Expedition to the Demonweb Pits (and possibly more)

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil takes note off each off the new arrivals..it appears they are trusted by the Sons of Mercy in which case he is willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

"Our prime purpose for now is to enter the Beastlands and retrieve this weapon..can anyone tell me about the Beastlands.Can we hunt there or should we bring our own rations?..are there maps available?..can we rely on them if there are?"

[Frederick 'Fluffy' Thistledown]

Fluffy nudges Corvax in the thigh and whispers 'I see what you mean about Sir Basil'. The halfling scratches his chin a moment, trying to remember if he had come across any useful information on the Beastlands in any of the books he has read.

While scratching his head, Fluffy subconsciously activates his Luck domain power, allowing him to roll twice if you'll allow it...

Trying a Knowledge (Geography) check if that is most appropriate? 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 ,1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27 - enough to recall an interesting and/or useful fact or two about the area? I'm thinking in terms of climate, terrain, potentially available food and water - basically trying to answer Sir Basil's question, but also see if we might need things like warm clothing (or sunhats!), rope for scaling cliffs etc if we are going to be having a prolonged stay.

Fluffy carefully negotiates a path between the various people standing around until he reaches Sir Basil. He tugs lightly on the knight's cloak to attract his attention. 'Excuse me' he says, looking up at the armoured figure looming over him 'I can make sure we've got enough water to drink'. He shuffles his feet and says 'if the worst comes to it, I can conjure up some food too. It's just...' he looks somewhat apologetic '...not awfully tasty...'.

[Jasper Krail]

"The Beastlands you say?" He glances at Huergar. "What manner of weapon do you expect to find there?"

The offer was quite tempting to Jasper. He was willing to see new places, and one as exotic as the Beastlands would well meet his fancy.

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Using up my Lore Master ability's one natural 20 for the day, Knowledge(The Planes): 28.
I love the Beastlands by the way, it's just the best Plane in my opinion!

[DM_Darkmeer]

Fluffy: This was a Knowledge: The Planes check, I used your roll b/c it was the same modifier, and your bit of luck essentially answered many questions about the plane itself. Kara, your result is shown in the spoiler as well.

This is spoilered to save space for the main part of the thread Everyone may read this since Fluffy and Lyra trying to answer the question.

Spoiler:

The Wilderness of the Beastlands, as it's formally known, is known in some circles of Faerun as the House of Nature (although Primes from Toril are usually ignorant that the planar "branch" that is the house of nature crosses into Elysium, the outlands, and the Beastlands).
Other oddities that might be of interest to Faerunians: The dwarven goddess Haela Brightaxe maintains part of Dwarfhome here and Deneir keeps part of the House of Knowledge there.
The plane itself is made up of animals, mostly. Most petitioners that end up in the beastlands, save those followers of Haela Brightaxe or Deneir, end up looking like animals. Generally, they are fluent in common, but this is not always the case. Slaying an animal in the beastlands, especially if it's one that is a petitioner, does incur the wrath of the plane itself. Also: Petitioners in the plane dissipate once they've been slain, so the likelihood of there being meat to eat is patchy at best. As to the plane, it is separated into three layers, each stuck in a singular part of the day. Krigala, "top" layer, is stuck in an eternal daylight (athough it varies from midmorning to mid-evening). Brux, the "middle" layer, is stuck in an eternal twilight. Karasuthra, the "bottom" layer, is an eternal night. The air of of the plane itself is perfect for growing anything, depending on where you are. Every type of landscape is found on the plane, from sheer cliffs, to dense jungles, to mosquito-choked swamps, to rollicking rivers, and calm wading pools.
As far as inhabitants, Celestial Animals, vermin, and magical beasts inhabit every environmental niche as on the material plane. There are even a few rare good aberrations in the Beastlands. As far as non-anima/vermin/beast/etc, you have Azata (eladrin), Planetars, Solars, Lillends, as well as good lycanthropes and beasts of legend. There are even celestial tauric creatures (such as Centaurs) and some celestial fey calling this home.

Planar Traits:
Normal Gravity, Normal Time, the plane is massive, if not infinite (what little is there generally changes in a cycle or so, so maps tend to have little meaning there), It has no elemental or energy traits (meaning no special protections are needed).
It is Mildly Good-aligned, meaning evil characters are less... persuasive than usual. And, good news, Magic remains mostly normal. Do be careful with spells that utilize the Ethereal plane without a Spell Key.

Havoreth takes a drink of his ale that Fluffy so carefully gave him, being careful himself not to spill any. "I'd be happy to take your compatriot in and show him the city. It seems, though, that you'll need some help. Fluffy is quite good at finding little bits of knowledge, and is a great asset that way. Guthrem has, on more than one occasion, worked with the Sons of Mercy and helped us track down specific... items of interest, thus allowing us to aprehend some criminals with the backing of the Sigil Advisory Council. Jasper still believes the Portals to be some sort of seafaring, but he's a good sort. Good to keep around and throw at people you'd rather not talk to, that is." Havoreth laughs. "Mind you, he's got an Athar's feeling for the Powers, but he's got his heart in the right place... mostly."

Havoreth, thinking, says "What portal're you using to get there? I'd recommend using one that gets you onto Yggdrasil, the world Ash. It's a way to skip unnecessary layers, as most of Her Serenity's portals lead to upper layers of planes. The other way to get into other layers is the River Oceanus, or even the Styx... although the Styx doesn't go through the Beastlands."

He is trying to be helpful, but rambling.

[Greene Tanache]

Greene finished his drink in a single practiced swallow. "In my heart, I never deserted your cause. And it seems the gods would see it so. I will follow and help where I can, but not to pay for past misdeeds. I am done with penance. I have seen the cruelty of archons and I am no longer certain goodness can be detected by magic alone. It is actions that make a man, and the things that walk these streets are not men."

[Guthrem Haelfdang]

Guthrem pulls over a stool from the vacant table next, and sits down. “As Havoreth states, I am quite skilled at finding lost things. I’ve enjoyed my short time here in Sigil, but I think it is time I take my leave of this place. I think we could help each other. While I don’t trust contracts and am not interested in being a chartered member, I do trust that”, pointing at Corvax’s holy symbol of Tempus. “For an equal share, I’m your man.”

Havoreth wrote:

"What portal're you using to get there? I'd recommend using one that gets you onto Yggdrasil, the world Ash.

“I am inclined to agree. The World Ash is a legend among me people, and until recently I hadn’t realized that it existed. I would much like to travel there and see this for myself. It must be grand indeed. It also sounds like the best way to travel to the Beastlands. So, tell me more of this weapon you are seeking and what it will be used for…”

[DM_Darkmeer]

Greene Tanache wrote:

" I am no longer certain goodness can be detected by magic alone. It is actions that make a man, and the things that walk these streets are not men."

Havoreth frowns. "While I agree that 'tis actions that make men, you have to remember they are beings of pure belief. Pure belief does not always have room for wiggling about. Some of them would scrag you before they do anything else, while others have learned that mortals aren't pure of anything."

[Jasper Krail]

Jasper twists his head to the side at Havorath's unflattering description of himself. "Hmmph!" His hair continues moving with momentum as his head snapped.

"Well, I AM interested in seeing the Beastlands. This weapon though - how do you know it is there?"

Eternal twilight would be a very gorgeous thing to lay eyes upon! The wildlife there would probably be interesting to see also, though Jasper wasn't generally once for critters (or larger beasts).

He glances down at Kara.

"What brings you with them, my lady?"

[Greene Tanache]

"Yes, Kara. We did not know each other well before this quest began. If you will tell your story, I will tell mine."

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Kara clenches her fist under the table. How many people knew who she really was?

"I knew I never should have stopped coloring my hair, it's just too obvious..."

"Okay Greene, you want my story? You got it. My real name is Kara HighHill, only daughter of a merchant family in Highmoon. At first my parents wanted me to be a wizard, and were sorely disappointed when I couldn't cast a single cantrip. So what do they do with me next? They send me off to train as a city guard, with even asking me if I wanted to be one! By the end of the week I ran off to Dagger Falls, and ended up joining a bunch of traveling performers, who became like family to me. I became well known as Kara of the Silver Hair, which did much to spread word of my locations, both past and present. Without even knowing it, I was back in Highmoon and spotted by my brothers, who had been sent to see if I was there sister and not some one with the same name. I left almost immediately after the show was over, on the run again."

"Then something wounderful happened. Magical songs filled my mind, and the power of the Old Wyrms flowed through my blood!" To illustrate her point, she brings her hands above the table as the nails become wicked claws. Her lips part just enough to revela, not teeth, but razor-sharp fangs. "Now I'm here, trying to save my home."

She leans back and sighs.

"It fills so good to have the truth out now."

"As for the Beastlands, it's an interesting plane, like Krail suspects. It actually crosses over into other Planes, and it's said a few gods and goddesses have a place of residence there. We don't want to kill any creature there except in defense, because I think the Plane itself may not like that. We wouldn't be able to eat any of the beasts anyway, since they vanish when dead. There are three layers to the Beastlands. Kirgala is the place of day, Brux is the place of dawn and dusk, and Karasuthra(Hey, my names part of a Plane!) is a place of night. Each place is stuck at that particular time of day."

"Aside from animals both celestial and normal, we may see good lycanthropes(shapeshifters, like werewolves) and an assortment of celestials. If we're lucky, we can find one willing to help us."

She drains what's left of her drink.

[DM_Darkmeer]

NOTE: Defending onesself from the animals and beasts when they attack you will not incur the wrath of the plane. Only maliciously attacking.

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

DM_Darkmeer wrote:

NOTE: Defending onesself from the animals and beasts when they attack you will not incur the wrath of the plane. Only maliciously attacking.

Edited the post to reflect that. Can't have people thinking they can't fight back in-character now can we?

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod chokes on his wine at Kara's transformation. He knew some of her story, but not that.

[Jasper Krail]

Jasper is fascinated by the showy transformation Kara performs.

"Amazing!" He reaches out to touch one of the claws to confirm its reality. "But Kara, perhaps the songs came from the blood and not the other way around. I've heard of some having draconic heritage - you could be one of them! Your parents did push you to become a wizard - they might have known there was something special about you. Perhaps your talent just lay sleeping until you grew up."

He looks about her party, though his eyes come to rest on the mismatched Greene.

"I still don't understand why the Beastlands are thought to hold the key to the safety of Kara's home. While it's not an evil place, the Beastlands aren't much of a warlike realm from what I've heard ... and my ears are often bent with stories."

Quickly fixing his statement, he glances to Kara. "Not that all stories are bad. Yours is lovely, and I believe it." He taps his chin. "Except the part about these 'Songs of Power'. After all, you had yet to hear me."

He flashes the short lass a grin, and looks to the Sons of Mercy, noting their reaction to the group, if any.

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil looks down at the small figure tugging at his cloak..and grins.

"I am familiar with created food Sir halfling..I've eaten far worse on campaign"

He outlines the story so far to those who have just joined them careful to speak in generalities.

"In the end" he concludes " the prophecy told us to seek the bow in the beastlands..and as we have a consummate archer with us.."he nods to Finrod "we can make good use off this weapon"

"I suggest we move as quickly as possible to the portals and strike before those who might hinder us can react. I know well of Yggdrasil..it is spoken off in the legends of Lord Tyr"

[Huergar]

Jasper Krail wrote:

"The Beastlands you say?" He glances at Huergar. "What manner of weapon do you expect to find there?"

"Sir Basil was the only member of our company able to receive the prophesy from the eye. The weapon is the bow of beasts, as you heard him say. The bow of beasts dissolves the taint of the corrupted. It is also named Thaas. It is a weapon of power, a demon-slaying longbow of the elves, crafted with their ancient magic."

"We begin our search at Yggdrasil. We know the location of a door in the Hive Ward. We seek the only tree that grows there. We were also given the planar key: Walk on its lowest branch while humming the chant of the All-Father. That is the title of the deity said to have been crucified on the world tree."

"I need sleep, and it sounds like we need to purchase supplies before we go."

[Huergar]

Kara of the Silver Hair wrote:

To illustrate her point, she brings her hands above the table as the nails become wicked claws. Her lips part just enough to reveal, not teeth, but razor-sharp fangs.

Huergar has seen a few strange things in his lifetime. Having seen how she dispatched the drow guarding the door to Sigil, he is not completely surprised:

DM_Darkmeer wrote:

Kara's tactic works, and she gets in perfect position to freeze the remaining drow where they stand rolled damage for you, you got all 4 of them. The remaining drow flee

He smiles. "Shall we call you Kara from now on?"

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Huergar wrote:

He smiles. "Shall we call you Kara from now on?"

"Either will work, Huergar. I'm still a singer, a decent fighter, and a friend. Do names really matter?"

She seems different now, but the change is for the better, of that everyone is sure.

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Jasper Krail wrote:

Jasper is fascinated by the showy transformation Kara performs.

"Amazing!" He reaches out to touch one of the claws to confirm its reality. "But Kara, perhaps the songs came from the blood and not the other way around. I've heard of some having draconic heritage - you could be one of them! Your parents did push you to become a wizard - they might have known there was something special about you. Perhaps your talent just lay sleeping until you grew up."

"Bah, they just wanted a mage they could boss around..."

Jasper Krail wrote:

He looks about her party, though his eyes come to rest on the mismatched Greene.

"I still don't understand why the Beastlands are thought to hold the key to the safety of Kara's home. While it's not an evil place, the Beastlands aren't much of a warlike realm from what I've heard ... and my ears are often bent with stories."

"When I say 'my home', I mean the Material Plane, not a city or town. I'm a nomad of sorts, moving from place to place hunting for a place to sing freely."

Jasper Krail wrote:

Quickly fixing his statement, he glances to Kara. "Not that all stories are bad. Yours is lovely, and I believe it." He taps his chin. "Except the part about these 'Songs of Power'. After all, you had yet to hear me."

He flashes the short lass a grin, and looks to the Sons of Mercy, noting their reaction to the group, if any.

"Oh, so we have a joker in the room. Well, maybe at a more convenient time we can let an audience decide who has a better 'Song of Power'."

[Frederick 'Fluffy' Thistledown]

Huergar wrote:

"I need sleep, and it sounds like we need to purchase supplies before we go."

'Does that mean we are leaving in the morning?' Fluffy asks Corvax. 'In that case I've got time to nip out and buy a few things...' The halfling waves to the armoured duo, then hurries out the door. A few moments later he reappears. 'Er, where are we going to meet?' he asks

Just stock up on a couple of bits of equipment, and change spells. I'm ready to go whenever the party are

[Huergar]

Frederick 'Fluffy' Thistledown wrote:

'Does that mean we are leaving in the morning?'

I think that's the idea, although Huergar being in the group makes that unlikely. First, he will oversleep. Next, he will want a bath. He will take more time than he really needs to get washed and combed. He will get a sudden notion that he really ought to try some of the city's sausages before going to the Beastlands. Who knows if they will ever find a way back? The opportunity to savor the local cuisine may be lost forever.

I could roleplay all of this, but the rest of you would likely lose patience :) The truth is, Huergar is at home in urban environments and feels about wilderness like misfit children feel about their first day at school. In the Beastlands, his gimped leg and poor stamina can only be a greater liability, and he is more afraid than he will admit.

Finrod:

"Promise me you won't embarrass me too much in front of the others. Please." He takes hold of Finrod's sleeve when the others cannot see. "Don't leave me behind."

[Guthrem Haelfdang]

"Mr. Thistledown wait. If you allow me, I would join you. I amy need to pick something up anyhow. And this would allow us to... bond?"

Guthrem hurries to the door to catch up with and leave with Fluffy.

Guthrem takes this time to purchase any minor items he may of missed (extra food, etc) and get to know one of his new companions (and about the arcane aspect of activating meagical items without attuning them first)

[Jasper Krail]

I would also be most happy to attend. So many wonders lie in those worlds, and the city is beginning to feel a bit ... constricting to me anyway.

[Frederick 'Fluffy' Thistledown]

Guthrem Haelfdang wrote:

"Mr. Thistledown wait. If you allow me, I would join you."

Fluffy hears Guthrem shout after him, and is momentarily confused to be addressed by his given name. With a 'Who? Me?' gesture towards himself, he waves for Guthrem to join him, and once he notices Jasper also getting ready to leave, allows him to make it a trio.

'They seem like an interesting bunch' he says as they exit the inn, obviously talking about the members of the Ironwood Company. 'I must say I'm pleased they are letting me go with them; it sounds a bit dangerous, but then', he looks around to see exactly who or what might be in earshot, 'so is this place. Only a couple of days ago a big blue-skinned fiend threatened to make soup out of me!'. The halfling shudders at the memory.

'Anyway, I'm going to pick up a few herbs and spices - it sounds like there should be plenty of things we can forage in the Beastlands, but I doubt we'll be eating any fresh meat for a while. And if we have to resort to my gruel, we'll need something to give it a bit of pep. Do you need to buy anything in particular?' he asks the other two

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Ok if people are buying supplies Basil will stock up on stuff like jerky and smoked sausage,dried fruits and the other staples of trail rations.

1 weeks trail rations [3 gold 5 silver]

[DM_Darkmeer]

Havoreth smiles, as the group goes about their shopping.

Purchase supplies anywhere you'd like, update your gear before your next post, everything is available in the PFRPG book as far as normal gear is concerned. Special materials and magic are going to need approval (and WILL cost more).

Finding the tree is not so difficult, and once you each step onto the tree, and hum a few bars (some more 'on key' than others) a swirling vortex, similar to that which you arrived in sigil from, appears. Upon stepping through, the portal closes, leaving each of you to 'open' the portal individually.

Onyx will be at the Smoldering Corpse when you get back

You are all quite surprised by your new surroundings. The ground itself sways under your feet, as if you are standing on an enormous tree branch. The bark is rather smooth here, similar to an Ash tree, but much larger in scale. There are ridges, and knots in the "branch," but nothing that would impede your movement. Looking around, it is as bright as day, but your view outside of the branch you are on is obscured by foliage at quite some distance. You hear the sounds of birds chirping, and the rustle of leaves, but otherwise, the area is devoid of other talking beings.

[Frederick 'Fluffy' Thistledown]

Fluffy, being blessed (or cursed, depending on your viewpoint) with a healthy streak of curiosity, immediately takes out his journal and starts scribbling notes and making some rudimentary sketches. He carefully makes his way a little further along the branch, stepping nimbly over giant sized knots and bulges in the wood, and occasionally lets out a 'whew!' or 'wow!' as he discovers something else 'interesting'. Once he has finished writing, he stows his book temporarily and, taking out a small knife, very carefully prunes a leaf from the tree. He opens his journal again and presses the leaf inside, preserving it for later.

He turns and looks at the others and says 'isn't this grand' while waving his arms in an expansive gesture. 'Shall we try and find a way down?'

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil turns to Finrod "Can you find us a path through the tree my friend?"

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod puts his hand on Huegars shoulder and leans in close.

Huergar:

"You have nothing to fear; as long as you carry something men would never leave behind. Like liquor."
"Besides," Finrod rasped, clapping Huergar on the back, "The prophesy said we could only quest for the bow Thaas as a group."

"Now, which way to the Beastlands?"

KNOWLEDGE (Geography): 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 8 + 4 = 16

KNOWLEDGE (Nature): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 9 + 4 = 15

PERCEPTION: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 16 + 4 = 35

SURVIVAL (Track): 1d20 + 9 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 9 + 4 = 26

[Guthrem Haelfdang]

Finrod wrote:

"Now, which way to the Beastlands?"

"Excellent question.", Guthrem replies as he comes to stand by Finrod's side. "What are you thoughts? That cliff there, the trunk?"

Guthrem discusses possibilities attempting to aid Finrod in determining the best path...

KNOWLEDGE (Geography)(Assist Finrod):1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22, adding 2 to Finrod's result

PERCEPTION (Assist Finrod):1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20, adding 2 to Finrod's result

SURVIVAL (Track, Assist Finrod):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12, adding 2 to Finrod's result

KNOWLEDGE (Planes): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

[DM_Darkmeer]

Working crazy hours this week. However, given Guthrem's planar knowledge, along with the nature rolls everyone got, it's determined that the connecting portal to the beastlands is likely further out on the branch, rather than walking towards the "trunk" of the world ash. Will update on Sunday with result of that. Could everyone have a perception roll ready then (Guthrem and Finrod's count as done), so everyone else please.

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

"Lead on Fin" Basil says absently

perception1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Basil is lost in thought and not really paying the attention he should.

[grufflehead]

Perception for Fluffy:

1d20 + 19 ⇒ (6) + 19 = 25

Fluffy is 'pestering' Sir Basil. As the stern Paladin picks his way along the colossal branch, Fluffy nimbly steps around him showing him his newly-pressed leaf, and keeping up a constant stream of excited chatter, telling him the sort of place he has seen 'normal' versions of trees like this, and making wild speculations about the sort of insects and birds that one might find in a tree this size. As such, he's not really paying much attention to his surroundings either...

Also gives me a chance to dot the thread so I can find it more easily - not showing up from my posts with the Fluffy profile

[Jasper Krail]

Fluffy's chatter begins to annoy Jasper, but he thinks better of commenting on it. His ears and eyes open, Jasper is rather amused with Sir Basil's new follower-of-sorts when the thought occurs to him the little man would be sticking with him, not Jasper.

Perception = 1d20 + 12 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 12 + 3 = 31

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Fluffy's chatter goes in one ear and out the other with Basil as he ruminates on how much closer he is to Lord Tyr in this place..

[Huergar]

Perception: 1d20+15=17

Huergar understands the need to find a way into the Beastlands, but he is not eager to find it himself, it would seem. Finrod's reassurance has given him renewed courage; mentally he is preparing himself for hardship. He finds Fluffy's enthusiasm amusing and wonders what the little fellow is collecting in his book.

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

Kara is taking in every detail of this wounderful place. It almost feels like it's buzzing with life and strength to her.

Bought some food, a climber's kit, and some rope.

[Corvax Schultheiss]

Corvax glances at the talkative halfling and covers a chuckle with his hand when he begins pestering Basil. Not being a massive fan of heights Corvax takes care to keep to the centre of the great branch but looks around with interest at the incomprehensively huge tree.

Perception 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Bought a healer's kit.

[Huergar]

Spent too much time in the tub and didn't buy anything.

[DM_Darkmeer]

You wander for quite some time, and even though it felt as if you were walking away from the trunk of the great tree, you see that you have come back to the trunk, albeit at a different location than before. You see that someone has built a group of makeshift handholds here, rungs have been nailed to the trunk in places, but there are several sections that appear missing. Climbing up or down would be a complicated thing indeed.

All of a sudden, Finrod hears something scraping along the bark, just around the trunk. A furry creature sticks its head up, and begins watching you. Soon it comes around the tree, where everyone can see. It looks like a giant squirrel, and it carries in its mouth an enormous nut the size of a tankard. It's wearing a leather harness decorated with three long, black feathers. As it comes around the tree, watching you all the while, you realize that this creature is quite squirrel-like, and is as large as Basil is!

Anyone may with it may use Knowledge: The Planes to find out what this creature is, as well as how hostile it may be.

I'm sorry for all the delays. I have worked silly hours and just took a major exam yesterday. I will not have to worry about that for a while now. Thanks for your patience.

[Frederick 'Fluffy' Thistledown]

It is easy to see where halflings get their reputation for surefootedness watching Fluffy backing along the branch in front of Sir Basil, waving his arms animatedly to illustrate parts of the long (and convoluted) story he appears to be telling the paladin. Despite the rough and gnarled surface of the colossal branch, his little hairy feet find stable places as easily as most would do walking forwards on a paved road. The downside for the unfortunate knight is that this means the stream of chatter is virtually uninterrupted!

The garrulous wizard has somehow gone from the size and colour of the leaf he snipped on arrival on this plane, to a sport favoured among certain tribes of orcs which involves using the thighbones of horses to knock polished goblin skulls through coloured hoops set out on a field, taking in gnomish funeral dances, the correct way to pilot reed canoes and the largest strawberry he'd ever seen grown using only tea leaves as fertiliser along the way.

Fluffy is just outlining the scoring system '...3 points for a red hoop, but only if you have played the previous shot left-handed, otherwise your opponent has the option to call 'mulagin', which, interestingly enough, is actually taken from the ogrish word for...' when he is aware that the others have stopped. Noting the direction of their gaze, he very slowly turns and looks behind him. Seeing the bizarre furry creature standing eyeing him, with a gulp, the little halfling whispers '...giant...squirrel...'

Let's have a crack at Knowledge Planes then 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Fluffy, to the enormous relief of all concerned, is rendered speechless!

Hope the exam went OK

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

"It's kinda cute for such a big creature."

Knowledge(the Planes):1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

[Finrod Moruin]

Finrod backs away slowly, touching one of his arrows, but not drawing it yet.
"Does anyone know what manner of creature this is?" He rasps out through his mask.

[DM_Darkmeer]

Kara recognizes it as a ratatosk, a denizen of the plane. Not naturally offensive, they are fond of gifts of food, and are generally considered honorable to all creatures, provided they are not mistreated.

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil ,naturally, uses Tyrs gift to see into the creatures soul..sensing no evil in the tree dweller he relaxes a little

[Huergar]

Frederick 'Fluffy' Thistledown wrote:

... the largest strawberry he'd ever seen grown using only tea leaves as fertiliser along the way.

Mmm... Strawberries and tea ...

Huergar likes the slow going on this tree, because it's easier for him to keep up. The halfling's carefree chatter is reassuring in a way, since he doesn't want to think about danger. Seeing it directed at Basil almost makes it entertaining. It just goes on and on, like the tirades of the Stoneglum geezers, only much faster, with a lot less breathing and snorting between words.

When the squirrel-like creature appears, Huergar has almost reached a state of total unconcern. Lazily, he notes that Finrod and Basil are not reaching for their weapons, and that is enough for him.

[Kara of the Silver Hair]

DM_Darkmeer wrote:

Kara recognizes it as a ratatosk, a denizen of the plane. Not naturally offensive, they are fond of gifts of food, and are generally considered honorable to all creatures, provided they are not mistreated.

"Peace Finrod, it won't hurt us. Ratatosk are friendly as long as you are."

Kara searches her pack for the food she just bought, sure she had some dried fruit some where...

"Ah, here we go!"
She walks over to the creature, holding out the meager amount of fruit she could find among her rations.

We're in the World Ash, and the first thing we meet is a squirrel... If we find an eagle and a hawk at the top, and a dragon chewing on the root, this part of the adventure was pulled straight from Norse mythology, something I don't mind at all!

[Finrod Moruin]

Despite the alien scale to it, the World Ash has a comforting arboreal feel to it for Finrod. He is the most relaxed he had ever been since he left his home forest long ago. He has to make a deliberate effort to remind himself that where there are giant squirrels, there are giant squirrel predators...

Giving the giant squirrel a respectful distance he eyes the rungs of the ladder affixed to the trunk...
Perception: 1d20 + 16 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 16 + 4 = 33

[Sir Basil de Fermer]

Basil,barely notices that Fluffy's chatter has ceased.