GM Doug's The Perennial Crown Parts 1 & 2 (Inactive)

Game Master Doug Hahn

Suddenly realizing he's not as hurt as he thought, Packet put his potion away for later.

He draws an eldritch sign in the air and says, "Hsams, skcor!", causing rocks to fling at the dryad.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 1 = 7

The rocks pelt the dryad in the head, and she falls! critical hit!

★★★★★★

The flytrap is barely upright, but mindless and hungry. So hungry. And it has a meal grabbed, right here…

To your collective horror, the plant wraps its maw around Keats's head and swallows him whole! It then shambles toward Packet, looking for another easy meal.

Keats' feet stick out of the flytrap's mouth, pointing at the sky. His boots kick in the air while the vine lashes out at Packet. Luckily, it only slaps the dirt.

IT'S SO HUNGRY!

★★★★★★

The croc-people rush in closer, spanding extra movement to aavoid the dangerous plant! All of them triple movep

★★★★★★

Keats is back on the menu! Round 3

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.
You may read about Swallowed Whole here — basically Keat's best option is to cut himself out with a 1-handed slashing weapon by doing some damage. He's holding his breath.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand
Flytrap 1 -49 HP, Swallowed Keats
Croc-Person 5
Croc-Person 6
Croc-Person 2
Croc-Person 3
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 1
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Swallowed Whole, holding breath 0/7 rounds

Part of Packet's mind reels in horror as the plant swallows Keats and then shambles closer, but another part of his mind thinks, well, it probably can't fit more than one of us in there, can it?!

Zarindlara aims at the flytrap holding Keats.

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 12 + 1 = 15
ouch!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 2

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 12 - 5 + 1 = 16
ouch!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 1

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 10 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 - 10 + 1 = 7
ouch!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 5

On seeing Keats swallowed, Bailiff goes to hide under the bushes and barks from there. "Woooof! Wood-woof-woof!"

Stay away from my people, but also... Stay away from me!

My non-combat riding dog / pack animal boldly hides.

Zarindlara is so shaken by the bizarre tableau that she can't aim straight. Keats's feet wiggle some more, then disappear! The flytrap's jaws snap shut.

The plant looks ready to collapse — freeing your ally might not be too difficult if you can just hit it one more time… I'd suggest you account for alternate actions after hitting the plant once; likely just swapping targets to croc-persons, but I want to keep things moving with minimal retconning. Also, even when the plant is dead Keats will still have to cut himself out (or be cut out).

Keats is back on the menu! Round 3

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.
You may read about Swallowed Whole here — basically Keat's best option is to cut himself out with a 1-handed slashing weapon by doing some damage. He's holding his breath.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand
Flytrap 1 -49 HP, Swallowed Keats
Croc-Person 5
Croc-Person 6
Croc-Person 2
Croc-Person 3
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 1
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Swallowed Whole, holding breath 0/7 rounds

◈ Inspire Courage

◈ She attempts to identify the crocodile people!

Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Hero point

Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Sigh.

She has no idea what they are, but does not like how they've been approaching!

◈ She shoots at the plant...

Magical Short bow+I.C.: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 12
Magical Piercing damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (4, 5) + 1 = 10
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 2

... and watches her shot with dismay. "I don't think I'd win that archery contest you two were proposing!"

Pip misses; this flytrap is proving not only to be hungry, but stubborn! It just won't die.

Can Varret save the day before more croc-people attack?

Reflex save: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Varret tries to shake off the grasping vines as he moves back a step (Stride since it's difficult terrain, provoking if the croc has an AoO), then unleashes another volley of arrows at the plant that has Keane swallowed. 1. Stride, 2. Hunted Shot, 3. If still up, another Strike; if not, Hunt Prey on croc #2.

+1 Composite shortbow (1st), IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 = 23
Piercing, IC: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

+1 Composite shortbow (2nd), IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 1 = 24
Piercing, IC: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3

Varret saves the day… kind of. He takes out the plant… but now Keats is inside a corpse. Leaving the plant on the map until Keats can cut himself free. He'll auto-hit.

The crocs move in for the kill!

Keats is was back on the menu! Round 3-4

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand
Croc-Person 5
Croc-Person 6
Croc-Person 2 Varret's Hunted Prey
Croc-Person 3
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 1
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Swallowed Whole, holding breath 0/7 rounds

"So, any chance you willing to be friends?" Gurmire asks hopefully.

Nature to ID: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Should find out what they are before killing them...but it seems the dice do not agree.

He hesitates only a moment, then adds "...or not."

With that he pulls out a lightning bottle and tosses it to Lizard Face #3.
Moderate Alchemical Bomb: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16 30’
Moderate Bottled Lighting: 2d6 ⇒ (3, 5) = 8 If hits, target flat footed until beginning of my next turn
Electric splash damage: 2 = 2

It’s a blessing that Keats must keep his mouth shut, in order to hold his breath.

With his shield equipped, the amateur swordsman attempts to use his long blade one-handed to slash open the belly of the begonia.

auto-hit slashing damage + filk: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10

If he cuts a hole wide enough, he’ll use his remaining two? actions to crawl out and stand in a spot where he won’t provoke an attack of opportunity from the Sons of Sobek.

Packet was not expecting more visitors. How is this jungle so full of life?!

He attempts fo telepathically fling some rocks at lizard #1.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7 Whomp

Hero point!

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 Woot!

Damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 4) + 1 = 11

And then he pats down his pockets, frantically drawing the healing potion he’d just put away.

Gurmire ties to remember them but he doesn't learn much. They probably burn though. He hits Croc-person 3 and splashes his two adjacent allies. 8=-FF-10 HP; 5& 6 -2 HP

Keats ruptures the plant and stands. Keats I read the Swallow Whole as the PC being free when they cut free; you can stand where you were and would have another action (crawling 5 feet usually takes 3 actions anyway). I'll say Keats raises his shield as a third action unless that sounds terrible to you.

Packet flings more rocks at another croc. #1 at -11 HP

★★★★★★

Croc-person 5 moves to a clear vantage-point then throws his spear at Gurmire, which misses by a mile. Croc-person 6 does likewie to Varret. Croc-person 3 is furious and rushes at Gurmire after flailing with his spear too. all 3 move, strike, move

★★★★★★

This jungle is FULL of life! Round 4

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand again
Croc-Person 5 Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 6 -2 HP; Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 2 -2 HP
Croc-Person 3 -10 HP; Flat-footed, spear thrown
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 1 -11 HP
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Shield Raised

"Now I understand you are angry, but if you aren't going to talk then you will either burn or get zapped." Gurmire tells lizard-face #3.

Do they seem to be comprehending what we say? Are they talking to each other?

Zarindlara moves back and starts shooting at #5.

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22
ouch!: 1d8 ⇒ 4
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 7

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 12 - 5 = 19
ouch!: 1d8 ⇒ 2
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 10

Do they seem to be comprehending what we say? Are they talking to each other?

Good question… They are using hand-signals, like a trained band of warriors on the hunt. However, they were shouting in Sylvan before they burst onto the scene. Pip isn't 100% sure, but she thought she heard the words "Humans!" "Halflings!" "Green person!" "Feast!"

They do not seem to understand common.

★★★★★★

Zarindlara strikes #5 twice! He says something in Sylvan, but no translation is necessary. It's clearly a curse word. 6 damage

★★★★★★

This jungle is SO FULL of Life! Round 4

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand again
Croc-Person 5 -6 HP, Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 6 -2 HP; Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 2 -2 HP
Croc-Person 3 -10 HP; Flat-footed, spear thrown
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 1 -11 HP
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Shield Raised

Reflex vs. entangle: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Varret decides he's had enough of these vines, slipping between two of the foes to leave the entangling area before spinning around and firing a quick volley at the foe he studied last round. Actoion 1: Stride. Movement provokes from 2, 3, and 6, but there was no way for me to avoid that anyway in that difficult terrain.

Action 2: Hunted Shot, attacking #2:
+1 Composite shortbow (1st), IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 1 = 19
Piercing, IC: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

+1 Composite shortbow (2nd), IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 = 26
Piercing, IC: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8
Deadly d10 if needed: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Varret weaves out of the vines, spins, and lands two deadly arrows at #1! 1 crit, one hit!

★★★★★★

They said "You'll be railroaded into killing us," Round 4

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand again
Croc-Person 5 -6 HP, Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 6 -2 HP; Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 3 -10 HP; Flat-footed, spear thrown
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 1 -11 HP
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Shield Raised

"They were discussing the culinary merits of each of us as a menu item," Pip says. "They're not sounding like friendly fey."

◈ Inspire Courage

◈ ◈ A fed-up Pip takes two shots. The first is at Crocodile 1. If he goes down, the next shot is at Crocodile 5.

"हम! कर रहे हैं! नहीं! खाना!"

MAGIC WEAPON Short bow+I.C.: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 16
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (6, 1) + 1 = 8
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 8

MAGIC WEAPON Short bow+I.C.: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 5 = 22
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (2, 1) + 1 = 4
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 1

पृषज रचश आकोसच!

Pip takes out #1 and sends another arrow at 5 #5 at -10 HP

★★★★★★

Croc person 4 takes a guarded step towards the other fighter-looking type and chomps twice at him! Unfortunately, the jaws look just as ineffective as the javelins. Well… this is turning out to be an incredibly ill-conceived venture for the croc-people.

★★★★★★

They said "You'll be railroaded into killing us," Round 4-5

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand again
Croc-Person 5 -10 HP, Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 6 -2 HP; Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 3 -10 HP; Flat-footed, spear thrown
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Shield Raised

Gurmire struggles through the leaves to get away from the angry lizard-faced people.

Then he turns around and mixes up a present for them, tossing it to #3 again. “If someone going to be cooked, it you!” The weeds get in his way, throwing off his aim.
Moderate Alchemical Bomb, IC: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15 30’

Moderate Alchemist’s Fire, IC: 2d8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2, 5) + 1 + 1 = 9
Persistent Fire damage: 2 + 1 = 3
Fire splash damage: 2 + 1 = 3

Round #4: AC 21 or 23, ☤ 27/47 hp

“Gurmy! Stay strong, my fiery little friend!”

Keats takes a 5 foot step to the north and engages #5.

"My word. You lot are so ugly I'm surprised that even seven of you exist."

+1 longsword (versatile P) + filk on #5: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 12 + 1 = 17
slashing damage + filk: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12

If not, Keats raises his shield.

Gurmies'e bomb just misses. 3 and 5 takes 3 splash, each at -13

Keats slashes #5 into oblivion. Luckily the fey creature doesn't know common or he might feel grossly insulted.

★★★★★★

They said "You'll be railroaded into killing us," Round 5

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand again
Croc-Person 6 -2 HP; Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 3 -13 HP, spear thrown
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Shield Raised

My reading is that on a miss only the target takes splash damage.

If an attack with a splash weapon fails, succeeds, or critically succeeds, all creatures within 5 feet of the target (including the target) take the listed splash damage. On a failure (but not a critical failure), the target of the attack still takes the splash damage.

Zarindlara starts by aiming at 5 and moves on to 3 if 5 goes down.

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 1 = 30
ouch!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 4

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 12 - 5 + 1 = 22
ouch!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 2

+1 Composite Longbow Attack: 1d20 + 12 - 10 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 12 - 10 + 1 = 10
ouch!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
deadly if a crit: 1d10 ⇒ 4

Packet finally downs his potion.

Minor Healing Potion: 1d8 ⇒ 4

And then with an eldritch sign and a backwards command, he sends rocks flying at lizard folk #4.

Telekinetic Projectile: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 3) + 1 = 9

Round 4 — Zarindlara went, struck twice, Varret went, then Pip, then croc 4, then Gurnime and Keats. I don't think Zarindlara gets a turn yet as we're back to the top of round 5, but we'll bank those shots!

Packet downs a potion; as his wounds knit he's too distracted to aim the projectile correctly! Miss.

★★★★★★

Both Croc-people are entangled on their turn and spend much of their turns pushing through the vines to get at the dangerous alchemist. They then both land solid hits with their jaws! Gurmire takes 21 damage. rolled almost high on both d8's. Gurmire your slash line shows you at -10 HP but I'm not sure where that came from. By my reckoning, you haven't been damaged at all in this encounter.

★★★★★★

Zarindlara takes out #3 with her first shot, sending it through a croc-eye! She then sends another arrow into 6! I forgot to update the map; Keats killed 5 in round 4. Will redirect shots to next most damaged enemy.

★★★★★★

They said "You'll be railroaded into killing us," Round 5

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand again
Croc-Person 6 -2 HP; Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Croc-Person 3 -13 HP, spear thrown
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire -21 HP, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Shield Raised

Looks like it must have been left over. I looked over this campaign and didn’t find anything until now that hurt me.
Updating my headers now.

After destroying his previous target and studying the next (action 3 last round), Varret raises his bow and let's fly a volley at the croc in front of Pip. Action 1: Hunted Shot vs. Croc 3

+1 Composite shortbow (1st) vs. croc 3, IC: 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 1 = 13
Piercing, IC: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7
Deadly d10 if needed: 1d10 ⇒ 2

+1 Composite shortbow (2nd) vs. croc 3, IC: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25
Piercing, IC: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 = 8
Deadly d10 if needed: 1d10 ⇒ 2

Action 2:

Action 3:

Varret composes several "if-then" conditionals while he aims. He passes the first conditional, his volley destroying the croc who's menacing Pip. He then hunts a new prey and drops an arrow into #6! Croc 3 is down, croc 6 at -6 HP.

★★★★★★

Lunchtime is Over, Round 5

Terrain:The spell area marked on the top left of the map is difficult terrain due to the entangle effect.
All allies Inspired.

Packet -24 HP, potion in hand again
Croc-Person 6 -6 HP; Spear thrown, ref save at start of next turn
Pip Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed), Magic Weapon on bow
Varret
Zarindlara PBS Stance, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Croc-Person 4
Gurmire -21 HP, Entangled (–10-foot circumstance penalty to Speed)
Keats -20HP, Shield Raised

Why aren't they fleeing or surrendering? "क्या आपने आत्मसमर्पण करने के बारे में बहुत सोचा? है इससे पहले कि हम आपको हैंडबैग और सामान के एक समूह में बदल दें?"

◈ Inspire Courage

◈ ◈ Pip takes two shots at Crocodile 6. If 6 goes down, she aims at Crocodile 4.

MAGIC WEAPON Short bow+I.C.: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 1 + 1 = 18
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 1) + 1 = 7
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 7

MAGIC WEAPON Short bow+I.C.: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 5 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 5 = 17
Piercing damage: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (1, 5) + 1 = 7
Deadly?: 1d10 ⇒ 9

Pip takes out number 6 with her magical bow. The last one flees off into the forest!

है त्मसम सोचा इससेकि!

They have no morale threshold in their statblock or tactics, but they are also intelligent creatures.

Out of Combat! Finally!

★★★★★★

Just as you begin to catch your breath and treat your wounds, a booming, gravelly voice interrupts. The voice speaks in a language only Pip knows (Mwagni): (I assume Pip will translate)

By the authority vested in me by His Majesty King Webhekiz, Fourth of His Name, Chosen Sovereign of Bhopan by the Grace of the Four Seasons, I hereby extend the hospitality of the Bhopanese kingdom to these strangers!

A patrol of twelve individuals, most of them with animal- or fey-like faces, emerge from the foliage. Their beautifully enameled armors seem to consist in equal parts of living plant matter and metal, and the same holds true for their weaponry. Their leader, an armadillo-faced woman, performs a perfect curtsy and extends a hand in greeting, Hail and well met! My name is Thadie Yabi Yulunga, but you can call me Thadie, if you prefer. I am a commander of the Bhopanese Greenwatch.

You’ve shown yourself to be quite capable. Perhaps you didn’t need our assistance to pass safely through these jungles. Nonetheless, it is best not for our noble guests and honored defenders to find themselves trapped in the grim tragedy of unwelcome battle.

She looks inquiringly at each of you in turn. Please be so kind as to excuse my being so straightforward, but what might bring you to our realm?

Pip whistles for Barrister, then comes forward to translate. "Hail and well met!" Pip bows low. "I am Pip Hip Hooray, a gnomish barrister from Absalom. To hear you speak gladdens my heart, for my grandmother hailed from the Mwangi and taught me the tongue of her people."

Pip considers the mission briefing that Blackthane gave. Selmius Foster was killed by these people, but by all accounts he was the one who gave offense, and that was many years ago. Blackthane asked us to tread lightly but find answers.

"These are my companions and friends, and I will allow them to introduce themselves. We are travelers, who seek to explore, cooperate and report." She pauses, choosing her words carefully. "We are here to make friends and alliances, to solve a historical mystery, and to see your fey jewel of a city. "

And possibly, to make amends for the faux-pas of one of our founding members.

She pauses. "There is more to my story, much more. I would love to exchange stories and songs with you, if we are permitted, in exchange for a place where we may rest and refresh?"

___
TWO of Pip's languages appear in this scenario? Is it my birthday?

Once Pip translates, Gurmire takes his turn. Stepping forward, he gives a bow and introduces himself. "Gurmire." he says, pointing to his own chest.

"I am from Magnimar, a city of monuments and wonders. I look forward to learning more of your people and their society!" He smiles brightly and waits for Pip to finish translating before stepping back so the next person can introduce themselves.

"I am Varret or the Shadde-Quah, medic and scout. Our purpose is as Pip has explained, to come and to learn."

“Good day to you, madam. How are you, ser? LOVE your outfit! Isn’t this humidity simply horrid? How do you stand it?”

A beaming Keats sheathes his weapon and straps his shield to his back before stepping forward with genuine warmth in his greeting and glad-handing of people not immediately intent on harming him.

“I’m Keats Erikssòn. Originally from Breezy Creek in Taldor. I guess you’d call me the party’s minder.”

Whether the choreographer’s disarming smile and obvious naivety win him fans or not, his sincerity is authentic. “I take the licks, so that Packet and Varret keep their leading man good looks. Speaking of which … are any of you healers?”

“As for why we’re here -- haven’t the foggiest, ol’ Bean! I’m just along for the ride, you see.”

“You’re better off asking Pip or Lady Aviar those kind of questions. They’re the brains of the outfit, you see.”

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 If I can aid, I'll aid Pip

Bailiff comes out and cautiously sniffs the newcomers if they let him.

"Yes, we do need healers, or a place and time where we can tend to our comrades? I have some small training in first aid, but professionals would be welcome."

Packet takes off his hat and wipes the sweat and grime from his brow before bowing and smiling in pained relief.

”Thought we were going to have to kill every living thing in this jungle for a moment there, and before we’ve even had tea.” He puts his hat back on with a grimace.

”Could these be the dog-faced people? Don’t seem like the murderous type, but then again you never know. Pip, did you ask them about Foster? Or should we get to know them better first? Might be we want to mention the skeleton we found too. Could be someone they’re looking for.”

"I am Zarindlara Aviar from Kyonin. We hope to visit your beautiful city."

Zarindlara follows Pip's lead to not bring up the Society just yet.

Pip groans inwardly at Packet's wording, but maintains a pleasant expression as she studies her hosts faces. Did they understand common? Did any of them react to the name, 'Foster'?

"Packet," Pip says in carefully chosen common, "I do indeed think these may be the people we were sent to find. Let's get to know them and their society better before going more in depth on our mission. Our founder, his assistant, and his assistant's royal wife all may have had a history here in Bhopan that we can't begin to guess at..." She shares a grin with Packet. "I bet you are looking forward to unraveling it, though."

She deliberately does not name Selmius, Adolphus or the Princess Ganjay just yet, not even when speaking common. Although she translated all the rest of her colleagues word for word, Pip takes a bit of artistic license with Packet's comments as she turns once again to their hosts. "This is my colleague Packet, a relentless seeker of truth. He is a poker at mysteries, and a prodigious eater of snacks. He reminded me with concern and sorrow that we found the remains of a skeleton not far from here. If it is one of your people, we thought you would want to know."

1/2

Thadie nods approvingly at Pip's low bow. One might say that Pip and Keats have both succeeded at "Making An Impression" on this patrol leader.

It seems Thadie understands common, heard all your words, and now switches to that language — however, it has an archaic accent.

She looks distraught at such nice people attacked by the fey. Ones so well-spoken , attacked out here? Tragic. It is said that our jungle is dangerous for lone travelers. The malicious fey — especially those Bilokos — attack if they think they can avoid getting caught by our patrols. In my grandmother’s day, the forest fey held more respect for their compacts with the Sovereign.

Yes, we can help you heal, but first you mist be escorted to our city. When she hears Packet mention Foster and the "dog-faced people?" she briefly tenses but then collects herself. I will send the guards to look for this body. The fey are getting worse and worse… At her signal, a couple of guards trot off in the direction of the skeleton. We can assume you tell them where it was found.

We will escort you to our wondrous city, of Hoba Dukuza, and you will meet out king.

Winter winds kill the soil. In Summer it ever blossoms. Let our friendship be like the Summer, with no whispers of winter to hurt our blossoming friendship.

This is a formal ask for you to not take any actions that might be considered hostile: she is asking you not to cast spells, draw weapon/potions, etc at the moment.

With that, the guards begin making the way to the city. They surround you. To protect you, says Thadie. She gently turns aside any further attempts at conversation.

Bilokos? I wonder if that is their name for a tribe or a type of fey.

When Thadie politely requests that they not draw weapons, Gurmire sheepishly and carefully wipes his dagger clean before sheathing it. Should have done that sooner, but we were just in combat with the lizard faced people. Sheathing a weapon is the opposite of hostile.

Did you want Diplomacy rolls from anyone else? Seemed a little awkward with my character not speaking the language.

2/2

After traveling for an hour, the jungle path broadens and ascends a hill, revealing a stunning scene. From this vantage, you have a clear view of a river delta formed by titanic trees. The water is crystal-clear; there is a harbor situated among the massive mangrove roots that are three times thick as a human is tall.

There is a city behind the harbor. Rock and wood seamlessly blend with massive bulbs and flowers that sprout from the trees, forming dwellings. Gigantic, cart-wide vines connect these flower- and bulb-buildings to small houses that sit on massive floating leaves, perpetually held aloft by invisible winds. On the ground itself, dwellings of mulch and rock jut from the red clay earth.

In the distance, the center of this wondrous city is clearly visible beyond the tree-formed delta: a pristine lake at the heart of the city of Hoba Dukuza. An island in the middle of the lake contains a majestic castle with four budding towers surrounded by meticulously groomed gardens. Art on slide 1

The access to these wondrous sights is a vine street flanked by two tree-towers. The gate is guarded by heavily armored individuals wearing crimson helmets that seem to be grown from red roses. Their armor seems to emphasize the rose's thorn; their boots are ironshod; their scythes are massive.

Thadie greets these grim-rose sentinels by saying, Winter brings peace. She then pricks her thumb on a thorn growing out of her own armor, spilling a single drop of blood onto the earth. At this, the red-helmeted guards reply in unison, And Summer brings prosperity. They then similarly wet the ground with drops of their own blood.

They then step aside and allow your party passage onto the vine streets of Hoba Dukuza. Thadie seems relaxed and more willing to entertain questions for the moment, though you get the sense that you are soon to be passed on to a more important handler.

At first seeing the city, Gurmire pauses a moment. They certainly like plants and flowers. I’m not sure how they keep the structures together in a storm.

Hearing the exchange at the gate, Gurmire is struck by a thought. They keep mentioning those two seasons, I wonder what the other seasons bring.

As they travel through the city, he notices that the leader Thadie seems more relaxed. He matches pace with Pip and says to her “Could you please ask what the Summer and Fall bring? They seem very formal with their phrasing and I’m curious.”

Edited my posts; the seasons mentioned so far should be Winter and Summer. The scenario itself contains an editorial error regarding this, and that got carried over into my writing.

The posts are updated; I think Gurmire would have asked about Spring and Autumn.

Just missed the edit window. Yes, I would have asked about the two missing seasons. It is an even better question since Spring and Fall can be seen as transitional seasons.

Varret shoots Gurmire a puzzled look, then turns to Thadie. "Ma'am" heasks, the guide having demonstrated a command of Common, "your greetings seem to emphasize Summer and Winter. Do those seasons hold a special place here? What of Spring and Fall?"

As you walk along the living road, you notice the purple orchids on Thadie's green pauldrons have rotated to drink in the sunlight. She thinks about Varret's question.

Do you not also respect the seasons? Look around you. The seasons define who we are. She gestures; ahead is red onion rickshaw being pulled by a bear-faced man; as it passes by a lynx-faced woman peers at you from the window, fanning herself with a ribbed leaf. Below in the clear water, sunning themselves in the gaps between roots, are twenty-foot long catfish. You are on the threshold of shade below a massive floating leaf, on which rests a graceful mansion made from moss and fancifully sculpted Ipé trees. Even the humble mud-houses, while they look cramped below the floating palaces, harmonize with the red clay. This place is indeed at harmony with nature — even if a little fey magic has helped it along the way.

We hold no season above the others; spring and fall are equals to winter and summer. All are a part of the cycle — the eternal cycle of life and death, growth and decay. We celebrate and remember this whenever we can, for without it we Bhopanese cease to exist. How could we live without the seasons? This little ritual reminds us of that. We perform it throughout our daily lives, so as to never forget.

Were you to give an appropriate statement about any season as a greeting, it would warrant a response that uses the opposite season in a similar manner. For example, a greeting emphasizing spring is responded to by praising autumn. A platitude about winter should always be rejoined with a truth about summer.

You are nearing your destination — a strange bridge made of woven vines that crosses to the inner island. There is time for perhaps one more question if you like.