With the distraction in play all the others move around away from Rybal. Rybal then initiates his plan in confusing the plants. The first two jumps misdirect the plants enough that they stop moving, contemplating on what is actually going on. Rybal then stumbles a bit on his third jump, the plants start their slow pursuit again. With a 4th jump away towards the group the plants suddenly lose him, it seems their tremorsense only goes so far. They start to aimlessly wander about trying to find their pray. With that the group hustles away so not to get trapped by the plants once more.
Once their far enough away Snow compliments Rybal for his work "That is certainly one way to get around not being able to sneak around."
With Snow leading the way and paying attention so there are no more surprises she leads the group to a house that is nearer to the bottom of the slope in this terrain. The house stands on a small island that is somehow not melted away by the lava pit it is in. The island is no more than sheer cliffs and a plateau on the top with the house on it. Strewn across the cliffs is a beautiful set of plants that is withstanding the heat from the lava below. Something about the plant says the group has heard about this before.
The cliffs of the island aren't all that high, about 40 ft high from the surface of the lava. Snow stops nearby without approaching the lava. "Our target is up there, he lives there blissfully unaware of his surroundings. We need to be cautious about approaching the place, lest we get burned. Once we're in we'll have to try and convince him to show us an item or person he deems of great import. That will be the link. First though let's see if we can get up there without alerting him to the world out here. We don't want him to turn into a mistfiend out of fear." Snow pauses "Any ideas to how we get up there. I can fly yes but I don't think the target would respond well to a dragon landing in his backyard."
Drak is amused by the leaping half-orc. Wondering (jokingly) if Rybal is indeed related to the half-elf/half-orc by the way he prances through the woods.
I can make it quietly and without disturbance... I think... but I may feel a little winded when I'm done. Though I don't know about the rest of you. Drak says somewhat confidently, feeling newfound magical power within him.
Yeah, Drak's quick. Maybe he can sneak up to this guy's doorstep, convince him that we're a good sort of folk and he should come talk to us, Rybal says, mentally noting the plant location.
A possibility... regrettably my arcane powers are not set to assist with recovery of the plant, and are more in the way of mayhem and post mayhem recovery of health - I could try a summoning but things with wings flying that close to lava will find themselves in deep trouble. A small elemental MAY be possible but it would be touch and go - Maybe an air elemental, but it would not leave the flower intact with its winds.
As Drak rushes past the plants up the cliff he can feel some of them move and react to his presence. Since he doesn't stick around long he doesn't see what might happen. Something dangerous most likely.
Reaching the plateau Drak can see a small cabin, quite well made and it feels very tranquil. There is green grass all around the area and a few trees on the edge. When he takes a step towards the cabin suddenly the sky changes to a wonderful mellow hue of blue, it's calming. As Drak approaches there is a small garden with several fruits begin grown. Drak can also hear someone humming inside the cabin.
Right, so while I run across a lake of lava, scale a small cliff and try to convince.... something... that is of indeterminate power to trust me why don't you go pick some flowers. Drak says gruffly but jokingly then rushes off.
While up on the plateau Drak moves cautiously wanting to get a really good feel for his surroundings. Once done he will get a peek inside the cabin.
Drak takes a good look around, the trees here are plenty sturdy. Can take his weight if he needs to climb up them. There are several birds he can see and here. Though after taking a good look of them can see they are nothing more than figments of light and not actual birds. The garden is very real though and is well tended too. The grass that Drak is standing on has been cut in the past week or so. He can feel the heat from the lava below him but with where he is standing it could easily be mistaken as the heat from a temperate region. The wood that the cabin is made out of looks unreal too, there should be workers' marks all over the place but it is perfectly made. This does seem to be created by Ebrahim, but for what purpose?
Peering inside Drak can see a lizardfolk dressed in plain clothes, happily chopping away at some carrots humming a tune. This is also quite odd as usually lizardfolk are carnivores as much as you know, strewn across his table there doesn't seem to be any meat. Through the window Drak can only see the kitchen, relatively plain all things considered. Some gourds hanging from rope, some vegetables in a basket, a string of garlic tied in a wreath hanging from a drawer.
As far as wishes go, to be in a peaceful and tranquil area, it could have been worse. Well no sense waiting around forever.
Drak will approach, weapons sheathed and will knock on the door.
Drak approaches the door and knocks, he hears a clatter and the sound of a quick whoosh. The door opens swiftly with the lizardfolk wiping his hands with a towel. It looks at you and smiles "Oh hello, I don't get many visitors here. Are you a new neighbour?" This lizardfolk says blissfully unaware that his house is the only one that stands here.
No, I am just a visitor looking to learn more of your peaceful ways. Well met friend. I am Drak. You do have a wonderful garden. Could you show me more of what you have here?
Something or someone of great importance Drak thinks remembering Snow's words. Then what?
On the bank the rest of the group is stood on there are a pair of dilapidated old houses. They appear to have stood the test of time, they are made out of some form of wood by the looks of things. That can't be right though can it? They should have burnt by now?
There are no doors on the houses, just empty doorways with some remainders of curtains. Peering into each of them there is only a bed and some furniture such a shelving units or drawers. The houses don't appear to be lived in or at least not now. There were at some point, possibly a long time ago. Though there are no personal effects inside.
C'mon, Malthu, Rybal says, hefting his bardiche in two hands as he approaches one of the abandoned dwellings.
This wood seems to have some fire-resistant properties. Might as well start chopping, see how sturdy it is. If we don't hear back from Drak, we'll need some way to get to him, and a lava bath doesn't sound too fun to me.
Rybal starts hacking away, not stopping as he turns to look at Variel and Rikaku.
Either of you have a way to bind wood with your magicks?
The elf seems horrified at the motions to cut down the woods but sees little other option.
He has no knowledge of engineering to minimise the waste of these trees but maybe the magical book might...
Malthu and Rybal get to cutting and crafting. Variel leafs through his book, the book identifies this as ironwood warded with a fireward spell of some kind. Now while the wood is impervious to the heat the things around it aren't. There isn't maybe just enough to make a bridge but then those walking on it would have the lava lick at them, enough to build a small guarded raft but what to push it with, too much of the wood submerged would still cause damage. How best to approach this? Maybe a spell or two to propel a raft, or something to protect them across a bridge?
Malthu and Rybal are able to piece together what they might need, but might need a little guidance on what to do with it.
"Oh my.." The lizardfolk poses the towel "Of course, of course." He bows. "My name is Tama."
Tama comes outside closing the door behind him. "Come, come, the garden is wonderful isn't it?" He points at the various fruits, naming them and giving you one or two of the ripe ones to try out for yourself. Striking up conversation he asks you "My peaceful ways you asked earlier? I just go through life honestly and don't harm anyone. Unlike much of my kin, I feel that I do not need to take more than I need by force. There is no need for greed or gluttony."
Something snags in Drak's mind, if this lizardfolk asked Ebrahim for this place then he was of course wishing for something more than he had at the time.
"My life before here was filled with war and fighting." Tama gives Drak a quick look over. "It seems you still have need for it however..by the looks of your equipment?"
Drak has a quick look about while he is behind the house now in the garden. Through another window in the house he can see some inkling of brown mist around a corner. The window looks into a small entrance hall that turns into the room with the mist coming out of it.
Hmm, Rybal says, looking at their wood pile. If we can trick most of those tree-things away and lure just one to us here, maybe we can smash it and use its parts to bind our wood. Variel, can you summon something that can run quickly? If you could have it skirt around to draw their attention, I can approach the nearest one to draw it here. One of them is no match for all of us. Can you do it?
To Tama -
Unfortunitely, life for me has not been so peaceful, though I sincerely mean you no harm and wish for a pleasent visit. Drak will take a bite of the fruit trying to be polite as possible. Your garden is quite nice. I can appreciate the effort it takes making something this beautiful. Mind if we step inside for a drink?
Tama smiles "Ah don't worry, I do not think you'd attack me. If you did want to you'd have likely done so already. Please come inside." He gestures towards the house, he approaches the backdoor of the house and opens it. From the fact that he did nothing other than turn that handle the place is unlocked. The same could be said of the front door.
Entering the entrance hall Tama asks you to wipe your feet as you enter. Past the hall you enter a small living room with several chairs, there is a pedestal near the back corner of the room that has an orb filled with a dim purple colour. From beneath the orb the mists flow out into the room. The pedestal appears to be built into the house or rather fused into it. Tama then asks Drak "Please sit, would you like some water? Or perhaps fruits juice?"
You, who commands the mysteries of the unknown, who can bend reality to your will and summon creatures from other realms, you fear ONE tree-thing? Drak could be getting killed right now and we've no way of knowing. We need a bridge, and I need something that can withstand the heat to bind these planks. If you can't conjure something up, then help me kill one of those meandering creatures.
Drak obliges Tama and enters, cleaning his feet.
Juice from the plants from your garden would be great He comments and looks around, especially interested in the Mist. Drak will attempt to take note to see if Tama seems to notice the mist at all - whether Tama is just used to seeing it or if he actually is unaware of it's presense.
Drak tries to take note of Tama's reactions.
Drak can tell from how Tama walks around the room and places things near the pedestal, Tama isn't aware of the mist. The pedestal might appear as some other furniture to him perhaps but the lizardfolk is blissfully unaware of the mist, much like a lot of what is around him. Maybe he never sought to dispel this illusion because of his happiness.
Rybal throws some rocks nearby the plant things, trying to attract one. He manages to pull one away fairly easily, they don't seem particularly bright. Once close enough the group can pounce on it.
The three of them pile onto this plant, it doesn't stand a chance from the sneak attack and is very swiftly cut down. Rybal is able to utilise the bindings and extra wood to finish a bridge. He estimates that if he makes barricades they will hold for a small amount of time before melting. Probably enough time to get across and back if they aren't doing much on the other side of the lava.
See, that thing wasn't so tough. Let's go see what mess Drak has got himself into. I'll go first.
Rybal stows his weapons and drags the makeshift bridge to the edge of the water, tossing it into the lava and lining it up as best as he can. Assuming it doesn't immediately get destroyed, he stars walking slowly and carefully across the moat.
So, do I need to steal the orb? Snow said we needed something to make the connection, and that seems the most obvious thing in here. Drak wonders.
You have a nice place. So tell me is there anything special you have here? Drak says, trying to be his charming self.
Variel follows Rybal and Malthu
Tama chuckles as he brings Drak some juice. "Ah this home is my special place. It has brought me so much joy and comfort being here, away from all that my kind has wrought." He says this while happily rubbing the pedestal with the orb on it. Tama however passes straight through the orb.
The rest of the group manage to steadily make way across the makeshift bridge. As they approach however they hear something starting to move, starting to shift. It sounds like someone moving through trees. The sound rustles every so often. When the group stops to hear it again no sound can be heard, as the advance to the island the keep hearing the sound.
The elf steps onto the island cautiously.
I am not sure if they aren't another perversion of life and magic
Rybal ignores the rustling sounds, more concerned with crossing the lava moat. Once he traverses the bridge, he offers a hand to the other, hastily helping them cross. Only once the entire group is on the other side does he draw his shield and blade and look around for signs of danger.
I don't like what I am about to do. Drak thinks to himself.
Well, I am grateful for your hospitality. Drak says as he drinks the juice. However I really must be going, my friends are waiting for me. Drak stands and goes near the pedestal where orb lays.
When Tama looks away Drak will attempt to take it, pondering his escape if things go sideways.
Malthu tries to move silently in his heavy armour but isn't doing too good a job of it. He scans around but senses no evil. The group reach the base of the island before suddenly hear the rustling increase. Rybal has drawn his weapons in time and sees a vine that surrounds the island dart down and attempt to strike at him.
It mounts a flimsy ambush, not succeeding in grasping Rybal. There are 4 vine tendrils hovering above the group just in reach. They look linked to the side of the island.
The sweltering heat might get to become a problem if this fight drags on, swiftness will be the key to victory here.
Drak swipes the orb, he suddenly gets a twinge of something he's forgotten but he isn't sure what. It feels similar to when touching an orb of a defeated mistfiend however he is getting no memories from it. Tama turns back around and smiles, though his smile quickly turns to fear. Fire! .. Fire!! Everywhere!" He rushes out the door. "My garden I won't let it burn!"
Drak suddenly hears the sound of Rybal blocking the blow of an attack with his shield and a large rustle sound beneath his feet.
The warlock stands to one side and toasts the vine with burning hands.
Save DC15 for half (I really really need to get that stat increased)