GM Imperius' Skull & Shackles

Game Master bluedove

Kasin does not have combat reflexes yet, but does take advantage of one of the crits anyway!
Kasin Bite (magic): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 12 + 2 = 22 (fang)
damage (B/P/S): 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16 (fang)

Veronica
I think Veronica would stand her ground, rather than attract an AoO by moving. Plus, she'd know that the odds of being distracted again are very low. So I think she stays where she is and tries to clear her head.

"Ugh, this takes me back to the Wormwood... Veronica mumbles to Mac as the crabs pinch and bite at her, making her recall when she was nearly overrun by a wave of rats in the Wormwood 's bilges, with her stomach reacting in a similar way.

"Nicely done, Mac" she tries to nod approvingly at the cleric's actions. "I'll join you in a bit, soon as I get over these little guys bites."

She stands her ground and tries to stomp at some of the crabs as she waits for her stomach to get well enough to focus on the rest of the fight.

@GM: It might be best if you let us roll for the saves ourselves, because we have abilities that can modify them when we roll that we might want to use: Veronica has a Four-leaf Clover, that she'll be using on her next save to ensure she's not left out of the action again. And Tucci has Lucky Halfling as well.

@GM: It might be best if you let us roll for the saves ourselves, because we have abilities that can modify them when we roll that we might want to use: Veronica has a Four-leaf Clover, that she'll be using on her next save to ensure she's not left out of the action again. And Tucci has Lucky Halfling as well.

Not usually the way I prefer to operate just because more back and forth makes it harder/longer to resolve the round, but given I'm never going to have as good a working knowledge of your character mechanics and golf bags of loot as y'all do, I will concede the point. ^_~

Round 1
-------------------
Nil - moves, throws cutlass, misses
Red Crab - claw attacks vs Kasin, misses
Red Crab Swarm - swarms over Kasin for 3 damage, reduced to 0
MacLaren - rapier & tankard attacks vs Red for 13 damage
Veronica - casts haste, moves
Blue Crab - steps, claw attacks vs Nil for 12, and 27 damage, grabs Nil
Blue Crab Swarm - swarms over Nil for 8 more damage
Tucci - directs Kasin to attack Swarm, pike attacks vs Red for 39 damage
_Kasin - crunches Red Crab Swarm for 23 damage

Round 2
-------------------
Nil - withdraws
Red Crab - claw attacks vs Mac, misses
Red Crab Swarm - swarms through Red Parent over Mac and Veronica for 3 damage
MacLaren - Rapier power attack vs Red for 36 critical damage and moves upward to escape swarm
_AoO from Kasin fells Red
Veronica (distracted/nauseated) - no action
Blue Crab - steps, claw attacks vs Veronica
Blue Crab Swarm - swarms in pursuit of Nil, deals 6 damage
➤Tucci

Round 3
-------------------
➤Nil
Red Crab
MacLaren
Veronica
Blue Crab
Tucci

The red crab falls from te combination of Brother MacLaren's and the stalwart Kasin's attacks. It's mate tuns and voices a shrill alien cry as it lumbers closer to slash at Veronica with it's massive claws. It's offspring continue to scrabble in pursuit of their meal, overtaking and swarming over Nil again.

Veronica takes 37 damage and is Grabbed, barring mitigating factors. Nil takes 6 damage from the swarm and should roll Fort save vs Distraction DC 14.
Tucci and Nil are up!

Blue Claw 1 vs Veronica: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Blue Claw 2 vs Veronica: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
Confirm vs Veronica: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 Claw Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Blue Grab vs Veronica: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

Blue Swarm Damage vs Nil: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 1) = 6

Veronica has Mirror Image up, as noted earlier. 6 images. Does that change anything?

I think Veronica would have started the battle with mirror image going, as she often did. [dice=images]1d4+3 I’ll track them.

Tucci 5’ steps and switches to the blue crab.
Pike: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 1 = 27 (haste)
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Pike: 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 = 19 (haste)
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Hasted Pike: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 14 + 1 = 18 (haste)
damage (P): 1d6 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Kasin closes with the swarm, and bites at it again.
Kasin Bite (magic): 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 = 32 (fang)
damage (B/P/S): 1d8 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 2 = 16 (fang)

Group buffs from Tucci
Shared Training (MacLaren, Nil, & Veronica; Outflank & Bonded Mind)
Life Bubble (everyone)

I did forget about the mirror images. Kasin takes out the red swarm, Nil is still up!

Fortitude DC 14 vs Swarm: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

"The crabs! The crabs pinch everywhere!"

Nauseated, taking a move action to move

Images (1 is Veronica): 1d7 ⇒ 5 vs Claw 1
Images (1 is Veronica): 1d6 ⇒ 1 vs Claw 2

She loses one image but gets hit by the second claw. Down to five images, plus herself. -15hp, and, I think, grabbed.

She loses one image but gets hit by the second claw. Down to five images, plus herself. -15hp, and, I think, grabbed.

Claw 2 was the critical hit, so unless she has some way to negate them should be -32 hp. And yes to Grabbed, will also be constricted unless MacLaren is casting Liberating Command again? Sorry for failing to note that with the red swarm down, it's MacLaren and Veronica up next.

Tucci turns to the Blue Crab attacking his captain and lands a solid stab, though his iterative attacks only clack against the heavy carapace.

Round 2
-------------------
Nil - withdraws
Red Crab - claw attacks vs Mac, misses
Red Crab Swarm - swarms through Red Parent over Mac and Veronica for 3 damage
MacLaren - Rapier power attack vs Red for 36 critical damage and moves upward to escape swarm
_AoO from Kasin fells Red
Veronica (distracted/nauseated) - no action
Blue Crab - steps, claw attacks vs Veronica
Blue Crab Swarm - swarms in pursuit of Nil, deals 6 damage
Tucci - pike attack vs Blue for 14 damage

Round 3
-------------------
Nil (distracted/nauseated) - moves
➤MacLaren
➤Veronica
Blue Crab
Blue Crab Swarm
Tucci

If the crab grabbed Veronica before Tucci's attack, then the crab itself counts as Grappled on Tucci's turn and so takes a -4 Dex (typically -2 AC). It can avoid counting as Grappled if it takes a -20 to its CMB check, which it did not do. So with that -2 AC maybe Tucci hit with his iteratives?

MacLaren had only the one Liberating Command prepared so Veronica will take Constrict damage.

Brother MacLaren casts Dimension Door to bring Veronica out of the Crab's grasp. They reappear on the other side of the crab, so that Veronica can get flanking with Tucci.

Constrict vs Veronica: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

That works, though Mac has to spend a move action as he was airborne, not right beside her. Veronica is up to 48 damage, no longer distracted/nauseated an and is up!

Veronica, let me know if I should post for you, I'll probably go ahead tomorrow either way.

You currently have 5 mirror images and are wounded -48hp. However you're in flank (+4 from Tucci) and are hasted.

"Thanks for the help, Mac. Time to make this thing pay for managing to grab me.

Unleashing her frustration at her own lack of contribution to this fight, Veronica lets loose with a vicious attack with her frost enchanted Black Blade.

Swift action: Arcane pool for +2 and keen, free action Black Blade Strike for +3 damage, Spell combat: Rime Frostbite

Concentration vs DC 17: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (11) + 21 = 32

Attack: Frostbite Spellstrike (Haste, Outflank, Spell Combat): 1d20 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (2) + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 = 23
Damage (Black Blade Strike): 1d6 + 5 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 3 = 20
Frostbite(cold, non-lethal): 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15+Fatigue+Entangled

Attack: First Iterative (Haste, Outflank, Spell Combat): 1d20 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 = 40
Damage (Black Blade Strike): 1d6 + 5 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 6 + 3 = 20
Frostbite(cold, non-lethal): 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11+Fatigue+Entangled
Crit? (Haste, Outflank, Spell Combat): 1d20 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 = 33
Crit Damage (Black Blade Strike): 1d6 + 5 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 + 3 = 18
Crit Frostbite(cold, non-lethal): 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12+Fatigue+Entangled

Attack: Haste (Haste, Outflank, Spell Combat): 1d20 + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 + 7 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 = 27
Damage (Black Blade Strike): 1d6 + 5 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 6 + 3 = 19
Frostbite(cold, non-lethal): 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14+Fatigue+Entangled

Attack: Second Iterative (Haste, Outflank, Spell Combat): 1d20 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 5 + 2 + 6 + 1 + 4 - 2 = 19
Damage (Black Blade Strike): 1d6 + 5 + 6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 5 + 6 + 3 = 18
Frostbite(cold, non-lethal): 1d6 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14+Fatigue+Entangled

Veronica's heavy strikes quickly begin carving up the huge crab. Her second attack caves in the thick carapace and the crustaceans' innards splash down onto the wet sand. The salty smell seems to alert the swarm of smaller crabs and they swiftly reorient and scrabble back out into the sea, snatching bits of nourishment from the bodies of their fallen parents as they pass.

Swarm withdraws, out of combat!

”Ouch, that looks like it hurt captain! Nice sweep though there at the end. Well played!” Tucci will cast a few Cure Light Wounds on her to lighten the load a little bit.
CLW x3: 3d8 + 15 ⇒ (5, 8, 7) + 15 = 35

”What is it with this island and it’s oversized inhabitants? It’s crazy! Let’s see if we can find a lair. Maybe they liked sparklies and collected them."

Tucci will cast Aquatic Trail (all day) to help track the crabs back to their lair. Remember, we have Life Bubble if we need to descend a bit into the water.
Survival, tracking: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (15) + 27 = 42

"Thanks for the healing, Tucci. But we should take care of Nil, too, before we go looking for these things' lair. And yeah, I'm starting to wonder if the cyclops magic affected the local wildlife or something, with all the giant beasts we've been facing."

She then turns to Nil with a grin, her black cutlass still dripping with some of the crabs remains. "Not the kindest welcome to the island, I'd wager. At least you can see we weren't kidding when we told you we've been hunting oversized monsters. We'll get you patched up quickly though, and hopefully we'll go in better prepared for the next danger we face."

She then looks thoughtfully at the giant crabs' remains. "Hmmm. Hey, Mac, think Kroop can make anything good with these, if we bring some parts to him? I'm thinking back to the crab and reefclaw meal way back at the Wormwood, which was amazing. If he could whip up something like that, I'm sure the crew would appreciate it, and it seems like a waste to just leave the crabs here to rot."

She then looks thoughtfully at the giant crabs' remains. "Hmmm. Hey, Mac, think Kroop can make anything good with these, if we bring some parts to him? I'm thinking back to the crab and reefclaw meal way back at the Wormwood, which was amazing. If he could whip up something like that, I'm sure the crew would appreciate it, and it seems like a waste to just leave the crabs here to rot."

"A good idea, Veronica, but crab spoils very quickly. Let's cook it as soon as possible! Tucci, can you conjure any fire creatures?"

Brother MacLaren casts Summon Monster V, expending a point from his reservoir to Extend it. He conjures his guardian spirit, a Caypup named Rumble.

The celestial dog is a red hound like a juvenile mastiff, with vibrant blue eyes. It is Small, but probably at the large end of that size range, so approaching 60 lbs. The creature description calls it a 'large, regal canine' even though it is officially Small.

Rumble will remain for 20 minutes (1 min/level when a Summon Monster spell is used to conjure a Guardian Spirit, and then doubled for Extend). "We need some heat. Lightning on seaweed, to make steam, maybe?"

Mac starts piling seaweed around the giant crab while Rumble uses his Call Lightning spell-like ability. A bolt of lightning strikes down, and while it isn't quite a proper crab boil, there is a need to move fast.

"Thanks for the healing, Tucci. But we should take care of Nil, too, before we go looking for these things' lair. And yeah, I'm starting to wonder if the cyclops magic affected the local wildlife or something, with all the giant beasts we've been facing."

”Well sure, of course! I figured the good Brother would handle the healing, just trying to lend a hand!” He eyes Nil’s injuries and gives him a cure light as well.

”Yeah, I know that wasn’t much, but Mac is the real healer here. I just dabble.” Tucci grins.

"A good idea, Veronica, but crab spoils very quickly. Let's cook it as soon as possible! Tucci, can you conjure any fire creatures?"

”Sure thing, I can conjure a fire elemental, but just twice, and only for a minute each time. So let me collect some driftwood and I can use the first to get us a bonfire. I’ll save the second in case it falters.” He leaps upon Kasin and heads down the beach to gather as much driftwood as they can manage.

He hurries back, piles it where Brother MacLaren suggests, and summons a medium fire elemental to get it all ablaze. Once it has departed, Tucci goes for more wood to keep things going.

”Well sure, of course! I figured the good Brother would handle the healing, just trying to lend a hand!”

"Much appreciated, Tucci! Who else is still hurt?"

Brother MacLaren lifts his tankard Last Call and channels the healing power of Cayden Cailean. The smell of freshly brewed beer wafts over the party.

Channel #1: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 1, 4) = 7
Channel #2: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 5) = 9

Veronica was down 48 and Tucci healed her for 35, so she had 13 damage left - all good now. Nil was down 29 after using Windy Escape so now down 13?

Align Weapon to CMW on Nil: 2d8 + 10 ⇒ (6, 1) + 10 = 17

Nil gratefully accepts all the healing, retrieves his sword, and helps stack driftwood. "You weren't lying, no. Thank you for the healing. I admit, crabs are not an opponent I have often faced outside of a food cart, but at least now we wont have to struggle with shell! I think I've thr measure of them now, and...yes. better prepared for next time. Onward then?"

Tucci's knowledge of crab behavior indicates that they only tend to dig dens when laying eggs and are unlikely to have any sort of lair. They are meaty crabs, however and their huge size means that you can gain upwards of 1000 lbs of crab meat from each carcass.

Mac is correct that it won't last long and would require preparation and transport back to the ship. Though your crew would certainly eat well this night!

There does indeed seem to be an abundance of sizable fauna on this Island. One might even suspect that these animals may have been specifically kept and cultivated to feed the immense inhabitants.

I think cooking and transporting will probably eat up the rest of your day, so where to for the 'morrow?

Tucci does what he can to help cook and transport the crab, along with Kasin’s help of course.

The next day, over breakfast, he suggests the high ground, ”Let’s head up that hill and see what we can find. If nothing else, the view must be lovely!” He suggests ‘M’.

Tucci prepares by casting:
- Deadeye's Lore (all day) (1)
- Barkskin (+4 natural armor, all day) (2 - rod)
- Bloodhound (scent, +8 perception (smell), +4 survival (scent), all day) (2)
- Shared Training (MacLaren, Nil, & Veronica; all day; Outflank & Bonded Mind) (2 - rod)
- Life Bubble (everyone; all day) (3 - rod)
- Magic Fang Greater (+2 Kasin’s bite, all day) (3)

M.
Stands of giant palm trees grow more prominent in the hills here, many reaching abnormal heights of seventy feet or more to tower over the surrounding jungle. Many are laden with green coconuts.

Nil freezes and whispers, "Is it just me or did that tree just wiggle its nose?"

Brother MacLaren will cast the following spells on himself at the beginning of the day:
Extended Air Walk (all day, Brew Reservoir at 6/7)
Extended Freedom of Movement (all day, Brew Reservoir at 5/7)

We can talk in our minds, Nil, thanks to Tucci's spell.
Shared Training for the Bonded Mind feat.
Uh, Tucci? Veronica? I think that palm tree might be alive. Well not just alive, but animate. Like a person. Am I imagining that?

Tucci peers at the palm tree the others are referring to.

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

He thinks to the others, "Which one is moving? I can't quite tell."

"Should we try and talk with it? It'd be nice to not kill everything we encounter." He grins at the others.

Veronica will start the day with her usual preparations:

- Defending Bone
- False Life (from our figure head) 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
- Using the Protective Luck hex on everyone else in the party (Soothsayer hex makes it only go off when the person is attacked. Lasts for two rounds. Enemies must roll twice and take the worse result against the target while the hex is in effect)

K Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

An animate tree? Hmmm. Not sure what it could be. As for trying to talk with it... Heh, sure. I mean, worst case scenario, it tries to kill us, too, like most everything on the island. But at least I'm guessing it won't see us as food, so it might be more willing to talk, rather than attack us outright. Still, better go in prepared, though.

If there's time to do it before approaching, Veronica casts her Blade Tutor's Spirit and Displacement spells on herself, both extended via one of her Extend Rods, and also casts her Flight Hex.

The tree in question appears to be... asleep? Meditating? Playing possum? As your crewmates point him out, you wonder how you missed noticing him to begin with. As you telepathically discuss your options, the bushy mustache-like fronds beneath his nose give another little twitch, confirming Mac and Nil's story.

Awaiting your approach.

"Uh, tree? Uh, how's it going? We're not here to chop you down or anything. We're the new lords of the island, and great you as such. Uh, how's it going?"

Tucci isn't very diplomatic, and isn't sure what to say to a tree, but starting peacefully should be worth something he hopes.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 (He prefers to aid another, but whatever works!)

If it doesn't understand us, I can take some time to prepare a spell that might help.
Tongues if needed, since I have an open slot, but let's try Common first.

Brother MacLaren is considerably more diplomatic, and will give it his best try.

"Noble palm tree, I am Brother MacLaren, priest of Cayden Cailean. As my halfling friend says, we mean you no harm. Unfortunately we have had to battle the cyclops of this island, as well as those crabs, but we would welcome peaceful relations with the other inhabitants. Can you understand our speech?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (16) + 19 = 35

No harm in trying to talk with it without magic first. If it is capable of speech but doesn't understand us, and it's willing to talk, maybe it will try and reply back in a language one of us understands. If not, then I guess we'll have to rely on your magic, Mac.

Veronica gives a short nod to the strange tree as she, too, approaches it, waiting to see how it responds to Mac and Tucci's words.

Nil makes himself scarce just in case. I'll be nearby in case he decides he doesn't like you.

Stealth: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21

At the sound of raised voices, the Huge Palm Tree cracks open first one eye and then the other, his verdant gaze glaring down at you. His eyes narrow in suspicion at Tucci's words but Brother MacLaren's fair speech seems to soften his glower. Still, he slowly leans down to more closely scrutinize your party.

His deep voice rumbles in a haltingly slow cadence. "Small... two eyes... no axes. Yes, fine. I know your words... it has been... a long time since I heard such speech. Cyclops are not welcome here... Have you slain them all? We defend our grove at all costs." He says this last with a tone of finality and raises a bushy eyebrow as he waits for your response as if expecting a challenge.

"Good call Nil. Let us know if you see anything odd."

”I think we killed all the cyclops on the island, but we haven’t been everywhere yet, so we might have missed one or two. Unpleasant brutes weren’t they?”

Tucci nods along, ”Defending your grove makes sense.”

He thinks to the others, ”This tree must be pretty tough if it kept the cyclops at bay. We should be careful.”

”So we can co-exist peacefully how far does your grove extend? Is there anything you need?”

”I think we killed all the cyclops on the island, but we haven’t been everywhere yet, so we might have missed one or two. Unpleasant brutes weren’t they?”

"They are seafarers, some might yet... return from travels... Once their kind was honorable... and did treat with us... but they have since... descended into savagery. They did pillage... our dear brethren... to build their whaling ships." He hangs his bushy head sadly.

Tucci nods along, ”Defending your grove makes sense.”

”So we can co-exist peacefully how far does your grove extend? Is there anything you need?”

"This hill and... the ring of trees... that surround it is all... we have been able to hold... But we would... shepherd the trees... of the whole island... given the chance. We need only... what all trees do... Sunshine, rain, space... and peace to grow..." Looking around you can see that the trees thrive especially in this area, growing larger and bearing more fruit than elsewhere on the island.

He eyes your party speculatively, his countenance becoming guarded again as he places his palm frond hands on his hips. "You are seafarers... as well? You will build homes? And ships?"

He eyes your party speculatively, his countenance becoming guarded again as he places his palm frond hands on his hips. "You are seafarers... as well? You will build homes? And ships?"

”We are seafarers, and we do plan to build here. Perhaps we can try using stone and clay for our structures, and limit our harvesting of wood. I dunno, maybe hire someone whose job it is to work with you, planting new trees and helping out around the island. Someone who could also relay your concerns to us.”

"We do want to be good neighbors." he suggests honestly.

Brother MacLaren looks skeptical of Tucci's deferential response, but does not contradict the halfling.

The great palm tree being narrows his eyes skeptically, "You cannot build ships... from stone... no matter how small... you are... But I believe... that you bear us... no ill will... If your people... will pledge... to harm no trees... we can treat together... to offer alternatives..." He pauses, contemplative.

"Do you know... of Greenwood?" He asks.

I expect your players do, lol. But in case not:

Greenwood

The secret of greenwood lies in its harvesting. Each length is taken, with leaves still attached, from a tree animated by a treant and cut with care to avoid the death of the tree. A dryad then speaks to and shapes the wood, coaxing the living green of the leaves into the grain of the wood itself. The resulting wood remains alive as long as it is doused with at least one gallon of water (plus 1 gallon for every 10 pounds of the item’s weight) once per week and allowed to rest for an hour in contact with fertile soil. Any wooden or mostly wooden item (such as a bow or spear) made from greenwood is considered a masterwork item. Items not normally made of wood or only partially of wood (such as a battleaxe or a mace) either cannot be made from greenwood or do not gain any special benefit from being made of greenwood.

When damp and in contact with fertile soil, living greenwood heals damage to itself at a rate of 1 hit point per hour, even repairing breaks and regrowing missing pieces. If the weapon has the broken condition, it is repaired during the first hour of contact with fertile soil. Greenwood items take only one-quarter damage from fire.

Greenwood can be altered or enhanced with wood-shaping magic such as ironwood, shape wood, and warp wood. The duration of any such effect on a greenwood item is doubled. To determine the price of a greenwood item, use the original weight but add 50 gp per pound to the price of a masterwork version of that item. Items made from darkwood cannot be made into greenwood.

Greenwood has the same hit points and hardness as wood.

Tucci gets a little uncomfortable at the absolute nature of what the treant suggests. ”I dunno if we can promise not to cut down any tree.” He leaves that hanging for the moment while he things further.

”But we can make the island a haven for trees of all sorts. We can build our ships elsewhere.” (and probably would anyway as the local trees aren’t ideal for it.) ”That said, there will be occasions when we need wood. Is your proposal an all or nothing affair? What if we help plant a new tree for each one we cut down? Maybe more?” (we can import saplings along with other wood perhaps?)

”I’ve never heard of Greenwood - will it help our arrangement succeed?” he adds appreciatively.

Tucci very much wants to make a deal work. No need to kill everything on the island, even if it means it’s less profitable. However, he won’t strangle the budding civilization here in order to preserve every tree on the island. Some healthy trees may be needed, as Brother MacLaren suggests. However, we can cull the sick, dying, and dead wherever possible - gather driftwood, etc.

Tucci is even willing to buy a few campfire beads for intense usage like for the cafeteria, etc.

Some healthy trees may be needed, as Brother MacLaren suggests.

Mac is keeping quiet and not suggesting anything.

The great palm tree's eyes flare briefly before the creature settles to listen to all that Tucci has to say. "Would you accept... reparations from a murderer... who killed your friend... but offered children... to replace him?" He shakes his head slightly, crossing his branch-like arms.

He explains the properties of Greenwood and then asks, "For what purposes... do you expect... to need wood? Perhaps I can offer... other solutions... There are the remains... of cyclops built ships, docks and fences... Driftwood from the shipwreck nearby..."

"Huh. I see your point." he nods to the palm. It's strange talking to a tree... he can't help but think to himself.

He considers the question, and shrugs. "I shall have to talk to my advisors, if I'm being honest. I think I know what the community needs, but we're still new here, and they may have thought of things I have not, in this moment."

"I'll tell you what. As a gesture of good faith, I'll see to it we don't harm any living trees now. And I'll do some thinking about what we're going to need wood for. Then you and I can talk about ways to get that wood. Ways that aren't so murderous."

Tucci feels himself being pulled pretty far from his original plan. No trees harmed? If he can import some wood for when you really can't do without - it might work. He is committed to this budding community though. It might be easier to just kill the treant now, and not worry about all this.

He sighs, That's not right. The tree certainly doesn't seem evil. He's just protecting his friends. Besides, there's Greenwood. I mean, that's pretty cool. And all that stuff from palm trees. That'll be really helpful. There are advantages here, he knows it. Advantages he should value. He'll have to convince others the advantages are worth the annoyances though. Still, that shouldn't be too hard. Once they see, er, what's his name, in action - moving trees out of the way of fields for farming for example.

"Say friend. My name is Tucci. Tucci Hedgehopper in full, but Tucci is fine. What's your name?"

Nil thinks into the bond, are there other communities of tree-people on nearby islands, could we relocate him? I can't imagine he'd want to ride on a ship, but perhaps there are other ways.

The great tree-creature nods heavily. "That is acceptable... We will discuss as well... Return when you wish... to treat with us."

He places one leafy hand over his trunk and bows slightly, "I am Frondir... we are well met... Tucci... hopper of hedges."

Where to next? Best as I can tell, you are nearly done with exploration and then it's just the Feast that remains?

Tucci is satisfied for now, though he does respond to Nil, "Yeah, I like the idea though of a treant aiding the colony and tending to the island. If it becomes an undue burden though, we can talk about relocating him - an excellent idea."

I think we still have N, O, and P to go.

He'll take out his spyglass and glance down the hill and around the bend at the last places they have not yet been. He'll descend to N if the party agrees as there's time yet in the day.

N.
The sound of singing echoes among the rocks along this sandy beach. Footprints lead from the shore to the bay, where crystal blue waters provide a clear view of a deep pool and grotto below.

A figure breaches the surface of the water and you realize you've interrupted a Bathing Female in the midst of her ablutions. She is completely nude, her long dark hair clinging to her form and giving her only a hint of modesty.

In case that description doesn't spell it out, don't click the link unless you're prepared to see artful nudity. XD

She gives only a slight exclamation of surprise at the sight of you. "Oh! Hello there." She greets you, smiling shyly as she makes no move to cover herself.

We'll say you are 35 ft away right now, let me know if you intend to move closer in order to speak to her. ^_~

Brother MacLaren is no prude, but he is also no lech. He doesn't react with alarm or embarrassment, nor does he stare.

Instead, he just sort of casually looks around. Are there clothes on the side of the pool somewhere? If there are no clothes to be found, he will assume this "woman" - and he's pretty sure she's no ordinary human woman to have survived on this island of savage Cyclops - doesn't wear clothes.

Nil stays back and looks around trying to find whatever is going to spring the trap baited by the obvious honeypot.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 Careful, she could be bait.

Tucci does his best to be polite and not stare as that would be rude - whatever her normal routine. He does worry a little that she could be bait once Nil brings it up, but he closes so as not to shout. Maybe to 10’? He watches his footing and the immediate area though, if for no other reason than an excuse to not stare.

Perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

”Uh yeah, hey, how’s it going? Seems a rough and tumble island to be strutting around naked and such. But I suppose this is your home, and well tended.”

”My name’s Tucci. This is our captain, Veronica Blackblade, this is Brother MacLaren, and our newest ally, Nil Pac. We’re sort of taking over the island from the cyclops, nasty brutes. Uh, were you allies?” He asks casually.

As Tucci begins to move closer the bathing beauty raises her hands as if to forestall him. "Oh, you might not want to... Oops, too late." She gives a slight sigh and an apologetic shrug to those who stand further back. She keeps her hands up as if in surrender.

Tucci, DC 23 Will Save or be Fascinated.

MacLaren's suspicion appears to be well founded as he can see no sign of her clothing. Her features are somehow both sharp and delicate, her large eyes a pale sea-green with an almost pearlescent quality to her skin. She appears to embody an unearthly grace and beauty.