Igor uses his mace and attacks W1 | 20 | Damage: 8
As the Warlock of the Archfey falls, his crown rolls on the ground. Just gazing upon the crown sends telepathic voices mumbling in your mind, "...put us on...take the power...do our bidding..."
Igor wakes Soma from sleeping, "This crown is clearly cursed. What should we do with it?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Soma is concerned having a sentient item that is cursed! "Maybe they can sell it?" But they are a long way a way from a friendly outpost that may help in that regard.
Ross rolls an arcana check to ascertain further information | 17
Soma rolls an insight check to garner information regarding the item | 5
Ross rolls an arcana check to ascertain further information | 20
This evil artifact was written about in Eldrin Sorrowsworn's Journal. It could corrupt someone again and must be destroyed. Viridion the Dragon seems to be an enemy of the Cursed Crown. Viridion's alignment is unknown ancient green dragon
With this knowledge regarding the Crown, the the three are more conflicted, on one hand this crown needs to be destroyed but on the other it s the enemy of Viridion! For now it may be prudent to wrap the crown up and put it away in Somas backpack. And seek further guidance from other arcane masters may be needed.
[OOC: I'm genuinely stomped here, this item is a catch twenty-two??? - I would like to slowly move our way back to a descent outpost, we have a significant amount of items to sell and Soma and Co need to report in? Soma also needs a descent weapon - otherwise more than happy to move further into the area, thoughts?]
[OOC: I'm genuinely stomped here, this item is a catch twenty-two?
With the crown, you have several options, open ended. The damage to the goblin tribes still must be stopped and the crown's influence persists.
* Harness the power of the crown to undo the damage to the goblin tribes (possibly evil) * Destroy the crown (possibly a quest to discover how) * Ask Viridion for aid (possibly becoming allies with Viridion) * Hold the crown until later (possibly opens future encounters for people who seek out the crown)
I would like to slowly move our way back to a descent outpost, we have a significant amount of items to sell and Soma and Co need to report in?
You can get back to the outpost without incident or encounter. This will take 7 days.
Soma also needs a descent weapon - otherwise more than happy to move further into the area, thoughts?]
You can buy a weapon in Sapphire City or quest to find a weapon smith both are valid
OOC: I'm curious if you have more specific requests on what type of encounters and campaign direction you want to move. The conflict with the Goblins has many more encounters and chapters but I sense you'd rather be fighting in another storyline, and I'm happy to shift the direction.
Destroy the crown (possibly a quest to discover how) - maybe that could incorporate option 3?
You can get back to the outpost without incident or encounter. This was only a suggestion to finish Harlan's request but I could have this wrong?
You can buy a weapon in Sapphire City or quest to find a weapon smith both are valid - only if options 1 and 2 are not going to work.
OOC: I'm curious if you have more specific requests on what type of encounters and campaign direction you want to move. The conflict with the Goblins has many more encounters and chapters but I sense you'd rather be fighting in another storyline, and I'm happy to shift the direction. I think for me the story arc has shifted several times and I'm finding it hard to realign what we are doing, don't get me wrong I'm having a blast and having the two NPC along for the ride is awesome and they do more and more factor into my thinking which is fun. I guess we may need some sort of re-vectoring could be in order?
I guess we may need some sort of re-vectoring could be in order?
An evil wizard named Nadlyn, died while fighting the forces of Vesper. An evil witch cursed this wizard's soul and trapped it into this magic crown. The Crown has Nadlyn's will and will act out a goal to bring ruin to Vesper.
When the Warlock adventurer found Eldrin's study, he became corrupted when he put on the crown.
Eldrin in life had approached Viridion and found her to be kind and wise. A neutral Ancient Dragon, unlike the rest of the Dragon Lords. Viridion partnered with Eldrin to teach him her ways and to impart her ancient wisdom. They searched for ancient artifacts, manuals, tomes which lead to Eldrin's obsession with magical portals and Planar travel. One Day Eldrin never returned and Eldrin's Study went dormant, hidden in Viridion's Domain called the Emerald Canopy.
By the time Soma discovers Eldrin's Study, he's late by a few weeks. The corrupted Warlock has taken the Crown of Deception and started to to begin Nadlyn's evil plan. He uses this crown to bend the will of goblin tribes to invade Vesper, starting with the Outposts on the border of the Darkwoods. Investigating this invasion, leads to the goblin tribes of the Emerald Canopy, implicating Viridion and her forces.
Now that Soma has the crown, he must either use it to reset the invading tribes and risk becoming corrupted himself...
or
Quest to find a way to destroy the crown, and releasing the minds of the goblin tribes so that they go back to normal.
The problem is that Soma does not have enough information to trust Viridion, who has the power to destroy the crown herself but may need Soma's help to gather some magical reagents to build a magic fire to purify the crown. There are probably other NPCs of high enough power, throughout Vesper who could also destroy the crown but that would also take time and questing to complete.
As an alternative solution, Soma could return the crown to Eldrin's Study and secure it in a way that it would be hidden and out of the way and the goblin invasion will be handled by the soldiers of Vesper. There is a risk that they decide to invade and under false pretense attack the forces of Viridion or declare all out war. But both of these scenarios will take months to happen. In this way, holding onto the crown and waiting is a perfectly fine response.
There are many more storylines and events happening throughout the Vesper Sandbox, it's possible this "thread" was a little convoluted but it touched on a much larger history of the Darkwoods.
To the East there are villagers infected with lycanthropy,
To the South there are shadows that have been spotted in the woods,
Much further south, In Sapphire City, there are shipments being stolen from cargo ships
South and West, in Vesper CIty, there is a Mercenary Guild called Black Fangs that have been associated with theft.
Further north, past the Emerald Canopy, there are White Drakes and forces of the White Dragon Lord.
North and East are Red Drakes and forces of the Red Dragon Lord.
If none of these "hooks" are interesting, I'll give you more.
An evil wizard named Nadlyn, died while fighting the forces of Vesper. An evil witch cursed this wizard's soul and trapped it into this magic crown. The Crown has Nadlyn's will and will act out a goal to bring ruin to Vesper. When the Warlock adventurer found Eldrin's study, he became corrupted when he put on the crown. Eldrin in life had approached Viridion and found her to be kind and wise. A neutral Ancient Dragon, unlike the rest of the Dragon Lords. Viridion partnered with Eldrin to teach him her ways and to impart her ancient wisdom. They searched for ancient artifacts, manuals, tomes which lead to Eldrin's obsession with magical portals and Planar travel. One Day Eldrin never returned and Eldrin's Study went dormant, hidden in Viridion's Domain called the Emerald Canopy. By the time Soma discovers Eldrin's Study, he's late by a few weeks. The corrupted Warlock has taken the Crown of Deception and started to to begin Nadlyn's evil plan. He uses this crown to bend the will of goblin tribes to invade Vesper, starting with the Outposts on the border of the Darkwoods. Investigating this invasion, leads to the goblin tribes of the Emerald Canopy, implicating Viridion and her forces. Now that Soma has the crown, he must either use it to reset the invading tribes and risk becoming corrupted himself...
* I like the idea of locating Viridion and seeking his assistance IRT to the Crown. Lets go there, if possible combine a quest for a better weapon.
Recap of events Soma, Igor, and Ross have ventured deeper into the Darkwoods than any adventurer has in decades. After a series of encounters with both peaceful and enraged goblin tribes, they find themselves in the Emerald Canopy, the ancient domain of Viridion, the oldest of the Dragon Lords. Pushed to their limits, they discover the secret study of Eldrin Sorrowsworn, a legendary wizard hero from 300 years past, now unearthed by an earthquake.
In the ancient ruins, Soma and his companions find shelter for the night. The next morning, they explore the ruins and discover a wizard’s study filled with deactivated golems, ancient tomes, and a preserved journal that speaks of several magic artifacts, including the "Crown of Deceit."
Learning the details about the Crown of Deceit, its dark powers, and how Eldrin studied it but never dared to wear it. The journal reveals the crown’s history and its connection to the ancient wizard Nadlyn.
Evidence of recent activity suggests that a Warlock found the study three months ago and wore the crown, becoming possessed by Nadlyn’s spirit.
We are here <<
Alliance with Viridion (We can RP this) Armed with the knowledge of the Crown of Deceit and its dangerous influence, Soma realizes the necessity of destroying the artifact to free the goblin tribes and prevent a war between Vesper and Viridion.
Soma must confront any fears or doubts about Viridion’s nature. Upon their meeting, she requires Soma to pledge his loyalty to her to gain her assistance in destroying the crown.
Viridion, recognizing the sincerity of Soma’s pledge and the necessity of destroying the crown, agrees to help. She reveals that to melt the crown and destroy Nadlyn’s spirit, they must blend dragon’s fire with specific magical reagents.
Quest for Reagents (Next stages will be RP or combats) To create the powerful mixture needed to destroy the crown, Soma and his companions embark on a quest to gather rare magical reagents. Each reagent is guarded by powerful creatures or hidden in dangerous locations.
The first reagent, Essence of Ancient Oak, can be found in the heart of the Emerald Canopy, guarded by treants and forest spirits.
The second reagent, Shimmering Crystal Dust, is found in a cavern deep within the Darkwoods, guarded by magical constructs and a powerful earth elemental.
The third reagent, Water from the Enchanted Lake, is protected by water elementals and a guardian spirit of the lake.
The Ritual to Destroy the Crown With all the reagents collected, Soma and his companions return to Viridion’s lair. Together, they prepare the ritual to destroy the Crown of Deceit.
Conduct the ritual to create dragon fire with the magical reagents and melt the crown, destroying Nadlyn’s spirit.
The ritual requires precise coordination and timing.
It's ironic that after all the adventures and near death experiences including Soma seeking a deeper appreciation of his heritage and where he came from that he has pledged himself to assist a neutral Green Dragon!Who would have thought he'd end of here. Circumstances been what they are Soma has a responsibility to his crew too who have been nothing short of incredible. The Crown must be destroyed, the last battle with the Knight and the Drow Warlock highlighted the situation was now becoming dangerous for the people Soma and Harlan are called to protect. Something has be done and done now! Hence he's decision to join forces with Viridion.
"Lord Viridion, I am ready to locate the first reagent, would you have amongst your hoard a weapon that can enhance our chances at success?"
Soma rolls a persuasion check in reference to his question to Lord Viridion | 14
Post answer to the request, Soma, Igor and Ross venture into the Emerald Canopy.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After choosing your gear, the location of the first reagent is revealed. In the heart of the woods is an ancient oak tree. You must travel there and proove yourself to the guardians before cutting out a sample of the wood called, "Essence of Oak"
Igor uses his mace and attacks W1 | 7 | Damage: 7
As the Warlock of the Archfey falls, his crown rolls on the ground. Just gazing upon the crown sends telepathic voices mumbling in your mind, "...put us on...take the power...do our bidding..."
Igor wakes Soma from sleeping, "This crown is clearly cursed. What should we do with it?"
Warlock of the Archfey Rewards
366 XP each
Soma is concerned having a sentient item that is cursed! "Maybe they can sell it?" But they are a long way a way from a friendly outpost that may help in that regard.
Ross rolls an arcana check to ascertain further information | 17
Soma rolls an insight check to garner information regarding the item | 5
This evil artifact was written about in Eldrin Sorrowsworn's Journal. It could corrupt someone again and must be destroyed. Viridion the Dragon seems to be an enemy of the Cursed Crown. Viridion's alignment is unknown ancient green dragon
With this knowledge regarding the Crown, the the three are more conflicted, on one hand this crown needs to be destroyed but on the other it s the enemy of Viridion! For now it may be prudent to wrap the crown up and put it away in Somas backpack. And seek further guidance from other arcane masters may be needed.
[OOC: I'm genuinely stomped here, this item is a catch twenty-two??? - I would like to slowly move our way back to a descent outpost, we have a significant amount of items to sell and Soma and Co need to report in? Soma also needs a descent weapon - otherwise more than happy to move further into the area, thoughts?]
With the crown, you have several options, open ended. The damage to the goblin tribes still must be stopped and the crown's influence persists.
* Harness the power of the crown to undo the damage to the goblin tribes (possibly evil)
* Destroy the crown (possibly a quest to discover how)
* Ask Viridion for aid (possibly becoming allies with Viridion)
* Hold the crown until later (possibly opens future encounters for people who seek out the crown)
You can get back to the outpost without incident or encounter. This will take 7 days.
You can buy a weapon in Sapphire City or quest to find a weapon smith both are valid
OOC: I'm curious if you have more specific requests on what type of encounters and campaign direction you want to move. The conflict with the Goblins has many more encounters and chapters but I sense you'd rather be fighting in another storyline, and I'm happy to shift the direction.
OOC: I'm curious if you have more specific requests on what type of encounters and campaign direction you want to move. The conflict with the Goblins has many more encounters and chapters but I sense you'd rather be fighting in another storyline, and I'm happy to shift the direction. I think for me the story arc has shifted several times and I'm finding it hard to realign what we are doing, don't get me wrong I'm having a blast and having the two NPC along for the ride is awesome and they do more and more factor into my thinking which is fun. I guess we may need some sort of re-vectoring could be in order?
An evil wizard named Nadlyn, died while fighting the forces of Vesper. An evil witch cursed this wizard's soul and trapped it into this magic crown. The Crown has Nadlyn's will and will act out a goal to bring ruin to Vesper.
When the Warlock adventurer found Eldrin's study, he became corrupted when he put on the crown.
Eldrin in life had approached Viridion and found her to be kind and wise. A neutral Ancient Dragon, unlike the rest of the Dragon Lords. Viridion partnered with Eldrin to teach him her ways and to impart her ancient wisdom. They searched for ancient artifacts, manuals, tomes which lead to Eldrin's obsession with magical portals and Planar travel. One Day Eldrin never returned and Eldrin's Study went dormant, hidden in Viridion's Domain called the Emerald Canopy.
By the time Soma discovers Eldrin's Study, he's late by a few weeks. The corrupted Warlock has taken the Crown of Deception and started to to begin Nadlyn's evil plan. He uses this crown to bend the will of goblin tribes to invade Vesper, starting with the Outposts on the border of the Darkwoods. Investigating this invasion, leads to the goblin tribes of the Emerald Canopy, implicating Viridion and her forces.
Now that Soma has the crown, he must either use it to reset the invading tribes and risk becoming corrupted himself...
or
Quest to find a way to destroy the crown, and releasing the minds of the goblin tribes so that they go back to normal.
The problem is that Soma does not have enough information to trust Viridion, who has the power to destroy the crown herself but may need Soma's help to gather some magical reagents to build a magic fire to purify the crown. There are probably other NPCs of high enough power, throughout Vesper who could also destroy the crown but that would also take time and questing to complete.
As an alternative solution, Soma could return the crown to Eldrin's Study and secure it in a way that it would be hidden and out of the way and the goblin invasion will be handled by the soldiers of Vesper. There is a risk that they decide to invade and under false pretense attack the forces of Viridion or declare all out war. But both of these scenarios will take months to happen. In this way, holding onto the crown and waiting is a perfectly fine response.
There are many more storylines and events happening throughout the Vesper Sandbox, it's possible this "thread" was a little convoluted but it touched on a much larger history of the Darkwoods.
To the East there are villagers infected with lycanthropy,
To the South there are shadows that have been spotted in the woods,
Much further south, In Sapphire City, there are shipments being stolen from cargo ships
South and West, in Vesper CIty, there is a Mercenary Guild called Black Fangs that have been associated with theft.
Further north, past the Emerald Canopy, there are White Drakes and forces of the White Dragon Lord.
North and East are Red Drakes and forces of the Red Dragon Lord.
If none of these "hooks" are interesting, I'll give you more.
An evil wizard named Nadlyn, died while fighting the forces of Vesper. An evil witch cursed this wizard's soul and trapped it into this magic crown. The Crown has Nadlyn's will and will act out a goal to bring ruin to Vesper.
When the Warlock adventurer found Eldrin's study, he became corrupted when he put on the crown.
Eldrin in life had approached Viridion and found her to be kind and wise. A neutral Ancient Dragon, unlike the rest of the Dragon Lords. Viridion partnered with Eldrin to teach him her ways and to impart her ancient wisdom. They searched for ancient artifacts, manuals, tomes which lead to Eldrin's obsession with magical portals and Planar travel. One Day Eldrin never returned and Eldrin's Study went dormant, hidden in Viridion's Domain called the Emerald Canopy.
By the time Soma discovers Eldrin's Study, he's late by a few weeks. The corrupted Warlock has taken the Crown of Deception and started to to begin Nadlyn's evil plan. He uses this crown to bend the will of goblin tribes to invade Vesper, starting with the Outposts on the border of the Darkwoods. Investigating this invasion, leads to the goblin tribes of the Emerald Canopy, implicating Viridion and her forces.
Now that Soma has the crown, he must either use it to reset the invading tribes and risk becoming corrupted himself...
* I like the idea of locating Viridion and seeking his assistance IRT to the Crown. Lets go there, if possible combine a quest for a better weapon.
Recap of events
Soma, Igor, and Ross have ventured deeper into the Darkwoods than any adventurer has in decades. After a series of encounters with both peaceful and enraged goblin tribes, they find themselves in the Emerald Canopy, the ancient domain of Viridion, the oldest of the Dragon Lords. Pushed to their limits, they discover the secret study of Eldrin Sorrowsworn, a legendary wizard hero from 300 years past, now unearthed by an earthquake.
In the ancient ruins, Soma and his companions find shelter for the night. The next morning, they explore the ruins and discover a wizard’s study filled with deactivated golems, ancient tomes, and a preserved journal that speaks of several magic artifacts, including the "Crown of Deceit."
Learning the details about the Crown of Deceit, its dark powers, and how Eldrin studied it but never dared to wear it. The journal reveals the crown’s history and its connection to the ancient wizard Nadlyn.
Evidence of recent activity suggests that a Warlock found the study three months ago and wore the crown, becoming possessed by Nadlyn’s spirit.
We are here <<
Alliance with Viridion (We can RP this)
Armed with the knowledge of the Crown of Deceit and its dangerous influence, Soma realizes the necessity of destroying the artifact to free the goblin tribes and prevent a war between Vesper and Viridion.
Soma must confront any fears or doubts about Viridion’s nature. Upon their meeting, she requires Soma to pledge his loyalty to her to gain her assistance in destroying the crown.
Viridion, recognizing the sincerity of Soma’s pledge and the necessity of destroying the crown, agrees to help. She reveals that to melt the crown and destroy Nadlyn’s spirit, they must blend dragon’s fire with specific magical reagents.
Quest for Reagents (Next stages will be RP or combats)
To create the powerful mixture needed to destroy the crown, Soma and his companions embark on a quest to gather rare magical reagents. Each reagent is guarded by powerful creatures or hidden in dangerous locations.
The first reagent, Essence of Ancient Oak, can be found in the heart of the Emerald Canopy, guarded by treants and forest spirits.
The second reagent, Shimmering Crystal Dust, is found in a cavern deep within the Darkwoods, guarded by magical constructs and a powerful earth elemental.
The third reagent, Water from the Enchanted Lake, is protected by water elementals and a guardian spirit of the lake.
The Ritual to Destroy the Crown
With all the reagents collected, Soma and his companions return to Viridion’s lair. Together, they prepare the ritual to destroy the Crown of Deceit.
Conduct the ritual to create dragon fire with the magical reagents and melt the crown, destroying Nadlyn’s spirit.
The ritual requires precise coordination and timing.
It's ironic that after all the adventures and near death experiences including Soma seeking a deeper appreciation of his heritage and where he came from that he has pledged himself to assist a neutral Green Dragon! Who would have thought he'd end of here. Circumstances been what they are Soma has a responsibility to his crew too who have been nothing short of incredible. The Crown must be destroyed, the last battle with the Knight and the Drow Warlock highlighted the situation was now becoming dangerous for the people Soma and Harlan are called to protect. Something has be done and done now! Hence he's decision to join forces with Viridion.
"Lord Viridion, I am ready to locate the first reagent, would you have amongst your hoard a weapon that can enhance our chances at success?"
Soma rolls a persuasion check in reference to his question to Lord Viridion | 14
Post answer to the request, Soma, Igor and Ross venture into the Emerald Canopy.
Viridion brings back a large chest filled with trinkets and swords. She says, "Take one."
Giant Slayer Longsword
Dragon’s Wrath Weapon (Stirring) Longsword (Poison)
Crystal Blade Longsword (Radiant)
After choosing your gear, the location of the first reagent is revealed. In the heart of the woods is an ancient oak tree. You must travel there and proove yourself to the guardians before cutting out a sample of the wood called, "Essence of Oak"
Treant Sapling TS1 init 11
Treant Sapling TS2 init 10
Treant Sapling TS3 init 18
Soma has chosen the "Crystal blade" with thanks!!
Soma | init | 18
Igor | init | 4
Ross | init | 2
Group initiative, PCs go first!
Round 1
Soma, Igor, Ross << your turn
Treant Sapling
TS1, TS2, TS3
Ross | attacks TS1 | attacks with Longsword | 4 | Damage: 9
Igor | attacks TS2 | casts sacred flame | 17 | Damage: 4
Soma | attacks TS1 | [Tooltip Not Found] | 20 | Damage: 5 | Additional : 1 Radiant damage
TS1 takes 8 slashing damage. TS1 (37/45)
DM reroll for damage 7
TS2 attempts a Dexterity Save DC 15 vs 0
miss
The Treant speaks in a deep and slow voice, "We are the guardians of the Ancient Oak. Prove that you are worthy by defeating us saplings."
TS1 targets Igor, Slam Attack1: 13 Damage: 9
TS1 targets Igor, Slam Attack2: 13 Damage: 10
TS2 targets Soma, Slam Attack1: 8 Damage: 4
TS2 targets Soma, Slam Attack2: 14 Damage: 6
Targets
1-2Soma, 3-4Igor, 5-6Ross
TS3 targets 1
TS3 Slam Attack1: 19 Damage: 10
TS3 Slam Attack2: 14 Damage: 5
Round 2
Soma, Igor, Ross << your turn
Treant Sapling
TS1 (37/45)
TS2 (45/45)
TS3 (45/45)
[*OOC: Nathan attempting to learn how to add 'actions and bonus actions' please guide appropriately - see what you think?]
Soma attacks TS1 with crystal longsword | 13 | Damage: 12 | Bonus radiant damage Damage: 2
Bonus action: ready | thunderous smite | [Tooltip Not Found] | on hit | additional Damage: 5
Igor attacks TS1 with mace | 18 | Damage: 5
Bonus action: ready | spiritual weapon at TS1| 9 | Damage: 6
Ross dual attacks TS1 with hand-axe | 12 | Damage: 7 | Bonus: 10 | Damage: 6
miss, you don't spend your radiant charge and your smite lasts for 10 rounds
TS1 takes half of 8 (4) damage. It looks like slashing will do full damage and that bludgeoning will do half. TS1 (33/45)
misses
Because the +6 bonus, both will hit, dealing 16 slashing damage. TS1 (17/45)
TS1 targets Igor, Slam Attack1: 8 Damage: 4
TS1 targets Igor, Slam Attack2: 10 Damage: 5
TS2 targets Soma, Slam Attack1: 18 Damage: 13
TS2 targets Soma, Slam Attack2: 18 Damage: 10
Targets
1-2Soma, 3-4Igor, 5-6Ross
TS3 targets 5
TS3 Slam Attack1: 8 Damage: 5
TS3 Slam Attack2: 23 Damage: 7
Round 3
Soma, Igor, Ross << your turn
Treant Sapling
TS1 (17/45)
TS2 (45/45)
TS3 (45/45)
Realising the Treants respond too specific types of damage Soma's the team to react accordingly.
Soma attacks TS1 with his breath attack: 10 Fire Damage | DEX 12 save
Igor attacks TS2 using guiding bolt | 15 | Damage: 18
Ross will dual attack TS2 with his hand axe | 11 | Damge: 8 | Bonus: 8 | 5