The trees grow still and silent. They don't have faces, and they don't move to "regard you", but you feel the weight of their attention, nevertheless. Then the whispering of the leaves returns, and suddenly, Tony...
Suddenly you remember pulling your first job for your family, years ago when you were barely more than a child. You see yourself performing a number of unsavory acts as a young one, in fact. Then time moves on and you're a bit older. You sit at your father's side while he waxes poetic about the importance of the family. The family is more important than anything- more important than the law. Family is the law. Time moves forward. You're picking the pocket of an old dwarven woman who yelled at your Uncle in his food stand during the Steam Festival- you couldn't let that go unpunished. You're older still, you walk through a darkened manor, your brother nervously pacing by your side...
Of course you know how that last bit goes. Your poisoned dagger winds up in the eye of your target, but your brother...
The whispering of the leaves cease. The trees don't remove their limbs from blocking the door, however. You hear a soft voice say, "Your crimes have been measured. What is your argument, petitioner to the Solarium?"
“Yeah. I’ve done some stuff I ain’t proud of. I’ve made choices that I’ll live with till one of them kills me. I’m not here to ask for any pardon. They’re my choices after all. But saving those kids in there? Saving the whole plane from whatever is about to go on in there? Those are some good choices. I’m choosing to help. So, I’m gonna need you to let me inside so I can get them outta there.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
As a Tony finishes speaking, the leaves in the trees begin to rustle again.
"Your past is replete with lies, self-interest, and murder. Yet you pose no threat to what remains of Laputa. You are hereby granted audience to the Solarium by the Arbiters. You will present your case within."
And with that, there is a flash of light. When the glare fades Tony is nowhere to be seen.
"Petitioners, please approach the dais and state your case."
Perspicacious' eyebrows raise at the flash of light and the absence of Tony."I hope that's a good sign..." She starts to fidget a bit, eyeing the others nervously. She continues, "Who wants to go next?"
Amaruve is on the stand before Prespicacious is done speaking. He crouches ready to dodge anything that may strike once he is brought in... Assuming he is brought in...
Amaruve is on the stand before Prespicacious is done speaking. He crouched ready to dodge anything that may strike once he is brought in... Assuming he is brought in...
The trees... relax. They visibly relax as they whisper, "Son of Tree, Earth, and Spring, you are welcome here. What crime have you committed?" With detect magic active, Amaruve, you see thin grey tendrils of divination magic extend toward the low platform you stand on through the roots beneath your feet.
Amaruve's mind hearkens back to past moments of rage, to mistakes that he's made. Before a clear memory resolves, however, the trees are surrounded by a soft silver light. Amaruve, you feel that presence at your side again. Soft, and yet vast and powerful, it seems to ward you from whatever the spell moving in your direction is.
"What--?" you hear the trees whisper. There is another flash of light, and then Amaruve, too, is gone.
"I will stand next," says Fiorello boldly as he steps onto the dais. "I have nothing to hide."
The trees whisper for barely a moment, then speak. "Fiorello of the usurpers. Your blood is stained with the guilt of your forebears. You have lived a life that by rights belonged to the children of Laputa. You are guilty by any standard of Law." Fiorello begins to sputter, incredulous. The trees continue, undeterred. "You will await sentencing within the Solarium. May you find absolution in death or punishment."
There is another bright flash, and Fiorello is gone.
(Jean will go next. Rivina, feel free to add in any dialogue before she does)
As you step onto the dais, Jean, your mind is instantly filled with memories of Waterdeep. Of your childhood spent fighting people larger than yourself. You remember the day of your kidnapping, and your failure at the docks. You remember the voice of that woman who almost killed you, and the look on Wick's face as he sang his song of healing, saving your life. Then you remember the leaps. Fighting, always fighting. You suffer nearly as much pain as you inflict, but always you strive forward.
The trees rustle for a few moments, then speak. "Jean O'Donoghue. You have eschewed personal responsibility for your actions. Your youth was filled with the promise of conviction, but you have squandered your talent for leadership, choosing instead to move as you are bidden as a servant of..." The trees suddenly go silent. Without warning, you see a flood of images of your time in the Tower in your mind's eye, Jean. The trees bristle, then speak with disbelief, "The Tower? You are a servant of the Tower?" They are silent for a long moment.
"Jean O'Donoghue. We find no harm to Laputa in your actions. You will serve as witness to your companions' hearings."
With that, there is a flash of light, and Jean is gone. It's just you, Perspicacious!
Amaruve prepares to defend himself. He'd only killed that one chicken in the coup, he had chased the others a bit for fun. He knew he shouldn't have, but would he blame a hawk catching a Salmon as it leaps up stream, or a squirrel hoarding more nuts than it could eat in a season? ... There's a flash of light as She stands with him, and he is brought in.
He crouches low again, on edge, ready to Dodge any strike.
Perspicacious looks around at the empty room, the trees, the dais where all of her companions just disappeared. She frowns, but remembers momentarily that she’s not completely alone. Reaching into her bag, she pulls out a small flask, and sets it on her shoulder. “Okay, Chime. Gods know i’ve committed a few sins. Let’s see what happens.” She steps onto dais.
Darkness seeps up the trees from their roots, spreading upward and outward until each twig and leaf are an inky black. The voices of the trees boom outward.
"EMISSARY OF THE TOWER. FOR YOU, THERE WILL BE NO TRIAL, NO DEFENSE. YOU HAVE BROKEN THE PEACE OF OUR WORLD AND ARE HEREBY SENTENCED TO DEATH. MAY YOU FIND NO RESPITE IN THIS OR ANY OTHER WORLD."
With an almighty crumbling and cracking, the trees rip themselves out of the stone floor as they begin to advance.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perspicacious glances at the flask on her shoulder. "Figures," shes says. The flask shrugs.
Initiative: 23
She dances backwards (Bonus action: Dash) to put as much distance as she can between herself and the trees. The Empty Bow forms in her hand, and she aims a shot at the tree on the left. "Sagacious, is this a stupid trick of yours? Surely we can talk about this? It's not like I'm here by choice."
(As far as you're aware, Sagacious was never the tree loving type. His research focused primarily on the control of people, not plants. I think it's reasonable to assume that Perspiacious would understand that the protectors of this place are genuinely pissed at her)
The trees march toward you, but they are quite slow. A force arrows thunks into the trunk of Tree 1, ripping out a sizeable chunk of wood. It groans in response and its branches rattle, enraged. Tree 2 is staying nearer to the door. Neither is within range of you! They slam the floor and the walls in frustration, but you are just outside of reach (for the moment)
Perspicacious begins to think more quickly. Sagacious isn't this creative, so whatever his involvement in this place, this is entirely Laputian. And they had apparently deemed her a threat and worthy of death. Well, she wasn't going down without a fight.
"Chime, I need a favor,"she says, quickly reaching into her pack and pulling out two items. She hands the little flask a small clay container, almost as big as him. "I need you to take this and pour it out on that tree over there."She points to the tree that has not yet been injured. "Try to get as much as you can on the front of the trunk. You can even break it on the tree if that's easier. Then jump clear, and give me a signal. Got it?" She sets the flask on the ground, and doesn't wait to see if he follows her instructions.
Dropping the bow to her side, Perspicacious conjures a spectral golden Mage Hand. She places the second object she took from her pack into the mage hand, and then brings the bow back up, ready to use it. She continues to maneuver herself as far from the trees as she can, but keeps herself close to the unhurt tree (Tree 2) (OOC My intention is to be as far from Tree 1 as possible, while being within about 40 feet of Tree 2. The Mage hand is hovering near me, holding the object. No attack this round, as I think I've used my compliment of actions with the above.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(ooookaaayy... This is a clay container you already had? The trees can move )
Chime runs over to the Tree (and I think this is a sleight of hand check. The trees aren't after your brandy-filled flask, so I'm not certain the tree would immediately recognize Chime as a threat). Tree 2 continues to guard the door, too far away to strike. Tree 1 advances at an angle forcing you to move a little closer to Tree 2. You'll enter attacking range no matter what after this turn!
Chime sleight of hand: 17
Tree 2 swat-away passive perception: 10
(Edit:) Chime gives a tiny salute and runs up to the tree. It doesn't hesitate as it bashes the container against the trunk, spilling its contents (which are?)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perspicacious, trying to keep tabs on both trees focuses on the one moving towards her and lets loose another arrow.
Empty Bow Attack: 20 Damage: 9
When she hears the flask break she takes a chance and glances at the other tree, and sees the oil cascading down the front of the awakened plant. "Excellent work, Chime! Now get clear!"She readies the mage hand, and moves to within 30 feet of Tree 2, with as much distance between her and Tree 1 as she can keep.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perspicacious easily dodges the branch attack. She watches as Chime jumps down from the tree guarding the door and scurries away from the impending crime scene.
"Alright, Goldie, here we go."Twisting slightly, the mage hand holds out the object that Perspicacious handed it moments ago. Grabbing her tinderbox, the tiefling quickly lights the candle held in the golden fingers. "Off you pop!" Without hesitation the mage hand whips over to the oil covered tree, careful not to let the flame die out, and attempts to touch the burning wick to the soaked wood. (Stealth: 16)
Amaruve (as a bear, to cast spells) roars at the door as though it were a threat and waits to be weighed.
Extended Signature
(wait your turn! :) Tony needs to offer a defense before you step up to the dais.)
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
“Yeah. I’ve done some stuff I ain’t proud of. I’ve made choices that I’ll live with till one of them kills me. I’m not here to ask for any pardon. They’re my choices after all. But saving those kids in there? Saving the whole plane from whatever is about to go on in there? Those are some good choices. I’m choosing to help. So, I’m gonna need you to let me inside so I can get them outta there.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
As a Tony finishes speaking, the leaves in the trees begin to rustle again.
"Your past is replete with lies, self-interest, and murder. Yet you pose no threat to what remains of Laputa. You are hereby granted audience to the Solarium by the Arbiters. You will present your case within."
And with that, there is a flash of light. When the glare fades Tony is nowhere to be seen.
"Petitioners, please approach the dais and state your case."
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
Perspicacious' eyebrows raise at the flash of light and the absence of Tony. "I hope that's a good sign..." She starts to fidget a bit, eyeing the others nervously. She continues, "Who wants to go next?"
Amaruve is on the stand before Prespicacious is done speaking. He crouches ready to dodge anything that may strike once he is brought in... Assuming he is brought in...
Extended Signature
The trees... relax. They visibly relax as they whisper, "Son of Tree, Earth, and Spring, you are welcome here. What crime have you committed?" With detect magic active, Amaruve, you see thin grey tendrils of divination magic extend toward the low platform you stand on through the roots beneath your feet.
Amaruve's mind hearkens back to past moments of rage, to mistakes that he's made. Before a clear memory resolves, however, the trees are surrounded by a soft silver light. Amaruve, you feel that presence at your side again. Soft, and yet vast and powerful, it seems to ward you from whatever the spell moving in your direction is.
"What--?" you hear the trees whisper. There is another flash of light, and then Amaruve, too, is gone.
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
"I will stand next," says Fiorello boldly as he steps onto the dais. "I have nothing to hide."
The trees whisper for barely a moment, then speak. "Fiorello of the usurpers. Your blood is stained with the guilt of your forebears. You have lived a life that by rights belonged to the children of Laputa. You are guilty by any standard of Law." Fiorello begins to sputter, incredulous. The trees continue, undeterred. "You will await sentencing within the Solarium. May you find absolution in death or punishment."
There is another bright flash, and Fiorello is gone.
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
(Jean will go next. Rivina, feel free to add in any dialogue before she does)
As you step onto the dais, Jean, your mind is instantly filled with memories of Waterdeep. Of your childhood spent fighting people larger than yourself. You remember the day of your kidnapping, and your failure at the docks. You remember the voice of that woman who almost killed you, and the look on Wick's face as he sang his song of healing, saving your life. Then you remember the leaps. Fighting, always fighting. You suffer nearly as much pain as you inflict, but always you strive forward.
The trees rustle for a few moments, then speak. "Jean O'Donoghue. You have eschewed personal responsibility for your actions. Your youth was filled with the promise of conviction, but you have squandered your talent for leadership, choosing instead to move as you are bidden as a servant of..." The trees suddenly go silent. Without warning, you see a flood of images of your time in the Tower in your mind's eye, Jean. The trees bristle, then speak with disbelief, "The Tower? You are a servant of the Tower?" They are silent for a long moment.
"Jean O'Donoghue. We find no harm to Laputa in your actions. You will serve as witness to your companions' hearings."
With that, there is a flash of light, and Jean is gone. It's just you, Perspicacious!
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
Jean blinked in surprise at that and opened her mouth to comment, but was taken away by the light before she could say anything.
Amaruve prepares to defend himself. He'd only killed that one chicken in the coup, he had chased the others a bit for fun. He knew he shouldn't have, but would he blame a hawk catching a Salmon as it leaps up stream, or a squirrel hoarding more nuts than it could eat in a season? ... There's a flash of light as She stands with him, and he is brought in.
He crouches low again, on edge, ready to Dodge any strike.
Extended Signature
Perspicacious looks around at the empty room, the trees, the dais where all of her companions just disappeared. She frowns, but remembers momentarily that she’s not completely alone. Reaching into her bag, she pulls out a small flask, and sets it on her shoulder. “Okay, Chime. Gods know i’ve committed a few sins. Let’s see what happens.” She steps onto dais.
Darkness seeps up the trees from their roots, spreading upward and outward until each twig and leaf are an inky black. The voices of the trees boom outward.
"EMISSARY OF THE TOWER. FOR YOU, THERE WILL BE NO TRIAL, NO DEFENSE. YOU HAVE BROKEN THE PEACE OF OUR WORLD AND ARE HEREBY SENTENCED TO DEATH. MAY YOU FIND NO RESPITE IN THIS OR ANY OTHER WORLD."
With an almighty crumbling and cracking, the trees rip themselves out of the stone floor as they begin to advance.
Perspicacious only! Roll initiative!
Tree 1: 14
Tree 2: 1
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
Perspicacious glances at the flask on her shoulder. "Figures," shes says. The flask shrugs.
Initiative: 23
She dances backwards (Bonus action: Dash) to put as much distance as she can between herself and the trees. The Empty Bow forms in her hand, and she aims a shot at the tree on the left. "Sagacious, is this a stupid trick of yours? Surely we can talk about this? It's not like I'm here by choice."
Empty Bow: Attack: 23 Damage: 8
(As far as you're aware, Sagacious was never the tree loving type. His research focused primarily on the control of people, not plants. I think it's reasonable to assume that Perspiacious would understand that the protectors of this place are genuinely pissed at her)
The trees march toward you, but they are quite slow. A force arrows thunks into the trunk of Tree 1, ripping out a sizeable chunk of wood. It groans in response and its branches rattle, enraged. Tree 2 is staying nearer to the door. Neither is within range of you! They slam the floor and the walls in frustration, but you are just outside of reach (for the moment)
Room layout:
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
Perspicacious begins to think more quickly. Sagacious isn't this creative, so whatever his involvement in this place, this is entirely Laputian. And they had apparently deemed her a threat and worthy of death. Well, she wasn't going down without a fight.
"Chime, I need a favor," she says, quickly reaching into her pack and pulling out two items. She hands the little flask a small clay container, almost as big as him. "I need you to take this and pour it out on that tree over there." She points to the tree that has not yet been injured. "Try to get as much as you can on the front of the trunk. You can even break it on the tree if that's easier. Then jump clear, and give me a signal. Got it?" She sets the flask on the ground, and doesn't wait to see if he follows her instructions.
Dropping the bow to her side, Perspicacious conjures a spectral golden Mage Hand. She places the second object she took from her pack into the mage hand, and then brings the bow back up, ready to use it. She continues to maneuver herself as far from the trees as she can, but keeps herself close to the unhurt tree (Tree 2) (OOC My intention is to be as far from Tree 1 as possible, while being within about 40 feet of Tree 2. The Mage hand is hovering near me, holding the object. No attack this round, as I think I've used my compliment of actions with the above.)
(ooookaaayy... This is a clay container you already had? The trees can move )
Chime runs over to the Tree (and I think this is a sleight of hand check. The trees aren't after your brandy-filled flask, so I'm not certain the tree would immediately recognize Chime as a threat). Tree 2 continues to guard the door, too far away to strike. Tree 1 advances at an angle forcing you to move a little closer to Tree 2. You'll enter attacking range no matter what after this turn!
Chime sleight of hand: 17
Tree 2 swat-away passive perception: 10
(Edit:) Chime gives a tiny salute and runs up to the tree. It doesn't hesitate as it bashes the container against the trunk, spilling its contents (which are?)
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
Perspicacious, trying to keep tabs on both trees focuses on the one moving towards her and lets loose another arrow.
Empty Bow Attack: 20 Damage: 9
When she hears the flask break she takes a chance and glances at the other tree, and sees the oil cascading down the front of the awakened plant. "Excellent work, Chime! Now get clear!" She readies the mage hand, and moves to within 30 feet of Tree 2, with as much distance between her and Tree 1 as she can keep.
The second tree continues to guard the door. The first, however...
It moves to within 10 ft and slams down on top of you, attempting to crush you with a thick branch.
Attack: 12 Damage: 17
(These trees aren't as formidable as I thought...)
Imani Jones - Lv 11 Warlock of The Living City - Variant Human| Fate/False Revelation
Wick Stumbleduck - Lv 4 Lore Bard - Forest Gnome | Elustran Days
Khurah - Lv 3 Star Druid - Half-orc | Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians
Dale Swanson - User of the Sound of Silence Stand - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Sunset Investigations
Ayaci Vikerfjell - Lv 8 Rune Knight | Variant Human | Storm King's Thunder
Perspicacious easily dodges the branch attack. She watches as Chime jumps down from the tree guarding the door and scurries away from the impending crime scene.
"Alright, Goldie, here we go." Twisting slightly, the mage hand holds out the object that Perspicacious handed it moments ago. Grabbing her tinderbox, the tiefling quickly lights the candle held in the golden fingers. "Off you pop!" Without hesitation the mage hand whips over to the oil covered tree, careful not to let the flame die out, and attempts to touch the burning wick to the soaked wood. (Stealth: 16)