GM Wydroe's Gallows of Madness Chapter 2, What Lurks in the Woods (Restart) (Inactive)

Game Master Wydroe

The timeline above is not correct. Theo's and Eurkar's blows are needed to defeat the plant. But the gist is there. As Jakwin had the highest initiative I assumed he would get the AoO from the active plant. But with block initiatives things get confusing somethings.

I need survival checks for the far side of the clearing to make out where the goblin retreat trail continues.

Jakwin states, "Perhaps we should get back to the trail. There is nothing but death and rust here."

A search reveals nothing of value.
No treasure here unfortunately. Out of game information, A hobgoblin raiding party surprised a human Isgarian patrol and slaughtered them to the last man. They took all that was of value and left the bodies to rot.

Pending your survival check to move ahead.

Theo sneezes again as he picks bits of foliage off of his morningstar. He blows his nose in a rag. "Ah. Sorry. I've never had allergies be so... aggressive. Let's see about that trail." He starts poking about at the far side of the clearing.

survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Drin takes a moment to recover from the plant's affect on his mind, but is then immediately back to work. He doesn't know much about following a trail, but he tries to follow behind anyone who does and points out anything he thinks may be useful.

Aid Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Eurkar looked at the remains of the plant before joining the others in trying to find the trail.

Survival aid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Please see discussion for character adjusts.

Theo locates the trail and the group continues on their way after the retreating goblin raiders. As the group walks, Eurkar and Drin find an apple tree and a black berry patch and are able to forage a day's worth of rations each.

The group follows along until the light starts to fade as the sun sets.

I assume you all will camp and continue in the morning. Setting watches in 4 hour intervals covering 12 hours.

The night passes uneventfully.

Theo and the others look for the trail again.

I need Survival checks to continue the trail following. Theo as primary check with aid attempts from Eurkar and Drin.

Theo stamps out and buries the remaining embers from the campfire before shouldering his pack. "Ready for another day?" He sets off along the trail.

survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

Survival aid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
"Yes, another fine day for a walk" Eurkar said as he joined Theo in trying to locate the trail.

Survival Aid: 1d20 ⇒ 16
"Indeed. I believe the trail continues this way."

"Hey, I'm glad I found you. My name is Zuheilin and the society hired me to help you. I am a cleric of Sarenrae. I think I've been a couple of days behind your trail all this time. Carlo Escoro has been filling me in on all that has gone on and, thankfully, knows this area well enough to get me to you quickly."

Well as the group introduces themselves to the new member, Carlo says, "I wish you the best of luck. I must be getting back. Travel safely."

You gather your things and follow the goblin train for a few hours. Then while passing through a thickly wooded section with dim light and an interlocking canopy above, the trail suddenly veers to the East. Before you is small clearing still dim with canopy overhead dimming the incoming morning light. A small cat sized creature almost like a caterpillar lowers itself down into the middle on a silken thread.

"Who you are that dare come into my realm unannounced? This is my kingdom. Why are you trepassing here?" The caterpillar is a vibrant yellow and has glossy sheen to his skin. His bearing is haughty and strangely self-important. He however does not seem angry.

What do you want to do? The map is up.

Drin approaches the caterpillar and bows his head in respect. "Our apologies, but my companions and I have been tracking some goblins who have carried out numerous attacks on people near Saringallow recently. Perhaps you have seen them passing through?"

Diplomacy to improve attitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Theo follows Drin forward but has the good sense to keep his mouth shut and let the more charming man do the talking. He doesn't draw his weapon or make any hostile move, just watching the curious creature closely.

"So, you are hunting goblins then. Well, these goblins have been a great nuisance to me. You have my permission to carry on about your business." He waves a chubby caterpillar like arm your way as if dismissing you. But then he turns his head and sniffs the air.

"But wait! You must come forward and introduce yourselves. For I, Asiclassus, am benevolent ruler, who appreciates those who rid the world of these troublesome goblins." "For I too grow tired of them sneaking through my realm always just beyond my wrath's reach." "Tell me your names and of your glorious deeds." "And perhaps if you have a gift or two for the realm, perhaps something to eat, that would be much appreciated." "It might earn you three questions, for I know lots about this realm even perhaps about the goblins scurrying to and fro."

He rubs his chubby little hands together as a huge smile appears on his face. "But first perhaps a scrumptious morsel as a tribute! Then the questions.

Eurkar looked around to see if there was anything that might work for a morsel.

Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Zuheilen speaks clear and calmly, "My name is Zuheilen and I am a half-elf cleric of Sarenrae. I am thankful for the opportunity to speak and help rid your kingdom of these troublesome goblins. I have but a few days rations, but you are more than welcome to share my biscuits."

"I am Drin Sholm, from the region of Freedom Town. I am a servant of the late master Adaur.I have traveled to the far north and retrieved the hilt of the sword belonging to the great paladin Ivvora. Now I seek, with my companions, to help ensure that goblin legions do not march once again across these lands."

Drin also looks for anything that the caterpillar may like to eat.

Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 6

Theo steps out from behind Drin. "Hi Asiclassus. I'm Theodric Suthind. Originally, I'm from Belde in Cheliax. I helped defend the folks who live near Saringallow from a goblin raid. As for a snack... tell you what. I'll spend a few minutes looking around and see what I can find. Be back shortly. Oh and if I don't find anything better for you, you're welcome to some of my biscuits too."

Theo heads off into the surrounding forest to search out something that a caterpillar might find tasty. He stays within shouting distance so he can be called back if needed.

Taking 10 on survival to find a tasty treat for our magical insect friend for a total of 15. I just remembered the take 10 rule. We could all be taking 10 on our tracking survival checks. If all of you take 10 to aid me (which only requires a 10) and I take 10, that will be a reliable 21.

Survival takes a long time (several hours) for foraging. So it would greatly delay your venture and is probably not practical.

"Welcome, good adventures. I am pleased to hear your tales and I am glad to meet you." He rubs his small caterpillar hands together and continues, "Ooh, how exotic! I am pleased to accept your 'biz-cotts'. Is that what you call them?" "They would be a fine addition to my treasury."

Asiclassus takes whatever offered food and and immediately devours the morsels. He sings back and forth somewhat from the effect of eating so quickly. He finishes with a slight burp. "That was very fine, very fine indeed. My wealth of knowledge awaits your questions. How can I help such noble and gracious knights on their goblin hunting quest?"

"Well, where are my manners. You all have been so gracious and told me such wonderful tales. I must tell you something for as a gift then."
He continues to explain exactly how to get to Mount Wit and the goblin's home of Highfort. You are fairly confident you can now get to the fort without survival checks.

"These goblins have been tramping through my area for far too long." "They know annoyingly how to stay just out of reach of my magic." "I think they have passed through at least 2 or 3 times in this last week alone." "They even once had a body of a human woman with them." "They must be stopped."

"There leader is a very ugly bugbear named Mezodarath. He is formidable and flies into a rage easily. I believe him to be some kind of spell caster though his magic is not the same as mine." "His two sub-leaders are both female goblins. One is horribly scarred. Her skin almost looks wrinkled. She is called Leeza. The other is large for a goblin and has stark red hair. She is called Izgarp. Though I think she is still away. I have not seen her return this way."

"Well, there I go running my mouth again. I have probably told you all I can, question or no questions. You don't happen to have any more of those wonderful 'biz-cotts' do you? All this talk has given me such an appetite."

Do you have any questions for Asiclassus? How would you like ot proceed with this haunty caterpillar person?

What is you plans from here? With the help of Asiclassus, you can continue on without fear of loosing the trail. It is now mid afternoon and you imagine you have three or four good hours of traveling time left in the day.

"Izgarp was slain by our hand, so she should trouble you no more. Have you noticed any of the goblins having an unusual substance on them?"

Zuheilin steps a bit to the left of Drin and Theodric to avoid their shuffle and asks, "Should we be alert for any other possible trouble roaming your realm, besides the goblins, that may cause us trouble on our way to Mount Fit?"

Oh, Izgarp is done for? That is wonderful news." "I was keeping an eye out for her. I would have likes to have gotten her with my magic."

At the mention the goblins and strange substances, "Ah, they are all covered in a foul smelling, purple gunk." "it seems to fester all over the things causing tumors and rashes." "I am not sure what it is, though." "I do not eat anything it taints." "Yuck!"

At the mention of dangers in his realm, "I am the lord protector, I have guarded my realm well. There are not any dangers here. Are you saying I have not been a good protector? Surely not." "Now if natural creatures come upon you, I can not help that. I would not have subjects if I ran them off or killed them." He puffs up as he answers crossing his little caterpillar arms and raising his head a little.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

"I am sure that we can help aid you in protecting your realm." Eurkar said. "Is here any more information that will help us to protect it?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

"There is only so much that can be done in the face of an extensive menace of goblins. Once we have addressed whatever is making them so bold, they should no longer be a threat to anyone."

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Theo tries to reassure Asiclassus. "You seem to have a fine realm. I'm sure you protect it well. Say, do you know how many goblins live in that fort?"

Asiclassus seems to relax a bit with Theo's praise. "Based on the numbers I have seen coming back and forth and the buildings at the fort, I would estimate 10 to 20 goblins, not counting Leeza and Mezodarath. But that is just a guess. I have not been in the fort." "The fort is on a flattened rock formation 30 feet up there is a fense around it with a gate. There are 5 outer buildings visible. But getting up is tricky. There is only a rickety wooden ramp build along the cliff face."

"It looks to be a dangerous place. Do be careful. Best of luck to you all in your quest. I don't suppose more 'biz-cots' could be donated to my realm? They are just lovely."

Any more questions? What do you do?

"Here, have some of mine."

Drin then turns to his companions. "We should make what progress we can before night falls, then survey the fort in the morning. Farewall, good Asiclassus, and thank you for your assistance."

Zuheilin looks toward the path that will lead the group to the fort. As she does this, she sighs deeply not enjoying having her question misconstrued as an insult rather than a preparatory question as we are preparing to face nasty goblins for this pompous caterpillar who just wants to eat for free. "Agreed, let's make the most of the daylight that remains."

"Good to meet you," Theo says to Asiclassus. "We'll bring news when we're done with the goblins." He looks at Drin. "Sounds good to me. I wonder if I can find another way to climb up to the fort? I don't like the sound of that ramp. Guess we'll see tomorrow."

Your group heads out on the trail Asiclassus as described. In a short three hours the gloom of the woods begins to make travel difficult. You stop for the night in a small clearing with a giant oak at one end. You here the sounds of a bubbling brook close by. There is a quiet peace here.

Again I assume you have watches set. 3 watches of 4 hour each (first, middle and morning) for a total of 12 hours rest.

The night passes uneventfully. In the morning, Theo ventures out to find the brook and the fresh water it will provide. As he gets 100 feet or so from camp he sees a stone wall, then as he moves on another 50 feet, he realizes it is the remains of an old cabin with a walled off garden area. The garden area is much over grow, and the cabin roof and upper structure has all burned away several years ago. Theo can hear his companions cooking washing and generally going about their morning preparations.

What do you do? And what equipment would you have on you? The map is up!

Theo rubs the sleep out of his eyes and stands up. He yawns and stretches. Don't mind all the walking, but sleeping on the ground isn't great. Can't wait to get back to a bed. He puts on his scale mail and checks that his dagger and sling are on his belt. Then he grabs up his morningstar and sticks the handle down through his belt. He gathers everyone's waterskins in his arms as well as his pot before heading out. "I'll get some water," he tells the others. "Be back shortly." His pack and all of his other equipment including his sword and shield still lay where they did as he slept.

Heading for the brook, Theo notices something that he missed the night before: a stone wall. Getting closer, he sees the garden and decides to check it for food. He walks into the garden through an opening in the south wall.

Waking up to the call of nature, Eurkar headed into the underbrush to relieve himself. Once done, he noted Theodoric heading towards a wall and followed behind quietly.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Drin gathers up his own items, packing away his bedroll into his backpack and eating some of his rations while going over his spellbook. He then dons the backpack, his falchion, and readies his crossbow.

Zuheilin, quietly meditating as she dresses in her scale mail in preparation for the foes they are about to meet, asks Sarenrae's blessings on her light crossbow and scimitar. She is thankful for Theo filling the water skins, but is wondering what is taking so long.

Theo enters the opening in the stone wall and starts to look around for food.

Eurkar stays well back of Theo. Eurkar sees Theo stop just inside the walled area. Eurkar, you are now on the map. Theo you do not notice Eurkar.

What would you like to do, Theo? What do you want to do, Eurkar?
About 3 minutes have passed since Theo went for water.
Drin and Zuheilen please give me perception checks. Drin, I moved you back off the map. Depending on your perception check, you may be able to move to the map.

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Once he's finished memorizing his spell triggers, Drin looks around and sees Theo and Eurkar have not yet returned. He says to Zuheilen, "Have you seen the others? Seems they should be back by now."

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 "Not hide nor hair. I think we should head toward the water to make sure that nothing has happened. I'll make sure the fire is out." Zuheilin kicks dirt onto the ashes and begins walking in the direction she recalls Theo having gone earlier.

It will take Zuheilen and Drin a few rounds to arrive up to the garden area.

Do Theo or Eurkar want to do anything before the others arrive?

Theo continues looking though the overgrown garden in case there's something to eat. We could use a little variety after days of biscuits. He wanders closer to the cottage as he searches, glancing in through the windows.

Keeping quiet, Eurkar looked around for any threats or points of interest that might help them in dealing with the goblins.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Theo, as you approach the cottage, you see that indeed the occupants of this cottage had a small root garden with carrots, potatoes, and wild onions. along the left side of the cottage.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

But he fails to see the unusual flowing plant with long thick leaves that strikes out at him.

The leave slams Theo and sticks to him. He feels tiny tubes extend into his flesh from the leave securing it to him. 3 hp of damage and grappled.

Eurkar sees this happen. Zulheilen and Drin are still rounds away arriving in round 3.

Surprise round done.

round 1
Eurkar
Theo -3hp grappled
Zuheilen (moves)
Plant
Drin

Bold are up!

Seeing the predicament that Theo was in, Eurakr headed over to help him, smashing the plant with the staff like it was a large club.

Staff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
I think the map needs to be updated as the one I am seeing seems to be the one with the caterpillar

map is the first slide. I probably should have mentioned that. Eurkar, I am going to say you moved forward to the wall as Theo ventured in further. You would definitely be able to move and attack that way. Place yourself somewhere adjacent to the plant.

Theo you are grappled and up!

Thank you. Done

"Gah! Darn it. Help! Oh, hey Eurkar." Theo twists one hand free of the grasping leaves and pulls out his morningstar. He swings it at the central stalk of the plant.

morningstar: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 5 - 2 = 13
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

"What is it with the plants around here?"

After the two blows dealt to it it the plant is drooping badly. But as it holds fast to Theo, it saps blood and oxygen from Theo's body. The color starts to return and become more vibrant in the plant leaf and roots.

Meanwhile Zuheilen continues towards the group, 60 feet away.

Theo, I need a Fort save, DC13
staggered rounds: 1d3 ⇒ 3
Or Theo is straggered for round shown.

Round 1 continued

Drin 120 feet off map. You can hear the group but not see them ahead.

Round 2
Eurkar
Theo -3 hp grappled, staggered?
Zuheilen
Plant -18 +2
Drin

Flurry of blows: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 131d6 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Flurry of blows: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d6 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Eurkar quickly whipped the staff around so that both of his hands were holding it in the center and smashed it into the plant, trying to avoid hitting Theo in the process.
Flurry of blows crit: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d6 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

fortitude: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5

"Oooooo. I... I don't feel good." Theo sags and sways, but manages to swing his weapon again.

morningstar: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 12
damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

With a couple of swift attacks, Eurkar, manages to chop the plant from the ground and crush it. The thing droops listlessly. It is still attached Theo. Theo then swipes down with his morningstar and bats the thing a few feet ripping the leaf from his body.

Combat over! What would you like to do. Earkar and Theo can make perception checks. Th remainder of the group arrives in a short 12 seconds or so.

Drin rushes toward the sounds of combat, his crossbow at the ready. He is breathing heavily as he comes upon Theo and Eurkar.