"We certainly do!" Sekkar also missed the part about the number of demons out there and did not plan to count them all personally. Still was curious where those myconits were dragging them too.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Basidia admits that it can't remove the alien spores or mitigate their effects. It hurries along with the others toward the exit, meeting the Circle of Hunters at the tunnel mouth. Looking back to the Grove, all the other myconids have started to gather together at the base of the terrace below the palisade, and appear to be silently dancing. They are too far away for the telepathy spores to convey their communication, but undoubtedly they are continuing to sing praises to the Great Seeder and revel in her impending marriage and the joyous day when all myconids will unite as one.
Zeno seems more than willing to depart, although for reasons that the others don't share. Rhayna seems more confused and ambivalent than Zeno, but she casts her spell all the same and Zeno finds himself cured of the disease that caused his madness.
Hurrying through the tunnel, Basidia and the other myconids lead the way along several twists and turns. The colorful collections of fungus along the walls soon thin out and only scattered growths remain. After about 20 minutes of travel a split in the tunnel is reached, and the myconids all stop in unison and pause. Basidia turns to the group, activates its spores and says:
We cannot go back. The colony is lost to the demon. But we see what you have seen, and we know her purpose and must work to counter it. She will lead them to Araumycos and gather others along the way. We must go before her and gather all the myconids that we can to prevent her gaining strength. Perhaps we will meet again, and together we can thwart her plans, for if she succeeds in joining with Araumycos, her power will be limitless.
Pointing to one branch of the tunnel, Basidia continues: I do not know the way to the surface world nor to the city of the small softers, but Rasharoo and the Circle of Explorers do, and it is along that path they have traveled. Find them you must, for they will give you the guidance you require. Stool will go with you so that should you succeed it may share with them the knowledge of the colony's fate, that they may join us and not return to the Grove.
Stool emerges from the gathering and waddles over to Rhayna, taking her hand in its own and looking up into her face with a fungoid's version of a concerned expression. Basidia projects one more telepathic communication: We regret you did not find the respite you sought. May you find your way back to your world. Farewell.
Waiting only long enough to answer a few questions, Basidia and the small remnant of Neverlight Grove depart in the other direction, disappearing into the darkness.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sekkar was not the one asking any question anyway. "Find Rasharoo in that tunnel" - that was enough for him. The ranger dived into the tunnel and moved forward searching for the presence of the explorers.
Kaylyn wishes to move on quickly, but she pauses for just a moment "Thank you for your help. I am sorry for what has befallen your community. What is the Araumycos? I do not understand."
Rhayna is beginning to understand what is happening. "I believe I know where this entity, or actually more like an organism, that you speak of. It is far to the south of us." Then Rhayna sadly says. "I bid you good luck Sovereign Basidia, and perhaps we may meet again."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Kaylyn wishes to move on quickly, but she pauses for just a moment "Thank you for your help. I am sorry for what has befallen your community. What is the Araumycos? I do not understand."
(Ops, sorry, you pulled the trigger faster than me.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
With the departure of the Myconids, they are once again alone in the underdark and a shiver runs up Pax's spine. Though the mushroom folk were strange and alien, it was nice to feel like they were with a larger group. Alone, in this great dark place...with the heavy stone of the world sitting upon them...Pax couldn't help but feel closed in, stuck, alone and isolated. She glanced to her allies, glad to have them around her...and simply followed Sekkar who seemed to proceed as if unburdened by any sense of fear.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Sekkar and Pax slowly move down the tunnel in search of Rasharoo and the Explorer Myconids, while Kaylyn and Rhayna linger momentarily with Basidia.
Basidia expands Rhayna's brief but accurate explanation. Araumycos (which Sekkar recognised as a Dwarvish phrase meaning "Great Fungus") is an enormous fungal growth with a single mind, hundreds of miles wide, and possibly the largest creature of any kind in the world. Based on Rhayna's original 'vision', she guesses that it occupies an area equivalent to and directly below the High Forest. Araumycos is so interwoven with the fabric of the world that control of it could grant Zuggtmoy nearly unlimited power.
Although all still share the telepathy, Basidia directs her final words to Rhayna: The spores of Zuggtmoy are spreading far, channeled by the faerzress. This may actually work in our favor, and help us against her. There is risk, but if we can find a way to tap this anomoly, we believe we could rapport across great distance. You also have been touched by the Lady. We cannot undo what is done. But if you can avoid being consumed by them, you also may discover new ways to use her spores in your favor, even against her.
Everyone may advance to Level 6.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Zeno follows along with Sekkar and Pax, avoiding eye contact with Rhayna, feeling a bit embarrassed by the whole thing, and in thought about what they had seen and how to proceed.
"This is way out of our paygrade but it's a problem for us I guess. One of many and no solutions to date, whatever date this is," Kastix states as he rolled out his shoulders, "If you don't mind, could I have the diamonds just in case?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Pax turns to Kastix, and passionately, as she so often is, says, "Hero's don't have a pay grade. They face evil for the sake of all that is good in the world. But, I think you mean we can't face that demon and hope to win at the moment....and I agree. Finding a way to use this...fairy stuff against her seems like a great idea." She continues her walk.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
As Basidia takes the other path. "Do be careful Sovereign Basidia, for the Lady's influence is very powerful. And do take care of yourself, and your followers. I hope that we will meet again." As Rhayna takes the other path in the tunnel, she feels somehow that she is closer to nature now than she has ever been before. Though, it is not exactly with trees or green stuff that she feels affinity with. It is with fungi and mold that she feels connected now, and she feels comfortable, at peace, when surrounded by it. Even with her brief stay at the Neverlight Grove, it changed the Cleric much inside of her. Life and death are now just part of a grand cycle, and that there is no reason to fear death.
As Stool comes and takes Rhayna's hand. "I am ok my little friend. Your home has thought me much. I will be ok." She tries to smile to the little myconid. "I hope that you are ready for more adventures. Unfortunately, no rest for the weary, I am afraid."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Rhayna again offers for Stool to ride in the backpack, but the little myconid seems to be maturing and declines the offer, preferring to walk alongside.
The tunnels stretch on, sometimes widening so much that the edges or ceiling are undiscernible, and then narrowing again so that the group have to stoop or squeeze through holes barely big enough to fit through. The passages are also nowhere near flat, and feature a great many steep rises and falls, sometimes even requiring a climb up to or down from a ledge. Through it all Sekkar manages to stay on the trail of the Circle of Explorers. He sees that they stop often, mostly to investigate side passages or perhaps to rest or meld. Their relatively slow progress makes the ranger confident that the group is gaining on them. He also sees several humanoid tracks, but they are too old or obscured to be recognizable (at least a week old), as well as some occasional tracks of other minor cave creatures.
Just as the party are navigating a relatively easy tunnel, the passage makes a sharp turn to the right, and those in the front come face to face with...
Everyone roll initiative, but only the front two can see what is around the corner. So... what was the marching order? I would have imagined that with Sekkar tracking he would be in front, then probably Pax, Kaylyn, Rhayna/Stool, Zeno and Kastix. Let me know if you think otherwise, especially if anyone (e.g. Zeno/Pensive) is scouting further ahead. Otherwise only the first two members can see the <insert worst nightmare here> at first...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Rhayna's position works for me)
Rhayna Initiative: 12
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Kaylyn remains near the front of the group ready to aid in tracking or offering guidance on which passages to take based on the information provided by Y and Skriss.
Pensive flies ahead with Sekkar allowing Kaylyn to keep an eye on their progress and yet stay out of the way.
Initiative 18
((Have we rested at all since the fight, even short at any point?))
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"We certainly do!" Sekkar also missed the part about the number of demons out there and did not plan to count them all personally. Still was curious where those myconits were dragging them too.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Rhayna will follow her friends.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Basidia admits that it can't remove the alien spores or mitigate their effects. It hurries along with the others toward the exit, meeting the Circle of Hunters at the tunnel mouth. Looking back to the Grove, all the other myconids have started to gather together at the base of the terrace below the palisade, and appear to be silently dancing. They are too far away for the telepathy spores to convey their communication, but undoubtedly they are continuing to sing praises to the Great Seeder and revel in her impending marriage and the joyous day when all myconids will unite as one.
Zeno seems more than willing to depart, although for reasons that the others don't share. Rhayna seems more confused and ambivalent than Zeno, but she casts her spell all the same and Zeno finds himself cured of the disease that caused his madness.
Hurrying through the tunnel, Basidia and the other myconids lead the way along several twists and turns. The colorful collections of fungus along the walls soon thin out and only scattered growths remain. After about 20 minutes of travel a split in the tunnel is reached, and the myconids all stop in unison and pause. Basidia turns to the group, activates its spores and says:
We cannot go back. The colony is lost to the demon. But we see what you have seen, and we know her purpose and must work to counter it. She will lead them to Araumycos and gather others along the way. We must go before her and gather all the myconids that we can to prevent her gaining strength. Perhaps we will meet again, and together we can thwart her plans, for if she succeeds in joining with Araumycos, her power will be limitless.
Pointing to one branch of the tunnel, Basidia continues: I do not know the way to the surface world nor to the city of the small softers, but Rasharoo and the Circle of Explorers do, and it is along that path they have traveled. Find them you must, for they will give you the guidance you require. Stool will go with you so that should you succeed it may share with them the knowledge of the colony's fate, that they may join us and not return to the Grove.
Stool emerges from the gathering and waddles over to Rhayna, taking her hand in its own and looking up into her face with a fungoid's version of a concerned expression. Basidia projects one more telepathic communication: We regret you did not find the respite you sought. May you find your way back to your world. Farewell.
Waiting only long enough to answer a few questions, Basidia and the small remnant of Neverlight Grove depart in the other direction, disappearing into the darkness.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sekkar was not the one asking any question anyway. "Find Rasharoo in that tunnel" - that was enough for him. The ranger dived into the tunnel and moved forward searching for the presence of the explorers.
Survival 20
Stealth 24
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Kaylyn wishes to move on quickly, but she pauses for just a moment "Thank you for your help. I am sorry for what has befallen your community. What is the Araumycos? I do not understand."
Rhayna is beginning to understand what is happening. "I believe I know where this entity, or actually more like an organism, that you speak of. It is far to the south of us." Then Rhayna sadly says. "I bid you good luck Sovereign Basidia, and perhaps we may meet again."
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
(Ops, sorry, you pulled the trigger faster than me.)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
With the departure of the Myconids, they are once again alone in the underdark and a shiver runs up Pax's spine. Though the mushroom folk were strange and alien, it was nice to feel like they were with a larger group. Alone, in this great dark place...with the heavy stone of the world sitting upon them...Pax couldn't help but feel closed in, stuck, alone and isolated. She glanced to her allies, glad to have them around her...and simply followed Sekkar who seemed to proceed as if unburdened by any sense of fear.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Sekkar and Pax slowly move down the tunnel in search of Rasharoo and the Explorer Myconids, while Kaylyn and Rhayna linger momentarily with Basidia.
Basidia expands Rhayna's brief but accurate explanation. Araumycos (which Sekkar recognised as a Dwarvish phrase meaning "Great Fungus") is an enormous fungal growth with a single mind, hundreds of miles wide, and possibly the largest creature of any kind in the world. Based on Rhayna's original 'vision', she guesses that it occupies an area equivalent to and directly below the High Forest. Araumycos is so interwoven with the fabric of the world that control of it could grant Zuggtmoy nearly unlimited power.
Although all still share the telepathy, Basidia directs her final words to Rhayna: The spores of Zuggtmoy are spreading far, channeled by the faerzress. This may actually work in our favor, and help us against her. There is risk, but if we can find a way to tap this anomoly, we believe we could rapport across great distance. You also have been touched by the Lady. We cannot undo what is done. But if you can avoid being consumed by them, you also may discover new ways to use her spores in your favor, even against her.
Everyone may advance to Level 6.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Zeno follows along with Sekkar and Pax, avoiding eye contact with Rhayna, feeling a bit embarrassed by the whole thing, and in thought about what they had seen and how to proceed.
"This is way out of our paygrade but it's a problem for us I guess. One of many and no solutions to date, whatever date this is," Kastix states as he rolled out his shoulders, "If you don't mind, could I have the diamonds just in case?"
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDonePax turns to Kastix, and passionately, as she so often is, says, "Hero's don't have a pay grade. They face evil for the sake of all that is good in the world. But, I think you mean we can't face that demon and hope to win at the moment....and I agree. Finding a way to use this...fairy stuff against her seems like a great idea." She continues her walk.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
As Basidia takes the other path. "Do be careful Sovereign Basidia, for the Lady's influence is very powerful. And do take care of yourself, and your followers. I hope that we will meet again." As Rhayna takes the other path in the tunnel, she feels somehow that she is closer to nature now than she has ever been before. Though, it is not exactly with trees or green stuff that she feels affinity with. It is with fungi and mold that she feels connected now, and she feels comfortable, at peace, when surrounded by it. Even with her brief stay at the Neverlight Grove, it changed the Cleric much inside of her. Life and death are now just part of a grand cycle, and that there is no reason to fear death.
As Stool comes and takes Rhayna's hand. "I am ok my little friend. Your home has thought me much. I will be ok." She tries to smile to the little myconid. "I hope that you are ready for more adventures. Unfortunately, no rest for the weary, I am afraid."
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Rhayna again offers for Stool to ride in the backpack, but the little myconid seems to be maturing and declines the offer, preferring to walk alongside.
The tunnels stretch on, sometimes widening so much that the edges or ceiling are undiscernible, and then narrowing again so that the group have to stoop or squeeze through holes barely big enough to fit through. The passages are also nowhere near flat, and feature a great many steep rises and falls, sometimes even requiring a climb up to or down from a ledge. Through it all Sekkar manages to stay on the trail of the Circle of Explorers. He sees that they stop often, mostly to investigate side passages or perhaps to rest or meld. Their relatively slow progress makes the ranger confident that the group is gaining on them. He also sees several humanoid tracks, but they are too old or obscured to be recognizable (at least a week old), as well as some occasional tracks of other minor cave creatures.
Just as the party are navigating a relatively easy tunnel, the passage makes a sharp turn to the right, and those in the front come face to face with...
Everyone roll initiative, but only the front two can see what is around the corner. So... what was the marching order? I would have imagined that with Sekkar tracking he would be in front, then probably Pax, Kaylyn, Rhayna/Stool, Zeno and Kastix. Let me know if you think otherwise, especially if anyone (e.g. Zeno/Pensive) is scouting further ahead. Otherwise only the first two members can see the <insert worst nightmare here> at first...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Kastix: 20
HD: 12
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneSekkar is definitely in front and ahead (if tunnels are dark - also invisible)
Initiative: 23
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(Rhayna's position works for me)
Rhayna Initiative: 12
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
(Pax being 2nd works. For the record, her worst nightmare is puffy harmless rabbits....)
Pax Initiative : 17
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
(Wanted to go with a chicken of doom, but I'm afraid Sekkar's fears were already mentioned and there should stay an Illithid).
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Kaylyn remains near the front of the group ready to aid in tracking or offering guidance on which passages to take based on the information provided by Y and Skriss.
Pensive flies ahead with Sekkar allowing Kaylyn to keep an eye on their progress and yet stay out of the way.
Initiative 18
((Have we rested at all since the fight, even short at any point?))