if the sky could tell a tale it would be a scytale
DM Shane P Tuesday May 8th, 2018 7:05:28 PM
it takes a bit of wrapping but eventually, a message is displayed. religioniswhatyouputintoyourlifeeveryday".
The aura of the staff is straight evocation magic, like any magic weapon. but when the strap is wrapped around it, Abjuration appears one way and Trasmutation appears another way. pretty strange.
Warren listens to the old man as well. Man! that never ceases to freak me out when he does that. I guess he's talking about the Sphynx that lives in the middle of the forest, he's got a cave there. we have an agreement with him. He can have some of our livestock and in return, he keeps undesirables from setting up shop in our forest. he's also a really good source of knowledge. if you want I can have one of the rangers take you to him?
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20(23) (T:14, FF:16(19)), CMD 20, HP 55/65 Tuesday May 8th, 2018 8:58:02 PM
No fair changing the time of day you post, that's less than 24 hours for us to respond.
Elyngael throws 1000 gold into the pot to pay for the clock of resistance +1.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20(23) (T:14, FF:16(19)), CMD 20, HP 65/65 Tuesday May 8th, 2018 9:00:42 PM
Elyngael looks on as the message is displayed. "Maybe someone should try to identify this staff."
She turns to the druid Warren. "What creatures are you worried about that could get into your forest?"
DM Shane P Tuesday May 8th, 2018 10:45:29 PM
OOC: sorry was really really tired when I got in from work. Thought that if I didn't post then I might not post at all.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 24 (T 14 FF 20) , CMD: 26/21, HP 33/86 Wednesday May 9th, 2018 10:12:59 AM
Atlas listens and tries to be patient. At the mention of the ranger he briefly speaks up, "We'll take the ranger." Then it is back to pacing and waiting for the gang to be ready.
Beordir (Galen) AC: 23/15/18, CMD 22, Saves: 6/7/6, HP:53 / 53 Protection from Arrows - 297 min Wednesday May 9th, 2018 10:43:13 AM
Once the message gets interpreted, Beordir makes a note of it, then steps back out of the hut to contemplate the druid's grove. He has frequented many places like this hoping that the natural heartbeat would call to him to no avail. He finds a tree to sit down under and starts to consider the path he has taken so far.
(OOC I added coin to match the value of the rapier and my existing share to the total. Hoepfully that was right.)
'Osul(Graham) AC:12 (T:11, FF:11), CMD:18, Saves:(F:7/R:3/W:13 + RNL), HP:51/51 d20+16=35 ; d20+2=12 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2018 11:07:01 AM "That is a kind offer. I hope it won't leave you short, Warren." "So, is this your grove?", he asks looking about.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 21 (T 20 FF 16), CMD: 19; HP 57/57, Speed: 30' Wednesday May 9th, 2018 11:22:53 AM "Heck yah... I'm a big fan of rangers! Even more so if his name is Hank, and he has a cool bow!" I think back to days of old.....
OOC: Correct, Atlas, on the Party Treasure. Yep, just take your 4,866, take your item(s), and pay in the gold that you owe for your item(s). :) Elyngael, you only need to pay in 500 gp for the Cloak. The 1,000 gp value listed was for 2 cloaks, and I bought one of them. 500 gp each. You can each update the Party Treasure on your own, or I can just clean it up when everyone is finished.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(26)21/(21)17/(22)18; HP:60/60 CMD: +18 character sheet Mage Armor, Bless Wednesday May 9th, 2018 3:03:51 PM
Neshi helps himself to the dexterity belt and keeps 2866 gp putting 2000 back in the kitty.
Looking over at the strip of lettering. Really? That's what it says? That would be something I would expect from a follower of Flower. How is that supposed to help us?
When the staff changes its magical signatures, Neshi looks intrigued and interested but is not sure he wants anything to do with it.
Armand (Robert D) AC 22/touch11/flat 21 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+7=27 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2018 3:33:28 PM
Armand tries to identify the staff... Spellcraft: 27 (d20+7) Hoot. Nat 20.
Armand asks of the druid, "How far is it to the center of your grove, where the sphinx lives?"
He turns to the party, "I don't know about the rest of you but I'm set to go." OOC, I'm assuming in the days that passed that everyone is now fully healed up.
Armand contemplates the message: religion is what you put into your life everyday "Could mean faith, morality, spirituality, I don't know, as riddles go seems pretty vague and open to interpretation from whomever is the person addressed."
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 15/12/13; HP: 40/40; CMD: 17 d20+28=29 ; d20+28=47 ; d20+28=40 ; Wednesday May 9th, 2018 5:50:44 PM
Owen chats with the group: "I think its meaning will become clearer with context. We can't quite place it right now, unfortunately."
He casts Identify on the staff, examining it in three different arrangements: with the leather strip wound clockwise, counterclockwise, and with it removed completely. Spellcraft: 29, 47,40.
Finally, in considering the party treasure, he asks around, saying "Hey, whatever happened to that dagger we got from the Drow Queen?"
Mack (Eric R) AC: 21 (T 20 FF 16), CMD: 19; HP 57/57, Speed: 30' Wednesday May 9th, 2018 9:16:40 PM
Responding to Owen: "The Catacombs said they wouldn't buy it. Something about it being 'Special'. So we hung on to it. I believe Armand may be carrying it."
DM Shane P Wednesday May 9th, 2018 9:48:53 PM
the Staff is a +2 staff, when the leather is wrapped around it one way, it provides a shield of +2, when it is wrapped around it another way it gives a boost of +2 to your concentration check. it takes 2 rounds to wind the leather around the staff, and the effect lasts for 10 rounds. it can only be used 1 per day for each effect. wrapping the staff nullifies it's use as a staff while being used in that way.
The Rangers name is Larry, you know this because he likes to talk...a lot. he leads you into the forest for most of the day and you reach the cave of the sphynx well after dark. You learn that the Sphynx's name is Cheops. torches burn in sconces and on poles leading up to the cave.
as you approach the cave mouth a deep masculine voice echos forth. Well, well if it isn't the Tree Wardens, welcome. Lum told me you were here, I was hoping my little puzzle would be more of a challenge, but I see your reputation for competence is well deserved. there is movement inside the cave, the Sphynx steps out into the torch light. He is massive, 12 or 13 ft at the shoulder, tawny gold color with a handsome nubian face surrounded by a golden Pharos rainment. I am Cheops, but I'm sure that this noisey human that lead you here told you that... he pauses and looks at the Ranger How are you this night Larry? ...they excange pleasantries for a few moments...apparently Larry is about to be a father...he didn't talk about that with you. their conversation ends shortly and Larry walks off to let you have the Sphynx to yourself. You are here for the First Seed, the last seed from the oldest Tree in this forest. I'm glad I saved it, the tree was struck by lightening may years ago and now no longer exists. I knew it was special because it glowed when I picked it up. He turns a paw over and uncups it, inside is a glowing Acorn, a blue halo around it that lights up the area like the sun. He holds it out to the party then cups his paw and puts it away. I have guarded the seed for millenia, ever since the Sargrass first came to this place, I have a price for the Seed, You must sit with me for the night, and tell me of your travels, your stories and your place. and when you take this seed and save the Wold you must come back, once the Sargrass has come back, and tell me of your stories since. is this price acceptable?
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 24 (T 14 FF 20) , CMD: 26/21, HP 33/86 d20+4=21 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 1:03:28 AM
Atlas, knowing he should let the more wise among them speak, cannot help himself and jumps right in. "It just so happens that I enjoy telling our stories, so I am more than happy to make this deal and talk through the night. Also, I was afraid that we would never have the chance to come back to this place, so I'm excited to hear that we can return at some point to share even more stories with you."
Atlas does everything in his power to wait for the others to say what they are thinking, but the moment he feels like he can jump in without being rude he does so. "Our stories vary before meeting, so I think it best to start with the first time any of us met. That was a day long ago when Mack and I joined a caravan as guards as they made their trip to the Tree of Parting...Part way through that trip one of the wagons had a problem with a wheel and had to pull over to get fixed. The rest of the caravan continued on and we were assigned to guard this one wagon. There were others with us as well, brave and kind, but their path eventually lead in other directions as you'll hear. Anyway, it just so happens that the wagon received some unwelcome visitors that night in the form of goblins...We managed to live, get the wagon back on the road, and eventually make it to the Tree. That was what first got us noticed." As Atlas speaks he picks pieces of the story to dive deeper into, trying to make it as entertaining to the Sphinx as he can. He pauses periodically to answer questions and for dramatic effect. He's in his element and one might wonder if he ever thought about taking the role of a bard. However, they quickly shake their head and laugh at the notion.
'Osul(Graham) AC:12 (T:11, FF:11), CMD:18, Saves:(F:7/R:3/W:13 + RNL), HP:51/51 d20+2=3 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 7:28:29 AM
Letting Mack cover the post "getting-noticed" period, 'Osul chips in on his arrival at The Tree, the Beacon in the Red Hills, Asads, and the WLA recruiters/journeymen before handing off to Owen. He tries to follow the lead of Atlas, but storytelling really isn't his forte.
Perform: 3 (like I said, even before I rolled)
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 15/12/13; HP: 40/40; CMD: 17 Thursday May 10th, 2018 8:33:15 AM
Owen grins at the enthusiasm of his friends. Once Atlas and 'Osul have had their say, he speaks: "As you can see, Cheops, we love to tell stories. I am afraid we cannot accept your deal, however. As you know well, this forest is in one of Maab's Valleys of Twilight, so here the sun never sets. To stay the night with you would be to stay forever. In addition, your clever puzzle suggests the problem with the other half of your deal: just as 'Religion is what you put into your life every day', so are our stories everything in our lives, great and small. To return and tell you of our stories since saving the Wold would also have no end, because we would have to recount forever the tale of returning to you and telling you further stories about further stories. I propose this counter-offer: we each tell you a brief story in exchange for the First Seed. Atlas and 'Osul have already fulfilled their part of this bargain. Further, I am sure you want still more information about the Wold at large. We will tell you a second round of stories if you teach us Sphinx, your language."
If the sphinx agrees, Owen will tell a story about his first adventure with the Wardens: running down a band of orcish kidnappers. Mack, Atlas, and 'Osul appear in it, as well as some former companions: Carver, Cameron, and Crosseye.
Then he will tell what he has heard of the sundering of the Mailed Fist mercenary organization.
Armand (Robert D) AC 22/touch11/flat 21 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+3=9 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 11:16:29 AM "Actually Owen I think there is a day and night. At least there has been while we've been here."
Armand will regale the Sphinx with the tales of the Tree of Parting and the Wardens. Performance 9 (d20+3). Apparently Armand is way to factual and less on the entertaining side of things.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 21 (T 20 FF 16), CMD: 19; HP 57/57, Speed: 30' d20+9=19 ; Thursday May 10th, 2018 12:31:42 PM
Very excited at first, my smile goes slightly away as Owen says we can NOT stay here forever.
I try to add some dramatic affects to the stories with a little banjo music in line with the stories:
(d20+9 perform banjo check of 19)
I make sure to add in that I'm still waiting for Boni, our minotaur warrior, to return.
And Squeaver is very anxious to add in some of his own story as well.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 24 (T 14 FF 20) , CMD: 26/21, HP 33/86 Thursday May 10th, 2018 12:39:49 PM
Atlas' head spins thinking about what Owen has said. He's not sure if he agrees with Owen or Armand, so he keeps his mouth quiet until the Sphinx can answer.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 15/12/13; HP: 40/40; CMD: 17 Thursday May 10th, 2018 1:04:29 PM
OoC: Oh yeah, now I remember night falling, when we were on the boat. Or was it just a long twilight? Anyway, the sun moves strangely here. Plus, my money says the Sphinx wants to eat us, no matter how nice it seems.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(26)21/(21)17/(22)18; HP:60/60 CMD: +18 character sheet Mage Armor, Bless Thursday May 10th, 2018 3:50:13 PM
I will be glad to add what stories I have, but I am not much a spinner of tales.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20(23) (T:14, FF:16(19)), CMD 20, HP 65/65 Thursday May 10th, 2018 8:36:33 PM
Elyngael sits quietly as she has hardly been with the Wardens very long.
DM Shane P Thursday May 10th, 2018 10:28:46 PM
there is a day and night, but strangely the sun rises in the west and sets in the west, altering course and heading back the way it came shortly before setting. which makes for a very long day and a very long night.
The Sphynx listens intently, asking well thought out and intelligent questions that, somehow, get you to talk a lot more than you thought you would. the night is long and during the course of the stories a table is set up and a spread laid out...along with spirits and beer. what started as individuals telling tales, turns into a mass recounting of events as good food and good drink loosens tounges and creates a spirit of bonhomie. when the sun rises in the west yet again, Cheops hands over the seed. he looks at Owen. [b]when you come back, I will be glad to teach you my language, and do not worry, my offer was made in a spirit of friendship, not to catch you in a trap. I've lived here for a long time, I am thankful that Humans do not live forever after several centuries spent talking to the same folk, it would get boring. when you live as long as I do, finding good conversation is a blessing not to be exploited... durance does not make for a good visit. [b]
with that the majestic beast bids you good day and flies off to patrol his kingdom.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 21 (T 20 FF 16), CMD: 19; HP 57/57, Speed: 30' Friday May 11th, 2018 8:16:56 AM "I'm ready! Let's do this!!!!!! ........ What are we doing again?"
Beordir (Galen) AC: 23/15/18, CMD 22, Saves: 6/7/6, HP:53 / 53 Protection from Arrows - 297 min Friday May 11th, 2018 9:13:22 AM
Beordir is not much of a story teller, but he does have notes. He follows along with the storytelling, documenting new understanding for the Sage's Guild. Having been worried about the difficulty of getting anything out of a Sphinx, he's quite surprised that this one is so...accommodating. Most people are ready to go, but Mack actually voices the uncertainty for what's next.
Beordir speaks up, "I think Owen has a book defining a ritual. I'm not certain we are in the right location for it's use however. It's supposed to stop the Bloodgrass. Also Elyngael has a flute of "Fated Teleportation", mostly to keep it away from Mack. It's supposed to be blown once we complete the ritual."
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 24 (T 14 FF 20) , CMD: 26/21, HP 33/86 Friday May 11th, 2018 12:47:41 PM
Atlas takes it all in. Closing his eyes he breathes deeply, smelling the plants and food. He focuses on the air around him, feeling his skin prickle as he notices the temperature for the first time. Then he shifts to the sounds around him, there are the songs of different birds, the wind through the leaves, and the conversation of his friends in the background.
He's usually in a hurry, but not at this moment. He wants to remember this night forever. The experiences he has had over his lifetime are all unique, but this is certainly one of his favorites.
After taking his moment, he returns to the present. "I cannot remember all the puzzles they've given us, but it seems to me that we were sent here to retrieve something, not to plant something. Then again, we have two items, the seed and the sapling. Maybe we are supposed to plant one here and the other back home and they can become sister trees across the...what? Where are we anyway? Is this a different planet or plane, or just another place within the Wold?" And once again Atlas is back to being antsy and ready to move forward.
Armand (Robert D) AC 22/touch11/flat 21 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet Friday May 11th, 2018 4:39:55 PM "Right then." Armand claps his hands together.
"Owen I believe you have that ritual book the little guy gave us. Want to look it over real quick?"
"Elyngael you have the flute, let's play it and get back to the Wold. No telling how far that red weed has spread while we've been gone."
Armand is ready to shake the dust of this place off.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20(23) (T:14, FF:16(19)), CMD 20, HP 65/65 d20+1=19 ; Friday May 11th, 2018 5:50:26 PM
Elyngael takes out the flute. "Can anyone use this?" She is reluctant to give it up to Mack and tries a few notes once everyone says they are ready to go. ? Perform (d20+1=19)
'Osul(Graham) AC:12 (T:11, FF:11), CMD:18, Saves:(F:7/R:3/W:13 + RNL), HP:51/51 Friday May 11th, 2018 6:14:25 PM
'Osul undertakes his meditations with the western rising sun, with a particular focus on the new seed, and if this is the best place to be planting the seed from The Tree.
DM Shane P Friday May 11th, 2018 10:55:06 PM
will post tomorrow.
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 15/12/13; HP: 40/40; CMD: 17 Saturday May 12th, 2018 12:03:52 PM
Owen flips through the ritual book to see what it entails.
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(26)21/(21)17/(22)18; HP:60/60 CMD: +18 character sheet Mage Armor, Bless Sunday May 13th, 2018 4:30:24 PM
"Well, the old man said that when we found the acorrrrrn to do the rrrrritual that will end the rrrrred grrrrass. He didn't say if we werrrre to do it herrrre or closerrrr to the rrrred grrrrass. I would as soon do it herrrre and once the rrrritual is completed then play the flute. Perrrrrrhaps it is time to rrrrread thrrrrough the rrrrritual to see if therrrrre is anything we need that we do not have or know."
Beordir (Galen) AC: 23/15/18, CMD 22, Saves: 6/7/6, HP:53 / 53 Protection from Arrows - 297 min Monday May 14th, 2018 9:13:24 AM
Beordir nods, "Let's check the book to make sure we've gotten as close to it's instructions as possible."
'Osul(Graham) AC:12 (T:11, FF:11), CMD:18, Saves:(F:7/R:3/W:13 + RNL), HP:51/51 d20+22=27 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 9:44:05 AM
Waiting for the reading to occur, 'Osul keeps an ear and eye on the surroundings. Perception: 27
DM Shane P Monday May 14th, 2018 9:57:48 AM
Since no one stepped up Elyngael toots the flute, there is a feeling of falling through yourself, the world twists and you find yourself standing before the crystal you first found when this whole thing started. The red grass has spread far. The trees themselves now sport red leaves, the bodies of the creatures you killed are now coved in red grass. The grass stretches from horizon to horizon, a sea of red, moving in an unnatural rhythm that no wind cold ever produce. It’s strangely beautiful, and unnerving, the birds don’t sing, no insect stirs, there is only the grass which covers all, and the sinister Sussruss of grass moving.
The ritual states that at least one person needs to sing the words to the ritual, the item of legend must be pressed against the crystal to drive out the worlds blood, the incense must fill the air around the crystal to purify and sanctify the undertaking. The blood grass has a will though, and will seek to thwart your efforts.
The party must place their found object upon/against the crystal - or at least have it touch the crystal in some way. The performance aspect can now commence. At least 1 PC must make a Performance check for each round of the ritual Skill Check / Ability checks that others may contribute can include: STR: A raw Str check to try and keep the grass away from the crystal DEX: A raw Dex check to wave a stick of incense close to the grass without touching it CON: A raw Con check to hold a pulsating piece of pure crystal INT: Int checks to see how to unknot the grass that is tangled up and binding the crystal. CHA: A Performance check. All sorts of performances (except Comedy) can contribute to performing the ritual. WIS: Will power and concentration to battle the grass mentally.
These are merely examples of things that will work, other more creative uses of your stats and skills are possible.
*Note: These are all untrained skills meaning anyone can attempt them and the result will be at least the same as their relevant ability bonus. At least 1 PC must make a Performance check. If the PC use a Manfri-made steelgrass instrument, treat it as masterwork (+2 bonus) and add an extra +1 circumstance bonus. Some may choose not to contribute to the ritual, but this will simply prolong the performance.
Each round you will take 3 points of negative energy damage while performing the ritual, on top of that you will take 1point/round of bleed damage (stacking) as the grass slashes at you to keep you away.
Atlas Sunowl (Trey) AC: 24 (T 14 FF 20) , CMD: 26/21, HP 86/86 d20+4=8 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 12:30:49 PM
Atlas looks about at the group as they prepare to begin the ritual. "I guess I'm the one trying to keep the grass away from the crystal?" As they begin the ritual he fights the grass, but he wasn't prepared for what the grass would do and struggles mightily.
Mack (Eric R) AC: 21 (T 20 FF 16), CMD: 19; HP 57/57, Speed: 30' d20+9=26 ; d20+4=22 ; d20+1=7 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 12:31:29 PM
I move a little closer to the flute.
I don't consider singing my strong suit with "performance", but if singing is necessary, I give it a shot (if not, I use my banjo):
(d20+9 perform banjo check of 26)
or if the group needs someone with good Dex to wave the incense, I can attempt that as well:
(d20+4 dexterity check of 22)
Squeaver tries to aid anyone that's going to hold the pulsating piece of pure crystal: (d20+1 aid Con check of 7 against DC 10 --> +0 to anyone (failed))
Yurr'Neshi (Kent) AC:(26)21/(21)17/(22)18; HP:60/60 CMD: +18 character sheet Mage Armor, Bless d20+9=24 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 2:04:48 PM
Not at all sure of himself Yurr'Neshi takes his turn and performs a poem.
Perform DC 24
The red grass withered and died, And crumbled to the ground. And blew away in the wind, With not even a sound. Its seed that was spreading, Throughout the Wold. Burned too, until it was ashes cold And though others have died, From the red grasses wrath Domi created rebirth. And life follow his path, Just as before, Under Domi’s blue skies, Forever more without the red grass.
Armand (Robert D) AC 22/touch11/flat 21 HP 63/63 CMD 18 Character Sheet d20+2=4 ; d20+2=15 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 3:30:04 PM
Armand casts Air Walk and takes the seed. He walks above the grass and places the seed on top of the crystal.
Con Check: 4 (d20+2)
Though really I don't see how con affects holding he crystal on the thing, but I guess I will burn a hero point for a reroll.
Con check: 15 (d20+2)
Feeling the slightly weaker as he approached Armand activates: Ward against death (8th) 30ft aura protect against death for (rounds=lv) immune to death effects, energy drain, negative level drain.
"If the grass is displaying mental abilities, then it might be succeptible to Command Plants. Any thoughts?"
Owen Marcellus (Weston W.) AC: 15/12/13; HP: 40/40; CMD: 17 d20+19=39 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+4=5 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 8:55:39 PM
Having seen the ritual, Owen wracks his brain to think about its function. Could it be safely and effectively sung in another language, a more compact language, and thus be completed faster? Knowledge (Arcana): 39. (Natural 20!)
If yes, Owen knows 11 languages, and he translates and tells the others the words to sing in a kind of call-and-response. Linguistics: 31.
If not, he utterly fails to outsmart the grass. Int check: 5. Natural 1.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 20(23) (T:14, FF:16(19)), CMD 20, HP 65/65 d20+4=8 ; d20+3=23 ; Monday May 14th, 2018 9:35:16 PM
Elyngael shoves the flute at Mack. "Take this, you'll do better with it than I will." She grabs the incense from Mack and lights it with a tindertwig and then starts waving it at the grass. Dex (d20+4=8).
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