DM(James M) - Map - Flight! d100=32 ; d100=75 ; d100=10 ; d100=38 ; d100=90 ; d100=75 ; d100=54 ; d100=21 ; Tuesday August 31st, 2021 8:39:05 AM
The demon was buffeted by the attack from Trellus, but remained unphazed otherwise as it raised a hand. A moment later a flaming portal appeared behind it and it stepped through. A moment after that and it and the portal were gone.
Immediately afterwards the sun seemed to shine a little brighter, birds started singing, and those attuned to such things could see a few squirrels darting about in the trees. For what it was worth it seemed that the wardens had managed to force the once imprisoned demon to flee.
Overhead flew some fluffy clouds as they passed leisurely by on their way east and the sun shone through a break in the clouds to their west. It was going to be a fine night here in the Culverwood.
Osul Highlight to display spoiler: {It's going to be a couple of fine days weather wise, but three days from now the weather will turn and the area will get some much needed rain. Osul can see it's been about 5 days since the last rainfall, so in three days time the forest will need that drink.}
'Osul (Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:23, ST:(F12/R8/W23 + RNL), HP:96/96, Wildshape(XVII):7, L. Lord:13, S. Burst:14 d20+48=50 ; Tuesday August 31st, 2021 10:37:26 AM
'Osul breathes in the serenity. He takes a moment to confirm for his own happiness that the dew over the next two days will be enough, and that the third days "much needed rain" isn't too much at once, or falling too long. {Survival: 50 - 8 day forecast}
He looks at the sunshine, the birds, the squirrels - then speaks as if to the trees, or something in or beyond them, "Of course it is nice to be rid of it, but if it hasn't gone home permanently, you know who'll be having to go after it, right?!"
He looks at the wardens and says, "Yes, its great to be home. So, resting up, or visiting EvenOak? Either way I'll add Transport via Plants to get at least to the southern border of The Wood for tomorrow."
Armand (Robert D)AC 32 (25norm) /touch 11/flat 31 (24norm) HP 112/112 CMD 24 Character Sheet Tuesday August 31st, 2021 5:20:14 PM
Just as Armand was girding himself for a fight, the demon exists. He looks around quickly. "Well that was rather....anticlimactic. So was the demon imprisoned in that globe and being forced to power the gateways? If so then whomever or whatever imprisoned him is still on the loose and likely the cause of our troubles." He shrugs his shoulders. "Still no clues so it's not like we have anything to go on. Or do we." Armand will look around the area where the globe/glass/green glowy thing was to see if there are any shards left that could possibly be used in a scrying spell.
Othewise he will head back to the tree fort and try to get some rest.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC36 T18 F32, CMD 35, HP (145/145) Tuesday August 31st, 2021 7:14:41 PM
Trellus blinks stupidly for several moments, then looks around at Armand's explanation.
"That's last thread?" he asks, bemused. "Twisted. I'm used to a lot more bleeding first, but this way is shady too."
The man takes in the forest, at a loss on what to do next.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 31 (n26) T:15, FF:27 (22normal), CMD 32 , HP 139/139 Tuesday August 31st, 2021 7:37:54 PM
Elyngael looks at Trellus, "I've been meaning to tell you. You talk funny. I'm not sure exactly what you mean all the time. But yes, I too was ready to fight that thing. It would have been more of a challenge than those bandits back in the woods. Those survivors should leave us alone. I guess for now we should go over to the tree house, set watch, and get some rest. It was along hike to that citadel on the other side."
Brawns Stats AC 30/16/28 hp 107/107, CMD 25
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(26)20 / F(24)20; HP146/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, stoneskin, mage armor Tuesday August 31st, 2021 9:43:03 PM
Neshi looks around not quite believing that the demon has actually left the playing field, so-to-speak.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 113/113 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Phantom Steed (Extended) Protection from Evil Wednesday September 1st, 2021 2:19:53 AM
Moridark looks around, mouth agape, unsure of what hasbjust happened.
DM(James M) - Map - Chants and Confusion d100=80 ; d100=88 ; d100=82 ; d100=72 ; d100=6 ; d100=47 ; d4=1 ; d6=6 ; Wednesday September 1st, 2021 9:19:56 AM
Almost all of the Warden's were confused about the demons behavior, but the fact remained that it was gone. The pedestal and some slivers of gemstone did remain however and collecting a few bits from that was easy enough. The pedestal had a few clues about it as well and a closer examination did indeed reveal that the demon must have been trapped within it as it had wards carved into the surfaces along it.
Spellcraft DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {This is dragon magic.}
Perception DC 15 if you are collecting bits - Highlight to display spoiler: {You can make out faint prints in the vestibule that look like skeletal feet. }
Otherwise the night was uneventful and the next morning brought with it a little more cloud cover as a front seemed to have moved in overnight. This caused the land and forest to be slightly darker than before and the shadows were softer under the trees than the previous day.
In the distance the faint sounds of people chanting reached the ears of the wardens. The chant was unidentifiable as only bits and pieces came to them as the wind changed direction or the rustling of leaves on the trees drowned out the sounds.
Perception DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a work song used by miners. You can also hear the faint sounds of footfalls as they march in time with the song. The sounds seems to be coming from the nearby road as it leads into EvenOak.}
Armand (Robert D)AC 25norm /touch 11/flat 24norm HP 112/112 CMD 24 Character Sheet d20+10=29 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+7=21 ; Wednesday September 1st, 2021 5:39:14 PM
Spellcraft 29 (d20+10) Perception 17 (d20+7) on the pedestal Perception 21 (d20+7) on the chanters
The next morning Armand will share with the others. "I'm pretty sure that artifact thing was made by dragon magic. So there may still be a dragon around....unless someone enslaved a dragon? And look here in the vestibul, there's signs of skeletal feet."
Clarification there's actual skeletal feet lying there, or are there skeletal foot prints?
Then he catches the faint whispers of a song coming from the roadway. "That sounds like a miner's song. If there's nothing left to see here I guess we should head out. I don't think there's anything useful in those bits and pieces to help us scry who made that thing, yet. I guess it could count as a possession so we can keep the bits safe for now, but we have no likeness of him/her/it, and we have zero else for clues."
'Osul (Graham) AC:11 (T:11, FF:10), CMD:23, ST:(F12/R8/W23 + RNL), HP:96/96, Wildshape(XVII):7, L. Lord:13, S. Burst:14 d20+6=8 ; d20+34=51 ; Wednesday September 1st, 2021 6:50:46 PM {Spellcraft:8} "We have today and tomorrow like this before a long slow soaking day, then four days later a real thunderstorm and rain. I suggest we act accordingly, and let folks know what's ahead so they can prepare." Meditation "That sounds worthy of investigation, but are we standing outside a ruined building?" {Perception:51}
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 113/113 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Phantom Steed (Extended) d20+27=33 ; d20=8 ; d20=2 ; Wednesday September 1st, 2021 7:46:41 PM
Moridark nods in agreement with Armand. "Definitely dragon magic. Though why here? Are we actually back on the material plane? Are we in the Wold? I am pretty well veresed in these things, and yet over the last few days I feel as though we have been bounced around with no real purpose, unless it is to test our abilities."
Moridark doesn't see teh bits nor hears the chant. The mage busies himself with spell preparation, and casts his standard morning spells.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 31 (n26) T:15, FF:27 (22normal), CMD 32 , HP 139/139 d20+25=29 ; d20+30=38 ; d20+25=42 ; d20+24=42 ; d20+25=34 ; d20+37=47 ; Wednesday September 1st, 2021 7:49:12 PM
Perception in the vestibule d20+25=29 (forest favored terrain) Survival to track and tell how old the skeleton prints are d20+30=38 (forest favored terrain) I forgot to add 1/2 my ranger level to tracking checks. Perception to hear chant d20+25=42 (forest favored terrain)
Elyngael will examine the skeleton prints to get a sense of how long ago they were made and to see if there is a trail to follow. "I can go scout the chanters. Brawn you stay here."
Going ahead to scout. Woodland Stride: can move through natural undergrowth at normal speed, Camouflage: hide in favored terrain even when no concealment. Stealth d20+24= 42 (favored terrain bonus) Perception d20+25=34 Survival to read tracks in case they are gone when I get there, d20+37=47
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 26 T:15, FF:22, CMD 32 , HP 139/139 Wednesday September 1st, 2021 7:49:55 PM
Fixed header
Brawns Stats AC 30/16/28 hp 107/107, CMD 25
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(26)20 / F(24)20; HP116/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, d20+11=31 ; Wednesday September 1st, 2021 8:08:11 PM
At Moridark's question Neshi takes a moment to try and figure out if they actually are back in the Wold or on a different plane.
---- The Night Before --- Trellus only grins broadly at Elyngael's observation, and gives her an extravagant, and archaic, bow. "I apologize for confusing you. I often fall into to the idioms of my youth, learned in the City of Rattledam. We were a city in the open grass, where light and sun were generally dangerous, and the shade a most precious commodity. We were also a city of weavers, and incorporated threads, looms, patterns, and the like into our speech. Basically, sun and light - bad. Dark and shadows - good."
--- Now ----- Trellus rises, makes his observance, receives his spells, and casts his daily protections.
Hearing the chanting over the wind, the man nods agreement with Armand's observations.
Elyngael heads out on her scouting mission, and the man looks to the Wardens to see what their next move will be.
DM(James M) - Map - Footprints in the sand Thursday September 2nd, 2021 9:39:23 AM Armand revealed that the pedestal was dragon magic. He also mentioned skeletal footprints in the dirt next to it and that the chanting seemed to be a miners song.
Osul talked about the weather that was coming and suggested warning the locals about it. He looked around at the structure.
Moridark agreed it was dragon magic, but questioned why it would be here, and if they were actually returned to their home plane.
Elyngael looked the tracks over that she found in the vestibule and then went to investigate the chanters.
Neshi pondered about their location.
Trellus explained his upbringing to Elyn and the next morning he agreed with the assessment of the chanters.
Owen
Elyngael was trained in such things and that Skeletal footprint was real and recent..and made by something moving. Armand was able to confirm that it was likely an animated undead creature. Osul with his insight into the wood could feel the evil here now that the demon was gone, but it was an old evil that hadn't been disturbed. After talking and looking about the area they all realized that the undead here didn't wander, but kept to the ruined structure. If undead were active in the area it would likely be inside those ruins and minor at best. Armand thought he could sweep the inside in an hour or two and vanquish any that might be about.
Elyngael however didn't find just the skeletal footprint, but that of a human as well. The scuffle with the demon obscured most of it, but she was certain a man had been here in the past few days, at the very least since the last rain as the prints would have been washed away. After relating her findings she vanished into the wood to investigate the chanters.
KS: History DC 20, KS: Local DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {Ruins History (Castle Dread as it’s known to the locals): The legend is that a powerful wizard from Dread once lived in the castle here. He ruled the area with an even hand and was respected by the people in the region, however when his wife was slain by red orcs from the Scab he went mad and tore the place down to its foundations. Afterwards he entered the Scab and killed the red orc tribe. The unsettled dead in the castle ruins have prevented any from venturing into them. The village of EvenOak was formed to honor the wizard’s wife and the man that was driven insane by her death. }
Elyngael Highlight to display spoiler: {At the crossroads it looks like a fair amount of traffic goes into and out of Evenoak. You can see a large print on the road near it’s edge. Something big made it and Elyn is almost certain it was made by a dragon in the last 3 days.}
Neshi Highlight to display spoiler: {You are confident you are on the prime material plane and given Osul's connection to the wood around you it's clear you are in the Wold.}
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(26)20 / F(24)20; HP116/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, Thursday September 2nd, 2021 6:44:41 PM
Well everyone, Somehow we have managed not only to make it back to our plane, but we seem to truly have found our way back to the Culverwood.
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:17 (T:13, FF:13), CMD:29, ST:(F12/R12/W23 + RNL), HP:96/96, Wildshape(XVII):7, L. Lord:15, S. Burst:14 d20+34=52 ; d20+48=51 ; Thursday September 2nd, 2021 7:09:55 PM
'Osul shares his his feeling regarding the old evil. He also wildshapes into his air elemental form and moves to overwatch. {Perception:52, Survival(tracking):51}
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 113/113 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Phantom Steed (Extended) d20+9=27 ; d20+9=21 ; Thursday September 2nd, 2021 7:44:40 PM
Moridark shakes his head at the mastery of the spells that brought them here. Moridark regales them with tales of the historical significance of the ruins. "Well, where are we headed?"
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 26 T:15, FF:22, CMD 32 , HP 139/139 Thursday September 2nd, 2021 8:07:26 PM
Elyngael comes hurrying back to the group. "I found part of a trail a dragon made down by the road. It's about 3 days old. Maybe we can check out where-ever those miners were going to see what they know, or the town that's nearby."
Brawns Stats AC 30/16/28 hp 107/107, CMD 25
Armand (Robert D)AC 25norm /touch 11/flat 24norm HP 112/112 CMD 24 Character Sheet d20+20=38 ; Thursday September 2nd, 2021 8:40:53 PM
knowledge History 38 (d20+20)
Armand looks the ruins over. "I believe this is Castle Dread. The legend is that a powerful wizard from Dread once lived in the castle. He ruled the area with an even hand and was respected by the people in the region, however when his wife was slain by red orcs from the Scab he went mad and tore the place down to its foundations. Afterwards he entered the Scab and killed the red orc tribe. The unsettled dead in the castle ruins have prevented any from venturing into them. I believe the nearby village of EvenOak was formed to honor the wizard’s wife and the man before he was driven insane by her death."
He looks over at Trellus, "As a follower of Gargul I almost feel duty bound to lay these souls to rest and send them to His judgement."
OOC, if Armand is able to quickly go through the ruins while Elyngael is off checking out what she's checking out, then I would do so. We don't have to necessarily roleplay it if you want to just say it's done and he used x number of channels....He also has the domain spell of Undeath to Death always on tap and that's going to affect a 40 foot radius burst, affecting 1d4/caster level (so 15d4) levels of undead, though no undead of 9HD or more would be affected.
DM(James M) - Map - Cleansing Friday September 3rd, 2021 8:47:43 AM
Armand entered the ruins through the doors at the end of the vestibule. Almost immediately he was swarmed by undead skeletons that turned to dust with a wave of his hand. With each room he passed the same or similar happened with the undead being sent to their final rest. Sparks of light came from the interior of the ruins until those outside heard a guttural scream coming from what must be the single most vile of the undead creatures within, one with a voice. It too was cut short by the powerful cleric as he stood at the center of the defiled ruins. The entire process took but an hour while Elyngael scouted the area.
He could still feel the fear induced by haunts within the place. These haunts were likely the psychic remnants of the innocent forced to endure the horrors that must have visited them. Armand found each, paused, and did what was required to lay those to rest as well. He knelt before a hearth and burned a rag that hung from the mantle; he set the tiny bones of an unborn baby in a shallow grave next to the stone wall; he collected the wax from some melted candles and burned that. Each haunt had it's own set of conditions for it to be put to rest, some dictated by their profession in life, others by their circumstances. When he was done all the haunts that were within the place were gone. All told it took him another hour to complete while his companions waited outside.
Armand Highlight to display spoiler: {You gain one role playing Hero Point for setting these souls to rest.}
When Armand emerged from the darkness he looked exhausted and spent (he used all his channels) but there was also a divine glow about him as well. It was apparent his duty was appreciated by Gargul and he'd found favor in the task he'd taken upon himself. As Armand exited the building the entire structure shuddered for an instant and then crumbled to dust.
From overhead Osul couldn't see much on the ground due to the tree canopy, but what he could see told him that no threats existed in the area. When the ruins collapsed he saw the shimmering shapes of the dead formed from the dust rise up and into the morning sky. As each rose above the canopy of trees they, like the ruins, dissolved into nothingness.
About that time Elyngael returned with news of the dragon print on the road. Of the miners there was no sign as they must have moved too far away or gone underground.
Huge Air Elemental-'Osul (Graham) AC:17 (T:13, FF:13), CMD:29, ST:(F12/R12/W23 + RNL), HP:96/96, Wildshape(XVII):7, L. Lord:15, S. Burst:14 Friday September 3rd, 2021 9:51:21 AM
'Osul drifts back down.
"That will make a good soup, Elyngael!"
"There are three things that need our attention. One is strolling away, one is 5 miles away and needs to know about a storm happening down days from now and the other doesn't appear to be going anywhere fast - though we don't know what impact releasing the demon might have. If it takes a few days to get this sorted and this evil out of The Wood then so be it.", giving Armand a nod in agreement.
OOC: Sunburst ready for a good cause.
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(26)20 / F(24)20; HP116/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, Friday September 3rd, 2021 3:51:57 PM
Neshi makes sure that everything is ready to go, but at the sight of the exhausted but glowing Armand checks that thought for a moment.
"So Armand, I take it that at least one thing wasn't very happy to depart? Are you good to travel or should we all take a rest day and let you get back in fighting form?"
Armand (Robert D)AC 25norm /touch 11/flat 24norm HP 112/112 CMD 24 Character Sheet Saturday September 4th, 2021 11:47:28 AM
Armand waves his hand at Neshi. "Nah I'm good. Gonna have to rely on someone else for mass healing for today though." He turns to Neshi, "You said three things need our attention, I'm a little out of it. The one is strolling away, is that the miners or the dragon? What's this one is 5 miles away and needs to know about a storm happening down days from now? Have you seen something Elyngael missed? And what is the other doesn't appear to be going anywhere fast?"
Armand is ready to go in whatever direction needs to be going.
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 26 T:15, FF:22, CMD 32 , HP 139/139 Sunday September 5th, 2021 4:50:42 PM "Well dragons can fly, so I'm assuming the fact that there is a print by the road means the dragon landed there. Now was it waiting for something or was there another reason. There didn't appear to be any evidence of damage in the area so it probably didn't attack anything."
Brawns Stats AC 30/16/28 hp 107/107, CMD 25
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 113/113 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Phantom Steed (Extended) Sunday September 5th, 2021 6:58:21 PM
Moridark waits patiently, lounging on the back of his steed, and occasionally resting against a tree. "Armand! You look exhausted! Anything I can do to help ease your load? Elyngael, Icannot cook, but Iwill be glad to help gather firewood, or the like for those!"
When the others are ready Moridark will soar 30 feet above the party, and keep an eye out from above.
Trellus - MikeK - (AC36 T18 F32, CMD 35, HP (145/145) Monday September 6th, 2021 9:44:36 AM
Trellus gives Armand a faux hurt look. "Dude, you kept all the undead for yourself? [tsk]"
The man still feels too new to be giving directions, even if he was clear on all the options, which he's not.
Trellus simply waits to see what the consensus will be.
DM(James M) - Map - Cleansing Monday September 6th, 2021 3:49:43 PM
DM: Anyone giving it some thought would realize that the undead in the area would keep locals away from the pedestal.
The wardens moved on to the road where the sign was and the print along the edge of the road where the dragon had landed. If the dragon had moved onto the road would be unclear due to all the local traffic on the road.
In the distance you can see the wisps of smoke as they climb in to the sky from chimneys. Probably EvenOak.
Moridark (Wade) AC: 20 T: 16 F: 16 R: 14 F: 12 W: 23 HPS: 113/113 CMD: 28 Mage Armor (Extended) Phantom Steed (Extended) Monday September 6th, 2021 6:54:13 PM
Moridark flies above the party and points toward the smoke. The mage flies constantly between tree top level, and just above the gound. "Is that an issue?"
Trellus - MikeK - (AC36 T18 F32, CMD 35, HP (145/145) Monday September 6th, 2021 7:08:43 PM
Trellus shrugs at Moridark's question.
"Just cookfires, right?"
Armand (Robert D)AC 25norm /touch 11/flat 24norm HP 112/112 CMD 24 Character Sheet Monday September 6th, 2021 7:21:24 PM
Armand turns to Trellus, "Cookfires? Isn't this midmorning? Well I guess it could be a village of halflings. Maybe we should head that way. We have nothing else to go on right now."
Yurr'Neshi(Kent)AC:(33)25 / T(26)20 / F(24)20; HP116/116: Evasion, Spell resistance 18%, fire resistance 30, Monday September 6th, 2021 7:32:39 PM
ok then. Ely, you and I take left and right point?
Elyngael (Lynnette D) AC: 26 T:15, FF:22, CMD 32 , HP 139/139 d6=1 ; d20+37=50 ; d20+24=30 ; d20+25=37 ; Monday September 6th, 2021 8:06:55 PM Ignore the die roll, computer jumped Elyngael nods to Neshi. "On or off the road?" Elyngael will go 5 feet off the road and scout 50 feet ahead of the party. She will watch for bandits as well as generally check what kinds of tracks she notices. She will send Brawn back to follow behind the party. Survival d20+37=50 Stealth d20+24= 30 Perception d20+25=37
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