This group has a cart and mule in addition to two of the guards from Oleg's who were woodcutters sons.  Also along is the gnome witch Esmarelda who Imiria calls "Erky" at times.

The group has spotted and heard from a dreadful spirit in the dark woods mists...

Enter the young human {I'm a dryad!) woman who is Eilyne.

Eilyne found herself approaching a rather busy Oleg's after some months in the forests alone.  She had finally managed to go through the supplies she purchased on her last trip and had recently come on a very healthy patch of herbs that should be enough to barter for more supplies.  She was minding her own business when she first heard what could only be the sounds of woodcutters ahead.  She figured that Oleg had needed lumber to do repairs with and, while she didn't like the fact he would cut down a tree or two, she understood why he needed to do it.

These silly humans and their dead houses, Eilyne thought, Couldn't they just learn to grow their homes like any sensible being would?  Or maybe just burrow?  Planning to tease Oleg for his efforts Eilyne didn't think anything of approaching the sounds and stopped as she gazed in horror at the sight before her.  This wasn't just one tree to provide some lumber for repairs, this was...was...

Eilyne spotted the man who seemed to be in charge of this group and approached him.  She wasn't being particularly stealthy but as she walked the plants at her feet seemed to shift ever so slightly so that her path was clear before shifting back behind her.  When she reached a short distance from the man in charge she demanded, "Why are you murdering all of these trees?!"  Eilyne's outfit was more than a bit on the revealing side looking like a tight fitting, one piece, corset that extended around her waist and down between her legs.  The garment also cupped her breasts and left her stomach, shoulders, and neck bear.  Her arms were sheathed in gloves that reached midway between her elbow and shoulders and she had a pair of boots with two inch heels to them that reached midway up her thigh.  Even more surprising than her immodest appearance was the fact that all of her garments were made of plants.  The gloves, boots, and corset like garment were all made of leaves and vines that were fitted smoothly together and the soles and heals of her boots were made of bark, moss, and thick sticks.  Her waist length, vivid red, hair had some leaves artfully arrayed in it and there was a rather angry look on her face as she glared at the man.

The tall slender man Eilyne address turns round to face her.
He lowers his hood and she find herself facing a young pleasant looking elf.

His mouth opens a bit as he looks at her.
At this point a swan flies down and starts to circle her.
Behind the elf a small lizard like creature comes out and does the same as the swan.

After a few moments the elf simply says.
Whow!
With a big grin on his face.
The swan then answers the Whow with Honk.  Honk-Honk.
The elf turns to the swan.
You approve.  Oh double Whow.

It is then that the elf realized he has not answer the upset Eilyne at all.

Oh hi.  He says. My name is Tauron Alphmellon.  I am an ex-pupil of The Elven High Mage school.  The swan is The Mascot.  The elven High Mage school mascot.  The other creature is scraps.  He is from an old dinosaur egg from the school.

We joined a group of adventures trying to bring help and stability to the creatures that live in this area.  We talk to some of the spirits of the land.  It seem the Stag Lord has taken over the area with some bandits.  From what one great spirit of this land said to us he is polluting the land with his evil spirit.  Slowly killing her and destroying this land with his evil corrupt ways.
He has found out about our group and is now coming to destroy Oleg’s Trading Post and the group of adventures.
One of the spirits of the land showed me how to fix the siege engine in the fort.
We are going to need it to defend the fort and clean the land of the Stag Lord.

Tauron goes over to the tree and places a hand on it.  He closes his eyes in sadness.
I tried to explain this to the tree.  I am as sorry as you are that I am doing this.
But if we don't stop the Stag Lord then the trees of the land will be corrupted and evil as well.
Most of the animals will die as will most of the plants.  This land will be wastelands.
He looks back at Elyne
He pulls out 5 acorns.  I have promised the tree I will replace it and spread 4 others around this area.
That I do my best to protect them and see they grow big and strong.
My dream is to have small elven woodland forest realm somewhere in these lands.
I am unable to talk to trees at the moment.  I can talk to animals only.

At thought comes to Tauron Alphmellon.
Are you able to talk to the tree and explain to it our need and my promise?
It would make me feel better if you could.

The swan then goes Honk-honk.
Tauron look back at the swan.  Oh shut up.  I will ask her later.  Nows not the time.

Tauron smiles back at Elyne hopefully.

OOC:
It may not be acorns I cannot remember what tree type we agreed on.  So I said acorns as most likely a oak.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:25, Sun 17 May 2020.

Eilyne was caught off guard when first a swan and then a lizard started flying around her making a ruckus.  She thought she might need to fight them off but when they didn't attack she relaxed ever so slightly.  If nothing else the distraction the two creatures caused made her pause and listen to what was said.

Eilyne's gaze went to Tauron as he explained things and when she heard about the threat to Olegg's she seemed worried but when he mentioned the threat to the land Eilyne realized things were more serious than she feared.  As the elf before her explained how sorry he was that he was having to cut down the trees the lovely Eilyne's gaze became stern but his showing her the acorns to plant made her face soften considerably.

Eilyne considered everything Tauron told her and then said, "No, I'm afraid I can't speak to the plants, at least not and understand them in return, but I think I can at least communicate what you are doing to them."  Whether she really could or not Eilyne believed it to be so and she went to each of the trees already cut down and placed her hands on them.

Eilyne spoke in a different tongue than common as she spoke to each of the fallen trees, In Sylvan: "He may have killed you but his cause is just, your sacrifice will help save this land and he will plant a seed to take your place one day within these woods.  I'm sorry for your suffering but I will make sure you're sacrifice is not forgotten."  As she did so each of the trees already cut down seemed to have a shiver pass through it and the limbs that were still attached fell off and dropped to the ground.  They weren't smooth by any means but they would be easier to bundle together and bring back than if all the branches were still on them and it would certainly save some time.

Eilyne returned to where Tauron stood and said, "I've done as you requested and have done what I can to make them easier to pull.  Someone should bundle up the branches so that we can take them back to Olegg's as well.  I've seen the signs of the corruption you speak of, this damnable fog that hangs over everything, it is unnatural and must be stopped.  I've also had my own run ins with those serving this Stag Lord and wasnt them stopped as well.  I was already going to Olegg's anyway so I will come and help you protect the place and make sure these elders," she gestured to the felled trees, "are brought there safely."

A short gnome bedecked in the strangest silk garments approaches the girl...

"We are out gathering just the right trees to repair the catapults for defense of the fort....Do you not see the dark woods and the mist and the groaning spirit in the fog?"

The witch points the way but both the fog and the spirit seem to have cleared...

The two guards with the cart only pass looks back and forth to each other..
"This wood is haunted for certain."
On of them inspects the cart and when he goes to get back on his horse the entire saddle falls off the horse....
"What the Hay!"
He is unharmed and re-buckles the saddle....


The witch
"So if we are finished playing duck, duck, goose..."

"Yes.  We have much to do and and little time.", Drezghl said in agreement.

He kicked his horse and led the way.  As he rode past Eilyne, he gave her a quick glance and said, "You may want to purchase a cloak or armor when you get to Oleg's. Between the elements and the bandits, you appear to be unprepared for both of them."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:47, Tue 19 May 2020.

Eilyne looked down to where the gnome stood as she spoke in explanation of their task and nodded as she said, "Yes, the fog has been a significant nuisance since it rolled in, and I have certainly felt it sapping the life from the local plants.  If you are trying to deal with the fog then we have a common enemy and I will help you."  When the one guard fell off of his horse Eilyne couldn't help but giggle at his misfortune.

Then Drezghl spoke to her as he rode past and she laughed as she said, "If it is a cloak I should have," she focused and the leaves that had fallen from the trees they felled began to swirl together and made their way towards her.  When they reached her position they swirled around her as a green gold energy began to form and when it finished the leaves had formed a cloak around her form.  "The plants protect and provide for me, when I am surrounded by greenery I have no fear of clothing and it is just as effective as yours as long as it isn't snowing.  As for defense..."  Eilyne gestured again and from within her clothing came a tiny seed and, as she slowly fed energy into it the seed grew until it became a a giant thorn as thick as Drezghl's arm before shooting out thirty feet to slam into the ground with substantial force, "Does that suffice to satisfy your concerns?"

She looked to the group in general and said, "I believe introductions are in order, I am Eilyne, the wandering dryad, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance."

It is easy to tell that she isn't a dryad but human, though she seems convinced it's the truth.

Esmerelda
Aye girl you have the gift, I believe Imiria and I could help you to grow a leshy, though it would take time ...we ourselves have no need of one, but there is much that you might benefit.”


Just then the longest, loudest and most moist sounding fart comes from Eilune’s backside
This message was last updated by the GM at 15:53, Tue 19 May 2020.

Eilyne considered what the gnome offered to help her grow but, while it sounded familiar, Eilyne wasn't quite sure what a leshy even was.  Her face was perplexed as she said, <DarkGreen>"I keep thinking I should know what a leshy is but I am afraid that the name escapes me.  Could you describe it to me please?  I think I might know it by another name.  common is not my first language."<DarkGreen>
Eilyne Groveborn rolled 8 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 1.  Know (nat) to know what a leshy is.

Anyone with knowledge of languages can likely tell she isn't used to speaking common, even though she does so passably well.

*EDIT*
Oh, and who is Eilune?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:17, Tue 19 May 2020.

In reply to Eilyne Groveborn (msg # 7):


"So, you're not helpless after all.", Drezghl replied.

He listened to her introduction. "I'm Drezghl. That's Smoke.", he said, pointing to a large black and gray wolf a few yards away. It looked shaggy and unkept with briars in it's fur and a scarred ear.  Somehow, it complemented Drezghl as a companion.

"You can come with us if you're still going to Oleg's. As soon as we get the logs for the catapults."

Tauron turn to grounp in turn.

To gnome.
But you know how much fun it is to play duck, duck, goose..
I sure Eilyne Groveborn will be very good at it.

He then turns to Drezghl Zuhv in confustion.
The lady comes into our camp and demand to know what we doing.
Why did you think she was helpless.
You just have take one look at her and know she got to be good.

He then turns to Eilyne Groveborn
Tauron then adds.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Tue 19 May 2020.

"Wandering into my camp and making demands isn't something that I tolerate from strangers. Stop thinking with your loins and use your head.  Let's get moving, we still have work to do.", Drez growled at Tauron.  He was getting annoyed with these distractions and wanted to get the group back on task so that they could return to Oleg's by nightfall.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Wed 20 May 2020.

Tauron turn to Drezghl.
So would you tolerate someone coming into your house and start removing bricks from your house?  Without asking permission or even bothering to talk to you.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:58, Wed 20 May 2020.

Esmerelda
“Actually a leshy is a body made to hold the spirits of nature, this way the tree or trees found spirits are given a form that can interact more like a treant than like that of a normal unaware tree.  It is truly the most honorable way to deal with a tree when one has need of the tree.”
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 17:35, Wed 20 May 2020.

Eilyne ignored the obviously grumpy half-orc as he complained about her coming into his camp and instead listened to Esmerelda's explanation of what a leshy was.  The very thought intrigued Eilyne and she said, "I would certainly be interested in having such a creature for a companion.  It would be a great thing to have your help but I must be able to do something in return."

In reply to Tauron Alphmellon (msg # 13):

"Bah.  It's just a couple of trees.  There are hundreds of them here.  Let's get moving.", Drez replied dismissively.

Tauron turns to Drezghl.

You are rude, ignorant and stupid.
Why don't you go and join the bandits.
Clearly they your type of people.
You show no respect for this land and its inhabitant's by your actions.
As far as I concern, until you apologizes to Eilyne the only use I see you have is as compost for my acorns.

Tauron turn and carries on sorting out the trees.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:23, Fri 22 May 2020.

"Tauron, we have no time for this nonsense. I came out here to help you...find two trees. So that you...can repair the catapults at Oleg's.  So that we...can fight off the Stag Lord's horde when they come. We have an important task to complete. Don't let yourself be distracted by a pretty face and hurt feelings.", Drezghl retorted.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Sat 23 May 2020.

Ah, but we seem to have plenty of time for you to bring in your nonsense to what going on so you can be rude and show you have no respect for other cultures and customs.  It is you not me that cannot see past the half-naked female.  But you don't get it.


Tauron makes few noises and hand movement before carrying on with his work.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Fri 22 May 2020.

Drezghl turned away and led his horse deeper into the forest in search of the needed trees.

About that time a flicker of movement appears off to one side and a prismatic spray of rainbow colors flies out of an old discarded iron pot, lying on it's side buried in the leaves..

The two men at arms are blinded and cry out, though Tauron and Drezghl are only stunned for a moment...

Esmerelda howls in laughter
"This be fey haunted woods it seems."

Eilyne laughed at the pot that sprayed colors and looked in it's direction as she spoke, Sylvan: "Well played wee one, I humbly request that you ask the others to let us work in peace though.  They are working to save the Spirit of the Land and need what they are taking to do so.  If you or others would be willing to aid us your assistance would be greatly appreciated."

Eilyne Groveborn rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  Diplomacy.

Esmerelda sends colorful dancing lights into the cauldron but it turns out to be empty...

The lights suddenly double in number and half of them start buzzing Esmerelda’s head
She exclaims
“My lights have turned upon me!!!”
She faked a scream...

When the spell fades only silence remains

The stunned riders vision clears shortly
“Blasted fey!”

Eilyn laughed again at the witches antics and spoke once more Sylvan</Orange "Very good, I like it.  How about this one."  She focused and a thin wall of leaves and twigs rose up five feet on a side between the witch and the pot as Eilyne said, "I'll protect you friend witch!"

Eilyne turned her gaze on the rider whose vision cleared at his mumbled words and glared at him as she said asked, "What was that you just said about us?"  Eilyne was clearly, once again, implying she was one of the fey.

<Orange>Eilyne Groveborn rolled 24 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 17.  Know (nat) to ID what this fey may be.

After being stunned Tauron looks around and laugh.
He winks at Eilyne.
I think Drezghl Zuhv may find out why I talk to you the way I did.
Respect for nature and creature of nature.

Tauron sits down and calls his two animal friend to him.
He start to play with the two.
The game call point at the fay and honk.
When the swan or lizard honks Tauron throws wet mud at what he hopes is the fay.
He throw it in large clumps that spread out like splash attack.
Trying to hit the invisible fay with mud.

Two can play silly games.  All the time Tauron is laughing.

OOC:
Not sure who this would work but using his animal friend instincts Tauron tries to throw wet mud at the fay.  Using create water to do so.

"Hold fast, men.", Drezghl said quietly.

He watched Tauron and Eilyne throw mud and talk to the fey. Meanwhile, he drew his throwing axe and waited for things to unfold.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:13, Sat 30 May 2020.

Tauron turns to Drezghl.
Drezghl put your weapons away.
If these creatures had really wanted to harm us you have had arrows sticking out of you by now.  With Eilyne Groveborn we may be able to get these creatures to help us.
Think what effect these tricks would have on the bandits ability to attack us in fight.  For once please do as I ask.

Drezghl paused for a moment and then tucked his axe back into his belt.

"Alright, you two know more about them than I do."

Tauron turns to Drezghl.
Thank you Drezghl.

He then carries on trowing mud at the fay.

A couple of large clumps of mud find themselves in the faces of those who flung them, but the assailant is not visible


Soft whistles come from deeper in the woods.....wheet whooo

Drezghl peered into the woods to find the location of the sounds.

15:50, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 15 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 6.  Locate sounds.

You travel further in looking for any signs of fey creatures movement or magic...

Unexpectedly Esmerelda hops down from the saddle and notes a tree nearby that has recently blown over by a storm
“This one, the life force remains we may us it for the building of catapults.”

Eilyne had enjoyed her bit of fun but they needed to continue looking for more lumber.  She bade the fey a pleasant day and joined the group as they proceeded in their search.  When Esmerelda mentioned finding a downed tree that still had enough life in it for their needs Eilyne nodded and said, "A good find Esmerelda, and a better choice than cutting one down."  Eilyne approached the tree and reached out to lay her hands along it as she spoke in sylvan a few words for the dying tree.

When she was done Eilyne began to move in what appeared to be something akin to a dance.  As she went greenish gold light manifested and the limbs of the tree began to fall off much like before. It seemed her strange abilities were controlled through her motions.

Using basic phytokinesis to prune off the old branches.  It might be a stretch of the power but seems reasonable to me.

Tauron shakes his head.

Why I did not see that before I do not know.
Esmerelda that solves all our issues.

Tauron waves into the distance.
Thankyou. He shouts to the fay.

He then sets about getting the tree ready to be moved.
He seem not to be worried about the mud all over him.
As he works he hums to himself.

The tree is harvested a greenish mist like fog moves into a bottle
“The spirit of nature for the leshy.”

The little witch seems to be again communing and trying to locate a second tree...

The men get busy preparing the tree for movement to the fort...

Drezghl helped strip the tree of branches and get it loaded onto the wagon.

"Esmerelda, Eilyne, Tauron, we must be quick about finding the second tree.  We have little time.", he warned.

Esmerelda.....
"If you want a tree just pick one then!  If you want me to find another one, it will take time..."


At the same time a small fire lights on a nearby rock

Tauron looks over to Esmerelda.
I want you to find us another one.

Tauron was about to add something else but decide it was pointless.
He looks over to the other witch and into her eyes.
Nodding his head to show his respect for her and her powers.

The fire burns normal at first then changes to purple then blue and red...

It burns a white argent and whistles

“Dang fey!  Help if you will but stop running amuck!”

Eilyne rolled her eyes at the way the fey were causing problems again and turned her own efforts to finding a good candidate for their needs, preferably a tree that had already fallen, and began to focus on the trees around them.  With her ability to commune with plant Eilyne began to sift through the area around her for another fallen tree they could use but it seemed all the people were distracting her more than she would have liked.

Eilyne Groveborn rolled 3 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 2.  Basic Phyto (Sift cantrip).

Not sure how many rolls I would need to make but I can do a 10 ft cube at a time with the cantrip.  I'll just keep going until I have surveyed the entire area.

Drezghl seemed a bit irritated with the antics of the fey but kept it to himself. He followed along with the wagon and kept an eye out for a suitable deadfall that would suit their needs.


-----------------------
OOC

17:33, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 22 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 13.  Perception - find trees.

17:32, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 26 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 19.  Know. Nature 7 - Find dead tree.

As you are traveling along a man dressed in green leathers, long brown greasy hair comes along
“I’m a trapper hereabouts my name’s Breeg Orlivanch, anyway i might get you lot clear your scaring off the game?”

"Sorry for scaring off the game. We will not be long.", Drez replied as he dismounted and offered  his hand.

"I am Drezghl. We come from Oleg's trading post."

“How men I help, I have traps about so I best guide you through if your going deeper in.”

Eilyne approached the man in green and said, "We're looking for another tree like that one," she pointed at what they had already, and continued, preferably a recent deadfall."

The man scratched his chin and thought

“Yes, yes I believe so just on the edge of the river, the roots exposed and about to fall in.  That is just up the way and near the bend.”

The man turns and points as he takes the lead deeper into the forest...

Any rolls and actions?  Also questions or dialog...

Drezghl thought for a moment.  He wasn't totally sure about this guy.

"How far to the river? Will the cart make it that far?", he asked, looking down the trail.

--------------------------

OOC - Drez isn't sure about this guy. Seems like he's trying to lure us deeper into the forest for some reason.

14:41, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 13 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 12.  Sense motive - trapper

14:42, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 26 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 17.  Perception - Looking down the trail.

You follow along for some time
He points to the side
“One of my traps stay clear.”

“It is not far now, yes we can make it!”

As you pass it is obvious this man does not mark his traps to avoid people...

Drezghl

Tauron has taken a dislike to the man.
It clear to the elf the hunter methods and way do not fit in with the druid ideas.
Tauron however keep his mouth shut not wishing to upset or interfere with things.

Tauron nods to Drezghl that Tauron want Drezghl to take the lead and that Tauron going to keep his mouth shut.

You plod along and the man slows down and lights his pipe...

Perception DC 24

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The man just lit a fuse!!!

---

This message was last updated by the GM at 13:23, Tue 21 July 2020.

What the fuse for? Tauron shouts and kicks his horse to move away from the man and backwards keeping an eye out what going to happen next.

OOC:
14:02, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 24 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 16.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:22, Tue 21 July 2020.

Eilyne followed in the man's footsteps, not too hard given he was bigger than her, and avoided the traps that he pointed out.  She was half tempted to dispose of the things but decided it wasn't worth it.  Things seemed to be going well until the man lit his pipe and Tauron asked him what the fuse he just lit was for.  She looked to the man and said, "That was a pipe, not a...fuse?"  She looked at him curiously, "What is a fuse anyway?"

Eilyne Groveborn rolled 16 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 10.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Wed 22 July 2020.

The area around the man fills with smoke as you hear him riding away
“You tools are in the middle of my traps!  I will come back to see who I have caught this evening!”

You hear his axe hit a tree ahead...
a spiked log swings along where the trapper was just a bit ago...

"Stay where you are! Don't move.", Drezghl warned.

"Let's wait for this smoke to blow away so we can see what we're doing."

----------------

OOC:  Sorry for missing the action.  I had something typed up for got sidetracked before I could clean it up and post.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:45, Fri 24 July 2020.

Esmerelda
“We are such fools!  The man knows the only safe way is for us to exactly retrace our winding path, while he circles back along a straight route and snares us l aging!”

OOC:
Are we in a wooded area.  Is there a tree above Tauron or one he could lasso?
That he could sit in without breaking it.

Eilyne didn't like what had just happened, the way they had been led into a trap so easily, she felt like a fool for not seeing this coming.  She had to give the man credit, he was nearly as sneaky as a fey and that said something.  Unfortunately for this trapper he underestimated his prey.  She began to move, a seed floating from within her leafy garments, and she launched it at the area to her right.  She then did the same to her left.

With each repetition of her movements a seed flew and grew into a solid log as it slammed into the ground.  The force was such that nothing was getting away unscathed and she began to hit every few feet to the sides of the path they came down.

I use woodblast and target each five foot square to the sides of our path of travel.  A blast hits with enough sheer volume of effect that it does full damage to a swarm even though it is targetd like a weapon.  I figure that should surely be enough to start setting off the traps to the sides of our path of travel.  I'll stop if someone requests it of me.

Eilyne‘s actions to the left and right revealed two carefully camouflaged pits 5 feet deep and lined with sharpened wooden spikes!

Even turning the horses here would be dangerous

Drezghl watched Eilyne do her thing and nodded approvingly.

----------

OOC:  How far back down the trail has been cleared by her spell?  Did it reveal any more pits?

For no apparent reason, 40 yards off to the side a bunch of logs roll down a hillside

Eilyne continued to mercilessly slam chunks of wood into the ground around them as she methodically hit every area within thirty feet of her position.  Once she cleared that area she moved enough to start clearing the areas a little further out.

Forward the way the man went or back the way you came? Or a different direction?

The way we came unless someone says differently.

"Just clear a path back the way we came.  Let's get out of this." Drezghl said, backing his horse out of the ambush zone.

-------

OOC: Are the logs coming down on us?

The logs far away came to a complete stop and had no effect on the party

OOC:
Can we get to the logs?

Yes the logs stopped rolling about 40 yards away, so it is possible to traverse the woods over to that area

 Octavia and Jareth rode fast, the priestess struggling to keep up with the obviously more skilled horseman.

 As they reached the woods where the others were playing amateur lumberjacks, she slowed down to assess the situation and carefully pushed her horse down towards the commotion.

  "Hoy!" she called out.
  "What happened here??"

"Stay back! This area is trapped!", shouted Drezghl.

"Turn around and go back. Carefully."

He looked around for more traps that hadn't been sprung by Eilyne and kept backing his horse the way they originally came, never leaving his tracks.

---------------------------

07:15, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 29 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 20.  Percaption - finding traps.

The whole area is trapped ...
Spotting one is a perception DC 16
Eilyne can set them off, easily enough


Octavia and Jerth spot a man crushed beneath the jumble of logs...but do not recognize him
Perception checks for you both as well

Octavia Cassiana rolled 16 using 1d20+6

 "Oh, I see..." Octavia said.

 She doubled back carefully and approached the man, trying to assess his condition.

The man is deceased and you notice that there is a rope that held the logs up has been cut and a very nice handaxe is still stuck in a nearby tree right where the rope was cut.

The axe case is on the man’s belt, but the severed rope is above the trap and the man is under the trap....

 Octavia struggles to understand how everything fits together. She tries to visualise the scene to come to an assumption of what had happened -accident, trap, or something else.

 She noted there was nothing that could be done for the man. She picked up the axe to see if it could help identify the dead man. She then moved closer, very carefully so as not to trigger anything else.

Octavia concludes one option for what happened is this man was running through this area and threw his axe into the rope bringing his own deadfall down upon himself....

 The cleric considers the axe for a moment as she realises what must have happened...
 "A stupid accident..."

 She slides it in her belt, and tries to get close to the man to identify him –a brigand? a chartered explorer? or something more sinister?

You think this is a trapper who brings hides to Oleg’s
From what you recall he is antisocial with a horrible attitude

 Octavia checks the man's belongings to confirm his identity. Like with Bokken, she will make sure that any valuables he may have owned are kept at the trading post until such time when his next of kin can be identified. After a reasonable length of time, it would become Oleg and Svetlana's, for them to use in the effort to improve the fort.

 She walked to Drezghl Zuhv, following strictly his advice in terms of where to walk and where no to.
  "How has it been going here, brother? Have we found the lumber we need?"

Once the area is clear
Or at least pits marked for safety

Esmerelda
“We were bedeviled by fey and then this turd...”
Kicks the body
“Lead me s into a trap!”


“What were you saying dear, oh yes the tree, we are still headed that way, it is not far now.”

“Best take care of that hatchet it’s magic...”

"Hello, Octavia.  Progress has been slow.   This piece of filth led us into his field of traps and  planned to kill us. Loot our bodies later. Told us as much. I suppose he took us for easy prey this deep in the forest. Regardless, he forfeit his life when he tried to kill us and his possessions belong to us now.", Drez said, pointing to the dead trapper.


"He said there was a suitable tree by the river but I think it was a lie to lure us into his traps.
We should have the second log soon. I wanted to just cut one down but our new friend, Eilyne, won't permit it so far. She's fey or something.", Drez said, pointing towards the green clad woman  nearby.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Tauron waves at Octavia Cassiana.
It is good to see you Octavia.  Our attempts to get wood as proved difficult on many levels.  The only good thing to have come out of this is new friend who will help us.

The elf looks over to the half-orc.

It also many be a good idea not to send me and Drezghl out together without someone else around.  I think we found out why elves and orc's instincts are to grab a weapon when they see each other.  Not the best idea when your meant to be working together.

  “Well hopefully you can resolve that like men with a few pints and twice as many punches when we’re out of the woods.”

“For now we’ll need to put it aside and focus on bringing back the lumber.”

 She handed the hatchet to Drezghl.
“As if we hadn’t enough enemies as it is... I never liked him anyway, but this is beyond what I expected. It is a shame we cannot put him to the rope. If we can, we should bring him back to the trading post so they all know what happens to this sort of scum. Karma is working with us to rid the land of thugs it seems.”

The priestess believed that divine chaos and chance had a way of righting wrongs, sometimes better than any Law would.

“Could we use the timber from this trap to fix the catapults?” she asked eagerly. She knew little of war machines, but plenty of war itself. And one thing when knew for sure was that it had a way of throwing the unexpected at you. The sooner they would all be at the fort, the better.

Tauron studies the timber as Octavia Suggested.

Eilyne walked over to the corpse of the tricksy woodsman and looked down at him pityingly.  "Never attempt to trick a fey, it never ends well."  After the body had been searched Eilyne focused and began to move her hands gently causing the plants to rise up and surround the body.  When she finished his remains could not be seen any longer, "There," she said softly, "may the Green Mother welcome you."

Eilyn rose and turned to face the newcomer, Octavia, and said, "Oh my, anther new person in the forest.  It seems you should be more trustworthy than the last one," Eilyne gestured vaguely to the traitorous trapper.  "I am Eilyne and I don't see why the logs couldn't be used for your needs.  I don't know anything about these...kitipults you speak of though so I can't be sure," her accent spoke louder than her words that she wasn't a native common speaker.

The logs In the deadfall have been cut too short to use as the arm of the catapult but some could easily fill in for the other components

Tauron nods to Eilyne Groveborn.

Use the land for evil and evil will befall you.
Use the land for good and it will provide for you.
As for the wood.  It will be useful but we need bigger peace for catapults.
Lets move on carefully now.

Esmerelda queries
“So what ended the man?  And who was he?”

The wood is sorted into useful and not useful
The men at arms strip the man and roll him into one of his own pits before rolling the rejected logs on top of him
They look at each other as if someone should say some words...


The short distance away near a bend in the river a tree stubbornly clings to the bend the dirt mostly eroded from under it and it lists to the side, soon to topple in...
“This must be the one!”

"He was a nothing more than a thief and murderer. He's of no concern now."

Drezghl spit into the pit where the corpse lay beneath the logs and walked towards the river bend.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:09, Thu 20 Aug 2020.

At Esmerelda's question Eilyne shrugged her shoulders and said, "He probably got caught in his own traps when I started setting them off for him."  She shrugged her shoulders as he mattered little at that point, "Serves him right."

As they continued their search for a good tree they wouldn't have to just cut down and found the tree near the river  bend that was not much longer for the world Eilyne said, "I agree, this one is perfect for what you need."  She approached the tree and began to speak to it in sylvan consoling the tree for the end of it's long life and promise that it would not be cut down in vain.

Tauron nods to the other two, the witch and the dryad.
I think we all feel better about using this one than any other.
Eilyne Groveborn does it have any ripe fruit we can take.
Plant then across the land.  What more could the tree want that to know it's offspring will be scattered wide over the lands.

 Octavia agreed with Drezghl Zuhv in his assessment of the thug. His methods were never honourable, but this was beyond anything she had imagined. She was glad he was now worm food.

 She helped sorting and carrying the logs of acceptable dimensions for the war machines. While she was not gifted with engineering, she could tell good lumber from bad wood, and carried them away with ease even with a suit of armour on her back.

 As Tauron and the newcomer in ivy costume discussed which tree to get, she struggled to understand the selection criteria.
  "Has is it been like this all morning?" shed asked the half-orc with an eye roll.

Esmerelda collected the trees spirit before it was harvested...

She turns to Octavia
“Do you wish to know about your new handaxe?”

 Octavia took the handaxe from her belt, appreciated its weight and balance, and replied:
 "It is by no means mine – I didn't win it from its owner, merely picked it up."
 "But do tell, if you know more than meets the eyes."

“Aye magic it is an axe of spring and winter; working either against fire or against ice.”

A +1 handaxe of thawing & quenching

“Tis witches or feycrafted to have both worlds; heat and chill in a single item.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:06, Fri 21 Aug 2020.

In reply to Octavia Cassiana (msg # 90):

Drezghl merely sighs and nods.  Then he continues to help with the harvesting of the large cypress.

 The priestess considered the axe for one more moment, and then handed it over to Drezghl Zuhv.
  "A very interesting weapon, if Esmeralda is right. Better suited to the users of two weapons, I should say. I personally favour the two-handed style."

 She was ready to chop down the tree and return to the camp, unless there was anything else worthy of their attention in the woods.

Esmerelda balks...
“Clearly it must be decided whole to wield such a weapon and in what way. Perhaps it’s not a weapon at all and is meant for defense against both the song of ice and fire, as neither can contend with it ...”

The tree is harvested in short order...

It is nearly midday as the logs are all loaded
Fortunately the skilled lumberjack team knew to turn the empty wagon toward home, before loading it

 Octavia rides slightly ahead of the wagon transporting the logs, to open the road in case there was an ambush or other hazard.

 She urged everyone to press on as there was lots to do still to make the fort ready for battle...

The wagon rolls slowly under the weight of logs and the horses keep a steady pace through the woods

Soon a small red dragon with butterflies wings lands on a log he crosses his arms and blows a smoke ring out of his nostril..
“Greeting do you happen to have a jar of jam or wine?  I am fresh out.”

 Octavia turned her horse around when she spotted the little dragon, to see it land on the pile of logs. Her hand was on the pommel of her sword, but as the drake appeared peaceful she did not draw steel just yet.

  "We have no jam with us... and probably no wine either," she checked with a gander at the others, but it seemed unlikely they would have brought wine with them.

  "I can however offer you an opportunity to bargain for jam and wine, would you be interested?" she said in a tone that would hopefully entice the dragon to carry on the conversation.

  can i roll a knowledge check to identify the dragon?

Knowledge nature or dragons DC 12

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Faerie dragon

---

In reply to Octavia Cassiana (msg # 95):

"As do I, but you never know when you only have one hand empty. It's certainly an interesting axe." Drezghl said as he tucked it into his belt and went back to work.

Octavia was not particularly knowledgeable when it came to dragons. She would have to assume that this specimen was one of the famed red dragon, mightiest and evilest of their kind. Except this one had butterfly wings and seemed friendly enough, so she would give him the benefit of the doubt. For now. Or her? She couldn’t be sure if she was addressing a he or a she-drake.

  “A score of most evil men are about to attack our little community, one or two days from now. If you and yours could help use, if you would attack the brigands beforehand or even assist us in battle, I promise you a fair and handsome payment in the form of wine and jam, for whoever joins our side in this battle.”

 The priestess was not too sure whether Oleg actually had a stock of wine and jam available, but she was positive such could be procured or crafted if necessary.

The little dragon smiles and winks...
"I am Perlavish, and We have been watching you and you respect the trees and the ways that are our ways, and I have appeared because we have already decided to help you."

Just as suddenly another small creature appears with the legs of a cricket..
"And I am , TygTitter­Tut, TT for short...and yes you pass the tests,"

The appearance of the dragon was something of a surprise to Eilyne, she wasn't quite sure what kind it was but she suspected that she should know.  As she listened to the two creatures talk she smiled and gave a couple of rather grumpy people an "I told you so" look when they complained about her restrictions on their choices of lumber.  She gave each creature a nod and said, Perlavish, TygTitterTut, I am Eilyne and I am quite pleased to meet you both."

Eilyne Groveborn rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Know (nature).

Tauron looks at the little dragon and smiles.
It is a pleasure to meet you Perlavish and TT and to know you will be help.
The elf give the same look as Eilyne to Drezghl.
When I joined the group of people that came to defend the fort it was also to defend the land it self.  To make sure that nature itself was not forgotten.
The fact you are here for us to see and talking to us mean I not done a bad job.
After we defended the fort would you two take the time to show me more of these land and teach me more about nature here.  If you have time?

Perlavish laughs
”of course it is a pleasure to meet us we are the fey of this wood and have decided to help.”

“Well it is settled then, ride with us to the trade post, and we can work out the details. Any denizen of the forest you can bring with you will be welcome. The battle ahead will be a difficult one, but with more allies we will prevail, Gorum will shine upon us.”

 Octavia was eager to get back and get on with the battle preparations.

The wagon lumbers forward laden with the tree and logs

The fey creatures disappear and take flight, it is hard to say exactly where in the woods the fey are at any moment.

Strangely the forlorn woods seems suddenly warm and inviting as if welcoming you...

Imiria’s raven perches on Esmerelda the old gnome nods and talks to the bird...
The old gnome shakes her head slowly
“Troubling news indeed.”

When the woods opens back to the plains, it seems to have happened shockingly fast
The woodcutters scratch their heads
“Thought we were another hour to reach the edge.”

Eilyne was pleased to see the two beings and spoke to them in the language of the fey until they flew off.  It was nice to see more of "her kind" around and Eilyne was quite pleased.  When they reached the edge of the woods and the woodcutters expressed their shock Eilyne laughed and said, "Thus is the power of the fey in our lands.  We can trap you in the woods, running in circles if offended but if we are shown respect can as easily speed you on your journey."

She shifted atop the logs, laying on her stomach now, and looked ahead of them.  One leg lie to the side of the log while the other was on the center of the log with her knee bent letting her foot rise above her in the air.  It made her garment ride up on her backside and hinted at what she did, or did not, have on underneath it to anyone behind her.  If she cared if they saw it didn't show in the least.

TO: Oleg’s Trading Post
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

The remainder of the trip is uneventful
The only exception is when Esmerelda tells everyone that Filarion
Is in grave danger far from any humanly aid

Exit to Oleg’s