Defenders of the Bronze Oak
Phaendar - Nimathas
After wandering from town and forest in Nimrathas, Pallicea moved to the village of Phaendar to try to escape memories of the raid, but also protect the villagers from having to suffer a similar fate.
She has served with the small militia and Chernasardo Rangers as a volunteer for two years protecting travelers and villagers as best she can.
The past few months she has taken note of the artistic glasswork of a relatively new resident named Pfvaarsk.
Eventually, the caravan stopped at the small town of Phaendar in the Nirmathas as a final stop for Pfvaarsk. There, he picked up a job repairing windows and making glassware.
The elf lived and worked among disparate guerrilla groups after leaving the city of Tamran and traveling through the Fangwood to the western villages of Phaendar and Cavlinor.
The past month he has been spending more time in the western reaches as rumors of mountain passes growing increasingly hostile with giants and goblinoid raids.
During his last visit to Phaendar he stopped to purchase a few glass vials to aid to his collection. He plans to return with his bear-friend Ursab in the next few weeks on the return trip.
After several days of travel, the heavily injured Aeliexes had arrived at a small village: Phaendar.
He stumbled and passed out at the gates due to loss of blood. He was dragged inside and brought to the home of Pallicea the hunter of Erastil. There, he was nursed back to health, leaving a nasty scar on his throat.
In the past week, the return of the traveling elf Celembriar brings news of the Mindspin Mountains to the west. A band of heroic adventures from Belkzen, Lana the Oracle and a dwarf with a metal hand, an elf alchemist and halfling cavalier riding a celestial tiger were able to topple the Storm Tyrant and now possess the Cloud Castle seen flying near Ashpeak and heading northeast.
Chapter 3 - Assault On Longshadow
With the three forts secured, and as the western edge of the forest is neared, a patchy mother dire bear charges and tears into Cujo. The party retaliates reluctantly, as the bear is only defending her cubs. Non lethal damage subdues the bear and it is reunited with her cubs.
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A warning we bring to these lands and hills to our west. starts Pallicea to those refugees assembled in the western Fangwood.
I speak of a grave threat that looms over Nimathas. The Ironfang Legion now approaches Longshadow as a dark force that has already sacked villages and except for our efforts, would still hold numerous forts of the Chernasardo Rangers. Its malevolent influence creeps across the land, corrupting nature and sowing discord among creatures.
She continues as the large wolf stands at her side.
The Ironfang army's advances spells doom for all living things. The forests, once teeming with life and beauty, wither under its touch. The rivers, once clear and pure, become tainted with its darkness. And the creatures of the wild, once peaceful and harmonious, become savage and destructive.
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Celembriar the elf steps forward.
We cannot stand idly by and watch as this evil consumes our world. We must rise up and reinforce Longshadow before it is too late. It will require the courage, strength, and wisdom to defeat this hobgoblin hoard.
He waves his arm to the west.
We call upon you to join us on this perilous journey. Together, we can restore balance to Nimathas, protect the innocent, and vanquish the Ironfang Legion. The fate of our forest rests in your hands.
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Pfvaarsk nods and continues.
Indeed. We do not know when the invasion will arrive. Our intel has only revealed that Longshadow is a target. In the meantime, we will scout the Nesmian Plains for Ironfang presence, during which we will ask for help repairing and fortifying the Chernesardo Forts.
He points one of his talons at the ruins of buildings, the kennels in disrepair, and the piles of pig manure staining the courtyard.
We need you all to take up not only your spears and swords, but your hammers and your baskets. Winter is quickly approaching, and we cannot have an army without first having blankets, shelter, and food. He pauses for a moment, then begins again. You men and women have seen what the Ironfang Legion has done to Phaendar. To your homes. I will ask of you to repair of what we have left, so you can rebuild your homes and lives and families. Stay strong. Not for us, but for what you have left to save.
Fort Trevalay is soon restored, and over the next couple weeks over 50 rangers will emerge from their hiding places and secret redoubts.
Your Phaendar refugees have drilled ceaselessly into a forest militia and between them and the Rangers there is soon no hobgoblin north of the river. They have learned the Fangwood is no place for hobgoblins.
It is here, after Fort Trevalay rebuilds, that the heroes and freedom fighters gathered. With the most pressing threats in the Fangwood quelled and lingering refugees making their way to safety, the Cobb Greenleaf requests a meeting with you. Cirieo Thessaddin and Aubrin the Green are also in attendance.
Cobb starts You have liberated us and led us this far. But with the three forts recovered and the hobgoblin hordes evicted from the forest, we need to look to the west. If you are still willing to scout the remnants of the Irongfang invaders and see for yourselves what our scouts report on the Hollow Hills and beyond.
Aubrin adds. Cobb has requested a war council for when you return. We will make preparations here for tomorrow. Safe travels!
You bow and agree and the party heads west.
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The first stop is to track the lair of the chimera slain by the Zen Archer's distant arrows. The cave is found midmorning by smell and skattered bones. Using detecting magic, the party uncovers a few valuables.
Restarting at noon, knowing the beast had no mate or offspring, the next stop is the edge of the Fangwood to spy the Nesmian Plains and Hallow Hills.
Aeliexes hears the sounds of laughter and lyre music from the north, near where you are passing.
Walking towards the noise you can now clearly hear. A massive tree stump rises from the center of this clearing. Its surface is polished smooth and set with cups, plates, and pitchers all carved from wood. Fruits, roasted meats, cheeses, and red wine overflow the serving dishes.
Four half naked and exhausted dwarves sit around the table. A beautiful woman dances around the table playing a lyre and exhorting the dwarves to feast to their heart's content.
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Pallicea motions for Cujo her wolf and others to stop.
She whispers ” This sounds like a party. However I am only familiar with one other time where seven dwarves were accompanying a beautiful woman in a forest. This appears highly unusual.. I suggest caution with our approach.“
”I have heard tales of evil fey from the Blight but this is just a foul monster in fair guise. A maenad it is known by name . What charms it has on these dwarves I do not know. “
The lady and dwarves call out...
"Join us, come and join us!" The dwarves raise their mugs and food to you, indicating that you should sit.
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Pfvaarsk commands the Arbiter to cast protection from chaos on himself and Pallicea, then takes out a sheet of paper and traces the words “Congratulations!” In large arcane runes.
He looks at the rest of the party with pyromania in his eyes. Every good monster needs a birthday card! He finishes drawing the explosive runes.
As the lady in the woods moves forward, she spots Pallicea and calls.
”Yes please come join us hero! “
Aeliexes sees the woman advance and he cannot quite shake the song from his mind either.
—- round 2 init —-
Lady
Dwarves(charmed)
Pallicea(confused), Celembriar
Pfvaarsk, Aeliexes(confused)
The lady moves closer to the party.
She smiles. "No need to get upset, I have provided food and drink and music to these poor lost dwarves. Am I not kind? Do you not wish to join us young man? Or perhaps those near you are jealous do not want you to enjoy the feast?"
She points at Aeliexes and wants him to murder Celebriar as the closest person (WILL SAVE to avoid).
Pallicea
Pallicea hits herself with her bow again
Aeliexes
The monk babbles incoherently.
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vs confusion
Unable to see the woman, Celembriar determines the monk and Pallicea are affected by the song but has no idea how to counter it.
He instead tries to summon a hound archon to interpose with the lady.
The Hound shakes off the confusion and charges the strange woman.
YOU WILL SUFFER JUSTICE FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE HERE!
for
But his sword is tangled in the branches.
The 4 dwarfs drop their plates of food and holler.
KINDLY LAY OFF THE NICE FOOD LADY OR WE WILL GET VERY ANGRY!
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Aeliexes attempts to resist the Murderous Command.
His pupils quickly switch from rage to confusion.
Do you know any Bharghests miss? He was like a good friend, I knew him for all of my… well I suppose it was about thirty seconds. Anyway, you remind me of him. Something about… hospitality. Yes… hospitality. That’s it. I suppose I might have a morsel to eat. But no… I do not feel they are jealous. My friend over there was preparing you a card even. The bird one. Anyway, it would be my honor to partake in such a spread. He outstretches a trembling arm as if he needed help to walk Also, may I ask… why my associate is… well, hitting herself?
He continues to mutter as the seconds go by, and a look of melting nostalgia fills his eyes.
The dwarves advance to the aid of their mistress. Pfvaarsk considers what to do next in the chaotic scene unfolding.
—- round 2 init —-
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter
—- round 3 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs)
Dwarves(charmed)
Pallicea(confused), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Berenstein
Aeliexes(confused)
Pfvaarsk(PvC),
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Pfvaarsk strikes a tindertwig and casts a large smoky pyrotechnics spell centered on himself after the Arbiter finishes casting a protection on Pallicia. He then speaks loudly in Sylvan:
You dare trifle with a Thrasfyr! I control fire and steel! Your foolishness shall be your downfall! May the Eldest of the First World have mercy on your soul, because I will not.
Pfvaarsk barely saves against the smoke. On the plus side, it adds to a convincing raspy sylvan voice reminiscent of a Thrasfyr.
In addition, the smoke shields the eyes from the dance.
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His pupils switch back to rage again as he comes to his senses.
WAIT. THAT BHARGHEST CHARMED ME! AND YOU WANT TO DO THE SAME!
He points his bow upwards again and unleashes an onslaught of arrows.
Bow Flurry-1
for
Bow Flurry-2
for
Bow Ki Shot-1
for
Bow Ki Shot-2
for
Bow Flurry-3
for
Bow Flurry-4
for
Bow Ki Shot-2 Confirm
for
Pfvaarsk completed the smoke screen and the arbiter adds more protection
The woman is more concerned with the archon in her face. She is unaware that the monk is aligning his bow on her.
To the outsider ”Well, aren't you definitely a party pooper??!“
She concentrates on a spell then touches at the archon
dc 21
dc 21
vs SR15
for
She slams her claw into the archon and draws some of his life into herself with an evil grin. Just precious!
vs poison
The storm of arrows hits her, one critcally, which wipes aware the smirk and some of her new health.
The hound's DR protects him from the claw, but not the poison.
—- round 3 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs, -31hp)
Dwarves(charmed)
Pallicea(confused), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Archon(PvE, -19, poison), Berenstein
Aeliexes(confused)
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter
The dwarves rush to her aid, but cannot do much against the outsider.
The hound spits the bile and retaliates against her.
vs Poison
Hound Archon for
Hound Archon for
Confirm? for
Pallicea hits herself with her bow for a third time
The hound's first slash nearly takes off her arm.
JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED!
—- round 3 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs, -66hp, +19temp)
Dwarves(charmed)
Pallicea(confused,-15hp), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Archon(PvE, -19, poison), Berenstein
Aeliexes(confused)
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter
Pfvaarsk moves out of smoke to prepare to entangle.
The lady points to the hound and the dwarves try to pound him.
”We said to leave her alone!!!“
but none land critical blows so the hound ignores them completely
The woman steps back, she tries to charm Aeliexes
”Stop him, my dear! “
Monk needs to save vs charm monster
—- round 3 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs, -66hp)
Dwarves(charmed)
Pallicea(confused,-15hp), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Archon(PvE, -19, poison)
Berenstein(), Giant Ant ()
Aeliexes(confused)
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter
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He turns to face the ant, which he believes to be the Maenad in his confusion.
Bow Flurry-1
for
Bow Flurry-2
for
Bow Flurry-3
for
Bow Flurry-4
for
+Point Blank
DIE YOU FOUL CREATURE! I SHALL NOT FALL FOR YOUR CH…ch…charms.
His eyes switch from rage to a charmed dilation, and turns to face the hound archon.
My…my lady! Perhaps I have made a severe lapse in judgement.he calls out to the archon Sir! Please let this lady enjoy her festivities in peace! Do not force me to step in say…in about six seconds. I will have no choice but to stop…someone? Maybe I have to stop myself? His confusion is still apparent.
—- round 4 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs, -66hp)
Dwarves(charmed)
Pallicea(confused,-15hp), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Archon(PvE, -19, poison)
Berenstein(), Giant Ant ()
Aeliexes(confused, charmed)
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter
The four hungry dwarves flail at the hound archon
But have no luck landing any blows on the outsider.
The woman claws at the newly arrived Pallicea.
Ah yes, come to get some of this, my pretty???
for
Her claw rakes across the cheek of the huntress and pulls life force with it.
—- round 4 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs, -66hp+29temp)
Dwarves(charmed)
Pallicea(confused,-44hp), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Archon(PvE, -19, poison)
Berenstein(), Giant Ant ()
Aeliexes(confused, charmed)
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter
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The aasimar yells in pain and loss of life.
vs poison
She retaliates against her attacker.
YOU WILL PAY...FOR ...THAT!
+1 Shock Bast
for
+1 Shock Bast
for
She manages to avoid the toxins from her blood.
The hound archon starts to pummel the dwarves.
vs poison
GRRRRR! as the poison takes more effect.
2H
for
2H
for
—- round 4 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs, -68hp)
3 Dwarves(charmed), 1 Dwarf (uncon/prone)
Pallicea(confused,-44hp), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Archon(PvE, -19, poison -2CON), Ant()
Aeliexes(confused, charmed)
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter
With the magic wards, the zen archer throws off the lady’s charms long enough to clear his mind. But unfortunately the rope wraps around his legs and arm.
—- round 4 init —-
Lady(Song, Buffs, -68hp)
3 Dwarves(charmed), 1 Dwarf (uncon/prone)
Pallicea(confused,-44hp), Cujo
Celembriar(PvE), Archon(PvE, -19, poison -2CON), Ant()
Aeliexes(confused, entangled)
Pfvaarsk(PvC), Arbiter