Well, this is certainly not something Xallis expected to encounter. Nevertheless, he follows Henrika's lead. "Yes, what brings you here? Perhaps I can tell you of the wonders that the merchants have been bringing to town lately?"
Meanwhile, Navia peers over Trevor's shoulder, her dark eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Oh, so is this how new humans are spawned? Wooow."
Tychus remains distant, acting blasé while he eats away at an apple.
"Too many cooks in the kitchen..."
Although his demeanour is calm, he keeps a close eye on the couple.
Henrika and Tychus do not detect any deception.
With the help of Trevor and Icabhod, its not long before a newborn baby boy is brought into the world. The crying baby is cleaned up and given to the mother who is overjoyed that it was delivered safely.
The father Dratus answers your questions.
"Tell us more about yourselves," she says. "What were you doing in New Towne?"
"We are residents of New Towne. Our previous home in Jambis was being rebuilt but it wasn't ready for us to move back in yet. New Towne is little more than a collection of tents. There are no facilities or residents there equipped to aid with a birth, even more so now that most of the residents have moved back to Jambis now."
"Yes, what brings you here? Perhaps I can tell you of the wonders that the merchants have been bringing to town lately?"
"We thought the clerics at the temple of Abadar would be able to help us. I knew it would cost us but I saved up every coin that I could to make sure my wife got everything she needed. Since the bridge over Gold Canyon was repaired, we thought we could make the journey. Haha. But look what happened."
"We are so lucky you came along. I'm sorry to ask anything else of you but which way are you headed? I suppose we don't need to travel to Lotheedar anymore. Could you escort us to the closest town? Once my wife has rested enough, we'll make our journey back home."
"We are so lucky you came along. I'm sorry to ask anything else of you but which way are you headed? I suppose we don't need to travel to Lotheedar anymore. Could you escort us to the closest town? Once my wife has rested enough, we'll make our journey back home."
"Of course", Trevor smiled. "Stachys isn't too far away. I'll ride up top", the cleric pointed to the carriage.
You take the family safely back to Stachys.
You send out invitations to each of the three barons of Meratt: Baron Okerra, Baron Telus, and Baroness Voinum. All of them send back a message agreeing to meet you at your estate in Stachys in three days time.
Erastus 7, 4718 (Starday) (Stachys, County of Meratt, Taldor)
On the day of the meeting, the three barons arrive at staggered times throughout the morning, each with a pair of guards from their town. When attending the meeting proper, they station their guards outside so that whatever you want to say to them will be for their ears only.
Icabhod will make sure doors and windows are secured and enlists the aid of their fey allies to keep a watch on the inside. He will also make sure to check the area for any secretly installed hazards and that food and drink supplies are checked for contamination.
Trevor has his agents at the party as part of the serving team, but the cleric made sure they were also discreetly armed, to protect the Barons.
Despite this, Trevor does his best to play the welcoming host for his 'cousin', Xallis. The caydenite told the assembled stories of their triumphs and adversity. Dame Malphene, dressed in her finest, assisted her fiance in talking with the guests.
Persona Phase
During the week leading up to the meeting with the barons, Xallis decides to throw a party to celebrate their many accomplishments in recent days. He invites his merchant contacts to show up in order to drive up interest for the exotic goods he'll bring in from monster parts and lost magical wares, though anyone in the town is invited to partake. There is food and drink, and he even hires a bard to orate the adventures of him and his 'relatives.'
Later that night, Xallis puts the finishing touches on a letter destined for his family. A messenger paid with gold to spare is sent away to deliver it with discretion.
Things go well in Stachys! Thanks in no small part to the efforts of my close companions, the quality of living has increased substantially, earning me the trust of the people. And with the trust of the people comes loyalty that even gold cannot buy. And such loyalty has not gone unnoticed; a fellow scholar and potential target for Livara dealings has been driven mad with envy and plots my downfall. In fact, his underlings have already made a laughable attempt on my life.
While it does pain me to see such childish behavior from a man that I would have thought an intellectual equal, it fills me with excitement to know that I've made enough of an impact to appear so threatening to the more undeserving and petty among the local nobles.
I've made arrangements to discuss the mater with local barons and explain my situation, though preliminary discussions hint that they see things from my side of the argument. And rest assured that that I will be personally visiting this petulant noble's doorstep to demand a swift and severe compensation. I will not allow this insult against our great name.
May our fortunes rise and our legacy shine,
~Sir Xallis Livara
When the barons arrive...
Xallis welcomes the barons with entertainment from local musicians. A generous meal and fine wine are offered as well. After the guests have had time to enjoy themselves and catch up with a bit of chatter, Xallis gets down to business.
His hands grasped, a polite smile on his face, he gestures towards them. "My honored barons, it is a pleasure to have you here to discuss the recent attempt on my life by the agents of Lotheed. I'm sure you all have questions."
Organize Party (plus Skill Bonus) DC 27: 1d20 + 16 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 16 + 2 = 36
Before the guests arrive, Icabhod scours the estate for any hazards. He does not find any signs of danger and is confident that his search is thorough and nothing was overlooked.
Trevor and his fiancé dress in their best outfits and charm the guests as they arrive. All of the barons are thoroughly impressed and are put in a good mood for the coming conversation. Wine flows freely and even the guards seem to relax.
"My honored barons, it is a pleasure to have you here to discuss the recent attempt on my life by the agents of Lotheed. I'm sure you all have questions."
Baron Okerra sits back quietly since he had previously spoke with you and knows what the meeting is about. Baron Telus and Baroness Voinum who have not yet been filled in, do have questions.
”Yes, do tell us exactly what brings us here this day. It is my pleasure to be your guest but the manner of this assembly suggests that something serious needs to be discussed.” says Baron Telus.
”There was an attempt on your life? Why am I just hearing of this? I can see clearly that the attempt was not successful, but why would the Lotheeds take such an action?” asks Baroness Voinum.
"It seems we've drawn the ire of the Lotheeds." Tychus interjects, previously pacing the room but now coming to a halt near the barons. He adjusts his plain black attire before continuing.
"Our improvements around Meratt have not gone unnoticed. Giving the people a taste of good leadership is clearly making Bartelby ill at ease. They know now what they've been missing."
He glances nervously at his allies before proceeding.
"As we all know, a succession crisis has gripped Taldor. Princess Eutropia has the rightful claim to the throne, and we intend to help her claim it. But to do so, she must reclaim the Birdsong Palace, which is also rightfully hers by law. We intend to depose Bartelby, either lawfully or by force. And we would like your help..."
Persona Phase
Tychus continues walking the room, glad to fill in anyone on the minutiae of the law surrounding Eutropia's legal claim to the Palace.
Henrika visits the back room of the public house in Stachys to regale her admirers with the story of the party's waterside battle against a giant fish. She gives a blow-by-blow account of the search for the General and the ensuing skirmish. Towards the end, when her rapt audience is nearly overcome, someone says excitedly "I heard you also fought Sir Gul Guisarne!" and the room goes quiet. Henrika looks quickly at the tribune, Honora Piscum, where she sits in the corner-- who has the grace to look slightly guilty but says nothing.
Henrika looks around carefully, and then boldly nods. "It is true," she says, "and though I am loathe to brag about our opposing our land-lord's seneschal, I must say that he was clearly in the wrong, and the gods were on our side from the very beginning. I should not proclaim it openly, but if I can trust all of you to keep it secret, would you like to hear what happened?" Nervously, the crowd murmurs assent, and Henrika honestly delivers the events of their conflict. She does not say what ultimately happened to Sir Gul and the soldier who surrendered, leaving it with them taking the two back to their estates as prisoner. She tells it sadly, as if it is a great tragedy and what must have been a terrible misunderstanding on the part of Count Bartleby. She even goes so far as to impersonate the half-elf's voice and mannerisms when he charged them to surrender.
Later, she prepares for the arrival of the barons by practicing speaking in her looking-glass and rehearsing one or two physical flourishes to add emphasis to her words. When she appears before them, she wears her armor and sword openly, as if arrayed for battle, and stands beside Sir Xallis with an obvious military stance. She does her best to convey a sense of martial competence, scanning the room and the exits like a bodyguard concerned for everyone's safety. She wrinkles her nose when Baroness Voinum remarks on the attempt on their lives, as if to convey it was so pathetic as to be not worth discussing.
Icabhod allows the more chatty and charismatic members of his group to win the hearts and minds of their guests while he continues his patrol of the inside of the house. He has his agents work in pairs to monitor entry points. He poison tests food and drinks and remembering how the Night Swan likes dynamic entrys, leaves caltrops around windows to discourage any attempts.
Persona Phase Stuff
Trevor’s Charm increases to Rank 5. He gains the bonus feat: Persuasive.
Icabhod’s Subterfuge increases to Rank 3. He gains a +2 skill bonus on Disable Device and Stealth when used during Persona Phases.
Tychus’ Sagacity increases to Rank 4. He gains admirers with clergy, druids, and philosophers.
Henrika’s Charm increases to Rank 5. She gains the bonus feat: Persuasive.
Stachy’s Stuff
You upgrade the temple of Abadar, increasing its size to the largest structure in Stachys. Within, you help build a sanctified altar, an expanded library, and other charitable infrastructure. The temple is destined to become one of the nicest temples in the region, able to provide free education, food, and shelter for locals.
As leaders of the town, you also gain free access to the spellcasting abilities of a 3rd-level cleric while in Stachys. And the overall community spellcasting level increases from 3 to 4 as more experienced clerics visit from neighboring communities. These clerics come from all different religions, and smaller shrines to Caiden Cailean, Erastil, and others are also built.
You also gain 2 Loyalty Points. And Stachys’ attitude improves to Helpful.
Rebuilding Stachys counts as a triumph which increases the power of each of your relics.
Relics Stuff
Dignity’s Barb: Dignity’s Barb gains the seeking property, becoming a +1 seeking darkwood repeating crossbow.
Seeking: This special ability can only be placed on ranged weapons. A seeking weapon veers toward its target, negating any miss chances that would otherwise apply, such as from concealment. The wielder still has to aim the weapon at the right square. Arrows mistakenly shot into an empty space, for example, do not veer and hit invisible enemies, even if they are nearby.
Envoy Ring: The ring’s competence bonus on Diplomacy, Linguistics, and Perform checks increases from +2 to +3. In addition, when the wearer activates the ring’s disguise, he can read, speak, and understand the most common language in the area that he doesn’t already know for as long as the duration persists.
Koriana’s Blade: The pink gemstone on the sword’s pommel repairs itself. The gem can be activated as an immediate action once per day to make the sword’s wielder immune to a single mind-affecting effect, just before she would be affected by it. She must choose to activate the gem before attempting any save or other defense against the effect.
Subtle Mask: The wearer can mentally activate the mask as a swift action while conversing with someone or observing a conversation to use detect thoughts (DC = 17 + 1 per additional triumph attained) on a single participant in the conversation. This requires spending the normal number of rounds to detect surface thoughts and can be used for a total of 9 rounds per day. These rounds don’t need to be consecutive.
Back to the Meeting
"Our improvements around Meratt have not gone unnoticed. Giving the people a taste of good leadership is clearly making Bartelby ill at ease. They know now what they've been missing."
He glances nervously at his allies before proceeding.
"As we all know, a succession crisis has gripped Taldor. Princess Eutropia has the rightful claim to the throne, and we intend to help her claim it. But to do so, she must reclaim the Birdsong Palace, which is also rightfully hers by law. We intend to depose Bartelby, either lawfully or by force. And we would like your help..."
Baron Okerra comments, ”The improvements you’ve made in Meratt have not gone unnoticed by any of us. In a few short months, you have solved many of our problems and improved the lives of all who live in this county.”
Baroness Voinum says, ”I think I speak for all three of us when I say we support Princess Eutropia to become the rightful Queen of Taldor. But there are many who support Maxillar Pythareus as well, including the Lotheeds and Earl Yander Merkondus, who you may have met briefly at the Tanager Jubilee.”
Baron Telus adds, ”While we cannot aid you militarily, we can aid you legally and financially. I will have a generous offering delivered to your cause and once you are successful in removing the Lotheed squatters, we will back the princess and your claim to the palace so that no one can contest your actions.”
Baron Okerra also says, ”I suspect your altruistic actions have reached the ears of those in Lotheedar as well and you may find less resistance among the guards than you might think. Convincing the Lotheeds to step down will be another story. They will undoubtedly stubbornly resist your attempts at their removal, possibly to the death.”
Icabhod allows the more chatty and charismatic members of his group to win the hearts and minds of their guests while he continues his patrol of the inside of the house. He has his agents work in pairs to monitor entry points. He poison tests food and drinks and remembering how the Night Swan likes dynamic entrys, leaves caltrops around windows to discourage any attempts.
So far, the estate still appears secure. There are no signs of the Night Swan.
Baroness Voinum says, ”I think I speak for all three of us when I say we support Princess Eutropia to become the rightful Queen of Taldor. But there are many who support Maxillar Pythareus as well, including the Lotheeds and Earl Yander Merkondus, who you may have met briefly at the Tanager Jubilee.”
"We appreciate your warning, Baron Voinum", Trevor says with a slight bow.
Baron Okerra also says, ”I suspect your altruistic actions have reached the ears of those in Lotheedar as well and you may find less resistance among the guards than you might think. Convincing the Lotheeds to step down will be another story. They will undoubtedly stubbornly resist your attempts at their removal, possibly to the death.”
"Then, we'll have to show The Lotheeds The Better Azata of Our Nature", Trevor answered with mischievous smile.
Icabhod allows the more chatty and charismatic members of his group to win the hearts and minds of their guests while he continues his patrol of the inside of the house. He has his agents work in pairs to monitor entry points. He poison tests food and drinks and remembering how the Night Swan likes dynamic entrys, leaves caltrops around windows to discourage any attempts.
So far, the estate still appears secure. There are no signs of the Night Swan.
Once the Baron depart, The caydenite turns to the others and remarks. "With all the Barons in one place, you would think it would be a prime opportunity for the Night Swan to appear. Yet, she didn't. I'm beginning to think The Night Swan is somehow attached to one of our guests!"
You are correct Trevor, I will investigate promptly. Icabod swiftly mixes A Perceive Cues Extract and Anticipate Peril extract and drinks them down.
Targets you
Duration 10 minutes/level
DESCRIPTION
Your senses become preternaturally keen, and you gain insight into subtle behavioral cues. For the duration of the spell, you receive a +5 competence bonus on Perception and Sense Motive checks.
Range touch
Target creature touched
Duration 1 minute/level or until activated
Saving Throw Will negates; Spell Resistance yes
DESCRIPTION
A creature affected by anticipate peril gains a preternatural sense of danger. The first time during this spell’s duration that the target has to make an initiative check, the creature adds an insight bonus on that initiative check equal to the spell’s caster level (maximum +5). Once this bonus applies, the effects of the spell end.
Icabhod swiftly begins checking out the servants and guards.
Baron Okerra comments, ”The improvements you’ve made in Meratt have not gone unnoticed by any of us. In a few short months, you have solved many of our problems and improved the lives of all who live in this county.”
Baroness Voinum says, ”I think I speak for all three of us when I say we support Princess Eutropia to become the rightful Queen of Taldor. But there are many who support Maxillar Pythareus as well, including the Lotheeds and Earl Yander Merkondus, who you may have met briefly at the Tanager Jubilee.”
Baron Telus adds, [/b]”While we cannot aid you militarily, we can aid you legally and financially. I will have a generous offering delivered to your cause and once you are successful in removing the Lotheed squatters, we will back the princess and your claim to the palace so that no one can contest your actions.”[/b]
Baron Okerra also says, ”I suspect your altruistic actions have reached the ears of those in Lotheedar as well and you may find less resistance among the guards than you might think. Convincing the Lotheeds to step down will be another story. They will undoubtedly stubbornly resist your attempts at their removal, possibly to the death.”
Xallis smiles and nods, gesturing with open palms. "It's a great relief to know that we're all on the same side, and that we shall have your support once we unseat Lotheed from his current position. And with him gone, we shall ensure that the good people shall be free of his harassment and overtaxing."
"Of course, this will cause quite a stir, and I'm sure you all have preparations to make. I only hope that this information has reached you in a timely matter, and that disruptions to your own affairs will be minimal. If you have any more questions or concerns, be it now or in the near future, I will be happy to answer them to the best of my ability."
Once the Baron depart, The caydenite turns to the others and remarks. "With all the Barons in one place, you would think it would be a prime opportunity for the Night Swan to appear. Yet, she didn't. I'm beginning to think The Night Swan is somehow attached to one of our guests!"
Navia chuckles. "Hey now. She's got good eyes and she likes to barge in at the worst times, but she isn't omniperfect!"
"Omnipotent." Xallis corrects.
"What he said. We made sure not to make too much noise about this meeting, so I don't think she had the chance to crash it."
As the evening winds down, the peaceful meeting is disrupted by a huge boulder, larger than a person, that comes crashing through the window of the foyer from the direction of the backyard. Looking out into the darkness, you see a huge tree ambling towards the estate.
”Quickly, we must get you out of danger.” says one of the guards to the barons. The guards begin to usher Baron Telus and Baroness Voinum away from the broken window and into the drawing room.
Baron Okerra shrugs off the guard’s hand on his shoulder and says, ”This old man isn’t too old to fight yet. Keep the other barons safe. I will lend my sword to the defenders.”
A booming woody voice comes from outside, ”I am Rueleaf, defender of the Void Wood. The young lady tells me that those inside are responsible for the wildfire that has devastated the forest. For too long have I been dismayed by the encroachment of civilization and the effects of their logging, but this time, you have gone too far. I come to bring justice for the trees who cannot speak.”
From within the bows of the treant, you hear the familiar voice of the Night Swan, although, he form remains hidden. ”Oh ho ho ho! Heroes of Stachys. You have vexed me for the last time. I thought perhaps you were of like mind, willing to tear down the aristocracy in the region and sow chaos, but I see the truth now. You plot with the other nobles and seek to place yourselves in positions of power. I cannot abide by this. It is time for you all to go! Rueleaf, these are indeed the ones who harmed your precious forest. As agreed upon, together, we will remove those who would harm the Void Wood once and for all.”
Treant Lore
•A treant’s type is plant.
•Treants are guardians of the forest and speakers for the trees. As long-lived as the forests themselves, and seeing themselves as parents and shepherds rather than gardeners, treants are slow and methodical in most things but terrifying when forced to fight in defense of their flock. Though they rarely seek out the companionship of the short-lived races, and have an inherent distrust of change, they have been known to tolerate those who seek to learn from their long, rambling monologues, especially if the pupils express a desire to help protect the wildlands. Yet against those who would threaten the forest, especially loggers who seek to harvest wood for lumber or those who try to clearcut a section of forest in order to build a fort or establish a town, the treants’ wrath is swift and devastating. They are particularly gifted at tearing down what others build—a trait that serves angry treants well.
•A treant is vulnerable to fire and slashing weapons.
•A treant can animate any trees nearby.
•A treant deals extra damage to objects.
•Treants speak Common, Sylvan, and Treant. They can also communicate with plants via Treespeech.
Plant Traits
•Immunity to all mind-affecting effects (charms, compulsions, morale effects, patterns, and phantasms).
•Immunity to paralysis, poison, polymorph, sleep effects, and stunning.
Round 1
Initiative
21 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
21 – Navia (32/32 hp)
18 – Icabhod (47/47 hp)
18 – Henrika (51/51 hp)
18 - ?
14 – Rueleaf
11 – Baron Okerra
10 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
10 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
09 – Night Swan
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Icabhod: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Trevor: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Tychus: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Xallis: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Navia: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Xallis, Icabhod, and Henrika start.
The arrival of the Night Swan was not unexpected. The treant was.
The cleric hands over his crossbow and bolt to his well-dressed fiance.
"If you see The Night Swan, fill her with bolts", Trevor says to Malphene.
The lore warden nods and runs into another room for a better vantage point.
The caydenite draws his holy rapier and says a silent prayer to The Accidental God.
There is some golden furred creature in the treant's branches.
Icabhod drinks an extract of Barkskin (+3 ac)
Henrika scans the battlefield, looking for signs of the Night Swan's location.
Narrowing her eyes, she quickly concentrates to cast a defensive spell and then rushes through the broken window to stand before the opposition.
She elects to say nothing in response to the tree-creature, allowing others to goad or reason with it as they think best.
Falchion Jack has been moping about the estate for several weeks now, though he seems finally to be over his drunken stupor phase. Since Henrika and the other nobles at the Betony Estate have been prepared for the possibility that the Night Swan will attack, Jack has been alternating sleep schedules with Henrika, patrolling the grounds during the afternoon and night.
When the attack finally comes, he charges into the room and ironically salutes Henrika. "Here you are, Dame Ren. Let us strike; down with them; cut the villains' throats: wooden gorebellied knaves all!" He laughs, drawing his falchion and rushing after his lady-charge. His heavy armor clanks and his blade glints in the torchlight.
Xallis looks out at the tree, and then the boulder, and the hole in his estate. He pauses, living in a moment of serenity, taking a deep breath.
"I WILL TURN THAT TREE INTO MY NEW WALL AND MOUNT YOUR HEAD TO IT!"
An enraged Xallis causes a surge in the flows of time, accelerating several allies before gesturing towards their opponent. Then he gestures towards the tree, and Navia rushes out with glee.
If it matters, since Xallis went first, this might alter how far the others have moved on the map.
After Henrika runs up, a small but fearsome muscular creature drops out of the branches next to her. This golden-furred animal looks like a badger or wolverine but with eight-legs.
Magical Beast Lore
•This is an aurumvorax.
•An aurumvorax’s type is magical beast.
•Aurumvoraxes are very aggressive creatures, and lead solitary lives except when they mate. Adults typically claim the hunting area within a mile of their warrens, ruthlessly driving away other predators. In battle, an aurumvorax latches onto its victim with its jaws and gouges savage wounds with its claws. It rarely looses its grip before it or its foe is dead. It typically attacks the nearest living creature regardless of size, and ignores any wounds it suffers at the hands of others until its prey is dead.
•An aurumvorax is resistant to fire.
•An aurumvorax is immune to poison.
•An aurumvorax is vulnerable to piercing or slashing weapons.
The ‘wolverine’ lunges at Henrika with a bite. Henrika conjures a familiar trick and sacrifices an illusion to take the hit for her.
In an ancient booming voice, Rueleaf raises his arms and speaks, ”To me, trees of Meratt. Defend your land against these evil-doers.” As he does so, two nearby trees gain some semblance of animation. Their trunks split at the base, forming legs, and they begin to uproot themselves.
”It’s times like these that I wish I had my horse, but I’ll make do. Have at thee!” Baron Okerra draws his sword and runs out of the building towards the nearest tree before it can fully animate.
Round 1
Initiative
21 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
21 – Navia (32/32 hp)
18 – Icabhod (47/47 hp)
18 – Henrika (51/51 hp)
18 – Falchion Jack (40/40 hp)
18 – ‘Wolverine’
14 – Rueleaf
14 – Animate Tree (Red)
14 – Animate Tree (Blue)
11 – Baron Okerra
10 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
10 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
09 – Night Swan
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (+13 hp, 6 hr), ▲Mirror Image (1 image, 6 min), ▲Haste (5 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 60 min), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Trevor: ▲Haste (6 rd), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Tychus: ▲Haste (6 rd), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Xallis: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Navia: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Baron Okerra: ▲Haste (5 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Haste (5 rd)
Tychus and Trevor go.
Knowing things were going too well, Tychus isn't surprised to see the Night Swan make an appearance, but he is partially surprised by how she decided to show up. He bolts for the gaping hole in the wall, deftly grabbing his nearby crossbow, and takes a shot at the tree near Baron Okerra.
Round 1
Trevor shivers as the familiar haste spell envelops his person.
From the ruined foyer the Kastner yells over to his fiance.
"I love you, Malphene!"
"I love you, too, darling" Malphene answers, followed by the sound of a strum crossbow bolt being loaded.
"Cayden! Time to pluck this Swan!" Trevor roars as he casts [divine favor on himself. The cleric then speeds out of the house, Godspike in hand. "Agents of the Drunken Hero, follow me!"
The lore warden breaks open the nearest window, if it already wasn't broken already, and aims her crossbow at the nearest animated tree (blue).
Round 1
Tychus’ arrow pierces the darkness and sinks into the bark of the animating tree, forming a tiny crack. Not truly sentient, the tree does not react.
Malphene
The lore warden breaks open the nearest window, if it already wasn't broken already, and aims her crossbow at the nearest animated tree (blue).
Crossbow (light): 1d20 ⇒ 18
Dmg.: 1d8 ⇒ 1
Malphene shoots into the darkness. She can’t quite see if the bolt hit but she doesn’t hear the telltale thunk either.
"Take this, fiend!" The Night Swan throws a dart at Falchion Jack. Jack doesn't notice the attack until the dart bounces off his armor. A green streak of poison mars the breastplate. Then she ducks back into the branches, but her position is revealed.
Round 2
Initiative
21 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
21 – Navia (32/32 hp)
18 – Icabhod (47/47 hp)
18 – Henrika (64/51 hp)
18 – Falchion Jack (40/40 hp)
18 – ‘Wolverine’
14 – Rueleaf
14 – Animate Tree (Red)
14 – Animate Tree (Blue) (3 damage)
11 – Baron Okerra
10 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
10 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
10 – Malphene (37/37 hp)
09 – Night Swan
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (+13 hp, 6 hr), ▲Mirror Image (1 image, 6 min), ▲Haste (5 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 60 min), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Trevor: ▲Haste (5 rd), ▲Divine Favor (+2, 9 rd), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Tychus: ▲Haste (5 rd)
Xallis: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Navia: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Baron Okerra: ▲Haste (5 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Haste (5 rd)
Back to Xallis, Icabhod, and Henrika.
Henrika steps away from the wolverine creature and fixes the Night Swan with her hypnotic stare. Then she speaks in a loud voice: "Twice before have you accosted us, so-called Swan of Night, your ugly feathered rage misplaced. O great coward, since you cannot oppose the true oppressors, the wicked Lotheeds, you now enflame others against us. Let the black fires of your bleeding heart burn your allies as punishment for believing your lies, and let this end tonight."
She concentrates and casts blistering invective.
Jack gasps in fake shock. "Fiend?" he guffaws. "Is that the best you have? Look you, friends, this bird-brained bandit doses her feather-darts with filth. From your own excrement, no doubt?" He hustles forward, ducking beneath the long limbs of the tree-creature, and tries to pull the Night Swan down from the branches by her breeches. "Swans don't belong in trees!" he shouts. "Come you down below, into the battle-muck, and call you me fiend again!"
Xallis walks briskly onto the steps of his estate, taking in the scene. "Navia. Keep our good baron company for now. And stay close, for a moment."
As he begins chanting, Navia nods and makes an abrupt aerial pivot. "Of course!" She flies forward, twisting her body to add some spin to her talon strike!
Round 2
As Navia begins to grow, she strikes at the tree. However, its thick bark provides a layer of natural armor that will need to be hit more directly.
Fire Damage
Henrika delivers a blistering invective, striking fear into the Night Swan and her ‘pet’. Unfortunately, neither catches fire.
Jack safely ducks under the treant’s swinging arm and reaches up into the tree and pulls down the Night Swan’s pants. She grabs at them with one hand and attempts to pull them back up. ”What the hell are you doing, you pervert?!”
The ‘wolverine’ is given pause from Henrika’s intimidation, so it turns to the next closest opponent, which is the unfortunate Baron Okerra.
The baron screams as the beast latches onto him and rakes his body with claw after claw.
Rueleaf takes a step closer to the manor and raises both hands into the sky then brings them down as powerful slams targeting Jack and Henrika. ”Those who would harm the forest, suffer the forest’s wrath!”
Jack dodges the fist aimed at his head and the other crushes the last of Henrika’s illusions. Both fists shake the earth and kick up a cloud of dirt. The pair are glad to have not been hit by that.
Now fully awake, the pair of trees enter the fray. One of the trees (red), begins to slowly ponder forward.
The other (blue) bends its trunk forward and bashes its body into Navia.
Baron Okerra shakes off the vicious beast. He steps back and goes into a defensive stance to regroup.
Round 2
Initiative
21 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
21 – Navia (18/32 hp)
18 – Icabhod (47/47 hp)
18 – Henrika (64/51 hp)
18 – Falchion Jack (40/40 hp)
18 – ‘Wolverine’ (Shaken 1 rd)
14 – Rueleaf
14 – Animate Tree (Red)
14 – Animate Tree (Blue) (3 damage)
11 – Baron Okerra (36 damage) (Total Defense +4 AC)
10 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
10 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
10 – Malphene (37/37 hp)
09 – Night Swan (10 damage) (Shaken 2 rd, Entangled 1 rd)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (+13 hp, 6 hr), ▲Haste (4 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 60 min), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Trevor: ▲Haste (5 rd), ▲Divine Favor (+2, 9 rd), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Tychus: ▲Haste (5 rd)
Xallis: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Baron Okerra: ▲Haste (4 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Haste (4 rd)
Night Swan: ▼Hypnotic Stare
I didn’t bot Icabhod, so he can still chose his own actions. Icabhod, Tychus, and Trevor can go.
Round 2
Under the effects of the speed spell, Icabhod moves up to catch up with his allies.
Clearly unhappy with his failure to meaningfully harm the animated tree, Tychus shifts his attention to the Night Swan. With careful aim, he unleashes a shot through the melee.
Round 2
"TREVOR!" Malphene shouts from the partially-ruined manor. "I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING, DEAR!" The lore warden inferred.
"Oh! OH! Yes! Thank you, dear!" Trevor answers.
Picking up a fist-sized bit of rubble, the aasimar casts daylight on it. The cleric runs 30f feet up and drop the brightly glowing rubble at the feet of the gold wolverine, then attacks.
Round 2
The Night Swan looks up just in time to see Tychus’ bolt flying towards her. She gets hit and grabs onto a branch to keep herself from falling.
Trevor drops his light rock, illuminating the battlefield.
The Night Swan wields a weapon called a chain spear; one end is a standard spear and the other end is a length of chain ending in a hook. She brings this weapon to bear and swings it at Jack below her.
The Night Swan stabs twice, unable to pierce Falchion Jack’s plate armor. But he fails to see the hook of her chain catch him behind his foot. She yanks hard and Jack falls flat on his back. ”Yank!”
Round 3
Initiative
21 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
21 – Navia (18/32 hp)
18 – Icabhod (47/47 hp)
18 – Henrika (64/51 hp)
18 – Falchion Jack (40/40 hp) (Prone)
18 – ‘Wolverine’ (Shaken 1 rd)
14 – Rueleaf
14 – Animate Tree (Red)
14 – Animate Tree (Blue) (3 damage)
11 – Baron Okerra (36 damage) (Total Defense +4 AC)
10 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
10 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
10 – Malphene (37/37 hp)
09 – Night Swan (38 damage) (Shaken 1 rd, Entangled 1 rd)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲False Life (+13 hp, 6 hr), ▲Haste (4 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 60 min), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Trevor: ▲Daylight (60 min), ▲Haste (4 rd), ▲Divine Favor (+2, 8 rd), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Tychus: ▲Haste (4 rd)
Xallis: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Baron Okerra: ▲Haste (4 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Haste (4 rd)
Night Swan: ▼Hypnotic Stare
Standing up is a move-equivalent action that provokes an attack of opportunity.
Back to Xallis, Icabhod, and Henrika.
Henrika moves carefully forward, mindful of the tree-creatures' long limbs.
As soon as she threatens the Night Swan where she is hanging from the tree's branches-- opposite her friend still hanging on to the hem of her breeches-- she takes a powerful swing with her oddly-curved enchanted longsword.
"Aye, 'pervert' is better than 'fiend', I'll give you that," chuckles Jack, before her counterattack with the exotic spear-chain and hook knocks him onto his kettle with a loud CLANG. "What's that you have there?" he exclaims, annoyed. "Doesn't anyone fight with plain old martial weapons any more?" He pulls himself to his feet while he complains.
After weathering the retaliation, he attempts to give back as good as he got, swinging his signature falchion with both hands at the Night Swan in a sort of chopping, sweeping motion.
Round three
Icabhod attempts to get into combat with the wolverine by trying some acrobatics moves in case he might get walloped by the trees.
No doubt getting walloped, Icabhod tries stabbing at the beast
Xallis' chanting comes to an end and magic surges through Navia, infusing her body with raw essence that expands her stature with the sounds of rearranging bones and a beating heart. The summoner takes a few steps forward to keep slightly closer to the battle.
The mid-flight transmutation is almost enough to throw off Navia's balance, but she just barely maintains her air superiority. Now steady and floating free, she unleashes her fury against any threat to her charge. Starting with that terrible beast...
Round 3
Navia hovering over the now-dwarfed animal, slashes at the unidentified beast with her own array of claws. She does some damage but this tough little critter looks like it only got more angry.
Icabhod tries to move up without provoking the trees’ attacks but two thick arms swing in his direction.
Icabhod is hit hard, as one would expect from being hit by clubs thicker than one’s torso.
Battered but not out, Icabhod then stabs at the animal. He is certain he punctured something vital even though the creature barely slows.
As a standard action, she attacks the Night Swan. Can she designate Jack with her sword's defending property? I'm guessing not, since he's more than 10' away, which means the sword can only defend her.
I should have asked when we first saw her, but can Henrika recognize anything about the Night Swan's special abilities with Knowledge (local)? I don't think any of us ever did a monster lore check.
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Henrika hits the Night Swan with a powerful cut. She screams and looks like she is struggling after that hit.
Falchion Jack stands up and hits the Night Swan from the other direction. A look of surprise stretches across her face and she falls out of the tree with a wet-thud.
The fearless animal looks up at the biggest target and directs its fury at Navia.
‘
The creature leaps up and latches onto her body with its jaws. Then it rakes furiously until Navia stops moving and falls to the ground.
The treant looks down at the Night Swan’s body with sadness. ”I had my doubts, but it would seem you truly are the villains the young lady told me you were. Why do you insist on inflicting such harm?”
Rueleaf raises his arms to smash Henrika and Jack again.
Henrika gets clobbered by the blow. Her false life effect absorbed the majority of the hit but it still hurt. Jack dodges again. Luck is on his side.
One of the animated trees also hits Henrika, smacking her from another direction.
The second tree marches unimpeded south towards the mansion.
Baron Okerra is badly injured but not about to go out without a fight. He side-steps and stabs at the animal.
Baron Okerra hacks at the animal’s furry body. The creature is now covered in open wounds and its once golden fur is now crimson red with blood, but it shows no sign of giving up.
Round 3
Initiative
10 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
10 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
10 – Malphene (37/37 hp)
09 – Night Swan (86 damage) (Dying)
Round 4
Initiative
21 – Xallis (51/51 hp)
21 – Navia (-2/32 hp) (Dying)
18 – Icabhod (13/47 hp) (Defending +1 AC)
18 – Henrika (25/51 hp) (Defending +1 AC)
18 – Falchion Jack (40/40 hp) (Prone)
18 – ‘Wolverine’ (103 damage)
14 – Rueleaf
14 – Animate Tree (Red)
14 – Animate Tree (Blue) (3 damage)
11 – Baron Okerra (36 damage)
10 – Tychus (51/51 hp)
10 – Trevor (47/47 hp)
10 – Malphene (37/37 hp)
09 – Night Swan (86 damage) (Dying)
Active Spells/Effects
Henrika: ▲Haste (3 rd)
Icabhod: ▲Barkskin (+3 AC, 60 min)
Trevor: ▲Daylight (60 min), ▲Haste (3 rd), ▲Divine Favor (+2, 7 rd), ▲Agents (until discharged)
Tychus: ▲Haste (3 rd)
Xallis: ▲Agents (until discharged)
Navia: ▲ Enlarge Person (6 min)
Baron Okerra: ▲Haste (3 rd)
Falchion Jack: ▲Haste (3 rd)
Night Swan: ▼Hypnotic Stare
Since the Night Swan is down, now everyone goes together. Everyone can act.
"You are beginning to irritate me," Henrika says when she is hit by both the treant and its tree minion, with a haughty flick of her hair. "I have not attacked you, though you sorely provoke me. The lady from whom you apparently take your marching orders is seemingly immune to reason-- but still I will not slay her, in the probably vain hope that she will eventually listen. We are not her enemy, and nor are we yours; we oppose the wicked and vile Lotheeds, the liege-lords of this county, and if your forest has suffered it is all but certain that it is their fault, not ours. You say you had doubts: if this is true, will you accept a cease-fire long enough to discuss your grievances and to ensure that the so-called Night Swan does not die from her wounds?"
Henrika scans the battle, and almost as an afterthought she transfers her hypnotic stare to the wolverine creature. Then she holds her weapon aloft, turned sideways to show that she is not attacking with it (though clearly could still do so at a moment's notice).
Following Henrika's lead, Jack also holds his attack and waits for potential developments. He is tempted to say something provocative, but decides that it is better to let his young protege's speech stand on its own.
Round 4
Icabhod knows that whatever happens, they will still have to deal with this beast and so keeps stabbing
Round 3
The treant looks down at the Night Swan’s body with sadness. ”I had my doubts, but it would seem you truly are the villains the young lady told me you were. Why do you insist on inflicting such harm?”
"Forestlord! You have been deceived! We have not burned down your beauty forest. Through our actions, we cleaned the brackish rivers, allowing you to drink clean water once more! And is it not unnatural for animals to defend themselves when they have been attacked? Great treant, stop this hostility and return to you forest!"
Trevor now addresses the ferocious 'wolverine'.
Now she can see the battlefield better, Malphene takes another shot at the advancing animated tree (blue).
Round 4
The Caydenite continues to attack the golden beast.
Another bolt is loaded, and another bolt is fired at the advancing plant (blue).
Tvhus will get within 30ft of the Night Swan and cast Stabilize on her.
Round 4
Xallis sympathetically flinches when Navia is taken down. Her body barely manages to bleed before the summoner makes a grasping gesture towards the eidolon, shunting her crumpled form into its home realm.
With his eidolon dismissed, Xallis prepositions himself and prepares to summon reinforcements.
Round 3
The Night Swan stabilizes from Tychus’ spell.
"Forestlord! You have been deceived! We have not burned down your beauty forest. Through our actions, we cleaned the brackish rivers, allowing you to drink clean water once more! And is it not unnatural for animals to defend themselves when they have been attacked? Great treant, stop this hostility and return to you forest!"
"You are beginning to irritate me," Henrika says when she is hit by both the treant and its tree minion, with a haughty flick of her hair. "I have not attacked you, though you sorely provoke me. The lady from whom you apparently take your marching orders is seemingly immune to reason-- but still I will not slay her, in the probably vain hope that she will eventually listen. We are not her enemy, and nor are we yours; we oppose the wicked and vile Lotheeds, the liege-lords of this county, and if your forest has suffered it is all but certain that it is their fault, not ours. You say you had doubts: if this is true, will you accept a cease-fire long enough to discuss your grievances and to ensure that the so-called Night Swan does not die from her wounds?"
Rueleaf pauses in thought. The trees he animated likewise, momentarily cease. ”I have lived many human lifetimes and over that course of time, one of the things that has remained constant is the human’s need to expand their civilizations and deforest nature to make room. However I have never been violent towards man or their homes until now. Yet when this woman, who calls herself the Night Swan, came to me, she convinced me that I must take action. She pointed towards a wildfire that took the lives of many plants and animals alike and told me that those residing in this structure were the cause. She said that you would continue to burn the forest unless I stopped you. At the time, she was very convincing.”
”I know not who these Lotheeds are nor the names of any other human clans. Such things do not concern me. If you did not harm the forest and mean to cause no further violence towards me, it would seem that I have no grievance with you. If what you say is true, that you have helped cleanse the land, such action has my thanks, but know that your time here is just a single heartbeat for one such as I. I will leave the woman to you and you can deal with her in whatever way human custom dictates. As for the beast, it is called an aurumvorax, and I have no control over it. The Night Swan lured it into my branches with a supply of meat and insisted that I take it along. Once angered, its fury is ceaseless. You will likely need to put it down. I will not be angered at you defending yourselves. Conflicts in nature often end with the death of the predator or the prey.”
The trees that Rueleaf animated begin the process of returning to normal trees. And Rueleaf turns to walk away.
Back to fighting the aurumvorax.
Round 4
Xallis dismisses his wounded eidolon.
Icabhod stabs twice at the beast. One of them hits.
Without the threat of the treant, Henrika and Jack move to the remaining hostile beast. Henrika swings high but Jack’s attack comes down and cracks through the aurumvorax’s spine. It lets out a whimper and finally stops moving.
Combat Over
Baron Okerra wipes the blood off his blade. ”Well that certainly got the blood flowing. Now what to do with the mastermind of this attack?”
The other nobles and guards gather around the windows once it is safe and wait to see what you intend to do.
Remaining HP
Henrika (25/51 hp)
Falchion Jack (40/40 hp)
Icabhod (13/47 hp)
Trevor (47/47 hp)
Malphene (37/37 hp)
Tychus (51/51 hp)
Xallis (51/51 hp)
Baron Okerra (36 damage)
Night Swan (86 damage) (Stable)
I'll give everyone a hero point after that combat.
Baron Okerra wipes the blood off his blade. ”Well that certainly got the blood flowing. Now what to do with the mastermind of this attack?”
The other nobles and guards gather around the windows once it is safe and wait to see what you intend to do.
"And the flowing blood is a problem", Trevor steps over to Baron Okerra. "You've lost a lot of it. Lay down. Let me see if I can minimize any scarring."
Trevor checks himself and comes to a realization. "MALPHENE! Get my healer's kit! It's on the night stand! We have injured!"
"Coming, darling!" the dame shouts from the broken window as she turns to run upstairs.
Several moments later, Malphene Trant runs up to Trevor, holding his healer's kit.
"Alright. Not bad. That 'aurumvorax' avoided the major organs."
As he worked on the Baron's wounds, Trevor muttered, "I'm sorry for Navia, Xallis. She was a good being."
Henrika sees that the Night Swan is tied up like a prisoner, and removes her weapons and possessions. "I suggest we place the Night Swan under arrest while we proceed with our plans," she murmurs, "for I doubt that after this we can trust her to divert her hatred from us to the count. Perhaps eventually she will see that she was wrong, but until then we will have to prevent her from doing any more damage to our cause."
She looks at Baron Okerra with sympathy and a healthy dose of military respect. "Well fought, sir. Your daughter will be very proud of your valor. We shall have to ensure that you have your horse before we march on Birdsong."
Icabhod coughs up some blood from the crushing blows he had taken. The Night Swan is a lunatic vigilante that had zero awareness what was happening in these lands. I would say she belongs in an asylum but hanging would prevent any possible future attacks.