OOC: Summary post for last session in Roll20

After the group backtracks to continue to explore the rest of the ground floor of the ruins without passing through the room with the Water Weird, the group uses the teleportation ability of Rocky's Wildfire Spirit to bypass the thorny brambles that they otherwise would have had to squeeze through. Upon reaching the top of the tower, the group finds three Children of the Briar with the Bramble Crown. The group manages to easily defeat the trio and claim the crown. On their way back down the tower, Amalar gives Barbara a fiery dragon's breath to burn away the thorny vines to have an easier time exiting the tower. After clearing out the fire, the group finds itself blocked off by three more Children of the Briar, two Execrable Shrubs, and a Giant Bramble Spider. The group made easy work of their foes, despite one of the Execrable Shrubs creating a smoke cloud to hide from attack, Rocky's Faerie Fire helped illuminate the position of one of the two shrubs while Caeldrim's Sleep spell managed to knock out the other.  Throughout it all only Zariss and Barbara took some minor injuries during the fight. After it was all over, Rocky and Caeldrim searched the corpses of the foes for anything that might be useful and managed to harvest enough Execrable Shrub Fibers and leaves which count as an Elemental Source of fire of medium/expert quality, which will let Caledrim craft six batches of either Alchemical Fire or Alkahest's Flame. Additionally, they managed to extract enough Execrable Shrub Essence to make 3 Potions of Fire Resistance. Unfortunately, they don't find anything of use from the Children of the Briar or the Giant Bramble Spider.
Afterward, Caeldrim uses his Field Medicine and Healer's Feat abilities to patch up Barbara and Zariss.

With the ruins cleared of all threats, the group can easily take a short, or long, rest and discuss things with Zariss if desired before heading off to return the crown to the Bramble King, as well as learn what he thinks of the shadow copy that was made of it. Finally, if the group gets a clipping from the crown, they still need to give it to Daesenderena along with seeing what she thinks of the shadow copy of the Bramble Crown.

  "I'm almost tempted to see if the water weird will be the least bit thankful we got rid of the briar jerks instead of being a pouty violent manbaby over the fact we are still here." probably the lowest on the list of priorities, Joe.

  "So, anywhere you actually need to be now that things are settling down for the moment?" talking to Zariss meanwhile, not a waste of time (probably).

Zariss answer's Joe's question with, "Not in particular. There are several places within the woods nearby where large amounts of dead plants have ended up which need to be burned away in controlled fires before an uncontrolled forest fire could start. Especially with the crazy goblins that have been running around lately." Zariss looks among the group before he continues, "Why do you ask? Did you have a suggestion for where I should go next? I am grateful for the help you all have given me in getting my revenge upon the Children of the Briar for their deception and if you have need of me in the future, I'll give what assistance I can."

Barbara sang her usual hymn of victory to her god.  She of course thanks Caeldrim for the healing and commends everyone for their valor in combat.  Satisfied that Joe said that he's almost tempted, but won't actually be initiating certain combat with the manbaby, she leaves that topic as settled.

To Zariss Barbara says, "You have been a great help, Zariss.  Thank you for joining us.  There is much you can help us with right now by answering some questions.  First off, I'd like to know what there is to know about these crazy goblins.  Are they natives that were stirred up, or invaders?  Also, do you have any insights on why they made the shadow copy?  It must have cost them no small amount of resources, so surely they had other plans in place besides just inconveniencing you or those you might have fought off."

She'll hold off on asking about the lunacy of the Bramble King or the reputation of Daesenderena for the next round of questions.

Pyrus was fascinated by the concept of using plant remains for fire related alchemy, and sniffed at said remains.  "I've never heard even legends of plants like this.  So I was thinking they must be conjured up.  But if they're the result of some kinda weird wizard summon, wouldn't they go poof as soon as they're defeated?  Do more of these grow in this forest?"

Zariss nods and replies to Barbara's questions with, "I'll answer what questions I can. From what I have heard about the goblins from listening to the Children of the Briar complain about them, these Goblins are a mixture of ones native to the forest and from outside of it. All of them are outcasts from their previous tribes. And they follow a goblin named Dib. Most of them prefer to grapple and use unarmed strikes despite their small stature. However, this group's most dangerous aspect is that the traps and devices they construct are comparable to the dangerous traps Kobolds are known for. The biggest difference is that these goblins are using their traps and devices offensively while Kobolds tend to set up their traps to be defensive. They are somewhat nomadic but have established a few ambush posts along pathways, and have even raided villages a few times. But they have drawn the Children of the Briar's anger by hunting them down whenever the Goblins come across them."

Zaris's body then seems to 'shrug' or at least the forest drake's equivalent to a shrug as he continues, "As far as the shadow copy of the Bramble Crown, I do not know what sort of ritual was utilized to create it, nor what that ritual required. However, I suspect it was the master of those shadows who set things up so its minions could conduct the ritual. I suspect that the ritual requires the presence of the original item that is to be shadow copied. Thus I doubt they will be able to create any more copies of the Bramble Crown. However, I do not know if that was the only shadow copy they have made as those shadows had been present since the Bramble Crown was brought to these ruins. But I do not know why they would construct the shadow copies unless there was a reason they couldn't use the original and thus were willing to let the Children of the Briar keep the original while they produced shadow copies."

Caeldrim looks at Pryus as he answers the question, “Those plants weren't conjured or summoned via the methods you suspect, despite that they are Fiendish in their origin. They tend to be found in areas tainted or corrupted by fiends like devils or demons but afterward, they can slowly migrate, or be moved by others wanting them around, to other areas to try to spread such corruption which eventually results in larger and more powerful fiendish plants appearing.”

Rocky sighs as he says, "I hope there are no more of those plants around these parts. I don't even want to consider the chaos and damage that would occur if they managed to corrupt the Margeve. Fortunately, I doubt any amount of Fiendish plants would be able to corrupt a significant portion of these woods. After all the Margreve is known to defend itself from invaders and such corruption would no doubt be viewed as an invasion."

Hunter says, "Well thankfully, so far, nobody has been getting me confused with these wrestle-obsessed aggressive goblins."

Amalar squats down to be closer to eye level with Zariss and says, "We also want to know if you can vouch for the Bramble King. We want to return it to him as promised, but there are concerns he might abuse the power if the crown was returned, because he lashed out at the nearby town when the crown went missing. We'd like it if you could banish those concerns for us."

Hunter adds, "And if you know a Daesenderena, we'd be curious your take on her."

  "Well obviously that is because you are more-" Adorable "handsome than the upsidedown wagon clan, Hunter."

   At Caeldrim's explanation, he shrugs and adds "The Margreve hasn't seemed to be much help in stopping corruption so far, so I wouldn't be surprised if it lets them linger on purpose when it is widely known how quick it is to rub it's power in people's faces if they are just trying to live. At this rate something evil will probably waltz right in and take over because it is too busy rusting farmer tools and smothering campfires that offend it's sense of aesthetics to protect itself."

"Fiendish bushes?!" Pyrus echoes in shock, "Well I guess devils gotta get their fruit form somewhere.  Still.  Doesn't this mean there's already devils in the forest?"

Barbara nods to Rocky.  "Let's hope so.  But considering what the Margreve has tolerated within it's borders thus far, I'm no more hopeful than Joe about it dealing with such problems without our help.

"Such as these evil goblins who are impossible to confuse with a hero such as Hunter.  Are you listening, Margreve?  We are willing to help rid you of invasive devils and goblins.  You have but to point the way to where they are!"

She's not expecting an answer, but she pauses a moment for one just in case.

Then she elaborates on Amalar's question.  "It was suggested that the crown is a part of the Bramble King's mind, and that his evil behavior is the result of being driven mad in the absence of that part of his mind."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:59, Mon 29 Mar 2021.

Zariss answers Amalar with, "Most of what I have heard about the Bramble King was from untrustworthy sources like the Children of the Briar. I have not met him in person so I don't have a real opinion about him."

Zariss then turns to Hunter and says, "I have never heard nor met Daesenderena. What I do know of fey folk like her is that they are bound by strange rules and oaths. They can either be brutally honest, to deceptively dangerous. I do not know which type she would fall into."

Rocky turns to Joe and says, "Actually I think it is more along the lines of with how vast the Margieve is, that it doesn't notice them any more than we notice every single insect that is near us. Naturally, we'll notice them quickly in certain situations, but in others, they would go unnoticed."

Caeldrim looks at Barbara's inquiry around Fiendish plants implying demons and devils are in the forest and says, “While that is certainly possible for lesser fiends. But more likely is someone brought these creatures into the Margrieve and as Rocky implied, it is likely these plants have not drawn the margreve's attention yet.”

Amalar nods to Zariss and says, "And what did they say of him? If the untrustworthy said the bramble king is bad news, then chances are that he isn't."

Hunter smiles at Joe. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Joe. Thanks."

Mix comments, "Too bad for the Margreve... because just like with insects, if a mosquito bites you without you noticing, it sucks your blood unpunished."

  Joe isn't really surprised Rocky and Caeldrim's answer about the Margreve's absentee abusive dad relationship with those inside it is essentially repeating back what Joe and Barbara already said in a more flattering phrasing. Good thing kids these days like Mix are so smart.

 
"I'd need to work on my problems with 'you sounded sarcastic about your bleeding when you got stabbed' reactions before I can claim to be any good with flattery, Hunter"
...Wait being sarcastic about your wounds is something he actually does on purpose in this setting.

  "Anyways, I'm at least expecting the Bramble king to be at least, less terrible than expected. But we should probably keep an eye on him for a while after he gets his crown back."

Barbara sighs.  "Too bad indeed.  But for the people who live here, 'mosquitos' such as aggressive goblins or unchecked devil activity have much more severe consequences than an itchy bite.

"I'm going to have to rely on the fact that none of the villagers pointed out the Bramble King's past bad behavior when he attacked as evidence that returning his crown to him will restore his sanity.  I'll be paying very close attention for if he offers an apology and working to redeem himself for what he did.  Only in such a case will he be allowed to walk away from this unpunished.

"As for Daesenderena, dangerously deceptive is precisely why I cannot rely on, 'she didn't attack us,' as evidence enough for trusting her.  Unless the Bramble King shows himself to be sane and repentant and gives evidence for trusting Daesenderena, I see no reason to give her a cutting of the crown.

"Thank you, Zariss.  You have been very helpful.  Shall we get going, then?"

Zariss contemplates the offer to come and meet the Bramble King as he says, "Basically, they said he was a danger to the forest and was abusing his crown to terrorize nearby villages. I probably should meet this individual to learn the truth first hand instead of relying on second-hand stories."

Zariss then looks to Barbara and says, "Regarding Daesenderena, maybe the Bramble King knows something about her, or at least if the crown knows anything about her since it is sentient."

The forest drake then says, "But I do agree, if there is nothing else that needs to be done here, then we should head off."

Hunter says, "Like last time, I'll take turns with Joe scouting ahead. I'll go first." he heads off ahead of the group in preparation of returning to the Bramble King.

Amalar, like last trip, sings softly, though mostly chats with Zariss about him; things he enjoys, what his life in the woods has been like, and so on.

Mix, of course, goes to walk next to Pyrus, but keeps an eye open in case by some off chance, Mix might spot something the others didn't.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Sun 16 May 2021.

  "Yeah even if we don't trust the crown, getting it's opinion on having a clipping of it handed to someone would probably be informative at least." at the very least to make sure the crown doesn't get mad and start demanding the Bramble king kill them all for causing an ouchie.

Barbara nods to Zariss and takes point for the main cluster of people on the way back to the Bramble King.  "I honestly would rather be taken by surprise than risk you or Joe taking a charging boar to the face with the rest of us a distance behind you.  Any chance you can scout from right beside me instead of in front?"

Barbara will sing along with Amalar as the melody allows, but is keeping a sharp eye out for ambushes.

"I'd like a clipping of my own," Pyrus says, "If only to see what all the fuss is about.  Or put in a salad to see if I poop out monsters."

Barbara gives him a disapproving look, but he acts like he doesn't notice.

Rocky nods and says, "Then let us make haste lest we have to deal with more Children of the Briar showing up trying to claim the crown from us." Rocky then looks to Pyrus and adds, "Let us ask what such a clipping can do first... but no don't try to eat it just to see if you can then create minions from your rear end." As the group travels, Rocky stays more towards the middle of the group since he's not a scout, nor a rearguard.

Caeldrim remains silent and in the middle of the group since he knows as a healer he needs to be able to reach anyone quickly.

Zariss easily keeps up with the group, although he tends to stay among the trees leaping from tree to tree with ease.

Hunter looks up at Barbara. "...an ambush that knows what it's doing would not target you, but maybe Amalar, Caeldrim, Rocky, or even Pyrus or Mix. Which would mean Joe and I would need to flank the group. Which... is still better because you would be nearer than if I scouted ahead. So... sure!"

Hunter walks behind Barby, flanking the group with Joe (assuming Joe agrees to the idea).

  The medium size human follows the small sized party member's lead by standing next to someone else. There are more practical ways to phrase this but we don't want to.

  "At this point I'm more curious if everything will go fine just so that our next problem following within ten minutes of giving the crown can hog more attention for itself."

Barbara would rather Pyrus' comment had not been dignified with a response, but the response was sensible enough.

"Thank you, Hunter."

Joe's comment has her mentally preparing herself for a scene where the Bramble King has been mind controlled by Daesenderena to kidnap and hold the village girl hostage in order to demand that the group hand over the crown.

After about another hour of traveling, the group reaches the Bramble King's lair. It is clear that the Bramble King senses his crown among the group as they approach him. A delighted Bramble King smiles as he says, "So you've kept your promise and retuned my crown." The Bramble king waits for the group to present his crown to him.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:51, Sun 16 May 2021.

Mix half-hides behind Barby. Feels like he's being a wimp and decides to step out and stand next to Barby. "Yes. You'll be happy to know the ones who stole it are now dead. They were suicidally obsessed with it. We offered to talk and they immediately attacked instead. Even when they saw they were doomed to die if they kept it up."

Hunter and Amalar are quiet. Hunter watches the Bramble King, but keeps his eye on the surroundings. He even positions himself to Mix's other side so the crown can not so easily get snatched.

Amalar keeps glancing at Cael and Barby, but tries to be polite about paying attention to the Bramble King.

  Joe can hardly blame people for expecting a last second ambush on top of a possible betrayal.  "Someone who gave us information towards locating it wanted a clipping of the crown if recovered. Would you know if it would be a really terrible idea for that to happen?" Obviously the Bramble king is going to be biased, but even complaints can be informative.

Barbara takes the crown off Mix's hands knowing that the Bramble King will hardly be willing to hold a conversation unless he believes every moment brings him closer to being reunited to his precious.

"Daesenderena, by name.  She warned about the Briar Children."

She approaches the Bramble King with the crown.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:07, Sun 16 May 2021.