Violetdrops her staff and takes out a book bound in dark leather from her backpack. Rummaging through it's pages muttering words like "Dryad … Will o'Wisp … Dirigenza"
If the Dryad doesn't interfere Violet will cast Guidance on herself then tries to analyse this strange being.
Dryad watches Violet casting her spell, then smiles. She looks a bit disappointed, but not in a resentful way. After all, it was her who berated the group for being careless.
Violet inspects her closely and realizes what's wrong. Dryads are not supposed to look like that, not exactly. Their skin doesn't glow, their eyes are large, but otherwise human. As all fey, they are concerned very little with privacy and decency - why would she cover herself so? On the other hand, this is how most people imagine dryads. That's how most painters picture them. It dawns on Violet that what they see is and illusion. Finely crafted, expert, but an illusion nonetheless.
"Take care when to speak and when not to speak," whisper the voices as she opens her mouth to tell her comrades. "She is more powerful than you, you are outnumbered and outmaneuvered in her woods. Is it wise to anger such a creature? Besides, you have no idea why she uses it. It's not necessarily for you or meant to harm you."
"Concealed truth is also a lie," says another whisper. "It is no more wise to lie to your companions than it is to anger whatever she is. The elf doesn't trust you already, he made himself clear on that. And you and Crassus are friendly enough, he is not someone you should want to deceive."
Violet discovers that the "dryad" is coved by illusion, but she alone knows that. She can decide whether to tell her friends and risk the creatures wrath or to keep silent, at least for now.
Violet can decide to keep silent, in that case, no checks necessary.
If she decides to warn them quietly, in that case, she must roll stealth check againt DC of 13.
Or she can confron the creature, in that case, no checks necessary.
Alternatively, she can do her own thing and I decide what checks are necessary, if any.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Once a again a strange voice enters Erlanand Crassushead while Pictexperiences it for the first time. "Be careful that dryad is but an illusion although it's source in indiscernable."
Stealth 14, in case using telepathy gives advantage 12
Crassus doesn't know if he should reply, but he's aware that it's Violet who is currently speaking to him this time and will make sure that he takes caution with this being.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Guys, you misunderstood. The dryad is not what she seems, but something is still there. It's like a appearence changing spell, she's not a phantom, she's just masked.
Also, Erlan, most of what you quoted was directed at Pict ("She laughed and turned back to the druid.") and his accusations.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Pict contemplates the Dryad's words for several moments, letting his companions reply while he mulled over the words in his mind. Suddenly a voice seemed to pop into his head and interrupt his thoughts. A warning. Pict thought.But from who?
He gave a curious glance back towards his three allies, trying to discern the origin of the voice. From what little he knew of them, he could scratch the Crassus off of his list. The Dragonkin weren't known for their mastery of the Arcane, and this one boasted heavy weapons that seemed to imply physical combat was his preference. Between the remaining two, the Elf and Violet, he wasn't sure. The girl has demonstrated arcane power, yes, but this ability was a strange one, and not something that Pict was familiar with. He frowned a little, but decided to accept the warning as valid for now. He would not risk angering this creature, Dryad or not, any further by asking aloud who the message was from.
I should have noticed it myself.He decided. What Dryad imitates man in wearing clothing and finery? Pict wondered what else he might have missed.
He turned back to the Dryad, and shook his head sadly. "I am sorry, lass, for the injustice you've suffered. Of course I understand the dangers that the forests face from the civilized world. I'm no stranger to the influence of malevolent outsiders. But these undead, they have no place in the cycle of life, not like you and I. They're a corruption of the natural form, souls twisted in a state of agony. While I might understand yer reasons, I can't condone it. But neither will I interfere. But tell us, why did these wisps bring us to ye? Is there a reason, or was it just their whim? And who are these sisters ye speak of? Other Dryad, like yerself?"
As he spoke, he glanced around the glade they were in, paying particular attention to the lights flickering in the tree branches overhead. At first, he had assumed them to be lesser Fey, but now he wasn't so sure.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erlan
(RETCON: up to this point, I haven't said anything to the dryad)
I listen to the voice in my head. Must be the magic user again. Seems to be her preferred way of talking. I pull my cloak back to uncover my elven features. I start to back away from the entity, slowly checking my surroundings.
"Wisps brought you here of their own volition. I told you, they protect this forets, just like the rest of us. As for my sisters... indeed, they are like me, but you needn't concern yourselves with them. Neither of the two will speak to humankind. You and them will not meet. The better question to ask, is why did I save young dragonborns life five minutes ago" "dryad" responded. "And the reason is, I have a proposition for the four of you. There is a shapechanger, a jackalwere that came to my woods. A pair of them, in fact. They make a lot of trouble for the forest denizens. I would offer them shelter, but I cannot risk their human forms to be any different from other mortals. If they react like you did, they might bring others here, others with fire and steel in order to "purge" the place they don't have a right to be in anyway."
The creature you all realised was not actually a dryad, sighed heavily and stepped closer.
"I offer you this. Deal wih the jackalweres in any way you see fit. Kill them or make them leave Witchwood for good, I care not. In exchange, I will offer you gold, power, knowledge or an artifact of great rarity, a single gift for each. You will also have my permission to tread through the forest untouched by all that heeds my words," creature look at each of you, trying to guess how lucrative have you found her offer. "Refuse me, and you may walk away empty handed, but only once. I will no more shield you against the dangers that can lurk here. Take council if you must, but don't take too long."
Erlan, Perception check succesfull, but nothing else is out of the ordinary.
“Why did you save me, then? Were you just being nice, were you hoping to get something out of it, or would it just make a mess of your forest if I died?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
OCC: What do you mean? I told why she saved you. "And the reason is, I have a proposition for the four of you. There is a shapechanger, a jackalwere that came to my woods..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erlan
I step forward. “Where are these jackleweres you speak of? And what is your true identity? I am aware you are not what you seem. I need to know who I am working for after all...”
"If I knew where they were, I would've just led them to your camp and hope for the best. No, it will not that easy. You must track them down yourselves. I believe this your area of expertise?" creature answered Erlan. "As for your question... What I am, is a guardian of these woods. One of the few who has any sway upon them. I am the unity of them. My power is of the Witchwood and from it. I am also a very old woman. If you wish to know more than that, perform the boon that I ask and I'll reward you for the task."
Crassus takes a look at the group and responds to Violet. "I think that the four of us should be able to solve the jackalwere problem without too much difficulty." And then he looks at Pict and Erlan. " What do you two think?"
I assume Violet, Crassus and Erlan do not mind (Erlan is at least interested, I take it). I'll wait for Pict (and for your input, if I assumed wrong). Also, for any other interactions with each other you might want to perform before proceeding.
And guys, I promised you daily game, now we're posting several times a day, so I hope it isn't going too fast and no one feels pressured into writing things ASAP not to stall the campaign. If you want to take it down a notch (or up), my inbox is always open. ;)
Pict shifted his weight uncomfortably. On the one hand, it didn't seem wise to do the bidding of something he didn't understand, and something with such a close relationship to the undead at that. On the other, jackalwere weren't known for their innocence either.
He turned away from the creature to face his companions. "I'll agree to at least investigate these jackalwere. I've no issue with hunting down a predator that's out of hand in these woods."
"It seems everyone is in agreement," "dryad" practically purred, so pleased was her voice. "In that event, listen well. Jackalweres will not be harmed by normal weapons, only silver or magic. Whether you plan on killing them or not, it's best you come prepared. I will give you each a vial of water, taken from the spring near the silver mines. It contains all preservative magic I could muster. Soak your weapons with it, and they will burn the shapechangers. Beware, the effect will not last more than a day, so don't be hasty in applying them."
She gives each of you s small vial containing slightly reflective water and returns to her tree.
"The dawn is approaching. Rest for the day, I suggest. Plan your hunt and I will make sure none of my... subjects are in the way. Jackalweres are nocturnal anyway. When they are dead or gone, draw my attention by a sound of light, I believe the sorceress here is more than capable of producing one, and I will keep my end of the bargaing. Until then, trad lightly and know you can never go unnoticed in the shadows of the Witchwood."
With this mix of cryptic warning and reassurance, the creature disappears in a tree, as if never there at all. The buzzing in the treecrown ceases and will-o'-wisps scatter in every direction before snuffing out their lights.
She was right - the dawn was near. It seems, you spent more time than you thought running around, chasing lights. Thanks to Erlan exellent tracking skills, you return to your camp only to discover a nasty surprise. Someone has been there. Your belongings lie scattered on the ground, but, after a check, most of them seem to be intact. The gold is the only thing missing. It's a lamentable loss, but not like you needed any of it in the Witchwood itself. You stand there, trying to figure out how to proceed next.
Okay, first things first. Vials are given to all of you, a single exemplar for each, but you can give them to one another if you decide that your... aptitude allows to hurt magical creatures more effectively without them. Like, Erlan and Crassus can, theoretically, make more use of them, since their weapons do more damage, Violet and Pict wield qurterstaffs (and Pict can suffuse his with magic as a spell). Don't be too hasty though. In either trading or applying them, the enchantment will last for 12 hrs. or 4 hits in combat and then will have to be renewed. Also, plan ahead, because applying them in combat takes an action, and giving them in the same circustances requires an action and a dexterity check.
Now, moving on to the camp. Your camp has been raided, but, thankfully, only what little gold you've had has been stolen. Now is the time for investigation or perception checks (DC or 15 and 20 FOR EACH OF THE TO, the result will depend on which one you pass - one character can only use one of those) if you want to pursue the thieves (or at least figure out who they were). You still have to plan your hunt, and Jackalweres are formidable opponents, so lay traps, plan ambushes, be creative.
Violet drops her staff and takes out a book bound in dark leather from her backpack. Rummaging through it's pages muttering words like "Dryad … Will o'Wisp … Dirigenza"
If the Dryad doesn't interfere Violet will cast Guidance on herself then tries to analyse this strange being.
Investigation 21 + Guidance 3
Dryad watches Violet casting her spell, then smiles. She looks a bit disappointed, but not in a resentful way. After all, it was her who berated the group for being careless.
Violet inspects her closely and realizes what's wrong. Dryads are not supposed to look like that, not exactly. Their skin doesn't glow, their eyes are large, but otherwise human. As all fey, they are concerned very little with privacy and decency - why would she cover herself so? On the other hand, this is how most people imagine dryads. That's how most painters picture them. It dawns on Violet that what they see is and illusion. Finely crafted, expert, but an illusion nonetheless.
"Take care when to speak and when not to speak," whisper the voices as she opens her mouth to tell her comrades. "She is more powerful than you, you are outnumbered and outmaneuvered in her woods. Is it wise to anger such a creature? Besides, you have no idea why she uses it. It's not necessarily for you or meant to harm you."
"Concealed truth is also a lie," says another whisper. "It is no more wise to lie to your companions than it is to anger whatever she is. The elf doesn't trust you already, he made himself clear on that. And you and Crassus are friendly enough, he is not someone you should want to deceive."
Violet discovers that the "dryad" is coved by illusion, but she alone knows that. She can decide whether to tell her friends and risk the creatures wrath or to keep silent, at least for now.
Violet can decide to keep silent, in that case, no checks necessary.
If she decides to warn them quietly, in that case, she must roll stealth check againt DC of 13.
Or she can confron the creature, in that case, no checks necessary.
Alternatively, she can do her own thing and I decide what checks are necessary, if any.
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
Once a again a strange voice enters Erlan and Crassus head while Pict experiences it for the first time. "Be careful that dryad is but an illusion although it's source in indiscernable."
Stealth 14, in case using telepathy gives advantage 12
Crassus doesn't know if he should reply, but he's aware that it's Violet who is currently speaking to him this time and will make sure that he takes caution with this being.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
Yeah, sorry I misunderstood. In that case Violet warned them that there is something masked under the Illusion of a dryad.
Pict contemplates the Dryad's words for several moments, letting his companions reply while he mulled over the words in his mind. Suddenly a voice seemed to pop into his head and interrupt his thoughts. A warning. Pict thought. But from who?
He gave a curious glance back towards his three allies, trying to discern the origin of the voice. From what little he knew of them, he could scratch the Crassus off of his list. The Dragonkin weren't known for their mastery of the Arcane, and this one boasted heavy weapons that seemed to imply physical combat was his preference. Between the remaining two, the Elf and Violet, he wasn't sure. The girl has demonstrated arcane power, yes, but this ability was a strange one, and not something that Pict was familiar with. He frowned a little, but decided to accept the warning as valid for now. He would not risk angering this creature, Dryad or not, any further by asking aloud who the message was from.
I should have noticed it myself. He decided. What Dryad imitates man in wearing clothing and finery? Pict wondered what else he might have missed.
He turned back to the Dryad, and shook his head sadly. "I am sorry, lass, for the injustice you've suffered. Of course I understand the dangers that the forests face from the civilized world. I'm no stranger to the influence of malevolent outsiders. But these undead, they have no place in the cycle of life, not like you and I. They're a corruption of the natural form, souls twisted in a state of agony. While I might understand yer reasons, I can't condone it. But neither will I interfere. But tell us, why did these wisps bring us to ye? Is there a reason, or was it just their whim? And who are these sisters ye speak of? Other Dryad, like yerself?"
As he spoke, he glanced around the glade they were in, paying particular attention to the lights flickering in the tree branches overhead. At first, he had assumed them to be lesser Fey, but now he wasn't so sure.
Erlan
(RETCON: up to this point, I haven't said anything to the dryad)
I listen to the voice in my head. Must be the magic user again. Seems to be her preferred way of talking. I pull my cloak back to uncover my elven features. I start to back away from the entity, slowly checking my surroundings.
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
Popular Stream Character Sheets
"Wisps brought you here of their own volition. I told you, they protect this forets, just like the rest of us. As for my sisters... indeed, they are like me, but you needn't concern yourselves with them. Neither of the two will speak to humankind. You and them will not meet. The better question to ask, is why did I save young dragonborns life five minutes ago" "dryad" responded. "And the reason is, I have a proposition for the four of you. There is a shapechanger, a jackalwere that came to my woods. A pair of them, in fact. They make a lot of trouble for the forest denizens. I would offer them shelter, but I cannot risk their human forms to be any different from other mortals. If they react like you did, they might bring others here, others with fire and steel in order to "purge" the place they don't have a right to be in anyway."
The creature you all realised was not actually a dryad, sighed heavily and stepped closer.
"I offer you this. Deal wih the jackalweres in any way you see fit. Kill them or make them leave Witchwood for good, I care not. In exchange, I will offer you gold, power, knowledge or an artifact of great rarity, a single gift for each. You will also have my permission to tread through the forest untouched by all that heeds my words," creature look at each of you, trying to guess how lucrative have you found her offer. "Refuse me, and you may walk away empty handed, but only once. I will no more shield you against the dangers that can lurk here. Take council if you must, but don't take too long."
Erlan, Perception check succesfull, but nothing else is out of the ordinary.
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
“Why did you save me, then? Were you just being nice, were you hoping to get something out of it, or would it just make a mess of your forest if I died?”
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
OCC: What do you mean? I told why she saved you. "And the reason is, I have a proposition for the four of you. There is a shapechanger, a jackalwere that came to my woods..."
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
Erlan
I step forward. “Where are these jackleweres you speak of? And what is your true identity? I am aware you are not what you seem. I need to know who I am working for after all...”
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
Popular Stream Character Sheets
"If I knew where they were, I would've just led them to your camp and hope for the best. No, it will not that easy. You must track them down yourselves. I believe this your area of expertise?" creature answered Erlan. "As for your question... What I am, is a guardian of these woods. One of the few who has any sway upon them. I am the unity of them. My power is of the Witchwood and from it. I am also a very old woman. If you wish to know more than that, perform the boon that I ask and I'll reward you for the task."
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
OOC: Oops, sorry.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Violet looks around. "So what do we do? I see no harm in finding those jackalweres and talk to them."
Crassus takes a look at the group and responds to Violet. "I think that the four of us should be able to solve the jackalwere problem without too much difficulty." And then he looks at Pict and Erlan. " What do you two think?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
I assume Violet, Crassus and Erlan do not mind (Erlan is at least interested, I take it). I'll wait for Pict (and for your input, if I assumed wrong). Also, for any other interactions with each other you might want to perform before proceeding.
And guys, I promised you daily game, now we're posting several times a day, so I hope it isn't going too fast and no one feels pressured into writing things ASAP not to stall the campaign. If you want to take it down a notch (or up), my inbox is always open. ;)
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)
Erlan will see things out for this mission at least. And the pace has been just fine with me.
PC: Brozznan Kane - Undead in Skyraker |
DM:
Popular Stream Character Sheets
Pict shifted his weight uncomfortably. On the one hand, it didn't seem wise to do the bidding of something he didn't understand, and something with such a close relationship to the undead at that. On the other, jackalwere weren't known for their innocence either.
He turned away from the creature to face his companions. "I'll agree to at least investigate these jackalwere. I've no issue with hunting down a predator that's out of hand in these woods."
"It seems everyone is in agreement," "dryad" practically purred, so pleased was her voice. "In that event, listen well. Jackalweres will not be harmed by normal weapons, only silver or magic. Whether you plan on killing them or not, it's best you come prepared. I will give you each a vial of water, taken from the spring near the silver mines. It contains all preservative magic I could muster. Soak your weapons with it, and they will burn the shapechangers. Beware, the effect will not last more than a day, so don't be hasty in applying them."
She gives each of you s small vial containing slightly reflective water and returns to her tree.
"The dawn is approaching. Rest for the day, I suggest. Plan your hunt and I will make sure none of my... subjects are in the way. Jackalweres are nocturnal anyway. When they are dead or gone, draw my attention by a sound of light, I believe the sorceress here is more than capable of producing one, and I will keep my end of the bargaing. Until then, trad lightly and know you can never go unnoticed in the shadows of the Witchwood."
With this mix of cryptic warning and reassurance, the creature disappears in a tree, as if never there at all. The buzzing in the treecrown ceases and will-o'-wisps scatter in every direction before snuffing out their lights.
She was right - the dawn was near. It seems, you spent more time than you thought running around, chasing lights. Thanks to Erlan exellent tracking skills, you return to your camp only to discover a nasty surprise. Someone has been there. Your belongings lie scattered on the ground, but, after a check, most of them seem to be intact. The gold is the only thing missing. It's a lamentable loss, but not like you needed any of it in the Witchwood itself. You stand there, trying to figure out how to proceed next.
Okay, first things first. Vials are given to all of you, a single exemplar for each, but you can give them to one another if you decide that your... aptitude allows to hurt magical creatures more effectively without them. Like, Erlan and Crassus can, theoretically, make more use of them, since their weapons do more damage, Violet and Pict wield qurterstaffs (and Pict can suffuse his with magic as a spell). Don't be too hasty though. In either trading or applying them, the enchantment will last for 12 hrs. or 4 hits in combat and then will have to be renewed. Also, plan ahead, because applying them in combat takes an action, and giving them in the same circustances requires an action and a dexterity check.
Now, moving on to the camp. Your camp has been raided, but, thankfully, only what little gold you've had has been stolen. Now is the time for investigation or perception checks (DC or 15 and 20 FOR EACH OF THE TO, the result will depend on which one you pass - one character can only use one of those) if you want to pursue the thieves (or at least figure out who they were). You still have to plan your hunt, and Jackalweres are formidable opponents, so lay traps, plan ambushes, be creative.
DM Price of Misfortune (finished)