Opportunity attack

22

If a hit

9

On embers turn

Lashing out as the tree left ember chased after it swinging again

23

If a hit

8

As the tree left Ember’s range, he slashed at it with his sword, cutting deeply into the wood (full 7 damage). Now Tellior runs after the tree to get into range and sends a beam of cold blue-white light that impacts the tree’s trunk for full damage. Frost spreads across it in a flash, and the tree creaks to a halt. Kellen’s arrow pierces a branch, but Celesta’s fire bolt engulfs it in flames. The tree begins to lean at an odd angle and the dryad’s body falls to the road as the blaze begins to spread rapidly through all of the tree’s branches. Ember runs toward it, about to take another swing, but he realizes that it is no longer a threat. The satyr watches for a moment and then says worriedly, “Maybe we should do something about the fire? Before it spreads to the hedge?”

Tellior looks around as the satyr mentions stopping the fire.  Perhaps for some source of water or a way to carry it.  "I guess I have a waterskin in my pack.  It might help a little. Any other ideas guys?"

(Perception Check - to look for other options: 24)

celesta, relieved that the combat is over, says “I’m afraid I’m much better at starting fires than putting them out!  But you can use my waterskin as well.”

Triss wrinkles their nose and takes a step back as the tree lights up. "Well, hells," they swear, lowering their longbow to study the sight. At the mention of it spreading to the hedge, they're shocked into moving again. "Right, we can't let that happen. Maybe we can get other people to help us?" They look around for other people, sliding their longbow back across their shoulders and playing a bit nervously with the string. "Parolanta, sweetheart, any ideas?"

Perception: 7

Tellior grabs his own waterskin then comes over to Celesta to grab hers as he continues to survey the area for anything that might be more useful.  He moves to get between the burning tree and the hedge - or as close as practical - and tries to douse some of the flames with water from the waterskins. 

Celesta focuses on putting out any little fires that spread, while asking fir others to go get help or find more water. 

Ember stomps on the fires

Tellior immediately notices several doors within the hedges nearby. Triss sees a few as well. After realizing that the fire is spreading, the satyr immediately starts banging on these doors and shouting, “Fire! Fire! Bring water! Quickly!” Various gnomes, dryads, elves, and other folk poke their heads out, evaluate the situation, and dash back in. Soon they are running out with any containers they can find full of water.

(What will you each do to help? Choose a skill that you think applies to the situation and make a roll.)

13 knowledge nature

Celesta knows a fair amount about nature…

and can help point out what will and won’t burn easily, and maybe use some green branches to snuff out small flames..

Seeing the doors, then seeing other people come out with things of water, Triss jumps in with a few of the folks in carrying the heavier things of water. Their bow knocks against their back as they help carry the large containers to try and get more water to the fire quickly.

Athletics (with advantage, because they're helping people carry things): 20

Kellen recovers from his shock at seeing the tree burst into flames and rushes into help.  He spares a look at the fallen dryad and briefly wonders what prompted her to start this carnage and then moves into action, grabbing some water and investigating the tree to determine the best place to douse the fire.

Investigation 23

Tellior tries to continue using his waterskins to put out any spots of flame that are approaching the hedges.  He tries to dart quickly between others and any branches or other obstacles to get to each small flare-up.

(Acrobatics check: 12)

Celesta points out the parts of the tree and hedge most likely to burn quickly. Triss hefts large buckets of water and pours it where directed. Kellen assesses where water will do the most good and Tellior races back and forth to bring more to the fire. Ember continues to stomp on any cinders that fly from the tree, in between moments of admiring the beauty of the fire. With help from nearby citizens, you are able to contain the fire without much damage to the hedge and any homes or shops that may be within.

Once the flames are out, there is great discussion of what series of events led up to this point. You learn that it is rare, but not completely unheard of, for a dryad and her tree to go almost feral and lure people to their deaths. The gnomes bring a city guard and the whole thing is explained again. The guard thanks you for your quick action and she assures you that she will report your good deeds to the warden. The gnomes, elves, and satyr also express their appreciation. Some of the folks whose homes were saved bring out some light refreshments: glasses of fresh, cold water, sliced fruit and cheese, and even a bowl of toffees. Despite the lingering smell of smoke, you enjoy the celebratory picnic atmosphere.

After pausing a moment to check that everyone is alright - starting with his friends and then other others in the crowd - Tellior takes a moment to enjoy the refreshments.  He thanks everyone that has brought them out.  "Hey you guys!  You really need to grab one those toffees. They are wonderful."  He ate just one of the treats, but clearly keeps glancing at the bowl.  "Not that everything isn't wonderful," he quickly adds, as he moves to grab some more fruit and some water. 

As he chats with people, he mentions that they had been trying to help out the cobbler Frendamus, due to a break-in at his shop. "We are looking for an elf woman with reddish-blonde hair.  She was seen heading in this direction last night.  Would anyone have noticed anyone like that?  Or does the description fit anyone you can think of? We'd really appreciate the help." 

Kellen pops a toffee in his mouth and discretely pockets another one for later,  He is enjoying the party-like atmosphere and mingling with some of the other gnomes from the hedge.  Tellior’s question snaps him back to the task at hand “Yes, yes, that’s right. We were looking for someone”  As Tellior asks the others, Kellen looks around to see if he spots anyone fitting the elf’s description and watches to see if the townsfolk are being truthful.

Perception 8

Insight 5

17 perception 

23 investigation  

Celesta, feeling a little sheepish as the fire was started by her, (albeit for a good cause), searches the dryad for any clues as to what might have led to this unusual behavior.   She tries the refreshments, but is a bit saddened by the death.   She also refocuses on the task of finding the shoe thief, asking about the elf the group seeks and looking around…

As Tellior is enjoying the food, he notices something: in the three empty spaces where he lost teeth, something sharp is emerging. As he is considering this, one of the elves who fought with you against the tree and dryad responds to his question, “Do you mean Lydia? I saw her going into her warehouse back there on the corner last night. She was behaving kind of suspiciously and snapped at me when I asked if she was okay. She’s an excellent archer, but not very friendly.” They point back toward where the dryad had first gathered the group with her playing before she lured them down this street. Kellen thinks they are being straightforward, and also thinks these toffees are really amazing.

Meanwhile, Celesta searches the dryad, but can’t find any clues as to why she would have been so aggressive and dangerous. She is able to find the wooden flute that the dryad was playing and a pouch with 26 pieces of silver.