The Druid Camp (ADM Joe) Tuesday May 17th, 2005 11:09:33 PM
The Party continues on thier way to the Druid Camp. An hour before reaching where the camp is the group knows they are being watched. Spot check DC 30 Highlight to display spoiler: {You see several enourmous Dire Panthers Scattered throught the Trees. You can also make out one of the Small Dragons flying high above.}
You travel on and reach the Druid Camp. The change is evident from a good distance off. The camp is Huge now. The Templars have grown in number since you left. The camp is bustling. All manner or Druidic weaponry is being prepared. Spears both Large and Short lay stacked in great piles. There are Dozen upon Dozens of Bows unstrung are ready for packing. There are scores of Quivers of Arrows.
There are animals everywhere. At one spot in the Camp The Unicorns The group saw earlier and Dozens More Roam around. Several Of the templars are loading them with supplies. Some Carry weapons, Others food and Other supplies. When the Druids finish loading one down, it heads off and another trots up and takes its place waiting for gear without any prompting at all from the Druids.
Off to one side of the Camp and Ent is working its Magic upon some fruit bearing Trees and bushes. Fruit and Berrys, nuts all grow increadibly fast from seeds to Ripe. A small Army of Sprites fly about gathering the food and placing it in baskets carried by a Huge Dire Sabertooth Tiger.
On the Other side of Camp Four Gigantic Wooly Mamoths take turns taking on Riders in Howdahs they wear. When all are loaded They head out of camp with 25 or so of the Unicorns bearing supplies. A dozen more Dire Sabertooth Tigers, Fully 10 feet tall at thier shoulders accompany them. A Dozen Direwolfs equally as large range ahead and to the sides, acting as scouts.
Not Far away nearly 50 of the Huge Dire Animals sit in a Semi-Circle. All intently staring at One of the Small Pseudo-Dragons sitting on a branch up in a Tree, who is looking at them all in Turn. A minute later it hops off its branch and begins to fly out of camp in another Direction. The Dire animals all stand up and begin to lope after it.
You estimate there are many hundred more creatures sitting Idle, all co-existing together in the Druid Camp. Small Camps of Sprites, Many more Unicorns, Giants Mamoths looking on at the Druids Fashoning more Howdahs to carry riders. Every Many of Dire Animals, Leapoards, Tigers, Wolves, Panthers, and Bears. And many more Pseudo-Dragons.
There is a rythmic Thump, Thump, Thump, Thump Comming from behind you. A Dire Bear, Fully 20 Feet high at its shoulders walks into Camp. It rears up on its Hind Legs, its size standing straight up is Terrifying. It lets out ear splitting Roar, which is picked up by the other Giant predators...It is almost deafining.
There is no doubt in your minds. The Templars of The Wild and thier Forest allies are preparing for war.
Monthor d20=1 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 8:01:19 AM
Monthor is grinning from ear to ear.
" Me thinks a battle is brewing me friends. These beasties aren't here just for fun. Maybe I won't have to take out my frustrations on the princess after all."
Monthor laughs and looks at the paladin....
" Just kidding of course. Let's find the 'tree huggers'. They will certainly need me Pappie's axe on their side if war it be. "
Feng Wednesday May 18th, 2005 10:16:52 AM
Feng watches the bustling camp with growing unease though he is careful to hold his tongue. If they are preparing to war with his kin then that would be a good thing. Somehow he doubts that this is only for orcs, goblins, and other associated races. Feng looks to his companions to judge their reaction.
Draax Wednesday May 18th, 2005 10:42:16 AM
"I agree Monther, these guys are getting ready for a war and by the looks of their preparations, a long war. I just hope we are not required to pick what side we are on again."
Arien d20+9=22 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 12:48:25 PM
"Yes, let us find the druids and find out what has caused this sudden gathering."
Renik Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:05:22 PM
The rogue looks troubled at this turn of events. The coming of the King seems to be bringing greater and greater upheaval at every turn. How many are to die in this war? How many innocents will fall in the name of Nature? And how can it be that they still know so little of its instigator and his motives?
"Agreed, Arien. Let us find out what is happening here, but hold our own counsel. I have no wish to be drawn into this if we can possibly avoid it."
Tratain Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:11:08 PM
Tratain looks around the camp, unease showing on his face. He Nods at Reniks words Lets Find Harlee or the gnome and Find out whats going on
Sarigar and Black Paws d20+14=30 d20=17 Wednesday May 18th, 2005 7:55:44 PM
Hearing the others talk of finding out more information, the brothers begin milling about the grove, specifically seeking out various wolves. They ask the wolves that are not obviously being sent off immediately what's going on, where they're going, who they're supposed to fight and so on (Wild Empathy 30, Gather Information 17).
ooc: Sarigar can speak with wolves as a class ability "Kinship of the Wild"
Once they're learned all it would appear they're going to learn, they will get back with the others and let them know.
Preparations (ADM Joe) Wednesday May 18th, 2005 10:20:21 PM
The Group watches the preparations being made by the druids with some apprehension. When Harlee is mentioned the group hears in their heads 'Harlee is very busy, he was expecting you though. I will let him know that you are here.' Off to your left a little one of the pseudo-dragons sits perched on a tree limb. It hops off, spreads its wings and flies off.
A few minutes later Harlee and Irvine come by. Harlee is more hyperactive than when you first saw him. Without preamble he says "Isn't it wonderful? All of the forest rallies! We will be prepared when the King calls and we will lead the way into the great forest of the Culverwood and destroy that Green Monster! With the King leading us how can we lose! We would be honored if you would join with us. The destruction of Parnoth will be a wonderful first step." And just as quickly he's off again, not bothering to wait for an answer. A few steps away he's intercepted by several other druids and he begins giving orders again as he walks about the camp. The gnome, Irvine, is left standing there with a bemused look on his face. "Find out anything interesting from the Pixie Lord?" he asks.
Meanwhile Sarigar is off talking with the Wolves who welcome their "Little Brothers." They communicate that the Druids sent out a call for aid in the name of the King and they responded. They seem eager to go hunt their new prey, a dragon named Parnoth, and his pack. They say that the Druids will take them far from their normal lands to another forest, much like this one only smaller. They invite Sarigar and Blackpaws to hunt with them across the great sea.
Tratain Thursday May 19th, 2005 12:21:55 PM
So they were gathering to attack Parnoth, all in all a worthy cause, but the story told by the Hydrae has Tratain a little worried.
He waits to see what Renik tell Irvine about what they found out.
Draax Thursday May 19th, 2005 1:04:19 PM
"Going after the Parnoth is a worthy cause but are they sure the king will call them to war. I am still in dark on too many things going on at the moment. This blind faith thing is really starting to grind on my nerves." Draax stands near the gnome waiting to hear the gnome's response to what they found out.
Arien Thursday May 19th, 2005 1:08:38 PM
"My people are suffering under the grasp of a tyrant and I for one will help to destroy that beast, Fae King or no I would still help against the dragon."
Feng Thursday May 19th, 2005 6:03:00 PM
Destroying a green dragon is a worthy cause but the suddeness of the attack suprised him. Did the awakening of their king give them some new strength?
"Killing a greend dragon is a worthy cause. I think we should help." Feng said. One reason he wanted to help was to see how the elves will act now that their king is awakened.
Monthor Thursday May 19th, 2005 7:11:54 PM
The dwarf begins to salivate.
" Did someone say 'Dragon'?..... "
Monthor rubs his powerfull hands together.
" YES! Which way did he go? Which way did he go? Me off to get me a pesky dragon! WHOOOO HOOOO"
Renik Thursday May 19th, 2005 7:18:07 PM
The rogue feels the difficulty of this situation keenly. He gathers the companions close, and says quietly;
"On the one hand it is clear that Parnoth is a vile ruler, an evil and opressive influence. I have heard the tales of the dragon's brutality towards the elves and his other subjects, and I would be as happy as the next person to see the loathsome creature dead. Arien, I am particularly moved by the depth of your fraternal feeling.
But I cannot shake the fear that we are being led down a very dangerous path, one that may not lead to the peace so glibly promised. Before we turn our sights on enemies without, should we not at least question the one who claims to lead us? Who is this King? What are his motives? Does he lead the woodland folk against Parnoth through altruism, or for some other purpose? Is it always right to go into battle against evil, even when the one who leads you may very well have an agenda entirely at odds with your own?
I think we have learned enough of this Fae King, been given enough warnings and danger signs, to distrust him utterly. We have still to be given a shred of proof that he has the best interests of any of us at heart, and the more we hear the more suspect he seems. All he has brought the Wold thus far would seem to be war, chaos, and soon death. However much we might desire the death of Parnoth, we must have a clear idea of the price that death will come at, and right now we have none. I think our destiny lies on a different path to his, and to these gathering warriors.
My suggestion to you would be this: we get back to Plateau City as quickly as we are able. We find the Gold or Storm Dragons and tell them what we have learned of Queen Maab. And should that prove impossible we seek out this Queen Maab ourselves. We must discover for ourselves if the Fae King is a benign force, or a danger even deadlier than Parnoth.
However I believe this is a decision we must make one way or the other as a group. I vote against going to war against Parnoth, for the reasons I have stated. What say the rest of you?"
Descisions Descisions (ADM Joe) Thursday May 19th, 2005 11:23:48 PM
Many of the Group want to join the war against Parnoth, Renik councils going back to Plataue City and Informing the Gold or Storm Dragons about what they have learned.
The options are presented, a choice must be made.
And then there is the gnome Irvine still waiting while you have your private discussion. The Hustle and bustle of the camp doesn't diminish any. More Druids and Allies of the Forest arrive and are put to work immedietly.
Tratain Thursday May 19th, 2005 11:29:52 PM
Tratain says to the Others Quietly I agree with what Renik has said, I also agree that something needs to be done about Parnoth. We don't know when the King will send out the true call to arms. I think it would be best if we Head back to the City, find the Gold or Storm Dragons tell them what we know and go from there. This campaign against Parnoth will not be quick or easy. In our investigations we may miss the begining, but as long as we are there for the end its what matter. Thats my vote, Head back to the City First, join the campaign against Parnoth after. We can even come right back, we'll be gone from this place for maybe 4 or 5 days, but The culverwood where parntoh rules is across the bay so the City is on the way.
While the group is talking he calls over to Irvine We'll be with you in a minute.
Monthor Friday May 20th, 2005 1:17:38 PM
Monthor's cheeks are getting red with frustation. The very notion of avoiding a battle is alien to him but he has grown to like Renick and Tratain makes sense.
" Fine. Me job is make sur the lot of ye remain healthy and in one piece. Me not liking turning me back to a frey but me will go along with what the rest of ye want."
Draax Friday May 20th, 2005 3:11:29 PM
Draax joins the quiet discussion, "I agree the city first. It looks like we will be fighting Parnoth in one way or another. It just a matter of who are we going to fight along side of. I am sure those in the city are making their own preparations for the conflict. Looking at the firepower the druids are calling forth, I would like to know what we are going to face. The minions of Parnoth will probably be just as touch. Hopefully the council of the city or one of the elite adventuring groups did or is going to do some recon before the war is brought to Parnoth's doorstep."
Sarigar and Black Paws Friday May 20th, 2005 11:41:38 PM
The brothers mill about the area, quite agitated. They keep looking over at the wolves, then back at the various party members, then back to the wolves. Occasionally, they take a few excited steps toward the wolves, then solemn steps back to the party.
The run, although short, they had earlier with the wolves has reignited a fervor to run and hunt with a pack. Their loyalties are now stretched and it's obviously confusing to them.
Feng Saturday May 21st, 2005 12:56:46 PM
"I still have vivid memories of the last dragon we faced. While they may have awakened him the elves know him from faith and legend. Nobody may know what lies at the Fae King's heart. While I long to rid the world of another evil dragon the bigger picture says we should seek council."
Is That your Final Answer (ADM Joe) Saturday May 21st, 2005 5:55:47 PM
The Group discuses what to do Next. It seems the party will head back to Plataue City, but several of the group have not yet voiced thier opinion. All that remains is to inform Irvine and then be off.
Arien Sunday May 22nd, 2005 2:11:42 PM
"I am loathe to leave Parnoth alive longer than necessary, but I think we have time while this army gathers. Let us return to the city, seek this counsel and resupply in the Catacombs." Arien memorizes the area so that he can teleport back to this area when they are done in Plateau City.
Renik d20+3=16 Sunday May 22nd, 2005 5:55:31 PM
Renik nods, glad that Arien is in agreement. "Very well, we shall go. Shall we return the same way we came here? Are the relevent spells memorized? Or are we all able to teleport?"
He speaks to Irvine, explaining that their own path leads them first to Plateau City before they can think of joining in the war against Parnoth (Diplomacy 16).
Monthor Sunday May 22nd, 2005 6:49:05 PM
Me swear, the bunch of ye talk more then a bunch of old women. Let's move on already.
Tratain Sunday May 22nd, 2005 6:57:28 PM
Tratain tells Irvine We have things we need to do first, but we won't miss the campaign against Parnoth. We will return as soon as we are able to join the battle.
He says to the others Lets Head out now, We should be able to make it most of the way to the bay if we head out soon. Tomorrow I can memorize the wind walk spell and we can head across the Bay then.
Draax Sunday May 22nd, 2005 11:06:13 PM
If someone has not done so already Draax will make sure that Irvine hears about everything that happened on their trip. As soon as he is sure that the gnome's questions are answered he will join the others and head out.
News Gets About (DM Cayzle) Monday May 23rd, 2005 7:15:35 AM
[OOC: Let me offer mad props to Joe for doing a really great job while I was otherwise occupied. Thanks! By the way, feel free to click for a baby picture.]
At the Templars' Camp: Irvine shakes his head. "I appreciate the enthusiasm (looking at Arien), and perhaps you will be welcome to rejoin us. After tomorrow, look for us in the Culverwood east of the Emerald Kingdom. But I cannot fail to note that instead of answering my question about what the Pixie Lord told you, instead you run off to the City before you can join us. What will you tell others that you will not tell me? And to whom?"
He frowns and waves you on your way.
Arien has no problem with the Teleport, since Plateau City is within the 1,000+ range of the spell. (I'm assuming that if you need two trips, you can manage them. But keep in mind that Black Paws is big, and that Jasper has a mount too. I may demand a look at the math next time.)
At Plateau City: You arrive. Where do you go? Who do you see? Together or splitting up? Hey! Is that a pair of wolves running down the street in plain sight? Why are there signs in shop windows advertising eggs for a gold piece each?
Sarigar and Black Paws Monday May 23rd, 2005 4:13:14 PM
Upon arrival in Plateau City, the brothers shake the mild dizziness from their heads, take a deep breath and begin sneezing and coughing out the smells of the city. For a moment, they almost sounds like they truly are sick, but within a few moments they recover, just in time to see the wolves. "OOOooo, BROTHERS!!!" with a huge smile on their lips, the brothers dash off to catch up to their lupine brothers.
If it appears they cannot catch up, Sarigar will pause a moment and cast Longstrider and take off in chase again, barking (literally) for them to wait up. When they finally catch up, he asks them what they're running to or from. The brothers will join them for a while when they finally realize, they took off alone again, IN A CITY!!
Tratain Monday May 23rd, 2005 5:55:56 PM
Before the group teleports out Tratain will pull Irvine aside and tell him quietly out of earshot of the other druids and animals. "We didn't mean to be rude, we were actually discussing if we were going back to the City or not. From the Pixie Lord we learned that he was unsure if it was a good idea or not to awaken the sleeper, and he didn't know why he went to sleep in the first place. From what he told us it seemed as though he was afraid of the Fey King. On our way back we ran into some being called Hydrae, they told us of the King's rebirth. We don't know how much of their story to believe, but it seems there was some sort of battle after the King was awakened, between the King and who else we don't know. You may want to keep that to yourself though until we find out more."
When in the City, Tratain will suggest that the group go immediately and try and set up an appointment to see the Mayor or the Gold Dragons, if the Gold Dragons aren't here he will suggest they teleport to the Floating City tomorrow and see if the Storm Dragons are there.
If the group has time between the appointment he will go see a blacksmith to inquire about getting some modifications made to his shield.
Monthor Monday May 23rd, 2005 7:18:28 PM
Once at the city.
" Okay girls, me want the three B's. Beers, bimbos and brawls. Who's with me?"
Monthor will try to beg, plead and intimidate his party mates until 'someone' joins him in the raunchiest, dirties, loudest drinking establishment they can find. If there are no takers, Monthor will grumble (loudly) and follow the others.
Draax Monday May 23rd, 2005 7:52:34 PM
Draax shrug his shoulders when he realizes that Irvine just ignored him and wanting to hear about their trip from one of the others. He appreciates Train for taking the time to bring the gnome up to date.
In the city Draax looks at the strange differences as he listens to Tain's suggestion, "That sounds like a good starting plan. We also need to find out what is happening here in the city. If eggs have reached a gold piece for one, then something probably happened to the food source or most likely everyone could be supplying for war. With the way things are changes I would not be surprised if the chicken refuse to give up their eggs anymore.
I think Monthor's idea about a drink is a place to get a feel for what is going on around the city."
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[OOC: Sorry! I think I did not reload the page so i did not see your post! I'll fix it in the DM post in the morning. -- Cayzle]
Renik Tuesday May 24th, 2005 2:32:20 AM
"Monthor, normally I'd be right there with you. But with this city in the grip of some sort of curious effect (no doubt linked to the return of the King) I'd like to see our business done as quickly as possible. By all means make enquiries, but we cannot afford a night of carousing just yet."
My goodness, how you've changed, he thinks to himself. Time was this would have been the perfect excuse for a night of pleasure.
Renik immediately agrees with Tratain's suggestion. "The Dragons must be our priority. There'll be time for research later, assuming we can learn nothing from them. Let's be off."
News for you, News from you (DM Cayzle) Tuesday May 24th, 2005 6:43:18 AM Back at the Templars, pre-blip: Irvine begs Draax's pardon. "I think a mammoth trumpetted exactly when you were talking. What did you say?" I assume Draax is glad to tell the tale. Between him and Tratain, Irvine gets a pretty good idea of what happened.
Irvine says, "Well, I understand that the pixie lord was hesitant, but events have proved him wrong, I'm sure you'll agree. The Hydrae you met I had only heard about in tales, but all the tales say they are kind and good, if not too clever. It is a happy thing to know they have returned to the Wold! And now we are on this grand crusade against the evil dragon -- we have only glad reasons to rejoice in the King's birth!"
"And the potency of our magic has grown by leaps and bounds! We could never have summoned such an army before! The King smiles on us and we are strengthened!"
You have no time to agree, disagree, or equivocate, as the power of Arien's spell pulls you to Plateau City.
Plateau City: Sarigar and Black Paws are met by wolves (normal size ones) within sight of the party. The wolves are happy to tell their story: they were called by the tree man, and they go to his aid! Sarigar, you understand this to be the ent seer you met before.
The party heads off to the Gold Dragons' castle, led by Tratain. Monthor is sorely tempted to stop off for a drink first, and Draax agrees. Renik suggests that there will be time later. The compromise [chosen by your humble DM to speed the game among] it to stop at a street vendor along the way who is selling meaty pies and beer.
The street vendor says that, yes, in fact, all the hens in the area have stopped laying, and eggs have to be teleported in. He also says that the Gold Dragons are now the Platinum Dragons! No one quite knows why.
The group continues on to the castle, Monthor with a second cheap ceramic mug of beer to drink on the way, if he likes.
At the doors of the Dragon Castle, a servitor asks your names and business.
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