GM Zoomba's Blooming Catastrophe [Outpost VII] (Inactive)

Game Master Zoomba

Gameplay thread

Welby Boffin is a plump, gregarious halfling wearing an apron and a chef's hat. He whistles a jaunty tune as he busily unpacks and repacks his equipment. He does this several times before finally smiling broadly in satisfaction. "Well that should do it. The muffins are slightly squished but they should still travel well. What do you think, Manny?"

A tiny gingerbread man, complete with and icing face and gumdrop buttons steps up and examines the pack. He rubs his chin as he ponders the efficacy of the halfling's efforts. Eventually he nods and gives his friend an enthusiastic thumbs up.

What appears to be a vaguely humanoid pile of purple goo approaches the gingerbread man. A few deep pits near the top which might correspond to eyes and a face become wider as it sees what it can only interpret as food and it reaches out a pseudopod menacingly...

If you've seen The Owl House you know what you're looking at.

"Bob, no!" a skeleton that clearly used to be a dwarf (based on the stocky build and wispy beard that still clings to the jawbone) shouts as he rushes between the two creatures. "That's a Pathfinder, and Pathfinders are not food," he pants despite the lack of respiratory system. "Sorry about that," he continues sheepishly as he offers a set of phalanges to the living pastry. "My name is Bláinn, and this is my companion, Bob. Who is still learning what is and is not likely to endear you to other agents. I suspect we'll be we'll together on this mission. Pleased to meet you."

It takes a second to notice the third (or fifth, depending on your estimation) agent entering the lodge, as by the heavy footsteps one expects a much larger being, but standing in the doorway following the thunder that echoes through the halls is what appears at first glance to be a small suit of armor with a pumpkin for a head.

On further inspection, they seem to be some kind of gourd leshy, plant flesh interwoven with clockwork beneath their armor to the degree where it's difficult to tell where the leshy ends and the suit begins. Their head is a dark brown pumpkin with two large glowing red holes for eyes, and a section of the top of their head looks as though it can open. On their back they have two ornate weapons, a warhammer and a bastard sword, both seemingly of dwarven make.

They nod to each Pathfinder. "Hallow Orevine." the plant says, with no mouth moving as the deep voice comes seemingly from the armor itself. "It is a pleasure to meet you all."

Gotta love the meeting of the Weird Nonhumans Club we've got so far.

"Also not food, Bob."

A very tall human wearing breastplate armor, with a shield slung on his back and a couple of swords, a spear, and a sling at his side, enters for the meeting. He stands almost seven feet tall with a strong build. If he's bothered by the various non-human representatives, it does not show. He sets his weapons and shield by the door and ambles in. A faint wiff of horse manure comes in with him.

He nods at the others and introduces himself as Clebsch Gordan. Then he sits.

A diminutive creature composed of tangled moss and vines enters, their movements sprightly and graceful. Colorful patches of fungal moss adorn their body, and a black tattoo-like patch on the creature's arm of a skull is hard to go unnoticed. Their mouth is a small, curved slit, reminiscent of a smile, framed by delicate tendrils of moss that sway gently, and their eyes gleam like polished emeralds.

On their back is a well-worn electric guitar. "Good to meet you all," the creature smiles, their voice ethereal-sounding. "You can call me Thunderroot!" They throw out their "hand", their finger vines twisting to form the sign of the horns.

As you all gather and greet each other, you discuss the mysterious message that has brought all of you here...

Some time ago each of you received a mysterious letter in the night. Added to the Slides. The somewhat obtuse style marked it as a missive from Urwal: one of the newest Pathfinder Society leaders, an iruxi stargazer who has championed a faction of Pathfinders dedicated to keeping the natural order the Verdant Wheel in balance. He is considered a bit odd, even by Pathfinder standards though considering this party so far, who knows :p but while his odd speaking style seems to have bled into his writing it was clear enough whatever he needed you for was in the settlement of Mishkar far to the north at the edges of Iobaria.

You all vaguely recall that the Society was involved in the nearby Finadar Forest some years ago. Something to do with a cyclopean ritual, fire, and a tribe of centaurs and goblins. But as you come to the town itself its unclear what - if anything - that past mission has to do with what Urwal needs you for.

Society, Occultism, or Nature might have you Recall some more about the area you find yourselves in (separate checks for each skill). Let me know if you'd like to try and Recall Knowledge on one or more of those

Clebsch didn't recognize much of what the letter was saying, except that he gathered the writer considered astrology to be important. He tried to recall some of the constellations and on clear nights during the journey to Iobaria, he spent some time trying to identify stars and such. He also tried to fit what he knew about the people and history of this area.

Do you want to roll the checks or may we? Clebsch has Nature and Society +3 each. He also has Lore (Plains) if that is relevant.

Thunderroot rubs their skull tattoo, the vines on their face contracting into deep thought. "Flesh and flower flow together...?" they echo, trying to recall what they might. "It sounds familiar while also at the same time sounding strange. What do you think, Hallow?" The leshy looks over at the other plant spirit.

Recall Knowledge with Occultism +3 (T)

Thunderroot rubs their skull tattoo, the vines on their face contracting into deep thought. "Flesh and flower flow together...?" they echo, trying to recall what they might. "It sounds familiar while also at the same time sounding strange. What do you think, Hallow?" The leshy looks over at the other plant spirit.

"I'm not sure about flesh and flower, I tend to have more experience with metal and flower."

Nature +4, Society +7, trained on both

"Look, Bob, I'll just tell you when you can eat someone, okay?" The skeleton sighs somehow, then ponders the missive. And comes up with nothing, as he has no training in any relevant skills.

I'll roll, just need to know which PCs are trying (since characters who know little about nature may not - or may, depending on their personality - want to opine on what they 'think' they know)

The journey to Iobaria has been a long one, and you have had plenty of time to talk and know each other as you trek and camp on your way to the far northeastern edge of the inner Sea.

But eventually one midday the trees lining the road you've been walking on clear out and you see ahead a settlement resting atop a hill before you: Mishkar! Sprawled out across the flat-ish hilltop the town's buildings look to be an eclectic mix of steeply pitched Varisian houses interspersed with the occasional red-tiled Taldan roof. Scars of recent fires are still visible if one cares to look, seen in the town’s smoke-darkened rooftops and sooted doorways. Mostly, though, the you can see evidence of new construction and repairs both finished and in progress; it seems that Mishkar is decidedly in favor of putting the past behind it. Today, it is a city of paint buckets and ladders, of carpenters and surveyors and masons, smelling of sawdust and sounding of workers’ cries.

"Bob, no!" a skeleton that clearly used to be a dwarf (based on the stocky build and wispy beard that still clings to the jawbone) shouts as he rushes between the two creatures. "That's a Pathfinder, and Pathfinders are not food," he pants despite the lack of respiratory system. "Sorry about that," he continues sheepishly as he offers a set of phalanges to the living pastry.

Welby smiles. "No need to be sorry at all. I mean, he actually is food. He's made of gingerbread after all. He's quite delicious if I do say so myself. I actually bake a new body for him every couple of days. Otherwise he'd go stale and who wants a stale familiar?"

He reaches into his pack, and after some effort pulls out several muffins. He hands one to Bob. "Don't eat Manny just yet though. I might need his assistance. In the meantime have a muffin. I baked them this morning." He waits expectantly for feedback.

Society and Occultism, both +8

Manny waves his arms in the air in consternation at the unpacked bag. He forlornly begins to repack Welby's belongings.

"I'm not sure about flesh and flower, I tend to have more experience with metal and flower."

At Hallow's quip, Thunderroot's face twists into a smile. They reach back and tap their guitar. "Metal, huh. I like the sway of your branches."

Arriving at Mishkar, Thunderroot takes a look ahead and takes in the town-under-construction, fascinated. "Sorry, everyone, I'm still dumbfounded by that missive, despite my best attempts to recall something."

They take out their guitar and look over at Bláinn, then Thunderroot looks down at their skull "tattoo." "If you ever want to give your hands a shred on this fretboard, I think it would look positively in-metal-ble."

I promise I'll keep the puns to a minimum

When Clebsch ses the destruction in the town, his heart goes out to the people. He grew up in such a rural place and knows how often people sometimes have to deal with destructive forces of nature or of civil strife.

When he sees someone working near the road, he strolls up and says, "Blessings of Erastil be upon you. What befell the city that did so much destruction?"

He will eventually ask where travelers may find accommodations and mentions that they hope to find Urwal on Pathfinder business.

A woman hauling some timber turns at Clebsch's salutations. Oh, and you too traveller. 'S' she adds as she sees your whole party. Don't worry: looks worse than it is. This many bloodpines around we're used to dealing with some singeing and charring. Have been managing to catch the fires 'fore they spread too bad. As she focuses and actually takes in your group you notice her eyes narrow slightly and a wary expression cross her face as she looks towards Thunderroot and Hallow. Then they widen in surprise at Bláinn Looks like you might have caught it worse then the houses. You all right then?

At the mention of Urwal and Pathifnders she thinks, then shrugs. Can't say I've heard of him. Or seen any folk with your compasses about lately. If they're here they're probably over at Salia's though. She points towards a large caravansary at the foot of Mishkar's hill. From the distance you can see a large caravan of merchant wagons unpacking outside the building while its yard is crowded with travelers, clerks, guards, grooms, and even children who dart amongst the wagon wheels.

"This?" Bláinn answers with a shrug (because a smile is hard with no lips). "Old injury. I don't even feel it now."

During the trip, Hallow never seems to take off their armor.

"That's how the bloodpines work, correct? The fires are a part of their life cycle."

They cock their head a bit. "What's over at Salia's?"

Oh, well glad to hear it I guess. the worker says, still confused but politely to Bláinn.

She the looks down at Hallow again as they speak. A slight frown appears as she states A bit is a part of the life cycle. Flaring up out of order or for no reason's another. Looking up towards the others her head nods towards (apparently) Salia's: Salia runs the inn in town. Most all the passers through and newfolk come through there, or even if they don't word of em does.You need lodgings yourselves or looking for your friend, likely there's your best bet.

During the trip, Hallow never seems to take off their armor.

"That's how the bloodpines work, correct? The fires are a part of their life cycle."

They cock their head a bit. "What's over at Salia's?"

"Correct, Hallow. The bruorsivi, or blood pines if you will, of Finadar Forest is a species of pine tree with scarlet needles that famously burns remarkably well and sparks small wildfires as part of its life cycle. I wouldn't worry too much. Finadar’s blood pines may make the forest highly susceptible to sudden and intense forest fires but the many druids and centaur shamans who reside here typically keep these fires from growing out of control."

The halfling pulls a muffin from a belt pouch and begins eating. "Hmm...needs more nutmeg. So anyway, I've been pondering Urwal's odd note for awhile now and I think I have a few things figured out. Urwal is known for his belief in astrological omens. Unless I miss my guess the Green refers to the planet of Castrovel, which is traditionally associated with fey, and the Stranger is one of the constellations of the Cosmic Caravan, linked to evil magic."

"Evil magic?" Thunderroot ponders. "With that, and the sense of urgency to Urwal's note, it sounds like we should make quickly for Salia's, and see if we can find the shaman Jaldan."

You all can head over to Salia's. True to the worker's comments the place is bustling with activity: Locals, and travelers alike. But there is no clear sign of Urwal - or any iruxi for that matter. Nor anyone answering to the call of 'Jaldan'

Hmm, where's your guide? You could try asking around with Gather Information, or even go looking around Mishkar with Perception or Survival (those being only the most obvious options).

Bláinn tries asking around.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Clebsch tips his well-worn cowboy style hat to the woman and departs for the caravan.

When no one knows anything about Urwal or Jaldan, Clebsch uses what he knows about social dynamics to locate the person or persons most likely to have need of astrologers or shamans.

He also will ask such persons about the reference in the note of a shaman of Redpine. Is Redpine a place nearby or a religion or organization?

Society: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

He'll also ask people who are likely to know about things going on in the nearby forest if there has been any unusual activities in the forest lately.

Survival or Nature: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Thunderroot finds a good spot in Salia's inn and takes out their guitar. "The best way to make people gather is to put on a performance worth watching. Then it'll be even easier to ask around. Though... I will keep it on the softer side, today." They start strumming a simple melody consisting of a few chords.

Performance: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Welby begins asking around for Jaldan's whereabouts, trading muffins for information.

diplomacy-gather information: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

At the caravansary, Thunderrot finds a relatively unoccupied corner of the yard and begins to try and get a sprightly tune up. the leshy's arrival and performance draws surprised looks at first - and a few side-eyes - but as they keep playing many of the clientele warm to the tune and standard tapping their feet in tune to the music.

While this is happening, Clebsch talks to many of the merchants and locals hanging around there. People are relative friendly to him, and explain: 'The Redpines? They're a clan: a centaur clan. Tend to roam, like most centaur tribes do, but their territory's near this section of the forest and some of them head over to Mishkar every so often to trade. Not lately though, though can't blame them with the spriits acting up.'

At this comment and Clebsch's further chats and nature roll, another explains: 'The forest has always been full of spirits and their forms' this one nods in the direction of Thunderrot and Hallow to make their point 'but usually just through plants and pines and the like. Lately people've been spotting dead animals walking about with fungi spread all over them, a moss covered skull creeping about with vines, and even some gourds sloshing full of bloodpine sap! Some of the latter flung themselves at a couple of the buildings in town a week back, sparked a bad fire. It ain't normal I tells ya! Imagine those horsefolk in the woods've got it even worse if something's off.'

Simultaneous to this, Bláinn mingles about Salia's asking around himself. After a few initial stares and murmured apologies one of the serving waiters advises the 'dwarf': Well. if its a Redpine you're looking for there was a centaur girl over by the east wall I passed on the way over here to start my shift. She looked young and I didn't catch her name, but that was just 20 mintues or so ago: she's probably still there!

At this comment and Clebsch's further chats and nature roll, another explains: 'The forest has always been full of spirits and their forms' this one nods in the direction of Thunderrot and Hallow to make their point 'but usually just through plants and pines and the like. Lately people've been spotting dead animals walking about with fungi spread all over them, a moss covered skull creeping about with vines, and even some gourds sloshing full of bloodpine sap! Some of the latter flung themselves at a couple of the buildings in town a week back, sparked a bad fire. It ain't normal I tells ya! Imagine those horsefolk in the woods've got it even worse if something's off.'

Hallow listens intently, the remark about their species barely registering. After they're done, the metallic leshy asks, "Do you know of any cases of people encountering these afflictions? And is there an apothecary in town?"

Bláinn will let any nearby Pathfinders know that and he has a lead by the east wall and head over there to look for the centaur.

'Sure, plenty've caught a few about. Steve witnessed some of those smash-and-burn rolling gourds right as they hit Reld's place a few nights back. Good thing too: he got the town brigade called up quick to stop the fire 'fore it spread.' The will also confirm that there is a modest apothecary shop in Mishkar, and give Hallow directions to it.

After Bláinn checks in with his allies he strolls to the eastern wall of the settlement. Just past it the skeleton comes across a peculiar sight and given them that's saying something :p - a freckled, teenaged centaur yelling at an apple tree. Upon closer inspection, it is clear that she is actually yelling at a pair of human children who have climbed the tree: a boy and a girl, each about ten years old, with matching red hair and homespun clothes. The girl nonchalantly eats an apple while the boy rifles through a decorated leather satchel.

“You little demons, give that back!” the centaur yells, flicking her tail in profound irritation.
Hmm.....Nope, the girl in the tree says, munching on the apple.
not until you show us how to make those dead squirrel monsters! the boy yells down.
“Sure, I’ll show you! Come on down, I’ll make two dead monsters! Little devils, with red hair!” the centaur barks back, then spots your approach.

“... Oh no. You’re... did Urwal send you? Oh no. Um. Can you just... I’m sorry, could you come back in a half hour? Please?”

"He did indeed. Perhaps I could help you with your problem? I've got a two for one special on dead monsters here, though I admit that neither of us are squirrels."

"Lately people've been spotting dead animals walking about with fungi spread all over them, a moss covered skull creeping about with vines and even some gourds sloshing full of bloodpine sap! Some of the latter flung themselves at a couple of the buildings in town a week back, sparked a bad fire. It ain't normal I tells ya! Imagine those horsefolk in the woods've got it even worse if something's off."

Thunderroot looks at the fungus patches all over their body, then shrugs. "Not sure I'd call it an affliction, personally."

Later on, when the group approaches the centaur, Thunderroot offers an idea. "Maybe we can exchange one of Welby's famous muffins for your apple and satchel. Surely a child would rather eat a muffin than an apple? And what's in the satchel anyway that a child would like? Satchels are boring, muffins are tasty! What do you think, Welby?" Thunderroot pleads with the kids. Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

The two kids look down curiously at Bláinn. hmm the boy murmers. you do look funny. and plenty of bones. can you make a suqirrel monster for us then?[.smaller]
[smaller]Yeah! exclaims the girl. Words rush over themsleves from her mouth as she explains 'It was like, a dead squirrel, with a bunch of branches stuck in it, and it moves kinda like a centipede, and it’s got burning eyes with bloodpine sap, and it’s the awesomest thing I’ve ever seen! The dumb guard chased it away and this dumb lady won't make us a new one. But could you make one? PleasePleasePleasePleasePlease

The centaur woman turns to you and explains quietly: “I think they maybe saw one of the polluted nature spirits. And before you ask, no, I can’t make one. Not that I would. If I could.”

At Thunderroot's offer the two tots sidle over close to each other on the tree's branches and whisper fervently to one another. Coming to some sort of strategic agreement, the two look down at you and the boy calls down: ma makes plenty of great muffins. how special's this welby guy's? are they magic? do they make you grow? can you plant one in the ground to get a cool monster friend or walking scarecrow to grow?

They seem intrigued by your offer, and perhaps could be convinced to subscribe to your newsletter.

"How special are my muffins you say? Well this particular batch is quite good if I do say so myself." He takes off his backpack and begins to rummage through it.

Manny waves at the children and points towards Welby's pack. He mimes eating a muffin and follows up by closing his eyes and rubbing his tummy.

Welby continues to dig through his pack. "Now while none of my muffins are technically magic some of them are rather special. I currently have a couple that can heal minor wounds and a couple more that explode in a flash of lightning once I throw them." He pats a belt pouch to indicate the location of his 'special' muffins. "I can't part with those since I need them for Society business. But these others...Aha! Here we go. These are perfect for trading for a satchel. So do we have a deal?"

He hands two muffins to Manny.

diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18

Welby has multiclassed into alchemist. Since he is a baker, his concoctions take the form of baked goods. His standard preparations are 2 bottled lightning and 2 minor elixir of life. He is offering the children regular muffins, i.e. rations. I figure mechanically I'll end up spending some downtime crafting rations and calling them various baked goods.

Burdened by the two sizable muffins the gingerbread man staggers towards the base of the tree.

Bob tries to form the shape of a squirrel. it might convince someone who has never seen a squirrel, or a mammal, or a living thing, before.

Deception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Bob's shifting mass does not in fact end up looking much like a squirrel. However, even as its attempts look abominable, both of the children squeal in delight at the result.

'Oh, look Alayn! It's so gross and awesome!'.

And as Welby emphasizes the magical properties of his muffins, the two troublemakers scramble down the tree trunk. The girl snatches the muffins out of the gingerbread man's hand before he can change his mind whether or not they were listening enough to realize their muffins do not have fantastical powers is an open question and drops the satchel at its feet.

'Alayn, they've got a monster-man too!'

'Alayn', apparently, looks over from where he's been approaching Bob and has been working up the courage to try and pet the...thing. so, does that mean you can get things to walk? like a scarecrow? can you teach us? its not hard, is it? what's the fancy magic word?

A very grateful centaur trots over and picks her deposited bag up off of the ground while the children pepper your party with questions. She spends a few minutes sorting out her pack, making sure that the children haven’t stolen or broken anything inside. Satisfied she relaxes, closing the satchel and saying
“I might actually survive.” She smiles. “Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!! You just saved my hooves. Uh... when we get back to camp, could you maybe, uh... not mention this to anyone. Please? Oh, I'm Jaldan by the way! You're the Pathfinders Urwal said to meet, right?”

Clebsch finds his way to the conclave of Pathfinders, children, and centaur just as the children make their trade.

He reports what others apparently have already learned about, strange plant-infused undead-like animals that have blood like the flammable trees.

"It looks like we need to explore the forest and try to find out more about these strange plant/animals," Clebsch drawls with his rural Andoren accent. "And I thought I heard someone mention Urwal? We are also looking for him. Jaidan, is it? I'm Clebsch. If these folks haven't already explained, we're Pathfinders on a mission to this very forest to find Urwal and solve some sort of mystery. Would you be able to guide us safely into the forest and show us some examples of the creatures and maybe Urwal as well?"

"Good, nice to meet you" Jaldan says to Clebsch, pawing her left foot thrice in acknowledgement. "And yes: Urwal's with us Redpines now. As I'm going to be the clan's new shaman - well, one day - they asked me to come and meet you and bring you to our camp." She then turns towards Mishkar proper and starts trotting there while gesturing for you to follow. She explains along the way.

“So, here’s the story. Over the last few months, something really weird has happened to the local forest spirits. They’ve always been a little cranky, but now they’ve gone from ‘Auntie Kaana before she has her morning tea’ to ‘We will bake bread from your bones’. They’re not talking to the druids or the shamans, and when Cenenviel tried to do a big ritual to ask them what’s wrong, a tree animated and tried to kill him."

“So....that’s bad. Worse, the spirits have started making bodies for themselves. You know leshys, right?" She looks back and down at a third of your party. "Oh, stupid of me. I mean obviously, duh, ugh. Well, they can probably explain this even better than me" glancing at Hallow and Thunderrot "but normally, only druids can make one. They grow a little plant...or mushroom, or flower,, or fru- Anyway they grow a vegetative body, very nicely ask a spirit to come inside, and poof: leshy! Except now the spirits are making their own bodies! And they’re really creepy. And also violent - the creepiness is much less a problem than that. I had to smash something that looked like a dead skunk crossed with a thorn-bush when it tried to eat my face last night on my way over here."

“These things have been attacking people, starting fires, and trying to burn down the forest. I don’t think anyone’s gotten killed yet, but it’s probably going to happen sooner rather than later."

“Anyway, that’s what Cenenviel, Kaana, and your Urwal are trying to figure out now at the Redpine camp. They seem to think you can help. So...are they right?”

"It would be pretty metal to be able to hop from body to body," Thunderroot ponders aloud. "But that's just me. That these leshys have become violent and arsonous isn't normal, and I do think we can help. How do we get to the Redpine camp?"

They remember Urwal's missive, and show it to the centaur. "And does this passage about constellations mean anything to you?"

"Good luck to them making bread out of my bones," Bláinn intones confidently. He then becomes a bit more circumspect. "Or Bob's, though for different reasons. Anyway, lead on and we'll get to the bottom of this."

"It would be pretty metal to be able to hop from body to body," Thunderroot ponders aloud. "But that's just me. That these leshys have become violent and arsonous isn't normal, and I do think we can help. How do we get to the Redpine camp?"

"Oh, the Redpine camp isn't far. Well too far. If we leave soon I bet we'll get there by nightfall. Even on your legs." Jaldan says looking at ll you bipeds sympathetically. "We're the biggest and best centaur clan around Finadar. Except, hmm, maybe the Snowhooves. But we're a lot friendlier than them, so no, we're better. Yeah."

The teenager looks at the letter from Urwal and stares at the page for some time. "This is...no. Sorry. I don't know what he's saying. Cenevel's still teaching me about how to be a shaman but if this is part of it he hasn't gotten to it yet. Maybe you can ask him when we get to the camp." Jaldan then outs her hand to her face as it reddens. "Or no you can just ask Urwal himself then. Ugh, stupid."

"Though that does remind me:" she digs around again in her recovered satchel and pulls out some coins a flask and a claw on a string loop. "They gave me some supplies to give to you. If there's anything you need to grab before we head out do it here. Mishkar's where we come for trading and there's not too much gear to spare back at the clan right now."

She gives you 5 gold pieces, a lesser cheetah's elixer and an owlbear claw

Clebsch might be interested in the claw. He'll purchase some rations if that is something we will need to track.

Clebsch will purchase a frost vial (3 gp), a week's worth of rations (4 sp), 10 torches, and 5 tindertwigs 1 gp.