Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 14 - Darkness Falls (Co-DM Matt) Tuesday July 18th, 2017 8:24:39 PM At Scribner Village Rolth seals the deal and they settle in with the Shillings. The Shillings, especially Mr. Shilling is very much in a chatty mood as he talks about the benefits of Whistal wood to the Scribner village economy. He seems especially animated about it. Sable and Falco are happy to find lodging for the night. Finnian pays his share and finds a place lay down for the night. Falco asks about quester groups that have been around. He learns that an all-liontaur group has been through just yesterday. Diplomacy check DC10: Highlight to display spoiler: {It seems all but certain that this was Clayfus and the Wrestling Wemics. They have already gone up into the University proper.} Lomocia talks to Rolth about her new tattoo.
Atop the Bluffs, near the Administrative Paddock Tsak Rezar follows as Kiwina asks about the building and finds out that it is in fact the university’s Temple to Domi, where the druids and greenmages who tend the sacred trees live and work. The rest of the complex splays outward around them. Gothruk enjoys a bit of quiet time.
--- Night comes and everything closes up. The lights from the University and its unique buildings begin to go out. It gives you barely enough time to get back to the village before darkness overwhelms you on a cloud-filled day. The moons blotted out for the night.
Mr. Schilling welcomes you. He collects his 3 gold pieces from everyone as his children begin to settle for the night. There is a campfire dug within the sand and everyone is invited to sit, talk and relax. Evidently the Schilling family is camping out tonight under clear skies in order to let out all the family’s beds to the Eight-Petaled Rose.
The morning will be here soon, and you have discovered that the University is a big place. Where in this wonderful complex of trees, students, and teachers will you find the entrance to the garden you seek?
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Tuesday July 18th, 2017 9:16:43 PM
Kiwina tells those who stayed all they saw at the University, including about the three tallest trees. Recalling the clue, Where students study, / Atop the tallest whistal, / In library clouds., he admits that they did not think to ask about any libraries in the clouds. But both the temple and the Library Tree seem good places to explore in the morning.
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered Tuesday July 18th, 2017 9:52:44 PM
Rolth opines, "Perhaps there are 3 steps in this quest? We learned that 'There are two very tall trees in the center: a Universatree and a Library Tree. However, the very tallest tree has not been touched by the greenmages’ arts.' From the clues in the original poem, students might study in the Universatree, the tallest is the tree growing out the temple, and then the Library Tree. No reference to a cloud that I noticed, but the temple tree might be that tall. Do we visit in that order? Or does someone have a better idea? We really need to beat Clayfus and those Wrestling Wemics!"
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None Wednesday July 19th, 2017 7:34:59 AM The Duke was a great help to us, and the last garden was no secret and not hard to find. Perhaps the Chief will also be helpful. If everyone is well we can all go up in the morning and do some checking before we attend the Chief Stallions address, it was at noon wasn't it?
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Sickened Wednesday July 19th, 2017 8:45:13 AM
Falco is glad to be relaxing for the evening and can feel himself becoming more well.
"The Chief may be of help but we also may be able to find a student or two to ask. In case it is a secret location perhaps I can can get one of them to prove how smart they are by telling me."
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20+2=21 ; d20=6 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2017 11:03:22 AM
Seeing as how the locals were so helpful in the last quest, when the sun rises Lomocia heads out to seek a student of the university. She looks for tell tale signs; books, parchment and quill, and hopes to recite the riddle and ask if any of it makes more sense to them.
Perception: 21 Diplomacy: 6
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: Sickened d20+4=16 ; d20+6=14 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2017 4:52:51 PM
Finnian awakes feeling well and ready for the day. He raises and checks his bow and quiver incase they run into trouble and the exits the room where he slept. "Good morning," he says to his companions, "sorry I wasn't much use yesterday, that boat did something aweful to my insides but I believe I am better today. Where to?"
As they climb the mountain Finnian takes another look around, this time with keener eyes observing the comings and goings of the various people trying to identify greenmages, druids, and of course keeping a watchful eye out for threats or other group.
[know nature 16] [perception 14]
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+5=21 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2017 5:40:30 PM
Gothruk observes the three trees of interest, the largest one with the building at it's base, the university and the library. He has a suspicion that the challenge may be high in the trees amongst the clouds. Is there paths etched into or around the trees, and if so how high do they lead? If there is a path than Gothruk will begin climbing, he'll see how high the path goes. If there is no end in site after twenty minutes than he'll stop and climb back down so he can meet the chieftain alongside the rest of the group. If there is nothing to climb than he'll assist Lomocia with finding a student to the university. Perception roll (1D20+5=21) incase it's needed to search the trees. Or can be used to assist Lomocia.
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+8=28 ; d20+8=26 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2017 7:21:20 PM
Sable considers the problem, and decides that his tracking and observation skills may come in handy here. While others might use diplomacy to check on things - he is going to see if he can spot other contestants making their way into the trees, and if so - which trees. Furthermore, he will use his tracking skills to try and discern which path or tree might be most promising (from a previous party perspective). He will be looking for tracks of groups of 8 - especially traveling off the beaten path.
Perception Check - Nat 20 for 28; Survival Check for tracks- 26 for Monstrous Humanoids 24 vs others.
"Maybe one of you more diplomatic types can ask about previous party's seeking a rose?"
Rose Quest Day 15 at 10 AM (Co-DM Cayzle) One Rose Won! Wednesday July 19th, 2017 9:00:54 PM
Rolth suggests narrowing down the search to a few special trees.
Tsak Rezar suggests heading up the bluff early -- and ask around before the Chief holds audiences -- and all agree.
Falco has a plan to get some clever but maybe foolish students to spill the beans.
Lomocia keeps her eyes open and soon sees several students. She directs the group to speak with a few.
Finnian keeps alert too, but he is also looking for danger. No need! This is clearly a very safe place.
Gothruk looks carefully at the three tallest trees. Turns out all three have special names. The first is named after the great statue of Domi that resides within the temple. That’s the Idolatree. Then there is the tree for the Chief and the Deans. That’s the Universatree. Finally, the one that houses the library. That’s the Bibliogratree. These three are set away from the others and from each other.
Sable sees signs that a group of liontaurs has passed recently. He can tell because they seem to have not really respected the paths and have been wandering every which-a-way. In fact, with a ranger’s luck and an amazingly keen eye, Sable sees those self-same liontaurs lounging over by the Bibliogratree.
Kiwina is especially quiet this morning.
[OOC PS: And many happy returns of the day to my Co-DM Matthew! You savvy players will mark the date and keep it in mind in the years to come!]
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered d20+7=12 ; d20+2=16 ; Wednesday July 19th, 2017 9:22:08 PM
Rolth signals to the Petals to huddle up, to avoid being overheard. In a low voice, he reminds the party not to reveal to our competitors that we have already taken a rose. Some of these scoundrels are not to be trusted at all! More openly, he suggests that the party split into three groups, to do a quick survey of each tree from closer in, then meet up a little early to be ready for the noon event. The Chief sounds like a stickler, so we don't want to be late.
Rolth will volunteer to lead a group to the Temple of Domi and the Idolatree, where he can pay his respects to his god, look about, and ask around a bit. (Perception = 12 to notice anything of interest and Diplomacy = 16 to gather information about any garden that might be connected to our quest, previously successful questers, and the like)
Perhaps Falco could take a group to the Universatree to chat up some students and profs, while Lomocia might have an interest in lore at the Bibliogratree? Just beware the swaggering wemics over there.
(OOC: Happy Birthday, DM Matt!)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Wednesday July 19th, 2017 9:42:44 PM
Kiwina volunteers to go with Lomocia to the Bibliogratree. They can ignore the wemics and see if any of the library staff know about any library clouds.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Sickened d20+8=13 ; d20+8=20 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 7:18:16 AM
Once up and at them Falco will seek out some students, in the hopes of gathering additional information. He asks pretty simple questions about their studies and hopes that displaying some of his knowledge of the arcane my help is case [Know Arcana:13 - hurumph ].
Once he finds a likely candidate he will ask "I have always been interested in libraries and have heard it said that one of the libraries here is refereed to as being 'in the clouds'. I would love to see such a place if you know where it is." [Know Local: 20]
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+5=12 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 8:30:56 AM
Tsak offers to go with Falco to the Universatree (Perception 12 to notice anything of interest). He also warns Kiwina and Lomocia If you see a large orange ape in the Bibliogratree you should be very nice to it, and definitely not call it a monkey.
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20=18 ; d20+2=7 ; d20=14 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 9:41:50 AM
Having called over the students only to be directed towards the Bibliogratree, Lomocia waves the students off - not a difficult feat as they seemed wary to approach regardless. She makes her way towards the tree with eyes wide for anything that may seem out of place, and with an effort to stay clear of the wemics. Once inside the trunk, she searches for a "front desk" or sorts, or any place that may provide some helpful information.
Diplomacy to ask the front desk for history/lore of the tree: 18 Perception: 7 Knowledge Nature: 14
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: Sickened d20+6=9 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 11:42:07 AM
Noticing that this is a very peacful place allows Finnian to let his guard down.
Finnian follows Lamocia and Kiwina to the library. He will help gather information as best as he can and look for any books that may reference the rose quest or a library in the clouds. Knowing that there is limited tine before the chief's speech forces him to work quickly [perception 9 to find books]
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+6=24 ; d20+4=10 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 4:35:51 PM
Sable follows the party scanning the treetops or above for clouds (Perception 24). Furthermore, thinking about the treetops and clouds, considers how likely clouds form at that height or over a tree naturally (Knowledge Nature 10)
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+5=13 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 4:38:07 PM
Gothruk will join Rolth investigating the Domi Temple as he also has a lot of respect for the God. He'll have a thorough look through the place. Perception 1D20+5=13
Looking for pathways or archways similar to the entence of the last challenge.
Before he enters the temple he'll try to notice anything built into any of the trees. Is there only structures at ground level? Or are there ways to get higher up the trees?
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - Noon (Co-DM Matt) d20=8 ; d20=20 ; d20=13 ; d20=5 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 7:20:14 PM Temple of Domi:
Rolth signals to the others to huddle up and reminds them not to reveal that they already had a Rose. He suggests they split up in three groups and survey the trees. Rolth volunteers to lead the group to the Temple of Domi and the Idolatree. Clerics and priest exit and enter the temple in a regular fashion. Many too busy praying to pay you any mind. A young human stops to say hi.
“Oh, are you in the taurnament. I wanted to be in the taurnament but I’m really not built for adventure. My brother says I have weak bones. He is with one of the human groups. I can’t remember their name. What do I know about the garden?”
He thought for a moment as a centaur with a white cloak walks by. Embroided on the side of the cloak is a large red rose.
“They keep a tight lid on a lot of the taurnament stuff. There are administrators walking around all the time. They never say what the punishment is for giving away too much but it’s pretty scary, I think. There are so many rumors. Maybe we could trade something? I give you information you give me something. I’m not interested in gold. Something cool, like a flute or something.” Gothruk joins Rolth at the temple. Investigates the trees and finds windows built into the giant Whistal trees. The windows seem to go up pretty high. There seems to be an entrance built into each one. Sable follows the party scanning the treetops or above for clouds. He notices an outcropping within the clouds. It may be attached to the tree but it’s too far to make out anything for sure. As far as the clouds, he realizes that the clouds form depending on the amount of moisture. The clouds above seem to be a bit heavy and hang a bit lower than usual. Imagine the site if there was no clouds.
Over at the Bibliogratree:
Kiwina volunteers to go with Lomocia to the Bibliogratree.
Finnian let’s his guard down and follows Lomocia and Kiwina to the library. He will look for references to the rose quest of library in the clouds.
Lomocia waves off the students she called. She makes her way to the Bibliogratree. Once inside she plans to search for a front desk of some sort.
-- Clayfus and his group block the entrance to the Bibliogratree. Laughing, one of the taurs chants, “You cannot enter the Bibliogratree till you answer my questions three.”
Clayfus stands outside the door with the others on his team. “Listen, it’s you dunderheads that caused the problem,” he begins, then lowers his voice.
Perception vs. DC 17 Highlight to display spoiler: { “You didn’t follow the rules,” he says quietly. “Getz, over here started prancing around the aisles singing.”}
The liontaur with a blond stripe from mane to tail says loudly. “It’s my birthday. I am allowed to celebrate.”
“Not when we are in the middle of something,” Clayfus rebukes him. “It’s now two Roses ...” He suddenly stops as he notices the Petals moving toward them.
The other liontaurs protest loudly, not knowing your group is behind them, but Clayfus hushes them. “Stop,” he says carefully.
Perception vs. DC 13 Highlight to display spoiler: {“Ok, listen … the Librarian is very hard of hearing but we have to be respectful. I know one of you can be respectful. We need to get through to this Garden. “What about that issue with Domi,” says another liontaur. “Right,” Clayfus whispers. “Remember to shout ‘Hail Domi’ when you emerge into the sunlight.”}
“Hey, what’s going on, mixed race group,” Clayfus says as you approach. “Catch any Roses yet! Where’s the rest of ya?”
By the Universatree:
Tsak Rezar follows Falco to the Universatree and says, “If you see a large orange ape in the Bibliogratree you should be very nice to it, and definitely not call it a monkey.”
Falco seeks out some of the students and asks, “"I have always been interested in libraries and have heard it said that one of the libraries here is referred to as being 'in the clouds'. I would love to see such a place if you know where it is."
A group of centaur approach. They are super chatty and offer advice.
Tsak and Falco only Highlight to display spoiler: { “My mother works in the library over in the Bibliogratree. The headmistress is a stickler for the rules. It is said that she is happier to have you removed then to allow you entry into the library. “My brother touched a book once,” said an attractive, young female centaur, “They slapped his hand and dragged him out of the library. }
“ ...You know that incident a couple months ago on the boat heading North of here? It was like that.” “No way,” said the other centaur as they walked away.
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+7=26 ; d20+7=12 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 8:10:15 PM
Rolls: Perception v 17 = 26; perception v 13 = 12
"Clayfus," Kiwina greets the liontaur. "If you don't mind, this young student," he points to Lomocia, "has agreed to show the archer and me something in the library here. The rest of us are around. Well, except for the bard."
Kiwina waits briefly to see if the liontaurs move aside, then adds, "I expect your quest is going well. All of you are still here, at least."
If the liontaurs do not actively move to block the small group of Petals, Kiwina will try passing them and going into the Bibliogratree. He has no interest in getting into a fight, but if an altercation removes the one of him and the eight of them from the grounds, they will at least have the worst of it.
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered d20+2=4 ; Thursday July 20th, 2017 10:06:27 PM
Rolth will offer the young human in the temple a simple but quality tattoo of his choice, in return for this information. Perhaps a symbol of Domi or even a fanciful flute? He will show the lad some of his own work, and note that it will certainly not harm his bones, and might even toughen him up a bit! (Previously rolled a Diplomacy =16 for this attempt to gather information, as well as a Perception = 12 to look around the temple for items of interest)
Rolth will try to discern the honesty and credibility of any tale the fellow tells him (Sense Motive = 4)
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20=17 ; Friday July 21st, 2017 4:43:43 AM
Tsak ponders the words of the centaurs, but they don't seem to offer much. He'll head toward any students or staff that he can gain eye contact with and try to engage them, then discuss the riddle. He figures that he has a fair chance of bluffing one of these pointy-heads into figuring out the answer. (Bluff = 17)
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Sickened Friday July 21st, 2017 8:41:09 AM
As the group leaves Falco tries to get in one last question before thanking the group "What does your mother look like and what is her name, so I will know her if we see her?" Falco thanks the group of students and heads to the Bibliogratree to let the others know what little he has come up with. When they are alone and away form other groups he will pass on the rumor.
"I did not get much but the headmistress is a bit of a rules fanatic it seems. I was told that a student was slapped on the hand and dragged out for touching a book that was not meant to be touched. I suggest we look for posted rules. If not my best advice is keep quite and don't touch things you don't have permission to."
Finnian overhears some choice information from the Liontaur group but keeps silent about it until they are away from them. Looks like the blundered again, and it seems like this is the place that we are looking for. He thinks to himself.
Finnian takes up a position at the rear of the small group and is content on allowing Kiwina to do the talking. He does whisper to Lomocia "We've met this group before, they weren't able to get a rose last time, looks like this time was no different" [bluff 16 to pass a secret message]
Lomocia keeps her head down ignoring the Clayfus and his cronies. She picks up on Kiwina's little bluff and pretends to be completely oblivious to anything that may have anything to do with the Taurnament.
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 1:00 (Co-DM Matt) d20=8 ; Friday July 21st, 2017 7:53:40 PM
Temple of Domi:
Rolth offers the young human a tattoo. The young man ponders the offer for a bit then says, “You promise?” He doesn’t wait too long before he begins to explain that all the questers are heading to the library within the Bibliogratree. He tells you there is a gate somewhere within the library.
Over at the Bibliogratree: Kiwina greets Clayfus and asks they they move from the entrance. Adds, "I expect your quest is going well. All of you are still here, at least." “You didn’t answer the question, Ranger,” Clayfus responds. He then smacks the liontaur that brought up the pop quiz. “What is your favorite color?” The liontaur says with a smile. Finnian thinks to himself and whispers to Lomocia "We've met this group before, they weren't able to get a rose last time, looks like this time was no different" Members from Clayfus’s group try to listen but fail to hear anything. Lomocia plays along.
By the Universatree: Tsak Rezar ponders the words of the centaurs but they don’t seem to offer much. He tries to find someone else to get answers from. The information you do gather from them points you to the Bibliogratree. Falco asks about the young ones mother. “She is a bit tall, reddish mane, light brown coat, like me. Actually, I think she is the only red-headed centaur this side of the island. I am still a bit blond,” she says and she flirts with her hair. Falco then passes on the information he got from them to the group.
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Friday July 21st, 2017 9:03:44 PM (OOC: Is the liontaur smiling like a Kzin?)
Kiwina will look for a path to the door of the Bibliogratree through which he can walk, and if the wemics leave one he will take it. Meanwhile, Kiwina tries to position himself where any students could enter the tree behind the wemics if they start getting in Kiwina's face. While taking this position, he answers.
"It's hard to say whether my favorite color is the blue of a cloudless day at sea, or the blue of the deep ocean when the sun is at your back. Given the ride we took to get here, I'm leaning towards the blue of the ocean."
Too bad they named themselves, he thinks, We could call them Poor Impulse Control.
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered Friday July 21st, 2017 9:47:10 PM
Rolth thanks the young man, and tells him he is indeed serious. "Seek us out, the Eight Petaled Rose, after we have succeeded in this quest today, and I will indeed bestow this tattoo on you. Now, this gate you speak of. Is there a painting, mural, or some other such artwork showing clouds somewhere within the library? If so, where is it?" Perhaps having gained this last clue, Rolth will suggest that his companions at the Temple move with him to rejoin the others at the Library, and leads the way.
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+1=9 ; d20+8=20 ; d20+6=24 ; Saturday July 22nd, 2017 3:47:45 AM
Sable considers the young man, (sense motive 9) and believes him that he is being straight with Rolth. Sable will head over to the Bibliotree after waiting to hear his final answer to Rolth's question. Once arriving, he will again try his tracking skills to see where the large parties have gone inside that tree (Track - 20). He will also use Perception to look for any "clouds" that might be inside (Perception 24).
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Saturday July 22nd, 2017 4:56:10 PM
Gothruk watches the talk between Rolth and the gentleman. 'He seems to have found the location of a gate with hardly any problem' he thinks. He doubted he'd be able to do anything similar between his size and scar it often leads to short and awkward convocation with strangers.
He'll suggest to Rolth that they leave immediately for the Bibliogrtaree. Wouldn't want the rest of the group to be finished by the time we get there.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20=8 ; d20=4 ; Sunday July 23rd, 2017 10:30:46 AM "Why are they having us play this game," Finnian thanks to himself. "Is it just posturing, to show that they can, or does it have something to do with the rose quest? That would be an odd question if it was." [Sense Motive 8]
"Could you just move your group Clayfus, This scholar needs to get in to do some research this morning," He motions to Lamocia [Diplomacy = 4]
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered d20+6=10 ; Sunday July 23rd, 2017 7:16:22 PM
'"Good idea, Gothruk!" Rolth enthuses. '"And hey, if Clayfus and his crew are menacing our comrades there, can I join you in a show of bravado to get them to back off? I think that you and I ought to be enough to put the fear of Domi in them, without actually drawing weapons or coming to blows. (OOC, Rolth means an intimidate check, in terms or game mechanics.) (intimidate = 10 to assist Success), if a check needed when we arrive)
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+2=16 ; Monday July 24th, 2017 7:36:44 AM
Tsak, making sure Falco is ready to go, heads over to the Bibliogratree, where it seems all the action is happening. Catching Rolth and Gothruk on the way he decides to lend a toothy leer to their show of bravado. (Intimidate = 16 to assist) However we have been warned that the Librarian, whom we must impress to get to the rose, is very strict. There must be no horseplay or noise within the confines of the Bibliogratree!
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered Monday July 24th, 2017 11:47:27 AM
Once at the Bibliogratree and having seen that the other group has yet again failed Falco becomes concerned. He will pull Tsak and Finnian aside at the first possible moment.
"Gentlemen I have a feeling that all the contestants will need to keep an eye on them. They might not be well suited for the quest itself but mat get desperate and look to taking others."
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20=3 ; Monday July 24th, 2017 12:55:56 PM
Lomocia is still at a loss for words. She's wants to help ward off Clayfus, but senses that she's better off playing along with Kiwina's ruse.
"Yes I have much work to complete, please if you'll just move out of my way."
(Diplomacy: 3)
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 2:00 (Co-DM Matt) d20=4 ; d20=11 ; Monday July 24th, 2017 4:49:05 PM Kiwina will look for a path to the door of the Bibliogratree through which he can walk, and if the wemics leave one he will take it. Meanwhile, Kiwina tries to position himself where any students could enter the tree behind the wemics if they start getting in Kiwina's face. While taking this position, he answers. "It's hard to say whether my favorite color is the blue of a cloudless day at sea, or the blue of the deep ocean when the sun is at your back. Given the ride we took to get here, I'm leaning towards the blue of the ocean."
Rolth thanks the young man. He advises to see out the Petals when they are done with this quest. The young man beams. I will certainly do that. I am very excited. “Um…,” he begins as he thinks about his answer to the question about the gate. “I have never been that far into the library but I’ve heard there is ramp through the roots of the great tree then many steps upward. That’s all I can say. I’m afraid I may get in trouble.”
Sable heads to the Bibliogratree but Clayfus and his liontaurs block the way in and out. This seems to over started to field complaints from others.
Gothruk is surprised at the information gathered by Rolth. He'll suggest to Rolth that they leave immediately for the Bibliogrtaree. Wouldn't want the rest of the group to be finished by the time we get there.
'"Good idea, Gothruk!" Rolth enthuses. '"And hey, if Clayfus and his crew are menacing our comrades there, can I join you in a show of bravado to get them to back off? I think that you and I ought to be enough to put the fear of Domi in them, without actually drawing weapons or coming to blows.
Tsak, making sure Falco is ready to go, heads over to the Bibliogratree, where it seems all the action is happening. Catching Rolth and Gothruk on the way he decides to lend a toothy leer to their show of bravado. (Intimidate = 16 to assist) However we have been warned that the Librarian, whom we must impress to get to the rose, is very strict. There must be no horseplay or noise within the confines of the Bibliogratree!
Falco, Once at the Bibliogratree and having seen that the other group has yet again failed Falco becomes concerned. He will pull Tsak and Finnian aside at the first possible moment.
"Gentlemen I have a feeling that all the contestants will need to keep an eye on them. They might not be well suited for the quest itself but mat get desperate and look to taking others."
----
"Why are they having us play this game," Finnian thanks to himself. "Is it just posturing, to show that they can, or does it have something to do with the rose quest? That would be an odd question if it was." "Could you just move your group Clayfus, This scholar needs to get in to do some research this morning," He motions to Lamocia “A scholar, psst.” Clayfus says with spite. “There is no scholar in this group. How many roses have you got? Anyways, It takes more than a scholar to complete these tasks.”
Lomocia is still at a loss for words. She's wants to help ward off Clayfus, but senses that she's better off playing along with Kiwina's ruse.
"Yes I have much work to complete, please if you'll just move out of my way."
-----
Clayfus and his crew might as well have been apes beating their collective chest. They stood at the entrance and taunted the Pedals. That was until the Librarian stepped from under the entrance of the Bibliogratree. She was a small centaur but had a powerful aura to her. Students gave her a wide berth as she stepped toward the liontaurs. “Boys,” she said strongly. “Remove yourself from this Library.” One of Clayfus’s liotaur buddies began to protest bravely, but Clayfus and the others were shaken. (Will Save- DC: 11 to avoid being shaken for 1 minute) “Again, remove yourself. Your actions have been reported to the Chief.” Clayfus and his liontaur crew suddenly pack up and leave the Bibliogratree entrance. They move out of earshot and watch. The Librarian paused and took in several breaths. She smiled and greeted the students who began to walk in and out of the Bibliogratree again. “Please, meet me inside the Library,” the Librarian said with an uncomfortable smile. “Let’s get this over with.” She turns and goes into the Bibliogratree.
The way into the library tree leads to a ramp that then heads underground. The wide high passage is magically lit as with daylight. The supports of the tunnel through the earth are solid, and green ivy grows on the walls.
If you have stonecunning or can make a DC15 Knowledge Engineering check: Highlight to display spoiler: {The tunnel slopes down and is perfectly safe, but you can tell that the supports are designed to collapse when triggered, likely as a defense in case of invasion.}
The ramp into the root system leads to a large underground chamber. Built to centaur proportions, it seems like a human cathedral ceiling. You see massive roots dozens of feet in diameter like beams above you. In the center is a large desk, much larger than the Librarian. The Librarian stands impatiently waiting behind it, in her place of authority.
“You may quietly state your names and business,” she says sternly. “And no shenanigans, or you’ll be out too.”
[OOC: We’re assuming every party member is entering the library tree. Speak up if not.]
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+6=12 ; Monday July 24th, 2017 7:33:48 PM
As the other group is scared off by the librarian Finnian takes the time to inform the rest of the group what he had overheard.
"The other Liontaurs said that the librarian is hard of hearing, but I would be careful speaking too loudly... It is a Library after all. They alo mentioned something about shouting hail Domi as you step out into the sunlight. What that could mean I've no idea."
Addressing Falco he adds"I will stay vigilant and watch for any threats" These words are said in a very stern tone as though he had said them many times before. And in fact he had, many years before Finnian had been charged with staying up late into the night tending to the charcoal pits for his uncle. This is where he had first discovered his love of the forests and of the stillness of being alone in the dark wood.
He follows the group into the library, the safeness of the Centaur city keeps him calm but he none the less keeps an eye out [Perception 12]
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+3=7 ; Monday July 24th, 2017 9:37:53 PM
(Will save = 7)
Kiwina is shaken, and does not answer right away.
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered d20+2=16 ; d20+2=9 ; Monday July 24th, 2017 11:46:30 PM
(It isn't clear whether we are meant to make a will save. if so, Rolth rolls a 16 = success!)
Rolth is not intimidated like those other liontaurs, who are all talk and bluster. And he isn't terribly familiar with the concept of a library, since his people follow more of an oral tradition in the interior of the island. Nevertheless, he picks up on the idea that this place has rules, and moreover, seems to be connected to Domi, so he keeps his cool and approaches the Librarian politely. In a calm, measured tone, he begins, "I am Rolth Niheow, and these are my companions of the Eight Petaled Rose. We come as part of the Taurnament of Roses, seeking knowledge, wisdom, and weal for the noble races. I am sure that one so learned as yourself has wisdom that could aid us in this quest, if we could prevail upon you to share it." (Diplomacy = 9 plus any bonuses from others that want to assist.)
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+2=22 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2017 4:16:49 AM
(Will save in case needed 1D20+2=22)
Gothruk introduces himself. I am Gothruk Gore, you will not need to worry about us causing trouble, we'll be out of your hair in no time. Could you perhaps tell us of any rules we'll need to follow while in this grand building, we are travellers and would hate to break them inadvertently.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+1=7 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2017 4:38:29 AM
(will save = 7) Tsak is shaken. Such a strong woman, he has no doubt their hopes for a rose could have ended right there had they made the wrong impression!
Lomocia is not phased by the large presence of the librarian. She introduces herself and makes sure to add that she is up to no trouble and only wishes to accompany her friends on their quest for the Rose. She makes a silent mental note along the lines of, "if the library is so strict on the coming and going of people then why even allow the competition to pass through here in the first place?" Once introductions are through and assuming that the ramp down is the path they choose, Lomocia wants to lead the way down the path.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20+3=22 ; d20+1=9 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2017 11:04:57 AM
[Will Save: 22] if needed
Falco enters with the others and from the look on his face would love to spend some time in the library. He scans the room for anyone fitting the description of the students that he spoke with's mother. He will greet her if found. [Perception: 9]
Addressing the librarian in a hushed tone. "As my friend says we would dearly like to follow your rules on the quest. What did that other group of ruffians do anyway? I hate to think of us questers getting a bad name."
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+1=21 ; Tuesday July 25th, 2017 1:14:07 PM
Sable, boldly steps forward unbothered by the bombast (Will save 21).
"Sable is my name, I am at your service if you need help removing ruffians. I agree with my fellow questers, we hope not to be a bother.
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 3:00 (Co-DM Matt) Tuesday July 25th, 2017 7:53:27 PM Finnian informs everyone about the information he had overheard. He promises Falco that he will stay vigilant.
Kiwina and Tsak are shaken for a bit.
Rolth is not intimidated by the liontaur group. He approaches the librarian and says, "I am Rolth Niheow, and these are my companions of the Eight Petaled Rose. We come as part of the Taurnament of Roses, seeking knowledge, wisdom, and weal for the noble races. I am sure that one so learned as yourself has wisdom that could aid us in this quest, if we could prevail upon you to share it."
Gothruk introduces himself, “I am Gothruk Gore, you will not need to worry about us causing trouble, we'll be out of your hair in no time. Could you perhaps tell us of any rules we'll need to follow while in this grand building, we are travellers and would hate to break them inadvertently.”
Lomocia is not shaken and adds that she does not wish to cause trouble, then makes a mental note.
Sable says, "Sable is my name, I am at your service if you need help removing ruffians. I agree with my fellow questers, we hope not to be a bother.”
Falco scans the library for a red-headed centaur but doesn’t see anyone that matches that description. He adds, "As my friend says we would dearly like to follow your rules on the quest. What did that other group of ruffians do anyway? I hate to think of us questers getting a bad name."
Gothruk, Sable and Falco introduce themselves and the group vows to not make trouble.
----
The Librarian looked up at the group. Her face tenses but suddenly begins to lighten. She then reads from a script upon the desk.
“The Garden is located above you but can only be accessed by following the red paint on the floor. This will take you through the ancient roots of the Bibliogratree and then upward toward the Library. The Absolute Rules:
NO FIRE! AT ALL! NO TOUCHING! AT ALL! NO TALKING! AT ALL!
She is clear that “anyone who breaks the rules will be ejected, even if it means no access to the garden.”
The Librarian then walks to the side of the desk and points downward to a painted line on the floor. The painted line heads forward toward the tree’s roots.
“Any questions, you may ask now.”
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Tuesday July 25th, 2017 10:46:02 PM
"Excuse me, honored librarian," Kiwina says, "but do these rules you have given us apply in the Library but not inside the garden?" He is thinking that no talking would make coordinating actions in the garden impossible.
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered Tuesday July 25th, 2017 11:52:32 PM
'Madame, are we allowed to touch the Rose that is the object of our quest? If not, can you share with us how we might entice the rose to join us?'
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None Wednesday July 26th, 2017 6:59:18 AM
Tsak has no questions for the librarian.He takes point and prepares to move out when the others are ready.
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) Wednesday July 26th, 2017 12:32:18 PM
Lomocia agrees with Tsak, asking questions will only waste more time and it doesn't matter if they get ejected anyways when they grab the rose because they'll have what they came for regardless. She gets behind Tsak and prepares to move.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Wednesday July 26th, 2017 12:45:18 PM What arn't we aloud to touch? asks Gothruk. What if there line led us through a door? Would we be unable to touch the door to open it? Secondly why is absolute silence enforced in this area? Is it not a place of learning? Where taurs and people in general can explain, discuss and challenge ideas?
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None Wednesday July 26th, 2017 4:19:17 PM "Is the underground passage completely dark." Finnian asks the librarian. "If it is" he adds turning to his group. "we will need some sort of magical light. Alternatively We could have some one who can see in the dark lead us and walk single file holding a rope."
Complete silence shouldn't be a problem for Finnian and he is excited at the prospect of traveling through the roots of such an ancient tree and finding the next garden.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered Wednesday July 26th, 2017 8:00:47 PM "No fire, no touching, no talking. No fire, no touching, no talking. No fire, no touching, no talking."
Falco nods after repaint the rules a few times to reinforce with everyone.
"Yes, Kiwina, that is a good question. No talking means no magic." Falco quickly pulls out his dagger and casts light on it in case it is needed." [/b]
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 4:00 (Co-DM Matt) d20=6 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2017 8:12:19 PM Kiwina asks, "Excuse me, honored librarian," Kiwina says, "but do these rules you have given us apply in the Library but not inside the garden?" Rolth says, “Madame, are we allowed to touch the Rose that is the object of our quest? If not, can you share with us how we might entice the rose to join us?” “Entice the rose to join you. You act like the roses have some life to them. Roses don’t move around but to answer your question. The rules only apply from here to the Garden.” Finnian asks if the passage is dark. The librarian replies that you will have a guide, with a light. Falco casts light on his dagger, which draws a scowl from the librarian but she moves on. Lomocia and Tsak Rezar have no questions and are ready to move on. Gothruk asks, “What arn't we aloud to touch?” Asks Gothruk. “What if there line led us through a door? Would we be unable to touch the door to open it? Secondly why is absolute silence enforced in this area? Is it not a place of learning? Where taurs and people in general can explain, discuss and challenge ideas?” The librarian glares at Gothruk. “Questions regarding the rules may be addressed once the task has been completed,” she said sharply then added. “The rules begin once you step from this desk to the Garden. A dryad stands guard at the gate and will give you instructions at the gate, while you listen.” The librarian then points you to the red line. A red-headed centaur steps forward, just before the entrance to the roots. “Step forward, Janyce will guide you to the Garden above. Remember! NO FIRE! AT ALL! NO TOUCHING! AT ALL! NO TALKING! AT ALL! A library guard will escort the rule breaker from the Bibliogratree immediately. “Good luck.” Sable is quiet
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered d20+7=15 ; Wednesday July 26th, 2017 9:06:08 PM
Rolth will take his place at the rear of the marching order and prepare to follow the guidelines. He will strictly obey the rules as they proceed. He will look for any clues re the fates or encounters of previous question. (Perception = 15)
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered Wednesday July 26th, 2017 10:52:52 PM
Ooc: That should have read "previous questers", typing on my phone in the airport, sorry.
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+6=24 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 1:38:43 AM
Sable stays silent and lines up to follow Tzak at point. He gives a thumbs up, and proceeds to check out the red line on the floor (Perception - 24).
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None Thursday July 27th, 2017 6:23:40 AM
Tsak will follow the red-headed Janyce, who's following the red line, moving carefully and reasonably slowly to ensure everyone can keep up without making a lot of noise. Unfortunately the no noise rule may preclude him from singing to lure the roses, which would be a shame. Hopefully the trick with the bone meal will work again. Too late he realizes that the team haven't really discussed a plan and that the time to do so has passed.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20+2=11 ; d20+8=26 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 8:20:28 AM
Seeing the look from the Liberian at his creating of a light source in case it is needed later Falco grimaces didn't hear that as being against the rules. Time to walk quietly.
To start with Falco scans the area as they walk for clues [Perception:11] but becomes enamored by his surrounding and instead spends the walk looking for unusual magical tomes he may try and come back to read some day. [Know Aracan: 26].
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+7=25 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 11:08:35 AM
Kiwina falls into his place in the marching order, and quietly follows the rest. He looks and listens curously as they go. (Perception = 25)
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Thursday July 27th, 2017 12:12:16 PM
"She's a little rude" Gothruk thinks to himself. Asking for questions then ignoring his.
He quietly gathers with the others closer to the head of the group. "I hope there won't be need to try to squeeze under and around things, he was never good at the game 'Limbo'." He continues to think to himself.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+6=24 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 1:02:25 PM
Finnian lines up behind Falco and as the move he keeps ever watchful of their surroundings. [Perception 24]
He thought staying quiet would be easy, but at the sight of another Dryad tons of questions come racing into his mind. He squelches the urge to blurt out and silently begins walking.
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20+2=11 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 2:05:32 PM
Lomocia falls in the order, and too strictly follows the rules. She keeps an eye out for anything that may be a clue as to why the silence rule is enacted.
Perception: 11
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 5:00 (Co-DM Matt) d20=5 ; d20=13 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 8:36:20 PM
The Eight-Petals group sets off following the painted line and the red-headed centaur. Some of you seem a bit rattled by the Librarian; others are just happy to be moving forward. The trip downward into the root system is fairly uneventful. The humidity rises sharply as sweat begins to bead on your foreheads. The root system underneath the Bibliogratree is amazing as large pillars stretch out in all directions. Smaller smaller, tentacle-like strings hang from the ceiling. You notice that Jaynce tries her best to avoid every single one.
Sense Motive DC vs 13 Highlight to display spoiler: { Jaynce seems to avoid the hanging string-like roots because they disgust her and not because she cannot touch them }
The root system itself is straight from nature, no magic or spells involved. In fact, you notice that know one seems to be anywhere near you and the only light is the light from Falco and Jaynce’s magic. Soon you see that some of the roots are massive, first a dozen, then dozens of feet in diameter. Some of them have archways shaped into them.
There are other centaurs here and there as you walk. They are very quiet.
Jaynce leads you through an archway and into the lifewood of the great whistal tree. You walk through the root itself, as through a wooden tunnel, now ascending upwards as the root slopes up.
Then you are in the colossal central trunk, and the tunnel slopes up and begins to spiral around within the trunk itself. There are guard stations every two turns as you go up, and the guards are silent. They nod to Jaynce and to other students they recognize.
You blink as you reach the final guard station -- the tunnel archway opens ahead and daylight streams in. The guards stand in the sunlight as they stand watch. You step into the open air and see that you are already several hundred feet up. The ramp, now shaped into the bark of the tree, continues spiralling up outside. The head guard on duty grins at Jaynce and says, “So there are the latest bunch of Rose Questers?”
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: Recovered d20+2=11 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 8:54:47 PM
Rolth will follow Jaynce's example in avoiding the strings, given the requirement to avoid touching things, presumably including the dangling strings. He wonders whether this could be a trick to make them forget to follow the path, but senses nothing amiss. (Sense Motive = 11, FAIL) Not having reached the garden, he stands silently when the guards grin at Jayne and ask their question about the Rose Questers.
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+3=22 ; d20+7=22 ; Thursday July 27th, 2017 10:28:51 PM
Kiwina follows the rest of the group silently as they walk through the Bibliogratree. (Sense motive = 22) As they reach the sunlit portion where the guards are talking, he does wonder if he should say anything when he steps into the light. He pays attention to Jaynce as she steps into the sunlight, to see if she says anything, even softly. (Perception = 22)
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+1=19 ; d20+6=18 ; d20+1=5 ; Friday July 28th, 2017 12:33:31 AM
Sable follows quietly, but seems to shrug as Jaynce avoids the tendrils - he decides to avoid them as well. He will carefully listen and look at what Jaynce says, trying to understand if this a trick to make him talk or not..
(Sense Motive on walk up- 19; Perception - 18/20; Sense Motive on Guard - 5/7)
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20=18 ; Friday July 28th, 2017 5:12:46 AM
Tsak takes the opportunity to practice his stealthy tracking skills and walk in the footprints left behind by their guide. He'll also limbo around the stringy roots, although from her body language it seems to him that Janyce is avoiding them more from distaste than rules. He decides to hold his tongue and not interrupt unless spoken to directly.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20+2=20 ; Friday July 28th, 2017 8:30:56 AM
[Perception: 20]
Seeing their guides reaction Falco is glad for his small stature, it makes it easier to avoid the hanging bits.
When the guard asks Jayne the question,he too is silent but dose as a reflex nod his head in agreement.
Finnian stays silent the entire time and even tries to make his footfalls as quiet as possible. [Stealth=Natural 20, so quiet]
Finnian is awed by the root system and wonders what the other centaurs are doing down there. "Research, or possibly prayer and meditation. I could see this being an excellent place to alone with ones own thoughts." he thinks to himself. As they enter the tree itself he is taken aback by the thought of just how much work must have gone into shaping a tree of this size. The power of the green mages is still on his mind as they make their way out into to light.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+4=10 ; Friday July 28th, 2017 1:46:54 PM
Sense motive (1D20+4=10=Fail)
Gothruk will take his time squeezing between the roots making sure to avoid them. When the guard speaks he'll wait for our guild's answer. We've been told not to speak and we also haven't been spoken too, no need to make any noise and risk getting chucked out. Especially so close to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20=13 ; d20+2=3 ; Friday July 28th, 2017 2:42:05 PM
Lomocia shrinks from the vines and stringy things, glad for her small and almost frail nature. She is in awe of the whole roots system and wonders if this is indeed all natural or if some magics were involved. If it's all natural, this must've taken eons!!!
Sense motive: 13 Knowledge Arcana: 3
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 6:00 (Co-DM Matt) Friday July 28th, 2017 5:38:26 PM Rolth avoids the strings as do a couple others and stands quiet.
Kiwina steps into the sunlight and waits to see if Jaynce says something. You notice that she seems to be a bit giggly as she approaches one of the guards. You don’t sense anything harmful with the dangling strings. Seems to be a natural thing. The guards seem to be very interested in Jaynce but stay still watching the Pedals. One uniformed guard approaches the group, specifically Jaynce, and begins a conversation.
The Eight-Petaled Rose admirably refrains from comment.
“I’m working, Sixaeus,” Jaynce says quietly. “You won’t get in trouble, I promise,” he replies. “I will see you after this. You have to stop trying to talk to me. This is important. I have a child to take care of and I can’t have you ruining everything.” “Ruining everything,” Sixaeus shouts, causing everyone within the area to jump and look. Jaynce stops and tries to continue forward but Sixaeus steps in front. “I can’t have this fight here, Sixaeus. I have to guide these adventurers up to the garden.” “They can wait.” At this point the other guards stir and approach Jaynce, Sixaeus, and the Petals.
“I’ve warned you two before,” says a stern guard with a colorful sash. “Now one of you is going to lose your job. Which of you is responsible?”
Sixaeus quietly but firmly blames Jaynce. She defends herself, but it seems to be a “he-said / she said” situation. The stern guard, a Captain Markus, clearly favors his fellow guard.
“Jaynce,” he says, “you know the rules, and I’m sorry, you should not have started an argument here. Very unprofessional.” Your guide looks close to tears.
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern Friday July 28th, 2017 5:56:23 PM
Sable steps forward, points to Sixaeus, and gives a "Thumbs Down" grimacing - then points to Jaynce and gives a "Thumbs Up", smiling. The entire time - he does not talk. He then gestures to his fellow party members and raises his eyebrows.
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Friday July 28th, 2017 6:03:31 PM
Kiwina will try to silently communicate to the captain that Jaynce is not to blame, holding his hsnd out palm forward, then pointing at Jaynce while shaking his head and Sixaeus while nodding.
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Friday July 28th, 2017 6:03:34 PM
Kiwina will try to silently communicate to the captain that Jaynce is not to blame, holding his hsnd out palm forward, then pointing at Jaynce while shaking his head and Sixaeus while nodding.
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None Friday July 28th, 2017 7:16:34 PM
Rolth dips a finger into an inkpot and writes on his own shield, "Sixaeus' started it, Jaynce professional", adds the symbol of Domi to indicate his honor, and shows it all to the Captain. He is careful that his shield touches nothing when being displayed.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+4=13 ; Saturday July 29th, 2017 1:30:32 PM
Gothruk moves over to the guard called Sixeaus and crosses his large arms while looking down at the centaur. ( I assume he's a centaur seeing as we're on centaur Island)
Intimidate (1D20+4=13)
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20+2=12 ; Saturday July 29th, 2017 2:22:25 PM
Lomocia, seeing someone wrongly blamed and outcast, feels deeply for Jaynce. She hopes that her friend's attempts at non-verbal communication will work but if they don't (perception to get a sense of the mood after the guard sees the group's pleas) she will speak quietly to the approaching guard.
Perception: 12
THIS IS ONLY IF EVERYONE ELSE FAILS AND LOMOCIA GETS THE SENSE THAT JAYNCE WILL BE REMOVED FROM HER POSITION.
"Im sorry sir but as a witness I must confess that Sixeasus started the confrontation. Jaynce was doing a wonderful job of leading us to the garden so we could carry on our quest, when Sixeaus descended and demanded to speak with Jaynce. She refused and here we are. I know that it is against the rules to speak here in he tree, and especially as an outsider I have no right, but I could not bear to see an embassador of this beautiful site to be so wrongfully punished."
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+3=12 ; Saturday July 29th, 2017 4:20:39 PM
While the others are attempting to communicate, Sable will Sense Motive on the guards - 12
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20=11 ; d20+5=25 ; Saturday July 29th, 2017 9:36:29 PM
(sense motive=11, perception=25) Tsak is trying to get his head around the situation. He first focusses on the guard Sixeaus to sense what is behind his change of attitude (sense motive=11) and then broadens his attention to the whole scene including the guide, the other guards and the petals (Perception=25). He feels the other petals have made themselves quite clear within the confines of the rules and doesn't want to provoke the ire of the guards. Potentially this could wait and be straightened out once the rose has been plucked, surely in a matter of hours, if not minutes.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20=20 ; Sunday July 30th, 2017 8:39:27 AM
Finnian, now relieved of his sickness and feeling revitalized after their journey through the root systems, has his senses heightened. He peers out from around his larger companions to get a good look at the situation that is unfolding. "What are these two on about?" he thinks to himself as he tries to determine why they are having this fight, and here of all places. Is it a legitimate quarrel or just another test? [Sense Motive=Natural 20]
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20=3 ; Monday July 31st, 2017 7:04:59 AM
Watching the little drama unfold Falco determines that he will not be one to make a noise although he wonders if the prohibition still holds as it would make their "hosts" something of hypocrites with all the talking they are doing.
He watches quietly looking for any indication that this little drama is part of the quest [Perception: 3 (sigh]
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 7:00 (Co-DM Matt) d20=7 ; d20=1 ; d20=11 ; Monday July 31st, 2017 7:17:49 PM Sable points at Sixaeus and gives a “Thumbs Down” then a “Thumbs Up” to Jaynce followed by Kiwina, Rolth and Gothruk communicating in there own way the Jaynce is not at fault here.
Lomocia thinks about speaking to the guards but her friends seem to of successfully pleaded the case.
Tsak Rezar and Lomocia try to sense anything from the guards but they are tight lipped. Tsak’s perception is keen and he notices that the guards are pretty stern. They are staring forward, but with a good perception you get a sense that they really don’t need to be so tense. It allows you to question why they are this way.
Finnian gets a good sense of the argument. It seems like a legitimate argument. A relationship that's unwise on many levels. You get a sense that something is about to happen.
Falco tries to get any information from the fight but struggles a bit.
-- You notice that some library workers and patrons have surrounded you as this drama unfolds. They are quietly waiting to see what may be happening. The Captain of the Guard takes both Sixeaus and Jaynce aside and talks to them. Perception vs DC: 11 Highlight to display spoiler: { The Captain grills Sixeaus regarding the rules of employment and inappropriate actions. He points to the Petals several times. }
Jaynce sobs. She settles her grief and returns with a tense, professional smile. The Captain dismisses Sixeaus and apologizes. He hands Jaynce a Green Book. She secures the book then urges the Petals to move forward. She then quietly leads the group up the remaining distance to the gate. You are dizzying height off the ground. Jaynce leads you to the gate and hands the Green Book to the dryad. She then turns to the group. “The Green Book has been awarded to the Eight-Petal Roses for the utmost of character while staying silent. They are the first group to receive this award.” Jaynce then begins to explain that the book reveals helpful information on nature within the Gardens. She thanks the group, reminds them to continue following the rules until after they enter the gate. The dryad steps into the gate and it opens. She offers the Green Book to the group on the other side of the gate. (OOC: Who takes the book? Ensure you post that you entered the gateway and you are on the other side before you talk or touch anything. Feel free to ask questions, once you are inside.)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+7=16 ; Monday July 31st, 2017 8:23:21 PM
(Perception = 16)
Kiwina does not break marching order to step inside, and the book will presumably have been handed to another before then. But he does have questions for the dryad once he steps into the garden. Probably too many. The big one has to be, "What challenge do we face in this garden?"
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+7=13 ; Monday July 31st, 2017 8:27:26 PM
Rolth gives the Captain a jaunty, silent salute, then bows to Jaynce. He then waits his turn to enter the gateway, deferring to others to take up the book. When his turn comes, he will enter the gate, and will make sure to avoid speaking or touching anything until after he enters. Meanwhile, he will take a look about, both within and outside the gate, for potential sources of danger or points of interest. (Perception = 13)
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+8=11 ; d20+6=19 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 2:22:40 AM
Sable barely makes out the exchange between the captain and the two centaurs (Perception 11 vs Centaurs), but as he does he smiles at the rest of the Petals and waits until led to the gate. He will wait his turn to go through the gate, if the green book is still there (possible, since he is near the head of the marching order) he will take the book as he is very skilled and interested in Nature.
Once inside, he looks around (Perception 19/21 vs Monstrous Humanoids) and then take a look at the book (if he has it)
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20=20 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 5:45:05 AM
(Perception = 20 Pass for spoiler [forgot to add +5, doesn't matter]) Happy that the situation with the guard and their guide has resolved itself Tsak returns Janyces thanks with a smile and a nod. He assumes that the green book is best left for the hands of Falco or Finnian. Making his way thru the gateway he continues to move a little way in to make sure there's room for everyone on the other side. At that point he'll look around then turn his attention to the dryad to ensure he can hear the inevitable questions from the group and her answers.
Lomocia (BatMark subbing for Koby) Tuesday August 1st, 2017 7:41:28 AM
Lomocia silently enters the gateway in turn. She is greatly tempted to take the book, but sees the gleam in Sable's eye and recalls his deep knowledge of nature displayed in the dungeon garden of the Violet Keep. Thinking back to the many times that she has been misunderstood or cast out before, she restrains her curiosity and defers to Sable with respect to the first look at the Green Book. If an opportunity arises to pass the book around, she will certainly take advantage of it.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20+2=19 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 8:25:16 AM
[Perception: 19]
After smiling at his guard and giving her a little wink Falco nods when Sable takes the book. Nature is not my strong suit despite having a sharp mind. If possible I will also give it a look.
He is no hurry to go though the gate despite the prohibition on talking being lifted, seems better read the book before entering.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+5=11 ; d20+5=14 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 12:58:58 PM
Perception 1D30+5=11=Pass
Gothruk quietly walks through the gate then past the rest of the party as they talk to the dryad or look at the book, he then looks around. "Let's see what we're up against" He thinks to himself.
Perception 1D20+5=14 incase needed.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+6=15 ; d20+4=14 ; d20+6=21 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 12:59:00 PM
[perception=15 pass] Finnian watches the interaction in silence and smiles slightly when it is resolved. He follows the group but when the book is given to Sable he does his best to hide his excitement. "what a treasure," he thinks to himself, "not only can it help us, but im sure it is an invaluable resource and a wealth of knowledge." he does his best to get near the book, even going so far as squeezing passed his companions, temporarily abandoning any pretense that he was once shy around this group. Craining his neck to look at the book in Sable's hands he tries to gleam as much as he can. If the book gets passed around he holds it low so that Falco and the other shorter members of the group can get a good look. [Knowledge Nature=14, Perception=21 for reading and interpreting the book]
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 8:00 (Co-DM Matt) d20=11 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 6:03:23 PM Sable volunteers to handle the Green Book and the dryad is happy to give it to him. The Green book is covered in green leaves with a spine made of wood. It’s designed to look somewhat like a tree. Finnian squeezes close to Sable to get a look.
(OOC: When reading the book, let me know what information you may want to find -- evidently the book responds to your searching intent. A Knowledge (Nature) check will get you the best information. All checks from today will carry over to tomorrow.)
The group walks in. There is a corridor that leads into the Garden. You pass through without incident and the gate closes. Kiwina asks about the challenge for this garden and the dryad points behind you to the destruction at the end of the corridor caused by a large creature. She is otherwise silent, and does not leave the area of the archway.
Before you is a balcony overlooking a huge labyrinth of green hedges. Climbing up the long columns of the balcony are the Marblehorn group. They appear one after the other. Their armor is dented and bloodied. A mage floats and carries a teammate over and places him upon the balcony. The teammate is limp and may be dead or unconscious.
The MarbleHorn group has a rose from the Garden. It pokes out of Alex Marblehorn’s pocket.
“After the fight we had, there’s no way you can even hope to get a rose!” he snarls. “We were lucky to snatch one off the beast and then get out of there!” Alex begins. “Take this advice. Leave this Garden, forget the Rose and concentrate on the last one. This is too hard for beginners like you.”
Heal check DC: 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Their companion is barely alive.}
Perception DC: 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The Marblehorn team, even though far more powerful than you, have used up all their spells in the Garden. They are unable to heal this teammate. Also, you see that the rose the group has acquired does not even look at all like the one you got from the other garden. Are the roses so different in each garden? Or is there more at work here? }
Outside of the MarbleHorn group you are able to see over the ledge of the balcony and into the Garden labyrinth. In the center of the garden is a topiary-shaped like a huge minotaur. The topiary must have been built by a giant, because it stands at least twenty-five foot tall. To the left is a path of destruction as hedges are trampled and other destroyed. A fire burns to the right of the large topiary.
Several smaller topiary are stationed at entrances on the North, East, South and West. Sable, Tsak, Falco only Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice upon the side of topiary several burns but they are soon replaced by roses, also you notice that the hedges are beginning to mend.}
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+1=13 ; d20+6=16 ; d20+6=10 ; d20+4=12 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 6:40:05 PM
Even untrained, Sable notes the sad condition of the Marblehorn's member (Heal Check Untrained = 10). Sharp eyed Sable takes note of the other party's spoils and quickly takes a look at the topiary's roses to see if they are a match (Perception on Team = 16/18 vs Monstrous Humanoids and Perception 10 vs Topiary).
"The other team looks like they are tapped out of magic, with no way to heal their injured teammate - we may want to give them a hand."
But then Sable remembers the book in his hands, maybe there is wisdom there concerning the Topiary (Knowledge Nature - 12 (not adding any book bonuses)).
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern Tuesday August 1st, 2017 6:41:09 PM
Not sure of what he has found, Sable will share hold the book so the others might easily read it and flip through its pages...
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+2=22 ; d20+7=10 ; d20+1=18 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 7:49:30 PM
Rolth looks over the wounds of the Marblehorn party, both to discern their condition and see if he can figure out how they were injured. (Heal = 22) He agrees with Sable, "That one is in really bad shape."
He then takes a wider look around, but apparently is still distracted by the sight of the mangled Marblehorn companion. (Perception = 10) Seeing little of immediate interest, he looks over Sable's shoulder at the book to see if he can help out. (Knowledge Nature untrained = 18(10) success in aiding Sable, making Sable's Knowledge Nature 14 so far)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+7=14 ; d20+7=21 ; d20+7=26 ; Tuesday August 1st, 2017 8:25:00 PM
(Heal and perception rolls = 14, 21 respectively)
Kiwina offers non-magical assistance to heal the injured taur (roll = 26), and says to the Marblehorn group, "I don't understand. Luomi-Juova gave me the impression that we would not be in a straight-up fight. If I may ask, what did you find in the garden?"
Kiwina also notes to himself that this group has somehow made it to Centaur Isle as quickly as the Petals did. The Dahlia was still in port when the Herald "sailed," and Marblehorn's group had not yet gotten a rose at Castle Violet when the Petals left. He finds this confusing.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+5=7 ; d20+5=18 ; Wednesday August 2nd, 2017 5:34:20 AM
[Heal check=7 F, Perception check=18 P] Tsak takes note of the other team, and the strange rose that they have won, but decides to mention nothing till the petals are alone. He is hopeful that the green book will give them aid so that the rose from this maze might be won without a fight.
"If I had a way to help their injured member I would but my magic is not suited for that. Once they are gone we should discuss a bit, I may have noticed something."
[OOC: I will not be able to post the next two days, GM's have been notified via email and I will send an email to the team]
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20=19 ; d20+5=24 ; d20+5=16 ; d20+5=23 ; Wednesday August 2nd, 2017 11:30:31 AM
Heal 1D20=19=Pass Perception 1D20+5=24=Pass
Gothruk studies the beast, especially it's reaction to fire. Perception 1D20+5=16 He also wants to look for any roses that are similar to the rose we already have. Perhaps the beast is guarding them on or in it's body? Perception = 23 This could be a show of strength as the other was a show of speed but hopefully it is not. I feel like the only way we could get around the beast would be if it had an overwhelming weakness. Maybe it dislikes fire? Perhaps it will let us pass if we tell a good joke. Tsak maybe you should go in and tell it something funny. Any information the book could supply would be of great help
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20=5 ; d20+6=20 ; Wednesday August 2nd, 2017 1:19:39 PM
[heal=5 fail, perception 20 pass] Finnian notices the same things the others have and it certainly makes him worried about what this garden has hidden in it. He takes a look at the book trying to find information on the creature that apparently tore the other group to shreds. [does my knowledge from yesterday carry over, if so Knowledge Nature 14 and perception 21 to find information in the book]
"If a stealthly approach to this garden is possible perhaps I, or some of us smaller types could scout the garden, or help out in that way. Finnian says hopeing to avoid a fight with whatever beat up the Marblehorns
Lomocia sees the while alive, the fallen competitor is in grave danger. She looks for a way over to the member in order to possibly help heal.
Rose Quest Day 15 at 8 PM (Co-DM Cayzle) Second Garden Wednesday August 2nd, 2017 10:22:16 PM
Rolth deduces that the injured fellow from the other team has been likely slammed on the ground several times.
Gothruk, Lomocia, Falco, and Sable notice that the other team is out of magic and express their sympathy.
Kiwina offers to treat the taur for his wounds but the Marblehorn team confer, then proudly say that they will care for their own. He is stable anyway.
Kiwina says, "I don't understand. Luomi-Juova gave me the impression that we would not be in a straight-up fight. If I may ask, what did you find in the garden?"
Alex looks at the centaur, his face worn, and says, “Whatever would give you that impression?”
He then adds, “But … I too was under the impression that this taurnament was going to be easy. Nothing like this.” He is pointing to the stationary topiary in the center of the Garden.
A few offer suggestions but mostly stay quiet as the Marblehorn team makes their way to the Garden gate. As the other team departs, you notice that the garden hedges, flower bed, and the massive topiary at the center all regrow magically fast. Soon you cannot tell there was a combat here moments ago.
Now alone on the balcony, the team looks at the Green Book, looking especially for anything on the Giant Topiary -- which now looks like it has been grown into the shape of a giant green bear with little red dots. Note that it is not very easy to see entirely clearly over the hedges. You have not yet looked closely at anything in the garden.
The book tells the story of a similar plant creature, formerly a prince of Farungia, who was captured by a powerful bloodwitch named Carlyn and turned into a topiary. “It is said,” adds the anonymous author of the Green Book. “That the prince was frightened of fire.”
You are on the balcony. There is a 20 ft drop to the garden proper. A large ivy grows in the urn and trails down. Five ft per square.
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+7=19 ; Wednesday August 2nd, 2017 11:00:28 PM
Kiwina looks at the archway, where the dryad remained, to see what she is doing, wondering if they may still ask questions. The Petals were not informed of a time limit, and he is in no hurry to fight.
"Luomi-Juova said the race is not to the swift, nor to the powerful, nor even to the lucky, but it may well go to the clever. Even those less sharp of eye and mind may prevail where the mighty may fail. We should be able to outwit this maze, not out-fight it." While others study the book, Kiwina will study the garden from the balcony, looking for roses. He tells the group what he sees.
(Perception = 19)
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+6=12 ; d20+4=9 ; Thursday August 3rd, 2017 3:22:46 AM
Sable also scans the grounds and in doing so, leverages his knowledge of the natural world. (Perception 12, Knowledge Nature 9)
Sable also thinks back - did the rose the Marblehorns have match those in the garden or topiary?
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+7=21 ; Thursday August 3rd, 2017 7:24:09 AM
Rolth comments, "Well, let us take stock of our resources. If only we had a fire cloak and wheelbarrow! In any case, we do have the Potion of Speak with Plants that we received back on Minotaur Isle. That might let us negotiate with the Prince of Plants. Does anyone know more of his story, that might give us clues to help such talks? Also, in case we do get injured, recall that I have a potion of healing right here in my belt pouch." Rolth will load his Squirt Vial with alchemical fire, just in case we do need a flamethrower. He then joins Sable in examining the garden, looking for the right kind of rose to complete this quest. (Perception = 21)
Falco Ambersier (BatMark subbing for Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: None d20+8=19 ; Thursday August 3rd, 2017 7:31:40 AM
Falco tries to remember the story of the Prince of Farungia, and will relate whatever he can recall, particularly regarding the potential reversal of this curse and things that the Prince valued in his former life. (Knowledge Local = 19)
Falco suggests that the party might be able use the anything potions to cast Mage Hand, if we need to pluck a rose from a distance. "But you will need to be within about 25 feet."
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None Thursday August 3rd, 2017 7:53:26 AM
Once the petals are alone Tsak will let the others know that he noticed The rose that the Marblehorn group had was distinctly different to the rose that we got from the previous maze. He will also direct his attention to the book, seeking to find out if the roses that grow on the topiary are indeed their target or are there other roses, maybe less obvious in the maze? He's also looking for any information as to what might set the beast in motion, wandering if he would be able to perform a reconnaissance of a flower bed without setting it off if he didn't get too close? Lastly,If it comes to fighting then perhaps fire is our best friend as it seems the garden is capable of repairing itself.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+4=11 ; d20+6=10 ; Thursday August 3rd, 2017 9:19:54 AM
Finnian listens to the others and chimes in once and a while agreeing with Tsak that the rose was indeed different. He thinks about how wonderful it would be to speak with the plants, but also knows that he has not the diplomatic affinity to really take advantage of it. "I would just want to know what it's like to be a plant. Perhaps I can ask whoever drinks it to ask them a couple of questions for me," he thinks to himself as he gazes out over the vast garden. "This place is beautiful, don't you think?" he says to no one in particular but glances over to Sable and sees that he too is lookong out over the garden. He contemplates what he sees, but very little, if any, new knowledge comes to him and he resigns to just enjoy the view. [nature=11, perception=10]
"I hope that we don't have to use fire, even though it seems to regrow at an alarming rate, it would be a shame to soil this garden," he adds, turning back to the group with thw hint of a smile on his face.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Thursday August 3rd, 2017 11:44:48 AM I feel we should try to find the roses first. If someone feels like they'd be able to sneak up on the beast to check the flower beds or it's body for the rose that would be a great help. Though some plants can feel vibrations through the earth, and if this one's does, it would make that approach very difficult. That it fears fire is good to know, though I cannot think of a safe way to test the validity of this information from safety. If no one's else has any better ideas then I will see if I can light a branch on fire and move towards the monster. If it charges then I'll have to run.
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) Thursday August 3rd, 2017 2:17:21 PM
Lomocia would like to cast her level 0 spell "Detect Magic" on the topiary in the middle. She's looking for regenerative powers as well as any sort of magical sentience. Basically she wants to see if something is controlling the topiary from somewhere else. She does not step off the balcony nor do anything to initiate a combat round.
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 8:10 PM (Co-DM Matt) Thursday August 3rd, 2017 7:53:58 PM Sable and Kiwina looks to find the dryad, but she left with the other group and the gate is completely closed. He then studies the Garden from the balcony.
Rolth comments, "Well, let us take stock of our resources. If only we had a fire cloak and wheelbarrow! In any case, we do have the Potion of Speak with Plants that we received back on Minotaur Isle. That might let us negotiate with the Prince of Plants. Does anyone know more of his story, that might give us clues to help such talks? Also, in case we do get injured, recall that I have a potion of healing right here in my belt pouch." He then loads a vial with alchemical fire.
Falco tries to recall the story of the Prince. He recalls that the Prince was doomed to wander the great swamps north of Osto, an area too dangerous for everyday travel by far. He suggests using the Anything potion to cast Mage Hand.
Tsak Rezar tells the others about the rose the Marblehorn group had. He finds within the Green Book, the Prince spurned the advances of the Blood Witch. Carlyn added a reminder of that wrong by forcing flowers to grow throughout his body. Regarding the question on setting the beast in motion, nothing exists within the pages.
The Green Book has many stories and much plant lore. Using it, you can identify the hedges and the flowers in theie beds. They are natural plants commonkly found, though they look exceptionally well tended and healthy. The book does not help you identify the bushes located at BC-BD-31-32 or the bushes at R-T-25-27. Nothing like those appears in the book.
Note that the high hedges offer the topiary creature cover, which does not help you study it.
Finnian ponders several questions while commenting on the beautiful Garden and adding that he does not want to destroy it.
Gothruk comments, “I feel we should try to find the roses first. If someone feels like they'd be able to sneak up on the beast to check the flower beds or its body for the rose that would be a great help. Though some plants can feel vibrations through the earth, and if this one's does, it would make that approach very difficult. That it fears fire is good to know, though I cannot think of a safe way to test the validity of this information from safety. If no one's else has any better ideas then I will see if I can light a branch on fire and move towards the monster. If it charges then I'll have to run.”
Lomocia would like to cast Detect Magic on the topiary but would have to be closer and would have to step from the balcony to do that.
---
You cannot see much more from the balcony [OOC: Honestly, your DMs have already been quite generous with the detail you have noticed from this distance.]
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Thursday August 3rd, 2017 9:15:00 PM
Kiwina is really reluctant to climb up a 5' rail to go down 20' into a maze full of narrow passages with a monster. So before making the climb down, he rears up for a quick look at the top of the 10' pedestal here on the balcony with the petals. He tells the others is willing to lift one of the smaller party members onto the pedestal if they want a different vantage.
[OOC by Cayzle: deleted duplicate posts.]
Falco Ambersier (BatMark subbing for Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: None d20+2=22 ; Friday August 4th, 2017 7:05:14 AM
Falco takes up Kiwina in his offer to boost up a smaller party member onto the pedestal. When he clambers up, he will first look over the edge at what might be up there, before actually climbing atop it. He will also examine it closely for any writing or other clues, and feel around for anything invisible that might be atop it. If needed, he will use Prestidigitation to gently remove any dirt or lichens that might be covering up any clues. Having done that, he will look out into the garden from this higher perch, to see whether something else might be revealed from that angle. (Perception = 22)
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None Friday August 4th, 2017 7:16:19 AM
Rolth wonders whether we have checked the book for all relevant information, since it seems to be serving up pages in response to our interests. To those holding the book he asks, "Does it say anything about whether we or the topiary can pass through sections of the hedges? How about locations of roses specifically? Also, although it does not identify the plants at certain sections, does it suggest what might normally be in those locations? How about traps?"
In response to Gothruk's offer to light a branch on fire. Rolth suggests that they not be the ones to start any confrontation, perhaps saving such tactics for when the topiary begins to move or act against us.
Rolth asks to be given the potion of speak with plants, since he is most charming of all the Petals :)
Otherwise, Rolth is out of clever ideas, to the extent that he had any, and barring any new clues, thinks we should start by investigating the nearest shrubs that seem out of place, then moving to the far one. Alternately, we could split up and try for both such locations quickly. "Thoughts?", he asks the party.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Friday August 4th, 2017 8:18:01 AM How would we get down and up again? Gothruk says looking over the side. (He's trying to see how hard it would be to climb up.) Does anyone have rope?
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) Friday August 4th, 2017 3:04:40 PM
Lomocia and Finnian talk about possibly having Finnian sneak down into the garden to get a different vantage point.
"I could cast mage hand on you Finnian and carry you down into the garden. This would likely make less noise than you trying to jump down. What do you say?"
If Finnian is content with the plan then Lomocia will walk over to the edge of the balcony and prepare to lower Finnian down.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None Friday August 4th, 2017 5:54:34 PM
Tsak, being comfortable with climbing and quite light on his feet would be happy to climb quietly down to have a look around or act as a decoy. It would be good if some petals could stay up top to offer warnings if the topiary starts to move.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+6=14 ; Friday August 4th, 2017 6:22:21 PM
Finnian will wait until Falco is no longer on the pedestal and instead discusses how to get down with Lomocia and inspect the urn in the corner. [Perception=14]
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+6=24 ; Friday August 4th, 2017 6:32:13 PM
Sable says, "I can easily lift you over the hedge, if you like. Also, there seems to be an urn here at the corner that might be handy.".
Sable takes a hard look at the urn, Perception 24.
Sable awaits an answer for his offer, and will help Finnian across.
"Any one have a way to make Finnian invisible or silent?"
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 8:20 PM (Co-DM Matt) Friday August 4th, 2017 8:56:40 PM Kiwina is reluctant about climbing up and over the balcony. He offers to lift someone onto the pedestal for a different vantage. Falco Searches the side of the balcony for clues. He finds with a little climbing skill, he may be able to mount the side of the balcony and make his way down. There is nothing invisible atop the pedestal and there is no more dirt than usual. Rolth asks, "Does it say anything about whether we or the topiary can pass through sections of the hedges? How about locations of roses specifically? Also, although it does not identify the plants at certain sections, does it suggest what might normally be in those locations? How about traps?" Rolth suggests to Gothruk that they wait on starting any trouble and asks for the Speak with Plants potion. He then asks for suggestions. Gothruk asks for rope and wondering about climbing back up. Lomocia suggests using mage hand on Finnian to carry him down to the Garden. Tsak Rezar feels comfortable climbing and suggests that some stay on the balcony. Finnian and Sable look into the urn Sable says, "I can easily lift you over the hedge, if you like. Also, there seems to be an urn here at the corner that might be handy." and then asks if anyone could make Finnian invisible or silent.
----- There is are vines hanging from the large columns on the corners of the balcony and a fragile looking lattice between the columns. Falco currently has the best view of that end of balcony. Falco only Highlight to display spoiler: { Looking down you notice a lattice, broken from a few attempts to climb and descend before you. It’s relatively safe. The vines seem a safer bet but only slightly. } There is nothing too alarming about the urn, unless you count that it has large ivy vines growing from it. It does seem like the urn could of been placed there. On the other side of the balcony is another urn with similar ivy vines. (OOC: Once you’re ready to climb roll a Climb check to see how successful you are.)
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+3=10 ; Saturday August 5th, 2017 2:17:11 PM
Rolth suggests fixing a rope in each corner (I6 and B12), the latter using Kiwina's block and tackle. This will give us two relatively easy (rope + perpendicular walls typically is DC 0) ways up and down, in addition to the vines in the other urn. The block and tackle would also help lift out anyone who gets knocked out.
Barring objections, Rolth will tie off his rope in I6, but not drop the end down until the rest of the party is ready to move. He agrees that Finnian should go down to scout, and will descend himself to act as a protector at the balcony's base if it looks like Finnian is going to be engaged while trying to climb back up if things go wrong. (Climb check = 10, if needed as described above)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20=9 ; Saturday August 5th, 2017 9:50:48 PM
Kiwina helps Rolth set up the ropes, providing the block and tackle and 50' of rope for one corner (B12). Following Rolth's lead, he will wait until everyone is ready before dropping the ends down. He waits on the balcony until the rest of the party is down before attempting to climb down himself. (climb = 9)
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+7=17 ; d20+7=18 ; d20+6=22 ; Sunday August 6th, 2017 10:40:01 AM
When everything is in place Finnian checks that his bow is strung and that his arrows are easily accessed. Then without too much thought he leaps over the edge and grabs onto the rope [B12] and shimmies down quickly [Climb=17]. When he gets there he doesn't say a word to anyone but silently makes his way to the flower beds.[moving towards K23] He moves as quietly as he can but maybe it's his nerves playing tricks on him, but he feels like at least he can hear every one of his footfalls [Stealth 18] Finnian keeps his eyes peeled for danger and for signs on the roses that they need. [Perception 22]
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+5=7 ; Sunday August 6th, 2017 9:44:58 PM
Gothruk keeps guard above, he dosn't think it's a good idea to go down himself but keeps a weary eye out for any threats towards Finnian. Perception 1D20+5=7
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern Monday August 7th, 2017 1:48:57 AM
Sable gets out his climbing kit to help, he will descend it it looks like Finnian appears to get in trouble - but does not want to go down and stir things up until then. He will wait by one of the ropes so he has the shortest route down.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+7=16 ; d20+5=15 ; Monday August 7th, 2017 4:08:40 AM
[Climb=16, Perception=15] Tsak will climb down the rope to the base of the balcony at I6 where he will wait, listening intently and peering toward where he remembers the topiary to be, to see what happens next.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20+3=8 ; d20+2=20 ; Monday August 7th, 2017 10:08:47 AM
Falco joins the others in climbing down as his normal he keeps to the back of the group. {Climb: 8}
Once at the bottom he nervously watches for any threat that they have not already seen. {Perception: 20}
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20+1=15 ; d20+2=10 ; d20+2=10 ; Monday August 7th, 2017 4:14:28 PM
Lomocia will also use one of the anchored ropes to climb down, staying with Falco at the back of the group.
Climb: 14 (Error, should not be +1) Perception: 10 Stealth: 10
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 8:30 PM (Co-DM Matt) Monday August 7th, 2017 8:31:44 PM Rolth suggests fixing a rope and using Kiwina’s block and tackle to head down the 20 foot descent. Kiwina helps set up the rope and tackle then they drop the rope.
Lomocia and Finnian climb down relatively easily.
Tsak Rezar climbs down the 20 foot drop and waits? Falco has a little bit more trouble climbing down as he has to find a new way to climb down to miss the hole. All of you are 7.5 feet down the lattice hanging onto the rope.
Gothruk and Sable keep guard above the others but everything is a bit hazy.
Kiwina and Rolth wait till someone makes it to the ground.
(OOC: Koby can you add a link to your heading for easy reference. If you don’t know how let the DMs know)
-----
Perception of your surrounding gives you the ominous feeling of someone watching you but when you look everything is still outside of the occasional bird and small creature.
(OOC: You will need to roll another climb check to descend the rest of the way but Note: You can also “Take 10”, if you choose. You are in no immediate danger. This will pass the check and you can make a double move. You will then be on the ground, and combat rounds will begin.)
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+7=23 ; Monday August 7th, 2017 9:58:59 PM
Rolth goes into hunter mode, keeping a keen eye out from the balcony, watching for movement from the topiary Prince or any other potential threats or opportunities to emerge. (Perception = 23) He is surprised that so many have decided to descend at this point, but decides to wait another round at the top to see what transpires when Finnian moves off to scout. Tsak can presumably protect the squishies for a round...
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Monday August 7th, 2017 10:17:20 PM
Kiwina readies his sling as he watches from his cofner of yhe balcony.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+5=13 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 5:04:34 AM
Tsak will 'take 10' and finish climbing to the ground. As he gets to the bottom he will jump one square to J7 and bend down to place his hand on the ground to feel for any vibrations as well as trying to see thru the gap in the hedges toward W20 looking for movement from the topiary [Perception = 13]
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Tuesday August 8th, 2017 7:06:21 AM
Gothruk will continue looking from above wishing good luck for his companions. He takes his Flint and Steel out of his backpack incase they're needed.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20+9=24 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 11:04:28 AM
Falcon takes his time getting to the floor (take 10) and will follow behind the others doing is best to stay unseen.
(Stealth: 24)
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) Tuesday August 8th, 2017 12:58:56 PM
(OCC I'm on mobile right now, but I'll fix the link when I get home tonight! Sorry for the delay!)
Lomocia takes her time to get down (takes 10) and positions herself next to Tsak at K7. She readied the healing potion she has (from her mentor).
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+7=20 ; d20+6=18 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 3:18:34 PM
Finnian continues down taking it a bit slower [take 10 on climb] and stealths toward the flower bed. I think I can get to G16
OOC if you need a new stealth-20 and perception-18 if not just keep the other ones they are pretty close to my old ones
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+6=9 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 5:17:08 PM
Sable keeps a keen eye out for trouble, his unwavering gaze sweeping the toposcape - nothing escapes his notice, nothing will surprise his little buddy, not one leaf out of place...Hey, is that a hang nail? (Perception 9)
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 8:40 PM (Co-DM Matt) d20=5 ; d20=11 ; d20=14 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 9:30:30 PM Kiwina, Rolth, Gothruk and Sable watch from the balcony another round Tsak Rezar lands on the ground and jumps to square J7. He feels the ground for any vibrations and watches to see if the topiary moves Falco hits the ground and hides. Lomocia walks to K7 and readies a healing potion. Finnian Heads stealthily to the flower beds around G16
---- Tsak checks the ground but it’s still. Above your head you notice large birds circling. Smaller birds sit upon the large hedges watch then leave. Ahead of you are a pair of smaller humanoid topiaries. A woman, dressed as a witch, and a Prince sculpted with arms outstretched to each other. A sign says, “Welcome to the Garden of Caryln” Perception vs DC 14 Highlight to display spoiler: { Beneath the Title is a smaller inscription. “This is a recreation of the actual Garden of Caryln” signed taurnament Gamemaster. } The hedges are 15 foot tall. The tallest centaur or a liontaur on it’s paws may be able to see the very top of the topiary. It’s still stationery.
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+3=23 ; d20+7=18 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 10:16:47 PM
Rolth sighs at the lack of action, suggests that at least one of the others remain on the balcony to watch the topiary, and moves down his rope to the garden. (Double move, 1st climb check = 10, 2nd climb check = 23, which with his speed of 50' should be enough to get all the way down). On his way down, he whispers to those at the base of the balcony to make some room for him to land. (Falco and Lomocia would need to move at least to row 8.). He then takes a fresh look around to see what else is going on. (Perception = 18)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20+7=16 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 10:41:15 PM
Still in no hurry to make a climb, Kiwina says that he is willing to keep an eye out from the balcony. (perception = 16) He will also assist others if they wish to be lowered.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+5=23 ; d20+7=20 ; Tuesday August 8th, 2017 10:51:29 PM
(Perception for spoiler = 23 Pass, Stealth=20)) Tsak is awed by Finnian's stealth, the guy sure is in the zone. I wander how high he'd jump if I threw a pine cone at him from behind? Focus Tsak! Tsak will move very quietly and slowly from J7 to J10 then again take stock, listening and checking for vibrations.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20+2=15 ; d20+9=14 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 1:49:36 AM
Falco trys to stay hidden and waits to see where Tsak and the others are heading. I hope my small stature will allow me to stay hidden. At least I can be a suprise if we are forced to fight. Stay above would keep me too far to be much use.
[perception: 15] [Stealth:14]
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Wednesday August 9th, 2017 8:24:18 AM
Gothruk is content to watch from above. It's no good someone of his size tand weight trying to sneak around a maze.
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) Wednesday August 9th, 2017 3:11:22 PM
Lomocia moves up to J9 to make room for Rolth. She notices the small inscription under the title plate. She wonders why they stand in a replica garden rather than the real thing.
Percpetion: 15
(OOC: Yep finally got the link to work, thanks Mark!)
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+5=19 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 6:48:58 PM
Sable is also surprised so many have decided to climb down, he will await up top to support a retreat - hoping that we have not interfered with the stealth approach of the others. He will begin to fashion an adjustable fast harness with his rope in order to be able to quickly hall an unconscious body back up the hedge, if needed. (Survival 19/21 if Climbing Kit can be used in this endeavor)
Finnian glances at the topiaries but continues on quietly. Moving up to the hedge he peers around at the flower bed. [I20]
[stealth=21]
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 8:50 PM (Co-DM Matt) d20=4 ; d20=6 ; d20=1 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 9:28:05 PM Rolth sighs and suggests at least one person stays on the balcony and leaps off the balcony. He hopes the others move so he can land. Tsak Rezar is wowed by Finnian’s stealth and then moves to J10 Falco tries to stay hidden Lomocia moves to J9 and wonders about the garden. Finnian looks at the topiaries but continues quietly to I20 Sable, Kiwina and Gothruk stay in the balcony and watch for trouble. Sable readies a Climbing Kit, just in case. ---- The group begins to slowly search the hedge maze. Many mill around beneath the balcony. Finnian takes the first look at the Flower garden and finds it. The garden had rows and rows or colored daisies surrounding another topiary of a hopeful princess waiting for her love. Sense Motive vs DC 6 Highlight to display spoiler: { You are getting an increasing sense of someone watching you. Something bad. }
And ... The Map! (OOC: I pasted Cayzle’s map on a Google spreadsheet. It’s still a work in progress. I apologize but things have gotten away from me today.)
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20=2 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+7=21 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 9:42:26 PM
(Sense Motive=2, Perception=23, Stealth=21) Tsak barely notices the garden bed near Finnian, a statue of some girl and flowers that aren't roses so not the target of the mission. He moves quietly to N11 continuing to take extreme care, mindful of what happened to the previous party.
[OOC: wasn't sure if the sense motive was for all of us or just Finnian, I guessed the former but in typical Tsak style it doesn't really matter with that roll]
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20-2=14 ; d20+2=5 ; d20+7=21 ; Wednesday August 9th, 2017 9:51:26 PM
Rolth moves as quietly as he can down to J/K-15/16, where he can try to keep an eye out for Finnian and be prepared to cover a retreat if needed. (Stealth = 14) He tries to make sense of the flower garden, but must be too far away. (Sense Motive = 5) He shrugs and returns his attention to watching out for threats. (Perception = 21)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Thursday August 10th, 2017 7:04:26 AM
On the balcony, Kiwina asks, "Sable, do you still have the book?" Although he is not sure what to use it for yet, he thinks it should be ready for quick reference. He continues to watch down below.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None Thursday August 10th, 2017 8:05:22 AM
That's a good idea, Gothruk thinks. If Sable does still have the book he'll take it and look up information on the topiary. The other mentioned sonething about a dislike of fire and some prince cursed by a witch?
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered d20=14 ; d20+9=29 ; Thursday August 10th, 2017 8:11:23 AM
[Perception: 14] Feeling eyes on him Falco does his best to blend and remain unseen [Stealth: 29]. He finds a spot to remain hidden and will only advance if there is a problem.
Finnian feels the eyes watching him and they don't seem to be friendly eyes. He knows that he must go on and so pushes further toward the topiary. I dont like this, but I cant show my fear. He moves forward but stumbles over himself and makes some noise. [stealth=11] He seems too worried about the noise to notice much either. [perception=7...]
[Im on my phone, but Im thinking N22 or there abouts]
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20+3=23 ; d20+2=10 ; Thursday August 10th, 2017 4:57:53 PM
Lomocia continues to wait for something to happen. She can't help but feel like something might pop out the hedges and is on constant alert. She also does her best to remain silent if not hidden.
Sense Motive: 23 Stealth: 10
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+1=14 ; d20+4=13 ; Thursday August 10th, 2017 5:06:11 PM
Sable also senses unwanted attention (Sense Motive 14) and takes the book out to see if there might be mention of plants that can "see" (Knowledge Nature - 13).
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 9:00 PM (Co-DM Matt) d20=19 ; d20=16 ; d20=7 ; Thursday August 10th, 2017 8:53:32 PM Tsak moves to N11 quietly. (OOC: Feel free to look at spoilers. If it’s specific I usually note it )
Rolth moves quietly to J/K-15/16 and keeps an eye on Finnian.
Falco finds a place to hide.
Lomocia and Finnian feel a bit uneasy. Finnian stumbles but settles on N22. The sudden action caused the sudden sound of a thousand wings beating around you.
Perception vs DC 7 Highlight to display spoiler: {Above you is an eruption of ten birds suddenly flying off into the clouds. They had been watching from the hedge.}
Watching from the balcony, Kiwina asks Sable about the Green book. Gothruk asks for the book but. Sable searches for a mention of plants that can see. It does mention the Topiary has very good vision.
---
Cayzle’s map due a bit later …
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+7=20 ; Thursday August 10th, 2017 9:41:00 PM
"Birds, why did it have to be birds...Wait!" Rolth thinks, "birds into the clouds. The poem mentioned clouds. Are we looking in the wrong place?" He looks up into the clouds where the birds flew, checking carefully for signs of a rose up there. (Perception = 20) Deciding that hiding is not his forte, he calls up in a normal voice to Sable, "See what the book says about the clouds."
Rose Quest Day 15 at 9 PM (Co-DM Cayzle) Second Garden Thursday August 10th, 2017 10:26:13 PM
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+6=24 ; d20+4=7 ; Friday August 11th, 2017 1:47:32 AM
Sable, watches the birds fly up into the clouds (Perception 24). Hearing Rolth and after examining the clouds, he looks through the book for mention of the clouds and roses... (Nature 7)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Friday August 11th, 2017 7:04:42 AM
Kiwina continues to watch from the balcony.
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+5=25 ; Friday August 11th, 2017 7:13:04 AM
Perception 1D20+5=25 A plant with very good sight Gothruk mutters, that'd have to be a first.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+5=9 ; d20+7=19 ; d20+5=18 ; Friday August 11th, 2017 8:01:43 AM
[Perception (spoiler)=9, Stealth=19, Perception (surroundings)=18] Tsak moves to P13 and looks around to take stock of the situation, trying to drink everything in and live in just this moment - what is the secret of this garden and how may it be beaten with wits and not a fight?
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Recovered Friday August 11th, 2017 10:56:47 AM
Falco holds his position while reviewing his current spell list.
"I wounder if Color Spray will be enough to slow and attacker if we get the rose and must retreat.
[ooc: Not sure if I need a stealth roll to maintain a hiding position.]
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+6=21 ; d20+6=14 ; d20+7=13 ; Friday August 11th, 2017 12:20:33 PM
Finnian jolts looking up and pulling back the cord of his bow, but it was just birds. Just birds watching me, that's all, just birds. he carefully moves up to the next hedge and examines that. R24
[stealth=13,perception =14]
Ooc i am clearly saving my good rolls for moving round that last hedge.
With the eruption of birds, Lomocia decides that she does not want to be too near the hedges in case anything else decides to come out and play. She moved a few feet over to K12, still near the back of the pack, but no longer adjacent to the strange hedges.
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 9:00 PM (Co-DM Matt) d20=11 ; Friday August 11th, 2017 9:04:07 PM Rolth wonders about the birds and asks Sable to look in the book but the book mentions nothing about the birds and you suddenly notice that you are in the clouds. The big puffy cotton balls float all around you. Tsak and Falco think strategy as Tsak moves to P13 and wonders about the secret to the garden. Finnian jolts awake and is about to shoot when he realizes it’s just birds. (R24) The birds do shake up a couple of you. Lomocia decides to avoid the hedges and moved to K12. Kiwina continues to watch from the balcony as Gothruk mutters about the plant with good eyesight. --- Within the garden is another scene. Within the closest hedges are a dramatic scene of the witch arguing with the Prince. The Prince stares at another woman sculpted on the right side of the hedges. The long flower bed between S15 - BC18 are grown in diagonal rows of darkening colors. The flowers grow in height being nearly two foot tall at the end. As you creep closer, your senses start to perk up, but still nothing is moving within the garden. The birds above you circle and slowly begin to settle back upon the hedges. Something within the garden begins to move. Everyone on the ground can hear it but it then goes away. From the balcony only: Perception vs DC 11 Highlight to display spoiler: { You notice the very top of the topiary in the center of the garden. It’s hard to tell because it happened quickly but it looked like it moved. It possibly swatted at something, maybe a bird. }
Rose Quest Day 15 at 9 PM (Co-DM Cayzle) Second Garden Friday August 11th, 2017 10:58:25 PM
Two Extra Points This Round!
(1) Tsak is now in line of sight with the Topiary! He can see it clearly. Can it see him? Tsak has Stealth 19 and is 100 ft away, so that's a distance bonus of +10. It would take a Perception check of 29 to spot Tsak, and the Topiary has a +8, so even on a nat 20 the plant creature would not see our hero.
(2) Finnian inspects the hedge south of him and deduces something is odd with it. Do you touch it?
Also, per Falco's question, there is no harm in rolling stealth and perception each round.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None d20+7=9 ; d20+5=19 ; d20+5=10 ; Saturday August 12th, 2017 3:51:50 AM
[Stealth=9, Perception=19, Survival=10] Tsak moves to Q16 so that he can see both the Topiary and Finnian. Once there he checks the ground to see if there are any tracks or other signs as to what might be moving within the garden (Perception check for general awareness, survival check specifically for tracks/signs)
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None d20+7=24 ; Saturday August 12th, 2017 6:47:30 PM
Rolth moves down to KL22-23 (move action), squeezing where necessary, and drawing his flamethrower as he moves (yay, +1 BAB). Once there, he will also get out the Speak with Plants potion (2nd move action), so he is prepared to burn or blab as needed. He surveys the situation from this vantage, looking for threats and Taurnament roses. (Perception = 24)
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None Sunday August 13th, 2017 4:21:41 PM
Kiwinda doesn't like the layout of this garden, with such narrow paths. He prepares to descend from the balcony to I6 on the following round.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+4=23 ; d20+4=23 ; d20+6=7 ; Sunday August 13th, 2017 4:40:41 PM
Finnian notices that something is different about this hedge and inspects it, taking a closer look, but careful not to touch it. "It could bite after all"
[Knowledge Nature and Arcana =23]
While he does this he completely disregards his surroundings [perception=7... Natural 1]
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d20+5=14 ; d20+5=9 ; Sunday August 13th, 2017 5:52:29 PM
Perception 1D20+5=14=success
Gothruk keeps an eye out from the balcony. Perception = 9
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern d20+6=11 ; d20+4=16 ; Sunday August 13th, 2017 6:44:20 PM
Perception (11) - Sable glances up from the book just in time to notice something.
Sable whispers to those nearby, "Hey guys, that topiary just moved - it swatted at something..."
Sable continues to peruse the books, looking to see where its description differs from that of the garden he observes as he looks out. [Knowledge Nature - 16]
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Mage Armor AC17 d20+9=24 ; Monday August 14th, 2017 8:30:44 AM
[stealth: 24]
Falco remains hidden where he is with the intention of using Color Spray to cover a team retreat. He does cast Mage Armor to increase is survival odds.
Lomocia wishes she had a line of sight on Finnian, but doesn't want to risk being so exposed. In fact she can't help but feel exposed in this maze of hedges and is quite unnerved.
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - 10:00 PM (Co-DM Matt) Monday August 14th, 2017 8:38:00 PM Tsak moves to Q16 to see the Topiary and Finnian. He checks the ground for tracks but remembers that the Garden rebuilt itself after the last group so there will be nothing on the ground.
Rolth moves to KL22-23 and draws his flamethrower. [OOC: More information on this “flamethrower” of yours, please. I do see torches ... let me know if I missed something.] He also prepares to use the Speak with Plants potion. Rolth, do you step into the flowerbed, and if so, are you careful to avoid trampling flowers?
Kiwina prepares to descend the balcony (OOC: Reminder to roll climb check, and you can choose to take 10 for one of them.)
Finnian inspects the hedge carefully. The hedge, visually looks normal but as you inspect it you notice a shimmy. Why would a hedge have a shimmy? Would it look different from another angle? What would happen if you touch it?
Falco remains hidden and cast some defensive spells.
Gothruk watches from the balcony.
Sable shouts about the topiary moving then returns to the book.
Tsak only Highlight to display spoiler: {With careful observation you notice that the topiary is becoming increasingly more animated as it stretches its leafy limbs and trunk, especially at Sable’s loud call, even from over 100 ft away. The plant creature takes a step toward the sound. }
Sable only Highlight to display spoiler: {} You find a handwritten note in the Green Book that explains that the topiary gains or loses power in proportion to the mettle of the questers it faces.[/spoilers]
Rolth Niheow (MarkBat) (16/16 HP | AC: 14; Touch: 11; Flat: 12; CMD: 17) | Glaive +3 1d10+4 x3 | Paws (2) +1 1d4+1 x2| Status: None Monday August 14th, 2017 9:19:21 PM
(OOC: The flamethrower is the magic squirt vial which Rolth had loaded with his alchemical fire in an earlier turn on August 3rd. Also, I graphed it out and Rolth at his starting point should be able to see the top of the topiary after it moved forward--let me know if you disagree, GMs.)
Rolth did step into the flower bed, but mindful of his experience in the garden under the Violet Keep, treaded carefully to avoid damaging the flora. Assuming that triggered no hazard, he now moves to RS22-23 (move action), again taking care during the first part of the movement until he clears the flowers. (OOC: I treated those squares like difficult terrain, counting them as twice the distance.) He whispers encouragement to his WLA partner, Finnian. "I've got your back, no worries."
Kiwina (Steve M) (16/16 HP | AC:14; Touch:11; Flat:12; CMD:15) | Status: None d20=8 ; Monday August 14th, 2017 10:22:17 PM
Kiwina will begin his climb down the wall (take 10 for one move, roll = 8). He lands at J6.
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC15 (T13/F12) 12/12 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Status: None Monday August 14th, 2017 10:49:32 PM
[OOC note that Tsak is at Q16, not P16 as shown on the map] Tsak notices the topiary react and begin to move toward the sound of Sable's voice. Sure that it will soon be able to see him anyway he decides the best option is to yell a warning to everyone, but he will then stay where he is to see if he can tell how fast the thing moves. It's on the move team, Finn & Rolth get behind something and stay quiet and it might pass you by!
Sable (Don) (15/15 HP | AC: 15/17; Touch: 11; Flat: 13/15; CMD: 18) | Status: Stern Tuesday August 15th, 2017 2:06:31 AM
Sable continues speaking, "The book indicates that the garden adjusts itself proportional to the strength of the party - which hopefully means not as powerful as we just saw"
Hopefully, Sable can draw it to him and away from the hidden party members.
Finnian (Zeke) (HP:11/11; AC: 16; Touch: 13; Flat: 13; CMD: 17) Status: None d20+7=27 ; d20+6=19 ; d20+6=11 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2017 9:50:50 AM
Finnian moves slowly arond the hedge observing ot from different angles. Sables declaration alleviates some of Finnians worries. If he gets the sense that it is safe (or atleast no evidence to the contrary he will slowly reach into the hedge and attempt to shimmy the shimmy
[stealth=Natural 20, Perception=19]
[Q25]
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) (7/7 HP | AC: 13; Touch: 13; Flat: 11; CMD: 12) | 7/7 Acid Dart | Lt Crossbow +3 1d6 x2 | Status: Mage Armor AC17 d20+9=21 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2017 11:24:07 AM
[stealth: 21]
Butterflys churn in Falcos stomach as he maintains his position. I wonder if this was a terrible terrible idea. Still I would have been useless up above and my hiding skills are quite good.
I continues to wait quietly hoping he there is not need of his spells to gain the party some time.
Lomocia (Koby) (HP:6/6; AC: 12; Touch: 10; Flat: 10; CMD: 10) d20+2=22 ; d20+2=12 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2017 2:05:06 PM
Lomocia stays where she is, at the back of the ground, not wanting to be too close to the danger but still wanting to be in range in case a spell could save the day.
Stealth: 22 Perception: 12
Gothruk Gore (Logan) AC 12 (T11/F10) 12/12HP |Guisarme +3 2D6+4| Status: None d4=3 ; d20+8=28 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2017 7:02:57 PM
Hearing that the challenge adjusts to the power of the challengers Gothruk makes a decision and starts climbing down, off the balcony. First Climb takes ten 10+8 Second roll is 20+8 He'll end his move in square F14
The D4 was an accident apologies.
Matthew S. Co-DM - Rose Quest Day 15 - Topiary Fight (Co-DM Matt) d20+8=14 ; d20=3 ; Tuesday August 15th, 2017 7:13:54 PM Rolth has alchemical fire in a vial. He steps into the flower bed and tries to avoid damaging any of the flowers. He then moves to RS22-23, making no attempt at stealth.
Kiwina makes it halfway down the wall stumbling near the end. He falls but doesn’t injure himself, stopping at J6.
Tsak Rezar is standing at Q16 and watches as the topiary moves about. He then yells instructions to the others, also making no effort at stealth or concealment.
Sable from the balcony says, "The book indicates that the garden adjusts itself proportional to the strength of the party -- which hopefully means not as powerful as we just saw" His voice booms, disturbing the quietude of the garden.
Finnian (Q25) slowly moves around the hedge observing it. Finnian’s knowledge of nature tell him that it’s not anything natural. His perception does not pick up any sort of immediate danger, so he reaches out a hand. Finnian’s fingers pass right through the hedge. He deduces that is an a mirage, a farrago of light, an illusionary vision. The hedge at R-T-25-27 is not there at all.
Falco ponders his and the group’s decisions but waits.
Lomocia waits near the back.
Gothruk climbs down the wall successfully and stops on F14 just as the action started.
-----------
At Q25, Finnian has no line of sight to the Topiary.
The Topiary Beast reacts to several stimuli. Raised voices alert it to the presence of intruders. It rears up and moves ... to a gap in the hedges through which it does not -- yet -- pass. It sees Tsak clearly standing in the open. And with a stretch it sees Rolth as the liontaur stands near Finnian’s illusionary hedge.
The Topiary Beast has been shaped into an huge ursine form, and it is covered -- well, speckled actually -- with the roses that cover it like spots. Other smaller brown dots cover its extremities ... are those ... acorns?
One forepaw-like vine-branch rears up and snaps like a whip! An acorn flies off like a sling stone, aimed right at Tsak. The nut goes wide right and slams into the hedge then falls to the ground.
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