DM MikeK - An unusual request Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:16:32 AM
The days pass. Trade deals are discussed, magic communication researched, repairs completed, tattoos applied, potions brewed, scrolls etched, and fish most definitely not caught.
[OOC - Yes, as Hugh said, please buy potion/scroll making materials at Catacombs]
It is an otherwise uneventful evening, the Shields are gathered at their HQ. A small bird flies into the room, lands on a central table, and disappears, leaving a small written note behind.
Spellcraft or Knowledge-Arcana DC 18 Highlight to display spoiler: { Disappearing bird is a used Feather Token}
The note reads:
We received this Sending from our chapterhouse on Minotaur Isle. I double checked, and they confirmed the sender is Bralin Stoneminder. We could use your help on this. - Deepforge. WLA. Sending says:
Have received visions from Florin Jandeth requesting aid. Unable to immediately respond. Request you investigate and act as needed. Bralin Stoneminder. Officer. Sea Dragon (ret).
Member of WLA or Knowledge Local 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Drommond Deepforge recently took over as Commander of the Floating City WLA Chapterhouse}
Everyone knows the name 'Bralin Stoneminder'. He is a member of the recently retired Wold-famous Sea Dragons. The retirement party lasted a full week at the Giggling Ghost, with food and drink flowing.
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used d20+1=4 ; Wednesday October 13th, 2021 9:26:58 AM "Minotaur island...that's a bit of a trek right? Anybody know of any fast ways to get there? I've heard some magical types can fly over vast distances. That always sounded fun to me...
Bralin Stoneminder...I think we all know that name and Drommond Deepforge runs the WLA. But Florin Jandeth...I'm not sure I recognize that name."
=========== Knowledge Local - Florin Jandeth: 4
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 119/119 AC: 30 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 24 Wednesday October 13th, 2021 3:58:59 PM
Zanderallen listens to the note and grins, "A request from the WLA? That's a change of pace from our standard city business. I hope everyone is prepared, if Stoneminder is asking for aid it must be serious. Anybody know how to get to Minotaur Island?" With his knowledge of geography sorely limited to the streets of the city and the surrounding area he is at a loss of how to get there.
"Hmmm", responds Micah. He turns toward Ohen, "Have you ever been there to be able to safely teleport us there?"
I decided not to place a catacombs order, so no scrolls for Micah
Micah (John) HP: 72/90 AC: 30/13/29 CMD:21 Move 50 Wednesday October 13th, 2021 8:09:35 PM
He suggests to Ohen, "perhaps these bird feather tokens are our best answer."
I've tried and tried to get sending stones approved in the Black Genie, but with no productive response.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 d20+13=15 ; d20+13=28 ; Wednesday October 13th, 2021 10:15:17 PM
Delia spent the days of downtime making enough arrows to fully restock her quiver and then practicing her archery on the rooftops. She asks Zanderallen to give her some longsword pointers as well, as she realized she's allowed her swordsmanship to wane.
Delia pokes her head over to read the note again, "Visions... requesting aid? Interesting. I'm ready to set out as soon as we know the way."
========== Take 20 on craft (bowmaking) for a 30 to repair arrows Know (Geo) for path to Minotaur Island: 15 (second one misclick)
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+7=26 ; Wednesday October 13th, 2021 11:18:31 PM "Well, a request from the League, legit and everything, Bartomus said with a nod as he heard the names in the note. "Any way we can use the portals? I mean if they could get it us closer? Otherwise, does anyone want to hire a turtle?"
Bartomus looked back up towards his room. He was expecting a package, should be arriving soon he thought.
"May need to pick up a delivery, but should be able to head out when everyone is ready."
Know Local - 26; checking in on the catacombs.
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 d20+23=37 ; d20+12=24 ; Thursday October 14th, 2021 12:02:59 AM
(Spellcraft: 37) (Know: Local 24)
Britannica says, "I concur the sending was due to a bird feather token being used."
She says, "Unless I am mistaken did not Drommond Deepforge take over as leader of the Floating City WLA chapterhouse. Might he not have a way to get to the Taur Island chapter house if we ask? I mean I have access to the teleportation circle at the Star Mages guild but I'm not sure if they have a corresponding one setup in the Taur Isles yet. Alternatively I do know the teleportation spell and can take 3 other people with me up to 900 miles, unfortunately I can only prepare the spell 2 times in day, I do not have the money to scribe anymore scrolls and I need to have an idea of where to Teleport but I mean if it is a place I am unfamiliar with even if I scry on it, we would still have an 11% chance of landing off target, a 7% chance of winding up in a similar location to our intended destination but is not our intended destination and a 3% chance of having a mishap. I mean now that I think of it my ring would allow me to recall the teleportation spell a 3rd time but again I can only move 4 of us at a time including myself, though I guess I could teleport some folks, teleport back and then teleport some more folks, providing it was within 900 miles and we don't have any issues where we aren't on target. Though I mean coming back here should be safer for me than teleporting out there so I guess the odds of having something other than a safe landing doing the trip in 2 goes is 42.24 percent; I don't care much for those odds as it is a little over even whether we can teleport everyone without problem and even then technically we still have an odd person out as I would have to be in all the teleportation groups so that is only 7 people."
She continues "Should we check with our respective organizations? I could go to the Star Mages and ask if the Teleportation Circle works for the Taur Islands and WLA members could go to Drommond Deepforge and find out if there is some way to get to the Taur Island's chapterhouse safely and fastly? Granted if we have to use the star mages teleportation circle I'm the only one that will have free passage. We will have to pay to take the rest of you but it would be a small price to be able to reach the destination without the risk of being scrambled unless you want me to scry on our would be destination and take the risk? but then how would the people or person I couldn't take get to the area?"
She continues "Technically I have another way to travel from my bloodwitch spells. I can cast shadow walk 1 time a day as it is an illusion spell and I am not good at those so I need two spells to cast 1 normal casting though it lasts 10 hours. We can travel 50 miles per hour while in the plane of shadows. 10 hours would get us 500 miles of distance and I can actually take everyone with me on the shadow walk should we decide to travel this way. Shadow walk is a little imprecise though. When it expired we would be shunted to the material plane in a random direction and if we would interact with a solid object we could be left fatigued. Again I do not know if we have a better means of travel at our dispossal"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Thursday October 14th, 2021 7:00:27 AM
Minotaur Island? Ah geez Stohp hadn't been there in years. After running off and vanishing on the whole family, leaving only a note behind. She had sent a letter. Once. That didn't say where they were, just that they were safe and had secured a good life. She really, really hopes that the mission takes them nowhere near her clan's home.
DM MikeK - Minotaur Island? Thursday October 14th, 2021 8:11:31 AM
Thoughts quickly turn to Minotaur Island - where is it, and how to get there.
Stohp relays Minotaur Island lies of the western coast of the Elennian Penninsula. Given that Floating City is east of the Elennian Pennisula, its an awfully long way away.
However, Bartomus has another thought. The name 'Florin Jandeth' rings a bell, and after a bit of recollecting, he's got it.
He's Jella Jandeth's father.
Having been reminded, Stock, Zanderallen, Micah, and Stohp also make the connection.
Jella Jandeth is the druid they rescued from the farm in the Crying Wood, and who also went with them to the logging village of Cutter during the Sargrass event. She is also the adopted daughter of Florin Jadenth, once a member of the Crimson Shields of Hope, who sacrificed himself to merge his soul with the Crying Wood, and now is some kind of eternal protector over a village named Elvengard.
Elvengard is somewhere in the Crying Wood.
Micah (John) HP: 72/90 AC: 30/13/29 CMD:21 Move 50 Thursday October 14th, 2021 8:47:03 AM
Micah is conflicted about leaving the Float for such a distance. He keeps an eye on Stohp, curious to guage her reaction to the news of returning Minotaur Island.
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Thursday October 14th, 2021 9:33:04 AM "Brit makes a good point. I'll head up to the WLA and poke around a bit. Anybody want to come with? Also, it occurs to me that the message doesn't actually say we have to go to the Minotaur Isles. We probably have to go help Florin's spirit in Elvengard.
Also...perhaps we need to grab that extra ring gate from Belkior before he leaves. Might be better to leave it at the WLA or something."
============= Stock will try to gain an audience with Deepforge to get more details. Specifically: -Is there a method for long distance travel within the WLA? -Does he have any other details that weren't in the token? -Can we setup one of our pair of ring gates with Deepforge/WLA? -Does the WLA have any details on Elvenguard?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 119/119 AC: 30 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 24 Thursday October 14th, 2021 5:30:06 PM "Jella! I knew the name sounded familiar. Oh my, you don't think the Crying Wood sensed whatever happened with Malici and his father's spirit do you? Re-igniting the old war between the Woods and the Dragon. I think some research is in order." The thrill in Zanderallen's voice at the mention of research practically oozes with sarcasm.
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Thursday October 14th, 2021 11:10:54 PM
Brittanica says, "So a message about Minotaur Island conveyed a hidden message about this Florin Jandeth character and now the question is do we go to the Minotaur Island or this city of Elvengard in the Crying Wood?"
"Are we not currently situated near some lakes in the Crying Wood? That would certainly be a more reasonable request than going all the way to the Taur Islands. Though why go to the trouble of putting a hidden message within the message the token contained? Is there someone who would intercept the message? If so who are they? What are their motivations?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 d20+13=16 ; Friday October 15th, 2021 12:34:46 AM "Ah yes. Research. Such fun. Good thing we have a new nerd friend to help us out there," she nods at Brittanica with her intended compliment.
Delia will try to find Elvengard on a map or place it in her head. Know (Geo): 16 (if it counts as Forest another +4)
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Friday October 15th, 2021 7:55:19 AM
Stohp asks for the note and rereads it. Then again, more slowly. She breaths a sigh of relief. "No no, we don't have to go to the Minotaur Islands, it's just that the former sea dragon who had the vision lives there. The problem is here, in the crying woods with this Floria Jandeth. We need to go find her and help her with whatever. If the problem was in the islands then the local branch would be dealing with it not asking us to cross the Wold to go fix it."
DM MikeK - Drommond Deepforge Friday October 15th, 2021 9:06:49 AM
Brittanica wonders aloud about the reasoning for a secret message to be embedded in a secret message. But Stohp rereads the message, and works out the meaning. It's not a secret, it's just poorly worded.
Zanderallen and Delia resign themselves to a research project. Delia does recall the village of Elvengard is located somewhere on the plateau that composes the Crying Wood. But, that is a lot of area, so more work is needed to pinpoint it.
Stock decides to just go ask Drommond Deepforge.
He and whoever wishes to accompany him make the trek up to the Gold Level. Upon entry, the receptionist takes one look at the group, turns her head to a side door, and barks "They're here." A young halfling immediately trots out, and escorts the group to a side room. Drommond Deepforge walks into one door at the same time the group walks in the other. It seems you were expected.
The dwarf is blond and brown eyed, with his beard braided into twin tails. As expected of the commander of the chapterhouse in a major city, he's competent and intelligent.
"Yes, I sent the bird," he replies to Stock. "Appreciate you responding so quickly." He has no further information on the request. The entirety of Bralin's message was included in the token.
"Afraid I just got assigned here. A bit behind on the locals. I got people looking up Florin Jandeth" After being appraised by the group who and where Florin is, the dwarf chuckles. "Looks like we asked the right people." The he bellows out the door - "Find me the exact location of a place called Elvengard!....I KNOW THAT! WHERE IN THE CRYING WOOD!?"
The other side questions, he considers for a moment. - No, there is no permanent long distance transportation established between Chapterhouses. "That gate here is Teucri magic. Still beyond us, I'm afraid. There's a couple wizards we retain who travel the long way from place to place, and get a good picture so they can teleport a few folks in a hurry, if needed." - "Yes we can take a ring gate. I assume you have the other one?"
The Shields may choose to wait for WLA's research into Elvengard, or try other sources.
---
Quick Geography/Recent History Reminder. All PCs know this.
Float City is located in a gigantic lake, which in turn is surrounded by forest. The entire forest used to be sentinent - The Crying Wood- a malevolent entity that did its best to kill any living being that entered. During the cataclysmic Sargrass Event, that entity retracted to the northwest section of the forest, and raised the entire section, creating a plateau some 50' in elevation.
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Friday October 15th, 2021 9:43:37 AM "Thanks, Master Deepforge. Let's go ahead and get the ring gate set up here for now. You know how these things go...we might need somebody in the League to keep an eye on the opening for messages from us. Can't tell when those might show up. For our part, we'll check the gate in the morning for messages from you.
Let us know if you can nail down a location of Elvenguard. We've got some prep work to do before we leave."
========= OoC: One ring gate was with Belkior and the Church of Alemi I think(?), the other was with "us"...don't think anybody in particular. Let us know if we can hand wave that transfer to the WLA; since nobody's speaking up, I can't imagine Stock feeling comfortable with Rothchild having the other end
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday October 15th, 2021 10:16:23 AM
Bartomus followed along with the others along realizing that he actually needed to pay his guild dues and had failed to do so. As they moved along through the various corridors of the Float, Bartomus tried to think of the old maps and drawings he had spent some time with during past visits. He glanced down at the WLA badge and raised it to his mouth, huffed on it and then wiped it to ensure it had a bit more of a gleam to it.
When they arrived, and their arrival was very much expected, he wandered over to the receptionist and mentioned he needed to pay his dues. She smiled, nodded and took his payment making notes in the membership book. As he followed along with the others into the side room. He leaned up against the wall and listened to Deepforge answer their questions. There didn't seem like that many options.
"Any chance we could ask the lizardfolk or the ratkin that have taken up settlements in the forest? Just thinking that maybe they have had contact with someone or something from the plateau?" Could maybe ask the Druidic Council too?"
He also needed to step out to use the facilities and when a moment arrived, he did so finding his way there and on his way back, the receptionist called to him. "Wanted to make sure you checked these two books out, read them, it's going to help you with your focus. They are pretty standard texts they said back there."
Bartomus shrugged and took the two small books entitled the Power of Focus and Focus is Your Fighting Friend. He slipped back into the room retaking his leaning place.
Micah (John) HP: 72/90 AC: 30/13/29 CMD:21 Move 50 Friday October 15th, 2021 11:10:32 AM
Micah nods appreciation at the efficiency of Drummond and follows along with the others.
Ohen Kuldrven (Jacob H) HP: 91/91, AC: 22(14T, 20 I, 20F, 19CMD); Permanent: Arcane Sight(120'), Darkvision(60'), See Invis Friday October 15th, 2021 11:18:56 PM "Fortunately we don't have to go as far as we were afraid, but just so for our awareness, I can also teleport myself and four others. I'm don't know any exact percentages, but I am confident I can get us back home quickly. Of course, our larger friends will be harder. No offense. "So we finally can travel through the forest because the malevolent entity controlling it retreated, and now we're supposed to go straight into where said entity retreated? Am I getting that right? Fantastic."
Ohen will assist with the research to narrow down the location of Elvengard.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Saturday October 16th, 2021 1:16:45 AM
Delia will happily help look at maps to pinpoint Elvengard if the WLA will let a non-member access their resources. She looks a little uncomfortable at the mention of Teleportation and potential mishaps. Though she internally acknowledges the use of instant travel, she still mutters something about nothing being wrong with their own legs.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Sunday October 17th, 2021 5:25:48 PM "We could ask them, but in the time it takes to sail out to them to ask someone will probably have found an answer here. Sure there are some in town we could ask, but we'd only be asking a couple of tradesmen what they've heard and that seems a less likely avenue then hitting the books." Stohp points out.
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 d20+14=29 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+14=17 ; Sunday October 17th, 2021 8:30:36 PM
Brittanica says, "I'm going to the star mages guild to consult their records. I'll be back if I find anything concerning Elvengard."
She then poors over their maps, atlases and other records concering the Crying wood and Elvengard.
DM MikeK - Where is this place? Monday October 18th, 2021 8:45:23 AM
One of the pair of Ring Gates is passed over to Deepforge, who agrees to monitor it.
The Shields return their attention to Elvengard.
Ohen volunteers that he also knows the teleport spell, while also pointing out the task involves going places others avoid.
Bartomus takes care of some WLA business, and wonders if the group should ask the beast folk, lizard folk, or the druids of the Circle of Alder. Stohp is pessimisstic that approach will succeed.
Delia stays to research with the WLA.
Brittanica heads to the Star Mages Guild, and researches their records.
Everyone else heads back to HQ to await results?
-
Brittianica finds good news and bad news.
She finds the Star Mages Guild research documents to be extensive and well indexed. It still takes several hours, but she is able to locate a map, several decades old, with Elvengard shown. The village lies 250 miles away (just under the 'g' of Crying Wood on the map.
However, various recent annotations on documents concerning the Crying Wood indicate teleporation type travel is "inadvisible".
"While reduced in size, the Crying Wood has experienced a commensurate gain in strength," the notation reads. "It appears the entity's magical force is now sufficient to interfere with any transportation spells involving leaving the material plane. This phenomena is consistent with similar barriers in the Scab Mountains and Culverwood."
She finds nothing on Jella Jandeth that all Shields save Delia don't already know - the female elf is a fairly powerful druid, and member of the Circle of Alder - the local circle of druids.
Florin Jandeth was a human paladin of some power. His final mission was as defender of a ceremony in Elvengard in which a willing villager merges their consciousness with the Crying Wood entity, thereby protecting the village. The ceremony was attacked, and the volunteer killed prior to its completion. With the magic fading, Florin threw himself into it, sacrificing himself for the village.
Several artworks exist depicting the event, including a diorama at the WLA, and the stylized "The Tragedy of the Crying Woods vol. IV" by Arnest Everett Hornpipe.
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Monday October 18th, 2021 9:39:24 AM
Stock listens to the detail and when the diaorama is mentioned, he says, "Hmmph. I've seen that thing a hundred times and I always thought it was just depicting some poor sot getting eaten by the bloodthirsty forest. I guess I wasn't too far off but this makes more sense.
As far as getting to Elvenguard, maybe we take our boat up to Rivertown and then head inland to the west/northwest....?"
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+15=21 ; Monday October 18th, 2021 9:51:30 AM
Bartomus listened to Stohp's response and nodded in agreement. He shared with the group still gathered there that he was going to go see if there might be additional information about traveling in and through the Crying Woods that the Float's druidic council might have information about. He made a point of thanking the WLA staffers as he left and took his two self-help books with him. He headed up to the druidic council's sacred grove.
When he arrived in the grove, he took some time to just enjoy the place. After some contemplative communing with space. He looked about and if finding one of the members of the group, he explained his reason for his visit and asked if there might be information the Druidic Council could share with the Shields.
Perception ? Role of 21
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 119/119 AC: 30 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 24 Monday October 18th, 2021 6:59:56 PM "How are we going to get through the Crying Wood? We don't still have any of that ointment lying around do we? Maybe the circle has a way. Let us know what you find out Bart.", Zanderallen tries to think of any other contacts. Briadoc had moved in with the beastfolk so asking him would take some doing.
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Tuesday October 19th, 2021 12:31:58 AM
Brittanica thanks the librarians at the Star Mages guild for their assistance and then returns to the Shields to share what she learns.
She says, "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is we know where Elvengard is or was. It is about 250 miles away in the Crying Woods." She points to the location from what she gleaned from the maps at the guild.
She continues, "The bad news is apparently there is some interference in teleportation and other spells that involving leaving the material plane so I don't think I could teleport anyone or use shadow walk to get us there. I can prepare Overland Flight or Flying Broom and be able to Fly for several hours but unfortunately both spells would only effect me. Does anyone else have means of longterm flight? I think that should still work, unless we want to ask the local druid population that are members of the same cirlce as Jandeth? Maybe they'd have a way to safely get us there, assuming they'd divulge that information to outsiders."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Tuesday October 19th, 2021 7:26:59 AM
Stohp considers. "Wasn't the ointment made by the Halfling botanist? I might be able to track him down. I think he moved out of town, but I want to say he left us a note telling us where he was going. Oh, and is there any reason we can't teleport outside the living area of the wood then walk into it? The wood is smaller now and it'll cut our travel time by a lot."
Stohp digs around the hideout to try to find out what ever happened to the botanist that was there house guest for a long while. He was brilliant, if a bit to ignorant of the evil his magical plants could cause in the wrong hands.
DM MikeK - to the grove! Tuesday October 19th, 2021 8:51:38 AM
Brittanica relays the information she has uncovered to the team. Elvengard has been located, but teleportation seems risky. Leaving a new question - how to get there?
Stock suggests sailing to Rivertown, capital of the lizardfolk area, and then walking in from there. Stohp suggests teleporting next to the Crying Wood, and then walking.
Zanderallen and Stohp turn their attention to getting through the Crying Wood without being attacked. Both think of a lotion made by Briadoc, the obsessed botanist recovered from the farm. Both recall the halfling is now living with the beast folk, at their village.
Bartomus thinks of asking the druidic circle. Brittanica suggests the same, unaware that the Shields are not really outsiders with the Circle, having worked with them before.
-
And with that, Bartomus, and whoever wishes to accompany him, makes his way up to the Open Air Level, and the small grove there. The taur druid takes some time to just enjoy the place, and then seeks out a member of the Circle, and explains the reason for his visit.
That person leads Bartomus to Brother Carlo, who happens to be tending the topiary. "Master Bartomus!" the man exclaims, giving the taur a doe-eyed look, and grabbing him by the hand. "Welcome! How may I help you?"
Upon hearing of Elvengard, the man's face drops for a moment, before quickly regaining that hero-worship countenance. "I am sure Cathbad has information for you. I will run down there immediately, and let her know you are on the way!" The man gets up, ready to leave. Sense Motive DC 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { Something about Elvengard is upsetting Carlo. He knows something, but is unwilling to spill. }
-
Game Reminder. The druidic Circle of Alder maintains a townhouse on the Merchant Level, as well as tending this grove on the Open Air Level. They are led by the Druid Cathbad, a female elf. Relations are friendly between the Shields and the Circle.
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Tuesday October 19th, 2021 9:55:05 AM "If we need to visit Briardoc...then maybe it does make sense to teleport to the Beastfolk village, then teleport a second time closer to the Crying Wood...although it really doesn't get us much closer to Elvengard...maybe 10 miles and we wouldn't know how to target a spot just outside of The Wood...without potentially going just inside of The Wood."
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 d20+11=26 ; d20+7=17 ; Tuesday October 19th, 2021 10:57:12 AM "Ah Brother Carlo, you are so kind." Bartomus offered as he listened to the man and when there was a mention of Elvengard, he caught the change in the man's face.
"Of course, however, I would be in your debt if there is something you might be willing to share that you already know about Elvengard. The Shields are only as strong those that help us with these efforts and of course, I know that you Carlo are a great supporter of ours. Have you met our newest member?" Bartomus shifts and uses his arm to help position Carlo a bit more open to the Shields. "Britannica Mundy, this is Brother Carlo, one of the Circle of the Alder and up and coming from what I have heard. You know, you had mentioned a few things about Elvengard and I bet we could run those by our good friend and supporter Carlo here before he goes and finds the Circle's good lady Cathbad."
Sense motive = 26; Bluff = 17 about our good friend Carlo
Micah (John) HP: 72/90 AC: 30/13/29 CMD:21 Move 50 Tuesday October 19th, 2021 11:08:32 AM
As the others try to learn more of the Elvengard, Micah finds that his thoughts seem to be drawn to his loved ones in the Float and the other residents there. Feeling restless, he decides to visit his parents. He smiles as he approaches their workshop/residence. The sound of steel on steel from creation rather than destruction, brings forth a smile and a sense of peace as he steps inside the shop. Micah takes advantage's of his Mattus' attention being on the glowing piece of iron that he is shaping to watch his father's deliberate and steady hammer strikes unnoticed. He stands there lost in thought, the ring of steel a memory of his youth that seems so long past.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 119/119 AC: 30 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 24 Tuesday October 19th, 2021 6:35:54 PM
Zanderallen goes with Bartomus to see the circle. He lets the taur do the talking although he does notice the reaction to Elvengaurd. Hm, something was going on here. "Good to see you Carlo, we would greatly appreciate letting her know. Unless you know something yourself?"
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 d20+5=18 ; Tuesday October 19th, 2021 11:31:33 PM
(Sense Motive: 18)
Brittanica went with the others to see the druids and she noticed that Brother Carlo is hiding something and hears Bartomus's words.
She says, "Yes, I've done several hours of research and I know where the city is or was in the Crying Wood and I also know that we can't use teleportation or shadow walking to get there as there is some phenomenom that interferes with transportation that involves leaving the material plane in the vicinity. I have the means to make myself fly for several hours but I am not sure about the others. Therefore in the interest of finding some safe way in which all the Shields can travel we come to your circle to ask for aid in order to travel there. Will you help us? Also if there is one thing I've learned in all my time studying is that all knowledge is worth having. If you know something about Elvengard it could mean the difference between success and failure of our mission to know what you know, Will you tell us?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Wednesday October 20th, 2021 7:07:22 AM
Stohp will join the group this time and explains the past relations between the Sheilds and the druid circle to Brittanica along the way.
DM MikeK - Brother Carlo Wednesday October 20th, 2021 8:19:14 AM
The party accompanies Bartomus to the Druid's Grove, and listens in on Brother Carlo's conversation with the taur. Something is up. Bartomus lays on the butter, with Zanderallen and Brittanica pitching in.
Carlo looks at Bartomus for several moments, obviously torn, before looking around conspiritorially.
"We, I mean, The Circle, have a way, or used to have a way, to reach Elvengard," he reveals. "Jella found the village a couple months ago. They needed help, and so we, uh, actually Jella and Cathbad, set up some kind of super Transport spell to get people back and forth. We've been using it to send supplies for weeks."
The acolyte druid looks about nervously again, and lowers his voice still further. "Something's gone wrong. Rumor is the last run was attacked. Trigon came back really ripped up, and Caerrilion didn't come back at all."
Carlo looks guilty for having revealed his secret. "Look, you should really see Cathbad. I'm sure she'll tell you everything I just did, plus more. I mean, you're the Silver Shields."
"I, uh, can escort you to the townhouse and announce you now, if you like," he offers. The idea of being seen in the company of the party seems very appealing to the young druid.
Meanwhile, Micah finds his thoughts increasingly turning to home and hearth.
And also - there is a popping sound, and a score of pixies in Catacombs livery appear, straining to hold up a box. "Delivery for Stock!" they cry in unison, and disappear.
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Wednesday October 20th, 2021 9:15:03 AM "Always embarrassing to get a delivery when visiting with friends..." Before he can tip the delivery people, they are gone.
"Anyway, let's go visit this Cathbad...this sounds a little more promising than teleporting and hoofing it through the wood."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Wednesday October 20th, 2021 10:07:03 AM
Delia went with the group talking to the druid circle. She seemed distracted for much of the interaction, but at the talk of people having been hurt she snaps back to full awareness.
"If something went that wrong... why didn't you guys ask for help instead of forcing the now guardian to send magical dream messages?"
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 Wednesday October 20th, 2021 11:10:03 AM "How about we leave that question hanging for those that made it, Delia?" Bartomus says with an agreeing nod to his fellow Shield.
"Oh my good sir, Carlo that would be a wonderful idea. Really, appreciate the willingness you have to help us out. Don't you all appreciate his assistance?" Bartomus turns about and pats the younger druid on the back.
"Lead on, Carlo, lead on." Bartomus said with encouragement.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 119/119 AC: 30 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 24 Wednesday October 20th, 2021 5:42:57 PM
Zanderallen's eyebrow's shoot up at super teleportation. Messing around with that level of magic in the crying woods was certainly opening a door for trouble. And looks like they had found it. But helping out people in the woods seemed to have become their recent specialty. "Lead on brave Brother Carlo."
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Wednesday October 20th, 2021 11:51:26 PM
Brittanica says, "It seems like your supply line to Elvengard has a monster problem. We happen to be a group of adventurers that need to get to Elvengard so it seems like our collaboration on this is kizmet. Hopefully your organization can get us there, we can deal with whatever is causing the attacks and get to the bottom of this business concerning Jandeth. Sometimes everything works out nice and neat like that. Of course we'd have to discuss this with Cathbad but if the offer is accepted this could work out great for everyone. Also while we are on the subject I happen to be a student of a few different disciplines of magic, now the druidic tradition is not one of them, but my bloodwitch tradition does weave in a bit of the divine. I don't know if this is enough of a similarity but if we have the time I'd like to pick someone's brain on your transportation spell. It fascinates me that you were able to stabilize some kind of travel spell in a region that interferes with travel involving leaving the material plane. Does your transportation spell involve quickly traveling through the material plane somehow?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Thursday October 21st, 2021 6:31:34 AM
Stohp frowns. "That's not good. Caerrilion wasn't a hobbit was he? I mean halfling. Kidnapped on the way to Elvenguard."
DM MikeK - Druid Cathbad Thursday October 21st, 2021 8:27:41 AM
Delia demands to know why there was no request for help. Carlo's eyes grow big as saucers with fear, but Bartomus comes to the man's rescue. "How about we leave that question hanging for those that made it?"
Stock and Zanderallen add their own encouragement, and Carlo relaxes.
"Let's go then!" he cries, and happily leads the small procession down to the Merchant Level.
Along the way, Brittanica asks a question. Carlo's eyes glaze over about halfway through, and it is several seconds before he realizes she's finished speaking. "Uh.....I don't know," he finally stammers. "Cathbad would know."
Stohp confuses Carlo even more. "Caerrilion is an elf," he replies. "And, I don't think he was kidnapped. I think he's dead."
The group makes its way to the Merchant Level, and an unassuming townhome. Carlo heads right in, beckoning The Shields to follow.
The first floor is essentially open, with a couple young people in plain robes tending houseplants or going through scrollcases. The pair take one look at their visitors, and scramble off in different directions. Carlo leads the group into a side room, where one of the persons is hurriedly brewing tea and setting out biscuits.
It seems that unlike the party's visit to the WLA, they are not expected. However, its also obvious the druids know who you are.
It is only a few moments before Cathbad enters, likely alerted by the other attendant. The female elf smiles warmly at the assembled group.
"Bartomus, and the Silver Shields. An unexpected pleasure. How can we help you?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Thursday October 21st, 2021 9:58:25 AM
Stock leans over to Delia as they enter the townhome and whispers, "These guys may not appreciate when you let loose with a pointed question like that but I get it. Sometimes you just need to cut through the noise and get to the point."
Stock will let the others start the talking but if they aren't getting around to the question, he'll blurt out.
"Can you get us to Elvengard, Ms. Cathbad? We have work there.
Also what happened to Trigon? It would be good to know what we're heading into..."
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday October 21st, 2021 10:58:24 AM "Good Lady Cathbad,"" Bartomus replied with a deep bow. "We had come hoping for some guidance and advice on a matter that the League has asked us to be of help with. You trusted servant and a true friend of the Shields, Carlos, offered the suggestion that we come to you directly with our questions."
He thought he was doing good. Usually, this was the domain of the others, doing the diplomatic efforts and such. As he took a breath and offered a smile, Stock blurted out his questions, and Bartomus glared down at the dwarf. Then he sighed, shook his head, and then looked at the leader of the Alder Circle rather embarrassed.
"Apparently, we are just going to throw everything out instantly on this our first visit. But, yes, that is the reason we are here. The League has asked us to travel to Elvengard amidst the retreat of the Crying Woods."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Thursday October 21st, 2021 11:20:24 AM
Delia tried to hide a smile as Stock did exactly what he'd just told her these guys might not appreciate. She decides to not add her own questions and let the diplomats gather information.
Ohen Kuldrven (Jacob H) HP: 91/91, AC: 22(14T, 20 I, 20F, 19CMD); Permanent: Arcane Sight(120'), Darkvision(60'), See Invis Thursday October 21st, 2021 7:31:31 PM
Ohen follows along with the group, and waits to see how the elf responds.
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Thursday October 21st, 2021 10:52:29 PM
Brittanica adds, "I think we could help eachother. We need to get to Elvengard, you are having trouble with monster attacks and have a way to get there. While we are on our errand for the league we could investigate whatever is going on and try to prevent the attacks that have been happening. Furthermore, personally I'm interested in your transportation spell. I was of the impression that that area of the Crying Wood is affected by something that interferes with travel that involves leaving the material plane such as teleportation or shadow walking. Does that then mean your spell moves someone quickly through the material plane to Elvengard or did you find some other loophole to get it working? I am a student of Wizardry and the Bloodwitch traditions of magic so the divine is not completely foreign to me."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Friday October 22nd, 2021 7:22:14 AM
Stohp is happy to talk but the others have covered everything so she just listens.
DM MikeK - Revelations Friday October 22nd, 2021 8:36:30 AM
Stock cautions Delia about pointed questions. Then, turns around and does just that - much to the amusement of Delia.
Bartomus and Brittanica elaborate on the party's request.
Cathbad glances over at Brother Carlo, who is busy trying to make himself disappear. Fortunately, with a resigned shake of her head and a brief sigh, the head druid indicates the man isn't in trouble. She nods towards the door, and the younger druid eagerly takes the hint, exits, and closes the door behind him.
To Brittancia, she replies, "It's a bit more complicated than a monster attack, and I doubt very much even your group can prevent them, given where we are going. As to the transport spell...perhaps I should start at the beginning."
The elven woman takes a seat, and indicates for the group to do likewise. Apparently, this is going to take awhile.
"I assume you know Jella Jandeth is a member of our group. And that she is the adopted daughter of an adventurer named Florin Jandeth. Decades ago, Florin Jandeth sacrificed his physical form to entwine his soul with that of Nemochloria, or the Crying Wood as you know it. In doing so, he became the guardian of the village of Elvengard. By entwining with the Crying Wood, the person diverts its attention away from the village, allowing the villagers to live in peace.
After the Sargrass Event, the Crying Wood retracted to the plateau, and all contact with Elvengard was lost.
Jella searched the plateau for months, located Elvengard, and met its leaders. They told her Crying Wood has the village under attack.
Jella returned to us and asked for aid. We have been providing Elvengard scrolls, potions, some weapons, and foodstuffs over the last several months. Which we have accomplished by use of the Transport via Plants spell between two rare giant sequoias, one located on the outskirts of Elvengard and another we grew on the lake shore for this purpose.
As you have noted, teleportation type spells are extremely fickle into and around the Crying Wood. Our Transport via Plants spell works due to a gemstone Jella gave us. She says it came from a ceremonial site for the Entwining, and contains a unique magical signature which Florin recognizes. Florin thus lends his protective power to the spell, enabling its success.
However, the last resupply group was viciously attacked upon emerging from the sequoia at the village. Two of our number were killed. The surviving pair reported they were 'swarmed by dozens of halfling sized orcs with a purple hue'."
Cathbad pats a wooden box on the table next to her.
"If you are planning to go to Elvengard, you are more than welcome to use the gemstone. We have not used it for any spell other than Transport via Plants, so I cannot tell you if it works with Teleportation.
We will want it back when you're through."
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Friday October 22nd, 2021 8:57:16 AM
Brittanica says, "Thank you Lady Cathbad. I wasn't exactly thinking teleportation as the teleportation spell I know is limited in the number of people I can bring with me and has a chance to go awry as is if I'm teleporting to a place I'm not very familiar with. However I can take everyone with me on a shadow walk and I can travel up to 500 miles using shadow walk at my current caster level. We only need to travel half that distance to get to Elvengard. Do you think the stone would protect us if we traveled in this manner? We could arrive in 5 hours this way and I could bring the entire Silver Shields with me."
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 Friday October 22nd, 2021 11:22:58 PM "What would pint sized orcs like that being doing with the Crying Woods?" Bartomus asked Lady Cathbad after hearing Brittanica's idea of how to get there. "Do you think the orcs," he turned to look at the Shields, [b]"could be connected to what we were dealing with with the pirates?"
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 119/119 AC: 30 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 24 Saturday October 23rd, 2021 12:56:22 AM "Purple orcs, we've encountered them before. Sounds like the Crying Woods is fighting back. We need to protect Elvenguard. Do we have the capability to cast Transport via Plants?" Zanderallen looks to Bartomus and Brittanica.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Saturday October 23rd, 2021 2:31:21 PM
If Bartomus doesn't have the ability to cast the plant travel spell, Delia will ask Lady Cathbad, "Ma'am. Do you have a druid who could transport us? They wouldn't have to fight or anything, could go straight back, and then you don't have to worry about your magic gemstone and we know the spell will work."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Sunday October 24th, 2021 6:17:08 PM "Shadow walk probably works."
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Monday October 25th, 2021 9:20:10 AM "I must say that the idea of pint sized purple orcs is a little off-putting. I wasn't around the last time the Shields squared off with them but I've heard talk of them."
Ohen Kuldrven (Jacob H) HP: 91/91, AC: 22(14T, 20 I, 20F, 19CMD); Permanent: Arcane Sight(120'), Darkvision(60'), See Invis Monday October 25th, 2021 6:26:56 PM "If we are fully prepared for a fight I imagine we would fare far better than some surprised Druids. I say we use the tried and true method of transport, but leave the tree ready for combat."
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Monday October 25th, 2021 11:33:16 PM
Britannica says, "Oh come on we are on the verge of an important magical discovery here. Does the magic Jandeth crystal work for other forms of transportation magic besides the druidic tradition? What if we have to bug out of there in a hurry and there is no druid around to cast transport via plants for us? Do you want to test the theory of whether the crystal works to secure safe passage for other spells when we have a need to get out of a bad situation in a hurry only to see our way out fail?"
DM MikeK - Discussion and debate Tuesday October 26th, 2021 8:47:06 AM
There are some remarks around the pint sized purple orcs. Zanderallen recalls dealing with similar creatures. Cathbad shakes her head. "I've looked into that, and believe they are some form of plant creature that merely look like orcs."
Brittanica asks if the gemstone would work with other spells. Cathbad can only shrug. "We didn't create it, and we've only used it with this specific Transport Via Plants spell. I cannot say if it will work with other spells."
Zanderallen asks Bartomus if he can cast that spell. The taur can, but only has the spell slots to cast one per day, and at his current caster level can bring along four additional medium sized creatures.
Delia asks Cathbad if the Circle has a druid capable of transporting them. This question results in a good long think by the woman. "Yes," she finally answers with some determination. "I can. I can transport myself and six medium sized people." She gives Bartomus and Stohp a significant look. Then turns back to Delia. "I am not a warrior. And would go back. How would you then come back when you were finished?"
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Tuesday October 26th, 2021 9:46:56 AM
Stock looks around, counting the number of people who would need to travel. "I've never much liked being called a medium sized creature. That said, it seems like we're a little short of all being able to travel via plants, especially on the return trip. We do have to travel to the lake shore first though...I think we either have to travel via plants in two shifts or we're back to Brit trying to use the Gemstone.
Do we think some research would clarify if Brittanica could use the gemstone?"
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +9;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 Tuesday October 26th, 2021 10:52:25 AM "Good Lady, so is this a spell you could teach even a taur like me?" Bartomus asked with a good deal of seriousness as such a spell was one he had not learned yet and would need to find someone to teach him. "Also, if you can, then is it a spell that would allow you and all of them go, and then Stohp and I can come along after?" Oh, and our self-appointed diplomat might actually have given himself yet another step up the ladder with all this talk of medium size."
Bartomus looked over at the other Shields and snickered then winked at Stock.
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Tuesday October 26th, 2021 11:42:41 PM
Delia brusquely responds to Brit, before turning back to Lady Cathbad, "I don't like the idea of doing research when people's lives are at stake. Nothing wrong with tried and true." She looks back, "Frankly ma'am, I don't care. If Elvengard is safe, how long it takes us to get back is a lot less important to me."
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Wednesday October 27th, 2021 12:30:17 AM
Brittanica says, "Lady Cathbad, if I used the crystal to attempt to shadow walk us to shore would that be enough of an experiment to prove if Jandeth would give his blessing to our travel capability or is the shore outside of his sphere of influence?"
If Cathbad indicates a negative to that question then Brittanica follows up with, "Do we have time for me to try an experiment on my own? I wouldn't be able to transport us all via Shadow Walk till tomorrow as I can only cast a single one of these spells per day since Illusion spells are harder for me to cast but theoretically I could go alone to Elvengard today using the crystal. I'll either be let in or I'll emerge somewhere in the Crying Wood. If the stone doesn't work to get me there it can probably be used for me to teleport myself back here. Both Transport via Plants and Teleport are of the conjuration(teleportation) subschool of magic. I would assume and I'm willing to risk it that the crystal would work on a teleport spell like it works on the Transport via Plants. I can safely return to The Float using teleport because I am very familiar with it regardless if I got lost assuming Jandeth's spirit recognizes the crystal and lets me return. In the interest of magical discovery I'm willing to make the attempt on my own first using Shadow Walk to prove that it is safe. Even if shadow walk doesn't work the experiment will also test teleport. I guess if neither spell works then I'll have to start flying back on my own. I should be able to send word to you somehow unless I am incapacitated."
Ohen Kuldrven (Jacob H) HP: 91/91, AC: 22(14T, 20 I, 20F, 19CMD); Permanent: Arcane Sight(120'), Darkvision(60'), See Invis Wednesday October 27th, 2021 12:50:13 AM "Does the magic interfering with teleportation work both ways? Or only when entering Elvengard? Is that known? I am not familiar enough to teleport to Elvengard anyway, but I could teleport us back if it works. The only way to test if the gem works with other magic would be to use an unreliable method anyway, so we might as well go via plants. Can we shrink our larger friends? "Cathbad, we would ensure your safety if you do take us. Where did you get the gem? Is it required when returning or just when going to Elvengard?"
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Wednesday October 27th, 2021 5:38:07 AM
Stohp lets the others figure out their transportation method.
DM MikeK - More discussion and debate Wednesday October 27th, 2021 8:34:37 AM
Discussions continue around how to get to Elvengard.
Most focus on the nature of the gemstone, and what it will allow. To most of these questions, Cathbad is at a loss.
"Jella gave us the gemstone. She told us she got it from Elvengard. I don't know the specifics of how it works, just that it does. We have only used it to Transport between the sequoias, and we've always used it as a focus on each leg of the trip.
Given our last experience, we must assume that if you use the Transport via Plants, you are likely to be attacked, as we were. If you use some other means, and arrive near, but not in, Elvengard, I would assume you will be attacked there as well.
I'm not sure I like the idea of your experiments, but I'm giving you the gemstone anyway, so I suppose I can't prevent it."
Stock suggests traveling in shifts.
Ohen asks about shrinking some of the party. All PCs are aware the Catacombs sells Reduce Person potions.
Bartomus instinctively understands he is capable of casting Transport via Plants.
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +12;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 Wednesday October 27th, 2021 11:53:06 AM "Thank you kind lady," Bartomus offered in response to her agreeing to provide the gem. As he took a bite of one of the snacks that had been arranged for them, he started to get an idea of how using the connectivity of plants might work. Eberyon, guide those thoughts into a way to make this work, he said to himself and looked about the room.
"Wonder, what type of nasty creature could I become when I jump out of the tree? Maybe the order of how we go through might need to be changed? Or, maybe we need to think about how we surprise what ever is on the other side with something that makes it a bit easier for us to step out of the other tree?"
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Wednesday October 27th, 2021 8:52:27 PM
Delia thinks for a few moments, weighing options, "Front line and Ohen in the first shift to establish our battlefield presence and rattle theirs, remainder in second shift?" She chews her lip thoughtfully, "If we have two druids to cast it, couldn't we basically appear at the same time though? Still shifts, but there'd only be a tiny gap."
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Thursday October 28th, 2021 12:20:31 AM
Brittanica points out to Delia, "We have 2 druids but we only have one crystal. If I use shadow walk and shadow walk works we can all just get there and we won't need to go in shifts. If our only options are to go in shifts through tranport via plants or teleportation or shadow walking where we can all get there I don't see why we don't take our chances with the shadow walking considering if we are forced to go in shifts what is there to prevent the first shift from being attacked on arrival?"
DM MikeK - Continued discussion and debate Thursday October 28th, 2021 8:03:03 AM
The Shields continue to discuss their options.
There is a popping sound, and a box, labeled "CATACOMBS" appears in mid air, floats over to Bartomus, and lands at his feet.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 82/82 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +13 (17 Grapple, 15 Trip, 17 Disarm) CMD: 22 (+4 vs grapple,+2 disarm) Thursday October 28th, 2021 9:18:05 AM
Stohp watches the discussion.
Ohen Kuldrven (Jacob H) HP: 91/91, AC: 22(14T, 20 I, 20F, 19CMD); Permanent: Arcane Sight(120'), Darkvision(60'), See Invis Thursday October 28th, 2021 2:51:22 PM "Shadow walk seems dangerous, how will we know when we get there? And when we leave we are shunted a random direction. Such magic is unreliable in the best of times. We should prepare ourselves with battle magics, have Cathbad transport as many as she can, she then returns and gives Bartomus the crystal, who transports the rest of us."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We'd be going in shifts, yes, but Cathbad would teleport us on round 1, return on round 2 and give Bartomus the crystal, then a ready Bartomus would teleport the rest on round 2. So we'd only be separate one round if we delay properly.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) 119/119 AC: 30 T: 13 FF: 30 CMD: 24 Thursday October 28th, 2021 3:56:22 PM
Zanderallen weighs the merits of his sorcerous friend's plan. "Your idea has merit Ohen. If Stock, Stohp, Delia, and myself were brought through first we could act as a vanguard. Clear a foothold for Bart to bring yourself and Brit through with him to be artillery support to blast through whatever is attacking Elvengard. The vanguard would also have the chance to retreat with Cathbad if the force in front of was overwhelming. We'd have opportunity to prepare ourselves with buff spells before stepping through the tree. I'm willing to give it a try, we can't wait around forever while Elvengard is under attack."
Bartomus(Rod) [CL2/10] HP: 91/92 AC 21; CMD 20 Melee +12;Perc+15;Heal+9 2d8+2 Thursday October 28th, 2021 4:51:35 PM "Oh, goodies," Bartomus said when the bag lands at his feet. He saw his glave there and there was some additional efforts made by an armorer that he hoped would bear fruit. He also pocketed the additional potions and then picked up the human-sized quarterstaff. He slipped it into the back of his shirt with one end resting at the small of his back and a portion of it sticking out behind his head.
"Can't store a spell in the glave it seems, so going to go old school and try a quarterstaff. Maybe we could store a spell in it like a tempest or storm or something?" Bartomus said with a shrug and a side to side shift as he tried adjusting to the new addition to his gear. "Might need a custom adventuring shirt made with a cloth tube for this on the outside. Yea, that might work. But, seriously, either way, we should probably try to get moving right? I'm willing to do the tree to tree service."
Stock (JonM) HP: 137/137; AC: 28/25/16 DR 2/-; CMD: 32; Rage: 0/30 used Thursday October 28th, 2021 10:11:56 PM "Fine then. We best get to our boat then. We should shove off soon if we are to get to Elvengard in time."
Brittanica Mundy (Hugh) HP 113/113 AC 16 / Touch 16 / Flat 14 CMD 16 Friday October 29th, 2021 12:35:22 AM
Brittanica says, "I'm not sure what kind of artillery I'll be. You do realize that my other opposition school besides Illusion is Evocation. Granted I can use my Theurge abilities to consume 4th level Bloodwitch slots to make more fireballs but maybe summoning some flanking buddies / a genie that can make a whirlwind might be my better bet. I'm also not a fan of splitting the party but if the rest of you are in agreement I can see when I am outvoted."
Delia (Hannah) HP: 91/91; AC 24/17/18; CMD 31 Friday October 29th, 2021 2:39:06 AM
Delia is satisfied with the plan as Zanderallen lined out and is ready to start it rolling. She directs a half-smile Brit's way and the Wold-ian equivalent of an awkward thumbs up, "Don't worry, Ohen counts as a lot of artillery when he puts his mind to it. You'll do fine with your brand of magicky stuff too."
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