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Figures. I think at this point it’d be best if I just call this while I’m behind. Between my schedule and poor grasp of rules and the various posting habits (mine of late especially) there are better ways to spend what time we have. Best of luck all.
When grappled a player rolls combat maneuver defense (cmd). As Selena indicated the intention to continue moving forward I rolled an additional CMD for her as none was provided (the 11). The grapple roll made by the tree remained the same. As the CMD rolled (11) was less than the grapple score for the tree Selena was then considered grappled, unable to continue following.
Quasit is able to do something, though she isn’t exactly sure what. What is clear is that the engravings on one of the trees separates into two letters that Tezuzu confirms are Infernal. “If each of the carvings are two letters, maybe this is some kind of puzzle...
Yes, map is correct. Fin has line of sight. Also, Selena please see my last post. We are not back tracking your rolls as I made a roll for you after your post stating your intention to follow.
Although the strange woman is affected by the spell the trees mum’s remain as they are. Detecting magic reveals that whatever magic is controlling them is localized to the carved infernal runes on each tree.
Tezuzu shakes his head, “Good, not food. This common tongue of yours is not meant for beaks like mine.”
Tezuzu hold up a talon to pause the group discussion before looking to Maka. “What did you say earlier, when you were trying to figure out what or who this woman is?” Tezuzu looks concerned at the appearance of the engravings on the trees. “If these are what I think they are, this isn’t food. They aren’t Iborian, that’s for sure.” Sakitu is fairly sure the engravings are evil in nature, but doesn’t recognize the language.
Work has been a bear this week. Adding to that I got word today one of the projects I turned in needs some changes. I’ll keep plugging along here, but clearly my goal to return to daily posts just isn’t going to get met quite yet.
Findurel is already noticing engravings on the strange trees as Marislova points one out. “I’m not sure, but I bet the magic users might have something to say about that.”
Findurel moves forward cautiously only to find the passage beyond the strange trees blocked. Likely through magic. Several of the trees have been made to cover the way through with their branches. There are spots where the overlapping branches leave just enough space to look through. And perhaps just enough space to shoot a well aimed arrow. Beyond the elf sees the strange woman meditating.
Findurel has no problem moving unseen among the strange trees, which remain motionless. However, he is keenly aware of the racket Bulvi is making.
The voice of the woman can be heard as she walks slowly around a turn further into the strange cavern. “The real question is did I command them to restrain your friends before or after they intended to attack. As soon as she is around the corner, the trees release who they were holding. Maka can tell the fire has harmed the trees no more than it would harm a rocky cliff.
Sakitu and Bulvi are grappled by the branches while everyone else avoids them. The woman speaks up as the trees flail about. “It seems you all will destroy yourselves without my involvement. A shame. She begins backing away slowly.
Focused on the many arms of the enigmatic woman, Findurel and Quasit still notice as the nearby trees move.
Tezuzu yells as he is grappled by one of the trees, “I don’t know who or what you are, but I know these trees are your doing!
“You will make the choice you feel you must.”
One small work projected, but I don’t anticipate it impacting my posting as much as the pile of things I just wrapped up.
“I have found what I came for. Yet I do not yet understand it. Let me say that I would prefer only I go into the area beyond.” She gestures with a few hands behind her.
“I thought perhaps you might find whatever it is your looking for elsewhere. Failing that, there is an continually shrinking chance I may find what I’m look for. Either way, there is at least a delay to our mutual destruction.”
“An arrangement may be possible. Is this the only route you’ve left to consider?”
“Though I suspect your friend hopes to explore destruction with me, I’m must admit I am pleased at your way with words young one. She remains in where she landed beneath the tree, several hands near her weapons. Much was created in this place, with the power that has resided here. I came here to learn of it. Of the one who created it.”
A distinctly feminine figure shifts from a lotus pose from atop one of the leafless trees. Her six-arms move to her side as she slips gracefully to the ground. Although you hear one voice, her head has three fanged faces. She wears colorful robes and her hands rest near several exotic weapons stowed at her waist. “I came to learn from her. I wouldn’t consider myself anyone’s ally.”
For sure. Do what works for you Bulvi. Work projects still going strong, but hope to get back to normal posting by the end of the month. Until then I’ll try and post off hours when I can. Planing an update for tonight.
“You are correct young one. It has been so very long since I have heard such vital chatter I had hoped to listen a bit longer. The voice sound old and is coming from deeper within the cavern of leafless trees.
A strange forest of dark and leafless trees fills this expansive natural cavern, twisting upward toward the ceiling high overhead.
Selena is able to mend the ladder well enough to at least temporarily use it. The books she finds are to dated to be useful for anything more than kindling. Some are so old that the pages crumble, others the ink faded and unreadable. With several pauses to secure her scarf around the rungs, she continues to make her way around the room. Meanwhile Tezuzu finishes making his study of the book. “It is as I suspected, this book will help the strange prisoner / bound guard back at the hut.”
Although Selena isn’t sure what to make of the book, Tezuzu is sure it’s important. “Sharp eye Findurel. I’ll need time to study this.” Without another word Tezuzu settles in to study the book.
Had a big project going at work already and just got another, so my posting may slow a bit for the next week or two.
Although Findurel doesn’t spot anything that looks like a key, he does spot several books that he thinks may be worth one of the magic users attention. The giant’s weapon was mangled in its fall to such an extent that it’s unclear what it was before it was bent and broken. Worst of all, the weapon seems to have gotten covered in some kind of red dust that is quickly turning it brittle with rust.
Selena: The broom does appear to be a flying broom. The oversized pestle will function as a +1 Greatclub
Among the things the group notices quickly are an oversized pestle, that appears to have seen use as Greatclub and a broom that Findurel spots behind a row of jars. Both are magical. So far the books seem out of date, but Tezuzu is steadily looking through those he can reach, making sure nothing of importance is missed.
Beyond a couple bruises for Quasit who was pelted with a potted herb of some sort everyone seems to be ok. Though it will be easy enough to make your way out of the mess. Sorting through the fallen detritus will take some time. Three quarters of the shelving does still remain stable so looking through those shelves would easier. Of course the giant also managed to grab the simple ladder that was intended to access the upper shelves on its way to the ground. A portion of the wood remains in its hand while the top and bottom of the ladder remain intact, but now no longer connected at the creature’s massive arm.
I figure it’s a crazy time for all so it’s understandable. I think we have a decent plan and we’ll keep moving.
Maka easily moves out of the way of falling objects and steps away from the bits mingling in pockets in the air.
So are you all fine moving forward with half the party? Given the posting rates being what they are it’s sort of just been a trio, with occasional posts from others. I can keep tweaking encounters, but that’ll become boring if / when the whole party shows up. I’m fine either way. My gaming commitments are shrinking so it’s easy enough to just pop in a couple times each week day.
The ghostly figure dissipates under the barrage and the giant falls shortly after. It’s large body tips into several of the shelves, causing various bits and baubles to fall.
The first of the flurry of arrows initially hits some invisible barrier, immediately alerting the ghostly figure to Findurel’’s presence. Though it only momentarily protects the Frost Giant, the remaining arrows are not enough to slay the creature as it hurls the cauldron toward the doorway, ghostly figure flying quickly behind the improvised projectile.
Seeing Quasit jump from the staircase, the ghostly figure diverts its attention, releasing a burst of negative energy. Party up.
A long and winding stone staircase finally descends into a cavern whose walls support rough wooden shelves piled high with all manner of weird bric-a-brac: tiny sculptures, fetishes, amulets of metal and clay, locks of hair, pin-riddled corn husk dolls, and more than a few weathered tomes. Yellowed glass jars hold vile and suspect-looking samples suspended in unknown fluids, and small clay pots overflow with unknown dusts, powders, and sickly colored unguents. Beneath the shelves, a couple of crude worktables, covered in mysterious stains and clumps of aged tallow, hold more items of similar nature. A huge wooden mortar bound with iron bands stands near the tables, its club-sized pestle propped within. In the south side of the room, a ring of small stones surrounds a small fire that fills the entire room with the scent of pine. Not far from the fire is a Frost giant near a cauldron, which is being inspected by a ghostly figure.
Noticed the same. Haven’t heard, hesitant to move forward with this bit but don’t want things to stall.
Chilling air and dimming light wrap around you as the spiraling stair continue downward.
Yes, Marislova is still with the party.
Findurel finds stairs, descending and curving inward on themselves.
With a closer look it is clear that bricks just inside the doorway from where Quasit original teleported were put there, replacing the original stone. Removing the bricks let’s everyone move through the passage without issue.
Do you all want to puzzle out the bricks or have me narrate it as you’ve spent a good amount of time wandering.
Selena doesn’t know anymore than she has described. Apparently the magic at work is elusive and the inscriptions are too old to be familiar even with some similarities to a locals knowledge many years after. It seems after a few experimental tries, something is going to be needed to be done about this the bricks to change the way the teleporting is happening.
Tezuzu quickly surmises that the wax around the doors will bestow a curse to any who break the seal by opening the doors.
Even with Selena’s help, the nature of the magic is unclear. Perhaps Tezuzu can help.
Sakitu and Quasit just aren’t sure about the wax. It may be magical, but the type of magic just isn’t clear.
Findurel notices a wax that seems to be carefully applied in the gap around each door way in such a way that it is difficult, even for his keen eyes to notice. Quasit isn’t sure if it is a trap or not. It could be the source of the magic aura, but Sakitu doesn’t notice it without the elf’s help.
Busy at work yesterday. Going to try and loose here before the meetings set in.
After more time, Sakitu is able to determine that the source of the magic is several, similar - perhaps even the same - type of magic coming from each of the ten doors.
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