Lina knows enough of tarot to know that the three of cups generally symbolizes a group of people coming together to accomplish a goal. Generally teamwork and community.
The group set back about to their patron dryad after ensuring that the roaring inferno has indeed been smothered.
Tiressia greets the adventurers enthusiastically alongside Falchos who bounds up and squeezes the adventurers tightly and dances around them arms locked with his love.
"The forest has already told us well before you arrived! Oh the cursed scythe tree is gone! Gone I say! Oh I never thought I'd see the day!" Tiressia throws her head back and laughs musically. "Oh you truly are friend to the fey! And your kindness shall be met with kindness in turn, feel free to help yourselves to any of the knickknacks and do-dads we've piled up by my tree and you can count on Flachos and I to guard the Narlmarches and keep your kingdom appraised of any threats we discover within its borders."
"Still it doesn't feel like enough does it my dear?" Falchos shakes his head regrettably.
"B]"That it certainly does not." Tiressia pouts. "After all that you've done for us... If only there were some other way we could repay you?" Tiressia flutters her lashes at the gentlemen as Falchos proceeds to flex and waggle his eyebrows at the ladies.
Feel free to ask them anything you want now they are more than willing to help out however they can ^^ Also the pile of loot contains five goodberries, two potions of cure moderate wounds, one scrolls of summon nature's ally II, a wand of cure light wounds (26 charges), six feather tokens (tree), a masterwork longbow with twenty arrows, a masterwork sickle, and 178 gold. (All magic items are explained to the party by the owners so no need for skill checks this time)
The scythe tree attempts to to lurch forward, struggling desperately at the vines quickly reforming at its roots but the fire moves along with it, just as fast and with Signy and Brental adding more heat to the flames the once fearsome tree is quickly reduced to mere kindling.
It burns continuously for some time but after an hour the flames smolder and all that remains is a single face down tarot card among the wreckage.
Spellcraft DC 30:
This is a powerful magical artifact. A single card from a Deck of Many Things
The scythe tree bursts into flame and is soon wholly engulfed in it like cheap kindling. The wood itself also seems the crack, grind, and snarl as the popping flames wreath themselves around it.
The pain of the burning as Brental's spells work in concert provoke the tree to action. Vines strain momentarily before being ripped to bits by the immense bulk of the scythe tree. which lurches forward on spindly roots with shocking speed.
Move action to break free and move action forward thirty feet and now everyone gets to go again!
As the grasping pants ensnare the scythe tree even before they are set ablaze, the tree itself crackles and snaps to life attempting to dislodge the troublesome foliage gathered about its base.
Should have mentioned earlier but I'm at Phoenix Fan Fusion this weekend and posting will resume on Monday!
If there is any artist there you'd recommend I check out/support please let me know as I think we only covered a third of the vendor hall the first day xD
The birds in the region swoop about Brental as he asks the avians to impart to him their knowledge. In a sputtering of caws, chirps, and squawks the druid hears the following, "Brother of Trees there is a large eating tree that sounds just like that not a mile south of where we flock. It swats us birds to the ground when we get too close and knocks down the trees where we have built our nests."
With this knowledge in hand the party heads further south until Brental receives a ping on he detection spell. The scythe tree is near.
Peering through a clearing in the trees Brental spots the creature clearly with the help of his magic as it attempts to blend in with the surrounding foliage. This many-branched and twisted tree has few leaves on it. In the center of its trunk is a long, deep scar. Its roots are twisted and dark, blackened as if by fire.
You are all 160 feet from the scythe tree. Any closer will requite stealth checks to approach unnoticed. What do you do?
Tiressia and Falchos thank the party a great deal for their help and offer them a lovely little burrow to spend the night in and prepare for their journey tomorrow after they heal Falchos's wounds.
In the morning, the party finds that Tiressia has marked a location on the map Brental provided only a few hours south of their current location in the Narlmarches.
After breakfast and some pleasant goodbyes the pary make their way to where the dryad claims the location of the infamous scythe tree to be.
The sweet stench of decay hangs thick in this woodland clearing. Knotted branches of sickly trees line the perimeter, creating a thick canopy that blocks most of the sunlight and cloaks the hollow in shadow. Withered vegetation struggles to grow in ragged clumps among the multitude of bones strewn across the forest floor.
Scythe trees are malevolent plant creatures found in heavily forested areas where they naturally blend in with normal trees. Scythe trees are carnivorous by nature and draw very little sustenance from sun, air, or water, preferring a diet of dryad or elf flesh. They use Stealth to catch wandering prey by surprise. The scythe tree is an intelligent plant but does little with its intellect other than devise new and cruel methods to torment its food once it has secured meals.
A scythe tree, on average, is 20 feet tall, but may reach or exceed heights of 30 feet. It weighs about 3,500 pounds and has a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Its bark is dark brown, shading darker as it nears the roots. What few leaves a scythe tree has are reddish-brown (and do not change color or fall out as the seasons change).
The branches of a scythe tree resemble wicked-curving scythes (this is where the tree gets its name). The scar that appears on the trunk is the tree’s mouth (it appears as a scar when closed). Scythe trees hate treants and dryads and attack both on sight (though a scythe tree usually only confronts a treant when it outnumbers it.)
It is highly resistant to piercing and bludgeoning attacks and is particularly vulnerable to fire.
Tiressia seems relieved then suddenly quite sheepish as she wipes away her tears. "Oh thank you all so much, you are too kind... Ummm... As for the location of Flachos well... To be honest he has been hiding in those bushes over ther waiting to spring to my aid should you have chosen to attack me but... Well, Falchos I think you can come out now, they seem friendly!"
Suddenly the foliage behind Lina shift as a mature well-built satyr emerges from behind. His barrel-chest and cutting abdominals covered in deep gashes as he more or less stumbles forward. Sweat drips from his brow as he clearly suffers from his wounds and his body wrestles with infection.
"So sorry for the deception," He chuckles deeply although his warm brown eyes are half closed from exhaustion. "You can't be too careful these days... No-harm, no-foul right?"
Tiressia frowns at the state of her companion and looks pleadingly to the others. "Please, heal his wounds, he has fought nobly in my defense and deserves a better fate than this. If you can heal him I'll be happy to point out the location of the scythe tree to you... Do you happen to have a map?"
The dryad brings herself to her feet and turns to face the party eyes full of tears and addresses them with a sniffle, "Tyg a-and Peri sent you? My goodness I am so very glad someone was able to hear our pleas for aide... we were worried that the rest of the forest had left us to our fate after what happened to my sweet Falchos but... Oh I'm just so happy, forgive me!" Tiressia apologizes before bursting into tears once more which takes a solid minute or two to pull her out of and back to her senses.
"Right, right... I am so terribley sorry but please my dear people you must you simply must help us! You see, lately our stretch of the Narlmarches has fallen prey to the depredations of a scythe tree, an evil, intelligent, carnivorous plant that particularly relishes the taste of dryad flesh. Falchos, my satyr consort that is, and I have tried to drive away the malevolent plant numerous times by ourselves, but the monstrous tree has repulsed our attempts to destroy it or drive it out every time."
"During our last attempt, Falchos suffered grievous
injuries before we could flee back to the grove and I was left at a loss as I am unable to abandon my bonded oak and fleeing the creature, so I tried rallying the other fey creatures of the area to assist me, but after seeing what happened to myself and Falchos, none of them would agree to risk their own lives. Now I hide within my tree, weeping in pitifully, while my dear Falchos is forced to wrestle with the choice of abandoning me or accepting his own inevitable death if he stays to face the scythe tree once it finally locates our home." Tiressa stands sniffling for a moment more before she begins wailing once more.
"IT'S ALL MY FAULT! HE'S GOING TO DIE BECAUSE OF MEEEEEEE!!!!!"
Sense Motive DC 20:
Tiressia is turning on the waterworks to try to guilt you into helping but her request for aid and the information she's given you seem genuine.
Corax and crew reluctantly agree to return to Limen to meet with the real Riftun and obtain proper documentation. Meanwhile, Melianse releases the two charmed loggers and visibly relaxes as she begins casually swimming about.
Sylvan:
"Yes, Tiressia is having problems last I heard but I am unaware of the particulars... I have not much to say to her but you can give Tyg and Peri my warm regards, those two are amusing even if the rhyming fey bit is a tad overplayed... Anyways, I thank you for all of your assistance here and if you follow through on your promise... I imagine we could progress towards the formation of an alliance of sorts between us local fey and your new kingdom provided you continue to show us due respect."
------------
The adventurers move on towards there destination soon after and within an hour find themselves at a clearing, the trees part to reveal a peaceful forest glade dappled with sunlight. A small pond lies placidly at the roots of an enormous oak tree with a scattering of leaves floating upon its surface. Birdsong twitters from the branches high above.
Here, by the pond's edge kneels a strikingly beautiful dryad fair of skin with autumn leaves for hair and garbed sparsely in leaves, vines, and flowers. As the party approaches they can hear that the woman is openly weeping and has not seemed to notice their approach.
“Out of curiosity, how much were you hoping to get for these, Mr. Corax?"
"Now, now no need to sick your hooded hound on me. I was hoping to get around two hundred gold for these trees here." Corax explains defensively.
Brental wrote:
"Was his name perchance--Grigori? Or did he claim to be Riftun?"
The lumberjack seems confounded by Brental's words, stunned into silence for several seconds before, fuming he throws his hat to the floor and stomps it repeating letting out a string of curses so foul, so profane, that they bare not repeating here. After letting himself calm down with a few deep breaths, Corax looks back up at Brental and nods, "Well, the fat f#&! told me his name was Riftun.. I don't know any Grigori so your guess is as good as mine if that's who the deceptive f&~!wit was but if you can bring him before me I'd be more than happy to testify against him in whatever manner ya like, especially if it gets me a new contract that is."
Brental wrote:
"As for you, Lady Melianse, I would ask for your forgiveness by proxy, and your patience. Would you accept trees from another source--me?"
Meneas wrote:
""Is there not a dryad near here? Could not her magic aid in the healing of these trees?"
Melianse's stoic expression seems to shift slightly, perhaps her lip curves into a slight smile, though it could have been imagined as she regards the noble druid and her gallant defender.
Sylvan:
"It pleases me greatly to see that the fey are regarded so well by our new neighbors, I had heard rumors that the men of Limen could be trusted but to see it with my own eyes... To answer your question druid, your manner of tree replacement is not my concern so long as it is done, so yes I believe these spells of yours may work just fine. And as for the noble knight, there is a dryad not too far from here but... I understand she is dealing with problems of her own, not to mention it would be very difficult for her to venture so far from her tree in order to help here."
Corax seems to deflate as Brental, Lina, and Signy seem to talk the man down. "W-Well, I suppose you do have a point there blonde... wouldn't want to spend my whole life looking over my f*%~in' shoulder now would I? A-And I gues that I would be none to happy if some f~~!er decided to start tearing up my g!##$%n home... As for the document, we got it signed by a rather portly bastard, claimed he worked for the government here... kinda oddly dressed, a little garish but that's government types for you eh?" He starts to chuckle before Meneas levels his lance at the man and Corax's eyes go wide as his hands go up.
"Woah! Woah! Let's all just calm right the f*!~ down now shall we? Take a deep f#++ing breath alright? I was just about to f#+&ing say that I'll hear what the water wench has to say no need to get all murdery, alright?" Corax sighs before turning his attention to the fey.
"So, tells ya what, we'll leave sure enough, but I'll need the lumber I've taken, another source of coachwood, and I suppose I want those two dumbasses you have with you back. Square" Corax yells over to the nixie.
"Seems you're finally willing to listen to reason you vile nimrod. Thanks to you noble knight." The Nixie nods her head appreciate towards Meneas before returning her focus to the angry loggers. "I have no qualms releasing your fools back to you, they pollute my sacred pool with their very presence, and the lumber of my felled friends is yours, it would only go to rot if left here... However the new source of lumber is your concern not mine and I shall require my trees being replaced, then you may go."
"Replace your trees? You mean like, plant sticks or somethin in the ground soggy b#&&&?" Corax replies baffled.
The nixie splashes her little fist angrily in the water and growls, "My NAME is NOT 'soggy b##@@' NOR is it 'water wench' it's MELIANSE and I'm over ten times your age and you WILL show me some RESPECT! And NO! Saplings will not due, I want fully grown trees here to stand where my lost friends once stood, that or no deal!"
"WHAT?! Fully grown trees?! Are you mad woman?! How the f+&* are we supposed to do that?! You're asking for nonsense, fantasies, b!+&+!&+! And what's more I'm not leaving without a new source of coachwood! I got f~#*ing orders to fulfil gods dammit!" Corax rages.
Brental notices a signature of the paper from Riftun and yet... the signature seems off. Riftun's handwriting is practiced and delicate this seems more hastily scribbled with some ostentatious flair thrown in.
Corax frowns, seemingly taken aback by Lina's demeanor as he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a well crumpled document he takes a moment unfolding. "I don't believe this little t+!~ has any real claim over these here trees, they belong to the ruler of this here land and as you can clearly see from this here 'ficial document, we got ourselves a logging permit already and we ain't nearly at our permitted number o' trees yet."
Taking a moment to go over the document in hand it does appear to be an official document entitling Corax and his company to their logging rights.
"Be that as it may," huffs the nixie in her matter-of-fact monotone, "These coachwood trees have been growing by the side of my pool for over two hundred years and they deserve a far better fate than to end up as some grubby peasant's slop table. And besides we fey do not recognize the ownership of land by mere mortals." She glares and puffs up her cheeks in a grumpy pout. "I was just trying to scare off these dunderheads when they came at me with their axes and threatened to hang me from the nearest tree to 'drip-dry' if you can believe it." She huffs. "I did a little magic to turn some of these morons to my defense just before you arrived... but you seem like a more sensible lot. Get these idiots to leave, after they've paid proper compensation for the damage they've already done of course, and I'll let these two go."
"COMPENSATION?!" Corax sputters incredulously, "As if we'd ever agree to pay you anything you uppity b%+%$!" he roars then turns back to the adventurers. "We got every f$#*in' right to gods damned well be here. The law is on our side and the only way we're leaving is with our coachwood in hand!" He growls tightening the grip on his axe.
Reasoning that they could continue on their journey and still reach the grove before the day is up, the party give the ruins a once over before heading out. In the other towers they find a clay urn filled with 119 gp, 131 sp, and 27 cp and a dozen different sparkling gemstones worth 1800 gp in all. They also find a remarkably well-preserved mithral statuette of a
beautiful elf woman wearing archaic robes, framed by an archway of mithral branches.
DC 20 Know Religion +5 for Lina:
the statuette is a representation of Findeladlara, the elven goddess of art and architecture.
Statuette DC 20 Appraise:
the statuette is worth 1200 gp
They also find a chest containing a fine velvet cloak, a gold necklace, a silver ring set with an emerald, a bejeweled masterwork short sword, a moonstone, 76 sp, and 31 gp.
Fine Velvet Cloak DC 20 Appraise:
Worth 10 gp
Gold Necklace DC 20 Appraise:
Worth 100 gp
Silver Ring Set with an Emerald DC 20 Appraise:
Worth 300 gp
Bejeweled Masterwork Short Sword DC 20 Appraise:
Worth 510 gp
Moonstone DC 20 Appraise:
Worth 50 gp
Gathering up their findings they head further out following the Skunk River deeper into the forest for several hours.
The river makes a sharp bend here, widening into a deep pool dotted with lily pads and fringed with waving reeds. Several freshly felled trees lie beside their stumps on the shore of the pool, their crowns dangling in the water among fading tendrils of mist. Before the pool stands a group of angry looking men armed with handaxes facing off against what would appear to be two similarly armed men standing before the pool. The adventurers can hear angry shouts being exchanged between the partys when one gruff individual who looks to be the leader of the larger group notices the adventurers approach and quickly waves them over.
"Oi! Oi you! C'mere quick! We're in need of some f$!!in' back-up here!" He shouts coursely spitting at the ground.
The man grabs each of the adventurer's hands in a too rough handshake as they arrive. "Well met well met! Name's Corax, of Corax Lumber and Supplies. These here sorry sacks of s~*+ are my men and we were just innocently MINDING OUR OWN F$*!ING BUSINESS" he shouts pointedly turning his head toward the pool before returning his gaze to the adventurers with a deep frown on his heavily bearded face. "When suddenly all these f&#*in' spooky ass noises start comin' from the water and mist starts to make it hard to see." He chuckles.
"First I thought it was funny and told everyone to keep f#%$in' working knowin' how the fey like their pranks but this is just too damn far now. Stupid b@&*+ in the pond went and hexed two of my best men and is gonna try to kill us next I swears it... Maybe comin' to do business here was a mistake f%&@in damn near impossible for a decent man to make a living with all of these damnable fairies in the woods. Anyways.. I can't be arsed to wait much longer, these are two of my best men but time is money and if that b%~%! tries to hold us up any longer we'll just have to chop her up like her precious f#~!in' trees."
"Try it you bloated eel carcass and I'll drown you myself." Comes a melancholic almost monotone voice from the middle of the pool where, indeed, a green-skinned head with hair the color of seaweed and decorated with shells pokes out above the water staring down the angry men with a grumpy pout as Corax turns to flip her the bird.
Know. Nature DC 16:
This is a nixie.
Nixies are guardians of ponds, rivers, lakes, and springs. They prefer dwelling in idyllic places, which they protect from the depredations of predators and careless humanoids. While this often involves confusing enemies and driving foes away, nixies are not afraid of spilling blood to protect their homes—though they prefer not to resort to such means unless completely necessary. Nixies are 4 feet tall and rarely weigh more than 45 pounds.
Nixies avoid combat if possible, using charm person to lead humanoids away from their lairs. They sometimes use this ability to enslave people to act as protectors or help with a task that is simply too big for them to deal with. They cast water breathing on charmed creatures helping with tasks below the surface. Nixies are reclusive and prefer to keep their presence hidden. They make lairs underwater, forming small communities if their numbers are great enough. Legends speak of a secret nixie kingdom at the bottom of a great lake, but no one has yet confirmed its location.
With a quick flash of sunlight off his glimmering blade Meneas' blade severs the spine of the fleeing fey who's cry of anguish is quickly silenced by Veil's mighty hooves falling down upon the creature's head and squelching its remains into the thick foliage below.
The party stand and wait for the next challenge to arrive but when nothing more comes they sheath their weapons and take a collective sigh of relief.
Among the bodies they scavenge a number of items including handful of tiny blue flowers and a short sword sized for a small creature.
Blue Flowers - DC 14 Alchemy, Knowledge Nature, Profession Herbalist:
These are blue whinnis flowers renowned for their ability to render a foe unconscious once forced into the bloodstream. There are five doses here.
Short Sword - DC 16 Spellcraft:
This is a small sized +1 short sword
Returning to the second floor of the main tower where the sith was dispatched they identify a number of items the foul creature must have salvaged from the ruins or taken off the corpses of her victims including a harp, a jade statuette of a coiling snake, a life-sized alabaster statue of a nude, dancing elven woman, and an ancient filigreed elven water clock.
Harp - DC 20 Appraise:
This is a masterwork harp valued at 100 gp.
Jade Statuette - DC 20 Appraise:
75 gp
Alabaster Statue - DC 20 Appraise:
900 gp but 500 lbs.
Water Clock - DC 20 Appraise:
1000 gp but 200 lbs.
Carmine's bed is, meanwhile, covered with a snow-white bearskin coverlet.
Bearskin Coverlet - DC 20 Appraise:
50 gp
A finely carved wooden wardrobe besides the bed holds two royal outfits, three courtier's outfits, and several other tasteful, once expensive articles of clothing (heavily stained with blood and now worthless).
Royal Outfits x2 - DC 20 Appraise:
200 gp each
Courtier's Outfits x3 - DC 20 Appraise:
30 gp each
A small wooden coffer atop a rosewood table contains three vials of exotic perfume, a gem studded tiara, and a fourth odd vial with a pink sparkling liquid within.
Exotic Perfume x3- DC 20 Appraise:
100 gp each
Gem Studded Tiara - DC 20 Appraise:
350 gp
Pink Liquid - DC 19 Spellcraft or Craft Alchemy:
This sweet tasting liquid is, without a doubt, an elixir of love valued at 150 gp
A nearby chest holds 431 sp and 370 gp in leather sacks.
Sigy's arrow is, indeed, quick but not quick enough to match the creature named after such speed itself. But as Rigg dodges the singular projectile several more bright flashes of light emerge from Lina's wand and crash into the small man's body scorching his flesh and drawing forth a gasping scream of agony.
Meanwhile, the grimstalker barely has the time to gasp as Meneas' blade plunges into his chest only to be followed by anther valiant charge of the mastodon, breaking bones and tearing flesh. Finally, it is almost a mercy when Brental's enchanted blade lops off the fey creature's head in a shower of sparks, blood, and cinders before the creature collapses in a lifeless heap.
The quickling scowls, his dark eyes darting about rapidly as he assesses the situation, then... in a split second, turns tail to flee!
Grimstalker is dead!Meneas and Veil have AoO on the quickling!
The grimstalker or banaan (as they prefer to call themselves) is a fey creatures that does not share the beauty and goodness of its kin. Whereas other fey creatures have come to represent the beautiful of mischievous side of nature, the grimstalker most certainly reflect nature at its worst. They are dark creatures, their hearts tainted with the foulest of evil. Unfortunate souls that wander into the a forest guarded by grimstalkers are never seen again–except for their skulls, which the grimstalkers hang from the trees as a warning to those that would dare trespass into their domain.
Long thought to be a form of intelligent plant because of their many plant-like features, grimstalkers sulk among the trees of the darkest forests. Even among sylvan communities of elves the grimstalkers are legendary as natural born assassins. Grimstalkers sometimes work together with other evil fey such as redcaps; though such alliances are short and rare, especially with the malevolent and untrustworthy redcap.
It is rumored that powerful evil druids often summon grimstalkers for nefarious purposes.
Grimstalkers strike from ambush if possible, hiding among the trees and dropping on interlopers into their forest. A troupe of grimstalkers that set up an ambush point make ample use of the terrain, using nets woven from living vines, snares, and pit traps. Grimstalkers also employ trained plant creatures such as assassin vines and scythe trees. In melee they are capable of fighting with their claws or with weapons–their favorite weapons being a sort of spiked quarterstaff and longbows knocked with poisoned arrows.
They have the standard fey resistance to mundane material aside from cold-iron and their claws hold a crippling poison which they prefer to unleash in sneak attacks.
While Veil's second hoof connects with the fey creature's arm in a manner that should have shattered the bone, the grimstalker seems more annoyed than anything at the mare's persistence having gotten away with little more than a bruise.
However, when Signy's arrow thuds into the creature's chest it most certainly has a more pronounced effect causing the fey to roar in pain... a roar which is cut short into a pathetic wheezing gasp as Vodnykel slams into the man-sized monster's gut with his tusks and sends the fey creature reeling as its tainted blood splatters against the earth and soaks into the overgrown plant-life below.
"B-Bastard, Bastards... all of you!" The grimstalker wheezes.
"I'll kill you, I'll kill all of you! And your skulls will adorn my tower for all to see!" It cries as it attempts to rake its claws into the hide of the charging mastodon with little real success.
Claw 1 vs Vod:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17 Claw 2 vs Vod:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 Vod Fort Save vs Poison DC 14:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
The victory is short-lived however as Rigg jumps out from nowhere to slice at poor Veil's heels. The creature succeeds in drawing blood but not much damage is done given Veil's fey nature.
Even this small success can't be properly celebrated as Lina's ensorcelled wand triggers and releases a burst of magical darts which hone in on the small fey with uncanny precision absolutely buffeting the tiny man.
Yes you can all make it to the bottom just be aware that the grassy area is difficult terrain
Meneas, Brental, and Vod all attempt to bring an end to the spitely little monster but it proves fart to quick jumping between their attacks with small mocking cries and a few rude gestures it darts quickly out of sight.
Lina's magic seems to unsettle the small fey man but he mostly maintains his composure despite the effects of the witch's magic.
He curses at the amount of attacks coming his way and heel-turns to make a hasty retreat.
Rigg is still in the same spot since he can't 5 foot step and move so he'll just try to run which means Meneas, Brental, and Vod get another AoO.
Meanwhile the odd creature below rushes up to Veil as quickly as it can through the weeds and strikes out at her with a wicked claw.
Grimstalker Claw at Veil:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Damage:1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Veil Fort Save v Poison DC 14:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
The beast's claw gouges into the side of the fey-horse and causes the toothy fey to smirk with bloodlust. "Yessssss, it has been too long since these claws of mine have slicked themselves in the blood of my fellow fey!"
Meneas' blade swings wide as the distortion caused by the creature's movement's causes the cavalier to be just slightly off in his aim.
Yes everyone is up and huh. Also a 21 does miss Rigg unfortunately. Good to know about the 5 foot step but I still think they can take an action they just can't like use the move action to move across the "Board" so to speak right?
Brental makes a tremendous swing with his blazing scimitar at the fey before him. The creature only barely manages to avoid the blow, heat stinging the quickling's cheeks as he just barely manages to duck out of the way in time to strike at the charging mastodon.
AoO at Vod:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22 Vod Fort. Save v Poison:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
The quickling manages to barely nick the mastodon and yet the poison of the quickling's blade seeps in all the same. Vod, for his part, remains strong and resists the full effects of the deadly concoction. Still, Rigg manages to fend off the mastodon's charge with little concern and even Signy seems unable to lay a finger on the swift creature which makes to sprint out of the room as quickly as possible.
AoO drawn from Meneas as Rigg five foot steps then runs away.
You got a potion of cure serious wounds, a large set of leather armor, a large +1 keen trident, 5 large javelins, and two gold armbands worth 100 gp each from the lizard king.
In a flurry of crushing, slashing, stabbing, and burning the fey monstrosity Carmine is reduced to a fine red paste on the floor.
Grimstalker Initiative:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Meanwhile the small fey on the first floor springs back to life and immediately speeds up the stairs with the intent of plunging his sword into Signy's unprotected back.
Rigg Short Sword at Signy:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10
... And miraculously slips on the remains of Carmine dripping down the stairs causing his slash to go wide.
In the courtyard there is a new humanoid creature emerging from the skull studded tower. It is gaunt and greyish with sharp teeth and elongated finger-like claws.
Carmine desperately attempts to paw at Meneas as he takes a step back but the downed fey can only manage to scratch his boots as she is savagely torn at by Brental's growing companion. She screams in horror and pain as the mastodon rips out chunks of her flesh and crunches down on bones which snap like mere twigs under the fluffy beast's bulk.
Lina's attack adds a mere scratch to the situation and Meneas can hardly make a good strike with his companions all ganged up around the downed woman.
"TEORLIAN!!!" The woman cries out as she attempts to stumble to her feet amidst the barrage of attacks coming her way."TEORLIAN! COME! YOUR LADY NEEDS YOU!"
Signy, Lina, Vod, and Brental all get an AoO as Carmine makes it to her feet.
Carmine's eyes are wide as she notices the druid escaping from the grips of her magic with sheer force of will and attempts to strike out at him but too late.
In a flash, Brental has knocked the fey off her balanced and sent her crashing to the ground with a scream as her magic fades and the others feel the control of their bodies returning to them.
Vod, Lina, and Meneas are up and no longer under Carmine's control.
Carmine hisses in self-satisfaction as Signy vanishes from sight. "That's what I thought."
After making her way up the stairs the woman looks around proud of her collection of slack-jawed men and woman, then her gaze turns to the mastodon and shifts to slight frown. "I suppose I should kill the spare before I enjoy my meal..." She hums and slashes down at the mastodon, an animal's blood being a disgusting thing to a sith such as herself.
Claw at Vod:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24
Damage:1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Vod takes six damage. Also I'll allow Brental another Will Save for seeing his animal friend getting hurt cause I think this fight was horribly misbalanced.
Captivating Dance (Su) When a baobhan sith dances, all living
creatures within 30 feet that view the rhythmic swaying and
movements of her body must succeed on a DC 19 Will save
or become utterly enthralled and captivated. Creatures that
are sexually attracted to females who view this dance suffer
a –2 penalty on their saving throw. A creature that makes its
save cannot be affected again by the same baobhan sith’s
captivating dance for one day. A captivated creature is dazed
(it cannot attack, but can defend normally). This continues for
as long as the baobhan sith dances. A baobhan sith can move
and act normally (including using her spell-like abilities) while
maintaining her dance. The save DC is Charisma-based.
This is the test directly from the AP if you want to see if I'm doing something wrong >.>'
Might be best to make a run for it at this point. Or anything you could do to get her to stop dancing for a round. Her dance can't work on the same creature more than once a day.
"Another scratch!" Carmine laughs, at first amused, then seemingly hysterically at the inquisitor's attempts to slay her. "Maybe with your friends you'd be something to worry about but as long as I keep dancing well... I'm sure you can see the inevitability of your doom."
Carmine's first claw is deflects but her second finds an opening in the woman's guard and her armor. The wicked fey's claw digs deep into the woman's gut and spills her blood all over the pristine floor.
As she makes to cry out in pain Carmine follows up with a bite to the shoulder adding agony upon brutality.
Carmine dances teasingly before Signy licking her lips and then individually her blood-soaked fingers. "This is the part where you run away and let me enjoy my feast on your little friends."
Signy's blade strikes true but the mundane metal of the sword barely seems to make a scratch on Carmine who cackles mercilessly as she continues her dance. "What's that? A tickle? You'll have to do a lot better than that darling... Let me show you."
The sith's hands swiftly contort into sharp bestial claws that each lash out at the woman in turn before she attempts to take another bite our of the intrepid inquisitor. Signy's stance is flawless, however, unbreakable and thus she easily manages to deflect each and every attack coming her way.
"Oh you rotten b~@#%!" hisses Carmine as Signy taunts her then disappears down the stairs. The fey enchantress gives chase but never ceases her rhythmic dance as she does.
"Run all you like, after all, I do love when they play hard to get." Carmine teases then her jaw distends into a horrific maw lined with razor sharps teeth as she bites savagely at Signy giving off a deadly hiss as she falls short of the agile inquisitor.
Carmine Bite at Signy:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Rigg Will Save DC19:1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 8 - 2 = 13 Veil Will Save DC19:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Carmine's captivating dance seems to have take two new victims as Veil stands still as a board and even the smaller fey seems taken by his mistress, unable to look away in time, he stands slack jawed at the sight of her.
Carmine's swaying, flowing movements soon transforms into a full blown dance with the fey creature running her hands up and down every curve and contour of her body as her hips sway tantalizingly.
Brental Will Save DC 19:1d20 + 7 + 4 - 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 4 - 2 = 12 Vod Will Save DC 19:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16Not gonna ask if Vod is attracted to females because that just feels all kinds of wrong xD Lina Will Save DC 19:1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 3 - 2 = 14 Signy Will Save DC 19:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 6 + 2 = 21 potentially -2 depending on if Signy is attracted to females or not but she passes regardless. Meneas Will Save DC 19:1d20 + 3 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 3 - 2 = 10
Brental, Vodnykel, Lina, and Meneas all stand and stare. Utterly captivated by the fey woman's enticing movements while Signy just manages to to snap herself out of it enough to catch Carmine's glare.
"Very well then, I'll begin by ripping you to pieces before I spend some quality time with each of your little friends."
Meneas, Vod, Brental, and Lina are all dazed!
Meanwhile the smaller fey appears again to strike from the void at Signy but once again meets with no success at all much to his frustration as he cries out as he tries to get away. "Damnblondeb*+@+!Won'tbesoprettywhenIscalpthoselittlegoldielocks,nowwillyou ?"
Despite his taunts he only manages to get about halfway down the stairs this time, unable to fully feel the situation as he springs away.
Rig Short Sword at Signy:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Signy is now up! After her Carmine will go again then at least Veil will be able to do something if you want Meneas.
Baobhan Sith are known to have a captivating dance that leaves its victims next to helpless... She will then take full advantage to feast on the blood of her victims while they are left helpless to resist.
It is ill advised to negotiate with them as they see humans and elves as food rather than people but it is, theoretically possible as they are sapient creatures.
Carmine Hyacinth frowns in what seems to be an adorable and mischievous pout. "A pity, I had intended to have some fun with you both before I enjoyed my meal. It has been some time since I've been with a woman... But alas..." Her face contorts into a hungry and wicked smirk, "I suppose it's time to tuck in!"
Suddenly a small wicked little creature appearing to resemble an elf in drab clothes and sporting its own antenna pops out of seemingly nowhere and slices at Vodnykel who trumpets in shock. Fortunately the blade is too small and cant seem to get all the way through Vod's thick furry coat causing the little elf-like creature to curses and stomps in frustration.
"Damnfuzzyovergrownbastardthinkyou'resosmart?I'llcutyoureyesout!" The thing seems to scream all in one breath before it darts back down the stairs and out of sight.
Know Nature DC 13:
This creature is a quickling, a malevolent little fey that enjoys torture and making grotesque displays of the dead. Like most fey, they are resistant to most weapons other than those composed of cold-iron.
Know Nature DC 18:
Quicklings are incredibly fast even when apparently standing still (which they never actually do). It is through this speed that they can gain a sort of natural invisibility. For this reason they enjoy launching surprise attacks then running off to disappear once again for a second strike!
Know Nature DC 23:
Quicklings are so fast they are hard to look at even when 'visible' due to their body's constant vibrations making it difficult to get a good hit on them
Know Nature DC 28:
Quicklings are so used to moving quickly that being forced to move slow is incredibly disorienting for them and can lead to bouts of nausea.
This woman is giving off a sinister aura and her mannerisms seem a tad too over-the-top to be genuine.
Meneas:
This is no elf, Meneas recognizes this creature from warnings of his hooded companions. A predatory fey which feeds on the blood of humans and elves alike after it lures them in with a deadly yet sensual dance. This is a baobhan sith.
The woman seems to relax her guard and smiles at Lina, batting her long eyelashes and stepping closer with an unnatural grace. "A witch?" She giggles running her soft fingers daintily along the elven woman's cheek. "But you don't look like a witch. Aren't witches supposed to be wart-ridden and ugly? I find you far too pretty for that. Are you a good witch?" She chuckles and steps back. "I suppose this may be a strange place to live for some but... I enjoy my solitude, people make me nervous and the quiet of the forest brings me some comfort... though I do get lonely I must admit... As for my tower it moves as I need it to, I suppose you could say I am new to the neighborhood though perhaps you would be willing to show me around? After we've gotten better acquainted of course."
She then casts her eyes down at Brental, her breath seeming to momentarily catch in her chest at his divine features. <No need to apologize my dear druid! What a treat to have one with heavenly blood coursing through his divinely sculpted body appear here at my bedchamber."> She responds in perfect elven, her gaze fluttering between Lina and the druid.
"Perhaps the three of us could work on restoring elven-druid relations right here?"> She speaks teasingly before looking up at Meneas and Signy somewhat more skeptically.
"I don't mind the intrusion actually... it's good to have the company after all... there is a beast haunting my little keep. He's been chasing off those he catches seeking my company... I spent a night with him many moons ago and he insists on jealously keeping me to himself ever since. If... perhaps you two might find him and persuade him to leave me for good I would be ever so grateful."
She returns her gaze to Lina and Brental somewhat mischievously. "If Lady Lina and Sir Brental could stay with me in the meantime... I am so frightened of that beast and having the two of you close would be me much comfort."
She smiles, "But I wouldn't dream of leaving you bored! What a sorry hostess that would make me... Some entertainment then? Perhaps you would care for a dance? It has been soooo long since I've had the pleasure of dancing for anyone." The woman's hips begin rhythmically swaying with her shoulders. "The name is Carmine by the way. Carmine Hyacinth." She adds with a wink.
With relatively little difficulty the party manages to mark the trapped tile and avoid its presumably deadly poisons. After which, the group proceed carefully up the stairs.
The stairs end in a circular room featuring wide windows draped with hanging vines that offer panoramic views of the keep’s overgrown courtyard and the forest beyond. An open circular skylight in the ceiling provides glimpses of the forest canopy overhead. The walls between the windows are carved with exquisite, delicate nature motifs highlighted in gold and silver leaf. A riot of flowers, plants, and bushes sprout from the thick loam that carpets the hall’s floor, as if one were walking in a fantastic glade elevated high above the forest floor.
Here they stumble upon a beautiful elven woman with alabaster skin, golden hair, and emerald green eyes that wears a flowing white gown of archaic elven style, tied at the waist with a blood-red scarf at leisure upon her bed who jumps to her feet in shock at the sight of the adventurers clutchibg her hand to her chest. "Who-Who are you? What are you doing here in my chambers?" she gasps breathlessly.
The party advance over the rubble and into the courtyard seemingly without incident though the courtyard itself is extremely overgrown and makes for difficult walking.
A graceful tower rises out of the keep’s central courtyard, now overgrown with bushes, undergrowth, and several sizable trees. Like the outer walls, the tower is draped with vines and creepers, and several small plants have taken up residence on ledges and in cracks along its sides.
The party tracks intrepidly onward into the open main tower. This wide chamber has an impressive vaulted ceiling. Though obscured in places by earth and undergrowth, the hall’s floor is crafted of smooth stone tiles in multicolored pastel hues. The walls of the chamber are decorated with faded frescoes of sylvan life, showing scenes of beautiful nymphs engaged in crafting, feasting, dancing, singing, and a bewildering variety of other idyllic pursuits. To the west, a graceful, filigreed stone staircase, garlanded with flowering vines, climbs to the level above.
Before allowing his companions to step further into the chamber, Meneas raises a hand gesturing a halt.
Meneas:
One of the smooth stone tiles on the floor is actually a pressure plate and it looks as though it is rigged to fill the room with gas if one were to step on it unwittingly.
Signy notices a few windows in the standing towers... possibly wide enough to climb through. She also notes that the windows of the northwest tower are festooned with polished human skulls... The rubble of the wall seems settled for what it's worth. As for doors... Signy sees none. Even the gate seems to have long rotted away at the entrance to the keep, of the towers... She cannot tell from the exterior of the wall if they have doors or no.
I'll bring up a map in a day or two. I literally have an hour to post for three games lately with my work schedule and that's cutting into my sleeping time. Rackal likes her sleeping time.
Signy notices nothing unusual about the keep from the outside aside from it's sudden appearance and nothing appears to take notice of her. As the beetle suggested the western wall has completely collapsed seemingly due to the passage of time.
Is Signy going in? And if so which route is she taking?
I didn't have access to the book at the time I made the original post so here's a better description of the ruin.
A ruined, circular keep looms out of the forest, surrounded by towering, ancient trees draped with hanging moss. Four circular towers sprout from the cracked walls like the trunks of great trees, at least one crumbled into rubble. Twisting vines and thick moss cover the walls in a coat of verdant green, blending the ruins almost seamlessly into the surrounding woods. The overgrown remains of a path lead to an open, arched gateway gaping in the keep’s eastern wall, its doors long since rotted away.
--------
The beetle buzzes happily in response to Brental's questioning. Seemingly quite eager to prove its worth.
Brental wrote:
"How many other creatures did you see inside?"
"Many, many more than your number."
Brental wrote:
"What were they like?"
"Huge! Most twice my size! Three were bigger, looked weird. Not seen like them before."
Brental wrote:
"Was there anything dangerous inside?"
"Human hive was crumbling. Parts had already fallen down. Could squish you like a me. Big furry things scarry."
Brental wrote:
"How many rooms were there?"
"Six. One in each side hive and two in the main hive. Back left hive already collapsed but should be able to get in there. Also big open area has collapsed on east."
Lina wrote:
"plants that jumped out at your little friend"
"Yes! One plant did jump out at me! It almost got me in back right tower. But I am quick-fast!"
Lina wrote:
"really big boxes or other things to hide behind?"
"Oh yes many many hiding places. Under rocks, under bed, inside skulls."
Meneas wrote:
"anything to eat within"
"Nothing I could get to. The plant was over some tasty dead things and the big but not that big one with antenna it cleaned all the other bones already"
The crumbling keep's presence here is strange... It isn't so far from town that it would have gone unnoticed... It's almost as though it just appeared here suddenly... though the keep is obviously very old.
------
After some time the beetle returns to Brental and waits patiently in the druid's palm awaiting questioning.
You can ask multiple questions in a row here if you so wish~
The letter writing with Riftun seems to go well and the bard is certainly grateful for all the help from both Lina and Brental. Soon enough, multiple letters and political documents are drafted and sent through private courier on their way to the nation's northernmost neighbors.
------
The visit with Kundal goes... as well as it could go given the circumstances. The cure seems to have taken effect and the now ex-lycanthrope is getting along in the wild fairly effectively as he had spent a great deal of time on the road before the events in Limen.
He seems eager to return to civilization and pay his debts however he can.
---------
At this point the gang seems to have decided to follow up on the fey lead and take a journey west. After sometime however a strange sight catches their eyes. An ancient keep, a ruin on the other side of the woods hidden from human eyes for who knows how long.
The remained to the holiday proceeds smoothly with the townsfolk gathered around the burning elks structure staring up in awe as the flames twist and flicker and dance all about as though they were in a celebration of their own.
Soon enough everyone is ready to go home and lie down aside from an exhausted Riftun and those few others who remain for the monumental clean-up to ensue following the festivities.
--------------
The healing proceeds smoothly with many offering to take Lina up on her offer including young Jeffrey who has somehow managed to skim his knees while playing about the town. The townsfolk whisper of a good witch and how her magic will surely protect them from disaster moving forward if she is properly venerated.
-----------
Now all is quiet in the good town of Limen. And all that remains if for the adventurers to decide where to go from here?
Just a reminder that there was a dryad you were looking for. You could also speak with Riftun if you would like to see if he has any plans. Oh, and there was the invitation to the book club for Lina and Signy if they so choose. Of course, your options are limitless these are just some suggested routes you could go down but I leave it up to you~
Lina would be able to find a few decent painters coming through town if wish would like to commission them... as for a price... maybe ten gold per portrait of a quality that a noble wouldn't be too embarrassed about displaying. If you're looking for something of higher quality 100 gold per portrait. That would be truly noble and outstanding quality.
It has taken about two weeks to set up the festival.
The game seems to have stalled, was anyone going to participate in the joust other than Brental? If not did anyone else have anything they would like to do during the ceremony?
