The room in which the party find themselves is nondescript; featureless steel walls, save for a single framed picture on the northern wall, which contains more of the mysterious writing, along with an image of a pair of humans. To the south, there is a single door, which is accompanied by one of the black panels that will prompt it to open when pressed.

To the west is an open archway that leads to what appears to be a wide steel balcony, a walkway which overlooks a space some eighty feet below. Moving closer to the arch, the adventurers can see that the lower area is filled with an enormous array of colorful plants, the collection of which have made the vast chamber a literal jungle. The company members can see vines, tall trees, and large collections of multi hued flowers. Some are familiar to them; many are not. In the center of the space is a small island, surrounded by body of clear water.



The walkway continues to the north and south. To the south, just before the balcony curves to the west, the adventurers can see another open archway that leads into a shadowy room. To the north, the walkway leads to a pair of doors. The first door is small, but the next is a wide double door that something large could easily fit though. Each door is secured with a lock that requires one of the colored squares of glass to open.

A short distance from the first door to the north, a group of thick green vines has overgrown a section of the walkway’s railing.



The walkway appears to encircle the chamber containing the plant growth. Looking to the north and south, the adventurers do not observe anything moving on the balcony.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:34, Mon 21 Sept 2020.

Ella walks free of the strange pit, her face a mask of wonderment at the powerful sorcery that must have gone into the creation of such a marvel. Once her feet are on solid ground again, she looks back up the pit to see the great distance she just traveled and says in a low voice, "Wow..."

Moments later, she repeats the same phrase upon seeing the subterranean jungle, this time appended with "...amazing!"

The sight of all the beautiful tropical flora somehow puts her more at ease with the strangeness of the steel fortress whose occupants refer to as a 'ship'. Jungle is familiar, albeit not underground jungles, but perhaps they have now descended into some strange Underdark realm tainted by fell sorcery?

She voices as much aloud and then posits a hypothesis, "I wonder if we might find our elven scouts somewhere within that jungle?"

Ehlonna's bosom!" Cal remarks seeing the jungle INSIDE the ship. "Just how large is this place? And how are they keeping all of these plants alive?" He looks up to see if there is some fantastic device that is somehow pumping sunlight into this room. Then he scans around the balcony to see if he can spot any more of the scouts' marks.

Azad will pause to study the framed picture on the wall, before joining the others on the balcony.

"Absolutely...astonishing..." Azad looks out on the apparently-indoor jungle with awe.

---

Azad's Comprehend Languages is good for 50 rounds.

Unimpressed by the indoor jungle for some reason, Wandreck starts searching the balcony near their location for traps.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:04, Mon 21 Sept 2020.

More comfortable with stone, the jungle makes him nervous, Lumwik keeps away from the edge and stays on the path, expecting something to jump out at any moment.

Moving to study the framed picture, Azad finds that it depicts a smiling man and woman, both clad in the one piece uniforms that some of the skeletons the company have discovered within the steel cavern have worn. The image is remarkable, in that it appears to have been somehow captured directly from life. The detail of the two figures is exceptional.


Wandreck finds no evidence of any manner of trap in the vicinity of the open archway.

Looking about, Sir Cal sees no signs from the elven scouts painted anywhere nearby. However, looking northward, some distance away, the elven warrior notices what looks like a rope tied to the walkway’s metal railing.

Keeping watch on the path, Lumwik is struck by the strange sense that the nearby vines that have overgrown the railing have shifted slightly, as if they moved all on their own.

"The wonders of Boccob never cease to amaze. With magic all things are possible, if one is patient," Herodian says as he looks out at the jungle.

Pointing to the vines overrunning the railing, "Might should be careful near that. Sometimes magic warps plants and they become more dangerous than they seem at first glance."

"Is da wind blowing?" The dwarf asks loudly. "Acause I swears dat plant jest moved." he says pointing at the railing.

Salenth takes a careful peek over the railing. Though obviously impressed by the impossible garden, her gaze remains cold. "I like this place not." She grips her mace tight, the steel reassuring her. "Regular jungles are dangerous enough; I dare not imagine the kind of horrors that may lurk in the one below. However, we might have no other choice than to venture into it". She points to the rope tied to the railing. "That's probably as good of a lead as we're going to get. Do we risk following that path, or should we find another way to get down?"

"I think we should follow the path." Cal says matter-of-factly. He moves to where the rope is tied to the railing, careful to keep a healthy distance from the shifting vines.

Ranzarth looked over the balcony to the area below to see if he can see where the rope touched ground, curious if hey could see anything else that might give the location of the scouts away. His eyes watched the vines carefully though to ensure they did not move towards them if they were truly alive or if it was a simple trick of the mind.

"I agree, that we should follow what appears to be the scouts' trail, if we are to find them.

Although that rope looks far less interesting than the Levitation Portal we used earlier!"

“If we’re using the rope, I suggest we go one at a time.  We’ll want that thing to still be in good shape by the time we’re done, in the unlikely event we ever decide to leave this place.”

"I could levitate someone down there. However I only have one Levitate spell memorized and I do not have a Fly spell memorized today. I must say looking over this jungle a fly spell might of been handy today," Herodian told the others.

Lumwik's concern over the moving vines drew Trisvyre's attention to begin with, her thought being the scouts may have climbed down the vine to reach the jungle floor (if they went that way at all).  But the dwarf's concern that the vines were moving on their own gave her caution.  She'd heard of plants trapping their prey and in the forests of Geoff there were examples, but nothing of the size that could threaten a person.  But here, especially with the tale of what had happened to some of the residents, who knew?

So she inspected the vines from a safe distance to try and determine if they were indeed moving with purpose.  Then she turned her attention to the rope someone else spotted.  That seemed almost certainly the way the scout had gone, though she still scanned for confirmation in the telltale markings they were trained to leave behind.  Regardless of what she spotted, she joined Ranzarth in scanning the area where the rope reached the jungle, in case any evidence of her brethren could be seen.

"Save the levitation for coming back up," she suggested to Herodian without looking away from the jungle.  "Going down is easy.  We'll need help to climb all this way back up."

"I have a few spell options should we need to get back up here quickly and cannot make it to that rope, or the rope itself is a trap." Ranzarth offers as his survey of the field below continues.

Herodian nods at the suggestion, "That seems a wise choice to wait for our return."

At Ranzarth's words he asks "Does anyone have a mirror that we could use to see towards the bottom of the rope to see if it is indeed obviously trapped or if the scout made it no farther than this?"

Ella had been listening to her companions discuss using the rope for some time without offering any comment one way or the other. When the issue seems settled, she approaches the rope to get a better look at how sturdy it might be. Since being alerted to the possibly moving vines, she draws her flaming sword, just in case...

"Let's see what we have here," he says in an assured tone.

OOC: Approaching rope/vines. Ella will volunteer to go down first, assuming the rope looks sturdy.

Wandreck keeps an eye on Ella, knowing that his magic boots may enable him to leap to her defense, should the need arise.

As Ella and Sir Cal move to examine the rope, the vines clinging to the walkway railing suddenly untangle and stretch, the thick green tendrils reaching for the two adventurers, any question regarding their ability to move now moot. As Lumwik springs into action, a third vine moves to bludgeon him.

OOC: As several of the adventurers are paying close attention to the mysterious plants, the party isn’t subject to surprise.

18:44, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

18:45, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative - Vines.

However, the vines, moving with remarkable speed, win initiative.

The vines snake out of the mass of growth, even as more of the plant appears to pull itself over the railing. The individual tendrils lash out hungrily, their movement like the tentacles of a creature from the deep sea.

18:54, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20.  Vines - Attack.

18:55, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d4.  Vines - Damage.

18:55, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d20.  Attack - Vines.

18:55, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack - Vines.

One the vines manages to snag Sir Cal’s leg, squeezing the elven warrior’s calf with surprising force. Ella is able to block the vine seeking her out with a deft movement of her shield, while Lumwik parries the vine striking at him with his axe.

OOC: It is the party’s turn to act.
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:08, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

Azad will move to the edge of the balcony, staying away from the vines, and leaving room for the rest of the group to swat at it with weapons.

He will peer over the edge to determine if the vines on the balcony appear to be appendages of a single creature or plant on the lower level.

If so he will blast at the main body with a Magic Missile.

---

17:28, Today: Azad Rola rolled 16 using 5d4+5.  magic missile.
[spell noted on character sheet]

Ella brandishes her flaming sword in an instant and strikes the grasping vines with ease...


OOC: Hit AC -9 for 9 points of damage if S/M or 7 if large.

19:43, Today: Ella rolled 22,9,7 using d20+4,d8+4,d12+4 with rolls of 18,5,3.  attack/damage.

Ranzarth sighed heavily as the plant creature struck out at his companions, others were already charging in on the limited walkway they were on and he was unsure he could get close enough to also add his blade to the fight, instead he chanted a quick word of power and pointed his finger towards the plant vines, 5 glowing motes of energy formed upon his finger tip before it was released and moved unerringly towards the vines, striking it


OOC: Cast Magic Missile for 16 damage


21:15, Today: Ranzarth rolled 16 using 5d4+5 with rolls of 3,2,4,1,1.  Magic Missile.

Wandreck lashes out with his sword, trying to sever the vine that is oppressing Sir Cal.

08:17, Today: Wandreck rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  Dam.
08:16, Today: Wandreck rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  To hit w/sword.

"As I suspected. That's why I asked if anyone had a mirror, if we could have seen to the bottom of the rope we might have seen the scouts, or what remained of them," he stated.

"Let's see I could raise a wall of fire, no no that might destroy to much. Ah let's see I'll give Sir Cal the strength to hopefully escape his captors," Herodian further stated.

He moved and touched Sir Cal casting Strength spell on him.

09:26, Today: Herodian rolled 8 using 1d8.  Strength Spell, Sir Cal, hoping Sir Cal based on description is fighter if not DM can roll and substitute appropriate die.

Trisvyre maneuvered herself for an attack upon the vines that had attacked the other party members.  But in her haste to get an opening her slashes were slightly wild.


OOC:

19:57, Today: Trisvyre rolled 7,12 using d20+2,d20+2.  Attack vines.  Second attack might hit?
19:58, Today: Trisvyre rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  Damage.  If second attack hit.

Axes are good for chopping, and vines are close enough to trees, the oversized Lumwik strikes out.

20:23, Today: Lumwik rolled 10,17,15,20 using 1d20+9,1d8+12,1d20+9,1d8+12


Hits AC  2 for 17
Hits AC -3 for 20


HP 101/101

"By Cuthbert's cudgel!" Salenth had expected trouble, but not so soon! Though a mace might not be terribly effective weapon against vines, it's the best she has in this situation. She hopes St. Cuthbert's rectifying touch will be enough.


17:33, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 20,6 using 1d20+1,1d6+2.  Attack, Damage.
Hits AC-3

"Gah!" Cal exclaims as the vine grabs his leg. His struggle to maintain his balance makes him slower to react than the rest of the party. Once his weight is readjusted to his other leg, he swipes out quickly with his thin blade at the vine attached to his leg. Those trained in elvish swordplay would recognize his attack as a one-handed Weaver's Retort.



16:59, Today: Sir Cal rolled 11,13,27,18 using d20+9,d8+11,d20+9,d8+11.  counter attack vine.

Hit AC 2, 13 damage
Hit AC -10, 18 damage

The adventurers react swiftly to the attack of the vines. Azad and Ranzarth’s searing missiles blast several of the the thick tendrils apart, while the other company members efficiently slice or crush more of the encroaching plants. In moments, the walkway is littered with the remains of the strangling foliage, some of the separated vines still thrashing about violently as the last vestiges of life leave them.

Azad, who has peered over the balcony, is unable to make out a central body from which the vines originate, though they do appear to stretch all the way down to the dark soil some eighty feet below. The closest comparison the wizard can make to the plants’ structure is that of the dark leaved ivy that has overtaken the walls of many towers and libraries that he has studied in. Though the adventurers have driven the tallest of the vines back with their efforts, Azad can see that more have begun to rise, moving up to the balcony’s railing with surprising swiftness.

OOC: The party has succeeded in destroying the tallest group of the vines. At the moment, there are none that can still threaten them. However, in another round’s time, more of the plants will be able to reach over the balcony’s railing to attack.

[Draconic: "Bloody, bloody hells!"]

"There's more ivy climbing up this way! And quickly!"

The wizard looks like he might cast a spell, but then he pauses a moment and a smile crosses his face.

He holds his staff up, and utters a command, "Augue!"

A bead of like streak from the staff, aimed at the spot on the ground where he believes the vine originates, and then it blossoms into a ball of fire!

---

Cast Fireball from staff for 29 points damage; save for half. (2 charges deducted).

"Careful now, we wouldn't want the balcony to collapse," Herodian cautioned after the fireball went off.

The fireball streaks into the center of the writhing mass of vegetation, flames enveloping most of the vines as it detonates. The effect is immediate. Though many of the vines are consumed by the blaze, reduced to withered, blackened shoots or ash, several portions of the plant mass survive. Those that longer respond with apparent panic, moving swiftly down to the floor of the enclosed jungle, retreating from the area near the balcony to escape the conflagration. Within moments, the remaining vines have vanished into the dense foliage below, as the last flickers of combustion dissipate.

OOC: Combat over.

"Nice work," Ella says in compliment of Azad's quick thinking and magical prowess. Then she approaches the bannister and prods the inert vines with her flaming sword a few times just to ensure they are truly, dead.

Assuming the vines do not spring to life, she retrieves a rope and ties a knot to the railing in preparation for a trip down to the forested garden below.

"Impressive," Wandreck says simply.  "But I hope we don't end up needing that later, and finding ourselves without it.  I suspect this jungle harbors far worse threats than those vines."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Wed 07 Oct 2020.

"Even if we are reduced to flesh and steel we will still prevail, for a just cause and a courageous heart trump all manner of threats and terrors. Though I wish we could blast the jungle below to smithreens too." She takes a deep breath to steel herself; heights are not her strong suit. "I volunteer to go down the rope first."

"The main plant survived," Herodian pointed out as the vines retreat.

"We'll need to be careful once we are back on their level. Unfortunately the fireball seems to have destroyed the rope that the scouts used. So does anyone have some rope with them?" he said.

"Perhaps before we venture below we should check out a couple of the doors along this walk way? To avoid any surprises for one or something blocking our retreat if need be." Ranzarth remarks as he looks back and forth along the walk way from their position, noting the archway just down the way and the closed doors near to them.

Trisvyre looked a little pained at Ranzarth's suggestion.  "I would prefer to keep after my kinsmen, as the longer we delay the less likely we are to find any alive." The scout looked meaningfully at the remnants of the attacking vines to underscore the deadliness of the place.

"But I will not split us up.  That would be even more unwise.  If everyone agrees with Ranzarth I will simply ask we do these additional checks as quickly as possible."

"I concur I would like to go after your kinsmen. But I do not want to head over the railings and when we try to return something come out of these doors that are near our exit." Ranzarth stated softly "It would be unwise to at least check the immediate doors before climbing down the rope."

When talk turns to opening doors, Ella shrugs her shoulders while retrieving a coil of rope from her pack.

"I thought we were looking for the scouts and figured there was a good chance they followed the rope down..."

"But I am in no rush if others think it best to check behind these doors first."

"I agree with Trisvyre. We should continue after the scouting party.

Your thought, Ranzarth is prudent. But we have left at least a dozen doors unopened and unexplored above; and likely there are many dozens that we did not even see."

The large dwarf offers.  "I have rope. Though I'm not sure even a double braid would support me."

Ranzarth shrugged at the others "We have not gone down every path nor opened every door that is true. But we have two passages ways next to our only known exit here and we are not thinking of checking them. I believe that to be unwise. But if we feel that is prudent, so be it." He moves towards the rope that was already tied to the walkway and checks it for any damage before he nimbly swings over the side holding onto the rope, ready to drop down below.

"I have seen many a just cause and courageous heart defeated by ruthless cunning and unchecked greed," Wandreck tells Salenth.  "But in our case, I'm sure you're right."

Although the party seems to have already resolved the rope issue, he does offer his own for general use, should it be needed.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Fri 09 Oct 2020.

"I believe Ranzarth raises a valid point. It would only take a few moments to open the doors and look in, if nothing more there immediately we can continue down the rope, otherwise better to take care of any hostiles prior to trying to get back up while climbing the rope," Herodian offered.

"I confess I am of the opinion that we should not delay any further and climb down presently. We are like to blunder into awakening sleeping menaces and waste our energies putting them down if we just wander around", Salenth says.

Ella is also of the mindset the party needn't open every door they come across, particularly since part of their mission is to find the missing scouts and they have come across tangible evidence of their recent passage.

While the party attempts to resolve the impasse, she looks over the banister and tries to see if she can see any tracks near the end of the rope...

OOC: Is it possible to discern tracks from this height?

Wandreck keeps a close eye on Ella, ready to spring to her aid should the need arise.

Azad rolls his eyes as his companions dither.

He waves his hand, and says "Ortum."

He rises in the air, until he is feet are just about at the top of the railing. He then steps on the rail, and into the air on the other side.

"Ready, when you are, Ranzarth."

He will descend at the same rate as Ranzarth.

---

Cast Levitate
Duration 10 turns; move vertically at a rate of 20 ft per round.

Seeing some of her companions already committing to following her elven brethren, Trisvyre joins Ella near the rail, readying herself to descend after Azad and Ranzarth.

Herodian wasn't sure about this but he would follow the others, there was safety in numbers and they still needed to find the scouts though he feared the vines may have killed the scouts.

Salenth keeps an eye out for trouble while she waits for her turn to descend, more nervous about having to make the climb than other dangers.

Rather than trust that flimsy rope, Wandreck jumps down, trusting in his magic boots.  Onward!

Ranzarth, Azad, and Wandreck descend into the enclosed jungle. The soil feels soft beneath their feet as they take their first steps upon it, the thick green grass standing just above their ankles.

The trio are surrounded by tall trees, the leaves of which vary in hue from green to purple to blue. At the moment, none of the adventurers see anything moving within their vicinity. A few paces ahead of them a stream of clear water, no more than two feet deep at its lowest point, winds amongst the tree trunks, making a soft babbling sound as it passes. Beyond a nearby bend in the stream is a thick pile of rotting vegetation, possibly the remains of plants that have have failed to grow within the massive garden.

Directly south of where the group stands, they can can see that the brook has formed a short branch off of the main waterway, flowing a few feet before halting in a small, deep pool. A tall plant, almost seven feet in height, stands beside the pond, its thick green stalks topped with flowers of bright yellow, vivid orange, and intense red.

Roughly fifteen feet ahead, the three company members can see a pathway, made up of what appear to be flat pieces of slate, which leads from northwest to southeast. Portions of both branches of the trail screened by the thick foliage overhead.

Behind the company members, situated beneath the metal walkway, is an enclosed area which is accessed through a steel door. Wide windows allow the adventurers to see that the area beyond the door is set up like a tavern, the centerpiece of the room a long, polished bar fronted by several empty stools. Shelves behind the bar hold a number of different bottles that are thick with dust. A few round tables and chairs offer additional places to sit. Behind the bar stands a construct, a metal cylinder that is similar in appearance to those that the party had battled on the upper level. It is perfectly still, making no discernible movements.

The adventurers that are still on the walkway above do not perceive any activity in their vicinity.

Trisvyre wasted no time in joining her companions below.  She was convinced the other elven scouts had come this way, and finding them was her top priority.  She slid down the rope nimbly and joined the others in taking in their strange surroundings.

"The path may be the obvious way forward; but are there any tracks to indicate if that is the direction the scouts took?"

While his companions examine the ground, Azad will concentrate on their surroundings, looking for signs of magic. He is especially interested in the tall plant.

---

Cast Detect Magic from staff (no charge required).
Focus on the plant, then slowly turn toward the path. Can scan 60 degrees per round.

Ella draws her bow and continues to provide overwatch for her companions. The half-elf ranger scans the surrounding jungle for any signs of movement or activity and gestures for those remaining with her to do likewise for a few moments.

She waits atop the catwalk for a short period of time and then will join her companions, assuming no audible or visible threat materializes.

Herodian followed the others down the rope and looked about cautiously expecting the vines to attack. He was in particular looking for any signs of the scouts nearby he expected their bones might be nearby from the vines.

Probably the last down the rope, Cal joins the rest of the group below. He scans about for any additional markings that the scouts might have made and for signs of danger.

"I will go last, ifin tha rope breaks." Lumwik offers. "or I kin jes jump.  I'll survive that fall."

Salenth descends when her turn comes.

Below, she examines her surroundings and comes to a conclusion: "The scouts must have followed the path - the metal monster would've stopped them if they had gone that way", she says, referring to the tavern-like room.
She takes a look at the strange plant with Azad, keeping an eye on the pool all the while, lest something jump out of it and attack.

“I’d be careful of that plant.  Its blossoms are far too pretty.  I don’t trust it.”

Once her companions have made it safely down the rope, Ella joins them and immediately searches for tracks...

"We'll need to be cautious that's for sure, let's take the path if danger lurks back towards the tavern area, perhaps we will find the scouts still but I do fear that one of these plants might have snagged them. I've not seen such plants before. So large and aggressive. Not like plants at all," he said as they got the last of the group down.

"Should we perhaps venture towards where we saw the one retreating to? Perhaps we can find some remnants there of them? Hopefully alive. Otherwise wouldn't they have left a marking near here marking direction?" Ranzarth adds as he puzzles out everything, finding it curious that the scouts would leave no markers here for that creature unless they were unaware of it until to late.

"That seems reasonable, let us proceed that way if the others are agreeable," Herodian said.

Wandreck grunts affirmatively, eager to move on.  "Let's just hope we don't end up being the scapegoats for seven thousand years of agriculture."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:54, Sun 18 Oct 2020.

"Aye." Cal says curtly, indicating his readiness to proceed.

Harkmur descends the rope, with Sir Cal and Lumwik being the last of the company to descend.

Carefully observing each quadrant around the gathered company, Azad does not observe anything in the vicinity, including anything near the slate marked path, that glows in response to his search for magic. Although much of the adventurers’ surroundings contain strange, unfamiliar sights, especially with regard to the exotic plant life, none of it appears to be enchanted.

Azad and Salenth both notice that the bright flowers atop the tall plant beside the pool each appear different, not merely because of their variance in color, but in the shape of their petals. Each group of petals is distinct from its neighbors, some rounded and wide, some narrow, some almost triangular.

Trisvyre does not notice any signs nearby that were left by her fellow scouts. Herodian, keeping an eye out for remains, observes none. Ella, however, is able to find the traces of boot prints on and around the pieces of slate that make up the marked path. They travel to the southeast, the same direction that the company has agreed to proceed in.

Following the path, the party reaches a clearing of sorts, one that, while not entirely devoid of trees, provides them with a view of the lake that occupies the center of the enclosed garden, which they first observed from the walkway above. The shore is approximately seventy feet away to the west, a walk that winds between several tall trees and a number of hanging vines. The small island in the middle of the body of water is covered with several colorful bushes and shrubs, but pushing out from the center of them are a pair of steel poles, which are presumably staked in the earth.

Ahead, the slate path slants southward, leading to an area that is without any trees or shrubs, the ground covered in a large patch of what appears to be bright green moss. South of the collection of moss, there is an opening in the steel wall that borders the jungle, leading into a chamber which is unlit. On the northern side of the opening lie remnants of the choking vines that the adventurers faced earlier.

Directly west of the path, there is a rustling, and a moment later, a pair of animals emerge. In most respects, the furry white creatures resemble rabbits, having the same size, shape, and extremities. However, these “rabbits” have ears that are considerably shorter and rounded. Each one also has a pair of tiny horn emerging from their snouts, just above their noses. The horn closest to their eyes is larger than the one nearest the nose. The two creatures halt as they perceive the presence of the adventurers, their dark eyes regarding the party with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

While keeping a wary eye on the lepus, Wandreck tries to judge the distance from the shore to the small island.  Does he think his boots could get him there in one jump?

Ella kneels down and examines the slate paver and alerts her companions to her findings, "A booted humanoid passed through this way," she gestures to the southeast. "Perhaps we will soon learn the scout's fate."

The ranger then follows her companions while examining the surrounding flora. Then she notices the horned rabbit.

"What have we here?" she says in a low, soothing tone.

"Be you friend or foe, little ones?" she calls out to the strange animals in pleasant, high-pitched tone.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:24, Fri 23 Oct 2020.

"How long ago did they pass do you think," he asked.

Looking at the bunnies he was cautious, things in this jungle were already not normal with the plants now horned rabbits. He considered the horn design, many harmless creatures had horns used largely in mating ceremonies to attract mates. He wondered if these rabbits were something akin to that or if it was something more sinister.

At Ella's observation Trisvyre was encouraged.  They had come this way then, and perhaps Ella was right.  Maybe they would find her fellow scouts soon!

As they wandered through the strange garden the elven scout felt a certain amount of disorientation.  A few of the plants seemed familiar, or at least close enough to be considered familiar, but others were completely alien in appearance.  It was strange to be in one's element and yet be out of it, at the same time.  A sense of disquiet built within her belly and they cautiously made their way along the slate path.  When the rabbits, or rather rabbit-ish creatures appeared she was immediately wary.  The horns immediately caught her attention, yet again reinforcing the alien nature of their surroundings.

"Careful Ella," she cautioned.  "I mistrust the nature of this place and its image of almost-normalcy."

"That is an interesting, and I think apt way of describing this place, Trisvyre.

I say we follow the scouts' tracks until we find them.

And Ella, I again agree with Trisvyre, do be careful!"

"Those are clearly no rabbits", Salenth says eyeing the supposed rodents suspiciously. "I wouldn't be surprised if they were some sort of predator that masquerades as their prey to get closer to them. Though one would also ask themselves if true rabbits are also found in this place."

"Everything we've met has been hostile. Even the plants." Cal reminds everyone. "Those rabbit-LIKE creatures are likely no different. I agree with Salenth as to their likely ruse."

"We probably don't want them behind us, though, so perhaps we have to let this play out and deal with their inevitable attack."

Cal readies his sword and dagger. He casts a quick glance at Lumwik to confirm if the dwarf is also getting into position.

Based on his own understanding of his magical footwear’s capabilities, Wandreck strongly suspects that an attempted jump to reach the island would fall twenty or more feet short, landing him in the deep water. The thick foliage makes it difficult for the thief to tell if there might be another way to reach the island, or if the distance between island and shore might be shorter at a different location.

One of the rabbits does not move when Ella addresses the pair, its dark eyes reflecting a primitive mistrust. The other bunny takes a single, cautious hop toward the ranger, regarding her curiously. Despite its approach, its body remains tensed, as though ready to flee at the slightest hint of danger.

From some distant point to the west, possibly the other side of the enclosed jungle, there sounds a shriek, followed by a moment of silence, then a second call that sounds similar to the first, possibly an answer from a similar creature. Both noises have a simian quality, sounding to the well traveled within the company like the cries of apes, or monkeys.

Ella looks in the direction where the simian shriek seemed to originate and then returns her gaze to the horned rabbit to try to determine their reaction upon hearing the strange cry.

"Apes of some sort," Ella says, her voice rising at the end to hint at uncertainty with the assessment. "Though in this place, there is no telling what it might have belonged to."

She then turns her attention to the island. "I could scout out a possible easier way.. Our scouts may have headed there as well," she says while reminding the party the tracks she saw led to the southeast, in the island's general direction.

Harkmur had remained silent.  His stoic gaze searching the trees and skys for a target.   Most everyone was making noise and trying to come up with a way to cross and their focus on the ground and water.

After a moment he cleared his throat.

"I am especially good at swimming and climbing.   We tie two ropes together and I'll swim across fast and have you all hold and end here and watch as I cross.   Can attatch it on the other side and everyone pull themselves across or be pulled.   Unsure if any direction is safe, but it would be the fastest across."

"Perhaps look for a fallen log and we could use it to cross?" Herodian suggested to the others. He hadn't spotted such himself but they might could make an impromptu bridge if someone else had seen such a tree down.

Ella nods in agreement with Harkmur and Herodian's plans and begins looking for a fallen log large enough to serve the desired function. Of course, it will also need to be easily portable, which may be doubtful, but she doesn't dismiss her companion's suggestion out of hand.

If she is unable to locate a suitable log, she agrees to aid Harkmur with the task.

She then turns her attention back where she last saw the strange rabbits and looks beyond them to see whether she sees any evide of ape-like creatures in the distance.

OOC: Are the rabbits still there, watching?

Wandrecks helps search for a log that will serve, while keeping a sharp eye out for rabbit and ape alike.  This area has been far more ‘colorful’ so far than he would prefer.

"We should first circle the island before chancing to cross unknown waters. Who knows, maybe we'll find a passage across... or at least a shorter stretch of lake. In any case, I think our friend Herodian has had a good idea."

Salenth will help build a makeshift raft.

"Given the state of everything here so far, jumping into those waters without knowing whats in them seems to be a poor decision. If we want to get to that Island I could use my magic to open a short gateway and hop through. But I agree we should continue to scout the perimeter here first." Ranzarth adds as his eyes roam the dubious waters of this place and then back to the plants to make sure no vines are approaching his position.

"Harkmur, your offer is brave, but I believe that it would be likely that you would end up as bait on a fish hook if you jump in that lake!"

"I also agree with more scouting.  Let's follow what track we can find and see all that we can see before making a decision.  There have been too many strange dangers here to leave anything to chance."

Wandreck offers to take point.

The braver of the two bunnies, the one that approached Ella, looks in the direction of the simian calls when they occur. The attenuation appears to be more out of curiosity than fear, the small creature making no move to run off and seek shelter. The other bunny, apparently having decided that the adventurers present no threat, makes its way over to a patch of tall grass, where it begins to munch contentedly on some of the stems. As the party departs, neither of the rabbit creatures attempt to follow them.

The adventurers press forward, following the slate path as it begins to angle toward the southwest. As it turns, the company members gain a clearer view of the lake through an opening in the foliage. Almost directly opposite of their position, across the lake on the western shore, the party can see a metal bridge, partially draped in vines, which provides passage to the island in the lake’s center. As they look, the normally still water is disrupted by a single ripple, strong enough to move across most of the lake’s surface. Once it has passed, the water grows calm again.

The pathway continues southwest, roughly following the shoreline of the lake. After a short distance, it leads into a section of the indoor garden that has shifted into swampland, tall reeds and spindly brushes emerging from the marshy ground, gnarled trees that carry a host of deep blue leaves sheltering much of the area underneath their canopy.

Clustered around the spot where the path enters the swamp are a trio of wide leaved plants with white berries. The tips of some of the leaves rest on the edges of the pathway, the stem running through each leaf appearing fibrous and tough. The berries smell delectable, their rich scent containing hints of blueberry and raspberry.



Lying beside one of the odd plants on the ground is a well used and carefully maintained longbow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:47, Wed 04 Nov 2020.

"Look a bow, is that like one of the ones your scouts would have used?" Ranzarth states softly as his eyes roam the area looking for a potential trap. He knew the others would have seen it but he wanted to be sure to draw their attention in case they hadn't.

Harkmur followed along and had remained silent.

As they saw the longbow and Ranzarth poised his question, he went on alert.

He kept his crossbow out and started to scan their surroundings for a problem.

"It has not lain long here that is for sure. The cluster of vines on the bridge are concerning. I fear a scout may not have made it. We should approach with caution my friends," Herodian said.

Trisvyre approached with caution, until she could get a good look at the bow.  She expected she'd recognize one of elven manufacture such as the scouts used, if not the specific owner.

Lumwik keeps his eyes open for moving plants, or monkeys, letting the others make discoveries, he strives to keep them safe.

"Well, at least it seems we're on the right track. We'll need to cross the swamp to get there, though." She points to the bridge, then her eyes go wide as the ripples appear on the lake. "What was that?" Indeed, what was that? Salenth was suddenly very glad that they hadn't stopped to make a boat.

As they approach, she turns her attention to the plant with the berries. "Ella, do you think these are poisonous?"

“It would be wise to assume that they are.  A sweet smell can send you to hell.”

Ella visually examines the strange plants, from a distance, searching her memories for any plant she may have seen along her many travels that might have any resemblance to this specimen.

If she has not seen any such plant before, she agrees with her companions assessment to keep their distance, and perhaps send a volley of arrows into one of the plants before approaching.

"Just in case," she says in a serious tone.

"Good idea." Cal agrees with Ella's thoughts of shooting some arrows into the plants in advance. He pulls out his bow and nocks an arrow. "Ready when you are." he says to anyone else with a bow so they can fire in unison.


I'll fire whenever everyone else is ready.

13:50, Today: Sir Cal rolled 13,18,4,4 using d20+1,d20+1,d6,d6 with rolls of 12,17,4,4.  shoot plants.

AC1 and AC-4, each for 4pts.

Ella takes a shot at the strange plant. It's not a great shot, but likely enough to provoke an action if the plant is sentient and/or deadly.

OOC: Hit AC 8 for 4 points of damage.

19:51, Today: Ella rolled 5,4 using d20+1,d6 with rolls of 4,4.  Bow THAC0 13.

"I agree the sweet aroma could be a lure for prey. It is not uncommon. It is also where a predator might take advantage of the bush which might be harmless itself. I'm cocerned about the bow and vines on the bridge. The bridge would be a strategic point where an archer might set up to cover. If the vines are carniverous then I fear a scout may be under them," Herodian said.

He had not noticed anything in the water and so refocused to see if he to might see it. He shook his head at using arrows in this way. He felt it a waste when the bush could easily be avoided. "Save your arrows friends. I assume you only have so many of them and we know not how long this will last. I can use fire to destroy them if you like from the staff, or we can just avoid them. It is not necessary to destroy everything we encounter, if we do that we become no better than orcs," he cautioned.

Oh that he had some sort of telekinesis spell but that was magic beyond his ability yet.

Drawing close to the bow, Trisvyre has no doubt that the weapon is of elven craftsmanship.


The arrows strike near the plant’s center, close to the cluster of sweet smelling berries. The long, wide leaves of the plant immediately spring upward, each one as solid as a blade of metal. The leaves close together, the plant itself shaking violently several times, as if it is working to break down, or even digest, whatever it has managed to ensnare.

Even as much of the party is observing the plant close like a hunter’s snare, Lumwik notices a rustling among the tall reeds at the edge of the marsh. As the dwarven warrior tenses, a group of three ape like creatures emerge from the foliage. Each one has light brown fur and stands slightly shorter than a human male. They possess long fangs that are pronounced, protruding from their mouths, even when they are closed. They blink at Lumwik, their wide eyes taking in the sight of him and the rest of the party.

Ella lowers her bow upon seeing the 'plants' reaction and comments, "suspected as much, but good to know for sure." She readily agrees with others' assessment to give the plants a wide berth, if possible.

When the ape-like creatures appear, Ella recites primal words of power to cast a spell.

"We wish no quarrel with you. We've come seeking elven scouts. One of which was carrying this bow," and she points to the bow they found on the ground. "Have you seen where they have gone?" she asks.

OOC: Ella casts Tongues, a 4th level cleric spell, which should allow Ella to speak the language of any creature, where it is a racial or alignment tongue.

Ranzarth hand goes to the hilt of his sword as he slowly draws the blade in preparation for these creatures to attack. His eyes darting from them to the various trees and other plants around them.

"How very interesting..." Azad remarks as the large plant snaps shut on the arrows, "...likely eats small animals attracted to the smell of the berries. I've seen something similar but much, much smaller. It ate tiny insects."

The wizard looks to the horned, rabbit-like creatures to see if they reacted to the plant.

While the plant was otherwise distracted Trisvyre used her own bowstave to drag the other bow toward her.  It was clear the weapon was of elven manufacture but when she saw the personal sigil carved into the wood her breath caught and a distraught look came across her face.  "Oh no, Farieth!"

Any further reaction was cut short by the appearance of the trio of apes.  Gaze narrowing suspiciously, she took a step back and dropped a hand to the hilt of her sword.

Herodian looked over as the apes appeared drawing his eyes away from the bush. He thought to himself as the plant devoured the arrows, Perfectly good waste of an arrow.

Only three apes, he thought apes traveled in groups much larger than that. He noticed Ella used a Tongues spell to attempt to communicate. He didn't think apes would be intelligent enough for such an effort but he supposed it was better than just cutting them down.

He waited staff in hand to see if Ella's efforts bore any fruit.

Lumwik keeps still, watching the monkeys for aggression.  "Ya doan wanna try me, monkey." he says softly.

As Wandreck keeps an eye on the apes, Wandreck can’t help but wonder if they’d actually turn out to be more intelligent than most of the humanoids he’d met.  They could hardly be more stupid than the average pub-crawler.

"Curious" Cal states as the plant eats his arrows.

Then seeing the apes appear and Ella casting a spell, Cal puts his bow away slowly as to not arouse the attention of the apes or appear threatening. He then readies his hand on the hilt of his sword and dagger in case these creatures turned hostile.

One of the apes takes a pair of steps toward Ella, its expression one of surprise. It gestures toward its own ears, then makes a series of noises; grunts, growls, and shrieks. The other two simians watch the gathered adventurers closely, but make no aggressive movements, their steady gaze a mixture of caution and curiosity.

Ella nods in understanding as the apes grunt, growl, and shriek in response to her query. "Thank you, friend. That is quite helpful. We only wish to find our pointy eared friends. Unfortunately," she says while glancing around her, "there are many here who would see harm come to us. I am happy we can count on your kind as, friends."

In a lower voice to her companions, "The scouts used the bridge to get to the island..."

Continuing to the apes, "I am Ella. I am honored to meet you." She points to herself and repeats, "Ella. Honored."


Formalities out of the way, "What may we find on the island, while looking for our friends? Do you know?"

Seeing that Ella is having successful parlay with these creatures, Cal slowly, non-threateningly reaches into his pack and pulls out a couple morsels of food. He takes a small bite of each to show the simians it is food, then places it on the ground a few feet in front of himself then backs up a step.

With so many eyes looking forward, Harkmur turns away from the party.

He begins to scout the ground and raises his eyes to the trees.  Looking for any threatening creatures or plants, he also looks to see if there are other white monkeys behind them.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Ranzarth's eyes darted to the island, whispering softly "Likely ventured there to minimize their chances of being surrounded to rest. We can hope that they are still alive there." He looked to Ella to finish her conversation as he wanted to get to the bridge quickly as possible.

Herodian waited patiently while Ella did her magic. It was at least nice to find something that didn't attack them immediately. He kept the staff in hand just in case things turned out badly.

Wandreck clears his throat.  “Any chance of convincing the apes to cross the bridge ahead of us?  I’m getting the feeling the scouts encountered something unpleasant there.”
This message was last edited by the player at 09:28, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

Ella nods and replies, "Yes. I can ask them to show us the way. One moment..."

She then awaits the apes' response and if they still seem interested in parlay, she broaches the topic of them leading the way.

Azad was quite interested in Ella's conversation with the apes. He was tempted to cast his own Tongues spell, but then thought it might be needed later.


"Really Wandreck? We discover that they are capable of rational speech and thought and you want to use them like livestock to clear the path of traps?"

The wizard gives a disdainful snort.

---

I asked previously, but you must have missed it, did the "bunnies" react to the flower clomping shut on the arrows?

Wandreck grins curtly and nods vigorously.

Harkmur sees no other threats in the company’s immediate vicinity, but he does see hints of light brown fur amongst the marsh’s dense foliage to the southwest, a sight that tells the warrior that there are more apes hiding there, perhaps waiting to see how their fellow simians fare.

One of the apes that is not speaking to Ella watches Sir Cal lay down the morsels of void. Cautiously, the creature advances when the elven warrior backs away, quickly snatching the pieces of food from the ground, then returning its companions. It tastes one of morsels, then makes a high pitched cry that seems indicative of happiness before sharing the other piece with its fellow simian.

The ape that Ella is speaking with answers the ranger’s questions.


OOC: Apologies for leaving your question unanswered, Azad. As soon as the plant snapped closed around the arrow, both rabbit creatures scurried out of sight, disappearing into the tall grass.

Ella nods sympathetically as the ape-like creatures relay what they know of the island. "Thank you," she replies. "We would wish no harm come to your..." she pauses a moment to recall the term she has described for a collection of apes. Coming up blank, she proffers, "...kin."

Then she relays to her companions. "They say there is a magic place on that island, but that it is guarded by a powerful lake guardian." She pauses a moment while considering their earlier talks of swimming across the lake. Pushing that image aside, she continues, "The apes are afraid of the lake guardian, which apparently has acquired a taste for meat."

Turning back to the apes, "Did the lake guardian take pointy ears for food?" Hopefully she could ascertain here and now whether any hope remains for finding the scouts, alive.

OOC: a group of apes is called a shrewdness...who knew?

“No offense intended, but are we really going to take the word of some silly monkeys when it comes to something this important?  The whole point of this mission is to make sure we know what happened to the elvish scouts.  I’d hate to report that we got all this way but stopped short because some smelly tree-climbers told us it was a no go.”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:44, Tue 17 Nov 2020.

"I don't think that's what she said, Wandreck," Trisvyre said softly.  The elven scout was duly impressed by Ella's clever use of magic, especially uncovering that the other elves had crossed the bridge to the island.  That cemented their course in her mind, whether or not the apes joined them in the crossing.

She paused to let Ella finish her somewhat strange conversation, but once that was ended she immediately suggested they carry on to the bridge.  "Once we get a closer look at it we can decide how exactly to cross and what to do about the lake monster."

"Well if you believe the apes are unreliable, you could always cross the bridge and see what happens?" Herodian said, "I think I'll wait for Ella to finish first and see what more she learns if anything."

“I’ll do just that if need be, and trust in my enchanted boots to spring to safety if things get too hot over there.  But I still like my idea of sending the apes ahead of us, although I fear the rest of you have other ideas.”

The ape that is speaking to Ella peers over at the lake and the island in its center. Returning its attention to the ranger after a moment, it responds to her in a series of growls.


The lake is disturbed again, displaced by a lone ripple that sends liquid splashing several feet onto shore. In the wake of the sudden movement, the water stills, its surface once more like glass.

"Something lurks beneath those waters. We must be prepared if we are going to cross it." Ranzarth responds as he eyes the lake warily, thinking what recourse they have here.

Herodian looked for a rock. If he finds one he will skip it off the surface of the lake towards the island.

Ella nods as the apes continue their tale. When they have completed, she thanks them again and tells her companions, "The apes led the elves through the swamp, tried to help the scouts escape from the lake guardian, but they do not their fate."

Ella states matter-of-factly, "The apes are afraid of the lake guardian and claim it knows their smell and has developed a taste for ape."

"Fortunately, we are not apes," she says with resolve while placing her hand on the pommel of her flametongue.

Turning back to the apes, "Perhaps my companions and I can put an end to this lake guardian once and for all. Anything you can tell me about it would be very helpful to ridding it from the lake..."

Hopefully the apes could relay enough information about the lake guardian to prepare them for a little hunting excursion...

The dwarf keeps an eye on the waters, he wasn't much afraid of a bloddy battle with a beasty, but swimming was not something he looked forward to.  "Dwarfs sink." he says matter of factly.

"Ella, can you ask specifically if he can describe its size or weight? Is it the size of one ape or five apes or ten apes?"

"I do not like to be mistrustful of our allies, but our circumstances force us to be absolutely careful: is it possible that these apes lead the scouts, and now us, into a trap? I fail to see how this monster, if it is confined to the lake, could harm any land-dwellers... or whether we will be able to defeat it, especially in the water, if it is as large as it looks."

Wandreck speaks softly and agreeably as if everything were still wine and roses.  “Well said, Salenth.  Personally, I don’t trust anything these simians are telling us.  We would be wise to assume that they played a role in the scouts’ presumably grim fate.  Of course, we need not do anything to tip them off.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Sat 21 Nov 2020.

Ella nods and questions the apes, as Azad has asked...

Herodian hoped that the skipping rock would attract the attention of whatever this guardian was and he could get a good look at it.

Trisvyre continued to wait for Ella to finish, albeit restlessly.  She wanted to get across to the island and rescue what remained of the scouting party.  But she recognized the value in reconnaissance, and also in learning more of their challenges.  When Herodian tried skipping a rock across the waters, she watched closely for the aquatic guardian's reaction.

Cal watches the pond where Herodian skipped the rock, also hoping to get more information about the creature there.

Herodian finds a smooth gray stone only a pace away. Calling upon skills learned in his youth, the sorcerer-priest throws the rock with graceful accuracy, sending it skipping at regularly spaced intervals across the lake’s surface. Midway through its journey, it is met by a torrent of water which erupts from the lake, vanishing within the white foam spray.

In the wake of the abrupt rise of water, two of the apes, those that accepted Sir Cal’s offering of food, screech in alarm and run, retreating on all fours into the nearby marsh, winding through the trees as fast as they are able. The simian that has been speaking with Ella remains, for the moment, though its eyes reflect panic, and its limbs quiver with tension as it stands ready to join its comrades in flight. It answers Ella rapidly.


Done, the remaining ape follows its fellows, dashing quickly for the cover of the marsh.

Those watching the lake as the spray of water recedes catch a glimpse of something odd at the water’s surface. For a moment, what appears to be a green stalk, the same color as the vibrant plant life, protrudes a short distance above the disturbed lake. The stalk is topped by three eyes, each of which look in opposite directions. They watch only for a moment, then vanish into the churning water.

Ella startles when the lake roils with activity. After watching two of the three apes scatter back into the tropical foliage, she gestures with her hands for her companions to cease throwing objects into the lake.

She then relays the remaining ape's answer, "They say the lake guardian is quite large, perhaps as big as eight or more apes. The creature lives in the lake, but is not bound to it. They say it has great leaping legs and four snakes that grow out of its body. The apes hide from it in the trees..." she glances off in the distance at the trees.

She seizes on this idea and suggests if they are to hunt the lake guardian, perhaps they use the trees to their advantage. She opens the discussion to hear others' ideas.

Ranzarth eyes the tentacle above the water that took a moment to look around "If what they say is true, then our moment to get to the trees may have passed with that rock throw. Everyone be prepared" His eyes quickly scout the near by trees seeing if any would offer him some semblance of protection to try and cast a few spells from his position.

“No matter how big it is, it’ll be in trouble if we manage to take out its eyes.  I recommend we focus on that.”

Herodian was fascinated when the creature appeared it was like nothing he'd seen before.

"Very interesting, you say it's not bound by the body of water, that is unfortunate. We clearly cannot reach the island without dealing with it. I fear we may have lost a scout or two here. My guess is the longbow's wielder was dragged under the water by the snakes that grow from it's body. When it emerges I'll send forth a ball of fire from the staff. Hopefully the fire will destroy it or at least weaken it," he told the others.

He clasped the staff ready to use it to call forth a fireball should the creature emerge from the lake targeting just above and behind it so that the party should be safe.

Azad looks up to the ceiling, and smiles.

"There is a lot of space above the water. I can place myself high above the lake and coax it out by dropping a few stones.

If everyone takes a position of relative safety, we may be able to destroy the beast without have to get to close to it.

What do you think?"

---

I know it was 80 feet from the walkway to the ground level...how high above the walkway is the ceiling?

"I can use my magic to electrocute the water as well. But should any of the scouts be left alive within it's water depths and somehow still alive and bound they will most likely perish. I do not expect that to be true though." Ranzarth adds as he considers his options "I can also create a somewhat safe dimensional void that others can fire from. Though it would be limited and not all would be able to."

Wandreck readies his sling, backs away from the water and keeps his misgivings to himself.  He fears his comrades may be underestimating the creature’s intelligence.

"I will keep it at bay, in case it tries to gets close." Salenth raises her weapon and shield to illustrate her point. "In any case, if this beast proves too strong, be prepared to flee."

"Azad, if you can fly, can you simply fly to the center of the lake and determine if the scouts are on the island? Perhaps we can avoid this battle altogether... and conserve our resources for a battle we can't avoid." Cal suggests.

"Or, if others need to cross, I could lay a wall of ice over the surface of the pond. That won't hold off a beast that large for long, but would give someone fast time to make it to the center."

"If we must fight, we will need to coax the beast from the water." Cal observes matter-of-factly. "If the stones from above do not work, we will need some other method." He looks around for as long a branch as he can find. "Perhaps something like a fishing pole." he suggests pointing at the branch. "I can use that to disturb the water near the shoreline, perhaps getting the monster, or at least one of its tentacles, to the surface. I fear it will not expose its main body if it doesn't have to though. Maybe the lightning bolt will rouse it from the depths. Maybe not."

OOC: The space between the walkway and the ceiling above it is roughly twenty five feet.

“I’m always prepared to flee,” Wandreck says in response to Salenth.  “Because I’m wearing magic boots that help me jump like a grasshopper.  But the rest of you may not fare as well.  Not that I have any better ideas on how to deal with this, mind you.”
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Sat 28 Nov 2020.

"Head on," Herodian said, "I think the only real way to deal with it is head on. Now since you have magic boots you could perhaps approach the water, draw it out and then jump to safety while the rest of us attack?"

Wandreck rolls his eyes.  “I just had to open my mouth.  Yeah, I suppose I could try that.  Let me know when you’re ready.”

First, however, he looks around, deciding on where exactly he intends to jump when the monster comes out.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

Azad lets out a deep sigh.

"Very well, let us use Wandreck as a tethered goat."

The wizard then moves away from the edge of the lake.

Ranzarth didn't particularly like this plan and thought it would have been wise to use his offer of a dimensional pocket but they did not seem to want to do so. He took the opportunity to back away a bit, looking for cover but deciding better of standing next to any of the plants "Be wary of any of the plants that may attack us once again during this. As soon as the creature emerges from the water I will call upon my magic for a bolt of lightning."



OOC: Back away from the edge of the water a good 30-40' if I can but more in the open then I'd prefer to be. Ready to Cast Lightning Bolt.

Having no magic, Lumwik watches for an attack from other directions.

“Bolt of lightning?  I like the sound of that.  Do be kind and let me jump out of the way first.”  He takes a deep breath, then marches toward the water.

Surveying the nearby terrain, Wandreck sees that he has three options with regard to an escape route from the lake’s shore.

Should he elect to bound westward, he would move into the garden’s swamp area. Several tall trees are on offer there, their trunks wide and sturdy, and the thief estimates that he could reach the upper branches of one of them fairly easily. Failing that, there are areas dense with growth that could serve to delay any pursuit.

To the south, there is an area that is somewhat sparse with regard to trees. Wandreck notices that within the center of the clearing is a patch of the wide leafed “snapping” plants, though the thief estimates that he could clear the collection of dangerous foliage with a well considered jump.

The east offers a number of trees and shrubs. However, the trees are shorter than those that have thrived within the marsh. Their colorful forms remind Wandreck of the “palm trees” he has seen drawings of from those that have traveled to the Spinward Isles and surrounding region. The vines and bushes that cover the ground could potentially offer some concealment, though the thief is uncertain how well they might hinder any large pursuer.

Nearing the shore, Wandreck sees the water bubble and churn, a sudden short wave splashing onto the sand at the water’s edge. An instant later, something bursts from the lake onto the grassy bank.



To the party of experienced adventurers, the monster appears easily the size of a small dragon. Its green hide is rubbery, much like that of a frog or toad. The back half of the creature resembles one of these amphibious animals, its rear legs clearly capable of sizable leaps. Where one would expect to find front limbs, there extend tentacles, four in all; wide, strong appendages with considerable reach. A stalk holding three eyes rises above an enormous maw filled with jagged, shark like teeth and a long tongue that appears to be lined with numerous bone colored barbs.

Its focus centered on Wandreck, the monster lets out a deafening roar.

20:49, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

20:52, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative - Froghemoth.

Initiative goes to the adventurers.

The monster has an armor class of 4. Its tentacles are AC 2 and its head is AC -1.

Unless any of the party members wish to move, only Wandreck is in melee range of the creature. A situation I suspect he will quickly want to alter.

"Shades of the abyss! What is that!" the wizard exclaims.

Without waiting for an answer he point and speaks a phrase of arcane power, "Cohibere Monstrum".

---

Cast Hold Monster

A hold monster spell completely immobilises up to four creatures of any kind for the spell’s duration.

If there is only one target, the saving throw is at –3.

If a magic item or spell operates partially to negate the effects of paralysis, failure on the saving throw will have the effect of a slow spell rather than completely immobilising the target.

Creatures held by this spell may be killed or bound at a rate of one per round, or, if the attacker chooses, may be attacked at twice the normal rate with an automatic hit, for maximum damage.

Although the creature’s attention briefly goes to Azad after the wizard speaks his incantation, the adventurers see no other effect from the spell. The beast continues to lumber steadily towards Wandreck.

08:20, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20-3.  Saving Throw - Paralysis.

Lumwik waits for the magic to be thrown, not advancing until the beast is well on land.

Ranzarth called upon his magic, reciting a short incantation as his hand weaves a series of intricate symbols upon the air, as he finishes his incantation a single word is heard by all "AITHORN" and a crackle of energy streaks towards the creature striking it with the full force of lightning.


OOC: Cast Lightning Bolt at target for 26 damage save vs spell for half. Waiting for Wandreck to move if I can't get a clear line without hitting him.

09:57, Today: Ranzarth rolled 26 using 9d6 with rolls of 2,6,1,1,5,3,6,1,1.  Lightning Bolt.

So many 1's.... :(

Herodian seeing that the fellow had not yet jumped out the way called upon more precise magic than a fireball or lightning ball. He called upon magic missile though a simple spell most wizards learned it was very effective.

Pointing his finger at the beast he spoke the words, "Vis pacem adipe frumenti percutiat eos". Five magical bolts of force left his fingers and flew towards the beast.

OOC:

13:05, Today: Herodian rolled 19 using 5d4+5.  Magic Missile Damage.

Wandreck tries leaping southward to safety, while taking great care to avoid the patch of snapping plants.  Once there, he turns back and taunts the titan, hoping to distract it, thus giving the party more time to work on it.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:52, Thu 03 Dec 2020.

Trisvyre had expected some sort of ginormous fish or perhaps crustacean.  Maybe a giant squid or octopus, like those found down in the southern reaches off the coast of Keoland.  At least, those were the tales she'd heard from travelling minstrels and such.  But never in her vivid imagination had she envisioned a giant mutated frog!

Quickly she plied her bow, sending arrow after arrow at the thing from a safe distance.  Each one bit into the thing's rubbery hide, but didn't appear to have much effect.


OOC:

21:28, Today: Trisvyre rolled 20,9,10,12 using 1d20+2,1d20+2,1D20+2,1D20+2.  Attack froghemoth (2 attacks, 2 arrows per attack).  All hit AC 4.  Don't believe we are using criticals?

21:29, Today: Trisvyre rolled 2,3,4,6 using 1d6+1,1d6+1,1d6+1,1d6+1.  Damage to Froghemoth (4 hits).  Total 15 damage  :(

Ella quickly fires two arrows from her longbow at the monstrous aberration as it emerges from the pond and begins hop-slithering onto land. One of the shots deflects off the creature's blubbery side, but the other finds purchase. But, to what effect?

The ranger's muscles tense as she prepares to retreat in the event the thing comes at her...

0:42, Today: Ella rolled 5,4,8,5 using d20+1,d6,d20+1,d6 ((4,4,7,5)).
THAC0 = 12

Hit AC 4 once, for 5 points of damage

"A behemoth frog... frog-hemoth!" Cal whispers in wonder. Muttering some arcane phrasing and waving his fingers at the giant beast, he casts a spell at the thing.


Going to cast Slow on it. No save, halves movement and # attacks

Salenth raises her mace and cries out: "Saint Cuthbert!". Power emanates from her as the blessing takes effect. She then moves to protect the spell-casters.

OOC: Cast Bless so that it covers as many allies as possible, maybe all.
Raise the morale and attack rolls of any creatures allied with the casting cleric by +1 or +5% as appropriate.

Harkmur shoulders his crossbow, pausing a heartbeat to take aim at the strange monstrosity before loosing the bolt, sending the missile into the creature’s side.

20:17, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 19 using 1d20.  Attack - Crossbow.

20:18, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Damage.

Although the lightning summoned by Ranzarth envelops the huge creature with a clap of thunder, the arcing electricity seems to cause it little harm. Herodian’s bolts of arcane energy, along with the rush of arrows and bolts loosed at it by the company’s archers and crossbowmen, manage to bloody the monster at several points on its imposing form, but the inflicted wounds do not appear to be hindering it in any significant way.

Sir Cal speaks his incantation and it is instantly plain that the beast recognizes that something has hindered its movements. Despite this, it is still able to leap forward a surprising distance from the shore. It does not follow Wandreck, surging instead toward Sir Cal, who it seemingly recognizes as the source of its sudden restraint.

The Froghemoth is resistant to electricity. As such, it only takes 1 point of damage for each damage die from a lightning bolt. In this instance, it takes a total of 9 points of damage from Ranzarth’s spell.

The magic missiles and weapons harm it normally.

The slow spell cuts the creature’s number attacks from four to two. It has a considerable movement rate. Even halved, it is able to move into melee range, in part due to the reach of its tentacles.

The monster roars again, the sound echoing through the surrounding trees. It swings two of its tentacles with terrible force, striking at Sir Cal and Harkmur, its limbs cutting through the air like great whips.

22:40, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacles.

22:40, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 9 using 1d4+6.  Damage.

Sir Cal takes 9 points of damage.

22:42, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 17 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacles.

22:42, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 8 using 1d4+6.  Damage.

Harkmur takes 8 points of damage.

22:57, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

22:59, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6.  Intiative - Froghemoth.

The party wins initiative and may act next.

"Orcus' sweaty balls!" Azad snaps when he sees the aberration shake off the effects of his spell.

"Try this froggy...Augue!"

---

Cast Fireball from staff; 1 charge marked off.

Aim it directly behind the frog-hemoth.

21:32, Today: Azad Rola rolled 33 using 8d6 for fireball damage.
Save for half-damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Wed 09 Dec 2020.

Lumwik lumbers to the froghemoth, the giant dwarf calls.  "Pick on someone yer own size, ya blubbery frog."  He swings his axe stoutly, trying to keep the beast's aggression focused on him.


06:55, Today: Lumwik rolled 21,15,22,17 using 1d20+9,1d8+12,1d20+9,1d8+12 ((12,3,13,5)).

Hits AC- for 15
Hits AC- for 17


HP 101/101

Trisvyre was stunned when the powerful magics her companions unleashed seemed to have little effect on the giant amphibian.  At least it seemed affected by their ,ore ordinary attacks, albeit only marginally.  But death by a thousand cuts was still death, she thought as she unleashed more arrows at the froghemoth.


OOC:

18:51, Today: Trisvyre rolled 18,5 using 1d20+2,1d20+2.  Attack froghemoth.  One hit.
18:52, Today: Trisvyre rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  Damage to Froghemoth (1 hit).  Blech!

Ranzarth's eyes widened as his magiks slid of the creature as if they were nothing, the others seemed to be having similar issues. This creature would be a difficult opponent for sure. He debated a moment before he began an incantation, pointing his finger towards the creature, 5 motes of energy formed upon his finger before streaking towards the creature, weaving through the tentacles and other opponents before striking unerringly until the creature.


OOC: Cast 'Magic Missile' for 22 Pts of damage.


17:12, Today: Ranzarth rolled 22 using 5d4+5 with rolls of 3,3,3,4,4.  Magic Missile.

Cal smiles as the creature rushes him. Drawing his sword, he assumes a Gnome-fighting-giant stance, with slightly more of his weight on his back foot, and his offensive and defensive attention focused on upward sweeping motions. Sensing the thing's underbelly was the softest part of it, Cal focused his attacks there. "Send the magic missiles at its head." he suggests, knowing that those magics always hit.


19:17, Today: Sir Cal rolled 20,18,12,17 using 1d20+9,1d20+9,1d12+9,1d12+9.  attack froghemoth underbelly.

I assumed vs. Large damage (1d12 for longsword)
Is 20 a crit for 2x? If so, that's 24+17 = 41 damage. Otherwise 29 damage to the body.

Ella maintains her distance and fires another two arrows at the frogehemoth. One strikes her target, but the other deflects off the mark.

The ranger is ready to spring into melee combat at any point, but figures she might as well get off a few free shots while she can.

OOC: Hit AC -1 for 2 points of damage.


07:54, Today: Ella rolled 14,2,4,6 using d20+1,d6,d20+1,d6 ((13,2,3,6)).

Herodian takes a step back and then fires his other Magic Missile spell with the same incantation as before, "Vis pacem adipe frumenti percutiat eos". 5 bolts of magical force fly from his fingers again into the abomination.

OOC: 10:43, Today: Herodian rolled 18 using 5d4+5.  Magic Missile Damage.

Seeing that lightning seems to fail against the monster, Salenth uses the tried and true method: the mace. She steps beside Sir Cal and Harkmur to strike at the beast.

OOC: 11:20, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 9,7 using 1d20+2,1d6+1.  THACO 16, +1, bless (+1).

Not wanting to be left out, Wandreck lobs a sling bullet at the monstrosity. But his aim leaves something to be desired.

05:01, Today: Wandreck rolled 6 using 1d20.  To hit w/ sling.

Harkmur snarls a curse as the monster’s tentacle slams into his side. Dropping his crossbow, he draws his sword, swinging for one of the creature’s legs, but his swing is premature, missing the extremity entirely.

22:11, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 8 using 1d20+2.  Attack - Two Handed Sword.

Azad’s fireball streaks to the patch of ground directly behind the monster, exploding with a force that most of the adventurers feel in their chests. The blast bathes the massive creature in flames, but beyond a shake of its head, the beast does little to acknowledge them.

The froghemoth is immune to injury from fire. No damage taken.

Arrows, sling stones, and eldritch bolts of crackling energy pepper the monster, even as Sir Cal, Lumwik, Salenth, and Harkmur close with the hideous beast, some landing terrible blows on its flank and belly. Blood the color of tar sprinkles the tall grass but for now, the creature continues to stand, roaring in rage before sticking back at its attackers.

As the monster’s roar fades, its jaw seems to unhinge, its fang filled maw opening to a seemingly impossible width. Its barbed tongue snaps out of its mouth like a whip, wrapping itself around Sir Cal’s ankle and pulling the elven warrior with the strength of a dragon.

22:19, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 19 using 1d20.  Attack - Tongue.

Sir Cal, the frohemoth’s tongue, even with your enhanced strength, will pull you into its mouth in the following round, unless...

22:30, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d8.

...you beat that roll with a roll on a 1d6. If you succeed, it will mean that you were able to grab  something to prevent yourself from being swallowed. Doing that will buy you two rounds to be freed. However, all you will be able to do during those rounds is hold whatever you’ve latched onto for dear life. One of your companions will need to set about freeing you somehow. If you aren’t freed, or the beast isn’t killed, within those two rounds, down the frog’s gullet you go.

Two of the monster’s four tentacles swing wildly at those surrounding it. The creature manages to strike both Salenth and Lumwik with its writhing appendages.

Salenth:

22:22, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 9 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

 22:24, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 7 using 1d4+6.  Damage - Tentacle.

Lumwik:

22:25, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 16 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

22:26, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 9 using 1d4+6.  Damage - Tentacle.


22:44, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

22:45, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative - Froghemoth.

The party wins initiative and may act next.

"Damnable freak! Not affected by Lightning nor Fire...well how about this! Glacies tempestas grandines!"

Azad raises his staff again, as he shouts the words of power.

---

Cast Ice Storm from staff, 1 charge marked off.

Targeting the body of the froghemoth.

21:43, Today: Azad Rola rolled 21 using 3d10 for Ice Storm.

Huge hailstones that pound into a 40 ft × 40 ft area, throwing up bits of shrapnel-like ice fragments as the hail shatters. Any creature within the area suffers 3d10 hit points of damage with no saving throw.

Herodian is getting a bit worried, the creature seems resistant to many types of magic the group has and seems to have a fearsome number of attacks. Thinking quickly he calls upon his magic to slow the creature down thus giving the fighters more time to deal with it.

He spoke the word, "Sanctus" letting go the magic within his mind.


OOC:

Cast Slow targeting behind the creature such that it will be the only one affected by the slow spell.

Salenth staggers under the onslaught of tentacles, but she doesn't hesitate to cast all caution aside and rush to help Sir Cal. The cleric hooks her mace onto her belt and grabs the elf, hoping to stop the beast from swallowing him.

OOC: Since I don't have any kind of cutting weapon, I think I'll play it safe for now and help Sir Cal not get instantly shredded if he happens to fail the roll (if I can do that) for now.

----------------------------------------------
EDIT: in the case that Sir Cal is swallowed....
Salenth's hand closes on empty air as the elf is sucked towards the monster. With furious battlecry, she draws her mace again and charges the beast.

21:03, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 20,6 using 1d20+2,1d6+2.  Charge! THACO 16, +1, bless (+1).
Can I claim a +2 charge bonus as per page 127 of the OSRIC rules (A5 version)? Not that it matters in this particular case since I presume I will hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:05, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

Lumwik strikes for the beast's tongue, trying to keep the elf from being swallowed.

09:58, Today: Lumwik rolled 15,13,13,19 using 1d20+9,1d8+12,1d20+9,1d8+12.

His ac-3 for 13
His ac-1 for 19

HP 93/101

Ranzarth had stayed back to use his magic and now curses himself for doing so. To far away to rush forward with his blade to try and save Cal, so he utters a short incantation as 5 more motes of energy streak forward from his finger tips, this time targeting the tongue of the creature, weaving through the tentacles and blades of his companions as they reach their intended target. As his incantation is finished he prepares to charge forward against the creature.


OOC: Magic Missile 17 Damage. And out of offensive spells.


09:50, Today: Ranzarth rolled 17 using 5d4+5 with rolls of 4,3,1,3,1.  Magic Missile.

Seeing Ranzarth and Wandreck hacking at the frogehemoth's tongue, Ella resists the temptation to rush in to Sir Cal's aid and continues to pepper the monster with arrows.

One deflects off the creature's rubbery hide, but the other strikes deep.

OOC: Hit AC -4 for 6 damage.

11:23, Today: Ella rolled 4,5,17,6 using d20+1,d6,d20+1,d6 with rolls of 3,5,16,6.  Longbow x2 (THAC0 13).

As Cal is ripped from his feet by the incredibly strong froghemoth, he drops his sword and manages to snag the edge of the bridge with both hands. He feels his joints stretch from the tug-of-war. Even with his magically enhanced strength, Cal can tell he's not going to be able to hold on long against the creature's pull.  His face starts to redden with the effort of holding onto the bridge. "I... can't... hold... this... for... long." he announces.


17:28, Today: Sir Cal rolled 6 using 1d6.  "save" vs. tongue.

Trisvyre reacted similarly to Ella, plying her bow yet again.  She aimed for the behemoth's open mouth, thinking a strike there might sting it more than elsewhere and maybe cause it to forget about Sir Cal.  And it was a pretty darn big target, opened like it was!

A fierce grin spread across her elven features as all four arrows struck home.


OOC:

20:50, Today: Trisvyre rolled 22,14 using 1d20+2,1d20+2.  Attack froghemoth .
20:52, Today: Trisvyre rolled 19,21 using 1d20+2,1d20+2.  Attack froghemoth (Attack 2).
20:53, Today: Trisvyre rolled 21 using 4d6+4.  Damage to Froghemoth (4 hits).

All business, Wandreck coolly lobs another bullet at the ferocious beast.

05:11, Today: Wandreck rolled 7 using 1d6+1.
05:11, Today: Wandreck rolled 13 using 1d20.  To hit w/ sling.

Harkmur continues to press an attack on the imposing creature, swinging at it with a downward arc of his blade. The monster moves just as he does so, managing to avoide the heavy blow entirely.

09:04, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Attack - Two Handed Sword.

Arrows, stones, and luminous missiles of arcane energy strike the huge amphibian from all sides. Black blood oozes from the numerous wounds the monster has suffered and, for the first time, it appears staggered by them, lurching drunkenly to one side before finding its balance once more.

The priestess is able to grab Sir Cal, helping the elven warrior to resist being drawn into the creature’s maw. Lumwik, meanwhile, hacks at the the monster’s barbed tongue, his second blow eliciting a shriek of pain from the beast as it severs the whip like appendage, freeing Sir Cal from its deadly pull.

Herodian casts another magical tether on the beast, its movements slowing visibly as he completes his spell. A moment later, pieces of ice, crystalline and jagged, hail down from the empty air above the monster, the sudden storm pounding the creature, and those in close quarters with it, unmercifully.

The froghemoth takes the 21 points of damage from the ice storm, as do Sir Cal, Salenth, Harmkmur, and Lumwik.

Still keening from the pain of its severed tongue, the monster snaps at Lumwik, savaging the dwarven warrior’s shoulder and flank with its razor sharp teeth.

09:22, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 19 using 1d20.  Attack - Bite.

09:22, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 31 using 5d10.  Damage.

09:30, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

09:30, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - Froghemoth.

The creature wins initiative

Sighting Harkmur attacking its flank, the beast swats at the warrior with one of its tentacles, but the canny fighter is able to deftly duck the attack.

09:33, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

It is the party’s turn to act.

Even as the ice pounds around him, the dwarf screams in pain as the beast's teeth bite deep into his flesh.  He strikes back with his axe, trying to give as good as he gets.


ooc: 15:03, Today: Lumwik rolled 27,18,23,17 using 1d20+9,1d8+12,1d20+9,1d8+12.

Hits AC -14 for 18
Hits AC -11 for 17

HP 41/101

Ella draws and shoots two more arrows at the frogehemoth, but bounce harmlessly off the creature's thick, rubbery skin.


15:52, Today: Ella rolled 4,4,4,1 using d20+1,d6,d20+1,d6 ((3,4,3,1)).

Salenth rushes to the side of the injured dwarf and begins chanting a healing spell to soothe his wounds.

15:24, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 9 using 2d8+1.  Cure Serious Wounds (Lumwik).

Herodian looked at the situation, he wanted to heal his friends but if he fell as well they might lose their healing. They needed an edge. He decided to use another of his spells.

"Festina!" he exclaimed as he cast his spell.

OOC: Cast Haste on the party taking care not to include the monster in the area of effect and getting as much of the party in the area as possible ( I can haste everyone just not sure we are close enough to haste everyone.

Ranzarth seeing Sir Cal, breaths a sigh of relief only to wince at the dangerous bite upon the dwarf's shoulder. He starts a new incantation, wiping that spell from his memory, as he points his finger towards the creature, five darting missiles flow from his finger tip towards the creature, weaving through its tentacles and his companions weapons to strike the creature unerringly.


OOC: Cast Magic Missile for 18 damage.


11:04, Today: Ranzarth rolled 18 using 5d4+5 with rolls of 3,4,1,4,1.  Magic Missile.

Trisvyre added her arrows to Ella's onslaught, sending two shafts that found purchase in the froghemoth's hide.


OOC:

13:59, Today: Trisvyre rolled 20,19 using 1d20+2,1d20+2.  Attack froghemoth.  Two hits.
14:00, Today: Trisvyre rolled 10 using 2d6+2.  Damage to Froghemoth (2 hits).

"Not on me!" Azad will shout at Herodian.

The mage then shouts, "Magicae Sagittam" and sends a volley of conjured arrows at the creature.

---

Not sure if Azad was in the area of effect, but just in case. Haste only affects willing targets and a middle-aged human is NOT willing to be aged two years!

Cast Magic Missile
23:34, Today: Azad Rola rolled 19 for Magic Missile.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:35, Tue 29 Dec 2020.

Using his sling, Wandreck lobs another bullet at the beast.  This time his aim is flawless!

21:03, Today: Wandreck rolled 7 using 1d6+1.
21:03, Today: Wandreck rolled 20 using 1d20.  To hit w/sling.

Between the tongue and the ice storm, Cal is not looking very fresh. Still, he senses the party must be close to defeating this monster, so he stays in the fight. He  a few steps to the side and picks up his sword. In the same fluid motion, he lunges at the froghemoth and thrusts his sword into its belly.


14:27, Today: Sir Cal rolled 25 using 1d20+10.  cal to hit.
14:27, Today: Sir Cal rolled 16 using 1d12+10.  cal damage.

Lumwik lands a pair of heavy blows on the monster’s head. The attacks are just strong enough to force the creature to loosen its jaws, allowing the dwarven warrior to pull free just as Salenth comes to his aid. Sir Cal is able to get to his feet and retrieve his sword, striking the beast in the flank.

A volley of arrows, magical bolts, and a sling stone assail the monster from every side. Already grievously wounded by Sir Cal and Lumwik’s recent attacks, the beast lets out a low, bass moan that sends a brief vibration through the damp ground. The creature takes a pair of halting steps backwards, clearly struggling to keep to its feet, then slumps onto its side in the tall grass, releasing a final, shuddering groan before it dies.

From somewhere nearby, a series of high pitched screeches, much like the calls of birds, sound from the nearby swamp. An instant later, a group of small, feathered avian creatures take flight, fleeing northward. As the flutter of their wings recedes, silence overtakes the garden.

OOC: Combat over.

"Well," mused Azad, "That went well."

The wizard takes a long drink from his waterskin, and then looks to his companions.

"Shall we cross the bridge?"

Ranzarth gave Azad a puzzled look as he turns to look at his injured companions and knowing that he himself was almost out of spells. "Let's give it a moment to see if anything else stirs before we do so. And give the others a moment to catch their breath and possibly heal some."

"The gods grant us victory." Salenth eyes the wounds of her companions. "We should be grateful it did not come at a bigger cost. Come, let me see to your wounds, Sir Cal."

OOC: Cast 2xCure Light Wounds
23:04, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 4 using 2d8.  2 Cure Light Wounds.

Wow, that's really bad. I feel like I should have prepared more straight-up healing spells.
I still have 1 Cure Critical Wounds and 1 Cure Serious Wounds.

Wandreck begins searching the vast corpse for anything that could conceivably be of value.

"Salenth"  Lumwik says.  "Thank ya, but save yer spells from the others, I'll be better in a bit."


"Ranzarth is right, I'll need a bit of rest." The giant says.

HP 51/101 and climbing.  Lumwik has a ring of regeneration.

Trisvyre, while glad that all of her companions survived the fight with the horrible frog-beast, was frustrated that they could not resume their tracking of the elven scouts right away.  Seeing as she held herself to an archery role, she'd suffered none of the depredations the melee fighters had.

"Could I perhaps scout ahead, at least to see if they are there?  And then come back with a report, while our injured rest and are tended to?"

"If you do so. I will go with you. I still have some options to get out us out of danger quickly if need be." Ranzarth responds to Trisvyre before nodding to Lumwik.

Azad mutters under his breath, "Typical. The old wizard wants to cross the bridge, and everyone needs to rest...but the beautiful elven warrior wants to cross the bridge and we're good to go!"

He then adds out loud, "Let's not split up, Trisvyre. I think it will be only a few moments before the injured are healed."

"Very well," Trisvyre acquiesced with a sigh, though she remained antsy until they were ready to proceed.

Herodian stands with the others the battle over now. "That was a tough battle and probably not the toughest we'll face. Let's rest a moment."

Once the group has rested a moment he'll pick up another rock or pebble from the ground and again skip it over the water to see if there is any reaction this time.

Cal slumps to the ground, winded, bloodied, and tired. "Thank you." he says to Salenth in response to the healing.

Not sure what healing is still out there or everyone else's status. Definitely want to make sure whoever needs it most gets healing. I'm a little less than half HP right now after those couple of heals from Salenth.

"Aye.". The dwarf agrees.  "That was hard faught, an' it bit hard, but I can go as soon as da others is ready.". He does go to the beast's mouth and see if there is a trophy tooth he can take.

ooc: Lumwik took 60 HP damage and is just over half now. It will take him about 45 minutes to reach full.

Wandreck’s search of the huge amphibian’s corpse yields nothing of value, though the metallic stench that begins to rise from the fallen beast provides an ample test for the strength of the dwarven thief’s stomach.

Briefly, the strange garden obliges the company’s need for rest. With the departure of the avian creatures, the surrounding foliage remains quiet, with no signs of movement anywhere nearby. Herodian’s stone skips across the surface of the nearby lake without prompting any manner of response. As it sinks into the water, the surface becomes still once more.

After a short time has passed, a group of the pale furred apes emerge cautiously from the marsh. Upon seeing the dead frog creature, they begin to screech excitedly, jumping up and down in apparent jubilation, their cries echoing through the nearby trees.

"Ella would your Tongues spell still be in effect by any chance?

If not, I can cast the same spell."

Ella had been alert for additional predators following the confrontation with the froghemoth, but Azad's query shakes her out of the moment.

Ella turns to regard the pale-furred apes and attempts to converse with them...

"See. We have done what we said and defeated your enemy. You have nothing to fear of the monster anymore," she says.

OOC: Tongues lasts 1 turn (10 minutes). I assume it is still active, but defer to the DMs judgment.

Wandreck sighs as he sees the apes approach, realizing he won’t get much chance to rest following his fruitless search of the immense corpse.  Besides, he just plain didn’t like them for some reason.

Ranzarth sheaths his blade and makes his way towards the waters edge and creature in general, content with letting the others speak with the apes again. His eyes scanned the water and island. He did not want to wait to long but he did not want to rush in alone either.

OOC: The tongues spell is still in effect.

One of the apes approaches Ella with an attitude resembling reverence. It addresses the ranger quietly.


Peering into the water, Ranzarth sees no other movement within it. It appears to be free of fish or any other sort of undersea life. Looking closely, the elf glimpses winks of color, blue and red, from somewhere within the depths of the lake.

"Thank you," she responds to the ape, before translating for her companions.


"Their leader says we have nothing to fear, now that the guardian has been defeated," she explains to her companions. "They will take us in safety." She then gestures toward one of the razor-leafed plants and adds, "as we suspected, even the flora is dangerous here."

"But the apes will guide us away from such dangers."

She turns to regard each of her companions and says, "I think they can be trusted. We should allow them to guide us."

"I trust your intuition, Ella.

Are we ready to move on?"

"We should take a look over on the island first. Anyone swim? Perhaps take a look at what our foe here left in its watery depths. Perhaps something of use or more information on the scouts as well." Ranzarth asks as he seems solemn at the prospects of the scouts should they have come here.

Trisvyre was still primed to cross the bridge and get to the island.  The apes had told them her kinfolk had crossed over, so that was where she would head.  While she recognized some of the others had been severely hurt in the battle against the frog-beast and needed healing before they could move on, she would be ready to go as soon as they were.

"Does anyone require healing before we continue, or are you good enough without expending our prayers for this day so far?" he asked. He had only a few healing spells prepared but if they were needed he would cast them to help all.

Lumwik waits quietly.  He was content to search here, or cross the bridge, and the longer they waited, the better he felt.

"I am but minorly injured from before this fight." Ranzarth responds softly to the request if anyone is injured.

“I’m against trusting these apes, but we might as well follow them for now.  Expect to be betrayed, however.” He glances down, as though checking to make sure his feet were still clad in magic boots.

Herodian will approach Harkmur and cast Cure Serious Wounds on him noting his wounds, "You need to speak up friend."

Seeing that the first does not do much he will cast his second one as well.

OOC:

18:21, Today: Herodian rolled 7 using 2d8+1.  Cure Serious Wounds.
18:22, Today: Herodian rolled 7 using 2d8+1.  2nd Cure Serious Wounds.

so 14 hp back to him, dang die roller not liking healing :)

The apes lead the party into the marsh, the trees concealing the steel ceiling above with a thick canopy of blue, yellow, and green leaves. The trek is quiet, the only sounds those of the adventurers’ footfalls on the watery ground and the buzzing of an occasional errant insect. The plant life the company encounters is remarkable, the bright colors and unusual shapes of the flora bearing no resemblance to anything within the Flanaess. However, unlike other portions of the strange garden, none of the vegetation seeks to cause the explorers harm.



In time, the party arrives at the steel bridge which spans the still lake to reach the island at its center. From where they stand, the adventurers are able to see a small steel structure on the island, partially concealed from view by the tall grass surrounding it. The company members observe nothing moving about on the island. The small body of land, along with the placid water, seem to be under a hush, a stillness that is palpable.

The leader of the apes addresses Ella, speaking the ranger in low growls.

Herodian stood and waited to hear what the apes were saying. This seemed to be a place of reference, either of now or in the past. That might explain the hush. An oasis of sorts in this vast collection of hostile fauna and flora.

Salenth stares at the island, a look of worry on her face. "It's quiet... too quiet", she mumbles. "I don't like it one bit". Quietly, she swears retribution if they are betrayed.

Ella nods at the appropriate moments while the ape leader speaks. She thanks them for the information and then relays to her party members:

"They want us to know the small, rabbit-like creatures we saw on the other bank, do not visit this place," she says with a sweep of her hand toward the island. "Never," she says with certainty

She then asks the apes another question, "Why do they not come here? Because of the lake creature or something else?"

While considering this latest puzzle, and awaiting the apes' response Ella kneels down and scans the immediate area for tracks of any kind: bent foliage, beat-down grass, broken twigs, trails or runs leading into the jungle, scat, and the like.

"Quiet is good." Lumwik counters, "Though the quiet of stone is better than in the woods."

ooc: how many rounds (+hp) have passed.

“I can scout ahead if you wish.  My boots should enable me to get out fast should the need arise.  Just don’t tell anybody about my courage and selflessness... wouldn’t want to ruin my reputation.”

"I can join Wandreck, though my boots don't quite have the spring yours do. I have other means of escape." Ranzarth offers with a bit of a quip.

“Is there really any point to risking both of our necks at the same time?”

"Two sets of eyes are better than one" Ranzarth states softly. "And should one of us fall trap to something, the other can possibly aid or at least get help quickly."

"You might as well make it three, because I am going," stated Trisvyre firmly.  She'd waited patiently this long to see if her brethren were on the island.  She wasn't waiting any longer.

"Let's be about it then," she suggested, urging Wandreck and Ranzarth if he wanted to join her.  Regardless, the elven scout began a careful advance to the island.

With a shrug, Wandreck follows her.

Herodian thinks about following them for a moment, there was strength in numbers but for now he waited to see if the rest of the group was staying here or going.

Ranzarth nods his head quietly to the elven scout, taking up a position a couple steps behind and to her right flank. His blade was in hand and his eyes scanned the water for any further surprises. There was something in that water still, he saw the glint of it earlier. Turning back to the others "There looked to be something glinting within the water earlier after it finally settled. Could be the creature dragged his victims there and items could be within the watery depths." With that he resumes his path behind the scout.

Cautiously, the trio of adventurers advance across the metal bridge, occasionally having to be mindful of their steps due to puddles of water that have settled on its surface. The group reaches the island without incident, their footfalls virtually inaudible as they move into the island’s tall grass.

Ahead, the three explorers can see an opening on the metal structure that occupies the island’s center. Although partially concealed by the nearby vegetation, the adventurers can see that the opening is roughly the size of a doorway, leading to a set of steel steps that lead down into the earth. Looking carefully, the three notice a handprint on the right side of the opening, formed of what appears to be dried blood.

A few steps away from the opening, one of the twin horned rabbit creatures sits atop a stump, watching the new arrivals.



On the other bank, the remainder of the company, along with their ape companions, remain watchful. However, none perceive any movement within the surrounding marsh.

Ranzarth will point to the bloody handprint, a look of concern on his face. His eyes then moving to their surrounding to watch for any surprises, allowing Trisvyre to continue to lead forward.

Wandreck searches the area around the door-sized opening for traps.

Trisvyre took in the scene with hungry eyes until she saw the bloody handprint.  With a furrowed brow she careful examined the ground between the bridge and the doorway, looking for tracks or other signs her fellow scouts had indeed come this way.

Once finished she waited for Wandreck to complete his inspection of the doorway.  She peered past the dwarf while he worked, trying as best she could to see where the stairs beyond led.

17:07, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6.  Surprise.

Wandreck examines the portal and nearby stairs closely, but sees no evidence of traps.

Trisvyre studies the ground, noting the presence of faint bootprints on the damp soil. The size and shape of the prints, along with the apparent lightfootedness with which they were made, leaves Trisvyre with no doubt that her fellow scouts passed this way, and entered the steel structure.

As she moves to examine the stairs, Trisvyre’s gaze is drawn to a slow, snake like movement within the grass. As she focuses on it, she can see that it is a tree root, but one that is moving like a serpent, reaching to ensnare Wandreck’s ankle.

Looking up, the elven scout is suddenly able to clearly see what the nearby rabbit creature is perched upon.



17:50, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

17:50, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative- Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

The group of adventurers win initiative.

For those eating on the other bank: once the trio on the island have completed their first combat actions, it will be plain to the rest of the party that a battle has broken out on the island. For most, it will take a round to cross the bridge and reach the melee.

"Damn! They couldn't have waited...come on! Let's get over there to help."

Azad heads across the bridge.

---

I was waiting for Ella's conversation with the white ape to end. Oh well!

Wandreck leaps out of the way as soon as he recognizes the danger.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Fri 05 Feb 2021.

OOC: Completely my fault, Azad. I didn’t post the ape’s answer to her most recent inquiry. Sincere apologies, Ella.

As a rush of activity ensues on the island, the ape thumps its chest in response to Ella’s question

Want to give the others time to react, Ranzarth begins a short incantation, weaving his free hand a series of intricate patterns, his image begins to split. Where once stood a single Ranzarth now three stood surrounding this creature, each acting in mirror image to each other.



OOC: Cast mirror Image, creating 2 images, lasting 18 rounds (or until destroyed). Appearing with 6' of Ranzarth.

10:37, Today: Ranzarth rolled 50 using 1d100+9.  Mirror Image.

With a warning cry to Wandreck Trisvyre sprung to the dwarf's defense, her sword slashing out at writhing roots of the arboreal abomination as she tried to interpose herself between the loathsome creature and her companions.


OOC:

19:57, Today: Trisvyre rolled 19,18 using 1d20+1,1d20+1.  Attack Stump Creature.  Hit AC-8, AC-7
19:58, Today: Trisvyre rolled 6,10 using 1d8+2,1d8+2.  Damage to Stump Creature.  Assume medium size (d8 damage)

Wandreck whips out his sling and lobs a bullet at the vile creature.

00:35, Today: Wandreck rolled 2 using 1d4+1.  Dam.
00:35, Today: Wandreck rolled 14 using 1d20.  To hit w/sling.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:35, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

With two swift strikes of her blade, Trisvyre cleaves the creature’s root tentacle in two. Orange fluid, which the elf can only presume is the predator’s blood, splashes the grass. The monster gives out a rumbling, liquid howl of agony in response to the assault. Meanwhile, Wandreck’s sling stone whistles though the air, hitting the beast’s body, the portion of it that resembles a stump, with a loud crack.

More of the creature’s tentacles snake through the grass, rising out of the dense overgrowth to lash at the adventurers.

One of the far reaching appendages manages to land a sharp blow on Wandreck’s ribs.

13:29, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

13:30, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d4.  Damage.

Another strikes Trisvyre on the thigh with a swift, whip like motion.

13:30, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 14 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

13:31, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d4.  Damage.

Another of the tentacles slashes through the grass in search of Ranzarth, but does not manage to find him or either of his illusory doubles.

13:31, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

---

13:40, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

13:40, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

The creature wins initiatve.

The strange monster, acting with surprising swiftness, redoubles its attacks on the adventurers.

Wandreck is able to duck under the creature’s next swing, the tentacle slicing through the air overhead.

13:59, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

Reaching again for Trisvyre, the predator manages to snag the scout’s ankle. It begins to pull with substantial strength, tugging the elf toward its fang filled maw.

14:00, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 15 using 1d20.  Attack - Tentacle.

14:01, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d4.  Damage - Tentacle.

Trisvyre, by virtue of your strength, you have a 20% chance on a percentile roll to pull free of the monster’s grasp. If you don’t, you can escape by severing the creature’s tentacle. If you aren’t able to do so, when the predator has the initiative again, it will have pulled you into range of its bite.

Continuing its search for Ranzarth, the beast tears through the tall grass with a slapping blow of its tentacle, but does not come close to the elf.

14:04, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d4.  Attack - Tentacle.

It is the party’s turn to act.

Seeing his companions in trouble, Harkmur dashes for the steel bridge. At its midpoint he halts, shouldering his crossbow and firing a bolt, which punches into the monster’s body, only a finger’s width away from its mouth.

14:22, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 20 using 1d20.  Attack - Crossbow.

14:23, Today: Harkmur of the Granite rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Damage - Crossbow.

Lumwik begins to stride across the bridge.

Ranzarth and his images move forward to strike at the creature trying to drag Trisvyre, scoring a solid slash

OOC: AC -5 for 6 Damage.


15:12, Today: Ranzarth rolled 21,6 using d20+4,1d6+3 with rolls of 17,3.  Attack with Shortsword.


Note No sneak or flank attack options included if there were available I would have taken them.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

Trisvyre gave a little yelp as one of the roots roughly snaked around her ankle and began to drag her towards the fanged stump.  Angrily she jerked her leg out of its grasp and then lay to with the edge of her sword.

"Things like you should not exist!" she grunted as she felt the thunk of her sword upon the offending tentacle.


OOC:

18:43, Today: Trisvyre rolled 6 using 1d100.  Escape root tentacle (TN 20%). Leggo!
18:44, Today: Trisvyre rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Attack Stump Creature. Hit AC -5
18:45, Today: Trisvyre rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  Damage to Stump Creature.  Damage based on Med size

Azad hurries across the bridge, and once he has a clear view of the strange creature, he pauses, "Magicae Sagittam", and five arcane bolts strike the creature.

---

20:13, Today: Azad Rola rolled 17 for Magic Missile.
[spell marked off on character sheet]

Salenth hurries accross the bridge to aid her companions on the other side.

Ella follows her companions across the bridge while drawing her flaming sword. She hopes to get into striking position and soon.

Herodian had used up his magic missiles he had little offense left and was terrible at combat. He still had his staff though, so there was that. He moved to halfway on the bridge to observe. He would add the power of the staff if needed but for now he would wait and see.

Enraged about his bruised ribs, Wandreck lobs another bullet at the offending creature.

19:35, Today: Wandreck rolled 2 using 1d4+1.
19:35, Today: Wandreck rolled 12 using 1d20.  To hit w/sling.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:36, Sun 14 Feb 2021.

[Posted by Dungeon Master.]

Sir Cal draws his sword as he moves swiftly across the bridge with the rest of his companions.

Ranzarth and Trisvyre both land brutal blows on the creature, bright orange fluid arising from the wounds. Missiles inflict further injuries on the weird monster, Wandreck’s sling stone, Harkmur’s bolt, and Azad’s lances of arcane fire all finding their mark.

Although clearly grievously wounded, the monster draws back its root like tentacles, readying another attack against the adventurers.

23:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

23:08, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.

The party wins initiative and may act first.

Those adventurers that crossed the bridge during the previous round have now reached the island and may engage the monster in melee.

Azad moves across the bridge and joins the group, although he stays well back from the melee.

"I'm sorry to say, I have no more spells appropriate to the situation."

He moves closer to the stairwell heading into the metal structure, noting the bloody hand print, wary of attackers coming up the stairs.

He point his staff down the stairs, and incants, "Lux". A globe of light appears at the bottom of the stairs, ensuring the wizard will see anyone coming up.

---

Cast Light from staff, 0 charges.

Lumwik begins chopping away at the tentacled menance.


07:05, Today: Lumwik rolled 10,17,29,18 using 1d20+9,1d8+12,1d20+9,1d8+12

Hits AC 2 for 17
Hita AC -5 for 18

Ella utters a magical phrase causing her sword to be limned in flames as she wades into the fray. She slashes at the aberration and delivers a solid flaming strike to its trunk!

OOC: Hit AC -5 for 9 points of damage. Not sure if the thing is flammable or not...

11:31, Today: Ella rolled 18,9 using d20+4,d8+4 ((14,5)).

Ranzarth was in a similar position to Azad, his spells have been expended that would be of immediate use and as such he begins to circle the creature to get a better position on him.

Salenth charges into the battle once again! "Saint Cuthbert!"

15:46, Today: Salenth Ravanys rolled 9,3 using 1d20+1,1d6+2 ((8,1)).
Hits AC 7 for 3.

Trisvyre continued to slash at the stump creature but the accumulation of help actually distracted her a little.  Not that she begrudged the assistance of course, but one of her strikes flew well wide when she realized late that Ella was almost right beside her.  Fortunately she put the might of her frustration into the other and felt the blade land solidly.


OOC:

13:40, Today: Trisvyre rolled 11,4 using 1d20+1,1d20+1.  Attack Stump Creature.  Expect one hit (AC 0)
13:44, Today: Trisvyre rolled 10 using 1d8+2.  Damage to Stump Creature.

Wandreck feeds it another bullet, lightly salted with just the faintest touch of lemon zest.

12:17, Today: Wandreck rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Dam.
12:17, Today: Wandreck rolled 9 using 1d20.  To hit w/sling.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Sun 28 Feb 2021.

Herodian low on his arcane magics holds back for now. He can still heal the party should the need arise but his weak defenses and offenses at this point would make it a rather poor choice to join the melee. He kept watch from the bridge.

The members of the company that had remained on the bank of the lake waste no time in crossing the bridge and closing in on the strange creature that attacked their companions. Raining blows on the monster, they open more grievous wounds with their attacks, the beast’s blood staining the surrounding grass orange. Even Wandreck’s well aimed sling stone causes a welling injury. But it Trisvyre’s last strike that sends a final, trembling shudder through the predator, its root like tentacles going limp, its maw falling open, the terrible strength of its jaws gone.

OOC: Combat over

---

As Azad approaches the steel steps, preparing to invoke magic to illuminate the descent, light slowly fills the vacant stairwell, seemingly of its own accord. Studying the scene, the wizard can see a series of rectangular panels, spaced at even intervals, that shed a soft, blue tinged glow. Azad surmises that the panels were somehow activated by his approach.

The wizard sees no one on the stairs directly ahead, but notes that staircase is a spiral one which curves to the right after several paces. Near the point where the steps turn, Azad spies a second bloody handprint. Listening carefully, he hears no sounds from below.

Azad watches the stairs carefully for a moment...seeing that nothing is ascending, at the moment, he calls to his companions.

"Well done! We have bested a stump with tentacles!" he jokes.

In a more serious tone, he adds, "There is another bloody hand print here, leading down the stairs. If Trisvyre's friends are alive, they will most likely be down here..."

The wizard waits for the warriors to catch their breath, and prepare to descend the stairs.

Trisvyre took a quick look around to make sure none were seriously injured by the plant creature and then joined Azad Rola at the doorway leading downward.  She examined the bloody handprint, trying to reconcile the evidence to a long, slender-fingered elven hand.  They were close.  They had to be!

As soon as everyone was ready, or perhaps even just before that, she called out softly "Let's go," and began a cautious descent downward.

Ranzarth will look back to the water and the possible treasures within and perhaps what remains of some of the Scouts but nods in agreement to Trisvyre. "We will need to rest soon but perhaps we can get lucky and find this scout."

Ella takes her place within the party's ranks and desends the stairs when prompted. She pauses a moment to study the bloody handprint to discern what she may from it...

OOC: Using general ranger tracking ability

The dwarf follows along.  Finding the scouts was the primary goal.

Herodian followed after the others if they did find the scouts they might need his healing.

"Wait, please." Wandreck peers into the water.  Could it be concealing treasure?  But he's prepared to leap back (with his magic boots) at the first sign of trouble.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:02, Wed 03 Mar 2021.

Herodian stopped and looked over at his friend, "Do you see something, I'll wait for you while the others scout a bit ahead if you think you see something."

Azad follows Trisvyre down the stairs, expecting the rest of the group to follow.

Lumwik pauses, to watch over Wandreck.

Peering into the still water, Wandreck is able to spy gleams of color deep below the surface, glimpses of bright hues; red, blue, and green, which prompt immediate thought of gems resting on the lake’s floor.

Keeping watch over the thief, Lumwik does observe anything approaching the island from either the bridge or the surrounding water.

---

The remainder of the party venture down the stairs, the blue glow from the rectangles in the walls providing plentiful illumination. Pausing to examine the handprint, Ella quickly surmises from its size that it was most likely left by an elf. Glancing down, the ranger notes the presence of a few drops of blood on the adjacent steps.

The spiral staircase curves downward for a number of paces before opening into a long, steel chamber.



Tall windows provide a view of what the adventurers immediately understand to be the depths of the lake. Colorful plants rise from the sandy earth at the lake’s bottom, some possessing leaves that appear to be  taller than hill giants. Schools of small fish wind through the underwater foliage, seemingly undisturbed by the metal structure they swim so close to. Winks of color can be seen on the floor of the lake. The company members spy isolated gems resting in the sands; rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

Before each imposing pane of glass sits a single chair. None are occupied.

At the opposite side of the chamber, directly across from the entrance is a single steel door. To its right is one of the locks that require a square of colored glass to open. To the left of the door sits a desk and chair. Atop the desk is a rectangular piece of glass on a metal stand. It resembles a mirror, but rather than providing a reflection, glowing characters, like the letters of an unknown language, appear and disappear on its dark surface.

In front of the desk lies what is unmistakably a prone body, carefully covered in a forest green cloak. A longsword in a leather scabbard, accented with silver, has been laid across it. Tucked beneath the weapon is a folded piece of parchment.

"Oh no!" Azad walks toward the corpse with Trisvyre. "I'm so sorry, my dear," he murmurs quietly. He stands behind the desk, trying to provide some privacy for the elf.

The words flashing on the mirror-like surface, draw the wizard's attention, and he steps back to cast a spell. And then examines the mirror again.

---

Cast Comprehend Languages. Try to read the screen.

Ella stands in marvel upon entering the underwater observatory. She had never seen such wondrous, whimsical use of magic before and is in equal parts intrigued and disturbed. It takes her a few moments to see the prone body, but she shakes the mental fog as soon as she does and approaches what she assumes to be the missing elf. She stands back a few paces, allowing one of the elves to move forward and assess their kin's present state.

Ella's eyes drift to the folded parchment...

Like Ella, Trisvyre's attention is first captured by the incredible views of the underwater life in the pond provided by the huge viewing windows.  The magic that kept the water from pouring in must be powerful indeed, she mused as a school of gaily coloured fish swam lazily past.  She turned her head back to the room itself just as Azad remarked in quiet dismay over their discovery.  Trisvyre outpaced Ella in rushing forward, throwing herself to her knees beside the prone form.  "No, no, no," she murmured to herself, not wanting to believe it.  Hesitating a moment, as though refraining from touching the body would mean he could still be alive, she instead visually examining the scabbarded sword laid atop the forest green shroud.  Someone important, but not the leader.  Farieth perhaps, whose bow they had found earlier, or Erjeon.

Slowly she reached out and tugged free the piece of parchment folded beneath the weapon, and then unfolded it to read what secrets it might tell.

Lumwik comments to Wandrek, "Dwarves sink." he peers into the deep water.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:23, Sun 07 Mar 2021.

Ranzarth mouth stood agape a moment at the wonder of the water being held back all around the room, but his attention quickly shifts to the prone body of the scout. Like Trisvyre and Ella he rushes forward to see if perhaps they are fortunate and he is just resting or injured but we could possibly save the scout.

Realizing the gems (if such they are) probably aren’t going anywhere, Wandreck heads down and rejoins the party.

"Twas worth the look." Lumwik said, following along to join the others.

Casting the spell, Azad watches as the indecipherable characters on the glass shift into the familiar script of the Common Tongue.


Trisvyre carefully slips the parchment from beneath the sword. Unfolding it, she finds that it a message, written in the flowing script of an elven hand, but written in the Common speech.

”Here we have left the body of Farieth. She fought with great courage and enabled many of our number to escape some the strange constructs that inhabit this place. She succumbed to her wounds when we reached this shelter. We have placed her here in honor, with full hope that we will be able to return to bring her home to our people.

Should you find this, it may be that we have been overcome by the perils here, and have been unable to return. We believe that we have found the secret of the terrible monsters that have arisen from these steel caverns. We have found writings that suggest that many creatures are being held prisoner in a deeper level of these caves, and for reasons we do not know, some have been freed, unleashed into the mountains.

We intend to continue below, seeking to stop any more beasts from being set loose in the Duchy. It is possible that, if you have come after us, that we have failed. We entreat you to continue our mission. Find and secure the creatures. Make certain that no more reach the innocents of Owen’s realm.

We may not know you, but we offer prayers to Sotillion for your safety and success.

Erjeon”

As Trisvyre finishes reading the missive, Lumwik and Wandreck rejoin the company.

Salenth mutters a prayer for the soul of the elf.
"We cannot do anything for this poor soul, but the others may still be alive. We must delve deeper into this strange cavern then; I guess they must have gone through that door."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Tue 09 Mar 2021.

Her eyes glistening brightly, Trisvyre refolded the letter after reading it out to the group and then reached out a hand to pull back the upper edge of the shroud.  She could not leave Farieth behind without one last look at her, otherwise it would not seem real.  She looked upon her fallen friend, murmuring a swift journey to Sotillion for her in a traditional elven farewell, and then replaced the shroud.

After a moment to compose herself, Trisvyre began digging in her pack, looking for something with which to write.

Ranzarth will lower his head a moment and offer a prayer to the elven gods. Then after a couple of moments of silence he looks up and moves towards the windows to peer into the water "Curious if that creature drug any of our elven friends into the water? Perhaps we can at least secure their body for proper rites later."

Herodian looked on he offered his own prayers for the fallen, "We can't delay here more or others will join her. We should go off and see if we can aid those not yet fallen."

“I agree with Herodian.  Let’s move on.”

Ella did not know the elven scout, but she could not help feel at least a little bit of empathy for the feelings her elven companions might be feeling at the moment. For this reason, she waits in silence for a moment and then offers her support for those expressing the need to move on.

Azad listens carefully as Trisvyre reads the letter; then looks back at the mirror on the table.

"I think I know where our destination should be...a place called Cargo Hold Five. I assume that is some sort of warehouse.

If I understand this correctly," he points to the glass on the table, "and I don't know that I do, it indicates that there are some sort of cages in a number of these Cargo Holds...three of them have released specimens, four are functioning normally...whatever that entails, and Cargo Hold Five is described as Release Pending.

Oh...for those that don't know, specimen is a word mages and alchemists use to describe examples of flora and fauna...plants and animals or perhaps creatures.

Erjeon's letter, seems to describe the Cargo Holds and he indicates that they are deeper down in this cave complex.

I suggest we look for a way down. We might save any of the remaining scouts, and accomplish our task at the same time."

"That sounds reasonable to me, I find no fault in your logic," Herodian said, "So let us venture forth, shame that the letter does not have a map to this Cargo Hold Five. A strange name for something I think."

"That goal be ta stop the beasts, and find da elves.  If that be down, we go down." the dwarf confirms his agreement.

“On second thought, let me look around a little before we move on.  No need to pass on hidden treasures.”

Wandreck does the following: Check the altar for secret panels, check the statue for a staircase underneath, check the bottom of pools, check the bricks in and out of the fireplace.  All while keeping a close eye out for traps.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

Wandreck makes a thorough search of the long chamber, examining every part of it with an expert eye for detail. The thief uncovers nothing of value.

The only point of interest that Wandreck can find is the closed steel door at the far end of the room, which is secured with one of the locks that require a square of colored glass to open.

Trisvyre eventually gave up in her attempt to find a writing implement in her pack, flopping the top back down in frustration.  Instead she replaced the note where they'd found it, just in case others followed them and needed the same warning and guidance.  As she did her eyes strayed to the scabbard with the silver tracery.  While Trisvyre was replacing the note she paused and slid the blade perhaps a hands breadth from the sheath, to examine the blade.  After a moment she slid the blade back.

Standing, she shrugged the knapsack back onto her shoulders and held on to the blade.  "Onward to the cargo hold then," she said, not finding the words quite as alien as Herodian but still curious.  "Another reference to a sailing ship in the middle of a mountain," she said distractedly, before looking at the door that signaled exit from this room.

"Do we have the right piece of glass for this door?"

"We can try my 2 pieces of glass. Though it gives no indication of what glass is needed" Ranzarth produces his Red and I believe black piece of glass.

Worrying that he may have forgotten something, Wandreck checks the door for traps.

Lumwik stands quietly, watching over those doing searches and other ministrations.

Ranzarth tries the red square of glass in the steel door’s lock. There is a soft chime, followed by a female voice calmly speaking words in a language that the adventurers cannot understand.


The door slides open to reveal a small chamber. The room is dark, but after a moment, it is illuminated by panels within that provide a clean, blue tinged light.

Directly across from the open door is another steel portal, also secured with a lock which requires one of the glass squares. Writing has been carefully etched into the door’s steel surface, the strange characters colored bright red.

To the left are four alcoves, two of which are vacant. Within the other two hang what appear to be unusual sets of armor, one set in each alcove. Both sets of armor are predominantly white in color, though the faceplate, gloves, and boots each have the hue of steel.



A wide metal cabinet occupies the right side of the room, its door standing open. Most its shelves are empty, save for the second from the top. On that shelf sit two objects. The adventurers do not recognize either of the items, nor is their function immediately apparent to the company members.

Wandreck carefully approaches the cabinet and examines the objects... while making sure neither of those ‘empty suits’ sneaks up on him.

"Ranzarth. When you opened the door, the voice said Security override. MacGregor, William J. 81257. I'm not sure what an override is, but security could mean guards of some sort.

If it comes up later, I believe you can interact with that voice and tell it you are MacGregor William J 81257 and that might mean you are allowed to enter.

Or I could be misconstruing this, entirely."

Azad is also intrigued by the items, and joins Wandreck in examining them, although he is careful not to touch them.

While searching, Wandreck mutters, "MacGregor, William J 81257?  I wonder how many other William MacGregors there are.  That's a mighty long number."