and see if you can find the real dragon. I'll do same.::

Stealth Not really expecting it to work and using the trees for cover/concealment 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (3) + 25 = 28

Perception1d20 + 24 ⇒ (18) + 24 = 42(Plus True Seeing)

Malak stayed in the shadows as the dragon appeared and his treant guards took up positions to either side.

Sense Motive - 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28

He didnt think you could trust such a large lizard but this one seemed legit.

::Wasnt there an old fable about a deceitful snake and a tempting piece of fruit? Oh well, in for a penny in for a pound eh?::

and Sparel just confirmed that this one was at least in part being false to them. And he couldnt blame the scaly one.

::Ok, Im off to search for the dragon.::

He was extra carefull to stay hidden as he scanned the area.

Strealth - 1d20 + 48 ⇒ (8) + 48 = 56

Perception - 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (14) + 27 = 41

I too also auto-pass the Sense Motive

"Gladly would we be willing to trade for such information. What would you consider a fair price in exchange for your knowledge?"

::"Ah. So that's how he was so sneaky. Clever. I guess you're not for reachin' an age as old as this one, without a bit o' cleverness."::

The dragon pauses to think about what would be a fair price while Sparel and Malak try to find the actual scaly beast. Neither one find the beast on their first search. Malak moves through the trees easily, but Sparel seems to have a tougher time of doing so quietly. The dragon turns his head while thinking about the offer and stares right at Sparel.

Then he turns back to face Akor, smiling.

"For the parchment and a few questions, I would think 10,000 gold to be worth my time. If that seems to be too much, I would gladly accept a rare plant to add to my collection in the Echo Wood."

::"Spare, you've been spotted."::

"Ten thousand gold seems fair to me. You are a mighty dragon and I am sure your time is valuable as well as important. Though I must admit, I do not believe I am currently carrying that much on me." 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (5) + 30 = 35 Diplomacy

The dragon throws back his head and laughs loudly, his tongue darting out of his mouth as he does so.

"You wish to haggle, Akor Scourgebane? Then let us make a deal. What is your offer?"

Malak had to grin that Akor was actually speaking with a dragon of all things. Then again anytime he could get an audience he'd take it.

::Can this b@*@* see invisibility?

Thaddicus remained impassive and stationary. ::If he is an illusion, he has to obtain the reward personally, correct? How long do the trees last? They could collect it for him, I suppose.::

::Damn.:: Sparel says as the dragon looks at him. ::Looks like I need more sneak lessons, Cousin.::

Sparel continues to move slowly and "stealthfully" looking for the real dragon, including in the trees.

Stealth 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

Percep 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (2) + 24 = 26

Malak had to grin that Akor was actually speaking with a dragon of all things. Then again anytime he could get an audience he'd take it.

::Can this b&*@$ see invisibility?

::It's probable.::

::Eh, I might have to risk it. This wyrm is too clever by far.::

1/8 Ki for Greater Invisibility 1/12 rounds

Malak took his time circumventing the area. He wouldnt put anything past this overgrown skink.

Stealth - 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (18) + 68 = 86

Perception - 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (15) + 27 = 42

Sparel and Malak again look through the nearby brush, trying to find the dragon. Malak's eyes are the first to spot a location that's big enough to hide the dragon. Sparel quickly notices the same spot, thanks to his True Seeing.

The dragon is curled up in the tree canopy 270 feet away from the illusion. He's mostly covered by branches and leaves, while also benefiting from an invisibility spell. In fact, Sparel can tell he has several defensive spells up already that will make it much harder to attack him. Mirror Image and Displacement are the easiest to see.

Also, in the trees are guards. These creatures aren't human or orc; they look like small pug dogs standing upright on their back legs. There are several in the trees, camouflaged with magic.

;;The real dragon is in the canopy (describes location). He's got several defensive spells running including displacement and mirror image. More guardian creatures in the trees. Several small dog like creatures. ::

::My oh my brothers! We have attracted quite the party. Dimithkarjic is almost within Thad's mighty bow's range and well hidden. Oh, I should add that she's not alone although I cannot tell what sort of minion they are.::

Now that he had an idea of where their quarry was; Malak took care to get a little closer.

Stealth - 1d20 + 68 ⇒ (16) + 68 = 84

Perception - 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38

Malak creeps up closer to the dragon, which allows him to notice that more of the little dog-like creatures are stationed in other trees, as well. The tiny creatures seem to be in most every tree that could even get a line of sight on the location where the dragon is hidden.

** spoiler omitted **

::Oh Shit. Those are Pugwampi. They have an aura of unluck that makes it difficult to accomplish anything. Kill them from range and quickly. I can't stress how much I hate them.::

::"Pugwampi? What the heck are those?"::

::We're making our move? Those things give me an itch between my shoulders.::

::"Pugwampi? What the heck are those?"::

:: a type of gremlin. Nasty buggers. Not incredibly dangerous, but their unluck ability is irritating. ::

Akor chuckles as well, not at all intimidated by the great wyrm in front of him and makes his first counter offer."I believe I have about three thousand gold on me, how does that sound?" 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (13) + 30 = 43 Diplomacy

::"If it comes to a fight, Thad and I can easily perforate the little beasts from a distance, but I think we can avoid bloodshed. At least, I hope"::

The dragon seems to think long and hard about Akor's offer.

"You drive a hard bargain, Akor Scourgebane. But 3,000 gold for a piece of parchment and a few questions is not unreasonable. We have a deal."

The dragon smiles at the inquisitor.

"So what is it that you want to know?"