The others voicing Layjiani's own thoughts the ranger attends the markets with Eltartiel. Her first purchace is an item she had long sought, a sack of magical interior dimensions which would aid someone of her limited physical strength greatly. Aftet that she either purchaces the materials for, if there will be time to craft them with the aid of Eltariel's invisible helpers, or else buys outright 30 more each of cold iron arrows and alchemist fire arrows. As she stores the items in her new haversack and feels no additional weight for a moment she smiles like a delighted child. Then she remembers their purpose and grim determination settles on her features once again.
Kegmar seems to sober up significantly once a day away from a tavern. He maintains a jovial attitude, striking up conversation, telling far too many stories.
"A corrupted tree-ent y'say?" the alchemist wonders aloud while pulling on the end of his beard.
"Ye must know, I never did trust the tree-folk, remind me of a spider they do, with all their limbs juttin' about."
Know (Nature):
Please note that you have had 2 or 3 months in which to craft things..
Kegmaar is well aware that Treants can be vulnerable to fire..but who knows what effects this corrupting influence has had.
Ah, I was under the impression we had lost out on time!
We already have a bag of holding for the party, so if Layjiani wants to invest in her bow, 3,000 gp will add the arrow mind 3/day effect we were looking at.
If there are any armour or weapons Aude wants, Eltariel should be able to craft them. She'll have to reserve her own cash for spells, though!
Eltariel can find all the scrolls she requires in Tarsh or the other nearby settlements.
OK, that's 925gp for the scrolls (ouch!) leaving me 875gp from the expedition for other stuff.
Ray of Enfeeblement - DC16 - Spellcraft:
Burning Sword - DC17 - Spellcraft:
Mirror Image - DC17 - Spellcraft:
See Invisibility - DC17 - Spellcraft:
Rope Trick - DC17 - Spellcraft:
Acid Arrow - DC17 - Spellcraft:
Web - DC17 - Spellcraft:
I think the desk in the tower gives a +2 to this as well, but I cannot recall or find the details right now, not that it makes any difference save for the first attempt.
Eltariel will try and get a wand of entangle - if it's cheaper with less charges, all the better.
Used wands of entangle are as common as dirt in Tarsh..how many charges do you want...12 charges will cost you 180 GP
Used wands of entangle are as common as dirt in Tarsh..how many charges do you want...12 charges will cost you 180 GP
Perfect! I'll take one, and now for some scroll writing ... (I'll post a list tomorrow night).
These are what Eltariel will have prepped over the last few weeks ...
Pass Without Trace (5th level) 62.5gp
Detect Snares & Pits 12.5gp
Warp Wood 12.5gp
Faerie Fire 12.5gp x 2 = 25gp
Detect Animals or Plants 12.5gp
Hide From Animals (5th level) 62.5gp
Speak with Animals 12.5gp x 4 = 50gp
Barkskin 12.5gp x 2 = 25gp
Blackrot (D2, CMa) 75gp
Brambles (D2, SC) 75gp
Briar Web (D2, SC) 75gp
Easy Trail (D2, SC) 75gp
and some she will prepare before departure given time.
One With the Land (D2, SC) 75gp
Woodland Veil (D2, RoW p 176, 5th level) 100gp x 2 = 200gp
Remove Scent (SC, 5th level) 62.5
Total cost 825gp if our DM does not object to any.
Fredrich spends the intervening time having his spare Lucerne Hammer coated with a thin layer of Silver, and practicing with it's different weight and balance.
Ok if everyone is ready we'll begin the adventure proper.
Tereza tell you that the nearest settlement to the treants centre of operations is a small trading post called Garlands fork..so small in fact that it doesn't show up on the maps of the region..but the Raven can guide you there.It's some 30 miles from Tarsh and well off the beaten track though it does provide a center for the local farmers
As you travel down the cart trail, you spot a weather-beaten wooden sign reading “Garland’s Fork.” It points down the road in the direction you have been traveling. You continue onward and are met with a strange sight as you clear the bend: a small strapping oak sits improbably in the center of the wheel-ruts that define this road. It looks as if the tree grew up overnight in the middle of the well-worn track.
Hanging in the branches of the tree are a few articles of clothing, including a green traveling cloak. A basket hangs over one broad branch – you don’t see how it got over the tree limb’s wide-spreading branches, unless someone intentionally wove it into the tree.
"Be careful, there is something very wrong here," Eltariel takes out the amulet of detect thoughts and focusses on the tree. Her immediate thought is that the tree could be a person transformed ...
From the back of his pony, Kegmar squints at the tree, trying to discern if there is anything unnatural about it.
Perception:
Know (Nature):
Fredrich dismounts from his skittish mount, and stands looking at the tree.
"Well now". "That's a hell of a thing".
Eltariel detects no thoughts from the tree.Searching the basket vields a weeks worth of Iron Rations,.. a full waterskin and a note which reads
To whom it may concern: If you discover this it most likely means that Garland’s Fork and our messenger have succumbed to the curse that has been afflicting us for these past three days. We are horribly transformed, and are desperate for your aid. Please help us; the pain is –
The handwriting is stiff and forced, as if the writer were in pain, and gets more and more illegible as it goes.
Emerging, William will look up at everyone as he comes across this scene.
"I was informed late about the trouble, I apologise for turning up this late." he looks at the sight and his features become solid and blank "Strange sight..." he'll step closer to the tree, but keep his eyes focused on the surrounding area, checking if something is watching them.
Perception:
"It appears that some strange ailment has consumed this messenger. To appearances he has become a tree. I can detect no thoughts, the transformation is a complete one."
Eltariel looks to the stranger curiously.
"Informed by whom? We were dispatched by the Archdruid of Tarsh."
"It appears that some strange ailment has consumed this messenger. To appearances he has become a tree. I can detect no thoughts, the transformation is a complete one."
Eltariel looks to the stranger curiously.
"Informed by whom? We were dispatched by the Archdruid of Tarsh."
At the mention of the tree he raises a eyebrow, stairing at her and the tree. He indeed had the same thoughts, but didn't wish to accept that from the fear what such power would bring.
He bows to the Elf.
"Indeed, that very one. The holy father at the temple suggested I put my talents to use." as he raises he smiles "My name is William and yours?" he asked as he put his hand out in greeting.
"Eltariel Elesand, wizard and druid of the outer circle, and my companions Aude Cooper, priestess of Pharasma, Layjiani, our scout, alchemist Kegmar Krousenbrew and warrior Fredrich Mustanburg." She introduces the other party members.
"A pleasure." he bows to everyone in turn, showing respect and then turning back to this tree, placing a hand softly against the bark, not believeing that this was once a person. "What kind of magic could do this?"
"Fey magic, I think. We had word that a corrupted treant is trying to ... twist ... some fey to his ends. I think we can assume he has to some extent succeeded. We must go to Garland's Fork and find whatever is there. There may be clues that can uncover the source of this."
Deeply disturbed by the sight of the tree and it's ramifications nevertheless Layjiani knows her duty and keeps a sharp eye on the surrounding area for any sign of danger. Her bow drawn and arrow knocked she forges ahead somewhat, searching for any tracks or sign of what may have brought this abominable condition on the hapless messenger
Placing a meaty hand in one of William's, Kegmar shoots a toothy grin at the new-comer. Well - you assume it's toothy, the mangy beard obscures the dwarf's mouth - which you assume he has as speech does come from him.
"Gud ta'meetcha lad. Seems we got erselves some trouble wit trees."
Tugging on the end of his beard, he looks at Eltariel and wonders aloud - "I dun think I e'er urd o'a curse turnin' folk inta trees?"
Know (Arcane):
Know (Nature):
Spellcraft:
Aude has been quietly observing the tree and the reactions of her companions
"Obviously, the archdruid would be pleased if we discover how such a feat can be duplicated. An elegant way for a druid to dispose of an enemy transforming him in something useful . The question would of course be if this is now a normal tree capable of seeeding or a dead-end "
Aude has been quietly observing the tree and the reactions of her companions
"Obviously, the archdruid would be pleased if we discover how such a feat can be duplicated. An elegant way for a druid to dispose of an enemy transforming him in something useful . The question would of course be if this is now a normal tree capable of seeeding or a dead-end "
Looking over to him, William then stares back at the tree.
"I was hoping that he could somehow he brought back to normal. Leaving him here like this he is likely to get chopped into firewood." he's blunt, but right. The tree is right in the middle of the road and it appears to be used often so if not cut up for firewoood, it might still be cut down by someone. That's his belief."It a Trent could do this then who says there are not more spread around? Forgive me, I do not know much about the wilderness or indeed anything about fey. This is all such a very strange sight. Have any of you seen this before?" he asks curiously, clearly not knowing about the woods.
"Powerful transformative magic like this is hard to achieve in any discipline, but the fey are rumoured to have their own magic. The letter mentions a curse, and that's worrying. We will have to tread very carefully. As for this poor one, I have no magic that might undo the transformation. I cannot detect any thoughts in it, but that does not mean there are none. Perhaps when I have learned more, I can attempt some," Eltariel shakes her head slowly.
"We must tread carefully friends, I do not want us to be in any danger from this. Be careful where you tread, what you eat or drink, everything from this point onwards."
Taking some chalk, Eltariel scribes onto the tree:
VICTIM OF CURSE
DO NOT CUT OR HARM
THIS TREE
"Powerful transformative magic like this is hard to achieve in any discipline, but the fey are rumoured to have their own magic. The letter mentions a curse, and that's worrying. We will have to tread very carefully. As for this poor one, I have no magic that might undo the transformation. I cannot detect any thoughts in it, but that does not mean there are none. Perhaps when I have learned more, I can attempt some," Eltariel shakes her head slowly.
"We must tread carefully friends, I do not want us to be in any danger from this. Be careful where you tread, what you eat or drink, everything from this point onwards."
Taking some chalk, Eltariel scribes onto the tree:
VICTIM OF CURSE
DO NOT CUT OR HARM
THIS TREE
William raises his eyebrow at this, but decides that she was right to put a message there. He hadn't had much experience with people but assumed people would've heard about the fey acting up and believe it. Looking over the tree he says a short prayer to Irori and looks back down the trail, not sure where they should be heading.
Looking back from her vigil Layjiani gives William a close scrutiny but as the others seem to accept him gives no objection. She then nods to herself at the message written but calls out loud enough for the others to hear "Perhaps a more durable message could be left? And if nothing can be done for this poor one now let us nake haste to ensure the same fate does not befall others"
"Well let's go forward then". "I don't think this tree is going anywhere", Fredrich muses with a smile, as he climbs back on his mount.
Garland’s Fork is almost too small to be called a village indeed it is barely a hamlet and it is no wonder it is not marked on any maps. It seems to consist of two farm houses, a blacksmith’s shop, and a small inn. The inn is a two-story square building with a thatched roof, and what appears to be a small stable tucked around back. There is a thick oak door, and hanging over it a sign reading “Fork’s Rest.”
Garland’s Fork is almost too small to be called a village indeed it is barely a hamlet and it is no wonder it is not marked on any maps. It seems to consist of two farm houses, a blacksmith’s shop, and a small inn. The inn is a two-story square building with a thatched roof, and what appears to be a small stable tucked around back. There is a thick oak door, and hanging over it a sign reading “Fork’s Rest.”
"Hello!" Eltariel calls as they enter the silent hamlet. At the inn she knocks loudly on the door.
Vigilant as always, Layjiani looks closely around the hamlet, her bow ready all the time.
Perception:
With the lone cursed-mantree behind, Kegmar strikes up a short conversation with Eltariel and Aude. "D'ye lasses know what we ken do t'combat such a curse? -- is it the work of a wizard? or a priest?"
"I'm guessing, but if the information about this treant trying to corrupt fey is correct, I would guess it is fey magic, or else some eldritch magic the treants themselves have. You have to concede from their point of view it is ... appropriate."
Fredrich looks about for any signs about when the area might have been deserted...spoiled food, fresh footprints etc. perception
The village is unnaturally quiet..not even birdsong disturbs the silence.There is no sign outdoors of any trees or other unnatural occurence but no-one answers your calls.
The village is unnaturally quiet..not even birdsong disturbs the silence.There is no sign outdoors of any trees or other unnatural occurence but no-one answers your calls.
"I don't like this. It's too quiet. It's...unnerving." he keeps his eyes peeled, searching for anything that might either give them a clue or if there is a survivor hiding somewhere.
Layjiani also begins looking for sign of anyone, or anmything, which may have entered or left the village
Track:
The dwarf shakes his head. "Tree-folk cursing men to turn into trees... why that's like me cursing a tree to turn into a dwarf!"
Gripping his dorn-dergar tight as they scout about the silent village, the dwarf glances about at any irregularly shaped shadow that would remind him of tree branches.
Perception:
Out here on the hard packed earth of Autumn..none of you can see anything like a tree..nor are there any tracks to be found indicative of anything ourt off the ordinary.Perhaps the buildings themselves will hold more clues.
"This is strange ... all right, let's try the Inn first. Layjiani, can you do the honours?"
William decides to stay close to the group, keeping a sharp eye out for trouble and focused on the Inn as they seem to be making their way there.
As the party systematically searches each building, Fredrich will make sure to be second in line to go in. He realizes he doesn't have the sharpest senses in the world, but with his reach weapon, can be very effective in snuffing out any designated threats.
Taking all due caution, more out of habit than any expectation of their being any traps, Layjiani checks all the doors and takes care of any locks that may bar their way as they search the buildings, starting with the inn.
As you step inside the darkened inn, it is impossible to miss the trees that seem to have sprung up in the common room. There are two tables, a few overturned chairs, and a few broken mugs and bottles. There is a wooden stand for a keg behind the bar, but no keg. There is a narrow stairway at the back of the room; a sign hanging on the wall past the banister reads “Additional Charge for Late Checkout.” There are three full-grown trees that seem to be sitting at tables. Each of them has piles of personal items about them, and articles of clothing threaded through their branches.