Rasharoo: Nicholas sighs, "This is unfortunate indeed. I hope that we will be able to assist you in getting to the bottom of this just as how you are helping us with our friend."
Present: Nicholas frowns at the mention of drow and turns to the rest of the group, "Perhaps I should stay out of sight till we know there are no drow about. A surface dweller like me will surely stick out like a sore thumb."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
"It seems we may as well see what if the 'Garden of Welcome' is in fact welcoming,"Shishakli says. And to the group asks, "Shall we approach with caution? Or will our guide here be enough?"
Thodek chuckles slightly, "Why choose when you can do both? We have some amongst us who are more skilled at stealth than I am. Why don't we send them in advance, while we hold attention on ourselves and make our way over more slowly?"
"And sometimes, the best way to stay hidden, is in plain sight," Shishakli says as he brings a hand to his chest and his appearance suddenly blurs and changes to appear as a small myconid. He then looks up to Basidia and says, "Please show me the Garden. Though you will need to speak for me should we meet others. I am unable to communicate the way that you do." Finally, looking back to the group, he adds, "Stay quiet. I will return once I've seen if there are any surprises for outsiders in the Garden."
disguise self - I think the spore people might come in all shapes and sizes, so Shishakli will appear as a smaller one. Though if adults are all big, than he would choose to look more like a child, since the spell can't make him much taller than he is.
(So will Shishalki be scouting the Garden of Welcome by himself? Would anyone wish to accompany him?)
Also, I should note that once Basidia leaves with Stool, the twins, Derendil, Cailean, and Voyage will all follow the myconid to somewhere safe. They will leave the adventure to you all as the party as well as Jimjar.
Basidia leads the two of you a small bit further as the incline to the next terrace begins to steepen even further. Once you begin to reach the crest, Basidia stops, waving to you to move on. “I cannot go on from here. This is already farther than I have ever come before. The garden is just over this hill... I wish you luck” Basidia says, obvious nervousness in its voice before moving back down the steep hill.
Shishalki and Syvis, you are now here at the edge of the Garden of Welcome. This plateau rises higher than the other terraces— the highest in the grove, and is screened by a natural fence of soaring zurkhwood stalks. Muffled murmuring can be heard from atop the plateau. From here you cannot see anything, but moving just a few feet forward would bring the garden into full view.
"Before you go," Shishakli asks to Basidia, "is there anything that I can carry with me to the grove? Something that would seem as if I'm simply delivering an item perhaps?"
If so, Shishakli would take the item, watch where Syvis goes to hide, attempt to head to the grove, 'deliver' the item as quickly and quietly as possible, make a quick count of those up there, and get out.
I was kinda hoping for Basida to go up with me. Without him my cover will be blown if anyone asks a question, so the idea now is just a really really quick scouting mission, simply to see who/what is up there, and get out.
And again, Syvis is staying well away from Shishakli so that she can stay hidden while he's in sight. She goes as far to one side as she can get while maintaining visual distance and sticks to the shadows. Climbing up the incline, she tries to peek over the edge to get some idea what awaits them.
Alright, so Shishalki drops disguise self (feel free to retcon, as I realize things can be more confusing over PbP).
Then, while Syvis stays back, hiding in the shadows, Shishalki will walk up onto the terrace to meet whatever is up there head on.
As Syvis peeks over, and as Shishalki begins walking into the Garden of Welcome, a horrible sight greets your eyes:
The low muttering grows louder as you reach the top, turning into a symphony of moans, cries, and hisses. The only light comes from a few glowing mushrooms along the edge, but even in the gloom, you can’t miss the source of the sounds. The heads of creatures of a dozen humanoid Underdark races peek from the ground, mold and fungi growing around them.
Shishalki, one voice calls out loudly to you in Undercommon as you draw nearer— a female drow fighting to speak. “Please … for your gods of light . . . kill me!” She manages to stir within her living grave, raising a spider medallion half-embedded in the bloated growth that was once her hand. Half her face is rotten and pustulate, a bed for the sprouting of scores of tiny mushrooms. “The Great Seeder … trap … she’s here … the Lady of Decay … Zuggtmoy …”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Shishakli, fades into the dark, and attempts to calm his breathing after what he’s just witnessed ((stealth 20)). Keeping to the dark as much as possible he quickly, but quietly, heads back out, trying to find Syvis. After repeating what he saw he immediately turns and plans to head back, saying, “The creature that called for death should be given it... There is some evil happening here, and not even an Elf deserves that.”
Syvis: In your relatively in depth research on the Underdark, you would know a small bit about the name Zuggtmoy: The Demon Queen of Fungi, Lady of Rot and Decay, Zuggtmoy is an alien creature whose only desire is to infect the living with spores, transforming them into her mindless servants and, eventually, into decomposing hosts for the mushrooms, molds, and other fungi that she spawns.
(Additionally: The amount of heads is going to be more in the 10-20 range.)
The rest of the group is about 30-50 feet away, and down the terrace incline/hill. What would you like to do?
Seeing Shishakli coming back, Syvis intercepts and heads back to the group to discuss.
"Agreed," she responds to Shishakli's statements. "The entity that the drow spoke of is dangerous beyond belief. This garden should be cleansed with fire and we should leave this place as quickly as possible. If she has truly come here, there is nothing we can do."
Looking to the natives in the group she asks, "Is the underdark always so rife with powerful demonic entities? This would make two that we have encountered on our journey."
Thodek shakes his head, "No, not this powerful at any rate. And I agree, we should burn that horror. But, we should first notify those here we think we can trust, otherwise it may simply look like outsiders attacking and cause further strife."
Nicholas shakes his head, "If we attack this horror I think that should be enough to do the talking. Delay and we may put Stool in danger as well. Hopefully the other mushroom folk will be able to see our intentions once we start attacking that monster."
Nicholas draws his pistol and gets ready to head up the slope and engage.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active Characters Tink - Elf ArtificerNicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter Thurkear - Lizardfolk WarlockBjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
After talking with Syvis, Shishakli did not wait for the others. He had already slipped back into the shadows to return to the top. ((Stealth roll above? Please~~)) There he takes his time to understand exactly what is happening, and pulls out his bow, ready to shoot once he picks a target.
I said above that he’d immediately head back. Though I’ll wait to actually start any action just a bit and see if I can get us a description of what’s happening.
Rasharoo: Nicholas sighs, "This is unfortunate indeed. I hope that we will be able to assist you in getting to the bottom of this just as how you are helping us with our friend."
Present: Nicholas frowns at the mention of drow and turns to the rest of the group, "Perhaps I should stay out of sight till we know there are no drow about. A surface dweller like me will surely stick out like a sore thumb."
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
“Most likely no one other than Phylo...” Basidia says apprehensively. “Phylo monitors most of the comings and goings at the grove, unfortunately.”
What would you like to do?
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
"It seems we may as well see what if the 'Garden of Welcome' is in fact welcoming," Shishakli says. And to the group asks, "Shall we approach with caution? Or will our guide here be enough?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Thodek chuckles slightly, "Why choose when you can do both? We have some amongst us who are more skilled at stealth than I am. Why don't we send them in advance, while we hold attention on ourselves and make our way over more slowly?"
"And sometimes, the best way to stay hidden, is in plain sight," Shishakli says as he brings a hand to his chest and his appearance suddenly blurs and changes to appear as a small myconid. He then looks up to Basidia and says, "Please show me the Garden. Though you will need to speak for me should we meet others. I am unable to communicate the way that you do." Finally, looking back to the group, he adds, "Stay quiet. I will return once I've seen if there are any surprises for outsiders in the Garden."
disguise self - I think the spore people might come in all shapes and sizes, so Shishakli will appear as a smaller one. Though if adults are all big, than he would choose to look more like a child, since the spell can't make him much taller than he is.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
(So will Shishalki be scouting the Garden of Welcome by himself? Would anyone wish to accompany him?)
Also, I should note that once Basidia leaves with Stool, the twins, Derendil, Cailean, and Voyage will all follow the myconid to somewhere safe. They will leave the adventure to you all as the party as well as Jimjar.
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
(Thodek is not suited for sneaking and deception, so will leave that for others, simply waiting nearby to provide assistance if necessary.)
(Nicholas can be sneaky, but is afraid that he will stick out like a sore thumb given that he is a surface dweller.)
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
Syvis will follow Shishakli and Basidia at a distance, kiting out to one side and keeping eyes open, allowing them to draw the attention.
Stealth: 25
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Basidia leads the two of you a small bit further as the incline to the next terrace begins to steepen even further. Once you begin to reach the crest, Basidia stops, waving to you to move on. “I cannot go on from here. This is already farther than I have ever come before. The garden is just over this hill... I wish you luck” Basidia says, obvious nervousness in its voice before moving back down the steep hill.
Shishalki and Syvis, you are now here at the edge of the Garden of Welcome. This plateau rises higher than the other terraces— the highest in the grove, and is screened by a natural fence of soaring zurkhwood stalks. Muffled murmuring can be heard from atop the plateau. From here you cannot see anything, but moving just a few feet forward would bring the garden into full view.
What would you like to do?
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
"Before you go," Shishakli asks to Basidia, "is there anything that I can carry with me to the grove? Something that would seem as if I'm simply delivering an item perhaps?"
If so, Shishakli would take the item, watch where Syvis goes to hide, attempt to head to the grove, 'deliver' the item as quickly and quietly as possible, make a quick count of those up there, and get out.
I was kinda hoping for Basida to go up with me. Without him my cover will be blown if anyone asks a question, so the idea now is just a really really quick scouting mission, simply to see who/what is up there, and get out.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
And again, Syvis is staying well away from Shishakli so that she can stay hidden while he's in sight. She goes as far to one side as she can get while maintaining visual distance and sticks to the shadows. Climbing up the incline, she tries to peek over the edge to get some idea what awaits them.
Perception: 24
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Alright, so Shishalki drops disguise self (feel free to retcon, as I realize things can be more confusing over PbP).
Then, while Syvis stays back, hiding in the shadows, Shishalki will walk up onto the terrace to meet whatever is up there head on.
As Syvis peeks over, and as Shishalki begins walking into the Garden of Welcome, a horrible sight greets your eyes:
The low muttering grows louder as you reach the top, turning into a symphony of moans, cries, and hisses. The only light comes from a few glowing mushrooms along the edge, but even in the gloom, you can’t miss the source of the sounds. The heads of creatures of a dozen humanoid Underdark races peek from the ground, mold and fungi growing around them.
Shishalki, one voice calls out loudly to you in Undercommon as you draw nearer— a female drow fighting to speak. “Please … for your gods of light . . . kill me!” She manages to stir within her living grave, raising a spider medallion half-embedded in the bloated growth that was once her hand. Half her face is rotten and pustulate, a bed for the sprouting of scores of tiny mushrooms. “The Great Seeder … trap … she’s here … the Lady of Decay … Zuggtmoy …”
What would you like to do?
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Do those names mean anything to us?
2 (+1 for arcana, history, nature, or religion)
Also, you say "heads of creatures of a dozen...races" but roughly how many heads are we talking about total? 20? 200? 2000?
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Shishakli, fades into the dark, and attempts to calm his breathing after what he’s just witnessed ((stealth 20)). Keeping to the dark as much as possible he quickly, but quietly, heads back out, trying to find Syvis. After repeating what he saw he immediately turns and plans to head back, saying, “The creature that called for death should be given it... There is some evil happening here, and not even an Elf deserves that.”
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Syvis: In your relatively in depth research on the Underdark, you would know a small bit about the name Zuggtmoy: The Demon Queen of Fungi, Lady of Rot and Decay, Zuggtmoy is an alien creature whose only desire is to infect the living with spores, transforming them into her mindless servants and, eventually, into decomposing hosts for the mushrooms, molds, and other fungi that she spawns.
(Additionally: The amount of heads is going to be more in the 10-20 range.)
The rest of the group is about 30-50 feet away, and down the terrace incline/hill. What would you like to do?
Alton Thorngage- (Klein’s One Shot String Adventure)
Holden Stonefist-(A Tale of Mercenaries)
Fenrick Wolfsbane- (Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden)
DMing-Ctleath13’s Lost Mines of Phandelver and Ctleath13’s Out of the Abyss
Seeing Shishakli coming back, Syvis intercepts and heads back to the group to discuss.
"Agreed," she responds to Shishakli's statements. "The entity that the drow spoke of is dangerous beyond belief. This garden should be cleansed with fire and we should leave this place as quickly as possible. If she has truly come here, there is nothing we can do."
Looking to the natives in the group she asks, "Is the underdark always so rife with powerful demonic entities? This would make two that we have encountered on our journey."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Thodek shakes his head, "No, not this powerful at any rate. And I agree, we should burn that horror. But, we should first notify those here we think we can trust, otherwise it may simply look like outsiders attacking and cause further strife."
Nicholas shakes his head, "If we attack this horror I think that should be enough to do the talking. Delay and we may put Stool in danger as well. Hopefully the other mushroom folk will be able to see our intentions once we start attacking that monster."
Nicholas draws his pistol and gets ready to head up the slope and engage.
Active Characters
Tink - Elf Artificer Nicholas Meloncreek - Human Fighter
Thurkear - Lizardfolk Warlock Bjorn "Whitewalker" Akannathi - Goliath Ranger
After talking with Syvis, Shishakli did not wait for the others. He had already slipped back into the shadows to return to the top. ((Stealth roll above? Please~~)) There he takes his time to understand exactly what is happening, and pulls out his bow, ready to shoot once he picks a target.
I said above that he’d immediately head back. Though I’ll wait to actually start any action just a bit and see if I can get us a description of what’s happening.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM: