Thus the party descends into the forest. A path lies ahead of you, clear enough to walk through with a minimum of deadfall and debris. A light fog lies ahead, reducing visibility a good deal, cloaking everything in shadows as gentle as a mother's touch. Occasionally dots of light can be seen deeper in the fog, flares of illumination dancing amid the mists.
"This mist will be hell on the books unless they're enchanted," Jarem remarks, "Safe to assume they are, Princess?"
Emily replies quickly, "Of course! What good are books if you put them somewhere they'll fall apart?"
"Good." Jarem adds, "Idiots who piss away knowledge are the worst." His voice is gruff at that.
"Then listen to the world and learn from it, male," Ianvasah retorts, "You can learn all you need to know from the soil, the sky and the stars." Her voice is sharper now.
"Brilliant," Jarem rolls his eyes, ahead of Ianvasah and not seen by her. "I'll be sure to ask a flower the next time we need a strategy against enemy forces. Oh! Queen, does the soil tell us secrets of arcane lore? I think not, are you that dogmatic or are you trying to score points against me, Ianvasah?"
[spoiler]
Ianvasah's will come tonight. She'll be run provisionally until then.
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
"Well, soil could hold arcane secrets, after a fashion. Some spells require soil as components, and the soil could be of a certain type. Soil from the plane of Earth would have a different magical signature from soil in the Abyss, for example. That would tell you where and maybe who, and you could narrow down which spells called for it. The components are usually fully consumed by the spell, but the residue could retain some of the spell's magic, should would further help narrow it down. Then using the rements for divination using that information could result in a fairly clear answer..."
"Hey!" Emily calls, "Eyes up here. This is dangerous!"
To that Jarem turns from the argument and says, "You're right. Let's banter and argue later." He steps forward, "I'll take point. Alyssa, you take the middle along with Emily. Ianvasah, are you capable of holding up the rear?"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "Ianvasah is fully capable of taking care of your rear, from what I've seen so far."
Regardless of the teasing, she does move into place, a little off to the side, taking care to be as stealthy as possible."
Ahead is a small clearing. Amid the mists sits a sign in the center. There's a passage ahead, winding deeper in. There's also a passage to the right and and left. Each passage is into the forest, fog concealing the view from about 20ft in or so.
https://imgur.com/a/nyI0GSF
For your visual aid.
Alyssa reads the sign!
The sign reads as follows:
<- Professor Roundtree.
-> Animal Anatomy Library.
^
| Chandler's Study.
"Any idea who Roundtree or Chandler is?"
Alyssa racks her mind for snippets referring to either.
Lore check real quick.
> roll 1d20+11 Lore
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=1]
You draw a blank as you get headshakes all around.
"Not even I," Emily admits, "But let's remember why we're here. Do any of those help us answer that question?"
"She's right, Queen," Jarem says, "Even if it's not helpful here, that's the right approach. Otherwise, just choose whichever sounds best."
"Mmmm.... Let's go to this Professor Roundtree."
Alyssa heads that way.
> roll 1d20+44 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=16]
You walk down the path, which hooks southernly and down. It leads to a clearing. Here a few books are nestled in between close trees, narrow gaps plugged with books of lore. The clearing continues towards the west, into thicker fog that you can't see past.
Jarem stops as you get close to the clearing, shield up. "Something's here," he murmurs, barely audible.
Alyssa searches out what he noticed, and prepares herself...
Ianvasah tenses immediately, fists balling up and at the ready.
Emily's blade is out, shield ready as well.
Silence for several moments as it emerges 10ft ahead and 5ft to your right. A thick book, flying along of its own power. Before you can react, it's coming at the party.
Init here.
> roll 1d20+7+9 Init
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=16]
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+12 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 32 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+8 book
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=3]
Init is Ianvasah (32) > Alyssa (29) > Emily (23) > Jarem (21) > Book (11)
Ianvasah laughs, stepping forward. She says not a word but opens wide, a sudden line of lightning erupting from her mouth to the book.
> roll 31d10
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 192 > [d10=10,6,7,1,6,8,10,2,2,2,10,8,4,9,10,5,7,7,5,8,9,7,5,1,3,7,4,7,6,9,7]
> roll 1d20+13 Reflex
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=12]
The book takes the bolt of lightning head on, bursting aflame and falling to the ground. It lies there, smoking and burning in places, no longer coming at you.
Free act. That was not a hard encounter. Everyone gets a warm up.
Alyssa moves to inspect it, silently mourning the loss of whatever knowledge was in it.
d100.
[blockquote]Rolled 1d100 : 17, total 17[/blockquote]
Nothing worthwhile looks to be left, unfortunately.
Emily sighs at that, "Didn't I say not to do that?"
Ianvasah shakes her head, "An enemy is an enemy."
"Perhaps, but we're still guests here. Let's not destroy our host's things."
As you all chat, Jarem goes to one of the books stuck between trees and has a look, "A basic lorebook on anatomy," he says, "Geared for beginners."
"Oh?"
Alyssa approaches and begins browsing the titles herself.
Looking for anything in particular?
Just looking around.
Most of the books here look to be introductory texts for a variety of subjects - nothing terribly specialized.
"Well, this is a good entry level library. Quite interesting. Anyone find anything interesting, or should we move?"
"Let's go," Ianvasah says, "These books aren't ours to take, and I don't think any are that useful."
"There's no useless books. But yes, let's get going."
Ahead is a simple forest path leading deeper in. In this clearing ahead sits one massive tree in the center, tall and with a decidedly human face on the trunk. It looks to be asleep, snoring softly.
There's a passage to the northeast, shrouded in deeper mists.
There's two passages to the west, also misty. The bottom of the two sees the mist become thinner, almost clearing.
https://imgur.com/a/WPIJ5Do
Would you mind putting a red dot or something in the room I'm currently in on the next update? Just makes it a little easier for me.
Alyssa nudges Ianvasah and motions to the tree.
"Let's go talk with the forest, shall we?"
Sure.
"It should be easy, it looks intelligent," Ianvasah says, "Far easier to talk to a treant than a tree."
Alyssa heads that way!
The tree snoozes away, snoring as you approach. No reaction to your approach from it.
Alyssa nudges Ianvasah forward.
Ianvasah steps forward, clears her throat and calls, "WAKE UP!" in Sylan.
Emily gasps at that and Jarem breaks out into a grin.
The tree snores loudly, blinks and yawns. "Oh, who wakes me up? It's such a sleepy morning to be woken up!"
Alyssa chuckles quietly.
"I am Alyssa Songsteel. This is Ianvasah, Jarem, and Emily. We're here visiting the library and trying to find Queen Morwel. It's a pleasure to meet you, though I apologize for having to wake you."
Another yawn, this one making the tree's branches rattle and a few birds flee abruptly.
"Visiting the library? Mmm, is the Queen reading here?" The tree asks, "Oh yes, I'm Professor Roundbottom."
"We're not sure where she is. We're searching for her, but I'm also very interested in the library here. We just came through the introductory instructional texts section, I believe."
"Yes, yes, the introductory texts," Professor Roundbottom says, "A fine if traditional curriculum to study. Tell me, what areas are you looking to specialize in?"
"I'm interested in just about everything. I'm quite advanced in arcane knowledge, however. Blacksmithing and adventuring as well. I am interested in one particular story, however. While coming here, we came across a grave; I was wondering if there were any stories about it."
Alyssa pulls out her journal and shows it to the tree.
Paste me the info from it?
The following is written in Sylvan: He who rests shall rest well, for those beneath the earth are free. Rest well, my hero.
"Ah, the nameless hero, the champion of two worlds," Professor Roundbottom says, then yawns again. "Quite the story, I tell you."
"Please do tell us. I'm quite interested."
"Well..."
Another yawn as the treant continues, "The champion who saved both his kingdom and the mirror of it created by Ralgon the Mad. A bold and brave man who never gave up, who defied death time and time again! Truly it is a story for the ages!"
"We would be grateful if you would tell us," Emily smiles, "Please?"
"...I don't remember," Roundbottom admits, "It's been a long time and that's not what I'm tasked to remember."
Jarem exhales slowly, eyes closed. "With all respect, bullshit. You're tasked to remember things and hold lore, and I doubt an entity like Queen Morwel would have you with anything less than the capacity to do that. I'm sure you're about to tell us exactly who can tell us, leading us along onto adventures, trouble and all sorts of character building fun mixed with moral lessons. You also aren't a celestial who can't or won't lie."
> roll 1d20+39
<Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+39 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{41}
"Well, I..." Professor Roundbottom sputters, brown bark around his face flushing red.
"If that's the case, I'll admit I'd rather bypass it. I do still need to find the Queen."
Make your own Diplo check.
Diplo:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+37 : 1 + 37, total 38[/blockquote]
"W-well! There are ways we do things here, young man and young lady!" The tree huffs, "It's about learning and the adventures you have while learning!"
"I feel a lesson has been learned here, and if I can meet the Queen, I may be able to arrange for more trips back."
"It so happens I don't know where the Queen is! I don't know if she's here or somewhere else in the Court," The treant snaps, "Young people these days, always wanting their lore now and no sense of adventure!"
Ianvasah grows softly, a sound like a dragon's rumbling. "I believe your flaw is treating us as mere normal adventurers, treant. Shall we show you how wrong you are?"
"Now, now, Ianvasah. We're guests here, it's not polite to go stomping around. And Professor Roundtree, I quite understand adventuring and learning. I'm a scholar that follows Shaundakul. I live to discover what's beyond the horizon. It just so happens that I'm in a bit of a hurry. Pressing matters, so-to-speak."
"How pressing?" The treant asks right back, eyes narrowed.
"Fairly. I've got to figure out a bloodline trait activating in someone, and prepare to found a nation."
"You do sound busy," The treant says, "Perhaps a riddle will suffice."
Jarem smoothly cuts in, "How about anything else? Not to insult you, but it's something of a sore spot."
"Oh, let him have his small pleasures, Jarem. There's three of us. I'm sure we can work it out."
"Four of us," Emily corrects, "So it'll be even easier." She smiles at that, "We'll take a riddle."
Jarem merely lets it go on as Professor Roundbottom chuckles, "That's the spirit. Then hear this: When I am forwards, I am dreadfully weighty. When I am backwards, I am not. What am I?"
Alyssa taps her chin...
"Weight of some sort? The weight of advancement? Advancing forward is difficult, but back-sliding is always easy."
"Advancement, advancement," Emily hums, "That's a tricky one. The weight of it's tough."
Jarem's smiling slightly but keeping his mouth shut.
"It is a wise answer. If it's the right one, I don't know," Ianvasah says, "The ways and minds of an individual man are madness kept to himself."
"Jarem? You look rather smug. I thought you wouldn't participate, but..."
"I know this one already," Jarem admits, "I could spoil that, but it seems against the spirit of the competition."
Professor Roundbottom bristles at that, "You already know it?" He declares, a gusty sigh, "Are you a riddle-smith yourself?"
"No, I serve the Red Knight. It's part and parcel of it," Jarem replies smoothly. "Riddles sharpen the mind as whetstone sharpens steel."
"Well, don't be difficult. If we're close, then help."
"You're cold as Auril's teats," Jarem chuckles, "You're going in the wrong direction. There's a big clue in the riddle itself, but you have to think laterally."
"I picked up on the weight. Weight in front versus behind. Is it more specific than just weight?"
Emily frowns deeply at that, "We're over thinking it, that's how most riddles like this are lost." She puts a finger to her chin, eyes closed. "Weight, weight, weight. But only from the front side."
Ianvasah scowls, "Male," She drawls, "Be useful to us and just tell us."
"Not really?" Jarem says, "Look at the riddle, it'll hit you if you look carefully." Cracking a bigger smile, "It's one of those that's hidden in plain sight."
"Ah. Ton. Forwards, it's a unit of weight, spelled backward, it's literally 'not.'"
"Good, good," The treant says, "Now I don't like riddles that much, but they're good when an actual adventure doesn't suffice, don't you think?"
"Not personally, but I'm not the one judging. I prefer tests of knowledge, but time presses."
"So then, ask me what you want to know," The treant invites.
Alyssa explains about Lord Melweather's condition.
"It's a bloodline trait, I believe. Celestial or fey. It's activated uncontrollably, and I'd like to find a way to control it, and either copy or transplant it, if possible."
"I'm afraid I don't know," he says, "But I know who can help. Seek Professor Tinsel, he's around here somewhere. He'd know for sure, that sort of thing is his specialty."
"Tinsel. Is there a place he usually stays near?"
"Northernly," He declares, "Head that away and you'll find him."
"Thank you," Emily says, "You've been helpful."
"I'll look forward to visiting you again, Professor."
Alyssa starts to head northerly!
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 9 + 43, total 52[/blockquote]
The party heads north. It's a fairly long and straight passage, but you notice something. The leaves of the trees are turning slightly colored here, as if the first bits of fall is showing.
"All seasons represented? Nature's cycles?"
"It could be," Ianvasah says after a pause, "This is not enough to tell, but it would make sense. Yes, I believe you are right."
Jarem keeps on going, "Heads up, anyway. Wouldn't put it past some troublemakers to come at us from above, speaking of fall and falling."
Alyssa nods and takes to the air to give them some higher coverage and perspective.
How high up are you going?
Eh, not too far. Maybe 10-15 feet? Close enough to get support if I need it.
You fly up. The fog prevents clear vision, but you can see some sort of clearing ahead.
Alyssa drops down for a moment to tell the others before heading back up and moving with the group.
"Be careful up there," Emily says, "This fog isn't natural. Do you want me up there with you?"
"If you want. I'm not too far away, but it's sort of nice to float through the fog."
Emily goes up with you and takes a breath. "It feels isolated up here," she says, "We're barely up at all and yet..." Fog swirls, sequestering the two of you in a haze. Everything else seems muted, relaxed.
"We can still here you," Jarem calls.
"Yes, yes. Let us enjoy our imagined isolation from you, Jarem. Just enjoy your time alone with Ianvasah."
On you fly. The fog is thicker, but you can see some gold and red trees, leaves surely ready to fall. Some sort of clearing, the mists thick here. "It's safe to come down, there's books," Jarem calls back up.
Then a split second later...
> roll 1d20+48 Ianvasah Perception
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=14]
"The trees are alive, male! On guard!" Ianvasah shouts, as...
Init. You can't tell what's going on with this thick fog that's inhibiting things, but a combat situation is developing.
> roll 1d20+7+9 Init
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=14]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+12 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20 ??? 1
> roll 1d20 ??? 2
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=11]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20 ??? 3
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=17]
Init is Alyssa (30) > ???3 (17) > Emily = Ianvasah (16) > ???1 (11) > Jarem (10) > ???2 (1)
Open.
Alyssa flies forward and down, looking for the threat!
It's a grove with several bookshelves built in between the trees, as well as a few in the trees. You barely have a chance to see that - 30ft ahead two trees are ambling forward, while 20ft to the left a third is.
"C'mon, bros," The tree on the left calls, "Let's bash them around!" No faces on these trees, how it spoke isn't immediately obvious.
Alyssa responds in Sylvan, "Professor Roundtree sent us to find Professor Tinsel! We're not trespassing or stealing!"
"Hah!" The tree calls back, "We know! We just want a good fight!"
"Okay!"
Alyssa tries to launch one of them into the air with her telekinesis!
Which function of TK, Alyssa?
Fling Skyward. First time use of it ever, so let's test it out.
> roll 1d20+13
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d20=7]
DC?
DC 22. Also, I forgot I had it prepped with Chain, does that mean I can toss both of them?
Are you sure that DC's right? It seems low for your spells.
It's 10+level+Stat, right?
10+7+9=26 (I think I forgot to factor in magic item int boost).
10 + Spell level + Int mod, yes.
And sure you can arc it at the second one as well.
> roll 1d20+12
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=13]
The two cry out as they're flung into the air, hurtling up and into the fog, high enough not to be seen nor immediately fall back down.
Init is Alyssa (30) > ???3 (17) > Emily = Ianvasah (16) > ???1 (11) > Jarem (10) > ???2 (1)
"Bros!" The third treant cries, before scowling, "Youuuuu!" A pine cone falls from its branches, hovering before hurtling right at you and...
> roll 1d20+28
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d20=9]
Touch AC?
27.
> roll 15d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 58 > [d6=2,2,2,6,6,6,3,1,6,6,6,4,2,1,5]
The pine cone flies, and guh! It expands and the edges become wooden blades, sharp enough to bite into your stomach where it hits as...
Fort.
> roll 1d20+17
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=9]
Guh! You're reeling and dazed, landing to the ground in a heap. Your seeing stars, unable to do anything.
Stunned for one round. Speak up if you're immune.
"Woah!" Emily dodges to the side as treants come flying up and then down, kneeling besides you. "Mom, help me and help Alyssa," she prays, before laying a hand over your wound. Warmth floods it as healing washes away your pain and focuses your mind.
Heal. Removes damage and clears stunning, so you can act next round.
Ianvasah strides forward, shifting. Jarem has to dive out of the way as she becomes a massive, looming hunk of earth and stone, rivalling the tree in sheer size. "Wrong choice," she declares, stony fist going right for him.
Elemental fury shapeshift.
> roll 1d20+39 (-10 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=13]
> roll 2d6+31
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d6=3,3]
The heavy blow slams into the treant, the tree staggering before she closes in, the two grappling crudely. As they stomp back and forth...
Treant 1 and 3 are airborne this turn. Jarem.
With a single cry of, "Victory!" Jarem advances, moving deftly between the branchesa s one strikes down at him.
Closing in to melee, eats an AoO. Uses Queen's Movement as a swift for +8 vs the AoO.
> roll 1d20+43
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 62 > [d20=19]
Missed him by 5, Queen's Movement + Mobility means +12 vs AoOs.
Yet Jarem is too fast, head down as he momentarily becomes a blur, in past the tree's guard and...
> roll 1d20+44
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d8+13
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d8=8]
Jarem slashes at the base of the tree, cutting deep into the wood with Dellos. As he sidesteps Ianvasah's stomps, "Careful," he shoots, "Your feet are bigger than orcs right now!"
With a rumbling growl, "Still smaller than your ego, male!"
Alyssa, go. But first...
> roll 20d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 71 > [d6=4,5,1,5,3,6,5,5,1,6,2,3,1,4,3,1,2,3,5,6]
WHAM! The two flung treants land in a heap, rattling the ground as they impact.
Go.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level favored soul,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
Is anyone inside of 20 ft of them? Don't want to catch friendlies.
No, Emily is by you and Ianvasah and Jarem are fighting the other treant.
Alyssa begins casting a spell!
Frostfell, CL 32, Duration: 32 hours.
It's a one round casting time, you okay with that?
Yeah, that's why I didn't roll damage or anything yet.
I presume the two treants that landed will be the ultimate targets.
"Bastards!" The treant roars, battered down, before assaulting the two of them.
> roll 1d20+44 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 63 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+44 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 47 > [d20=3]
> roll 1d20+37 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=7]
> roll 1d20+37 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 42 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+32 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 34 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20+32 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 41 > [d20=9]
> roll 1d20+27 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=1]
> roll 1d20+27 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 44 > [d20=17]
> roll 4d6+15
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d6=3,1,2,3]
Ianvasah gets a branch to the side, but otherwise the two stand in control as...
Chance to react, Emily tomorrow after that reaction.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level favored soul,
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
24 damage ot Ianvasah, do spoiler block tomorrow.
By react, can I fire off the spell?
No, it's still casting. It finishes on your next turn.
I mean by saying something or whatever. Basically I was pausing for the night but I wanted a post waiting for me, so that I knew I was due to post here. Otherwise i have a knack at seeing I posted last and forgetting I'm up.
Ah. Nope.
Init is Alyssa (30) > ???3 (17) > Emily = Ianvasah (16) > ???1 (11) > Jarem (10) > ???2 (1)
Emily is up.
Emily holds position, turning towards the still groaning first treant, a pale blue ray coming from her pointing finger right at it.
> roll 1d20 1 check since touch AC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d20=4]
> roll 31d8
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 124 > [d8=1,3,8,7,3,4,5,1,3,1,6,3,6,3,2,1,4,8,5,1,4,2,2,5,3,8,5,7,1,4,8]
This spell impacts dead on, the tree icing over heavily as ist stays up, shivering and shaking, leaves falling off of it. "C-cold!"
> roll 1d20 1 check since touch AC
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=13]
Emily isn't done yet. She points at the second treant, "Stop!" she commands, as a purple beam flies right at it.
Ray of dizziness, it can only take a standard or move action next round, no full round actions. Ianvasah next, chance to react since I'm segmenting these for time.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 408/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level favored soul, 1 3rd level sorcerer spell, 1 13th level sorcerer spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
24 damage ot Ianvasah, do spoiler block tomorrow.
Got nothin'.
Amid the sylvan battle Ianvasah strikes twice, slamming both fists into the treant's middle. It'shit back hard, gasping for air and groaning as meanwhile the first shivers. "S-so c-cold! Take this!" A steady stream of leaves come flying with it, whizzing fast like arrows, slicing through the air like blades. They all fly right at Emily, who eeeps and dives to the side.
> roll 1d20+34 Reflex
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d20=2]
> roll 15d6
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 46 > [d6=2,2,2,1,2,4,4,3,1,2,6,4,5,6,2]
Sharp leaves graze Emily's arm and wrist, drawing a bit of blood as...
Jarem's up. Make Perception.
[spoiler]
Jarem
HP: 473/473
Negative Conditions:
Aura:
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Turn Deific Foes 8/8 Smite 6/6 Knight's Challenge 20/20 Law Devotion 1/1
Spells Used:
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Tripping: +12 CMB/CMD on it, free attack on trip, make a DC 32 Fort or be unable to rise for one round.
Emily
HP: 385/408
Negative Conditions:
Aura: Courage 10ft (+4 morale vs fear)
Bonuses: Attack+0, Damage+0 AC+0, Saves+0, Skills+0, Checks+0
Resources: Dragonfire Wrath 10/10 Channel Energy 13/13 Lay On Hands 30/30 Blinding Speed 25/25
Spells Used: 1 6th level favored soul, 1 3rd level sorcerer spell, 1 13th level sorcerer spell.
SLAs Used:
Spells Active:
Notes: Spell shield to reduce damage.
24 damage ot Ianvasah, do spoiler block tomorrow.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 15 + 43, total 58[/blockquote]
Diving and weaving amid the slamming branches and falling rocks, Jarem strikes again and again, carving into the treant.
> roll 1d20+40 (-2 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+35 (-2 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=5]
> roll 1d20+30 (-2 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 40 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20+25 (-2 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=4]
> roll 1d20+40 (-2 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=20]
> roll 1d20+35 (-2 PA)
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=17]
> roll 1d8+15
> roll 1d8+15
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 19 > [d8=4]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d8=1]
> roll 1d8+15
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d8=2]
> roll 2d6+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d6=4,4]
> roll 2d6+20
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d6=2,6]
Jarem races amid the branches and roots, striking. Sap flows as he slides in, mobile and swift as, "Now, get it," he calls over the din of battle.
Meanwhile, the dizzied treant wobbles about, "Wu...wu...woaaaah!" he stumbles back and forth, slamming into a nearby tree. Leaves rain down as he grumbles, "Sorry, little brother!" he says, ripping a big branch off that tree before hurtling it at you like a javelin.
> roll 1d20+30
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 49 > [d20=19]
AC?
Should be 30.
> roll 6d8+21
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d8=5,1,2,5,5,6]
Ow.
The only mercy is that the impromptu weapon does not pierce Alyssa's skin. It still gets her right in the stomach, driving the wind from her and leaving her doubled over in pain as...
Concentration check to keep your ongoing spell going and avoid disruption.
I somehow don't ha e concentration on my sheet, but I know it was there; I took a skill trick for it. I don't have time to math out all my skills to figure it out since I'm on lunch and not home.
Okay, figure it out at home then.
Well, I do have unspent skill points, but only 2. I guess I accidentally deleted it and redistributed it. That's not a skill I would have ever intentionally gotten rid of though. What do you want to do? Have me make the check as just a Con check?
You misunderstand, Iddy. Concentration isn't a skill anymore. Concentration is 1d20 + caster level + relevant ability score modifier.
Ohhh yeah, totally forgot that. First concentration check of the game.
> roll 1d20+32+9 Concentration
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 59 > [d20=18]
Init is Alyssa (30) > ???3 (17) > Emily = Ianvasah (16) > ???1 (11) > Jarem (10) > ???2 (1)
The pain is overwhelming, but Alyssa manages to keep her spell together. Her concentration holds the line as...
Go.
Alyssa completes her spell, positioning it so it hits as many of the enemies as possible, without hurting friends!
Frostfell, CL 32, Duration: 32 hours.
Area: 20ft cube.
Save is DC 29 vs fort: turn to ice.
> roll 20d6 Frostburn
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d6=2,4,6,3,6,1,1,4,2,1,3,5,5,3,2,4,1,5,1,5]
> roll 1d20+28
> roll 1d20+28
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 48 > [d20=20]
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 45 > [d20=17]
The twin towering trees are flash frozen, your spell coating them in frost as the air around them becomes unearthly cold. "G...guh..." The one already frozen wobbles and falls back, rattling the ground as it lands, still and unmoving.
Init is Alyssa (30) > ???3 (17) > Emily = Ianvasah (16) > Jarem (10) > ???2 (1)
"BROTHER!" The beleagured third tree calls, before branches swing out wildly, trying to land a crushing blow.
> roll 1d20 max HP critfishing Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 6 > [d20=6]
> roll 1d20 max PA critfishing Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20 max HP critfishing Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=15]
> roll 1d20 max PA critfishing Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d20=8]
> roll 1d20 max HP critfishing Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=10]
> roll 1d20 max PA critfishing Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20 max HP critfishing Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d20=2]
> roll 1d20 max PA critfishing Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=12]
The swings are wild and crushing things, but it's not enough. Both manage to block and parry all the blows as...
Emily. Chance to react to getting one down, Alyssa.
"One of you is down, and this fight was just for fun. How about we call it here now that you're even more out-numbered and we can thaw your brother before anything permanent happens?"
Gimme a quick Diplo check.
> roll 1d20+37 Diplo
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 52 > [d20=15]
"Geez, geez, you're strong. We give!" The second treant calls, "Just stop!"
Alyssa nods and ends her spell.
"Ianvasah, could you help the frozen ones?"
With a roar of triumph, Ianvasah reverts to human and goes over. At the same time Jarem backs away and Emily comes up to you.
"That was a good fight," she remarks, "But you all were out matched by us."
"You had some good surprises, but your tactics were fairly straight-forward."
Ianvasah expends a slight bit of magic, "He'll be fine with rest," she declares, "As well as getting him out of this cold. Alyssa, can you dismiss it?"
I already did, but no biggie.
Alyssa nods and ends the spell.
"You're way too strong," The lead treant says, still wobbling about. " Way too strong. I want to go sleep this off for a few years."
"Well, I hope you have good dreams if you do. But before that, can you tell us where Tinsel is?"
"That way," The treant's branches all shake in the direction of the northwest. "He moves around sometimes, so you'll have to search."
"Thank you. Take care of your brothers."
Alyssa heads that way!
With time to look, Alyssa sees there are two passages to the west here.
https://i.imgur.com/HaqtHAD.png
Red circle shows where you are right now.
Let's go with the northerly one.
You find it goes little at all, until it hooks south into a sudden and abrupt dead end. The trees are thick here and the fog thicker, hard to see a few feet in front of yourself at a time.
"So heavy," Jarem says, "It's potentially suspicious."
"You think?" Ianvasah fires back.
"I know - and I know a smart planner would have a trap to be found rather than something useful. But we also aren't in truly hostile ground." Jarem retorts right away. "So search, I'd bet towards this being sincere."
Perception, yeah?
Go for it if you're searching, sure.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 5 + 43, total 48[/blockquote]
Emily joins you, nosing around - but you barely need any time at all. One particular tree is slightly off, and a touch causes it to slide aside. It reveals a passage to the west, fog choked and obscured.
"I doubt a wind spell will do anything. Let's stick close together. Anyone able to do anything to see through it?"
I have tremorsense to 30 ft.
You don't feel the earth moving, but you are able to blunder ahead. It's a tiny clearing, and in the fog choked center a single book rests on the ground, leaning against a tree.
It's a leather bound tome, fat with pages and ancient with years.
"That seems rather suspicious. Traps?"
Alyssa looks for traps!
Do you have trapfinding?
"Good, be cautious. It saves lives," Jarem says, a smile gracing his face.
"It's not likely to be a dangerous trap, not that dangerous. It's still in the Court of Stars," Emily protests, "You should check it for magic instead."
I do! Factotum gives it at level 1.
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 1 + 43, total 44[/blockquote]
The book is trapped. Semi invisible wires criss-cross it, virtually impossible to touch it without touching the wires.
Alyssa chants a quick spell, casting detect magic on herself.
"Don't ever ignore a possibility. There's wires all around it. The trap that kills you is the one you didn't bother checking for. Magic is the obvious danger, which makes a non-magical trap easier to hide."
"No, you're right," Emily says, "Mom taught me better than that." Shaking her head, "I got too caught up in things."
Spellcraft, Alyssa.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 16 + 45, total 61[/blockquote]
The wires are magic to be ghost-touch, just as effective against incorporeal as material. They're also super sharp, capable of slicing through flesh and bone like a dry leaf.
"Ghost-touch razor wire. Well, well. I honestly want them and to learn to use them. That could be a very effective weapon..."
Alyssa goes to work to disable and recover the wire!
Disable device check.
> roll 1d20+43+21 Disable Device/Cunning Knowledge
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 78 > [d20=14]
It takes deft hands and defter moves ,but you are able to move the wires just so and detach them. They lay in a heap around the base of the book.
Alyssa uses her telekinesis to safely pick them up and put them in her pack until she can determine if her gloves are enough to protect her, then picks up the book and begins flipping through it!
List what classes you have levels in?
Side 1: Wizard 16/Master of the Unseen Hand 5/Mage of the Arcane Order 10/Paragnostic Apostle 1
Side 2: Factotum 21/Horizon Walker 10
The book seems oddly empty you and boring. What a trivial thing, what a waste of time.
Alyssa sighs and hands it over to the others.
"It's not interesting to me, but maybe one of you will enjoy it."
She begins to inspect the area, looking for other interesting things.
> roll 1d3 1 Jarem 2 Emily 3 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d3=2]
Emily gives it a look, idly reading while you look around.
"That bad? Red herring?" Jarem asks as you search.
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 55 > [d20=12]
"Just nothing that's especially interesting for me. That doesn't mean it's bad or useless. Knowledge is always useful to someone."
"Like me!" Emily says, "Do you have any idea what this is?!"
"Oh? What's in it that's useful for you?"
"So many sorcerous insights," Emily says, almost distantly, reading page after page. "There's so much here!"
"Well, a copy goes to the Order. If we're allowed to keep it."
"It's okay, just let me read awhile," Emily says, going to sit against a tree trunk. "Give me an hour or ten."
Ianvasah scoffs, "Girl, you're losing sight of time and your goals."
Alyssa uses her Telekinesis to give Emily's foot.
"Task first. Or, at least read while you walk. We were just in a fight a few minutes ago, Emily."
Give Emily's foot?
nudge. Dunno, phone.
Emily blinks and looks up, "But the book's so good," She says, voice wistful, "Mom always said a book that's helpful and doesn't try to curse you's a keeper!" Nonetheless she gets up, handing the book to you, "Hold onto it for me?"
Alyssa rolls her eyes and floats it into her pack.
Loot post updated, Iddy.
Emily gets up, "So where to now?"
Map update?
https://i.imgur.com/6pPf7Tf.png
Here you go.
"Well, let's head back and take that other way. This seems to stop here. Unless someone spots something I haven't?"
"Let's just go," Jarem agrees, "Onward."
Gimme a d100.
> roll 1d100 Dune
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 36 > [d100=36]
The passage meanders west and a little south, through a tiny clearing and to another path. Here branches come together to block the way. As you approach, a childish giggle is followed by, "No one can enter, unless they find the key in the center!"
Alyssa inspects the center of the branches.
Nothing looks awry.
"A key, huh?" Jarem drawls, "Really?"
Emily frowns at that, "That will take some time to find."
"Pixies," Ianvasah says quietly, "Likely to want to play, one way or another."
"Center of what, though?"
Question, can I just Dimension Door past the barrier?
If teleport works here. Moderately big if, all considered.
"I suppose I could try to teleport around it... But I'm not sure it'll work. Or if they'll like me bypassing their little games."
"One way to find out," Jarem says, "Can you take people with you?"
"Of course. Everyone come close."
Dimension Door SLA, CL 32.
CL check.
> roll 1d20+32 CL check
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 38 > [d20=6]
You appear in a dead end, books about in between trees. Floating on the other side of the branch barrier are a pair of green haired pixies, giggling amid themselves. They're identical on a glance and wear the same purple and red dresses.
"Hello!"
Alyssa says this loudly and with great enthusiasm, but also preparing to (gently) capture them with her telekinesis if they try to flee.
Jarem cracks a smile at that, as the two pixies cry out, "Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" and whirl around.
"Gah!" One points at you, "You're here! You're there and not there!"
"So we are," Emily smiles, "We're good at magic."
"Yes. We are. I am Alyssa Songsteel, Regent of the Arcane Order of Arythma. I've been wandering this library for some time now, and while I enjoy exploring as much as any of Shaundakul's followers, I really need to find Professor Tinsel and the Queen. Would you be so kind as to help?"
Alyssa smiles broadly.
Diplo check, +20. Less to see if you fail and more to see how you succeed.
> roll 1d20+37+20 Diplo
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 64 > [d20=7]
"Um, he's way north," One of the pixies says, "But hey! How did you even get in here like that, it's supposed to be warded!"
"Very, very good at magic."
Alyssa grins and wiggles her fingers in pseudo magical gestures.
"Would you happen to have a map, or secret passages... Or be willing to guide us?"
As she asks, she browses the books in the area.
The two exchange a look, "There is a shortcut," they finally say.
Perception.
> roll 1d20+43 Perception
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 60 > [d20=17]
It looks to be mostly books on fey lore.
"Really?" Ianvasah smiles, "We would owe you a favor."
"Hmm... I need to make a spell to instantly copy tomes... Or maybe... Hmm... I wonder if I could link an enchantment to my glasses to some sort of mechanical work desk in my study to copy tomes I read. That would save on carrying supplies..."
Alyssa blinks and then refocuses on the two pixies. "Yes, we would be very grateful."
The two pixies share a look, "Follow us!" they say, going to the trees to the north. They part before them, revealing a narrow path. "Go that way!"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow.
"Now, I'm not saying you're not trustworthy, but you are a pair of little tricksters, who have yet to introduce themselves by the way, so how about you just lead the way?"
"I'm Orange and she's Red," The pixies introduce themselves, "Now come on!" They fly on.
"Well, hopefully that means they're sincere," Emily says, "But at worst it'll only be a prank."
Alyssa nods. "For all their tricks, most fey are quite friendly."
Alyssa follows!
You walk down the foggy path, going on for some time. Eventually it comes to a dead end, the pixies turning. "Now go ahead and call out for The Root Prince!" they sing-song, "He'll take you on from here."
"Orange, Red, thank you for guiding us. I'd like to reward you with something pretty, but I don't have anything on me at the moment... Though... Hmm... My mother is quite the seamstress... If you don't mind visiting, she, my sister, and I might be able to make something for you both."
"Where in the Court is she?" Orange asks, tilting her head, "We can go there."
"She's not here. You can visit me at my Order, if you want. If you don't, we might be able to arrange a trip, though."
The two pixies exchange a look, "Where's the Order?"
"On the prime I'm from, Arythma."
"..Prime?" Red frowns, "What's a Prime?"
Alyssa gives a short explanation of different worlds.
I don't personally know enough to give much of a detailed explanation.
Give me a Perform (Oratory) check or something related, if you have it.
Uhh... Diplo is the closest I think?
Sure, go for it.
> roll 1d20+37 Diplo
<Penuche> Iddy invokes Penuche's magic: < 51 > [d20=14]
"Ooooh..." Red murmurs, "That's really hard!"
"Really hard!" Orange agrees, "I'm confused!"
Alyssa smiles at them.
"Yes, it takes a lot of study to figure the whole thing out. The simple version is that a spell is needed to teleport you there, but I'm sure there are many in the Court who can manage it, and if not, then you can find someone to send me a message and I can arrange it."
"So like, there's lots of worlds? But there's only one world?" Red groans, "My head hurts!"
Emily smiles winsomely, "Would you like me to help you with it?"
"Feel free."
Alyssa begins looking around the area as Emily attempts to explain the structure of the universe to two pixies.
It's a dead end, the trees too thick to continue, as you saw before.
Alyssa raises her voice, "Root Prince! I've come to meet you."
Nothing happens...
Until there's a rumbling. Before you a tall tree rises up, "Oh ho ho ho ho ho," It laughs, "Welcome, welcome, welcome! Who calls on the Root King?"
"I do," Ianvasah steps forward, speaking in Sylvan. "As does Alyssa."
Alyssa politely inclines her head and responds in Sylvan.
"We were led here by these pixies. We're looking for Professor Tinsel."
"Oh! Then climb on up! Climb on up and perch on my branches, all of you," The Root King says, "I'll take you along to him!"
Alyssa floats up towards the tree.
"I can follow easily enough."
"No no! Get on, that's how I take you," The Root King insists, "Trust me, you need to."
Alyssa raises an eyebrow but complies.
Jarem steps right up to the branches as the others fly up - Ianvasah takes dragon form, albeit a small dragon and perches in the branches as well. You're above the forest now, mist a bit thinner as the tree begins to stride ahead.
"Here we go, hold on tight! Oh, and mind the wind dragons!"
"Always with the dragons..."
She settles in and keeps herself stable with her flight.
"Dragons?" Jarem says, shield positioned, "Great."
"Well, this got more interesting," Emily perks up.
Perception.
Perception:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 17 + 43, total 60[/blockquote]
As all of you stand on tree branches, winds begin to blow. The Root King stomps along, through the forest as you feel it, more and more. The wind is picking up, and with it you can notice swirls and eddies of wind forming nearly invisible tornadoes and whorls, gathering together around the tree.
Alyssa studies the phenomenon as best she can.
Is Detect Magic still active?
Yes. Make Spellcraft and then K:A.
Spellcraft:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+45 : 19 + 45, total 64[/blockquote]
K:A:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+43 : 16 + 43, total 59[/blockquote]
The winds are forming around elemental energy, creating a type of elemental. Not a normal elemental, but something tinged with draconic energy.
Alyssa mutters to herself, "Dragon elemental..."
She focuses on them as they go.
"Great," Jarem says, "How strong?"
"Oh!" Emily perks up, "Really?"
"They're forming around us. From the wind. I'm trying to figure out how..."
Ianvasah readies herself, "Oh, little wyrms want to fight?"
Jarem glances back, "Little wyrms still have big teeth."
As Ianvasah scoffs, you see them. Four of them - each at a cardinal direction. The size of a horse or so, a miniature dragon ready to pounce, 30ft away as the tree strides along. You have a problem!
Init.
A moment later, "Mom's at war!" Emily gasps.
"Not the time!" Jarem calls back, shield held out in defense as...
Just replying to something from another room that's relevant.
"You're here with us, but family is family. Decide."
In it:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+16 : 2 + 16, total 18[/blockquote]
> roll 1d20+5 Jarem
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=12]
> roll 1d20+9 Emily
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=13]
> roll 1d20+12 Ianvasah
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 31 > [d20=19]
> roll 1d20+15 wind dragons
<Penuche> Kotono invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=11]
Init is Ianvasah (31) > Wind Dragons (26) > Emily (22) > Alyssa (18) > Jarem (17)
Before all of you can begin, sheer terror washes over the party.
Will save. This is a fear effect, note if immune.
Mind blank standard group buff.
Yet nothing happens to that wave of fear as Ianvasah laughs, a draconic sound as she's already in dragon form. "Ah, little wyrms want to play? Here I am!"
Ianvasah will hold and move to intercept if they close in. Wind dragons are up.
The wind dragons fly around the tree, keeping 30ft of distance as they surround it, the wind blowing harder and harder all the while.
Emily braces, "I think they may be trying to blow us away," she warns, "Alyssa, are you able to tame the winds?"
"Not without a Wish."
"Then I'll do it," Emily balances carefully, bringing her hands together, "Mom, please! I know you're still mad at me, but if you could stop these winds I'd be really grateful!"
Miracle for control winds.
> roll 1d20+27
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+27 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{35}
To Emily's prayer, the winds die down. They're little more than a pleasant breeze now, as...
> roll 1d100 vs 50
<Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d100 vs 50 --> [ 1d100=21 ]{21}
Alas.
Alyssa.
Alyssa begins casting!
Unseen Needle (Echoing, Chain)
Can hit 20 targets
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 5, 5, 6, 1, 3, 3, 3, 1, 1, 5, 4, 6, 6, 4, 5, 3, 3, 4, 6, 4, total 78[/blockquote]
Okay, what precisely are you aiming at?
The dragon ementals.
Spell requires an attack roll, ranged touch. Make it.
Ranged Touch:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 14 + 31, total 45[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 1 + 31, total 32[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 6 + 31, total 37[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+31 : 14 + 31, total 45[/blockquote]
One miss, three hits. Roll damage x3.
I mistyped the previous roll. Should have been 25.
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 5, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2, 2, 5, 5, 6, 1, 4, 4, 4, 6, 5, 3, 6, 5, 3, total 80[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 6, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 1, 6, 5, 6, 5, 5, 3, 4, 5, 2, 2, 6, total 80[/blockquote]
[blockquote]Rolled 20d6 : 2, 6, 6, 3, 1, 2, 6, 5, 2, 3, 1, 3, 1, 1, 3, 3, 2, 1, 4, 4, total 59[/blockquote]
At this your needles strike true thrice, getting yelping roars of pain. The dragons, save the one to east, express their pain openly.
"You hurt us," One of them roars in Draconic, "Stupid human!"
Chance to react that before Jarem goes.
Alyssa responds in kind, "Your winds are dangerous to us! We thought it was an attack! If it's not, I apologize and can offer compensation!"
Turning to the others, "It seems like they might not have been attacking..."
The dragons suddenly seem interested, "Compensation? Like treasure?"
"A bit, yes. We also have knowledge and magic, of course."
Gimme a Diplo check here, +5 since you said the magic word to dragons.
That's why I said it! =D I know dragons well.
> roll 1d20+37+5 Diplo
<Kobot> Iddy rolled 1d20+37+5 Diplo --> [ 1d20=2 ]{44}
"It had better be a lot of treasure," the dragon howls, like the wind's fury, as your tree ride continues to stomp along. "Great heaps of treasure!"
Alyssa taps her chin...
"Two thousand gold. Each."
The four dragons slowly circle closer, coming to within 20ft as Emily smiles. In flawless Draconic she adds, "Plus I'll teach you what I know about wind magic," she says, "For is not lore a treasure all its own, a hoard that shines within your mind?"
Iavanasah watches, growing slightly bigger but otherwise holding position.
"More! That's not enough, you wounded us!" The northern dragon declares.
"More!" The western dragon seconds, "For pain!"
"2500 gold each, and I'll heal you. Be careful that greed doesn't cause you to get nothing."
"I take it! I take it!" The southern dragon calls, "Where's our gold?!"
The northern dragon huffs out in a windy rustle, "Then I want mine, too. Plus the lore. I want all of it!"
"Now what I don't get is you're guests of the queen, but you're still as greedy as ever," Jarem chimes in here, "Aren't you supposed to be better than that?"
Alyssa pats part of the tree close to her.
"Come over here, then."
As soon as they do, she doles out the money to the elemental dragons and casts a healing spell!
Vigorous Circle, CL 32, Duration: 40 rounds.
Fast healing 3; +120 HP.
The dragons approach and your healing magic overtakes them. Wounds begin to mend, the wind dragons healing as much as masses of air can.
"You are not so bad," The eastern dragon admits, giving Jarem a look, "The Queen said the same thing, but gold is so shiny."
"Well, if she said the same, then you should come with us and present yourself to her. I can help you explain and everything will be cleared up."
At this the dragons perch on the branches around you, positioning and waiting.
Going to just bring them along, then?
Yepo. I figure a group of dragons with us will help be a deterrent for things.
Your ride is uneventful from there on out. You end up stopping before a mist-cloaked grove, "Here!" the tree calls, "Go in here."
"Thank you for your help, Prince of Roots. I shall speak of you to the Queen and of how helpful you were."
"Oh ho ho, good luck!" the tree laughs, as Jarem floats on down. Emily follows as Ianvasah lingers a moment.
"Thank you," she says, flying down and then turning human once more, getting a burst of chatter from the wind dragons.
Alyssa waves to the dragons and tree and then continues on.
It's a rather large grove, stacks of books everywhere. Heaps and scads of books, and amid it stands another tree. A tree with a face, snoozing away.
Alyssa rolls her eyes.
"Excuse us, we're looking for Professor Tinsel."
The tree yawns and blinks his eyes open, "Speaking," he says, voice sleepy, a yawn right after.
"My name is Alyssa Songsteel. These are my friends, Emily, Jarem, and Ianvasah. We've come to meet the Queen and have searched you out for your help with a curious case of bloodline abilities, if you would be so kind."
"Oh...mmm....oh..." Another yawn, "I'm awake," he says, "Go on, tell me about it."
Alyssa goes over her notes about Lord Mayweather's case and her suspicions about a celestial bloodline with him.
"Not normal, not normal at all. Do you have a lock of hair, a bit of blood, anything from him directly?" The tree asks.
"Not at the moment... If the protections around here allow, I could Plane Shift over and return."
A rustle of leaves, "Not needed," he finally says, "No no, I'll divine and scry it myself. Stand back."
Alyssa nods and does as asked.
"Thank you."
"Should be good," Jarem murmurs as he stays by your side, and in a quieter voice, "Why'd you bribe the dragons? Hoping to get some new dragons to hang around?"
Alyssa shrugs.
"Easiest way. If they're part of the Court in some way, or they have a patron in the Court, hurting them out of hand would likely reflect poorly. After those tree... brothers... I began to assume everything here would be hostile and their wind seemed a straightforward attack. I was wrong, and mistakes should be accepted and corrected."
"Mm." Jarem murmurs as the tree prances about, chanting strange words. Emily and Ianvasah watch, while Jarem goes on. "Granted, but if you can also use that to your advantage, you'd be foolish not to."
"Of course. It shows that while I have faults, I'm reasonable and willing to take responsibility and to make recompense. It shows responsibility and humility. But none of that changes the fact that the mistake was mine, and mine to rectify."
A long breath out at that, "Good." With a sidelong look to you, "I hate having to beat that into some cocky up and comer who is too arrogant or short sighted to see that."
Alyssa puts a hand to her cheek.
"Oh my, it seems a certain someone has failed to be observant enough of me to learn my personality yet. Could it be he was distracted by his chasing of women to learn enough about those he works with? Perhaps a temporary ban in all the taverns and a warning lecture to all the young maidens on the islands might be in order. Purely to help give him enough free time and focus to amend this failing."
Alyssa sighs, "And to even consider having to beat something into such a delicate young woman as myself, how barbaric. Truly a lecture on the nature you've revealed might be in order."
Jarem's reply is a big grin. He takes your hand in his own and brings it up to his lips, kissing it. "Then I ask a thousand pardons, my lady. I meant no disrespect."
"Well, I'll just have to have a more trustworthy cleric cleanse that now. Who knows what you're carrying. But yes, I suppose I shall forgive you, for the time being. Though I might leave the lecture to Lorathana and Ianvasah..."
As Ianvasah watches the dancing tree, Jarem shakes his head. "I think they're too busy watching the tree, or at least Ianvasah is."
"I think I could convenience them to make time. But yes, that's quite an... unusual... divination ritual."
"That's not so bad," Jarem says, "I once met a seer who used chicken guts and cow guts to divine. That's one thing, the other is that she did it by twirling the intestines together like ribbons." A half smile is on his face, "It was a pretty good prediction, though."
"Yech. Prediction of what? A mess? Still... I wanted to consult you about something from a battlefield point of view. Lord Melweather's unique ability is a great field of invisible scrying eyes. The perception from them seems not to cause him any undue stress, aside from not liking it. I've been toying with the idea of trying to replicate it for myself. I think if I could augment it with some better perception abilities, it'd make for a powerful advantage."
"Powerful, but you'd need magic beyond mortal limits for certain." Jarem says, "At least for any sort of range, and handling the many points of view would require fantastic concentration." He shakes his head a little bit, "Think you can actually replicate it?"
"... Maybe. I'd have to know more about it, first."
"Done!" The tree calls at that, "I know what it is! It's all about the blood, of course!"
"Do tell," Emily says, clapping, "I want to know!"
"It's about the blood. Did you know that your blood contains who you are, and who all your ancestors were? When a man and a woman come together, the man's seed carries this information and joins with the mother's information as the baby grows inside of her. It's why blood is so powerful for divinations, scrying and reagents. It has so much information about a person, if you know how to understand it."
Emily nods, "And if you combine that with how souls are made?"
"Right again!" The tree agrees, "It's all very complicated, I'm surprised you know about it, young lady. But in this case it's all about his blood, his heritage. His parents each have a distant, forgotten ancestor that was not human. In this case, I believe it to be a spirit of order and a spirit of chaos. Meaningless with the blood so far diluted by the generations, but something happened to empower the blood and cause this."
"Hmm... Is there a way to find out what the ancestors were and a way to control it? Or replicate it?"
"Well, it depends on what caused it to happen," The tree says, "That's what's really empowering it."
"Hmm... So, either an interview or a divination again. Probably both..."
"The fact that I can't see it makes it a who, not a what," The tree shakes its branches, "Strange, strange. Someone probably did this on purpose."
"Who would want to empower a random noble's bloodline?"
Alyssa taps her chin... "Unless it wasn't random... A combination of law and chaos blood in balance and not clashing is fairly rare... So was he used as a test case? Maybe to see how they could be brought into functional harmony..."
"That sounds like something Sylica would be involved in, but that's not their style," Emily adds, "They study that sort of thing."
"That new realm?" Jarem asks, "Who else does horrors of law and chaos together? Elysium at least gets the archons and eladrin to get along."
"They'd have to have been searching for something very specific to find him, if that's the case... If... Could you divine if any extra-planar presence has been watching him?"
"I did, and I'm getting nothing. I think it's something protected," The tree replies, "I'm sure of it."
Alyssa grunts.
"So, we need to find a way to punch through the protection... Just like with Shar. Unpleasant. I think we might need to consult with someone with more power... Or I can try linking with a Diviner's Circle..."
"Or Shar again, for whatever reason," Emily adds, "But we'll stop them, just like we stopped them before and overcame this maze!"
At that moment, you feel it. A connection to Emily, strong and true. You feel it resonate between the two of you, Jarem's gaze sharp on both of you as he murmurs a prayer under his breath, studying away.
"By Chauntea's breath, what is that?" Ianvasah asks, eyes widening.
Node update, go read.
Got it.
"Hmm.. Interesting, another is added to the phenomenon. It seems it affects those who join me... Maybe some sort of bleed over from my empowerment? But what causes it to attach? A level of loyalty?"
"More power, yet more power flowing freely?" Ianvasah murmurs as Emily smiles, seeming more somehow.
"Interesting, then..." Jarem murmurs, "Of course. That's the trick again and..."
"Oh, what's your theory, Jarem?"
"We're not just connected, we're building something," Jarem says, "Ianvasah's elevated to join us and power's flowing. Whatever this is wants us stronger, so will empower us, especially when we move towards worthwhile goals that improve ourselves. Emily was just talking about triumphing over this challenge."
"Hmm... Similar in concept to Cooperative Magic... The power rebounds between us and amplifies each... Interesting. We need to discover what triggers it... Emily seems to be focused on beating challenges..."
"It may vary, but..."
That's as far as Jarem gets. He pauses as you feel it - a connection to Jarem, surging stronger.
Node update. Go read.
"Well, well... Seems today is full of surprises. We were discussing learning more about the bond and goals, so it seems that's what triggers it for you... Interesting... Seems we need to discuss what might do it for Ianvasah. Perhaps the Visions of the Past spell... See it from each person's point of view might help."
"Well, we have what we need. How about we go home, rest and do that?" Emily suggests, "The Court's amazing, but so much is going on for us now!"
Alyssa raises an eyebrow to Emily.
"Forgetting the more important part of our visit, are we? I must still introduce myself to the Queen and establish relations for an alliance and trading of books, Emily."
"...oh." Emily burns rather red at that.
"Ahem," Jarem says, "We still need to find the Queen, assuming she'll meet with us."
"Quite. Any directions on that front, Professor?"
"Quite! What a fascinating thing you all just did," he adds, "The Queen is found when the Queen wants to. If she wants to meet you, she will. If she doesn't, she won't. It's really that simple."
"I see... Well, I suppose we should head back and hope she decides to meet with us. If not, I hope it doesn't mean she fully rejects the chance of an alliance. In any case, thank you for your help, Professor. Might I call on you again once I've learned more, if I need to?"
"Call, call away!" The tree laughs, "Now, let me send you on your way, it's a special trick I've learned."
"Oh?"
Alyssa pays very close attention. More tricks are always welcome.
Ianvasah does as well, before the tree rears back.
"Ah...ah...ah..." His face distorts, twisting as...
"Wait, is he going to-" Is all Emily can get out.
"CHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Gaaaah! Massive winds slam into you and...
You can try a Strength check to resist the winds, if you'd like.
Nah. He's trying to help us, I suppose.
Gaaaah!
Winds blow the four of you away, sending you flying up into the air, end over end and out of control. You spin around and around, everything a blur as the winds propel you.
"AAAAAAH!" Emily screams, tumbling around and around, hair a wild mess.
Jarem has his shield out, flipping over and over as he's blown away.
Iavanasah goes dragon, but ends up being tumbled around liek the rest of you, a disquieted roar as...
Woosh! You slow at the last second and land softly, right where you began your adventure in the Court of Stars.
"Well, there are more... Delicate... ways of going about that, but I suppose it is what it is. I suppose we should prepare ourselves to return."
"Uh huh," Emily says, "Sometimes when I've come here without my Moms, Queen Morwel doesn't see me. But I've heard you can dream of her, if you sleep and she finds you worthy."
"Unfortunate. I'll hope for it, then. Let us go, then."
Heading back home, then?
Yup.
Congratulations, you've reached level up time! You're paused now, go on ahead and do the level up thing. I'll start on your NPCs in the morning.