The Twisted Closet (Inactive)

Game Master I'm Hiding In Your Closet

Reflex save: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

While everyone else flails near-comically, the Jack of Shadows glues the poor thing to the side of the cave wall at the last second, and (I'll rule) the rest of the party rapidly rend what little life remains from it.

Mercy's "vampire" is no more.

Yanda and Corwyn lead the way past the curtain of vines they noticed, and into a small chamber crowded with hollowed-out seedpods and reeking of decay. Two of the seedpods contain strange potions, the properties of which which Jack and Yanda are nonetheless able to deduce: A gray potion that would ward against cosmic spiritual forces, but highly unusual in that it would appear to ward against all such forces at once (simultaneous protection from Good/Evil/Law/Chaos), and a bright purple potion that will simultaneously mend flesh and turn it invisible - highly useful for a desperate escape!

Then, of course, there's the body on the floor, wearing a set of orange robes like the ones that the people of Mercy wear.

Nira, now scorched, scratched, and splintered, staggers into the chamber and kneels over the body, then turns and looks at you. Despite her damage and the body's decay, there is little mistaking it:

This was Amenira.

Thornberry sighs and blanches and crouches down to be at eye level with Nira.

Well...at least we know what happened to you now. Do you remember anything now...when you're ready to speak of course

heal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Yanda murmurs as she annotates in her notebook.

"Cause of death: Bite wounds; Estimated time of death: <some date corresponding to two days ago>"

"I wonder if the plant life in here is responsible for your rebirth. Hey, I wonder if one of us died, we might come back like her!"

She looks around hopefully as if looking for a volunteer. Then peers inside a few seedpods as if expecting to see some mannequin inside.

Though Corwyn knows next to nothing about magic, Jack and Yanda's report about the grey-colored potion is intriguing to the swashbuckler. "Could that be some kind of natural extract from the tree or something? Or maybe those nuts these villagers are harvesting? If they offer protection from all of those kinds of magic, it might explain how this village survives these mana storms."

He nods in satisfaction as the creature goes down.

"Yes, quite interesting concoctions. I would not be surprised if an alchemist created them."

She opens them and sniffs them.

"Well, I hope these survive the day so I can experiment with them, but for now I think one of you should hold on to it in case we need them. I won't, I'm sure. I tend to hang back."

Not seeing anyone who wants to climb into a pod or anything, she asks "You all ready to see what we find over there?"

She points back the way they came towards a different branch in the passage.

Thornberry nods Judging vy the strange verdant growth without a sun down here I suspect the source of the oddities is ahead. i hope its friendly.

Does he detect any evil?

Fear not everyone, I took it down, it's ok Nira I killed it, It won't be harming you, or anyone else for that matter. Kristoff says confidently, as he hurriedly looks for his arrows that missed.
I agree with Yanda lets check around done there who knows may be more bodies? Kristoff will keep an eye out for anything unusual particularly plant life and strange liquids.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

"Maybe it's Robori." Ardain speculates in response to Thornberry.

"I wonder if the plant life in here is responsible for your rebirth. Hey, I wonder if one of us died, we might come back like her!"

She looks around hopefully as if looking for a volunteer. Then peers inside a few seedpods as if expecting to see some mannequin inside.

Nira looks from Thornberry to Yanda. "I've never been here. It wasn't here. It was in a little cave I found not far off the road from Mercy to Alkenstar..."

Nira describes the place she died. It was the cave shrine to Azathoth that you discovered on your way to Mercy. When she entered to investigate, the cloaker managed to ambush her by hiding among the shadows of the cave’s ceiling. It bested her in combat, but before it killed her, she enacted a last-ditch plan to cast her soul into one of her dolls. She attempted to continue the fight in her new form, but it panicked at the sight and fled, so she made her way back to Mercy. Obviously, the cloaker returned later to clean up its shrine.

Now that Delightful Smiling Shadow of Flight has become the doormat to its own cellar, Talondreal perceives no Evil ahead.

The temperature rises toward the back of the cave. A tangle of vines spins and twists out of the rocky ground to cradle an enormous seedling. Both the seedling and the vines glow with a vibrant green light.

Your move, Players.

Thornberry produces the scroll he found back in the altar/ death ground of Nira.

Lost Prince, Lost Prince, let me speak with plants! I am very sad and I wish to learn some secrets.

He chants at the sheet of paper and begins to feel his tongue take on a very green and leafy feel.

Good evening, Robori. I assume all this fancy greenery is your doing? Fancy coming to a town where you would be god? I bet that you would love that. These people are really nice. Don't eat meat. Worship plants.

Was that spoken in common, or did your leafy tongue produce something else? Not sure how a speak with plants scroll works.

"Wow. That is quite beautiful." Corwyn speaks when he sees the glowing seedling. "If that tree up there is dying from the rot, can this one be used to replace it? Or maybe heal it somehow? If it is that tree they worship which protects this town from the mana storm, this village is going to be out of luck soon unless they either find a way to heal it or find another tree with the same powers. This seedling might be the answer to their prayers." The swashbuckler waits to hear what the gnome has to say. Is she... talking to the seed? His eyes widen at the thought.

"Maybe having a healthy tree will help their children as well. Should we take the seed back to town or lead their priest here to see it?"

"Do we have the skill to move it without hurting it?" Ardain wonders.

@Thornberry: Good move.

@Yanda: I'm not certain either, and the spell's description is no help. Operating on something akin to Occam's Razor, I'll say Thornberry's speaking Common (at least to your ears).

@Corwyn: You already solved that problem when you pointed out the 'blight' to Priestess Zuri and Sheriff Molume, who figured out that it was actually being caused by Priestess Zuri's use of a certain fragrant oil in a ritual she'd devised; she didn't realize she was slowly poisoning the tree to death.

While Thornberry communes with the seedling, Jack spots a discarded amber necklace lying on the ground, holding a miniature version of the tree that populates this cave within. While not enchanted or anything, it is a beautiful necklace that Jack estimates to be worth 250 gp.

Additionally, Yanda's investigation of a seedpod near the glowing seedling turns up a ceramic jar of what she readily recognizes as dowsing syrup.

Thornberry looks a bit puzzled Robori....Robori is what the orange barked saplings call you. They falsely worship what I assume to be an ordinary tree as though it is you. Would it be possible I wonder...to take a cut from you to place there, so that you properly receive their adulation?

Would the green really whither away without you rooted right here? How does it work? How do you work? Are you a fairy?

Thornberry asks all of these questions with a childlike reverence.

The light radiating from this seedling is incredibly intense, and palpably warm, even to the point that it starts to make your skin feel itchy.

Once the words of the tree are translated properly, Corwyn asks in a tone of confusion. "What is a Ghoran? Is that some kind of a fey creature? Or a fairy? Are the saplings the children of the village?"

Apologies if I'm being a bit slow on the uptake here. So is this creature somehow changing the kids into Ghorans?

Umm...yea I dunno but I’m getting itchy, anyone else?
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 To identify the radiant plant creature
So is this thing protecting the village from the mana wastes?

Thornberry stops and considers Kristoff's question.

Yes...and perhaps also no. This creature was meant to produce Ghoran's which I take are a kind of plant creature trying to propagate their people. Then he was abandoned and transplanted here. Which is certainly curious.

I am torn it sounds as though he wants to extend his influence - to spread the unnatural green to cover more of this barren land but....I am unsure how nice that could be. I personally don't see anything wrong with the whole world becoming a lot more green but I imagine some of you have objections.

Thornberry considers his words carefully before addressing the plant once more

What would happen if you were awakened? Where would your GROWTH end. How far can you SHINE?

And what would need to happen for you to become un-dormant. My guess would be for you to be placed in the Sun, but you just said that would kill you.

Yanda has nothing to add to the conversation, so she keeps quiet, though her thoughts are racing.

Yea, an infinite forest would not be such a good thing. I like cities and roads and labs. This thing had better choose it, uh, 'words', carefully. I wonder if I could destroy it with a well placed bomb.

Not really understanding what is taking place, the paladin keeps a wary eye out for trouble.

Jack listens to Thornberry's side of the conversation with great interest... but fails to fully comprehend the whole conversation... as such, he simply listens and does his best to understand... with little success... "So what is it we need to do here? Is this shiny seed what is infecting the children above?"

Thornberry turns to Jack and frowns Well, its complicated. See on the one hand, it sounds like the Verdant Spark, as Robori apparently like to be called, is protecting these people from the ravages of the Mana Wastes, but that being this close to his awesome influence infected all of them with some kind of disease. So to make them resistant to that disease he sort of...made them all part plant. This is all very benevolent and good, but he wants to make the whole world his...err... her?... its grove. Which I think is misguided, but still good on the whole. " The little gnomes cheeks and tattoos bely his serious tone. He may be making like this is a tough dilemma, but it is clear that Thornberry is experiencing true joy having a decision of this magnitude to make.

"Frankly, I don't know what to do. I initially wanted to take him to Mercy so he could be closer to the townspeople, but he said all of his creations would whither and die if he were moved from where he is now....and since he is responsible for all those kids' health err consdering they're all part plant...they might die too. Either immediately or because they get super sick. And I don't want that at all, sweet Roboria is a work of art.

But part of me thinks we should take him back to the Society so he can be studied by our great scholars. Instead, maybe we can make some kind of arrangement with the people of Mercy for them to allow our scholars access over here. We did just rid them of their 'vampire' problem after all. I am just mildly concerned about what might happen if he is allowed to continue to spread or becomes awakened. Apparently this is what he/she/it is capable of while DORMANT"

"Part plant, eh? I guess that helps explain things. If moving this plant around will cause the infected townsfolk to die, it seems like we had better leave it where it is, right? As you said, maybe the folks here will be a little more open to having visitors around - especially Pathfinders considering the service we've done in killing that cloaker-vampire thing."

"Heck, we could tell the villagers about this spot now that Jack is gone. They may want to visit or even move. Anyway, let them sort things out among themselves. As for worrying about Roberi spreading himself, I would not worry too much about that. Believe it or not, there are quite a few other forces in the world besides us to make sure that does not get out of control."

"What will it take to 'awaken' this 'Verdant Spark'?" Ardain asks Thornberry. "I'm not necessarily saying we should. Sometimes the largest forest fire is started by a small spark. Let us be sure that we do not let that spark fan into flames. If an inferno is what we are truly unleashing here."
Ardain shrugs, his face bland. "Most of this area is wasteland. A spreading area of plant growth may very well be beneficial to the locals."

Sounds like Poison Ivy, lol

Perhaps these people need to be aware of what is going on so that they can make up their own minds to see if they want to become plant people. he suggests.

Well, I think we've done all we can here, I say we turn this information over to the priestess and the sheriff, and they can sort it out what to do from here. We should however see if the priestess can restore Amenira for us and maybe wrap her up so we can transport her back with us. Changing animal focus to form of the bull Suddenly Kristoff's legs grow large and smooth, and a thin whiplike tail sprouts out, and for some unknown reason he develops a searing hatred for the color red...lol. Then Kristoff hoists Amenira up on his back. Nira...no that this is over, do you want to go back with us, and have a proper burial? Or do you wish to remain here?

Nira...no that this is over, do you want to go back with us, and have a proper burial? Or do you wish to remain here?

"Of course I want to come with you. I hope you don't want to bury ME. I'm still...something...."

From the looks of the map there is still more to explore, or has it just not been updated?

Umm,well you're you, so we don't have to bury either of you, i was refering to the old you not the now you...hmm...umm yea, whatever you would like us to do we will, i'm glad you're coming with us though! Kristoff's gives an awkward smile to Nira, and a reassuring nod that he will do as she wishes.

From the looks of the map there is still more to explore, or has it just not been updated?

The latter, kind of; there's nothing left for you to find here.

Nira looks at her corpse. "Let me die as I lived: A seeker of magical knowledge." She looks up at the Verdant Spark. "This thing sounds like it should be left alone. My body can be a warning."

Thornberry had been waiting for a response to the question about how to awaken the Spark.

If he doesn't get one he sighs and apologizes profusely as he takes samples from the area, including a itty bitty sample of the spark itself.

Again, dreadfully sorry, just want to know more about you.

And then he will agree to leave.

What would happen if you were awakened? Where would your GROWTH end. How far can you SHINE?

And what would need to happen for you to become un-dormant. My guess would be for you to be placed in the Sun, but you just said that would kill you.

The Verdant Spark's answer is long on enthusiasm, but short on constructive content. Sensible as Thornberry's inquiries may seem, it doesn't really seem to know.

How exactly are you going about taking an "itty bitty sample of the Spark itself?"

Well we lack a description but I have been imagining that as a seedling it might have say....buds or leaves. I would just like to cut one off using gardening tools. I would try to get the Spark's permission first to see if it isnt VIOLENTLY opposed to such a move.

Thornberry manages to take the slenderest of cuttings from the Spark. As he does so, the more perceptive party members notice the vines in the chamber writhe and twist ominously, and a pungent odor seep up from the floor...

...but it passes.

You heading out?

Kristoff is heading out with Amenira.

Their work here done, the party makes their way back out of this impossible forest.

Where do you go from here?

Also: Everyone except Nira, Thornberry's Companion, and Ardain's Familiar must now make a Fortitude save versus disease at a -2 penalty.

Fort ST: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 - 2 = 12

She will use her inspired trait for a second roll on this if a ST is considered an ability check.
Fort ST: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 4 - 2 = 18

If she starts feeling like she has a disease coming on, though, she will down an antiplague to try and kick it.

I don't see any indication that saving throws are a form of ability check, sorry.

fort save: 1d20 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 4 - 2 = 21

Stupid corruption stuff, lol

Damn, he needs to be 3rd level to be immune to disease suff

1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 8 - 2 = 10

Fort Save: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 23

Thornberry, a friend to plants everywhere, is not infected by the spores. They have the utmost respect for him after all.

The light radiating from this seedling is incredibly intense, and palpably warm, even to the point that it starts to make your skin feel itchy.

Who said anything about spores?