Before I forget, I believe the reason these druids were willing to bargain with us instead of taking up prisoner, is because they wanted revenge on the Usurer because he murdered Sandravia, a ranger we believe was allied with them. She tried to ally with us against the peryton and its shadow.
We might be dealing with a titan. A genuine titan! I have no idea why but it just might be the case.
Alia:
"We had three encounters after we split up - first we ran into the spiritual remains of an unnamed leader of the Army of Light. He seemed to convey messages telepathically, of sorts. He was accompanied by strange undead floating jellyfish - and they had an odd compulsion attack that forces victims to commit suicide. It is most likely that Farren and Gorbit fell to these creatures. He was the one that told us to look for Vilgara at the oasis, warning us that we might not like what we found. He seemed against the original goals of my party - namely seeking out the last resting place of the angel Azarkites and retrieve his crown."
"We faced an ambush of ghoul wolves the following morning. This is where Nadeq unfortunately met his first demise. Fortunately we did manage to slay or run-off the wolves in spite of this. Mikka attempted to reincarnate Nadeq on the spot - but thought better of it after realizing that the source of the nature that would reform Nadeq would be the Desolation itself - so she decided to only pursue this magic after we reached the more luscious surroundings of the oasis."
"At the oasis Nadeq was reformed into his new body - the process apparently even took Mikka by surprise, something unusual happened; though I don't know what exactly transpired. Nadeq certainly seems both himself and someone else at the same time now."
"Furthermore, at the oasis, shortly after the reincarnation we were pounced by two dire tigers. I still have the scars to prove it (pointing). We managed to drop the one beast - and the fight was interrupted shortly after that by one of the reclaimers. She ended the fight for us and brought the tiger back onto its feet. Paws."
"She made mention of a name that didn't ring that many bells for us. Maybe one of you know more: Sandravia. It seems to have a special significance to her. Shortly after we met an orc druid and were made the offer to bring replacement sacrifices for Vilgara - and we were pointed towards you guys. Needless to say, we made haste to leave that place for now and regroup and formulate a new plan."
Message: "From what you said, the rangers in the camp must know of them. They told us they had a safe haven in the desolation. That must be it. Which means some of them may be in. They may also sometimes escort some people here and get them sacrificed.
If we want to deliver your fiend, we can do it two ways: either sneak in or by brute force. I thing they must have plant wardens. So stealth will not be useful. What we can do is to pretend you convinced us to camp in and get entrance to their domain. Once we are in, Cham can scout invisibly to find the prisoner. Then we switch to attack while Durnast moves close enough he can cast his teleport spell on Cam and have him teleport the prisoner out of the oasis. Then we can fight them without risquing her life. The risk is that the rangers have alerted the druids of our presence together. But that just happened two days ago."
Alia, we have to assume these druids know of us and our full party complements, I mean, look at how they knew of Sandravia. It is less than a day from here to Camp, it seems reasonable to assume they know of Artimus, and may even blame him for the attack which cost Sandravia her life. I like Nadeq's plan more now, simply because they are not familiar with his talents, which gives us the tactical advantage, if we decide to attack. If we use guile, I would expect treachery on their side.
Whether the druids already knew you were all a team beforehand, if anybody's scrying on you now, they would likely notice that you're all just standing around, looking at one another, muttering under your breath. Do you want to walk or ride somewhere? (Camp is about an hour and a half to the southwest by horseback; Richard is waiting for you about 2 1/2 hours ride north.) Or perhaps enjoy a good tree climb?
By the looks of the sun in the sky, probably close on to noon.
So, there's an option on the table for a frontal assault. And a couple proposals for a sneaky assault. And probably one for finding nasty people and bargaining. Are there any other proposals on the table? (Going to Camp and talking to Tinthariel? Going to the Tor and trying to get Richard to come along? Reincarnating Vilgara? Diplomatic negotiation?)
We should head to Camp, I feel exposed out here. Perhaps we can learn more by talking to someone there.
As long as we are aware that camp may have additional allies of the druids. ...if we do decide to go full-frontal (or if any of the other strategies sours over) we'll have to have a contingency for handling the thorn bushes. The druids will have a tremendous tactical advantage.
To Camp, then? At a walking pace, or will Durnast whip up some magical horses for Veren, Rasina, Nadeq, and Mikka?
Since we were discussing what we know, Durnast would like to make a Knowledge check based on Mikka´s tip re the giant: (w/Cam´s Aid) if History is OK, otherwise subtract 10 (Durnast doesn´t have Know:Nature)
He also doesn´t see the viability, or ultimate value, in maintaining the illusion the party doesn´t know each other, so unless anybody objects, Durnast will drop the pretense and visibly react to the others as recognized companions (though there is a certain sub-group dynamic), unless anybody objects. We just don´t have any concrete plan to follow thru on that is directly apparent how concealing our ID´s is of value.
Durnast, you know the legends speak of ancient beings known as titans, more like gods than giants, who vanished with the advent of the elves and the dragons. You have no ay of judging Mikka's opinion as right or wrong. But if this is a titan, then he might be a match for anything that dwells within Tsar.
"Maybe the Druids are keeping the Titan asleep here on purpose". "Maybe awakening him is not a bad thing". "Friend Durnast, do you know all these Titans to be evil"?
Knowledge History
Rasina, not known for her thinking prowess, tries to ponder the implications of what she has learned so far. "So, what you are saying is the Titan is in some sort of magical slumber, and his tears are drawn forth by the human sacrifices performed by these druids. Then they use his tears to regrow the lands. Were there titans fighting in the Last War against the Tsar forces? I think it likely from what you have said so far. Durnast, what magic is capable of putting a titan to sleep, and how can it be dispelled?"
The titans are orders of magnitude older than Tsar. Tsar was a city of men and dwarves and goblins and worse. None of those races had been born when the titans strode the world.
Montegue, no one knows what the titans may have said or done, that amounted to good or evil.
"Perhaps one thing that should be emphasized - I believe the druids plan to sacrifice Vilgara at the next dawn if there isn't a replacement for her. So our plans should probably consider that as well."
"Actually Veren, the druid specifically said she would be sacrificed at sunset, not the following dawn."
"I stand corrected. Dusk!"
"Whatever we decide, we do not have time to go back to the camp and consult others. Specially if the Camp rangers are allied with the druids. Then we must act before they summon them. Let us move to the druid encampement and try to gain entrance. If they are ready to stop us, the more time they get, the worse it will be."
Mikka turns to Veren, her expression tired, her young face showing the strain of the last few days.
"Whatever our course I find no joy in it. To free your friend we will most likely find ourselves killing what few natural creatures exist in this waste, simply because we are on opposite sides. Whe this is over, one way or another a natural resource will be decimated.
Know this Veren, I hold you and your friend accountable. Should your friend not be worth the cost of our actions, especially shouldany of our number fall, I will personally exact an equal measure from you both until the debt is paid."
As she continues her voice takes on the strength of the mountains, resolute and determined.
Rasina nods to Alia, and says, "I will stand with you on this, Alia. Your wisdom on this exceeds my own."
Rasina looks at Mikka, then back to Veren for a long moment before speaking."Aye Veren, we have sacrificed a lot for the sake of Vilgara. We have jeopardized not only our lives, but the lives of our new compatriots, and indeed, this has cost my friend..."indicating Nadeq, "his life. Just to be clear, I made a choice to help you, Veren. Prove yourself worthy of that choice."
Veren nods. A morose smile on his lips. "I believe Vilgara is worth it. But, I urge you to keep in mind that this is the Desolation - having entered it you have all but made peace with the all too likely possibility of death, your own or that of those valued to you. Nadeq has saved me at least twice with his clever and ingenious actions; he's a companion worth at least twice his size. But his, ahem, 'short-lived' death cannot be just put down as a sacrifice to my whims in chasing Vilgara. His death is as much accountable to the Desolation as it is to me."
"If there is doubt in your hearts, if you fear for your lives, if you are unsure that what you're doing is right. Then don't follow me to the druids. You will only find uncertain death. You cannot shoulder the responsibilities of the choices you make. BUT - if your step is guided by conviction, if you believe that friendship is worth fighting for, if you trust in your companions - then follow me to the druids. Certain glory awaits, THIS is what heroes are made of."
So, not to Camp, then?
"I`d like to hear more from these Druids about this weeping Giant-Titan, though it doesn`t seem directly relevant to our mission here, but who knows out here in the Desolation... Mentioning the Hydra we encountered may further impress them beyond the Peryton, perhaps enough that they could share some more information about Tsar itself or what else is going on in this Desolation, like King Kroma, whom it sounds like they would like to see removed as an un-natural power springing from the Desolation.
Veren, I don`t like how you ask strangers to prove themselves immediately after you are generously offered help with the caveat that those others feel you are the one who needs to prove themselves. The others here have come together, even haphazardly, but in recognition of events and importance of our goal here in the Desolation. Trying to save every treasure hunter we run across seems more of a distraction from that goal. I`m sorry.
I think if we return to announce ourselves to the Druids, we may be able to further our mission. If we learn that their actions truly threaten greater evil, we may then be forced to act."
if we`re heading to the oasis, it seems sensitive to the druids sensibilities to not pop out some wand mounts for now... anybody can ride doubled up though...?
"Durnast, I do think negotiating with the druids could prove useful, as long as we keep in mind they have their own agenda, and also they are not to be trusted. Do we have a backup plan, in case things go sour? Veren, we would not be here if we did not believe in our cause. I think I speak for everyone here when I say we will not take foolish risks for a uncertain reward. If Vilgara could help us in our goal to stop the forces of Tsar, then yes we would take actions to help her. But she needs to prove her worth first."
Veren nods in agreement to Rasina. "It is a bit of a chicken-egg puzzler. But yes." In response to Durnast: "I'm just defending myself - I know I cannot expect so many to help me on little substance; and believe me I'm grateful for every bit I get. But at the same time I cannot accept responsibility for every eventuality that might occur. I'm fully aware that both myself and Vilgara shoulder the burden of proof - and we will move moons and mountains to bear it - but I won't stand for us being made scapegoats -- ach, forget about it." Veren pulls out his keg of mead and morosely judges its remaining weight before unstoppering it and taking a good draft from it. His mood lightens a bit with the cooling burn as the bitter brew goes down his throat. "I just need to prove it. Done deal. Let's get this ball rolling."
Artimus sits and listens quietly to the others, taking time to consider each of their sides and arguments before voicing his own opinion. Finally, as no new information seems ready to be unveiled he will nod his head towards Alia.
"I believe our ranger friend has it right. Trying to stealth away their captive seems unlikely to work on the home ground of the druids. If we approach directly we may be able to speak with them and state our case more plainly. If there is good in them, then we should seek to redeem it. If their intentions have fallen away out here in this wasteland and they will not release the girl, then we must fight them and we do not have time to seek reinforcements. We should ensure that they do not have this time either. Let us approach them directly, as you were supposed to bring us back with you, it is unlikely that will raise any alarm."
"So we go there, let the talkers try to get Vilgara back and if they don't see the light, we force them. We still risk loosing her but it's better than waiting and doing nothing. While they talk, Mikka, Chamomille, Montague and I should look for hidden ennemies and evaluate their numbers. If we need to attack, I would suggest Artimus and Montague to fight together against the top druid and Rasina and Veren against the second one. I will look out for the spellcasters and we should try to disable any other druids and/or animals that may join them."
Veren nods his head, agreeing and eager to free Vilgara. "The top druid, that is most likely the woman druid we encountered - if that is the case, me and Rasina will take on the orc. Let us hope there aren't more."
Veren drinks a potion. "Not as good as Baccusbrew - but it still hits the spot."
All right. You all turn to the east and march back to the Redeemer's enclave. Are there any spells or other preparations you want to make before stepping onto grass?
I'd like a count from everybody. If you're not making any preparations, just a comment to that effect is fine.
Montague spends a moment meditating, stretching and preparing for whatever lies ahead.
Rasina will talk to Durnast and Alia and describe the smilodons, and also the six-armed creature, along with the other beasties she noticed, and describe as best she can recall what they look like, so Durnast and Alia can make his knowledge checks on them in advance.
Mikka spends her time preparing for the possible battle in meditation, trying to reconcile herself with the actions that may be necessaary.
Veren is visibly agitated. Keen to get going and get Vilgara out.
Alia jumps down from her horse before entering the jungle. Eyes open, she will look around for the smilodons and any other creature coming.
Smilodon: sabre-too tiger, weighing more than an ox.
The other creature resembles a large leopard, but from its shoulders sprout six long serpents, camouflaged against the dark green forest. The serpents' eyes glow a dull red. From that, you can tell that each serpent appendage is almost 12 feet long.
If the heads are poisonous, it's the legendary kamadan. (Yes, so far as you know, there's only one.) It's highly intelligent and, while not actually evil, it famously hates civilization. Centuries ago, a band of wizards tried to breed knock-off kamadans. Notably, they're not poisonous, and not very intelligent.
Someone remembers that the wall of thorns and brambles is decorated with demonic skulls. That's the most common way to say "demons aren't welcome here" for people who can't spell in Abyssal.
Artimus will nod his head again to Alia's thoughts on tactics, dividing up can be dangerous but it will separate the druid's attentions as well if necessary.
His only real preparation is to take a moment to polish over his weapon and shield, a sort of meditation for him. At that point he will look to the others and stand. "Let us go."
Artimus will ride his horse(and let someone double up if needed) until near the forest at which point he will dismount and draw the horse into the cloak.
Durnast is spooked by the Kamidan talk,
so as they approach the Oasis, chugs his vial of anti-toxin (+5 vs. poision, 1 hr) along with casting a Shield spell (70 min) and activating his Gem of True Seeing for at least 5 min. when they get to the Oasis.
"Just don`t endanger the rest of us, your rescuers, by your actions, Veren.¨
I guess Durnast rides his Mount as long as possible with the terrain,
and cringes at the loss of a potential weapon to store Artimus` horse safely.
As you approach the enclave, you see several birds wafting in the desert thermals. The female Reclaimer steps forward out of the trees. She would meet you at the boundary demarcation, but stops, 20' short. She lobs a glass container, about the size of a softball, at Mikka. Toss:
Mikka, you can catch the globe with a DC 14 reflex save. Anybody else can try to dive in front of her and catch it with a DC 26 Acrobatics roll.
Rasina sees the globe launched by the female Reclaimer, and does not hesitate, she launches herself in front of Mikka attempting to catch the globe.
Alia is too far away to be able to intercept Mikka's projectile. However, at this sign of hostility, she begins to cast resist energy (lighting).
Veren, standing next to Rasina, isn't fast enough to react in time - but he finds enough time to pull his rapier and a small pouch from his belt.
Mikka registers the throw and her quick mind considers the possibility of a trap to remove her from the field. She sees Rasinia's movement, notices Alia and Veren draw weapons and knows that their actions are simply not fast enough.
Bracing herself she throws a hand up to catch the globe.
Way to go Mikka!
<Looks like this scum has adapted quite well to the neighborhood.
Remember those Force Beads Nadeq, and hit em hard enough they can`t react (Stun), Monty...>
One question for Chris: so could we assess how wide (diameter) the oasis is?
One question for everybody: Who feels up to mapping this? I can`t really do this one.
It looks like Alia is wanting to cast Resist Energy, do we all have an action (surprise round?) or should we roll Initiative at this point?
Mikka, you catch the globe with panache. It's a vial of some sort, stoppered, with an oily greenish liquid inside. Without more information, it's difficult to identify the liquid.
"There it is, the miracle of this place," she says.