((Avaria is on team no light. She'll be fine with huddling together for body heat, and with her darkvision, has already offered first watch, but can watch whenever. I'm fine with adding a little exhaustion if she doesn't rest at all. but normally needs 8 hours))
Ethel will defer to the others if there is to be no fire. It sounds like 4th watch along with Jan is still available.
She will make a light appear near the opening in the palisade so she can sit within the relative warmth and darkness of the tent but keep a watch on the opening. She'll need to recast this after an hour. Perhaps she can have Jan ask the dust mite to carry a replacement light out for her so she doesn't have to leave the tent.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
(Sorry - out of town this week for work, so sporadic posts)
Hammerdasher and Geffroi are not happy about the deserted camp, suspecting something has walked off with all of its inhabitants but they're in agreement that there doesn't appear to be anywhere better to stay the night. Ula is quite quiet about the whole affair and has gotten more and more quiet the further from the sea has gotten. The rest now realize that this is easily the furthest from the Sea of Fallen Stars that Ula has ever been. Even in your time in captivity, the sea was always near by, with the smell of saltwater always in the air.
With the watch order established, and with Soren deciding to offset Jan (he'll be up the first four hours, and down for a rest the second four), Geffroi stays up to add an extra set of eyes for the first watch, Hammerdasher the second, and Ula the third.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Marrin lights a more central spot (for the group) than Ethel, figuring a 3 foot wall isn't going to really stop much that actually wants to get in.
She'll give Ula a few wisps of the ocean breeze with prestidigitation to try and help put her at ease before setting in for a watch in which is mostly just ends up focusing on how much time she has until she needs to re-up the light spell and wondering where the former owners of her new coats went.
The night passes slowly. The cold makes every hour feel like it last forever for those on watch and those trying to sleep struggle to reach deep sleep.
The group had managed to scavenge a few branches from dead trees along their route, which allows you to keep a small fire going. It lets the group keep just enough of the cold off to make it through without freezing.
During the first and second watch the sound of creaking branches and rustle leaves make the forest sound like it's alive. After Soren heads to rest and Jan takes over as the elf on duty, she gets images from K' who seems quite agitated but termors they've felt so far during the night.
This leads Jan to look closer at that darkness. She ends up wishing she'd paid closer attention to the woods around the camp. Maybe it's just the dark but the edge of the forest seems closer than she remembers but she can't be sure. Ula can't confirm either way.
But when Ethel is woken to join the fourth watch, she notes immediately that the entire forest appears to have closed in around the walled camp. It may have happened too slowly for the others to notice, but once she points it out, those up during the fourth watch now recognize that branches from the woods actual extend over the palisade and into the camp.
On top of that, the sound of movement has gotten louder, and the crashing of wood grows closer,.
In the glow of the fire, Ethel spots a huge tree push forward to the edge of the pallisade. Where the trees of the encounter a few nights earlier reeked of decay and looked to be animated dead trees, this one exudes life and energy.
Stern eyes and a serious face in the trunk of the tree looks at Ethel and then Jan.
Ethel, having thought about this eventuality, steps forward in the darkness, arms out and hands open to show now weapons or hostility.
"We mean no harm to your woods, nor to those who dwell within. We are travelers with a pressing purpose—seeking to stop those who would destroy more than this forest if left unchecked. Cultists, driven by their belief in ancient prophecies, tread a dark path and have drawn us into their orbit. We aim to reach Peltarch before they do, to stop or delay their plans, and the only chance to do that was to pass through your forest."
"I know trust is not given freely, nor should it be, but if we fail in our task, the lands beyond these woods mayburn, and that fire could reach even here. We ask only passage and your understanding. If you wish us gone, know that we will leave again on our journey as soon as the sun rises—but not before. These woods are as dangerous as the people we pursue, and we would not survive the journey blind in the dark."
"If you only suffer our presence the rest of this night, and likely one more night as we continue north through the wood, we will pass out of your forest and not trouble you again."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The tall tree creature listens patiently to what Ethel says. They move their head slowly to watch Jan then back to Ethel.
"You did not hurt the trees and you are not tree fallers," the tree says. It starts as a question but by the end of the sentence it's a statement.
The tree takes a long time to get those words out and once done it looks at the sleeping members of the party.
'We have seen that one before. He is not a tree faller," the tree says, indicating Soren.
The branches rustle as the tree appears to be nodding.
"Darkness has already come to the woods," the tree says. "You will not escape it. We are not strong enough to get you through and protect the rest of the woods."
The tree looks into the woods and then back to Ethel.
"But you can destroy it before it destroys you," the tree says, nodding again. "Yes, destroy them first and you can get out of the woods."
Large trunks of legs step over the palisade easily, the ground shaking slightly as it does.
(Yes, Soren is in the midst of his 4 hour trance).
Ironroot looks at K for a long moment then their leaves begin to shake and a low rumbling sound comes from the center of the trunk. Jan suspects that might be laughter.
"It would have to be a small tree, I think, for them to be a tree faller," Ironroot says.
The mirth disappears quickly and Ironroot becomes still for a long moment.
"Yes, the dead walking trees. They are part of the darkness but not all of it. Dead walking of your kind," Ironroot says with branches waving in the general direction of all of you, "are also being let loose. And the small fliers. It is not natural for the small fliers around the dead to be alive so long. They must be dead too."
Ironroot gestures vaguely north.
"They are all in your way, but they do not know you yet. Surprise could be your friend," Ironroot say. "Take care of the darkness makers and we will make sure you get through the rest of the woods safely. The furry four legs can be hungry this time of year."
"Ah, I was meaning more recently than that. Is the name 'Rotting Man' known to you? That is a name we have heard even outside of these woods, spoken as a danger to those who travel through."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Ethel spends some time pondering the treant's words.
"Your warning is well-heeded, and we will tread carefully. This darkness you speak of… it concerns me. The dead should not be used by such corruption." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully.
"Should we encounter this darkness—these twisted forms—I may be forced to call on fire to stop them. I do not wield it lightly, nor without thought for the harm it can cause to the living forest. But fire may be my only effective means to cleanse what should not exist."
"I would not dare to offend or damage your woods intentionally. So I ask plainly: if it comes to that, and I am forced to wield fire against these foes, will you understand? Or would that stir you to anger against us?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Hmm," Ironroot says slowly then pauses for a long time, then nods. "Yes, a rotting man is an apt name for this one. Rot follows him."
Ironroot turns slowly towards Ethel, his barky eyebrows rising, almost as if in surprise to see her still there. But he takes in her words and questions and nods slowly again.
"Sometimes there must be some damage to save the rest," Ironroot says. "We will not let the fire spread. You may wield your fire."
"Thank you, Ironroot. I produce no flame, but will follow my friend's example and endeavor not to damage the forest when we face those that twist and rot the woods."
She considers a moment, raising an eyebrow at Ethel.
"I am sure there are many who have passed through who did not respect you and the forest... and some number of those never left its shaded groves? Beings such as us sometimes carry items that can be useful... workings of magic. Are there any such things you know of that are going unused? Something that might aid us in helping you excise this rot and decay, so that which is strong may grow?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
((Avaria is on team no light. She'll be fine with huddling together for body heat, and with her darkvision, has already offered first watch, but can watch whenever. I'm fine with adding a little exhaustion if she doesn't rest at all. but normally needs 8 hours))
Ethel will defer to the others if there is to be no fire. It sounds like 4th watch along with Jan is still available.
She will make a light appear near the opening in the palisade so she can sit within the relative warmth and darkness of the tent but keep a watch on the opening. She'll need to recast this after an hour. Perhaps she can have Jan ask the dust mite to carry a replacement light out for her so she doesn't have to leave the tent.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
(Sorry - out of town this week for work, so sporadic posts)
Hammerdasher and Geffroi are not happy about the deserted camp, suspecting something has walked off with all of its inhabitants but they're in agreement that there doesn't appear to be anywhere better to stay the night. Ula is quite quiet about the whole affair and has gotten more and more quiet the further from the sea has gotten. The rest now realize that this is easily the furthest from the Sea of Fallen Stars that Ula has ever been. Even in your time in captivity, the sea was always near by, with the smell of saltwater always in the air.
With the watch order established, and with Soren deciding to offset Jan (he'll be up the first four hours, and down for a rest the second four), Geffroi stays up to add an extra set of eyes for the first watch, Hammerdasher the second, and Ula the third.
Active Perception rolls for each watch please.
Ava's Perception: 6 (nat 1)
apparently too freaked out about their current situation to really pay attention to what is going on around them.
Perception (Jan): 5
Perception (K, with tremor sense): 20
Jan will have an invisible K stay up while she is resting.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ethel Perception: 17
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Perception: 5
Marrin lights a more central spot (for the group) than Ethel, figuring a 3 foot wall isn't going to really stop much that actually wants to get in.
She'll give Ula a few wisps of the ocean breeze with prestidigitation to try and help put her at ease before setting in for a watch in which is mostly just ends up focusing on how much time she has until she needs to re-up the light spell and wondering where the former owners of her new coats went.
She is also unusually quiet.
The night passes slowly. The cold makes every hour feel like it last forever for those on watch and those trying to sleep struggle to reach deep sleep.
The group had managed to scavenge a few branches from dead trees along their route, which allows you to keep a small fire going. It lets the group keep just enough of the cold off to make it through without freezing.
During the first and second watch the sound of creaking branches and rustle leaves make the forest sound like it's alive. After Soren heads to rest and Jan takes over as the elf on duty, she gets images from K' who seems quite agitated but termors they've felt so far during the night.
This leads Jan to look closer at that darkness. She ends up wishing she'd paid closer attention to the woods around the camp. Maybe it's just the dark but the edge of the forest seems closer than she remembers but she can't be sure. Ula can't confirm either way.
But when Ethel is woken to join the fourth watch, she notes immediately that the entire forest appears to have closed in around the walled camp. It may have happened too slowly for the others to notice, but once she points it out, those up during the fourth watch now recognize that branches from the woods actual extend over the palisade and into the camp.
On top of that, the sound of movement has gotten louder, and the crashing of wood grows closer,.
In the glow of the fire, Ethel spots a huge tree push forward to the edge of the pallisade. Where the trees of the encounter a few nights earlier reeked of decay and looked to be animated dead trees, this one exudes life and energy.
Stern eyes and a serious face in the trunk of the tree looks at Ethel and then Jan.
"Why are you here?" the voice booms.
Ethel, having thought about this eventuality, steps forward in the darkness, arms out and hands open to show now weapons or hostility.
"We mean no harm to your woods, nor to those who dwell within. We are travelers with a pressing purpose—seeking to stop those who would destroy more than this forest if left unchecked. Cultists, driven by their belief in ancient prophecies, tread a dark path and have drawn us into their orbit. We aim to reach Peltarch before they do, to stop or delay their plans, and the only chance to do that was to pass through your forest."
"I know trust is not given freely, nor should it be, but if we fail in our task, the lands beyond these woods mayburn, and that fire could reach even here. We ask only passage and your understanding. If you wish us gone, know that we will leave again on our journey as soon as the sun rises—but not before. These woods are as dangerous as the people we pursue, and we would not survive the journey blind in the dark."
"If you only suffer our presence the rest of this night, and likely one more night as we continue north through the wood, we will pass out of your forest and not trouble you again."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
The tall tree creature listens patiently to what Ethel says. They move their head slowly to watch Jan then back to Ethel.
"You did not hurt the trees and you are not tree fallers," the tree says. It starts as a question but by the end of the sentence it's a statement.
The tree takes a long time to get those words out and once done it looks at the sleeping members of the party.
'We have seen that one before. He is not a tree faller," the tree says, indicating Soren.
The branches rustle as the tree appears to be nodding.
"Darkness has already come to the woods," the tree says. "You will not escape it. We are not strong enough to get you through and protect the rest of the woods."
The tree looks into the woods and then back to Ethel.
"But you can destroy it before it destroys you," the tree says, nodding again. "Yes, destroy them first and you can get out of the woods."
Large trunks of legs step over the palisade easily, the ground shaking slightly as it does.
"I am Ironroot."
Marrin mutters in her sleep about loud neighbors and tries to pull the two overcoats tighter.
((Soren is asleep for all of this reveal, yes? Otherwise we have some explaining with him to do as well.))
"Greetings, Ironroot, you may call me Jan. And this is K, they are not tree fallers either."
K, in their dusty raven form and flies to perch on her shoulder. Better to not have the tree notice an invisible presence and get spooked.
"We have seen corruption not far from here. Trees animated by rot and decay. Is this the darkness that has already come to the forest?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
(Yes, Soren is in the midst of his 4 hour trance).
Ironroot looks at K for a long moment then their leaves begin to shake and a low rumbling sound comes from the center of the trunk. Jan suspects that might be laughter.
"It would have to be a small tree, I think, for them to be a tree faller," Ironroot says.
The mirth disappears quickly and Ironroot becomes still for a long moment.
"Yes, the dead walking trees. They are part of the darkness but not all of it. Dead walking of your kind," Ironroot says with branches waving in the general direction of all of you, "are also being let loose. And the small fliers. It is not natural for the small fliers around the dead to be alive so long. They must be dead too."
Ironroot gestures vaguely north.
"They are all in your way, but they do not know you yet. Surprise could be your friend," Ironroot say. "Take care of the darkness makers and we will make sure you get through the rest of the woods safely. The furry four legs can be hungry this time of year."
Avaria snores loudly then turns over as well, she murmurs a bit about smelly fish...
"Is the name of the darkness makers known to you, friend Ironroot? Have you seen others yet living who have passed through this way?", Jan asks.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"We do not know their name. They are like you with the soft bark outside and lack of leaves," Ironroot says.
He stops talking and stands still for a long time making Jan almost think he's fallen asleep but then his eyes focus back.
"Yes, living like you came through here very very recently," Ironroot says then points at Soren again. "That one there."
"It must have just been yesteryear. Or maybe it was two ago. But definitely not more than three. Hmm the years pass so quickly as you get older."
"Ah, I was meaning more recently than that. Is the name 'Rotting Man' known to you? That is a name we have heard even outside of these woods, spoken as a danger to those who travel through."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ethel spends some time pondering the treant's words.
"Your warning is well-heeded, and we will tread carefully. This darkness you speak of… it concerns me. The dead should not be used by such corruption." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully.
"Should we encounter this darkness—these twisted forms—I may be forced to call on fire to stop them. I do not wield it lightly, nor without thought for the harm it can cause to the living forest. But fire may be my only effective means to cleanse what should not exist."
"I would not dare to offend or damage your woods intentionally. So I ask plainly: if it comes to that, and I am forced to wield fire against these foes, will you understand? Or would that stir you to anger against us?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
"Hmm," Ironroot says slowly then pauses for a long time, then nods. "Yes, a rotting man is an apt name for this one. Rot follows him."
Ironroot turns slowly towards Ethel, his barky eyebrows rising, almost as if in surprise to see her still there. But he takes in her words and questions and nods slowly again.
"Sometimes there must be some damage to save the rest," Ironroot says. "We will not let the fire spread. You may wield your fire."
"Thank you, Ironroot. I produce no flame, but will follow my friend's example and endeavor not to damage the forest when we face those that twist and rot the woods."
She considers a moment, raising an eyebrow at Ethel.
"I am sure there are many who have passed through who did not respect you and the forest... and some number of those never left its shaded groves? Beings such as us sometimes carry items that can be useful... workings of magic. Are there any such things you know of that are going unused? Something that might aid us in helping you excise this rot and decay, so that which is strong may grow?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock