The Once & Future KingMaker

Game Master Aest

Asta's hand snakes out and touches the hilt of Seraph's blade a few inches above her Knight's hand.
"Telum tenebrarum," the Witch chants, and shadows snake along the sword's edge, trailing in its wake.
"Go! Help Thomas," Asta calls out to Seraph while she jogs over to take up position with Torod and Strawberry Deathstrike. "I'll start summoning helpful creatures from here!"

Umbral weapon on Seraph's sword! Moved to stack with Torod and SDS.

Torod casts Flaming Sphere and has it move toward where the vines originate.
He then draws Wyanarch as he goes to help Thomas.

Strawberry runs forward and attacks?? there's nothing on the map. Is that intentional?

Thomas winces as his armor is breached, but then quickly converts a spell to a healing one before advancing some towards the vile tree.
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Cast Defensively: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
CMW: 2d8 + 5 ⇒ (1, 8) + 5 = 14
Move towards the tree in preparation of an attack. Convert communal water walk into CMW.

Map fixed, Somehow the tree token was shifted behind the map.

The outer square is the tree’s normal reach.

As the party's target reveals itself Sunset simply takes a step to the right, lifts her weapon and...

"K-Blam!"

Att Roll:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Dam Roll:1d8 ⇒ 4(Electricity)

Intently watching the effects upon the tree's bark. Gauging the effect and working out her next action.

Pereption:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Note: using the mite king as flaming sphere. Flaming Sphere DC 15: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 1) = 7

Note: rather than two castings of magic fang, will give one casting for bite and then cast barkskin on Strawberry.

Strawberry runs forward and attacks.

Bite: tiger aspect, magic fang
to hit 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 9 + 1 = 14 to hurt1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 1 = 8 trip 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

If pounce available
Claw: tiger aspect
to hit 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12 to hurt1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Claw: tiger aspect
to hit 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20 to hurt1d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

Now that I see its token, my movement would have been a 5’ step towards it. Wouldn’t provoke an AoO, and puts me in range to fight.

Asta places an enchantment on Seraph’s blade.

Torod cast flaming sphere to attack the scythe tree with a ball of fire and then draws his weapon as he moves forward.

The tree shifts it’s roots quick enough to avoid the flaming sphere.

Strawberry runs forward and attacks the tree. The Scythe tree catches Strawberry with one of it’s limbs as the cat closes leaving a bloody gash.

The cat fails to bite through the tree’s thick back and only one of claws manage to rip into the bark doing damage to the soft stuff within.

Thomas winces from the wound and defensively bearly casts a healing spell on himself.

Sunset isn’t quick enough to act yet after the Scythe Tree made it’s surprise attack.

The tree attacks again focusing it’s powerful limb attacks on the Elf and Thomas. One limb catches Torod as another miss him. The third limb just barely catches the cleric reopening the wound he just closed.

Inititive order: Bold may act

Falchos:
Wolverine: (1 of 8 rounds)
Torod: +12 damage
Strawberry: +17 damage
Thomas: 15-14+15 = 16 damage (flaming sphere round 1 of 5)
Asta:

Scythe Tree: 5+4+3 = 12 dam

Seraph:
Sunset:

Now is Sunset’s turn. Sunset shifts right and fires her electric bottle gun unleashing a bolt of electricity into the tree causing it to shake with the jolt.

Falchos finishes his spell summing calling forth a Wolverine, Then pulls out his bow and fires at the evil tree, but misses badly.

Woverine shifts in to attack the tree with it vicious claws and bite. Only one claw cuts through the thick bark causing damage.

Seraph, Torod, Thomas and Asta are up!

Asta starts to chant, her voice reaching into distances unseen...

Casting Summon Monster III!

Thomas grits his teeth through the pain and strikes out at the vile plant creature.
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Attack, Magic Weapon, Bless, Bull’s Strength: 1d10 + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 1 + 2 = 14
Damage, Magic Weapon, Weapon of Awe, Bull’s Strength: 1d10 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 = 8

Seraph moves towards the ongoing struggle. Unable to reach it quickly as her armor slowed her movements. Her blade leaves a trail of shadows as she makes her approach rushing to assist her friends...

MA: Move 40ft

Updated on map

Animal Focus (Bull +2 str)
Barkskin (self, Strawberry)
Magic Fang (Strawberry bit)
Flaming Sphere

Torod has the Flaming Sphere continue to harass the plant creature. He takes a 5'step and attacks with his scimitar.

Wyandare (Scimitar +2 feybane): animal focus
to hit: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 7 + 1 = 28 to hurt to hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10 v Fey: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 6) = 9 (is it fey?)

Confirm Wyandare (Scimitar +2 feybane):
to hit: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 = 18 to hurt to hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 1 = 7

Animal Focus: Tiger +2 dex
Smite Evil: +0 to hit, +5 dmg v evil
Barskin: from Torod
Magic Fang: bite; from Torod

Note: AC 22, T 17, FF 15

Strawberry flanks with Torod and attacks the Scythe Tree.

Bite: tiger aspect, magic fang, smite evil, flank
to hit 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 27 to hurt1d6 + 4 + 1 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 4 + 1 + 5 = 16 trip 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 = 17

Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil, flank
to hit 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 2 = 13 to hurt1d3 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 5 = 11

Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil, flank
to hit 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 2 = 24 to hurt1d3 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 5 = 10

Asta begins casting a spell.

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Thomas swings at the tree but misses.

Seraph moves up to the battle.

Torod directs the flaming sphere to attack again as he swings connecting a powerful blow on the tree. (not a fey and critical not enough to confirm.). The tree dodges the sphere for a second time.

Strawberry bites and claws at the tree connecting with all but one claw.

The tree striked out at the same two targets hitting Torod and Thomas each once again and gets a critical on Thomas.

Thomas is disabled by the blow. at 0 hp

Falchos fires his bow again, but misses.

The wolverine bits and claws the tree hitting with each once.

Inititive order: Bold may act

Falchos:
Wolverine: (2 of 8 rounds)
Torod: 12+15 = 27 damage (flaming sphere round 2 of 5)
Strawberry: 17 damage
Thomas: 16+15+14 = 45 damage
Asta:
Seraph:
Sunset:
Scythe Tree: 12+10+16+10+6+7= 61 dam

Sunset, Seraph, Torod, Thomas and Asta are up!

Sunset simply drops her spent weapon and draws the smaller one from her hip. Taking a new bead on the writhing, flailing, thrashing tree.

Yeah, pretty sure that with out 'Quick Draw' and such that changing gears is going to take a round or so.

Animal Focus (Bull +2 str)
Barkskin (self, Strawberry)
Magic Fang (Strawberry bit)
Flaming Sphere

After a moment of hesitation, Torod continues to hack at the tree rather than see to Thomas. Killing the tree would allow him to take care of his fallen friend in safety.

Have flaming sphere go after tree again. Flaming Sphere DC 15): 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 6) = 15

Wyandare (Scimitar +2 feybane): animal focus, flank
to hit: 1d20 + 7 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 7 + 1 + 2 = 25 to hurt to hurt: 1d6 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 4 + 1 = 9

Animal Focus: Tiger +2 dex
Smite Evil: +0 to hit, +5 dmg v evil
Barskin: from Torod
Magic Fang: bite; from Torod

Strawberry tries to climb the tree and leave it bleeding sap.

Bite: tiger aspect, smite evil, magic fang, flank
to hit 1d20 + 9 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 1 + 2 = 27 to hurt1d6 + 4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 5 + 1 = 11 trip 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 6 + 1 = 16

Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil, flank
to hit 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 9 + 2 = 19 to hurt1d3 + 4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 4 + 5 + 1 = 13

Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil, flank
to hit 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 9 + 2 = 30 to hurt1d3 + 4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 4 + 5 + 1 = 12

Thomas, glad to be drawing the bulk of this things attention away from the more fragile members of the delegation, is quite stunned at this things efficiency at killing. He reels from its attack, but keeps his feet...for the moment. He reaches to his side and retrieves his wand.
Move Action: Get Wand of CLW.

A giant worker ant appears behind the scythe tree, flanking with Thomas and starts tearing into the tree's bark with its powerful mandibles.

Giant celestial worker ant activates smite evil and flank-attacks: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 3 + 2 = 6 for 1d6 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9 damage.

Meanwhile, Asta continues to chant, calling for aid.

Summon monster III!

Sunset swaps her weapons

Torod directs the flaming sphere to attack again as he swings Wyandare cutting deep into the scythe tree.

Strawberry bites and claws mercilessly at the trees flank.

The combo of attacks and flames is too much for the evil tree as it's trunk buckles and the tree falls to the ground as so much dead wood!

Thomas gently pulls out a wand.

Asta finishes her summoning of a giant celestial worker ant just in time for it's demise.

Falchos gives a cheer "Yes, you have saved the forest and my beloved!"

Combat Over

Falchos:
Wolverine: (3 of 8 rounds)
Torod: 27 damage (flaming sphere round 3 of 5)
Strawberry: 17 damage
Thomas: 45 damage
Asta:
Seraph:
Sunset:

Scattered among the bones in the clearing you find 42 cp, 55 sp, 6 gp and a silver ring worth 65gp. A king's ransom, well for a small kingdom.

Seeing the tree fall, Thomas sighs with relief and places the wand back in his belt. He sees Tori’s is also injured and says ”Lord Torod, I see you and your cat are injured as well. Join me in some healing?”

He motions for them to join him as he moves away from the tree, and once well away, he begins sending out waves of healing magic.

Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 2) = 13
Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) = 11
Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 5) = 12
Channel: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 5) = 15

Seraph nods at Falchos cheer and joins her companions, seeing Thomas had the healing handled she checks Asta momentarily. "Excellent work everyone!"

She searches the area as the others recover, sword at the ready and looking for additional foes. She handles the coinage and jewelry, placing it in the parties supplies once they had returned.

Added to loot sheet.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Torod inspects the tree to insure that is is indeed, defeated.
Perception 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (19) + 16 = 35
Torod adds three gems (100gp each) and a robe of bones (once identified as such) to Seraph's treasure hoard.

"Interesting,," Asta says as she holds the robe up for scrutiny. "The money is nice, of course. If you would all allow it, I would like to set some of it aside to order arcane scrolls to add to Croft's arsenal. This robe ... this is an item of necromantic power. Undoubtedly useful, but ... who here is comfortable with sending skeletons and zombies into battle on their behalf?"

"I am sworn to fight against undead. I won't have them as 'allies'. And this seems like a good time to warn you against your own ambitions, Asta Blackheart. We just did a good thing here. Don't turn it into something evil."

"I beg your pardon?" Asta says, one white eyebrow climbing a chill inch. "You think I want this thing? I follow Sivanah, not Urgathoa. We cannot sell it, lest it be turned to evil, no one wants it, for the undead are foul, so we need to either destroy it or lock it away somewhere secure."

Seraph sets herself between Torod and Asta. "Understood Torod, though I find your lack of faith saddening." She says everything with a smile, like a disarming joke before turning to Asta. " Milady, I'll see it destroyed then." She proffered her hand to take it, her sword across her shoulder still.

"Also, I'll put all of my next shares to getting more scrolls Milady. Until the need is satisfied."

For both rolls below, is there any ingredients, parts or what have you worth salvaging from the Scythe Tree? Things we can craft into weapons or other useful goods?
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
K-Nature?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Thomas heals everyone with several waves of positive energy from Empyreal Lord Ragathiel!

Seraph searches the area for additional foes, but find none.

Torod notices the extra loot exposed when the scythe tree fell.

Asta discusses the necromantic robe of bones.

Torod warns against using an item from the dark arts.

Misunderstood Asta, indicates the time should be destroyed or locked away.

Seraph offers to destroy the robe.

How do you destroy the robe?

K-Arcana - Destroying the Robe of bones?: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

I planned on waiting until we reached town. Gather up some of my stronger followers and burn the robe. Putting down any undead that emerged and ensure the ashes are purified with holy water.

She is at least going to hold on to it since its causing strife.

Sunset saunters over to the fallen timber and for a moment looks like she wants to put a round into the bark.

Upon hearing the conversation about the robe Sunset arches an eyebrow as well.

"Um, here now... Just a jot." She asks. "What exactly does tha' darn bit a drapery do?" She points at the robe in question as she enquires to every one present.

"Now. If it's somat whut jus', 'yknow, calls up all manner a spooks then, yah, tear it asunder an' us it fer cleanin' rags or what not." She shrugs.

"But, if t'is jus' a cloth whut'll put tha' geas on critters of tha' shamblin' persuasiuon? Heck! Keep tha' darn thing an' make us a it ta' corral them blighters when they turn up." She looks to Torod.

"Whut are ye? Daft ta' want ta' fight every bug-a-boo whut turns up? T'is why I were askin' about Troll workin' an' if'n we can asuage 'em to our way a thinkin'... As opposed ta' just runnin' 'em through." Sunset looks to her companions.

"Like I said, I'm jus' askin' as ta' whut t'is tha' thing actually does." Sunset patiently waits any reply.

(Though much fist bumbping and good cher will be spent later in celebration with Master Falchos, Perlavish and Lady Tiresia. (^_^) )

”It is an item of dark powers, and should be removed from the world. It’s potential for nefariousness is too great,” Thomas says as he looks over his armor and uses his magic to repair the damage the tree caused.

He then looks to Asta and Falchos, ”On a brighter note, we should inform the Lady of the Wood that the threat is ended and she is safe once more, should we not?”

She nods to Thomas as she says to Sunset. "It has no use here but to cause strife. When we return to the city I will see it destroyed. If we can salvage components we will. Now, let's go celebrate our victory shall we?"

"I do have faith in her, Seraph. That is why I follow her." Torod continues to speak to Seraph while moving his gaze to Asta. [/b]"But she has a darkness in her and she knows it. If it were to ever take control, the world would come to fear her icy power. Perversely, her inner struggle to maintain control is what makes her the leader that she is."[/b] His full attention returns to Seraph. "You have sworn to protect her person and her possessions and to do her bidding. I have sworn to protect her from herself and, if I fail in that, the people from her." Torod thinks that Seraph is basically Asta's bodyguard and, obviously does not fully understand the fullness of their relationship.

Torod only shakes his head against Sunset's desire to use the item for good purpose.

"We can all join in the destruction of the item. It could be a way to build a sense of camaraderie among all of our offices."

"We could also present it to the collected faiths at the capitol. Let them destroy it for all to see - as part of an announcement that the animation of undead slaves is against the law," Asta suggests. "It will be good to remind the people we also guard them from evils like these."

To Sunset, she adds: "There are bones in the pockets. Throw a bone on the ground, and it turns into a skeleton or a zombie. The wearer of the robe can command them, and no more."

Sunset listens to folks talking and explaining. At Lady Asta's words Sunset snorts.

"So.. T'is nuthin' but a token gesture kind'a thing?" She shakes her head.

"Tha' way folk wus carryin' on, here I were thinkin' it were some thing a power a tha' highest order. Y'know? Some great robe whut lets its wearer command 'em all." She sets about helping people clean and clear up.

"Yah, lets make a big show an' tale about it. Let folks back in town see we're makin' tha' world a better place." She agrees with Lady Asta. "Let all tha' Relgious folks use it ta' come t'gether, like." She explains, moving to prepare Fluff for the trip back to... where ever they are heading next.

(^_~)

Her smile remains as Torod speaks to her, though his talk of darkness only makes her nod. Though not in the way he probably expected.

When Seraph responds it's with the same merry but firm tone. "Let's not mistake loyalty for blind allegiance." She made it clear in her tone that this was as far as would delve into her relationship with Asta, nor was she a radical sycophant.

With that said she nods at Asta's suggestion and not feeling the need to discuss further over a evil item that held no value to her. Now that the threat of the scythe tree was passed she sheathes her large blade and joking says. "Can we celebrate your victory now?"

Having cleared the area of its resident evil tree, the group heads back to Tiressia's grove with the good news.

Falchos leads the way happy as a satyr can be.

”Lady Tiressia!” Thomas calls out as they enter the grove, ”We bring great tidings! The scythe tree has been eliminated and you and your grove are now safe from its threat.”

"As we have sworn, the Scythe Tree is defeated."

Seraph hangs back, enough people were crowding the dryad with good news. So She thought it best to wait until the marry making was calmer before letting her guard down.

Like last time she stood guard at the groves edge, her gaze distant but her sword firmly in hand.

Perception - Watching for danger: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

Sunset would stay behind a little longer making sure the errant vegitation is demised.

(Can you ring bark a fallen tree?)

Leading Fluff along behind the traol of the dancing satyr.

Once back at Lady Tiressia's glad Sunset sets about setling Fluff.

Tiresias sighs of relief, ”Thank the powers of light that you defeated it and without lost! I owe you my life, and I pledge to be your eyes and ears for any threats or news that threatens the green belt. As a reward, I offer you a few trinkets.”

"Ah, I think these shall be most welcome," Asta says as she gathers up the feather tokens.

"But more importantly, I am happy we could help - and would like it if we could call the two of you not just allies, but also friends. Do remember, if any other Fey run into trouble, we will at the very least be willing to listen to them, and we will happily mediate between your people and our own in case of conflict."

"Lady of the Wood, if ever you need aid again, you can seek out one of my Outriders. You may have seen them patrolling already."

"Thank you, for any fey I have sway over, I will tell them you are a friend."

Where to next?

We return to the lake to plant some trees. Then, hopefully, we go find some elven ruins.

Seeing the outcome she was more then pleased.

Whatever isn't claimed I'll add it to the loot sheet~

Diplomacy Tiresias and Falchos- Improve attitudes, make friends among the fey.: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Before leaving she introduces herself, not wishing to be remembered as the standoffish type. She reinforces that the pair could call upon House Starsky if something was needed in the future.

_____________________________________

The return to the Nixies domain was swift, Seraph offers to plant the tree tokens where the Nixie Melianse wished. Chatting idly with the fey in an attempt to ensure everything was smoothed over between her and the ruling party in kingdom. She relays the success they had with Tiresias and Falchos problem with the vile scythe tree. Which the group had dispatched with little incident, aside from brave Thomas standing against it quite righteously at first.

Diplomacy Melianse - Improve attitudes, make friends among the fey: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

_______________________________
If we are just hurrying through then below applies as well.
_______________________________

Remembering the gnomes directions and the friendship with the fey secured for now she suggested to the group. "If we have time I think it would do us well to search the even ruin we heard off. Perhaps continued our mapping along the way. We have a few days right?" In town she kept a more rigorous schedule. Out in the woods she was lost among the reeds in a way, born in Restov she was much more a city girl. But her sense for adventure and knowing a certain companions longing for discoverying ruins of his kin were at the forefront of her thoughts.

Good point, we need to map the hexes as we return to Melianse.

Had I looked at the map I'd had suggested that sooner. Lol ^^;

"Exploration it is." She prepares for the long haul finally seeing that the map was still fairly empty in the western to southwestern portion. Seeing how close they had come to the area containing the Lizardfolk village she pauses momentarily before frowning to herself. Not yet.

"So if the Abandoned Keep is to the west. Looks like we can start here. Pass through the blighted hollow and search for it before heading into the area west of Tiressia's grove and clearing it out as well. Looking at a week, Maybe?" She taps the area specifically closer to them right now as well. "The Beldame told us about the madman in this area..."